Military / National Security / Foreign Affairs

A Flawed View of Afghan Lessons Learned, Small Wars Journal
Air Force moves to discharge Schriever AFB sergeant tied to white supremacist group, Stars & Stripes
A U.S. Withdrawal Will Cause a Power Struggle in the Middle East, Foreign Policy
A Vietnam “Deal” For Afghanistan? Hoover Institute
Space Force funding reduced, F-35s boosted in spending bill, Politico
Estonia Apologizes After Minister Calls Finland’s Leader a ‘Sales Girl’, NY Times
Pentagon Eyes Big Expansion of Foreign Military Training Program, Small Wars Journal
Does Australia Need a Massive U.S. Naval Base? Real Clear Defense
Pararescuemen Awarded Silver Stars for Afghanistan Battles, Real Clear Defense
4,000 more Afghan interpreters could get special immigrant visas, thanks to defense bill, Military Times
Vietnam hopes for Chinese restraint in South China Sea in 2020, Reuters
How the ‘OK’ hand sign became controversial, Stars & Stripes
No more curfew for US troops in South Korea, Marine Corps Times
New Questions on War in Afghanistan Give Way to Bigger One: What’s Next?, Small Wars Journal
US Army’s High-Powered Skull Study May Yield Better Helmets, Defense One
Experimental Diplomacy with North Korea Appears Over and Done, Hudson Institute
2019 Hot Spots: The Year in Eleven Maps, Council of Foreign Relations
Marines’ Obsession With Pull-Ups May Be Hurting the Corps, Real Clear Defense
Could Turkey Bar U.S. Military From Incirlik Air Base?, Real Clear Defense
‘I gave 100 percent’ — The first female enlisted Guard soldiers have graduated from Army Ranger School, Task & Purpose
Is the Maximum Pressure Campaign Working with Iran?, Cipher Brief
6. Views of foreign policy, Pew Research Center
What Does Beijing Want from the Pacific Islands? Rand Corp

First Responder / Homeland Security / Wildland Fire

Australian firefighters warn of uncontrollable blazes as conditions worsen, Reuters
The Nationalities Deported From The U.S. In 2018 [Infographic], In Homeland Security
50 stories in 50 states: A list of the year’s most inspirational stories, FireRescue1
Colorado Police Chief Defends Decision Not to Fire Officer, Officer.com
More than 35 agencies partner to combat opioid crisis in Conn. city, FireRescue1
California Sheriff’s Deputies Sporting Stetson Cowboy Hats While On Patrol, Officer.com
The 2019 Salary Survey, Officer.com
Video: how the fire tornado formed at the Carr Fire, Wildfire Today
8 traits great firefighters share, FireRescue1
Calif. rescue worker dies in fall while searching for missing hiker, FireRescue1

Mountain

Men’s Journal Names the Best Climbing Achievements of 2019, Adventure Journal
8 Crazy Affordable Ski Hostels in the U.S. and Canada, Outside
Two Hikers Rescued, One Hiker Missing, and a Rescuer Dead in Separate Incidents on Mt. Baldy, Backpacker
Trailer: Pretty Strong, Climbing Magazine
How Should Uphill Access at Ski Resorts Be Managed? Free? Paid Trails?, Adventure Journal
The Art and Science of Layering, Backpacker Magazine
Copper Mountain Catches Poacher Who Likely Triggered Avalanche On Camera, Unofficial Networks
Snowboarder Buried By Avalanche In Closed Area of Steamboat Saved in ‘Heroic’ Rescue, Unofficial Networks
The outdoor industry is split on The Big Gear Show concept, SNEWS.com
Head South, You Snowbird: 5 Places to Camp This Winter, The Outbound Collective
Video: Gloves vs. Mittens — Fight!, Adventure Blog

