BORTAC Selection Training Plan

$89.00

8 week, 6 day/week training plan specifically designed to prepare athletes for the Border Patrol BORTAC Selection
Ruck, Run and Swim intensive
Plan deploys multiple assessments and scales to the incoming fitness of each athlete’s individual fitness.
This training plan is one of the 250+ Plans included with an Athlete’s Subscription.

Description

The following is a sport-specific 8-week program is specifically designed to prepare athletes for the Border Patrol BORTAC Selection. This plan is designed to be completed the 8 weeks directly prior to your selection start week.

This is a very intense, 6-day a week training program with high levels of volume and stress. Be safe and smart about your training as you work through the program and don’t be afraid to cut down sessions, or if necessary take an extra rest day if needed.

This program follows a general format and gets progressively harder each week, until Week 8, when the training tapers down. Don’t skip ahead! The plan is designed to build upon itself. If you have to miss a training day, start up back where you left off.

Ruck, Run and Swim Intensive
This plan is “sport specific” to the specific fitness demands you’ll face at the BORTAC selection – specifically running, swimming and treading water, bodyweight calisthenics, load carry and rucking. This program has multiple two-a-day’s, and to get the most of the program you will need to make training a priority in your day.

This is Version 2 of this plan, updated in March 2021.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

ASSESSMENTS

The plan includes 3 specific assessments and follow-on progressions. You’ll take these assessments multiple times over the 9 weeks:

BORTAC PFT – 300m Sprint, Push Ups, Sit Ups, Pull Ups, 1.5 Mile Run
6 Mile Ruck for Time – 45# Ruck, 10lb Rubber Rifle, Full Cammies/Boots
Swim Confidence – 500m Swim and 15 Min Water Tread

RUN/RUCK/SWIM PROGRESSIONS

The training plan includes scaled paces for your runs, ruck and swims. These paces are based on your assessment results from the assessments listed above. You’ll take these assessments multiple times throughout the plan. Use your latest assessment results for the subsequent training sessions.

We use interval training to train your run, rucking, and swimming fitness. The interval distances are shorter, and pace faster than the assessment distances and pace.

The running and ruck utilize the MTI Run Calculator, MTI Ruck Calculator, and MTI Swim Calculator which are embedded into the program. Simply input your latest assessment numbers, and the calculators will provide the assigned pace.

SOME ADVICE…

Be sure to do all the swimming required by the plan in full cammies. Tailor cammie trousers so they end at the ankle will make them much easier to swim/tread water in.
Test personal nutrition strategies as you work through the plan – you’ll need to refuel during many of these training session. Most proven are energy gels and electrolyte drinks. You need to find a gel or something else you can eat on the go and keep down under stress. Find the gel or product that works for you during this train up.
Ruck Intervals should be completed on a relatively flat surface (trails are better than roads). The longer rucks should be completed on varying terrain.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

This is a limited equipment training plan. Below is the required equipment.

Ruck with 45# of filler. Try to use clothing/equipment instead of a sandbag egg for familiarity with how the pack will sit on your frame.
60# Sandbag
Swimming Pool, Swimming Goggles
Waterproof Stopwatch with repeating countdown timer

COMMON QUESTIONS

What if I miss a day?
Don’t skip ahead. Start where you left off. The plan is progressive, and its training sessions designed to be completed in order.

What if I have less than 8 weeks before my selection date?
Still start at the beginning of this training plan anyway. Don’t skip ahead.

What if I have more than 8 weeks?
Email coach@mtntactical.com with the time you have and we will advise.

What if I can’t handle the training volume at first?
Building stamina and resilience is a key training goal of this plan, and physical and mental stamina is also key to completing the A&S. If you can’t handle the training volume at first, it’s better to cut training sessions short, rather than take unscheduled rest days.

What if I can’t make the prescribed reps for the bodyweight exercises, or the prescribed interval times for rucks?
Do your best, and be sure to do the total number of rounds, even if you can’t make the reps or the time. Don’t quit.

