Photo By Senior Airman Kylie Barrow | Tech. Sgt. Alina Shaylor, 25th ATKG independent duty medical technician logs data at...... read more read more
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The 25th Attack Group’s Human Performance Team, located at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, is a team comprised of operational psychologists, medical staff and chaplains. They are co-located and have been strategically integrated within their assigned units. The HPT plays a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and overall well-being of its members by minimizing barriers and streamlining access to care.
In the medical sphere, the team consists of personnel such as Tech. Sgt. Alina Shaylor, 25th ATKG independent duty medical technician. Shaylor’s primary responsibility as an IDMT is to manage the medical readiness of personnel within the 25th ATKG by bridging the gaps between medical care and operational readiness.
“While we fall under the HPT umbrella, our main role is to focus on the medical requirements of the airmen assigned to us,” said Shaylor. “We ensure that they meet their medical readiness standards and provide direct care when needed.”
Unlike traditional clinics, the IDMT role allows for more personalized care. They can take members directly to appointments or facilitate their medical needs without them having to navigate the scheduling system typically used in larger clinics.
“Ease of access is essential for maintaining the readiness of our airmen,” Shaylor said. “We track the readiness of each squadron and report those numbers to commanders and this proactive approach allows us to address any medical issues before they become significant problems.”
Chaplains often serve as the first point of contact due to their confidential support, which is particularly vital for personnel concerned about how their mental health might affect their operational status.
“Embedded care enables us to target individuals who may be experiencing additional problems due to their job requirements,” said Capt. Jacquelin Pippin, 25th ATKG chaplain. “We aim to provide faster access to care, reducing downtime and enhancing mission effectiveness.”
The HPT’s role not only impacts the readiness of the 25th ATKG but also alleviates the burden on the base’s medical clinics and religious affairs teams.
“With 75% of the flying population on this base being part of our group, our presence here helps reduce the load on the main clinic,” said Shaylor. “Once we open our facility’s exam room, we will enhance those capabilities even further.”
The team is traditionally unique to flying squadrons but reflects a broader trend in the Air Force, where similar models, such as True North assets and operational support teams, are emerging. The integration of various specialties within the HPT allows for proactive care tailored to address the unique challenges faced by service members in high-stress positions.
The HPT’s unique structure allows its members to participate in critical operations, such as mission briefs and flight debriefs. This close involvement helps build trust among personnel.
“When we are present during operations, we understand the gravity of the work they do,” Pippin said. “This understanding helps us connect with them when they need support.”
Looking ahead, the HPT plans to enhance its capabilities by establishing an exam room within its facility. This addition will streamline access to care and allow personnel to receive medical attention without the need to navigate multiple locations across the base.
“Having an in-house exam room will multiply our effectiveness,”. Pippin said. “It will reduce the time personnel spend away from their duties, enabling us to get them back on track faster.”
The HPT at the 25th ATKG stands as a model for integrated support, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaboration in promoting the well-being of service members.
The 25th ATKG is a geographically separated unit of the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, operating globally 24/7/365. They support four different combatant commands alongside its total-force partners with the MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft. They provide intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities.
| Date Taken: | 02.11.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2025 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 492591 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Human Performance Team Enhances Care, by SrA Kylie Barrow, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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