Arete is a hand-picked weekly list of the most thought-provoking articles, essays, and links I come across—curated for mountain and tactical athletes. Not always the newest, but always worth your time. It’s what I’d forward to a sharp teammate or training partner. — Rob Shaul, Founder, Mountain Tactical Institute Not subscribed yet? → Sign Up Now. Know someone who’d […]
Knowledge
Q&A 11.17.25: Rebuilding Run Speed, Training 35 Cadets, Rainer Training, Adjusting SFAS Prep
Have a question for MTI Founder Rob Shaul? Email him directly, rob@mtntactical.com ––––––––––––––Post-Surgery Running Comeback and Weight Cut Strategy ATHLETE:Good evening, I found your running calculator and need some advice. My current 1.5 mile time is 14:58 and today was my first run post- foot surgery. So not too bad, but not where I need to […]
Different by Design: Inside the MTI Daily Operator Stream
By Emmett Shaul Background MTI’s Daily Operator Sessions are year-round, day-to-day base military training for special operations personnel and those aiming for that level of fitness. The goal with the Operator Stream, and all of our “Base Fitness” programming, is to meet 90% of the Mission-direct fitness demands the athlete will face in real life. […]
Physical Training for Mountain Rescue Professionals with Rob Shaul of Mountain Tactical Institute – Podcast Interview
In October, MTI Founder, Rob Shaul, was interviewed by Dr. Patrick Fink on Dr. Fink’s Wilderness Medicine Updates Podcast. The interviewed covered MTI’s approach to fitness training for Wilderness SAR professionals and volunteers and Quiet Professionalism. Click HERE for a link to the podcast.
Research Review: Dynamic and Isometric Core Training Produce Similar Improvements in Body-Lift and Body Lock-Off Test Performance Among Elite Climbers
By Rob Shaul, Founder BLUF A 2018 PLOS ONE study compared ten weeks of dynamic versus isometric core training among advanced and elite climbers. Both groups completed the same four exercises—foot-lift, arm lock-off, prone bridge, and side bridge—twice per week. The only difference was movement: the dynamic group performed repetitions through a range of motion, while the […]
Research Review: Physical Size, Power, Cold-Stress Physiology, and Low-Back Endurance Predict Success in the 24‑Hour Naval Special Warfare Screener at USNA
Above: CORONADO, CALIF. (JULY 10, 2023) U.S. Navy SEAL candidates lift inflatable boats during the “Hell Week” crucible of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dylan Lavin) By Rob Shaul, Founder BLUF A recent study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning […]
MTI’s Strength Standards for Tactical Athletes: How Do You Measure Up?
Above: Junior officers at USMC Base Hawaii take the MTI Relative Strength Assessment. By Rob Shaul, Founder In the tactical environment, strength is essential. It supports load carriage, sprinting under load, buddy drags, casualty evacuations, and equipment handling. However, just as important to mission performance is work capacity and endurance (run/ruck). Everything is a trade […]
Arete 11.12.55
Military / National Security Former Finnish President Urges Europe to Engage Putin Directly, Moscow TimesPentagon’s largest aircraft carrier arrives in Latin American region as tensions with Venezuela ramp up, Defense NewsAs drones proliferate, Army pilots worry about their future. Will a new approach to flight school help?, Defense OneCommand Crisis on Saipan: The Only Time […]
Vet’s Day Sale: $10 Off Military PFT Plans
These plans are included in the sale: Army Fitness Test (AFT) Training PlanArmy Fitness Test (AFT) Limited Equipment Training PlanUSMC PFT Training PlanUSMC CFT Training PlanUS Navy PST Training PlanSpace Force HPA Training PlanUSCG Boat Crew PFT Training PlanUS Navy PRT Training PlanUS Air Force PFT Training PlanUSAF PAST Training PlanService Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment […]
Q&A’s 11.9.25: Training for German Special Police, BORTAC, and a 135lb woman’s Hotshot plan (for a 75lb pack)
Have a training question? Email founder Rob Shaul directly – rob@mtntactical.com. –––––––––––– 11-Month Prep for German (SEK) Tactical Team Selection Athlete: I’m seeking for advice which training plans of yours would be a fit for upcoming selection and following 6 months training course for joining the full time tac-team of my state (Germany). I’m relatively […]