Nutrition / Fitness / Health

People With Depression Are Turning to Pot for Relief: Study, WebMD
Flirting among coworkers can reduce stress, Science Daily
Exercise Face-Off: Vertical Pull, Muscle & Fitness
A New Breed of Integrated Gyms Help You Rehab and Train Like an Athlete, Men’s Journal
Refined carbs may trigger insomnia, finds study, Science Daily
Workout frequency the most important factor in strength gains for women, Medical Express
Data Catch-22: How tech gadgets for exercise sometimes do more harm than good, Washington Post
Women, exercise and longevity, Science Daily
Men Spend More Time Staring at Guys’ Chests than Women, a New Study Says, Muscle & Fitness
Science Says Yoga Is Just as Beneficial for the Brain as Aerobic Exercise, Yahoo News
Top 10 Popular Diet Trends of This Year, Muscle & Fitness
You Could Die Today. Here’s How to Reduce That Risk., NY Times
What Philosophy Can Teach Us About Endurance, Outside Magazine
Squeaking Across the Line for the Olympic Marathon Trials, NY Times
Researchers discover brain circuit linked to food impulsivity, Science Daily
Running research: Heel-toe or toe-heel?, Science Daily

By Rob Shaul

1) To Cowboy Dance

This isn’t trivial. I’ve always been a nerdy introvert in my high school, college and post-college years, it was really bad. Simply put, it’s pretty hard to meet girls when you’re a socially awkward, nerdy, introvert who has absolutely no game.

I went to a different high school each of my last three years, which made things worse, and the 10% female population at the Coast Guard Academy meant I didn’t have a serious girlfriend in college.

After college, I married the first girlfriend I had. I married way too young … ended up getting divorced with two kids …. horrible.

I’m convinced knowing how to cowboy dance would have helped. Girls love to cowboy dance, and here in Wyoming, the few times I’ve been to the Cowboy Bar, I’ve seen pretty girl after pretty girl beg to dance with the one or two older guys who could lead the western swing. I’m convinced cowboy dancing would have helped with my serious social anxiety, as I wouldn’t have had to say much to meet girls/women. I’ve yet to meet a woman who doesn’t love to cowboy dance.

And perhaps, with more experience with women in my life, I would have not been so quick to marry so young and would have avoided the hurt I caused to so many others with the divorce.

2) When someone asks for your advice, give it to them.

Often when young I asked for advice and the people I asked hedged. Either they didn’t want to hurt my feelings or felt they weren’t in a position to judge.

For years I did the same when asked for advice. Not anymore. If someone asks for my advice, or what I think, I’ll tell them, straight up.

It’s your friends who tell you when you’re fucking up. Your enemies certainly won’t say anything.

Now, after giving my direct advice, I’ll always add, “My advice is free. It won’t hurt my feelings if you don’t take it.”

This frees both of us up. The person receiving the advice doesn’t feel obligated to take it. And this allows me to be honest and direct.

3) Take Vacations

In the military, I always worked to max out my vacation and generally worked at another job when I finally took time off.

After the military, I was simply so poor trying to get my business off the ground, I didn’t take a vacation for 10 years. All the time I justified it by how much work I was getting done.

I’ve matured, and grown, and have finally learned that getting away from work, makes my work better and me more efficient at work. The “space” from work vacation affords allows me to come back refreshed, recharged, and excited about the job – no matter what it is.

This can be taken too far, of course. I’ve written before how I’ve never met a man who worked only for the weekend or vacation to be happy. The Stoics advise that it’s okay to take time off but to never drift far from your life’s purpose – which isn’t a vacation.

However, work dominated my life from my 20s to my mid-40’s, and I regret it. I wouldn’t have missed anything by getting away from time to time, and my life would have been richer.

4) 99% of Choices Don’t Matter

The Paradox of Choice is a famous economics book by Barry Swartz which discusses the gyrations we all go through by making choices – both big life choices like careers and marriage, to small everyday choices like product purchases and that day’s wardrobe. The book is fascinating and demonstrates that if we have more than 7 choices for something, we often end up not making a choice at all and that it’s best to be a “satisficer” …. not to look for the perfect solution, but simply take the first one that will work and move on.

What stuck out to me and what I’d wished I’d learned much earlier is that 99% of our choices don’t matter. What you wear that day, what sneaker you buy, what table you sit at for lunch, etc. – we can agonize over stupid stuff like this and drain energy and happiness from the important stuff in our life.