How do you count reps for Sandbag Getups, and Step ups?
Sandbag Getups – The prescribed rep count is total reps, so 50x Sandbag Getups at 60# sandbag = 50x total reps, 25x each shoulder.

What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.

Can I see sample training?
Yes. Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming.

How do I access the plan?
Access is online, via username and password. You can log in either through our website or through our app (Mtn Tactical Fitness) available for IOS and Android.

Can I print out sessions to take to the gym?
Yes – you can print a week of programming at a time.

More Questions? Email: coach@mtntactical.com

DISCLAIMER
Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your physician to ensure that you are in proper health. Physical training contains inherent risks including, but not limited to, muscle strains, tears, physical and bodily injury up to and including death. This training program is not meant to provide medical advice; you should obtain medical advice from your private health care practitioner. If you are unable to assume these risks then you should not engage in this training program. No liability is assumed by Mountain Tactical Institute, Inc, its owners or employees, and you train at your own risk. Mountain Tactical Institute makes no warranty, express or implied, of any kind in connection with this training program.

Required Equipment

This is a limited equipment training plan. Below is the required equipment.

Ruck with 45# of filler. Try to use clothing/equipment instead of a sandbag egg for familiarity with how the pack will sit on your frame.

60# Sandbag

Swimming Pool, Swimming Goggles

Waterproof Stopwatch with repeating countdown timer

Sample Training

Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:

MONDAY

SESSION 1

Obj: BORTAC PFT #1

Warm Up:

3 Rounds

200m Run (increase pace e/round)

10x Push Ups

10x Sit Ups

Instep Complex

Lat + Pec Stretch

Training

(1) 300m Sprint for time

Rest 5 Minutes

(2) Max Reps Push Ups in 2 minutes

Rest 2-3 Minutes

(3) Max Reps Sit Ups in 2

minutes

Rest 2-3 Minutes

(4) Max Reps Pull Ups

Rest 5 Minutes

(5) 1.5 Mile Run for Time

RECORD ALL SCORES & FINISH TIMES

Comments:

The BORTAC PFT is followed by the DHS Pistol Qualification Course. If able, practice dry firing the course after the PFT get accustomed to shooting while fatigued.

******************************

TUESDAY

SESSION 2

Obj: Ruck Assessment #1

Warm Up:

3 Rounds

200m Run

10x Push Ups

10x Sit Ups

Instep Complex

Lat + Pec Stretch

Training:

(1) 6 Mile Ruck for Time

Ruck loaded with 45# dry (no water weight) carrying a 10# rubber rifle or Sledge

RECORD FINISH TIME

(2) 2 Rounds

Toe Touch Complex

Hip Flexor Stretch
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back

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WEDNESDAY

SESSION 3

Obj: Water Confidence Assessment #1

Training:

(1) 500m Swim for Time (stroke of choice)

Rest 5 Minutes

(2) 15 Minute Water Tread in cammie top and bottom

RECORD SWIM TIME. WATER TREAD IS PASS/FAIL

******************************

THURSDAY

SESSION 4

Obj: Bodyweight Strength, Run Intervals

Warm Up:

3 Rounds

200m Run (increase pace e/round)

10x Push Ups

10x Sit Ups

Instep Complex

Lat + Pec Stretch

Training:

(1) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec.

30% of your Max Reps Push Ups from PFT #1

(2) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec.

30% of your Max Reps Sit Ups from

PFT #1

(3) 6 Rounds, every 75 sec.

30% of your Max Reps Pull Ups

from PFT #1

(4) 5 Rounds

100m Sprint

Walk back to start as your rest

(5) 6 Rounds

Run 400m at the “400m Interval

Pace” using your 1.5-mile Run Finish Time from PFT #1 and the MTI Running Calculator

Rest 2 Minutes between efforts

[calculator name="Run"]

Comments:

Example for Parts (1), (2): Say your SESSION 1 PFT Push Up score was 45. 30% of 45 = .3 x 45 = 13.5 or 14 push ups (round up). Set a repeating countdown timer for 75 seconds. On "go" complete 14 Push Ups. The faster you finish, the more rest you get before beginning the next round (at 75 seconds).

