Tactical Strength and Conditioning Annual Training by NSCA

Every year, a group of 500+ military, law enforcement, firefighter and special-ops trainers and operators get together to share the latest and greatest techniques, skills, and products being used to make a better tactical athlete.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association started Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC) in 2005 and hosts a national conference, or annual training program, that pulls in sports scientists, trainers, therapists, doctors and operators into the same space. This gathering has evolved over the years to produce much-needed resources in scientific study as well as commercial and governmental investment to the tactical fitness arena.

The movement of human performance has changed dramatically. Educated and certified trainers or members of military command have a place to learn more from others in the field and create better programming for their team and themselves.

Here are some speakers and vendors with whom I spoke:

Air Force Battlefield Airmen Prep Course -- The course designers and operators were present to share how they started a new military command with the mission to prepare Air Force Special Ops candidates better for their future training. Col. Ronald Stenger is spearheading a highly technical training program using sophisticated monitoring gear (Smartabase) to better train, reduce injuries and create more Air Force PJs, combat controllers, tactical air control party/joint terminal attack controller and special-ops weather technicians with fewer applicants. In other words, reduce the 80% attrition rate by being smarter and more efficient. The new eight-week prep course is conducted after basic military training for all Air Force Battlefield Airmen candidates prior to their follow-on selection courses.

The Mobility Maker -- Dana Santas, CSCS, E-RYT, did a hands-on presentation on proper breathing, mixed with stretching, to release core muscle groups. The tactical applications for mobility and breathing are becoming more prevalent as ways to reduce pain and increase longevity in the career field as well as de-stress and build resiliency as stress mitigation tools. 

Santas is a mind-body coach in professional sports, the yoga expert for CNN Health, author of the book “Practical Solutions for Back Pain Relief” and an international speaker/presenter on ways to help people breathe, move and feel better in their bodies and happier and healthier in their lives.

Three Phases of Tactical Fitness -- I was able to do a joint presentation with Jeff Nichols of PerformanceFirstUS and my podcast partner on the Tactical Fitness Report. The terms "to, through and after" is how we described the journey of the special-ops recruit. You have to get to the training by mastering a fitness test. These usually are competitive, so higher than the minimum standard is required.

Then you have to prepare to get through the training or selection program. Once you are an operator, the third phase comes into play and focuses on job performance, ability maintenance/longevity, stress mitigation, and general health and wellness. The tactical athlete likely will be older in these professions than they will be younger.

Other presentations on sports nutrition, hydration, traumatic brain injuries, overuse running injuries and stress mitigation are a few spotlights on a long list of speakers and educators who share best practices and lessons learned with participants.

Vendors and government investment

At the Sorinex exhibit booth, you can use the equipment and get a workout with great coaches and athletes like Bert Sorin and Brandon Lilly. Free deadlift clinics from people like Lilly was one of the highlights of the week for many tactical athletes. Other equipment companies present were Perform Better, BeaverFit and TRX, to name a few.

Sports nutritionists and nutrition companies also were present, as well as athletic trainers and physical therapists and their corresponding equipment vendors. Some of the regular vendors from previous years who were present again were the folks from Drip Drop (previous article) and GNC, as well as a new company called SoreAndTired.com with a magnesium rub to relieve aching joints and muscles.

There were more than 50 vendors at the Tactical Fitness Annual Training. If you have health, wellness and fitness products or services you want to get in front of the creators of human performance programs within the tactical arena, this is one way to do that.

Big government contracts

How serious is the government in producing smarter trained operators? Put it this way. There is a $475 million Special Operations Command contract, currently operated by Booz Allen and countless sub-contractors, that supply the subject matter experts to deliver science-based training applications to the different commands of SOCOM. General Dynamics was an exhibitor at the conference to demonstrate its capabilities as it moves to challenge for this open contract in the next year. However, regular military, some police/SWAT and firefighting departments are spending money to hire educated and certified trainers to operate their human performance/tactical fitness programs. 

Looking to get hired?

The NSCA has two certifications that apply to being qualified for these jobs: The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator. These jobs are great for prior tactical athletes as well as sports scientists with other backgrounds. Learning from each other has been the hallmark of the human performance programs throughout the tactical population.

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you’re looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

Want to Learn More About Military Life?

Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for fitness and basic training tips, or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox.