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Prior to starting this program I finished the 8 week train up found on the go army SOF website.  This made me think I would be able to skip the military on boarding plan, but I decided against it and started the program from day 1.  I’m super thankful I did I already feel like I have gotten both faster and stronger in the four weeks I’ve done this program.  The ruck runs are a killer workout and definitely something I hadn’t done before that makes a huge difference.  Keep up the good work and thank you for producing an amazing product.

Dear Rob and MTI Team:
It’s been about one year since I signed up for the Athlete’s subscription with Mountain Tactical. I’ve now finished BDFG 1 and 2, Mountain Base Helen and Artemis, SF45, and currently in the last week of Body Weight foundation. I’ve also fixed my diet, lost 30 pounds, and have started climbing again. With all the running work in these programs, I’ve found that I can now run a 10k on the trail with little pain. So I’ve signed up for a trail 10k in February (something I’ve never done before).  I’ve seen a lot of success with this program and I appreciate all the hard work you and others have put into this. Thanks for all you do and I wish you and your team all success in the coming year.

Thanks for all your work with MTI. I’ve been using it for years since I was a cadet at West Point, in preparation for Ranger School in 2015, and for RASP II in 2018. Also used it to run multiple 50k races and a couple marathons. Also used parts of your plan inconsistently while forward deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2019. I’m out of the Army now, but I was consistently fit in the right ways while I was in. Not a better, more straightforward workout system.

I to have to admit I was extremely skeptical about following one of your programs. When I first looked at it and saw 1000 weighted step-ups a day before a 10 mile ruck I almost changed it. However, I swallowed my pride and told myself to try it first. So I did, and I feel incredibly strong on my long rucks. I have always taken pride in planning my own fitness plans. I was always good about setting a goal and working hard to achieve it. As I look back now as a fifty-six year old man achieving my physical goals hasn’t always been a positive aspect in my life. In the Marines always pushed my self to score a perfect 300 on PFT’s. In my my 30s and 40’s I was always focused on running certain time, or lifting certain amount. All these physical goals took a toll on my body and personal life. I have had more knee surgeries than I can count, and by the time I was 50 I had a full knee replacement. The feeling realizing my physical way of life had to change was very depressing at first, but now I see it as a blessing. I just focus on what I can and not what I shouldn’t do now. I want thank you for this program, it has been just what I need physically and mentally. I can’t wait to start another one after completing this one. Keep up the good work.

Operator Sessions: I completed Pulaski recently and it helped me to finally reach 400lbs on deadlift, as well as 2 other PRs.  Thanks for the work you and your team continue to do.  Have a great Friday!

My wife used your programming for her flight at her USAF First Sergeant’s course. Your stuff works. She and her team won Fit Flight.

MOUNTAIN WARFARE SCHOOL

I emailed you several months ago as I prepared to attend the USMC’s Winter Mountain Leaders Course. I ended up getting pushed to a later class for admin reasons, but I got home this past weekend after graduating and wanted to send my thanks for an outstanding plan that prepared me well for the course.

I had never skied before the course, and I did not pick it up very quickly, so once we put rucks on I fell a LOT. Having a different Marine fall every few minutes during movements dramatically slowed our pace down, and the problem was only compounded after several failed attempts to stand up in the powder resulted in the “victim” having to go through the lengthy process of wiggling out from under his ruck, sometimes removing his skis to get his legs in a better position, removing his sled harness, getting up, and re-donning all his gear. I was so grateful for all the chassis integrity work included in the plan – it allowed me to at least keep our halt time to a minimum whenever I fell because I was always able to get up quickly without removing any gear. I seriously benefited from the endless step-ups included in the plan as well – during individual movements I was able to make up the time lost from having shitty downhill technique and falling a lot by consistently taking long uphills much faster than most other students. Most importantly, I was able to cope with the mental fatigue of operating in very cold weather for extended periods of time because I was never too physically tired to maintain a clear head.

I saw you were in Hawaii right before we graduated, sorry I missed it hopefully you’ll come back to MCBH again soon. Thanks again for the work you and your team do.

BUD/s TRAINING PLAN

“Just wanted to tell y’all I am loving the program. I purchased the BUD/S V2 program and have been sticking to it strictly with my training partner and we just took our week 4 assessment on Monday and both of us scored our personal bests in every event. I am now passing every part of the PST to get a SEAL contract except for the swim. But I’m confident by the end of week 8 I will be passing EVERY section. Thank y’all for putting together a simple, effective program that makes it easy to follow along and become 1% better each day. Keep up the great work, you are helping me get closer every day to my lifelong goal.

