Greenhorns prepare for operational success

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Greenhorns prepare for operational success

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

08.18.2026

Story by Airman 1st Class Kevin Prashad 

502d Air Base Wing

Greenhorns prepare for operational success
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Airmen from the 12th Training Squadron are tackling the U.S. Air Force’s new, more challenging fitness standards and meeting the updated testing requirements

Known as the Greenhorns, these airmen are enrolled in the Multi-Domain Operations Ad maintain complex airborne networks, sensors, and electronic warfare suites on manned and unmanned platforms. Their path as enlisted aon platforms is academically challenging and their leadership recognizes the importance of physical readiness

“We want to set them up for success, so when they get to their first base and take the first official fitness test, they’re passing with flying colors,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Madison Tillitson, 12th TRS flight chief

Military Training Leaders at the 12th TRS also prepare the Greenhorns to step up to a higher physical standard as the squadron began incorporating updated fitness requirements months ahead of the official Department of the Air Force rollout

“This is just a small component of all the things we have to do to beready, so if they make it a habit, they never have to worry about it,” Tillitson said

During their time at the 12th TRS, Greenhorns learn how to make better lifestyle choices with access to fitness professionals through the Comprehensive Readiness for Aircrew Flying Training (CRAFT) program

Focused on nutrition, strength and conditioning, CRAFT incorporates job-specific conditioning, cutting-edge technology and easy access to pre-habilitative and rehabilitative physical therapy. It was designed to address the increased musculoskeletal and cognitive demands of modern flying operations and the need for holistic resiliency

“I learned to not be an ego lifter,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Levi Bryant, 12th TRS student, “I’ve been trying more mobility exercises because it helps keep me injury free.”

Bryant credited the squadron’s MTLs and fitness reat fitness should be viewed as a lifelong investment rather than a military requirement

“Whenever I get out of the military, I’m still going to be exercising,” Bryant said, “I’m going to be working out as much as I can for as long as I can.”

The lessons Bryant learned extend beyond physical fitness, he built confidence in himself both physically and academically. As he enters a career field that will require long hours operating remote piloted aircraft systems, Bryant is cognizant of the physical stress that the mission will place on his body

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