Some choices do matter – big life choices like career, where you live, marriage, etc. Some little choices matter as well – like not smoking, eating clean, wearing a seat belt, flossing, etc. It’s best to develop these small health and wellness-related choices into habits, so you just do the right thing, without having to make a decision.

But most decisions don’t matter – so be decisive and move on.

5) Gratitude

Human nature is pessimistic. We see the glass as half empty, not half full. We dwell on what is wrong, rather than what is right. We take the good in our life for granted …. don’t make healthy choices, treat our friends better than we treat our family, blame others, etc.

Gratitude is a light that cuts through this blackness. Taking a step back, identifying and acknowledging the good in your life gives you perspective. It’s a potent weapon against self-pity, negative thinking, and small-mindedness.

True gratitude is also a pathway to the present. So much of our thought is wasted on past regret or future anxiety. Gratitude forces us to acknowledge the good in our lives in the here and now.

I’m a classic untalented overachiever. With this comes a curse of always driving toward improvement, and often being chased by the fear of knowing how quickly what I do have can disappear.  It can be frantic.

Gratitude has an amazingly calming effect.  It’s helped me find delicious moments of solace.

6) You don’t have time

In my 20s, 30s and even 40s, I thought I had plenty of time left, so I readily put stuff off – vacations, learning new things, starting projects I’d always wanted to complete, spending more time with my kids. Now, at 51, I’m panicked because chances are, I’ve got no more than 24 years left. Just 24 more hunting seasons, just 24 more skiing seasons, just 24 more Wyoming summers, just 24 more years with my kids.

It gets worse. Age is catching up with my body. I’m currently recovering from my second kidney infection in a year. Foot surgery last year has left me with constantly swollen, sore, numb right foot which I’m not sure I can squeeze into a ski boot. Overall my strength in the gym has declined, and my max heart rate is 20 beats slower than it was 20 years ago – which means my endurance isn’t what it used to be. I get sore more often and recover slower. I can’t do multiple long days in the mountains as I could do just 5 years ago.

In other words, now when I thought I would have time to do some of the things I’ve always wanted to, physically I’m not sure I can do them. It’s very possible I missed the window because I thought I’d have more time.

Colossal mistake.

At work, I’ve always pushed with a sense of urgency to get things done, but in my personal life, I’ve allowed the years to coast by. Bucket list fishing and hunting trips have been put off to “next year”, personal projects kicked down the road, opportunities to visit and connect with family and friends carelessly brushed aside until “next year.”

Learn from me. You don’t have time.

Have you learned Stuff? Willing to share? If so, email it to rob@mtntactical.com and we’ll compile it for others.

You Might Also Like What Does it Mean to Be a Quiet Professional

UPDATE – WE’VE RECEIVED ALL THE LAB RATS WE NEED FOR THIS STUDY 

By Rob Shaul

MTI is calling for remote lab rats for an upcoming, narrow and focused, 3.5 weeks, 3-day/week Mini-Study comparing the effectiveness of two MTI strength progressions to increase 3RM strength.

This will be a focused study, just on the Trap Bar Deadlift or Straight Bar Deadlift, and can be completed simultaneously with your current training.

Specifically, we’re interested to see if we can identify which progression works best to increase 3RM Strength.

This study is driven by the new Army Combat Fitness Assessment. One of the ACFT events is a 3RM (3 repetition maximum) Trap Bar Deadlift.

Details

Lab Rats will be broken into 2 groups: Group A, and Group B. Each group will complete a different Deadlift progression, 3 times per week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Required Equipment: Weight Room with a trap bar or barbell and plates for deadlifting.  Although the ACFT dictates a Trap Bar to be used, for the purposes of this study, a straight bar is also allowed. However, if you have access to a trap bar, we request you use it for the study.

Cycle Duration and Schedule: This MTI Mini-Study will take 3.5 weeks. It will begin Monday, December 30, 2019 with a Trap Bar Deadlift or Deadlift 3RM assessment. Lab rats will complete the deadlift training on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. During the 3-weeks Lab Rat progression will be based on his/her 3RM Deadlift load – so the training should automatically “scale” to the individual athlete’s incoming fitness.

On the Monday of Week 4, January 20, 2020, lab rats will re-assess their 3RM and the results between the two progressions will be compared.