BUD/s TRAINING PLAN

“Just wanted to update you on the success I’ve been having so far. Last I emailed you I was starting humility. I’ve since finished that and am on week 4 of valor + swim improvement (part of the BUD/S training packet). Humility was a great program, the biggest improvement for me was cutting my two-mile down from a 13:50 to a 12:10. I’m really enjoying valor and am experiencing great strength gains, as well as increases in work capacity.

Thank you again for all the hard work MTI does.”

PSYOPS ASSESSMENT & SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“I have been emailing you back and forth for about 4 years now and thanks to you I was physically ready for Army Ranger school and earned my tab. And now at 32 years old your plans and one on one advice have got me to pass Army PSYOP selection. I was SELECTED! Thank you for all your help and advice. Any chance I get I tell guys to look into MTI. Again thank you for all you do and keep pushing!”

USAF TACP TRAINING PLAN

“I just wanted to reach out and update you that I not only finished the 116th ASOS TAAP (TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY ASSESSMENT AND ASCENSION PROGRAM) but I was selected. The group started with 6 men, 4 of us finished and after the interviews only 3 of us will move on to the pipeline for the Air Guard Unit. It was 4 days of grueling work, pain I had never experienced. It was my first military selection and it was brutal, very cold and miserable. But by following your TACP program, I was the fastest runner and fastest rucker. As a matter of fact, in the 4 mile pass/fail test, I actually lapped the entire class with a load of well above 80 pounds including helmet, rifle and LBV.  I was the only person in selection with no military experience but I was able to cope with the stress and never ending smoke sessions by following your TACP plan. It most certainly gave me an edge over the prior military ARMY/NAVY/AIR FORCE guys. I’m switching to the Big 24 plan as the cadre want me on a strength cycle prior to the pipeline to get me stronger. I have no doubt in my mind that I will crush the pipeline.”

ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (APFT)

“I wanted to send my sincere thanks for putting together such amazing plans. I’ve been using your APFT and Virtue series plans in conjunction for the last few months and just maxed my first record ACFT, getting 600 total points. It wouldn’t have been possible without your plans.”

“Hey guys and gals, I have recently seen a lot of haters commenting on your posts and workouts and kind of wanted to help out but also wanted to write a thank you for a while.  I’d like to thank you guys for what you do and prove those haters wrong by telling you how helpful you actually are.  From a military perspective all you do is great.  I read most of the overviews of all your workouts almost like it’s a book.  End state for all them is functionality which I believe is almost more important than drinking water.  I have taken part in and completed a few of your workouts.  Taking part meaning life got in the way of completing.  I have done BIG 24, RAT 6, APFT (about 4 times), Valor, been a part of you operator sessions a few times, and probably a few more but those are off the top of my head. I have also followed Crossfit a few years and have completed about a years worth of sealift workouts.  My biggest reason for continuing to follow you guys is the need to not think “what’s my workout today?”.  I have gained enough trust in your will to serve the best workouts from the best research that you do.  I have been in the military 11 years now, from combat arms going through some schools, taking many APFTs, and to now being a pilot with a family and little to no time to think about what my workouts are going to be.  Please continue to do what you do.  I still look for the questions/kudos posts you guys do, I hope you are getting them.  Wish I could send a picture of my dirty, overused military athlete hat that has been through the majority of my workouts.  God Bless.” V/R      –  Your friendly neighborhood Blackhawk pilot

“I stumbled across mountain/military athlete in 2011 while deployed. One of my good friends was following the operator sessions and I decided to tag along. Since that time I have completed the ruck based selection work out, SFOD plan V1, APFT prep, UBRR prep, and the Afghan pre deployment workout.  No matter the challenge, I always find myself adequately prepared when using a military athlete program. From general fitness, to sport or training specific preparation, The military athlete sessions are always well designed and have never been the weak point for me!   Thanks for everything you guys do to provide the best workouts”

“Around 2012 I ended up dealing with a torn pec muscle and dislocated shoulder while I was deployed to Afghanistan.  Through some rehabilitation with the Army and a long period of time of attempting to get back into shape, I saw that I was not going anywhere.  I attempted different workout programs to no avail, I was getting in shape in other ways but my pec muscle still saw significant strength loss.  I attempted rehabilitation one more time, but to no avail.  I had pretty much given up trying to get back into shape at all.

