We recently worked with an instructor from a federal law enforcement agency who was preparing six candidates who had passed their selection course for the special operations wing of the agency and were preparing for the follow-on training pipeline. The focus was two-fold:
- Ensure the candidates passed the initial PT Test
- Ensure the candidates were well prepared for the training course
PT Assessment
The event is well-rounded with clearly defined standards, conducted on Day 1 of the training course.
- 300m sprint in 54sec or less
- 42 sit-ups in 1 min
- 40 pushups no time limit
- 1.5 mile in 11:00 or less
- 100m swim (Pass/Fail)
- 15min tread (Pass/Fail)
- 6-mile ruck in 1hr and 30minor less
Training Course
A multi-month course focused on individual shooting proficiency, small unit tactics, mobility, and daily PT. This course is not intended to attrite the candidates as they have already passed the selection course. However, the training days are spent under kit with repeated dynamic movement which can lead to unnecessary injury.
Training, Altitude Gain, Results
Based on the needs analysis of the PT assessment and training course, we developed a custom 6-week plan for the candidates under the care of their instructor cadre. Again, the objective was to ensure these candidates were successful in the course, not further beat them down. The candidates were able to execute the training and were afforded extra PT time in the waiting period before the start of the training course.
Below you can see the results of the initial assessment results which the instructor cadre had implemented a week before the start of the training plan, and the assessment results on Day 1 of the training course. The ruck and swim were not tested on the initial assessment.
An unexpected change of training venue led to the candidates training at sea level, then executing the PT assessment at 4500ft elevation with no acclimatization period. Generally, that kind of elevation gain leads to a 12-15% decrease in aerobic capacity. With the 300m sprint as the first event, the candidates were playing catch-up for the remainder of the assessment.
Taking the significant altitude adjustment on the re-assessment into account, the results were positive. All candidates passed all events. Interestingly, the candidate who was the top average performer on the initial assessment experienced the greatest drop on the re-assessment. Altitude adjustment is highly variable from individual to individual based on a number of factors, and this candidate may have simply felt the altitude gain more than others.
Questions or comments? Email charlie@mtntactical.com