*********************************************************

PM SESSION

Obj: Ruck Intervals

Training:

(1) 3 Rounds

Ruck 2 Miles @ 45# (dry, no water weight) and 10# rubber rifle or sledge. Find your "2-Mile Interval Pace" using your Ruck Assessment #1 Finish Time and the MTI Rucking Calculator.

Rest 8 Minutes between efforts.

[calculator name="Ruck"]

(2) 2 Rounds

Toe Touch Complex

Hip Flexor Stretch
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back

******************************

FRIDAY

SESSION 5

Obj: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity

Warm Up:

3 Rounds

200m Run

10x Push Ups

10x Sit Ups

Instep Complex

Lat + Pec Stretch

Training:

(1) 5 Rounds

5x Renegade Manmakers @ 25# Dumbbells

10x Sandbag Back Squats @ 60#

40x Step Ups @ 15” Bench and 25# Ruck

(2) 4 Rounds at grind pace

5x Sandbag Get Up @ 60#

5x Kneeling Sandbag Half-moon @ 60#

10x Sandbag Good Morning @ 60#

5x Sandbag Cross Clean

******************************

SATURDAY

SESSION 6

Obj: Mini Event

Warm Up:

3 Rounds

200m Run (increase pace e/round)

10x Push Ups

10x Sit Ups

Instep Complex

Lat + Pec Stretch

Training:

(1) Minute 1-20, wearing

Individual Body Armor or 25#

Weight Vest or Back Pack ....

50x Step Ups @ 15" Box

Run 400m

(2) Minute 21-40 (no vest)

10x Sandbag Getup @ 60#

(Alternate shoulders each round)

Rope Climb or 8x Pull Ups

4x Prone to Sprint

(3) Minute 41-60 (no vest)

5x Renegade Man Makers @

25#

10x Pull Up Bar Heel Tap

Run 200m

1) Mission Direct

Gym numbers mean nothing. All that matters is mission performance.

To this end, MTI’s fitness solutions and programming are not boxed in by convention, tradition, orthodoxy, public opinion or any other artificial constraint driven by inside or outside forces.

We begin with the raw fitness demands of the mission and build a fitness solution which directly prepares the athlete for those demands.

2) Fitness Solutions Built from the Ground Up

MTI’s programming is not “re-tread” bodybuilding, football, CrossFit, kettlebell, strength or general fitness programming. We’ve built our fitness programming for mountain and tactical athletes from the ground up.

The Fluid Periodization methodology we deploy to concurrently train multiple fitness attributes is completely original and has continued to evolve and improve over the years.

Our mid-section training methodology, Chassis Integrity, is also original, as is our endurance programming, 7 strength training progressions, tactical agility, and work capacity programming.

Our mountain sports pre-season training plans, tactical PFT, selection, school, course, and fitness improvement training plans across military, LE and Fire Rescue are MTI-developed, tested and athlete-proven.

Over the years hundreds of athletes and coaches have taken our advanced programming and unit fitness leader programming courses and MTI is widely recognized within the mountain and tactical professions and fitness media as a thought leader in fitness programming for military and tactical athletes.

3) The MTI Method

→ Research: MTI begins program design with extensive research of the fitness demands of the mission, sport or event, identifies the exercises and progressions which sport-specifically meet those demands, chose end-of-cycle goals, and program backward to design the training plan.

→ Deploy & Assess: We deploy the training plan “Lab Rats” at our Wyoming facility. Training session and cycle issues are identified and fixed as we work through the training plan. Post cycle we assess the programming’s effectiveness and efficiency. We keep the stuff that works, and fix or toss the stuff that doesn’t.

→ Publish & Assess Again: Plan is published for purchase as an individual training plan and made available to our subscribers. Feedback/results are assessed.

→ Iterate: We take what we learn from lab rats and athletes, re-visit, update and improve already published training plans. Several of our individual training plans are on their 4th or 5th version.

