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Members of 21 Aerospace Control & Warning Squadron step up to their Commanding Officers Fitness Challenge

Article by:  Lt Leah Pierce, Public Affairs, Tim Morris, Fitness Coordinator

Photo by: Corporal Samantha Crowe, Wing Imagery, Pte Jennifer Parker, 21 Sqn 

Often times, the Air Force has been jokingly referred to as the "chair force" because of some of the more sedentary jobs that Air Force members perform.  Members of 21 Aerospace Control & Warning (AC&W) Squadron (Sqn), whose job it is to sit for hours surveilling Canadian airspace, are no strangers to inactivity. 

All this, however, changed when Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Sean Boyle, Commanding Officer of 21 AC&W Sqn, along with Major Ed Smith, a member of the squadron’s Bomarc Flight, came up with the idea of holding a 21 Squadron Commanding Officer’s Fitness Challenge.  The concept’s genesis stemmed from the CO’s frustration at being unable to hold Sqn Physical Training (PT) sessions with the entire unit, as he had done at his last Sqn.  "The 24/7 shift work necessary to execute our Air Defence of Canada mission unfortunately precludes collective squadron PT," stated LCol Boyle.

In August of 2009, Maj Smith receiving approval from LCol Boyle, to convert part of the Ops Room into what is now known as the "Ops-nasium". Maj Smith approached the FSR Dir, Paul Best, Fitness Coord, Tim Morris and Fitness & Sports Instr, Tracy Lamb, looking for assistance for equipment and knowledge to help create a workout area. The Ops-nasium was converted into an area for circuit training with Aerobic Steps/Risers, Floor Mats, Core Boards, Bosu Balls, Swiss Balls, Balance Pods, Tension Bands, Body Bars, Kettle Bells, Medicine Balls, Dumbbells, Skipping Ropes, Spinning Bikes, Concept II Rower, & Lifefitness X-Trainer. A variety of different circuits giving a description and picture so that members of 21 Sqn could follow while working on their own or in a team of 2 or more.

Officially kicking off in September 2009, the 21 Sqn fitness challenge made it mandatory for each of the 180 squadron members, regardless of the shift they were working on, to take part in regular PT.  Flight crews now had easy access to ten stations of circuit training in the Ops-nasium to maintain or improve their level of fitness.

Members of 21 Squadron listen to a fitness lesson provided by Wing PSP staff member Kate Eddy, during an evening shift on the CADS operations floor.

Tapping into the 21 Sqn Fitness Challenge and under the CF Health and Fitness for Life Event 2009, PSP, Health Promotion Manager, Reed Morrison and Physical Exercise Specialist, Kate Eddy provided 4 lessons of Shift Work Like Clock Work, Intro to Cardio, and on Back Health. These lessons were given to members while on duty between the hours of 2000 – 0100 hrs.

The Fitness Challenge competition pitted all four 21 Sqn flights (Avenger, Bomarc, Canso and Delta (day staff)) against each other.  The winning flight was determined by an aggregate of points awarded for each flights total weight loss; EXPRES test scores and number of individuals who (verifiably) quit smoking.  Each flight was assigned a primary and secondary fitness rep who served as POCs, mentors and flight coaches. 

As additional motivation, LCol Boyle also offered five days short leave to any 21 Sqn members who beat his EXPRES test score.  "The Air Force needs you fighting fit and ready when called upon," explained LCol Boyle during the 21 Squadron’s Commanding Officer’s Fitness Challenge awards presentation held on January 21st, 2010.  Displaying the new trophy like the popular Lord Stanley’s cup, the names of the members of the winning flight will be proudly displayed each quarter. 

LCol Boyle congratulated all Sqn members for their positive and energetic participation in this fitness program and reminded them how fortunate they are to have the opportunity, time and encouragement to train during duty hours – according to recent media reports, not a benefit shared by the RCMP or certain regional policy forces.  "The Fitness Challenge and associated mandatory PT program will continue after I’m posted," promised LCol Boyle, "because today’s Air Force must remain a fit, healthy, and deployable force physically and mentally ready for operations such as Afghanistan and Haiti."  To date, almost twenty 21 Sqn personnel have deployed or are training to deploy for operations in Afghanistan.

LCol Boyle (centre) congratulates the four squadron members who bested his score on the annual physical fitness evaluation. (From left to right) Corporal Hing, Captain Comeau, Lieutenant Murphy and Lieutenant Gosselin.

The most fit members of 21 Squadron who received five days short leave for beating the CO’s EXPRES score were Lieutenant Mark Murphy, Captain Darren Comeau, Lieutenant Dave Gosselin, and with top honours going to Corporal Bunthan Hing.  Honourable mention was given to Major Mark Roberts, Private Mike Forward, Private Charles Gosselin and Captain Thys Hoedeman.  The Sqn CO challenged the four winners (cumulatively 66 years his junior) to still be fighting fit when they reach his "ripe old age" of 44!  Bomarc flight claimed the coveted cup and overall bragging rights as Fitness Challenge winners, also receiving a donated mammoth box of chocolates from Honorary Colonel John Cutsey, 51 Aerospace Control & Warning (Operational Training) Squadron, and a round of chuckles from crowd. 

Colonel J.R.F. Malo, Wing Commander addressed the squadron during the ceremony, "Kudos to 21 Squadron and to the CO for coming up with this initiative."

Along with improving overall fitness through PT and weight loss by the majority of Squadron members, seven members of 21 Squadron also quit smoking.

Colonel Malo, Wing Commander, presents members of Bomarc Flight with the Fitness Challenge Cup for winning the inter-flight competition of the CO’s Fitness Challenge.

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