That was until I found the awesome programs and individuals at the Mountain Tactical Institute.  I had emailed Rob with some questions, thinking I would not hear anything for quite some time, but I was pleasantly surprised to find an email with helpful answers to my questions.  I started with the Military Ramp-Up program and through hard work and a simple, yet sophisticated, program I began to see real results for the first time in years.  I am now on the Virtue program and have plans to return to the military as an officer.

I can not thank Rob and the Mountain Tactical Institute enough for their assistance with bringing a 31 year old vet another opportunity to find glory.”

“I wanted to say thank you for all of the work you and your team have put into your programs. I just recently finished the TLU strength program and I had great results with it. I have been in EOD for 12 years with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and I have spent most of my career researching and trying different fitness programs to find the best way to prepare my body. I wish I found out about your company sooner because so far I think your programming is the best I have tried. A large number of guys in my career field have been severely disabled by injuries from years of deployments. I think a lot of those injuries could have been avoided if we were training properly. We have finally opened our eyes to the need for effective mission focused training but unfortunately that sort of programming is not that easy to come by. A friend of mine recommended your company and when I began to research your products I realized it was exactly what I needed. I will be recommending your company to everyone that will listen to me. Hopefully the research and time you guys have put in can better prepare this new generation of military for the future.”

“I just wanted to thank you for the years of knowledge I’ve been getting from you guys. I used the rasp plan with success a few years ago and then used many other plans in between and I followed the ranger school plan as much as I was able to before going to school. I went straight through with no recycles and even met some guys there that we’re talking about rob Shaul and caught my attention. They followed your programming and did the same thing. I’m with first ranger battalion, 75th ranger regiment”

“I have used almost every one of you strength programs, a good number of your endurance programs and some limited equipment programs in every environment imaginable.  Aboard ship, while deployed and while back in the states.  In my 17 years as a military professional the MTI training plans and methodology are head and shoulders above anything else I have found.  They avoid repetition long enough so the individual does not get bored with the plan and most importantly they show results and are sustainable.”

“Excellent programs. As a combat engineer first sergeant I look at a lot of training plans from my platoon sergeants. Some are awesome others suck. A few months ago one of my guys brought one of your plans to the training meeting and I said run with it. The APFT average in his platoon has increased 15 points. So I knew when I was looking for a change this winter MTI was the place to look.”

“I just want to thank you for all the help and for the quick responses. Every time I have emailed in I have gotten a quick response. I have done a couple of plans that you have put out(valor, resilience, ruck based selection) and they have all been amazing. Thank your for your dedication to the military as well. You definitely make my job easier as a Squad leader for PT.  Thanks for everything.”

“I am sending this email to let you know that after completing several of your training programs, I have been successful with a difficult Army course. I graduate from the Sapper Leader Course tomorrow. Your programs have changed my life when y comes to PT, and I want to personally thank you for all the hard work and dedication you and Mountain Tactical puts forth.”

“I want to thank you for what you do. I’m 45 and an active duty Marine. I took my CFT today and scored a 291. I’ve used a couple of your plans and I really appreciate your approach. I told the young guys that I may not be as fast or reliable as I was 20 years ago, but I feel a lot better every day. I also enjoy your blog posts and outlook.”

“I’ve been following your site and methodology since 2008, when I discovered Military Athlete.  Its deployed with me to Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, on ships and across the world!  I’m a USMC Infantry Officer and love how much your program and site has developed over time. I cancelled my subscription because I tore my ACL skiing this season; I’ll renew my subscription in a couple months once I’m cleared from the PT.  I had my surgery a couple days ago. In the mean time I’m catching up with essays on MTI. Thanks for your diligence, passion, and care you have put into MTI. It’s truly a benefit to so many.”

“I just want to say the MTI program is absolutely awesome. I recently retired from Canadian Armed Forces and was looking for the same sort of high intensity programs that we would do for morning PT.  The access to workouts and the exercise video guides are great. Family and friends have noticed a positive change in my physique in the last couple months and I can attribute that to the programs. Been recommending you guys to all my buddies who are still in and to all those who are struggling with fitness goals during COVID.”

