Refueling the Standard: Nutrition’s Role in Operational Readiness Dec. 1, 2025

Across the Air Force, daily mission demands continue to highlight the importance of comprehensive health. Airmen are being asked to think beyond reps and run times, recognizing that nutrition plays a critical, yet often overlooked, role in operational readiness.

"You can be doing all the right things physically, but without proper nutrition, you’re not going to see the performance results you’re aiming for,” said 1st Lt. Amelia Bartolino, 39 Operational Medical Readiness Squadron registered dietitian. “It’s about fueling with intention.”

Small, daily decisions can shape an Airman’s overall performance and mission readiness.

Fueling habits affect more than physical appearance; they influence cognitive sharpness, recovery time, and overall mission focus.

“You wouldn’t let your aircraft take off with low-quality fuel,” Bartolino said. “Why would you treat your body any differently?”

A lot of the time, poor nutrition isn’t intentional. “It’s the Airman who skips breakfast, works a 12-hour shift, and then grabs whatever’s left at the DFAC or BX before crashing,” Bartolino said. “It’s about helping them find practical, sustainable options that actually work in those environments.”

For many Airmen, it starts with basic awareness. Skipping meals, relying on energy drinks, or grabbing quick processed snacks may seem convenient in the short term, but those patterns can reduce performance, slow recovery, and increase the risk of long-term health issues.

Bartolino recommends small, sustainable changes, such as increasing lean protein intake, staying hydrated, and being more intentional with meal prep.

She emphasized that no one has to get it perfect to see results, but consistency matters.

“Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or just feeling better in uniform, we can help you build a plan that fits your lifestyle,” she said. “You don’t have to figure it out alone.”

The Health Promotion Clinic at Incirlik Air Base offers both walk-in and scheduled counseling sessions for Airmen looking to improve their health through better eating.

These sessions are accessible to any Airman, whether they’re prepping for a PT test, navigating shift work, or just trying to make better choices day-to-day.

Each consult is tailored to individual schedules, operational tempo, and personal goals, making the clinic a valuable asset across the installation.

As the Air Force evaluates updates to its fitness testing, including potential changes to frequency and scoring models, Bartolino emphasized that nutrition should be seen as a critical component of performance and resilience.

“Readiness doesn’t start with reps in the gym. It starts with the fuel you give your body, and that starts on your plate.”

Contact the appointment line (DSN 676-6666) or Health Promotion to inquire about scheduling an individual appointment or to arrange a unit brief or InBody scanning session.