Directorate of Personal Services - Air Headquarter

The pamphlet lays down excellent guidelines for the maintenance of physical fitness among our officers, airmen and civilians and prescribes diets which would ensure proper nutrition and physical health. I have every hope that all personnel who read this pamphlet will derive considerable benefit.

For the Air Force to be in a state to defend our country, its personnel have to be physically fit with guts and stamina to withstand prolonged periods of strain. The tasks which the Air Force is called upon to perform both in peace and war impose a great deal of stress and strain on the flying, technical and other personnel. Such tasks not only call for a high state of physical fitness but also demand clear and quick thinking. It is well to remember that there is normally a healthy mind in a healthy body and the person who is sound on physique and mind would be able to hear better the stress and strain over long periods.

Physical fitness can be ensured by regular exercise and proper control of diet on scientific lines. There may be places and occasions where opportunities for organized sports may not be available. If we were, however, to form a habit of taking some exercise every day, we would be able to maintain ourselves in a fit condition to undertake the tasks and responsibilities assigned to us.… (mais)