“The Operator Sessions have kept me relatively strong, fitter than my peers, and injury free for almost an entire career. I’m 15+ years SOF officer. Now my work is far less physically demanding as I spend most of my time behind a desk and not in the field. Such is life, I suppose. I should probably transition over to your SF45 series, but pride won’t let me. I typically had been doing 3-4 sessions a week, but since March have the time to do 6 sessions a week. I know a little more than you recommend, but I tend to get irritable on “rest days” and find the escape to the gym helps to balance me out.”

“I just wanted to say I love the operator programming. I’m from Australia, I’m no SF / Infantry soldier, however I do have command of troops and recommend all your programs to anyone that will listen. Your programs have been my consistent personal programming for the last four years and have helped keep me performing better across the board than many of my subordinates and peers.

Please keep it up, I love the work you guys are doing and would be keen to train with you one day should I be out your neck of the woods.”

Rob, I have followed your advice for a long time and have attempted and completed many of the programs.  I was a Force Recon Marine and Special Operator for 38 years.  I had over 65 months of combat and was wounded twice.  In my second career, I track down runaway juveniles and cold cases for law enforcement.  I have found over 300 kids all over the Northwest.

At age 62, I remain “hard to kill” because of the MTN Tactical way of life.  You have given me great advice – directly through email and in your updates and programs.  You told me to be the lightest I could be and remain strong and functional.  I dropped from 220# and 9-10% body fat to 205# and 5-7% and even with 2 hip replacements I feel as good as I ever have.  You were a MAJOR factor in that realization and result. I am heading to Africa as a Contractor to assist in an operation. I am familiar with the area.  I am very fit right now (I was getting ready for elk season) so I am good to go.  I am good to go because I follow your programs and methodology.  I just did a 10 minute SB Getup test and got a PR of 65.  I was ready to hunt and – though heading to a different place and hunting something different – I am ready for the mission. Rob, you remain a big part of my workout ethos.  Keep doing what you are doing.  Good luck in bow season as well.  This old leatherneck goes forward MTN Tactical fit into the fray.  Semper Fidelis

This off-season, I finished three programs:

1. Hypertrophy For Skinny Guys (to gain some weight back after a long season). 2. Ultimate Work Capacity. 3. Hotshot Pre-season This is my second off-season with MTI and I have loved it.

At 29, I and confident in saying its the fittest I have ever been. I set new personal records in all of my lifts, runs, and rucks.  I will absolutely be coming back once the season is over to rebuild and get fitter.

Thank you to Rob and your team for what you do, it works and we all benefit from it.  I just wanted to say thank you. I had been looking for something like this for a while and simultaneously forgot everything about “militaryathlete” which I used before in the military. I’m a veteran and was in Group but now living in Montana staying recreationally and athletically competitive while finishing my Econ. degree.

I have to say I was feeling really shorthanded using SEALFit which I was more familiar with in the past. But it’s always needed more and at the risk of flak from its supporters, it is nowhere near the full package for being a complete functional military athlete – on a conventional or SOF level.

More importantly though, I appreciate the extremely direct, clear and concise communication from the start. This is a problem with your competitors and something that your company prevails in. I don’t have to find myself going between different pages or platforms trying to figure things out. It’s simple and effective.

Please keep up the great work and I will continue to proudly subscribe!

Really appreciate what you do and the mindset & fitness you arm athletes with.

I served 22 years with Ranger Regiment, 1st SFG and the SMU at Ft. Bragg. I followed your programs on and off since 2009 and working out with a MARSOC Buddy who was a mil athlete fan.

I ran several of the programs you train guys for and respect the mental & physical resilience your programs arm candidates with. Even if they don’t make selection, they are fitter, tougher soldiers due to your programs.

Thanks for all the hard work and service to the fitness community.  I recommend your programs and subscriptions to every Soldier, NCO, and Officer I come by.  Great for ‘hazing new lieutenants’!

I wanted to say kudos and thank you for the work you do putting together all the plans/sessions.  I’ve used your programming on and off since being introduced while on deployment to Afghanistan ~2011 (operator sessions, Rat 6, APFT improvement, bodyweight foundation, etc.) and it’s been great.

Wanted to say thanks for the help over the last few years. Just began pipeline training for Air Force special warfare after your training programs got me in shape and ready enough to pass AFSPECWAR Assessment and Selection. I’ll be at tech schools for the next several months, but look forward to coming back to MTI in the future. You can count on me to spread the good word.

