BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --
To ensure operational readiness and maintain the tactical edge, Airmen must train their brains with the same rigor as their bodies. Air Force Global Strike Command is looking to accelerate and modernize this effort with a tactical training simulator known as MindGym.
“No different than investing in modernization efforts for weapon systems, such as the B-21 Raider, Sentinel ICBM program, and the new fleet of Grey Wolf helicopters, Global Strike senior leadership recognizes the importance of modernizing how they advance their most important asset: Global Strike Airmen,” said Col. Erich Schroeder, AFGSC command surgeon.
MindGym, originally developed by and in partnership with Lumena Inc., is a safe, painless, and highly controlled environment designed to sharpen focus, accelerate reaction times, and enhance decision-making under pressure. The 7-by-7-foot reflective cube room provides low lighting, calming music, and guided exercises. Participants wear an electroencephalogram (EEG) biosensor headband that assesses brain functions, providing insight into areas such as task management, mental clarity and relaxation.
This readiness resource is already available to all Airmen and civilians across all of the command’s eight bases. Regardless of rank, unit, or workplace: a flightline, or a missile field, MindGym is available for anyone in Striker Nation looking to perform at a higher level by sharpening their cognitive control, focus mental clarity and energy required to thrive on and off duty.
MindGym is a commercial system that does not collect specific military identifiers like rank, unit, nor Air Force specialty code (AFSC). Similar to how the audio file of the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run (HAMR) is available for Airmen to practice timing their shuttles prior to taking their Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment (PFRA), Airmen can enhance their mental fortitude with MindGym.
While this tool is optimal for AFGSC Airmen regardless of rank, job, or location, it is another resource available to help sharpen physical and mental fitness.
“MindGym is another example of how Global Strike Command directly invests in our Airmen,” said Col. Nekitha Little, director of AFGSC’s Manpower & Personnel (A1) Directorate. “Striker Airmen are fundamental to mission success. Wellbeing is vital to ensuring that Strikers are always ready to provide long-range precision strike, anytime and anywhere.”