10 July 2025
Sport is more than a game – it’s a vital tool for building stronger, more resilient aviators, according to Air Force’s head physical training instructor.
Warrant Officer Luke Hamilton, the Air Force’s Physical Training Instructor (PTI) Mustering Category Adviser for Human Performance and Safety, champions the integration of sport into Air Force life as part of his broader mission to enhance human performance.
Based in Canberra, Warrant Officer Hamilton leads a team of PTIs dedicated to helping aviators harness the benefits of sport to excel in both operational and personal spheres.
“Sport brings people together,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to network across ranks, musterings and categories, while developing leadership skills that carry into service life.”
Warrant Officer Hamilton sees sport as a unique platform for fostering teamwork and resilience, qualities essential for aviators facing high-pressure environments.
'We guide aviators to train safely, manage game time and recover effectively.'
But he warns that diving into sport without preparation can lead to setbacks.
“We often see aviators enter compressed competition cycles with limited training,” Warrant Officer Hamilton said.
“They might come from units where regular physical activity isn’t the norm, then face intense game schedules. This can lead to overtraining or injuries.”
His solution? A smarter approach to training that prioritises gradual preparation and load management.
“Our PTIs are mentors and coaches,” Warrant Officer Hamilton said.
“We guide aviators to train safely, manage game time and recover effectively.”
Warrant Officer Hamilton’s leadership is driving a cultural shift towards proactive fitness. He encourages aviators to embrace sport not just for competition but for lifelong benefits.
“The cognitive and physical advantages of regular physical activity are well published,” he said.
“It improves mental health, activities of daily living and overall wellbeing.”
'If you don’t use it, you lose it. Physical performance can start to decline in just two weeks without activity.'
Warrant Officer Hamilton stresses that consistency is key.
“If you don’t use it, you lose it. Physical performance can start to decline in just two weeks without activity,” he said.
For aviators, sport offers a chance to build connections and grow as leaders.
“You engage with people from all walks of the Air Force in a short time,” Warrant Officer Hamilton said.
“That networking builds bonds that strengthen our teams.”
He also sees sport as a reward for service, a way to celebrate and challenge personnel while keeping them mission-ready, and urges aviators to embrace sport and fitness as essential to their service.
“We need to move beyond in-time training, where you ramp up only for a fitness test or event,” Warrant Officer Hamilton said.
“Regular physical activity should be part of who we are. It’s about moving well, moving often so that we are fit to fight and fit for life.”
