JOINT BASE ANDREWS Md. –
Getting fit-to-fight at Team Andrews just became more convenient.
As part of an Air Force Services Transformation Initiative test concept, JBA is one of six installations to implement 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week fitness center. Patrons of the West Fitness Center will have access to unmanned hours in the tacticle component area March 14.
Registration will begin that day for all authorized users of the fitness center, 18 years and older. You must have a valid ID card in order to register. Dependents, 16-17 years old must register and be with their registered-sponsor to enter. Additionally, the restrooms will not be open during the new operating hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
"The purpose of the initiative is to boost morale and provide access to the gym for service members who work unconventional shifts, such as security forces members," said 2nd Lt. David Smith, Force Support Services sustainment flight officer in charge.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense Military Communities and Family Policy director and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs approved the Services Transformation initiative to test unsupervised fitness and sports center after-hours use.
"Test installations include Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Scott AFB, Ill., F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Tinker AFB, Okla., and Little Rock AFB, Ark.," said Smith.
The West Fitness Center tactical area will be open and unmanned, however, member's safety still comes first.
"Entry access and surveillance systems will provide patrons security and safety in their pursuit to get fit in off hours," he said. "Emergency equipment such as, a defibrillator, first-aid kits will be readily available; as well as phones with emergency number lists, and clear procedures for fire department access."
With safety measures in place, test installation commanders will also conduct and document operational and risk management assessments.
Additionally, written standards will be in place for patrons to understand guidelines for unsupervised use of the facility, explained Smith.
Tanya Sites, WFC recreation assistant, welcomes 24/7 access to the West Fitness Center.
"I think this will be good because we have a lot of people, military and their dependents, who will be able to use the gym at their convenience," said Sites.
For more information, contact the WFC at 301-981-7101.