I wanted to reach out and thank you all for the exceptional training plans. I recently completed SFAS and am thankful to say I was selected. I followed a handful of training plans with the lead up time I had, including Humility, Fortitude, Valor and the Ruck-based plan. I think they all prepared me well with a base of strength and thought the Ruck-based plan did a tremendous job. I finished in the top 10 in all of our rucks and felt very comfortable under the weight for land nav week as well. Also, I found the sandbag work to be very beneficial and had direct correlation to success within a couple events throughout SFAS.

I started MTI programming a little over a year ago to supplement my training throughout Army BCT -> OCS -> IBOLC -> Ranger. I began your programming just as I was starting OCS, and tried my best to keep it up throughout the rest of my Army training. Where it paid dividends was the lead up to IBOLC. I completed Humility just as IBOLC was getting started, and it put me at the front of my class for our RPAs (Ranger Physical Assessment). Humility took my 5 mile from low 34s down to 30:15, finishing consistently top 3 in my class. All of my peers throughout OCS and IBOLC would hear me rave about MTI programming, and a few said they hopped on board as well.

I to have to admit I was extremely skeptical about following one of your programs. When I first looked at it and saw 1000 weighted step-ups a day before a 10 mile ruck I almost changed it. However, I swallowed my pride and told myself to try it first. So I did, and I feel incredibly strong on my long rucks. I have always taken pride in planning my own fitness plans. I was always good about setting a goal and working hard to achieve it. As I look back now as a fifty-six year old man achieving my physical goals hasn’t always been a positive aspect in my life. In the Marines always pushed my self to score a perfect 300 on PFT’s. In my my 30s and 40’s I was always focused on running certain time, or lifting certain amount. All these physical goals took a toll on my body and personal life. I have had more knee surgeries than I can count, and by the time I was 50 I had a full knee replacement. The feeling realizing my physical way of life had to change was very depressing at first, but now I see it as a blessing. I just focus on what I can and not what I shouldn’t do now. I want thank you for this program, it has been just what I need physically and mentally. I can’t wait to start another one after completing this one. Keep up the good work.

UBBR

“Just wanted to give my thoughts and opinions on your UBRR prep.

First test scores:

Age 30 BW 220

Bench 175 20

Pushups 53

Situps 40

Pullups 17

Dips 27

Rope pass

Kipp up 10 (grip)

4×25m sprint 21sec

5mile ruck 62min

Score 1,215

Finale score:

Age 30 BW 222

Bench 225 25

Pushup 63

Situps 43

Pullups 22

Dips 33

Rope pass

Kipp up 13

4x25m 18sec

5min ruck 55 min easy (very hot 90°)

Score 1,408

I made some modifications (dread of any program author.) I increased the bench to BW in training and in testing (225.) Also dropped the shuttle sprint training to 50m or 2x25m I found that I was pacing myself with the full 100m and that my time decreased in my second test (week 3) by going shorter I stayed very explosive and pushed harder. I feel it helped.

Limiting factor of my situps was speed of movement I can do high 70’s in 2min. I tried moving fast in training but little change on test day. Grip was my limiting factor on the Kipp ups I started incorporating dead hangs for 10sec after my work sets during the rounds, but only for the last two weeks of the program. I feel if I had done this early it may have helped much more.

The ruck was easy and I paced do to the temperature. Body felt fine and I recovered well from day to day. Obviously I made improvements overall to my score. You gentleman have a good day and keep up the good work.”

HUMILITY

“Wicked kudos on the Humility program. I just finished it (okay, I finished it over a month ago and I’m mostly through Big 24 now, but still), and I gotta say you couldn’t have picked a better name for it.

Some background – I’m a 27 year old male, 6’0” 195 lbs, never been more than an average athlete, but with a decent amount of hands-on experience with fitness in and out of the gym. Prior to Humility I’d been doing a lot of traditional heavy lifting exercises in the gym, and I hadn’t done any serious cardio since finishing a GORUCK Heavy in May 2015. I looked at the Humility plan and figured, “Hey, what’s the worst it could be. Just body weight stuff and light dumbbells and maybe some running.”

I’m an idiot. The program didn’t make me any less of an idiot, but it did harden me up and grant me a little, er, humility. The running was a little rough at the start, but Tuesdays were my worst days b far. Usually I’d be totally burned up before I finished the quadzilla-Scotty Bob-pullups sets, thanks to the burpee sets that preceded them. The other days weren’t much better – seven miles was the most I’d run all at once in a long, long time, for instance, and it only went up from there. But I’ll be damned if I’m a quitter.

