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Sgt. 1st Class John Mayle, the 7th Civil Support Command force development non-commissioned officer and a master resilience trainer, spent a day educating 10 teenagers on comprehensive Soldier fitness, which helped supply them with the tools to grow and thrive in today’s Army lifestyle stressors during the first Youth Leadership, Education and Development Summit held here Aug. 5 to 8.
“Comprehensive Soldier fitness is for Soldiers, families and Army civilians alike,” Sergeant Mayle said. “The skills that are taught by MRTs can be beneficial for everyone.”
During the YLEAD summit, Sergeant Mayle gave an overview of the CSF program and then discussed the specific skill of “Putting it in Perspective.” The skills are not limited to those facing the challenges of being deployed or in harm’s way, they can be used by anyone encountering stress, trying times or traumatic events.
“If something happens that may cause stress in your life that may cause a downward spiral in your life or a traumatic event, you suddenly jump to conclusions, you start thinking the worse case scenarios. This skill can give a new perspective and help alleviate negative thinking as well as create a plan of action,” he said.
Sergeant Mayle, who teaches CSF to all ages in the Army, admits this was a new audience for him.
“It was a good experience, and watching them understand and grasp the concept of the class was impacting,” he said. “It was great to see the kids participate in this new program with a good attitude and in an enthusiastic manner.
“In school we are taught to teach these skills to Soldiers, so it was a little bit of a challenge relating some of the material to the teens, but nothing that could not be overcome,” Sergeant Mayle continued. “We got it done and the kids understood the material.”
Each youth attending the summit had the opportunity to talk about a situation and how they would apply PIIP. Some will take the skill and apply what they’ve learned here in school, at home, and in their everyday lifestyle.
“I learned how to communicate better, it’s been wonderful, and I am going to cherish this experience my whole life,” said Michael Fargas Jr. a Carolina, Puerto Rico, native and 14-year-old son of Sgt. 1st Class Nayda S. Martinez, a member of the 7th Civil Support Command, Headquarters and Headquarters Company.
“The kids from YLEAD as well as the staff all really interacted and enjoyed the class,” Sergeant Mayle said. “This makes me a little more anxious, but in a good way to do the training with the Soldiers now.”
Belen Simpson, 13, a native of Silverton, Ore., and daughter of Lt. Col. Gregory Simpson with the 7th CSC, said the class was a great way to meet new kids.
“I think the class really helped because now I can think more in a positive perspective and get out of those negative situations easier,” she said.
CSF provides a tailored plan for families to strengthen and grow physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually and create an Army family that is safe, supportive, caring and provides the resources needed for all members to live in a healthy and secure environment.
“My new friends here are now part of my Army family that I can always call on for support,” Belen said.
