Wellness at Air Command and Staff College

Health and fitness are vital components of combat readiness, unit productivity, and individual well-being. However, to make theory become reality, it is necessary for future military commanders and leaders to understand and embrace these concepts, and deliver this message to the field. Air Command and Staff College provides a prime educational and motivational environment where this very population can be targeted. Various wellness program models are investigated and a model identified that would potentially have the most significant impact. The paper will be divided into three sections: review of literature and the history of establishing a wellness program for such a population; examination of what current program(s) exist; and a proposed strategic plan for a full scale wellness program at ACSC. It is my thesis that the current Air Force Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) program does not currently meet the needs of in-resident PME students at this level, and that an executive style wellness program is more appropriate. The methodology will include a review of the related literature, interviews with current directors of the AWC and ACSC Executive Wellness Programs, and evaluation of participant feedback data.