Introduction to CAF: Airmen fitness built on 4 pillars Published Nov. 30, 2012 By Karen Blackwell Community Support Coordinator TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The most valuable resource in our military is our people. After nearly 10 years of conflict, members of the armed forces, as well as all of our workforce and families, are confronted with considerable, sustained and diverse stressors that significantly impact the readiness of the force. To be fully prepared to continually execute our central mission -- to fly, fight and win our country's wars -- the approach to how we assess, understand and maintain the fitness of the force needs to be adjusted. Comprehensive Airman Fitness Framework The CAF framework is a methodology for assessing, understanding and maintaining the fitness of the armed forces, their families and the Tinker workforce. The CAF framework consists of four distinct domains whose interrelated functionality is informed by five overarching tenets. In its application, the CAF framework and its tenets are designed to keep servicemembers resilient and flourishing in the current environment of sustained deployment and combat operations. CAF Domains Physical -- Physical fitness refers to the ability to physically accomplish all aspects of the mission while remaining healthy and uninjured. Spiritual -- Spiritual fitness refers to the ability to adhere to beliefs, principles or values needed to persevere and prevail in accomplishing missions. Mental -- Psychological fitness refers to the ability to effectively cope with the unique mental stressors and challenges needed to ensure mission readiness. Social -- Social fitness refers to the ability to engage in healthy social networks that promote overall well-being and optimal performance. There are many agencies -- such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Base Chapel, Health and Wellness Center, Civilian Health Promotion Services, Family Advocacy and others -- that provide help in building your four domains of fitness. The Integrated Delivery Service or IDS is comprised of all the helping agencies on Tinker Air Force Base dedicated to not only provide services to all of Tinker's personnel and families, but to help resolve readiness issues that are affecting large portions of the base population. The IDS is the working arm of the Community Action Information Board chaired by the installation commander. This section of the Tinker Take Off is to provide information on your personal fitness but also to help all of us to build and sustain a thriving and resilient Air Force Community that fosters mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness. If you have questions or would like additional information, call Karen Blackwell, Community Support coordinator, at 736-3215.