Tactical Strength & Conditioning: An Interview With Catherine Wallace, Space Force Coach

In this podcast interview, we speak with Catherine, MTI Athlete and a seasoned tactical strength and conditioning coach with over a decade of experience across multiple branches of the U.S. military. From her early days with the Marine Corps to her current work pioneering physical readiness programs for the Space Force, Catherine shares insights on her career, training, and the direction of the profession.

Key Takeaways

Career Path and Tactical Coaching Evolution

• Started with the Marine Corps during the infancy of tactical strength & conditioning.

• Has worked with the Navy, Army, Air Force, and now the Space Force, gaining a comprehensive view of military training cultures.

• Helped launch the University of Health and Performance in Arkansas for service members entering the fitness field.

Differences Between Military Branches

• Marines are “get-after-it” by nature; Air Force and Space Force are more analytical and data-driven.

• Cultural buy-in and physical readiness priorities vary not only between branches but also within units.

• Communication style must adapt; Catherine found she needed to “pump the brakes” when moving from the Marine Corps to the Air Force.

Data Collection & Wearables

• Space Force is experimenting with wearables to assess daily fitness levels, VO2 max, and stress loads.

• Many participants were surprised by their lower-than-expected VO2 scores, showing a disconnect between perception and physiological reality.

• Catherine cautions against over-reliance on wearables: “If you feel good, get after it.”

Programming & Culture Building

• Catherine and a PT colleague co-lead all training sessions, prioritizing coaching quality over group size.

• Uses app-based programming but expects buy-in through consistent attendance and participation.

• Emphasizes group culture to build camaraderie, accountability, and psychological safety.

Testing vs. Daily Readiness

• Space Force is considering replacing annual fitness tests with continuous monitoring via wearables.

• Catherine sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity: it demands better self-awareness and real-time responsibility from guardians.

Coaching Philosophy & Mistakes

• Biggest coaching mistake: early stoicism and hesitance to show care due to being a woman in a male-dominated field.

• Most important lesson: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”

• Success looks like empowering athletes to not need her anymore.

Favorite Movements

• Squats

• Hinges

• Running strides (speed & fluidity)

• Getting off the floor from various positions

• Pull-ups (as a diagnostic and training tool)

Book Recommendations

• Leaders Eat Last – for leadership and self-reflection.

• Wild at Heart – for perspective on character and internal drive.

The Future of Tactical Strength & Conditioning

• The field is maturing—less about brute strength, more about smart, adaptable coaching.

• Role uncertainty remains: DoD vs. contract employment, fluctuating priorities based on global military posture.

• Real challenge: Proving the impact of coaches in measurable ways that justify long-term funding and support.

---