USM AFROTC Partners with School of Kinesiology and Nutrition to Boost Cadet Fitness
Thu, 11/07/2024 - 08:30am | By: Ivonne Kawas
Cadre and Cadets from AFROTC Detachment 432 with Dr. Austin Graybeal and his team of graduate students before training session at USM’s Payne Center. Photographs by Caroline Abney.
Driven by the desire to elevate her cadets to new heights, Lt. Col. Sheena Puleali’i, commander of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 432 at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), partnered with the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition to design a transformative workout program. Focused on improving Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) scores—an important qualifier for advancement and scholarships—the program not only boosts performance but also enhances the overall health and well-being of the cadets.
Dr. Austin Graybeal, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and Nina Bell Suggs, endowed professor in the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition, along with Ph.D. student Hunter Haynes, joined forces to formulate a plan for success.
“As soon as our experts at Southern Miss understood the problem I wanted to solve and the desired outcomes, they immediately created a workout routine along with several evaluation metrics specifically designed to help cadets improve their performance while fostering sustainable lifelong habits,” said Lt. Col. Puleali’i, commander and director of USM’s Department of Aerospace Studies. “The hours they’ve dedicated to going above and beyond their responsibilities have not gone unnoticed. I’m incredibly appreciative and humbled to see us share the same passion for ensuring the success of these future leaders.”
Largest AFROTC cohort since 1991
The AFROTC program at Southern Miss is shaping the next generation of future Air and Space Force leaders by empowering cadets to meet the medical and physical fitness requirements that many find challenging. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, it invests $1.5 billion each year in chronic disease care, underscoring the need for proactive solutions. By fostering active lifestyles, these cadets are not just preparing for their future roles; they’re also playing a pivotal role in reducing healthcare costs and promoting wellness within their field.
“As a researcher, my goal is to develop and evaluate interventions that address significant issues and foster improvements in essential groups. I can think of no group more important than USM’s AFROTC,” said Dr. Austin Graybeal, assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition. “It’s an honor to prepare the cadets to become more competitive, especially given the national emphasis on enhancing fitness among military personnel and first responders.”
Lt. Col. Puleali’i expected the Fall 2024 cohort to be similar in size to previous years, so Dr. Graybeal and Haynes designed a program to boost cadets' PFA scores. When the cohort doubled to over 60—the largest since 1991—the team was quick to pivot, adding high-intensity training sessions led by physical training leaders to promote teamwork and accountability.
“Developing a program with regular monitoring for such a large group with different experience levels was challenging, but with support from Lt. Col. Puleali’i and the cadre, we launched smoothly,” said Dr. Graybeal. “It’s been rewarding to see the cadets' rapid progress, and I’m confident they’ll exceed the program’s goals.”
To enable real-time evaluations and make adjustments that improve the training program's effectiveness, Dr. Graybeal, assisted by graduate students Molly Johnson and Maria Kaylor, tracks cadets' body composition and cardiometabolic health every four weeks. Additionally, Haynes, supported by Tristian Young, Maddie Klubertanz, and Minali Patton, monitors cadets' strength, lower body explosiveness, and neuromuscular fatigue.
Embracing his passion for optimizing human performance as a strength and conditioning coach, Haynes noted:
“Our priority is to help the AFROTC cadets improve their physical fitness, as evidenced by their PFA score improvements. However, we also aim to develop lifelong habits, encouraging cadets to value taking care of their health through regular exercise. Our vision for this partnership is to have a lasting impact on our young cadets, not just for their advancement in the program but for life,” said Haynes.
Two cadets share their experiences with the new workout routine and its impact on their fitness so far.
Natalya Brownlee, a native of Sidon, Miss., pursuing a bachelor’s in health sciences (healthcare studies) with minors in aerospace studies and public health policy and administration, and on the nursing track, said:
"The new workout routine has greatly improved my preparation for the Air Force PFA by incorporating upper body, core and running exercises. The TRX training has been challenging but has enhanced my balance and coordination. My goals are to do three to five pull-ups effortlessly and run the PFA faster than ever, and this program is helping me achieve that."
Quanya Gamble, a native of Mobile, Ala., pursuing a bachelor’s in cybersecurity with a minor in information technology, said:
"This workout routine has been a game changer, targeting endurance, strength, and flexibility—key for the Air Force PFA. I’ve seen improvements in my running stamina. The core training has been beneficial for sit-ups and push-ups, while TRX sessions have pushed me out of my comfort zone. I aim to lose weight while maintaining muscle and cut my run time, and this program has helped me stay consistent."
As USM’s AFROTC program is slated to continue its growth, tailored training will become essential for larger cohorts. A long-term partnership to secure resources will ensure cadets reach their full potential—soaring to the top!