2 Security Forces Squadron has a new physical and mental health wellbeing program focused on prevention and recovery.
To launch the program, Combat Fit, RAAF Base Amberley hosted a sports day and support services expo on August 21.
The squadron has set up a gym and Combat Fit Centre with state-of-the-art equipment and dedicated physiotherapy support for program members.
Flight Sergeant Justin Janetzki, an avionics technician at 2 Security Forces Squadron, has a passion for mental health, overall wellbeing and helping people live better lives.
"I have trained as a counsellor outside of Defence, and in my role as safety adviser while acting as the 2 Security Forces Squadron Warrant Officer, I observed members dealing with a range of issues, both personal and professional," Flight Sergeant Janetzki said.
"I believe in a preventative approach while providing recovery aspects at the same time.
"I felt that our squadron needed something to help support our members from a mental health perspective that complemented the physical training, to cope more effectively to achieve their full potential, so I started exploring options."
Flight Sergeant Jason Howlett, an airfield defence guard, has a similar passion, so the two paired up and got the Combat Fit initiative underway.
About 90 members from 2 Security Forces Squadron took part in the sports day, which the unit plans to make an annual event.
The day challenged members physically and mentally in activities with a combat focus. These included a pack march, battle run, simulated combat and AMCU (Australian multicam camouflage uniform) swim, all while having fun and evoking camaraderie with the slogan, 'if it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you'.
The physical activities preceded a healthy lunch and engagement with external support providers including Wounded Heroes, Mates 4 Mates and Defence Members Family Services.
Flight Sergeants Janetzki and Howlett hope the program concept and format can be adopted by other units and adapted to their needs.
"We want to share our initiative to give the wider Air Force community an understanding of our role and preparedness requirements," Flight Sergeant Janetzki said.
"Our people are our capability. If sharing our program assists other units to support their personnel and helps them function more productively, then the Air Force as a whole can be more effective."
The Combat Fit Centre will be dedicated to Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds as a tribute to his time as an airfield defence guard and ground defence officer, as well as for being an exemplar of growth and professionalism in seeking out greater challenges, physical and mental, throughout his career.