To Participate

• You’ll need to commit to training deadlift 3 days/week for 3.5 weeks, and follow the program as prescribed.
• You’ll need to commit to only do this training for your deadlift. No other deadlift-specific training is allowed during the study period as it will skew the results.
• You’ll need the required equipment (see above)
• You’ll need to be an experienced, fit athlete. This isn’t a cycle for unfit athletes, or athletes new to free weight-based strength training in general or deadlifting particular.
• The cycle will begin Monday, December 30, 2019, and end, Monday, January 20, 2019.

This is a focused mini-study which only involves deadlifting. You’ll be able to do other training as well, just no additional deadlift work.

Want to be an MTI Lab Rat?

Please email rob@mtntactical.com, and put “Deadlift Lab Rat” in the subject line.

Please include:

• your age
• Deadlift training experience
• If you have access to a trap bar for the study
• Finally, please verify you can commit to the 3.5 weeks, 3 day/week training cycle.

You’ll be assigned to a Group, and provided with further instructions. Training will start on December 30, 2019.

APPLY NOW

By Anonymous

I failed to lead my platoon when I first became a Platoon Commander. I successfully completed the requisite training the Marine Corps determined to be sufficient for an intelligence officer to take a platoon and prepare them for real-world operations but I was not mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

I struggled to find answers and continually made mistakes in the beginning months of leading a platoon. From selfishly not passing information to my Marines because it was more work for me to missing deadlines on products, I was not being the leader my Marines deserved. I found it difficult to even solve simple leadership problems that one would think are inherent to any Marine officer.

I had a very poor relationship with my Platoon Sergeant. He was a Marine who also had never truly lead any group individuals before in his life. The poor performance I perceived of him led me to dislike him and I let my dislike for him affect our professional relationship. I did not invest the time in getting to know the root of his issues, I did not give him challenging tasks to grow as a leader, and I didn’t give him opportunities to make me look bad. My unrespectful and resentful attitude toward my Platoon Sergeant was visible to the other Marines – further undercutting his position.

The more junior Marines tested the waters with me and occasionally said off-handed comments about how bad the Platoon Sergeant was. Not only did I not correct them, I tacitly encourage them. I thought that if he unwittingly took the fall for mistakes he and I made as the platoon leadership, the Marines would most likely think it was him and I would still be in good standing. I single-handedly created a dysfunctional leadership team.

Compounding my poor relationship-building skills was my leadership insecurity and indecisiveness. I constantly second-guessed myself and never seemed satisfied with a decision I made. This indecision dragged on all attempted improvement.

I blamed others for my failures:

• I have a weak Platoon Sergeant. I felt that if I had a scapegoat of some sort then I could remain in good light with my subordinates, peers, and superiors. This may be one of the selfish actions I could have taken as a leader.
• My lower-level leadership are all about to get out of the Marine Corps. Because I couldn’t effectively develop my junior leaders, I made an excuse that they simply weren’t motivated and couldn’t be influenced any further. This is a lazy and simply false mindset
• The Platoon Commanders before me didn’t set me up for success. I didn’t want to develop an entire 6 month training plan because I didn’t know if it would actually give the Marines good training. I didn’t feel confident with my planning abilities to enact a good plan and stick with it.
• My Military Occupational Specialty school didn’t prepare me. The reality of the matter was we had about 6-hour days for 6 months and I surfed instead of studied. I blamed my course curriculum instead of my laziness.

I tricked myself into thinking I worked hard. I came in first every day and left last most days but not nearly all of that time was actually spent working. Some was spent complaining, some avoiding my Platoon Sergeant, some doing nothing. My Marines and my boss could physically see that I was there first and stayed late and that was all of the bargaining chips I needed to hold others accountable for being lazy or not working hard. In reality I was the lazy one because that is the fakest way I could demonstrate hard work without being exposed.

I felt sorry for myself. I was convinced I drew the short straw. I allowed self-pity to defeat me and make me ineffective as a leader. I didn’t have the confidence to pull myself up and carry on despite adversity. I let excuses lead me.

