Athletic Trainer (AT), Level I – CONUS and OCONUS Positions



Place of Performance Locations:
 

• Beale AFB, CA
• Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
• Eglin AFB, FL
• Hill AFB, UT
• JB Langley-Eustis AFB, VA
• JB Langley-Eustis AFB, VA
• Moody AFB, GA
• Mountain Home AFB, ID
• Nellis AFB, NV
• Nellis AFB, NV
• Nellis AFB, NV
• Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
• Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
• Shaw AFB, SC
• Tyndall AFB, FL
• Edwards AFB, CA
• JB Pearl Habor-Hickam AFB, HI
• Kadena AFB, Japan
• RAF Lakenheath AFB, UK
• Spangdahlem AB, GE
• Aviano AB, IT

Introduction/Background:

This requirement supports Air Force fighter squadrons in Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), and other MAJCOMs as needed. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, noting a shortage of fighter aircrew due to suboptimal retention, directed a task force to investigate the causes of premature departures. One key issue identified was pain and disability from neck and back injuries caused by the extreme physical demands of flying fighters. Aircrew surveys from 2020 to 2024 indicate up to 99% of fighter pilots experience flying related spinal pain during their careers. These issues—affecting the neck, upper back, and lower back— impact cockpit performance, daily activities, readiness, and retention. Additionally, as the U.S. Air Force continues to prepare for conflict against peer competitors, our Warfighters face increasing cognitive performance demand, driven by rapidly advancing technologies leveraged both by allies and adversaries. Effective integration of physical and cognitive performance training is required for success in complex, denied environments. The OHWS program addresses these concerns by preparing aircrew for the unique demands of fighter operations. Additionally, Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports estimate replacement costs exceed $10M per pilot, reinforcing the high return on investment for OHWS services in improving retention and readiness.


 Purpose and Overall Objective:

The Contractor shall provide both personal and non-personal services, equipment, and other items and services necessary to meet mission requirements as defined in this Task Order (TO). The Contractor shall perform to the standards specified in this contract. The objective will be accomplished by increasing the physical and mental capacity of fighter aircrew, decreasing the rate of injuries, and accelerating return to duty. Contractor personnel shall collaborate with active duty (AD), Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve Component (AFRC) fighter aircrew to optimize physical and mental performance with a focus on neck and back pain prevention while monitoring, analyzing, and resolving associated musculoskeletal (MSK) physical readiness concerns.


Security Clearances:

All tasks in this PWS will be conducted at the UNCLASSIFIED level. All Contract employees shall have a favorable Tier 3 (T3) security investigation resulting access to Secret information via briefings. Contract employees receiving unfavorable T3 security investigations shall not be employed under this contract.


U.S. Citizenship:

Employee must be a U.S. citizen. For the purpose of base and network access, possession of a permanent resident card (“Green Card”) does not equate to U.S. citizenship.


OCONUS (Outside of contiguous United States) Locations:

Contractor personnel performing OCONUS duties must comply with the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), which serves as the primary source for all travel, visa, and entry requirements for each host nation. Contractors are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) provisions, host nation agreements, and local laws, including force protection and security policies.


Specific Duty Hours:

Normal duty hours are 0800-1700, Monday through Friday, hours may be flexible to meet mission requirements as pre-approved in writing by the Government. Permanent changes to the duty hours will be approved by the Government only.


Mandatory Qualifications:

Required Experience: 

Must show recency within the last 2 years consistent with DHAPM AND 2+ years of experience as a Licensed Athletic Trainer in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment. Germany must have 3+ years of specialized experience.

Required Education:

Graduated from an Athletic Training Education Program, Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) AND Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Health Science, Athletic Training, Health Profession or Physical Education related discipline.

Required Certification:

Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.


HPO TASK: ATHLETIC TRAINER (AT):

The Contractor shall provide an Athletic Trainer (AT) to support all permanently assigned or visiting (TDY) active-duty Air Force Fighter Aircrew (11Fs/12Fs/11RXJs/Flight Test Engineers). The AT will function as an embedded healthcare provider, focusing on musculoskeletal (MSK) care, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and human performance optimization to enhance aircrew readiness and longevity. Responsibilities include individual assessments, injury prevention, rehabilitative interventions, and performance enhancement within their scope of practice as defined by the standard written protocol agreement with the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) Chief of the Medical Staff (SGH). The AT operates under physician or physical therapist supervision and must be credentialed as a non-privileged provider in accordance with Air Force, DoD, and DHA regulations. Services provided shall enhance resistance to neck and back injuries, expedite return to full duty, and contribute to a holistic health maintenance program that improves aircrew performance, readiness, and retention.


AT SUBTASKS:
 

• Complete all unit and MDG in-processing requirements, including all required training such as computer-based courses, peer review, newcomer orientation, hands-on simulations, and site-specific training.

 

• Independently assess, evaluate, and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) and neuromuscular conditions, providing targeted interventions such as corrective exercises, postural adjustments, and functional movement training.

 

• Conduct in-processing evaluations for all newly assigned aircrew and perform ongoing assessments to screen for injury risk factors, including flexibility, strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, posture, ergonomics, and body composition.

 

• Develop individualized programs (IP) for assigned aircrew, incorporating injury prevention, rehabilitation, and human performance optimization strategies focused on increasing resistance to neck and
• back injuries.

 

• Instruct and counsel aircrew on compliance with therapeutic regimens, rehabilitation protocols, injury prevention strategies, human performance techniques, and lifestyle modifications to optimize
• readiness.

 

• Conduct direct access evaluations and provide immediate care for acute MSK and neuromuscular conditions in both on-site and off-site settings, triaging and referring cases as necessary in accordance with local MDG policy.

 

• Provide ongoing reevaluations, track patient progress, and modify treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal recovery and performance.

 

• Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including manual therapy, range of motion techniques, strength and conditioning exercises, and agility and neuromuscular training to restore function and mitigate injury risks.

 

• Ensure proper documentation of all assessments, treatments, and patient encounters in designated electronic health records and non-medical OHWS program data repositories within 72 hours and submit required data to the Human Performance Measure of Effectiveness Report (HP-MER).

 

• Monitor access to care and utilize required electronic systems, databases, and software for patient documentation, scheduling, and administrative responsibilities in accordance with DHA guidelines.

 

• Attend all unit and Military Treatment Facility (MTF) meetings as required or as requested by the Unit Commander or his/her designee.

 

• Educate aircrew on injury prevention, self-rehabilitation techniques, movement assessments, and strength training strategies to improve long-term musculoskeletal health.

 

• Maintain and inspect equipment and training facilities to ensure they are safe, operational, and aligned with manufacturer specifications. Report unserviceable equipment to the site Government POC and perform routine cleaning duties as necessary.

 

• Evaluate and recommend new techniques, equipment, and interventions that enhance human performance and injury prevention efforts.

 

• Be physically proficient and capable of demonstrating all prescribed exercises and techniques.