Knowledge

Above: GRAFENWOEHR TRAINING AREA, Germany — U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Saber, Joint Multinational Training Group–Ukraine, participate in a 12-mile ruck march during a Spur Ride event, Oct. 8, 2025. The ruck march tested each Spur candidate’s endurance, discipline, and determination as they carried full combat gear across […]

By Rob Shaul, Founder These suggestions are simple. They’re not easy. But implement them, and your life will get better. 1. Stop Eating Processed Sugar Cut it out completely — in food, drinks, condiments, sauces, salad dressings. Check every label. Food companies, restaurants and recipes lace sugar into everything, even milk. It makes food taste […]

Above: A Special Forces candidate, from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, carries a weighted dufflebag during Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) at Camp Mackall, North Carolina September 5, 2024. Candidates who attended the three-week assessment and selection were evaluated on their ability to work individually and as a […]

Currated by Rob Shaul, Founder Military / National Security Trump Weighs Options, and Risks, for Attacks on Venezuela, NY TimesDick Cheney, Architect of the War on Terrorism, Dies, Foreign PolicyFront-line combat video captures special ops Black Hawk raid into Pokrovsk, Ukraine’s fiercest fight, Business InsiderDraft memo reveals potentially sweeping Pentagon acquisition reforms, Breaking DefenseThe 70-year-old […]

By Emmett Shaul 1) Pirate Training Packet 1: 5× Base Fitness + Fin/Swim Plans 2) Barbossa: Balanced Base Fitness + Swim Intervals 3) Black Beard: Balanced Base Fitness + Fin Intervals 4) Captain Morgan: Balanced Base Fitness + Swim Endurance 5) Madame Cheng: Balanced Base Fitness + Fin/Run 6) BORTAC Selection Training Plan 7) BORSTAR […]

Have a question? Email founder Rob Shaul, directly: rob@mtntactical.com Best Arm Technique When Finning for SOF Swim Fitness Athlete: When finning during the pirate track, should I be finning with a crawl stroke, CSS, or no arms at all? Rob: The idea behind finning is to train your feet/hip flexors and technique … because of the leverage […]

Adam retrieving the Elk Head the following morning By Emmett Shaul At 6:44 p.m., with dinner in the oven, my phone rang. Connor was calling—Adam needed help packing out an elk he had just shot. Earlier in the season, Adam had helped me and Connor pack out Connor’s elk; this was us returning the favor. […]

By Rob Shaul, Founder 1. Case Study – 46-Year Old Army Officer Plan: MTI’s Max Effort Strength + 6-Mile Ruck Improvement PlanLength: 7 Weeks Results: Training Takeaways: Ruck Interval Strategy: 2-mile intervals were the most effective ruck sessions—progressed from walk-run to full run at Zone 3 . 2. Mini-Study: Apex Fitness Standards Plan: 3.5-week, 6-day/week […]

Military / National Security UN report: Russia targets civilians in systematic bid to depopulate Ukraine, Atlantic CouncilU.S. Military Kills 14 More People Accused of Smuggling Drugs on Boats, NY TimesTroops with beards barred from Hegseth event in South Korea: Report, Defense NewsNavy launches review of Marines’ and sailors’ personal social media posts, Task & PurposeNominee […]

Have a question for Rob? Email him directly, rob@mtntactical.com Fixing Chronic Ankle Rolls from Trail Running Athlete:I keep rolling my ankles during trail runs. What exercises, drills, or protocols from the exercise list can I work in to build up strength and mobility in that area.  Rob:The DOT Drill.   How to Mix MTI Plans with Mountain […]