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PTI teaches to instill physical, mental discipline in war fighters

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Exercise, for many, is a form of drudgery - a necessary evil, inherent to their commitments to the military lifestyle of fitness and strength. But one Royal Australian Air Force physical training instructor here focuses on making training sessions a time for camaraderie and competition, instilling in his Airmen the character qualities necessary to make a war fighter strong in mind and body.

"Almost any activity can be made into something mission-specific depending on the equipment that's available," said RAAF Cpl. Jason Akarana, known as "Akas" to his mates. He teaches occupational safety skills, training and ground defense skills (including pack marching, stretcher carrying, loops and ties), and other physical activities vital to survival in a combat environment.

He keeps busy teaching organized sports, fitness classes, and one-on-one sessions each week; training an hour and a half a day; giving nutrition advice; creating individualized fitness plans and assessments; and offering advice to members of all branches and services.

"We welcome Americans" and any other people who are interested, Akas said.

Formerly a mechanic, a refrigeration technician, a telecommunications rigger, and then a ground radar mechanic, he sacrificed several pay grades to go through a nine-month, tri-service PTI school and another year and a half or so of on-the-job training to become fully qualified to do what is now second nature to the 6'2", 235-pound iron man.

Similar to the U.S. military fitness standards, the RAAF requires members to perform sit-ups, a walk or run, and a flexed arm hang, each with a standard that differs by age and gender categories.

But for all the training he offers to help servicemembers complete the requirements, he said the bottom line is that Airmen have to set their own goals and take ownership of their fitness program.

"In order to see results, you have to create a sound plan and maintain consistency," he said. "The only person who can really motivate you is yourself."

Although his personal diet and exercise regimen changes by the sports seasons and according to what his weight goals are that year - "If I'm playing rugby, I like to put on a few pounds so they know they're up against something when they run into me" - Akas said his personal motivation for exercising regularly stems from a need to have that centered feeling that working out gives him.

"Some people train for fun; some, to release nervous energy; and some to meet specific fitness goals," he said. "I would say I train to release energy. The gym is my 'psychologist' - it helps me keep composed and grounded."

But it's natural for most people not to want to train, he said, and he understands.
"Many times, I don't feel like going; but I just need it," he said. "Whatever's going on in my head, it's released with the adrenaline and natural hormones your body produces with exercise. It's a very positive reward."

To help motivate his students here, Akas offers classes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 6 a.m. Comprised of track, resistance/circuit training, and boxing/combat training, the sessions are physically and mentally challenging but designed for people of all levels of fitness to work at their full potentials.

PTIs try to emphasize the benefit of exercise as a form of stress relief, Akas said. It instills camaraderie, competition, and a "will to win" in Airmen. It enhances the characteristics an Airman desires in a field of battle: courage in the face of adversity, teamwork, resourcefulness, and increased performance.

"When you enhance your [physical] performance, you enhance your self-worth," he said. "You feel better, you take pride in your appearance, you think and get along with people better, you have more respect for yourself, and your job performance increases."