Patriot Wing Airman develops innovative HAMR Pacing System

Official Statements

• 439th Airlift Wing, November 10: “WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. — Members of the 439th Airlift Wing continue to prove they’re the tip of the Air Force Reserve Command spear with innovative ideas designed to improve Dept. of War or Air Force systems and processes. For Tech. Sgt. Sean Gmachowski, 439th Communications Squadron radar frequency transmission technician, what began as a personal effort to improve his 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run test performance quickly evolved into the creation of an electronic, visual HAMR Pacing System.

  The HPS aims to enhance member’s test scores, reflecting the Department of War’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of physical readiness.

  “About 11 months ago, I was taking the HAMR and realized I was running too fast in the beginning and not saving my energy,” Gmachowski said. “I began to watch other testers having the same problem as I did and wanted to take the guesswork out of it.”

  This innovative idea is also providing him the opportunity to submit his design to the Air Force Spark Tank in hopes the program can be implemented Air Force wide to support roughly 508,000 Total Force Airmen.

  His system not only helped him improve his own performance, but it has gone on to support many Patriot Wing service members taking their physical fitness test this year.

  “I was able to keep up with it,” said Senior Airman Christopher Rose, 439th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. “If the light went faster than me, I knew to pick up speed.”

  The official Air Force HAMR test utilizes an audio signaling system using beeps to indicate each level of the test, progressively increasing in speed. Gmachowski developed a synchronized light strip which lies along the length of the course and moves in sync with the official audio. The lights reach each end of the 20-meter course at the same time as the corresponding beep.

  “The HAMR audio plays from an SD card through a powered speaker, and the lights run in step with it,” Gmachowski said. “I calibrated every pass of every level against the audio.”

  The project also provided Gmachowski the opportunity to develop new skills and learn how to write computer code.

  “Everything is civilian, but I tested the system on Unit Training Assemblies, off-the-shelf hardware and free software,” said Gmachowski. The controller is a programmed audio board, and the programmed track has 600 LED lights running the length of the 20-meter with its own regulated power supply.

  Gmachowski credits a group of colleagues who offered ideas, developmental and technical advice throughout the build to bring the project to life.

  The Patriot Wing fitness center has been implementing the program for fitness testing and is currently running version 2.

  “I definitely think it helps with speed,” said Senior Airman Gamino Leon, 439th Security Forces defender. “It helps you change direction faster and helps with your stamina.”

  Service members have already begun seeing the benefits of the new program and how the visual cue enhances their fitness testing experience.

  Gmachowski’s prototype aims to reduce fitness test failures, help prevent administrative time spent on retests, while supporting Airmen through one of the harder test components, he said.”