Overall, I ended up seeing substantial improvement on just about everything, with the exception of the pullups (max: 20 to max: 21 after 7 weeks, a whopping 5% increase), which I admittedly kind of slacked off on. Won’t do that again, I promise. The biggest benefit was the hardening that came from punishing my body, and I mean really challenging it, outside the sterile air-conditioned increasingly soccer-mom-populated environment of the gym. Humility did to me what I haven’t been able to do to myself for some time now, and for that I thank you fine people at MTI.

Big 24 is no joke, either, but I’m missing the daily ass-kicking that Humility gave me so I’m moving on to Fortitude after I’m done here in a week or so. Thanks again and Kudos on the good work.”

RANGER SCHOOL

“Just graduated from Ranger school today. I just want to tell you that following your planning was something that settled me up for success.

I just med recicle Darby because one level 2 ankle sprain but I was able to recover in 2 weeks and be back on the game going straight through the end.

Awesome plans and insight.

RLTW”

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“Just finished SFAS, and I can’t thank MTI enough for the prep plan and all of your hard work (lab rats included!) I was selected and can confidently say your ruck based selection prep was a HUGE part of that.  Now that selection is finished, I still have airborne and waiting on Q course dates. I’m looking at 6-8 month window until the Q.  Thanks for everything you guys rock!”

GRATITUDE

“As a follow up, I completed the long biathlon and used Gratitude as my training base.  A few deviations to tailor it more towards this event and my weaknesses:  1)  All runs were done with 27 # (plate carrier and hydration pack) 2)  My Long runs were longer than prescribed, longest being 14 miles (I’m accustomed to running with weight so wasn’t concerned about the extra stress)  3) During the last 2-3 weeks I integrated rifle/pistol dry practice into the grinds since that mimicks shooting done in a biathlon.

Loved the program, less physically intense than Humility but perhaps mentally harder, i.e., knowing you have to do 45 minutes of KB swings and 75m shuttles can wear on your mind.

Little scared going into this event because I won it last year but trained heavily on running.  This time I didn’t run near as much.  No problem on race day, felt strong throughout and shot very consistent, 1 of only a few competitors that cleared all 14 stages.  Did a negative split on the 2nd ½ and outran the 2nd place competitor by 21 minutes and took 1st place again.

Next up is a Kentucky 10k biathlon, I’ve chosen SWAT H&K to prepare for it.  Will keep you posted.

Thanks for all you do.”

HUMILITY

“I finished up Humility recently and I have to say it was a pretty spectacular program. Other than wearing the vest for the hand-release push ups and the pull ups as you recommended, the only change I made was that I started doing the long runs at the end of the week at a moderate pace instead of an easy one. It felt better.

I went from a 14:05 2-mile to a (hilly) 12:39. The final 10-mile run I averaged 7:29min/mi. The fall weather helped. I saw improvement across the board on my bodyweight exercises, to include increasing the 25lb pull ups from 13 to 15 reps by the end of the program. I now understand the hardening effect described in the overview, too. Reading through many of the MTI programs could be intimidating at first, now virtually everything seems very doable or like something I could adapt to.

While I still think Military On-Ramp was a good build up into it, I think Humility is the program to really get people rolling. I’d recommend it to anyone fit enough to make it through the first week.”

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“I just recently returned from SFAS this weekend and wanted to reach back out to MTI to say thanks for the quality training program and for making the coaches so accessible throughout the process. I’m happy to report that I was selected and felt great throughout the course. I was able to continue performing long into the course when so many of my peers began to deteriorate. I’m taking a week off and then getting right back after it in preparation for the Q Course. The grip training, heavy rucks, and run/ruck intervals were the key pieces that I believe made me overall successful. Again, thanks to you and the MTI crew for pointing us in the right direction and making our goals obtainable.”

PIRATE PACKET

“I’m an Army EOD tech. I first encountered your training programs when a Navy Chief, one of my instructors in EOD school decided to take over or PT program. He put us through some hellish PT sessions but at the end of it he had whipped us into pretty great shape. I asked him where he got his inspiration for the sessions he bestowed on us and he directed me to you fine gentlemen. I love your programming, I use it prescribed and as inspiration for my own programming new ways to approach exercises and fitness as a whole. Bottom line, the point of this email is to just say thanks for the great resources! “

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“Completed your Ruck Based Selection Program in the weeks leading up to my SFAS date earlier this month. I definitely felt prepared for everything that was thrown at me during the course and was luckily ‘Selected’ to top it off. Just wanted to say thanks for the knowledge and work that is poured into your programs. Without them I don’t know how well I would have done.”

