By Kelson Geber, MTI Coach/Researcher Background In mission-focused training, how you carry weight directly impacts your performance, especially in job-specific scenarios with high physical demands. Whether you’re a soldier, a first responder, or a mountain guide, choosing between a rucksack or a weighted vest can significantly influence your endurance, strength, and overall efficiency. Because our […]
Kelson Geber
Mini Study: Reducing Alpine Pack Weight by 7 Pounds Boosts Uphill Speed by 24%
By Kelson Geber, MTI Coach/Researcher BLUF Mountain Tactical Institute (MTI) conducted a two-month single-person mini-study to examine the impact of weight reduction on speed during fast alpine ascents. The study found that reducing pack weight in increments of 8 ounces (227 grams) consistently improved climbers’ speed and potentially decreased their exposure to hazards. Overall, the […]
The Evolution of MTI’s Tactical Agility Program Design: From V1.0 to V3.0
The Tactical Agility Program has undergone various changes from its initial version (V1.0) to the latest guidelines outlined in version 3 (V3.0). These updates reflect an evolving understanding of tactical agility needs and the incorporation of new training methodologies. Below is a comparison of the main differences and how our programming guidelines have changed. Purpose […]
MTI’s Proposed Combat Diver Competition
By Kelson Geber, MTI Coach & Researcher The recent USASOC’s Best Combat Diver competition placed too much emphasis on physical fitness and not nearly enough on mission-direct combat diving skills. Of the eight events, four were physical fitness challenges (one including an 800m straight leg dive), one was academic, one involved pool skills and two […]
USASOC Best Combat Diver Competition Snapshot: Training and Event Results from MTI’s Team.
BLUF: In April 2024, MTI partnered with a Special Forces Team to develop a Mission Direct program for the USASOC Best Combat Diver Competition in Key West, FL. This annual competition, now in its seventh year, invites all SOCOM components to participate. […]