JASDF, U.S. learn resiliency together

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Delano Scott
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than 10 U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Airmen attended a bilateral resiliency training course at the base education center June 4.

The resiliency training provided Airmen with effective skills for handling stress.
"This course is designed for all Airmen," said Tech. Sgt. Brock Atchley, 374th Operations Support Squadron master resiliency trainer. "The course teaches 12 specific skills in four domains: mental, physical, social and spiritual."

Tasked with providing students with a variety of information in an eight hour block, the one-day course relies heavily on interactive and scenario-driven group discussion.

"Students are the main drivers for the course and discussion" Atchley said. "They present times when they experienced some sort of stressor in their life and we as a class work through their scenario with the construct of the lesson and tools taught in the course."

Utilizing personal stressors during training facilitates a more relatable experience.

Resiliency training gives Airmen the necessary resources needed to handle stressful situations they might encounter in their personal and professional lives, according to Atchley.

"Resiliency is not a new thing," Atchley said. "We've coined the term to identify the skills used throughout history to combat stress. We realized that if we don't equip our Airmen with the necessary and effective tools to combat stress, then we're left trying to treat Airmen retroactively. With the resiliency courses we now have in place today, we've taken a more proactive approach in ensuring all Airmen remain mentally and physically fit."

Resiliency is a concept that is not limited to the USAF. JASDF Airmen are also interested in observing how the USAF works to ensure a resilient force.

"The tools that I have learned so far look to be very useful," said JASDF Staff Sgt. Kanazu Kumano, Air Defense Command Headquarters protocol Airman. "Learning alongside the USAF has been a great opportunity. We look forward to future opportunities."