TFR 235 - Common Mistakes in Spec Ops Preparation and Training

As Humans, We All Make Mistakes - Learn From These - See full article "Avoid These Mistakes - Save Your Spec Ops Dream"

My ebook, “Get Ready to Serve in the U.S. Military - How to Avoid the Common Mistakes That Keep You Out of Special Operations” is the perfect guide for military recruits and special ops candidates to learn the ins and outs of military life. As a former Navy SEAL and coach, I am well-versed in the physical, mental, and emotional demands of the military spec ops training and I share my knowledge to help you prepare for your future career.

If you have listened to or read any of my advice over the years, you may have heard that I am not a fan of 18-year-olds going straight to spec ops training immediately after high school. I say this ONLY due to statistics as the bulk of the attrition rates in spec ops training are teens who are in way over their heads - typically speaking. The other thing that I see people get wrong more than anything is walking into a recruiter’s office not already able to crush a fitness test. The setup for failure comes quickly for the unprepared. But there are many more mistakes people make that ruin their spec ops dreams. 

More Mistakes That Crush Your Spec Ops Dreams

Mistake #1: "Trusting Everything the Recruiter Says"
"Do your research on the process to join the military. Trust but verify everything the recruiter says to you. Do not leave the next several years of your life in the hands of a recruiter because you failed to know the details of the process OR what you even want to do in the military.”

Do your research - Spec Ops Research One Stop Shop (articles / podcasts)

Mistake #2: “Over 200 Jobs to Choose and You Can't Decide? Treat this like a job interview, not a job hunt."
"Do not go into the first interview with a recruiter asking what is available. Know exactly what you want to do in the military, and do not settle for anything else. This is NOT a job hunt. It is a calling to serve your country doing a job you will be proud of and enjoy doing for your military career. If SpecWar is mentioned by the recruiter and it is your first time hearing about it - Do NOT even try."

Go in ready to crush the PST and the recruiters will take you seriously. 

Mistake #3: “Thinking Boot Camp / Basic Training Will Get You in Shape(You Have to be Ready Physically)"
"Don't think basic training is preparing you for special ops. If you are new to physical fitness or even an athlete in high school and college, you still may be lacking critical elements of fitness and specific training for your future job requirements."

If you are going Army / USMC, those basic training programs are much tougher and many do improve their physical abilities. But Air Force and Navy boot camps need to have the advanced level requirements to even help you maintain advanced levels of fitness. Consider BMT or Boot Camp a training deload and focus your attention on learning to be a sailor/airmen. 

Mistake #4: “Not Practicing Fitness Tests and Specific Selection Events to Assess Your Strengths/Weaknesses."
"If you are not assessing, you are only guessing. You will be tested in many events, from fitness tests to daily physical challenges at Spec ops training. You should be good at these selection events NOW."

This one is different for different athletes. A powerlifter will need to get out of the weight room and work on muscle stamina / endurance.  A runner will need to reduce running miles per week and get into the weight room (both cals and lifting). All non-swimming athletes may need to swim 5-6 days per week and practice treading and pool skills. But if you are not assessing yourself you will never know what you need to work on. See assessment tool. 

Mistake #5: “Not Understanding the Differences Between Phase One and Phase Two of Tactical Fitness"
"You have to pass a fitness test to get accepted into the training. You also have to pass specific events in selection to get THROUGH the training. These are the two phases of tactical fitness - getting TO and THROUGH the training. Most people neglect one or the other and end up an attrition statistic."

Mistake #7: “Not Taking Your Training / Nutrition / Recovery Seriously…Optimal Performance = The Mastery of Recovery."
"People have big dreams, but they need to be more serious with the specifics of training, rest, recovery, nutrition, and sleep. The mastery of recovery is vital to your optimal performance."

Start taking things seriously with your training. 

This last one is the easiest to avoid but the most common that people manage to screw up (sometimes no fault of their own). But most can be avoidable with some practice tests and organizational skills. 

Check out other videos of combat swimmer stroke, workouts, and other spec ops related training. See stewsmithfitness.com for more information about military, law enforcement, special ops, firefighting training programs.