HPTT: Optimizing Kadena’s Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Marasky
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  As the Air Force continues to scale down its numbers, it's more important than ever to have Airmen performing their missions at the highest levels. This means working smarter, not harder, and doing it safely. 

Helping to optimize the performance of Team Kadena members is the goal for the 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron human performance training teams. 

While the aerospace physiology career-field is well known for its altitude chamber, the HPTT allows them to provide the wing with a number of other skill- and safety-enhancing programs. 

"We go out and investigate potential hazards and threats," said Capt. Alejandro Ramos, HPTT officer in charge. "We then look at ways that we can mitigate those hazards and prevent mishaps." 

Kadena's HPTT recently implemented new programs such as the night vision goggle training course and familiarization flights for military working dogs preparing to deploy down range. 

They also provide situational awareness training to First-Term Airman Center classes, and speak with local dive groups about the dangers of decompression. 

Addtionally, the teams make visits to squadron events to brief on various topics, often at the request of squadron commanders. 

"We'll come out and give briefings to squadrons on various subjects, such as the effects of alcohol on the brain," said Captain Ramos. "If you have a question that relates to HPTT, we'll research it and come brief that." 

Providing "shadow visits" is another function of the HPTT, where the team will come to various squadrons in order to look for the human factors such as training, concentration and sleep issues that contribute to safety threats. 

"It's not how to tell people how to do their job, but how to do it better and more safely," said Tech. Sgt. Salem Channel, 18th AMDS NCO in charge of the operations flight. "Our goal is to provide HPTT training in order to prevent mishaps. 

"We look at fatigue management, situational awareness, exercise, diet and sleep schedules," he said. "We use any way that we can to affect the human component and make the Airmen perform at their best." 

Since Kadena's HPTT is the only team of its type on Okinawa, they've opened up their program to other bases around the island. 

Members of the U.S. Army's 247th Military Police Detachment and 83rd Ordnance Battalion have participated in the wing's night vision course. 

"We look at what we can do, not just for the AF, but all of the other services here on Okinawa," said Captain Ramos. "They're all supporting the mission, and if the Air Force can do something to support our sister services, that's outstanding." 

The mission of optimizing today's Airmen and preventing mishaps and hazards is vital to the Air Force mission, and one that the members of Kadena's HPTT take seriously, said Sergeant Channel.