97th Civil Engineer Squadron aims for perfection

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Myles Stepp
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron is serious about its physical training and has almost a perfect passing rate to prove it.

Members of the 97th CES are required to meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings for PT and receive their morning announcements.

The squadron has 10 physical training leaders. It is the responsibility of PTLs to teach their fellow Airmen what it takes to stay fit-to-fight by leading their unit's PT.

"As the Air Force standards increase in fitness expectations, so too shall 97th CES troops abide by the increasing expectations," said Senior Airman Jesse Joseph, 97th CES heating ventilation and air conditioning technician and PTL. My commander has expressed to me that it's not unrealistic to expect a 100 percent passing fitness rate, and that's what we aim to do."

The 97th CES also offers a fitness improvement flight for extra PT. Sessions are optional for those who pass their physical assessment and mandatory for those who have failed their physical assessment. It is also open to all base assigned personnel. Sessions are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. at the base track.

"I like the sense of accomplishment it brings to both the squadron and myself," Joseph said. "When I lead PT and everyone is working together, it feels like more than just a 9 to 5 job. It refocuses my attention to the fact that the squadron counts on me to ensure our program will not only keep our troops in fighting shape, but keep morale high and bring great pride to the Mighty 97th CES."

The PT program at the 97th CES has led to a consistent 97-98 percent pass rate with over 60 percent of the entire squadron scoring in the excellent category.