Outpacing, Not Chasing: cyber warriors forge readiness through CMSAF Heritage Workout

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Dylan Slagle
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  More than 270 offensive cyber operators traded their keyboards for physical training gear July 31, tackling a new fitness challenge tied to Air Force history. The workout gave Airmen from the 375th Cyberspace Operations Squadron--known operationally as Task Force Falcon--a different kind of test than the one they face daily dominating the digital battlespace.

During their monthly Commander’s Call, a dedicated day for unit fitness, promotions, recognition, and policy updates, the squadron executed the newly introduced Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Heritage Workout #1: "Birth of the Air Force.

Designed by Master Fitness Trainers, the CMSAF Heritage Workouts are built to improve physical readiness while deeply connecting Airmen to the foundational stories that shaped the service. The initiative directly supports Wolfe’s vision to increase the frequency, intensity, and realism of training. In a recent social media post introducing the workout series, Wolfe challenged the force: “My goal was gold, my time was 14:40. I’m working on it. Let’s see what you’ve got!”
           
For a unit that operates around the clock to execute offensive cyberspace operations for U.S. Cyber Command, physical fitness is central to their overall combat readiness.
           
“One of our squadron mottos is ‘Outpacing, not chasing.’ As a pack, we are working to stay ahead of the renewed emphasis on fitness across the Department,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Clark, 375th COS first sergeant. “Pushing through these Heritage Workouts together builds camaraderie and is a great way to challenge ourselves physically while reflecting on how our service’s history is fundamentally tied to warfighter readiness as a team.”
           
The high-tempo nature of the cyber domain can take a hidden toll on operators. Squadron leadership combated this with holistic support, such as embedded religious affairs teams and rigorous physical training to build mental and physical stamina.

Capt. Regan Jones, Combat Support Team intelligence chief assigned to the task force, noted the immediate team-building benefits of the session.
           
“Squadron PT creates a genuine sense of connection across our team,” Jones said. “Tackling this specific CMSAF Heritage Workout really broadened our perspective on what fitness means in today’s Air Force. It was tough, but it was exactly the kind of shared challenge we needed.”
           
As the Air Force continues to sharpen its focus on readiness and lethality, the 375th COS proved that readiness is built both on the keyboard and on the track. By fusing physical, mental, spiritual, and social fitness into their regular battle rhythm, the squadron is ensuring its operators remain sharp and prepared to dominate the cyberspace domain in crisis and conflict.

CMSAF Heritage Workouts post weekly on the official CMSAF Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCMSAF/.