by Patrick Wormel
Tactical professionals can be found across a variety of departments, roles, and skillsets within law enforcement, firefighting, military, and special operations groups. Regardless of their role or goals, all tactical professionals require similar physical training outcomes that integrate into their intended job tasks. These professionals are in fact dedicated athletes that use their physical and mental abilities to protect us while putting their own lives at risk. Much like the sports athletes, tactical professionals benefit from proven strategies aimed at improving occupational performance and preventing injuries. With the safety of our families, communities, and even the country at stake, tactical professionals deserve our training expertise and support. The first and most important step is to create awareness around some tactical training nuances.
Broadly speaking, the difference between working with tactical professionals and sport athletes is minimal. We can use a very similar training approach; assess training needs and goals, develop a plan to improve performance, implement the plan, track progress, and adjust as needed. However, despite these similarities, a primary nuance found between tactical professionals and sports competitors is the lack of predictability. For example, in the tactical environment, there is no set start and end time for activities/tasks. There is also no guaranteed amount off following each activity, which demands the need for constant physical and mental readiness to perform under high-stress situations. This lack of predictability leads to multiple nuances that will alter the training process.
These nuances feed others. What this means is since tactical professionals are subject to sporadic calls of duty, it’s not only their training that is impacted, but their sleep and nutrition take a hit too.
Picture this:
*you’re a firefighter*
1 AM - called to action/ gear up at the station
1:15 - arrive at the scene
1:20 - perform critical tasks
1:35 - offer first aid to survivors
2 AM- back to fighting fire
3 AM- prevention protocol
6 AM- back at station
In this scenario, our hypothetical tactical professional’s sleep was interrupted, their arousal level shifted multiple times during this 6-hour window, and now they need to adjust to their day-to-day routine. Beyond this, they may not get a chance to rest adequately and may likely end up skipping a meal.
The need to be ready for the call of duty at any moment means physical training cannot impede job performance. Because of the amount of high-level stress that occurs in their day-to-day requirements, physical training is additional stress that may lead to excessive and unmanaged stress, or distress. Ignoring this is like stretching a rubber band with a rip in it. Too much stress increases the risk of snapping, or injury, and decreases performance. To counter this, the tactical professional should push hard when stress levels are well managed and push less when not.
Tactical training is about long-term development. It is about sustaining a high level of performance from day to day. The number of high-intensity training sessions can be limited to the minimal effective dose. This is different than in elite sports where time is of the essence. Tactical training is not about reaching the big leagues or getting the next million-dollar contract, it is about keeping the professional durable and resilient over a long career.
Ultimately, to clarify the needs within the tactical training program, a starting point is to understand the job requirements (demands) and professional profile (ability). This is achieved with a needs analysis. A needs analysis is like a recon mission to gather intel and provide you with a map. With a clearer picture of where you’re going, the program has a much higher probability of success. Information obtained from the needs analysis will lead to prescribing the right training methods for the mission.
To make what has been discussed thus far more actionable, Eleiko has developed a number of resources for you.
First is the Eleiko Tactical Training Level 1 online course. Built for the coach, professional trainer, first responder, athlete, CrossFitter, or fitness enthusiast, this online course will up-skill you in numerous concepts and applications for increasing your physical, mental, and emotional health, wellness, and resiliency. The Eleiko Tactical Training Level 1 online course will ignite your career distinctly setting you apart from other coaches / trainers. This online course comes with downloadable tactical training programs, a customized NSCA-approved study guide mapping it to the NSCA TSAC-F® certification that will put you on the path to becoming an accredited Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator, plus 1.8 NSCA CEUs and 1.3 NASM CEUs.
The Eleiko Tactical Training Level 1 online course is also available with a 3-montly payment plan! For more information and to sign up for the Eleiko Tactical Training Level 1 online course, CLICK HERE.
Also, there is the Eleiko Tactical Training Needs Analysis that can be used during an initial training consultation/interview. No matter the person or population, training is always based on need, demand, and ability. This is a simple, easy-to-use questionnaire that gathers intelligence and provides you with a map. The Eleiko Tactical Training Needs Analysis can provide clarity around the job requirements and help initiate communication between the fitness and tactical professional before jumping into the Xs & Os of your next training program. CLICK HERE for access now!
