PMCS YOURSELF
(Personal Maintenance Checks and Services)
Every Monday at the motor pool, we inspect our vehicles and equipment to ensure they’re fully operational using PMCS procedure (Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services). This process—conducted before, during, and after use—involves a detailed, line-by-line check. When we discover missing parts, damage, or unusual noises/sounds, we record them and notify the mechanic so they can be addressed immediately. This ensures the vehicle is safe and mission-ready.
Now, think of yourself as that driver. Our mission success doesn’t just depend on the equipment—it depends on you being fully ready, too. That’s why I encourage you to adopt a similar approach and apply the concept of PMCS: Personal Maintenance Checks and Services to yourself—mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Mental & Spiritual PMCS
Just as we inspect a vehicle, we should routinely check our own emotional and psychological condition. Start with a self-assessment (linked below) to evaluate your current mindset and behavior. Afterward, reflect on what you’ve discovered. If anything feels off—if you're struggling mentally, emotionally, or spiritually—talk about it, write it down, and seek help. Reach out to behavioral health professionals, chaplains, or other trusted support systems. Early identification leads to early resolution.
In addition, I encourage the practice of mindfulness—a simple yet powerful tool for managing anxiety and depression. It’s not tied to any religion and is accessible to everyone. I use mindfulness to guide individuals in turning inward: closing their eyes, calming their minds, and honestly examining their thoughts, emotions, and current challenges. This self-reflection helps them understand who they truly are. For my Soldiers, I use a focused reflection on the word “SOLDIER” to help them explore their identity, one letter at a time: S for Strength, O for Obedience, L for Loyalty and Leadership, D for Discipline—both organizational and self—discipline, I for Integrity, E for Excellence, and R for Resilience. As they reflect on each of these qualities, I ask them to ask themselves: Am I truly living as a Soldier? This process often reveals the root of inner struggles—whether it's frustration, sadness, or feeling lost. By understanding ourselves more deeply, we gain clarity on what’s affecting our well-being and take meaningful steps toward building and sustaining holistic readiness.
After completing your self-PMCS, take a moment to review the readiness chart and assess where you currently stand. If you’re in the green zone, you’re in a good place—mentally and spiritually fit. Keep maintaining that balance through consistent habits and self-awareness. However, if you neglect this upkeep, your readiness may shift to yellow or even red over time.
If you find yourself in the yellow zone, consider it a wake-up call. It’s a sign that something needs attention. Don’t ignore it. Reach out to the support systems available to you: H2F professionals, medical providers, chaplains, or others who can help you restore balance and move forward.
If you're in the red zone, know this: it’s a critical warning, not a life sentence. You can rebuild. This is an opportunity to reflect, heal, and grow. Start by allowing room for self-forgiveness, and extend that grace to others. Focus on making meaningful connections, opening your mind to change, and embracing the support systems around you.
For those in the red zone, understand this is not a defeat—it's a turning point. You may be facing serious challenges, but help is available, and recovery is absolutely possible. This is a time to reflect, reset, and rebuild. Begin by showing compassion to yourself, and extend that same understanding to those around you. Healing starts with honest communication, meaningful connection, and an open mind.
Everyone has the capacity to rise, recover, and maintain holistic health and fitness—not just for personal readiness, but for the strength and resilience of our team and our mission. 
No matter where you fall on the chart, remember this: readiness is not a fixed state—it’s a journey. Remember, everyone is capable of achieving and sustaining holistic health and fitness. Through reflection, connection, and consistent effort, anyone can regain balance and maintain holistic health—for themselves, their unit, and the entire community.
Physical PMCS
Daily physical training (PT) keeps us strong and mission-capable. Whether you prefer running, swimming, ruck marching, or lifting weights, the key is consistency. Find the exercises that suit your body and goals. Just like equipment needs recovery time and inspections, so does your body. Stay alert to signs like soreness, tightness, or swelling—because you know your body best.
One method I personally use for physical PMCS is yoga stretching. Think of it like testing a vehicle’s ability to turn, reverse, and accelerate. Yoga helps me evaluate how well my joints and muscles are functioning. If I notice restricted movement or discomfort, I start with stretching for recovery and, if needed, seek professional care. It helps me stay mobile, prevent injury, and keep my body running smoothly.
PMCS isn’t just for vehicles—it’s for the operator/driver, too. Take care of yourself, because you are essential to the mission.
PMCS your body by Yoga Stretching