4) Mission-Direct Research

MTI exists to “Improve Mountain and Tactical Athletes mission performance and keep them safe.” To that end, we have developed a unique research methodology aimed at identifying real world areas of improvement and identifying immediately deployable mission-direct solutions. Click HERE to learn more about MTI’s Mission-Direct Research methodology, and Here to read about just few of our research efforts.

5) Field Proven

Our stuff works. Weekly we receive unsolicited reviews of our programming and testimonials to its effectiveness.

6) Programming Breadth

MTI’s library of 200+ sport-specific fitness plans for mountain and tactical athletes is unmatched. Resources range from specific programming for tactical special forces selections, to specific plans for climbing Rainier and Denali, to general fitness solutions such as running improvement, to post-rehab from injury.

Over the past decade, MTI has partnered with hundreds of athletes throughout their individual mountain and tactical careers, and provided fitness solutions as they face new mountain objectives, tactical schools, selections, PFTs and deployments, and came back from injury.

7) Worldwide Influence

Our work is not limited to US Athletes.

We’ve developed selection-specific training plans for Canadian, UK, Australian and German Special Forces Selections and worked with individual military personnel from Scandinavia, South, and Central America.

Canadian, Australian, UK and western European law enforcement and fire/rescue athletes have used MTI programming for mission-direct fitness.

On the mountain side, Alpinists from Japan to Slovakia have consulted with MTI and used MTI’s programming to prepare for mountain objectives.

8) Mission Performance beyond Fitness

MTI’s exists is to improve Mission Performance for mountain and tactical athletes and keep them safe.

This focus on “mission direct” solutions, enhancements and improvements drives our work and research and extends beyond fitness solutions to include training, leadership, gear, team culture, and safety.

Fitness is just one area of our work.

Our non-fitness research has included tactical cultures, combat uniforms, and gore-tex performance, and effect of stress on marksmanship.

Our work on defining what it means to be a Quiet Professional has had penetrating influence and driven healthy conversations with both mountain and tactical professionals.

9) Direct, Honest, Clear Answers

Since 2007 we’ve taken and answered dozens of questions weekly from mountain and tactical athletes. We’ve saved these individual Q&A’s and now thousands are archived on our site.

We’re not salesmen, and our answers are noted for their directness, honesty, and clarity. Our stuff isn’t for everyone. If we can help, we’ll let you know. If we can’t, we’ll let you know that, too.

– Rob Shaul, Founder

All of the Above is Backed Up By Our Promise: Our Stuff Works. Guaranteed.

Our Stuff Works. Guaranteed.

By Rob Shaul

I received notes frequently from athletes hesitant to purchase a subscription or training plans asking me to sell them on why they should make the purchase.

While I understand the question, I’m not a salesman – so I can’t put a hard sale on anyone for our programming.

I can tell them the process we go through to design our programming.

We begin with extensive research on the fitness demands of the event, identify the exercises and progressions which sport specifically meet those demands, chose end-of-cycle goals, and program backward to design the plan.

Then we test the cycle on ourselves and our lab rats here in Wyoming. We document, note what works and doesn’t work, re-assess, and make changes and modifications.

Then we publish the programming in the form of one of our plans or as part of our subscription daily training sessions for tactical and mountain athletes.
We don’t stop there – our daily programming is the “tip of the spear” for our programming evolution. We use these sessions to learn and make continuous improvement.

As we learn more and improve, we go back, and update the sport-specific training plans on the website. For example, we’re currently on Version 5 of our Ruck Based Selection Training Plan and Version 3 of our Dryland Ski Training Plan and Version 4 of our Big Game Back Country Hunting Training Plan.

We understand our programing isn’t cheap, but we believe it’s a great value. The $79 for the Ruck Based Selection Training Plan, and $39 for the Dryland Ski Training Plan reflect the, research, work, innovative theory, iteration, testing and feedback we’ve put in and received to make these plans effective.

All that matters for us is outside performance, and we feel strongly that Our Stuff Works in the real world.