By chance, I was able to take a step back and inspect myself for what I had become. I was lucky enough to be sent to a three-week training course across the country where I had reason to focus on myself and my studies. During this time of slower op tempo and being away from my platoon, I had time to think about how I was doing as a person and a leader. I hated my job, I didn’t enjoy the people I worked with, I lacked the confidence of a true leader, I was lazy, and I made excuses.

This separation from the day to day grind of leadership gave me perspective – not only on how poorly I’d behaved, but also on what I could do to improve things.

I returned to the west coast with an adjusted direction I wanted to take as a leader. I decided to make just two major changes that I thought would ultimately condition myself to lead with more efficacy and enjoy what I did once again: (1) I wasn’t going to blame any external factors for my platoon’s shortfalls, and; (2) I was going be thankful for having the opportunity to be in the leadership position I was in.

Specific examples of how I enacted change with my altered approach: I would slow down my day to enjoy it and talk to the Marines to actually get to know them. In turn, they would ask me questions and get to know me on a more personal level. After only about two weeks of simply being more friendly, I had some Marines ask to talk to me one-on-one about work or personal problems they thought I could help with.

Next, during field exercises, a significant amount of external support is required via requests, liaising, etc. In the past, I would do the absolute minimum to get the support requests submitted just to say I checked my box of what I needed to do. Often times, the supporting shops would mess something up and I would point to my request to show them they were wrong. Now I would follow up with them multiple times just to make sure everything was squared away instead of preparing myself for a “told you so” situation.

The biggest change was with my Platoon Sergeant. Instead of isolating and scapegoating him, I took responsibility to develop him as a leader. I still gave into my old habits on occasion but I made a concerted effort to allow him to fail and grow as a leader in situations I where I would have insulated him in the past. Although the verdict is still out on whether or not my approach was effective with him, our personal relationship improved significantly better as did the office atmosphere.

In addition to rebuilding relationships with my Marines, I had to improve my relationship with my immediate superior, the Company Commander. Up to this point, in his eyes, I had performed in a sub-proficient manner. With a new understanding of what it means to lead effectively, I now took ownership for everything my platoon did and gave myself no excuses for poor performance. Consequently, my platoon’s planning cycle got shorter, we went to the field more often, we maintained our equipment better, etc. My relationship with my Company Commander went from strained to positive within a few months of high performance and happier overall disposition.

Truth be told, I’m not certain if my alterations in my leadership approach have been effective or not. However, working toward making zero excuses and enjoying my time in the military has certainly made me more confident with my abilities, more focused, and generally more optimistic toward solving leadership problems.

What’s your Biggest Leadership Mistake? Willing to share it? If so, pls email rob@mtntactical.com

Military / National Security / Foreign Affairs

Palestinian ex-prisoners recall torture in Israeli detention, Al Jazerra
Will there be peace in eastern Ukraine? Al Jazerra
How the Pentagon will experiment with 5G, Defense News
Heavy equipment out, unmanned logistics in for the US Marine commandant’s wish list, Defense News
US Air Force chief: The biggest threat posed by China is in space, Defense News
Defense advocates fear isolationist views endanger military’s future, Defense News
An End to Magical Thinking in the Middle East, Defense One
Britain’s Secret War With Russia, Defense One
German defense minister calls out Russia after Berlin murder, DW.com
Is NATO Brain Dead?, Rand Corp
Pensacola Shooting Casts Shadow Over U.S.-Saudi Relations, Foreign Policy
What the West Gets Wrong About Russia’s Intentions in Ukraine, Foreign Policy
What Trump Gets Right About Alliances, Foreign Policy
AFRICOM says Russian air defences shot down UAV, Jane’s 360
Analysis: How the US arrived at this critical crossroads in Afghanistan, Long War Journal
U.S. unseals indictment against American serving as top Shabaab figure, Long War Journal
Dates set for murder trials of Navy SEAL, Marine Raider in death of Green Beret, Marine Corps Times
Afghanistan war metrics were manipulated to highlight battlefield success, according to bombshell WaPo report, Military Times
Russia to take nuclear triad as close to US borders as possible, Pravda Report
U-2 pilot dismissed for shaving his entire body to avoid a drug test, Task & Purpose
Mexico’s Strategic Security Problem, The Cipher Brief
Islamic terrorist killed with “secret CIA” bladed missile that does not explode, War is Boring
War Crime Pardons and What They Mean for the Military, War on the Rocks

