SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. —
Focused on readiness, the 375th Air Mobility Wing launched its Operational Support Team in late 2023. This team embeds comprehensive healthcare specialists within rotating squadrons, helping units achieve peak readiness levels.
The OST’s mission is to enhance overall readiness and well-being of Airmen by embedding specialized medical teams within high-risk units. Operating under the Integrated Operational Support program, the OST addresses physical, mental, and emotional health needs to ensure Airmen remain fit and prepared for duty.
The OST is a unique entity within the Air Force’s IOS framework, the only rotational embedded medical program among 26 different programs.
“We rotate teams between units for periods ranging from three to twelve months based on the unit’s specific needs,” said Maj. Danielle Langness, 375th Medical Group physical therapy fellow. “Our primary goals are prevention and readiness, which we achieve by identifying and addressing factors that hinder a unit’s operational capability.”
Selecting units for OST embedment is a data-driven process guided by the installation wing commander. High-risk units are prioritized based on objective data analysis from centralized and local outcome metrics.
“We work with the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to gather metrics and assess unit risk, helping inform our placement decisions,” said Langness.
Upon embedment within a unit, health surveys are conducted to assess mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and nutritional health. These surveys provide insights into the unit’s specific health needs, enabling the OST to provide targeted support.
“We create a unit action plan to address these needs and present it to the leadership. This plan includes recommendations on ergonomic improvements, equipment updates, and other interventions,” Langness said.
An example of the impact from these teams was seen when the OST was embedded with the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron for six months. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jacob Bottello described the experience as highly rewarding.
An initiative like the Lean Beef Challenge, a weight loss and muscle gain competition, was successful due to the support from the OST.
OST also played a crucial role in preparing the CE squadron for the Readiness Challenge X competition. Their efforts contributed to the squadron’s second-place finish out of 13 teams.
Having quick access to resources within their squadron helped break barriers to receiving medical and mental health resources, reducing stigmas surrounding their use.
As the OST program evolves, its potential to positively impact unit readiness continues to grow.
