Guardians recently received an update from Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen David D. Thompson on the U.S. Space Force Holistic Health Approach (HHA). In the email, he provided an update on what has been done and a goal for the future. He also gave the next phase of implementation which gives Guardians the option to opt-in to the next study or continue with traditional standards provided by the Air Force. He also outlined the U.S. Space Force’s vision for the future of fitness and health.
For the past two years, the U.S. Space Force has been moving to develop and implement a data-driven, research-informed, 21st Century approach to health and fitness. The objective of this initiative is to deliver a ready, fit, professional force to protect the nation’s interests in space and to foster a healthy lifestyle that supports the wellness of each Guardian today and for the rest of their lives.
The U.S. Space Force is working to create Guardian Resilience Teams known as GRTs. Currently, they have created all or part of nine GRTs and plan to have them all fully staffed by the end of the calendar year 2024. The GRTs have three components. First, education and training, expanding current programs, and building new ones. Second, performative health optimization that includes nutrition and preventive medicine. Lastly, Continuous Fitness Assessments which is the newest and most innovative approach the new fitness program is taking – instead of taking a yearly or bi-annual test.
Continuous Fitness Assessment
Creating a Continuous Fitness Assessment (CFA) has created more challenges than expected. The main challenges can be lumped into three main categories. The first is connected to data. With the creation of a formal wearable program, the Space Force will be responsible for the data collected. Concern for how to protect that data and ensure it does not fall into the hands of outsiders who may wish to use the data for nefarious purposes.
The second concern is also focused on data. But this challenge relates to how much data leaders can have access to. Program developers only want leaders to have the minimum set of data to assess the fitness of any Guardians. Currently, commercially available wearables collect a lot more data than required because of this a formal program needs to be created to have the proper controls in place to protect Guardians’ privacy and limit leadership to personal data that is necessary for the CFA.
Lastly, leaders realized they need a larger sample size than the initial study completed by the Air Force Research Lab is needed. They learned a lot from the study but more information is needed. In the memo from Gen Thompson, he opened the previous wearable study to all Guardians who are interested and able to participate. Guardians volunteering for the study will be required to review and sign a consent form, which will outline the study parameters, expectations, and responsibilities of those participating in the program, data handling, and the potential risk of data exposure. Participating in the study is completely voluntary. But Guardians who choose not to be part of the study will still be required to meet current Air Force fitness and body composition standards.
Personal Responsibility is Key
The Space Force is expected to provide updates for enrollment in May 2023. Gen Thompson ended the email reminding all Guardians that no matter what they choose to do, “each Guardian is responsible for maintaining your physical fitness – move throughout the day and workout regularly!”