First Responder / Homeland Security / Wildland Fire

The remarkable case of the triple agent and the bombing in Khost, Afghanistan, Brookings Inst.
What Will the Opioid Crisis Look Like in Five Years? Rand Corp
Calif. city firefighters report threats, vandalism of stationsFire Rescue 1
The audacity of the badge: Reconciling the confidence and arrogance that comes with the job, Fire Rescue 1
Calif. city could start charging nonresidents for EMS, Fire Rescue 1
Wage costs rise to $5 billion as firefighter overtime surges by 65% in Calif., Fire Rescue 1
Rival gang members burned alive by cartel 16 miles from Texas border, LE Today
Law Enforcement Across the Country in Mourning After 3 Officers Slain in 48 Hours, Officer.com

Mountain

Let These Ladies Show You How to do a Wilderness Surf Trip The Right Way, Adventure Journal
Backcountry.com Is Partnering With Shops It Once Sued In Bid to Repair Image, Adventure Journal
The Best Cold-Weather Gloves, Backpacker
Jump, Jump! Why the Simple Jump Rope Might Just Be the Best Warm-Up Tool Ever, Climbing Magazine
20th Annual Powder Awards Winners Announced, Powder
Horn and Ousland Safely Off the Ice After Completing Polar Traverse, Adventure Blog
What Good Neighbors Do, Patagonia

Fitness / Nutrition / Health

How Much Does Testosterone Really Affect Performance? Outside
The Hidden Cost of a Quick Injury Fix, Outside Magazine
Is Excess Protein Bad For Your Kidneys? Breaking Muscle
How to Enter the Flow State With Squats, Breaking Muscle
American children and teens are consuming significantly fewer sugary drinks, Science Daily
Throwing cold water on ice baths: Avoid this strategy for repairing or building muscle, Science Daily
The Case For Better Meat, Mark’s Daily Apple
Why You Won’t Necessarily Benefit From Eating More Protein, Men’s Journal
8 Morning Exercises You Should Do as Soon as You Get Out of Bed, Men’s Journal
How Much Vitamin C Should You Get Every Day?, NutritionFacts.org
Denmark Raises Antibiotic-Free Pigs. Why Can’t the U.S.?, NY Times
Fake Meat vs. Real Meat, NY Times
Why Science Can’t Seem to Tell Us How to Eat Right, WebMD
Are Sugar Substitutes Good for Kids?, NY Times
Scam or Not? What are the benefits of Probiotics, NY Times

Interesting

10 facts about Americans and YouTube, Pew Research Center
A Billion Vegans by 2030? Bloomberg

Military / Foreign Affairs / National Security

Several rockets land near Iraqi base housing US troops, Air Force Times
F-16 pilot ejects at Kunsan with minor injuries; flights suspended, Air Force Times
US Navy awards largest-ever shipbuilding contract to Electric Boat for new attack submarines, Defense News
The Marines Want To Swarm Beaches With CRABS, Foxtrot Alpha
US Postal Service issues ‘Healing PTSD’ stamp to raise funds for veterans, Marine Corps Times
Several rockets land near Iraqi base housing US troops, Marine Corps Times
Lawmakers seek answers on rising military and veterans suicide rates, Military Times
The American Polar Pivot: Great-Power Competition at the Ends of the Earth, Modern War Institute
With Few Afghan Air Controllers, the U.S. is Stuck in a Forever War of Air Support in Afghanistan, Small Wars Journal
3 injured at Pearl Harbor naval base after active shooter incident, Task & Purpose
An internal investigation spurred by a nude photo scandal shows just how deep sexism runs in the Marine Corps, Task & Purpose