Here’s our guarantee:

1) Individual Training Plan Purchase:
If you purchase an individual training plan, follow it as prescribed before your season/event/pft/selection, and if you don’t feel you were physically ready for your season/event/pft/selection, and/or didn’t see dramatic improvements in your early season performance, we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

2) Athlete’s Subscription
If you purchase an Athletes’ Subscription, follow the training sessions as prescribed, and are not satisfied with the quality of the programming, notify us within 30 days of purchase, and we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

Questions?
Email: rob@mtntactical.com

COMMON QUESTIONS:

Do you have any reviews or testimonials from athletes who have used your Athlete’s Subscription
Yes. Click HERE.

Is it true you guarantee your stuff works?
Yes. If you purchase an Athletes’ Subscription, follow the training sessions as prescribed, and are not satisfied with the quality of the programming, notify us within 30 days of purchase, and we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

How is MTI programming different than CrossFit?
This is a common question. Read our answer HERE.

You have a lot of competitors. Why should I choose MTI?
MTI is driven to improve mountain and tactical athletes’ mission performance and keep them safe. This emphasis and focus on mission performance sets us apart. Read about more that sets us apart HERE.

If I purchase a plan or subscription, how do I access the programming?
All of our plans are online, accessible via username and password.
You can log in through our →Website or Mobile App →IOS and Android.

Do you have downloadable .pdf’s of the training plans?
No. But you can print the programming, by week, from your browser. You access individual training plans online via a username and password.

Do you have a mobile app?
Yes, we do. Available for IOS and Android.

What is the difference between purchasing an individual training plan, packet of plans or an Athlete’s Subscription?

Plan – Like purchasing the DVD of the first Star Wars movie. You own it forever, including any updates we make to the plan.
Packet – Like purchasing the DVD’s of all the Star Wars movies. You own them forever, including any updates we make to the plans.
Athlete’s Subscription – Like subscribing to Netflix. You get access to all 200+ plan in our library, but lose access if you unsubscribe.

If I purchase an Athletes Subscription Can I cancel on my own, anytime?
Yes.

Do I have to contact MTI to cancel or can I do it myself?
You can do it yourself. Instructions HERE.

If I purchase a subscription and have questions about where to start or what plans(s) to use for my goals, will you help?
Yes. We answer dozens of training questions from athletes weekly. Email coach@mtntactical.com.

If you add new plans or update existing plans after I subscribe will I have access to them?
Yes. We are continuously adding training plans and packets (2-5/month) and updating plans. With your subscription you’ll have access to all new plans, new courses and plan updates.

What Equipment is Required?
Click the “Required Equipment” tab to find out what equipment is required for the specific plan you are interested in.

Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run and Ruck Calculators are listed as exercises.

What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.

Can I see sample training?
Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming. You are encouraged to do it before purchasing.

What if I have more questions?
Email rob@mtntactical.com

Testimonials

I purchased the BORTAC selection plan a few months ago and it was great preparation for selection. I thought the track repeats and workouts for rounds were well thought out.

A couple portions I especially liked were the 300m shuttle because although it was short it really allows athletes to bring on the suck.

I also thought the increasing ruck difficulty with the sledge was a good preview to selection in the difficulty of the rucks. The sledge simulated carrying a rifle and helped with other grip strength evolutions during selection.

A couple things I would alter - the sand bag get ups. I'm not very good at them I'll admit but wasn't able to get enough reps in to make the workout worth it for me so I often substituted those with dumbbell thrusters or body builders etc.

The other thing I would change is the swim days. The hypoxic training, underwaters, and treading translated well and I'm thinking the swim days were also intended to be active recovery days but I think more volume (and if done safely drown proofing/ water confidence, but I can understand MTI not endorsing these higher risk exercises) would assist guys pass the pool portion.

Overall I think this is a great plan and it worked for me!

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I just got selected for BORTAC! I finished your BTC Selection program that I had purchased a couple of years ago and it did the job.

Thanks for everything, and I look forward to taking a programming course from you in the future.

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