A Multidisciplinary Approach To Frontline Readiness
by U.S. Space Force Maureen Smith, Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD45)
May 2, 2025

Modern warfare is characterized by evolving technology, including advanced battlefields, the integration of artificial intelligence, and the use of unconventional tactics. This momentum necessitates adaptability, rapid decision-making, and mental agility among Airman and Guardians.

To bridge the gap between these evolving demands of modern warfare and the readiness of Airmen and Guardians, the Patrick Space Force Base Operational Support Team (OST) provides a novel, embedded approach to optimize human performance.

OST is a four-person, inter-disciplinary medical team, which is embedded for 4-8 months at the unit level. This revolutionary approach enhances the overall unit by cultivating each individual person’s physical condition and mental wellbeing during on-site, in the moment, interactions. The result is targeted unit improvement, raising dexterity and stamina needed to meet command goals.

“We start off with an anonymous questionnaire. The goal is to uncover what people are concerned or worried about,” tells Janet Carman, 45th Medical Group Integrated Operational Support Specialist and Registered Dietician. “This insight guides us in setting focus areas and priorities to tackle while we are embedding with the unit.”

According to the Gallup 2020 State of the Global Workplace report, stress and exhaustion, key components of burnout, can lead to an increase in mistakes, which can create significant consequences depending on the nature of the work.

The OST program builds connections necessary to overcome workplace burnout and safeguards Space Launch Delta 45 personnel supporting the high-operational mission requirements conducted at the Cape and Patrick SFB.

The Operational Support Team distinguishes itself through a practical approach. By working in conjunction with squadron members, the team gets firsthand involvement in the daily work center challenges. This unfiltered perspective ensures implemented programs drive tangible improvements and results, foster unity, boost morale, and strengthen the team overall.

“By working alongside personnel, each OST member gains insights into the work centers daily realities,” said Carman. “Each person on the team has their area of expertise and we want our programs to have lasting effects and resonate.”

This collaborative approach is exemplified by the Patrick SFB strength and conditioning specialist, who works directly with personnel to enhance their overall physical readiness.

She develops individualized exercise programs that include strength training, speed agility drills, cardiovascular conditioning, and flexibility exercises. Teaching proper exercise form and technique is important to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury.

The team’s physical therapist works with a wide range of conditions to rehabilitate a person who has a current or past injury or limitation. The goal is to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function of the military member over the length of the embedment.

Work centers can be stressful, and that pressure can impact sleep, mood and relationships. A clinical psychologist, another member of the OST, plays a crucial role in helping individuals improve their mental health, life and overall well-being. Through life skills and planning classes, individuals acquire techniques and other helpful tools to improve work-life balance.

While fostering healthy lifestyles through routine is crucial, maintaining physical well-being requires equal attention.

Patrick SFB has the only Air Force registered dietician as a key member of the OST. She educates unit members on creating meal plans tailored to specific dietary needs and health goals, understanding nutrition labels and other aspects of food facts. Interactive sessions involve understanding ingredients, and how sugar, carbohydrates and calories all affect the human body and performance levels.

This four-person team's diverse skillset strengthens during each embedment, maximizing benefits for participating units. Throughout the program duration, processes and interactions are constantly changing and evolving, allowing for real-time adjustments that improve results.

This means that if a particular approach is not yielding the expected targets, modifications can be made immediately to increase the chances of achieving successful outcomes and the likelihood of sustainable success after the OST team’s departure.

There have been three embeds on the base resulting in improved physical training scores across each of the organizations that have participated in the program.

The results across the Air and Space Force’s 196 OST embeds which impacted 46,520 personnel, have demonstrated a $15.8M reduction in profiles when compared to expected trends, returning 254k fully mission capable hours.

Effectively navigating the military’s goal of combat-ready forces and prioritizing individual readiness is paramount. This includes implementing strategies that equip service members with the tools and support necessary to handle the multifaceted mental and physical demands of modern military service.

The Patrick SFB Operational Support Team is going beyond technology for frontline readiness and developing a world-class military workforce.

U.S. Space Force | U.S. Department of Defense

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