First Responder / Homeland Security / Wildland Fire

Demanding South Korea pay more for US presence drives wedge between allies, House leaders say , Defense News
The President’s Inbox: Should the United States Pursue the Israeli-Palestinian Two-State Solution? Council on Foreign Relations
Trump aims for role of NATO statesman but mars unity message, Military Times
China suspends U.S. military visits to Hong Kong after new law, Morning Defense
FEMA – After a fire your flood risk goes up, Wildfire Today
Less carcinogens, healthier firefighters. Here’s how Fairfax Fire is trying to reduce deadly exposure, Firefighter Close Calls
Company donates $10K to Okla. emergency responders, FireRescue1 Daily News
6 steps to prevent an oxygen tank explosion/regulator fire, FireRescue1 Daily News
Power company evaluating multiple failures on transmission towers as causes of large wildfires, Wildfire Today
Houston Police Chief Blames Holster Design on Officer’s Accidental Shooting, Officer
The Next Generation of High Performance Body Armor, Officer
LAPD Needs More Money to Protect Officers from Communicable Diseases, POLICE Magazine

Mountain

Video: The women of Jackson Hole’s ski patrol are in a league of their own, Freeskier
Alpinist Lydia Bradey On Her Stunning, Controversial Summit of Everest, Adventure Journal
Tag Lines for Rappels – Reepschnur Hitch, American Alpine Institute
The 10 Best Gifts for Adventurers of 2019, Backpaper
How to Prepare Your Dog for Alpine Skiing, Osprey Packs
A Backpacker’s Guide to Foraging, Backpaper
The Wildest Hunt: A Film About the Tongass National Forest, Outdoor Life
Video: How to Perform an Avalanche Beacon Check, Outdoor Research
Your Local Crag Is More Dangerous than You Think, Outside Magazine
Sport climbing Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Toulouse qualified women results, Planetmountain.com
Winter Climbs 2020: Another Team Announces K2 Expedition, The Adventure Blog
An Alaskan Adventure: A Guide to Kenai Fjords NP, The Outbound Collective Journal

Nutrition / Fitness / Wellness

Bulletproof Your Knees and Shoulders, Breaking Muscle
Nutrition and Mental Health: What’s the Connection? Chris Kresser
Eating in sync with biological clock could replace problematic diabetes treatment, Diet and Weight Loss News
The ways astronauts prep for spaceflight could benefit cancer patients, say researchers, ScienceDaily
Tracking of Time-Dependent Changes in Muscle Hardness After a Full Marathon, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
What Happens to Your Body During a Polar Plunge, Men’s Journal
Can the Keto Diet Help You Fight the Flu? Men’s Journal
Podcast: Are Eccentrics Best for Tendinopathies? Mile Reinold
Milk Consumption Is Linked to Type 1 Diabetes, NutritionFacts.org
Podcast: Gluten and Thyroiditis, Booze on Keto, Calcium, The Paleo Diet, Robb Wolf
Best sources of Vitamin A, The World’s Healthies Foods

Interesting

Iceland puts well-being ahead of GDP in budget, BBC News
Dirk Nowitzki receives top German honor, Deutsche Welle
French lawmakers push to ban Black Friday sales citing ‘overconsumption’, France24
Best Books Of 2019: Politics, Hoover Institution
Deploying Social Media to Empower Iranian Women: An Interview with Masih Alinejad, Hudson Institute
Erdogan Has No Idea What He’s Doing in Syria, Council on Foreign Relations
Johnson & Johnson Vision Announces Availability Of ACUVUE® OASYS With Light Intelligent Technology In South Africa, Men’s Health

MTI’s Top Selling Training Plans for November 2019

1. Athlete’s Subscription

2. APFT Training Plan

3. Bodyweight Foundation Training Plan

4. Fat-Loss Training  Plan

5. Ruck Based Selection Training Plan

6. Backcountry Ski Pre-Season Training Plan

7. Dryland Skiing Training Program

8. Humility

9. Core Strength Bodyweight Only

10. Hypertrophy for Skinny Guys

11. 2-Mile Run Improvement
12. Big 3 + Running Training Plan
13. Military On-Ramp Training Plan
14. ACFT Limited Equipment Training Plan
15. Running Improvement Training Plan
16. FBI Special Agent PFT Training Program
17. RASP 1&2 Training Plan
18. Ranger School Training Plan
19. Big 24 Strength Training Plan
20. Law Enforcement Academy Training Plan

Learn more about our Plans and Subscription HERE