SFRE TRAINING PLAN

“I just completed the Best Warrior for the state of Arkansas utilizing your SFRE program. I won the competition and after the last event within 10mins felt like I could complete another event if I had to! Thanks to you guys for the program!”

RANGER SCHOOL TRAINING PLAN

“I just graduated Ranger School after 62 days and I would like to take a moment to thank both you and your team for helping to make that happen. I have been using your programs since December, 2016. Following a knee surgery in May, I used the post rehab leg injury training, Valor, Resilience, Gratitude, and finally the Ranger School plan to get me in the physical shape necessary to finish at the top of my class in IBOLC and spend the least amount of time in Ranger School. Specifically, I felt that the heavy focus on Chassis Integrity and durability work helped me move through without issue while many of my peers complained about their knees and backs. I look forward to starting your Afghanistan pre-deployment plan in preparation for my unit’s upcoming rotation overseas, as well as more of the school-specific plans as I progress in my career. Thank you again!”

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“I want to start off by saying thank you. Your Ruck Based Selection Program is an excellent training regimen. I attended SFAS last month and was selected! Your Ruck Based Selection Program helped immensely. I felt more than adequately prepared for the rigors of SFAS.

I know the MTI team is always modifying their training programs and looking for ways to improve. I am by no means an expert in physical fitness but I do have a few layman’s comments that may help out in future versions of the Ruck Based Selection Program.

1. After the first two weeks of the program I cut out the IBA runs altogether. I personally felt that I needed more recovery time during the program and to my knowledge there are no IBA runs during selection itself. I am sure you have good reasons for including loaded runs during the program, but I felt better prepared to conduct the rucks and unloaded runs after cutting out the IBA runs. After going through selection I feel like this was the right call in my case.

2. Prior to SFAS I felt like I was not getting enough APFT and distance running work. This fear turned out to be unfounded as I ended up scoring 300 on the SFAS APFT and ran the fastest 2-mile of my career!

3. The sandbag-based work capacity events were absolutely perfect training for Team Week at SFAS. In hindsight I would even consider progressively ramping up the weight of the sandbag from 60 to 100ish pounds. Candidates carry enormous amounts of weight on their backs during team week and I feel that the sandbag-based strength workouts correspond very well to those events.

4. The long rucks on Saturdays can seem extreme during the program but they are the most critical events to prepare for SFAS. I would encourage anyone preparing for SFAS to not cut these rucks short, because they will be rucking even further during selection.

Thanks again for developing this program. I hope the comments help out!”

GREEK HERO PACKET

“I have been dabbling in the Greek Hero Fitness Plans for about a year now. I completed Hector, Perseus, and Achilles and then randomly gave myself an APFT plus an UBRR and an 18 mile Ruck in the course of about a week. I scored a 296, crushed the minimums of UBRR, and a 4:51:00 on 18 mile with @ 60lbs (Finish not Win pace). It should be noted that I suffered a Grade 3 ACJ in 2013 non surgical and that when I found out about you guys. I started with your bodyweight plan to get back on my feet. I know all of your plans work. Diet has been key. No Alcohol. I am 34. Thanks for what you do and I will be buying the rest of the Greek Hero plans. I just have to go do this “thing” first. They are the best blend of running, rucking, lifting, and explosive bodyweight exercises I have ever done. My friends that suffer through Thor 3 watch in envy. Some of the exercises go easy and I was able to add to them. For example, 6 rounds power clean followed by rope climbs is an awesome concept. It crushed me at first. Then I started doing 3rounds with a 25#vest 3 rounds bodyweight. Then that turned into the whole thing with vest. Then that turned into sliding 2x 5 lbs plated in my vest with plates in already. Then that turned into adding 6 pull-ups with vest after the rope before rest(which I would extend by 30sec) and then the next power clean. I learned that I was pushing it as I started to get major fatigue in my forearms so I backed off for a while and then move on to different plan. That plan also had power clean rope climbs (Yes!) I went back to splitting reps half vest half bodyweight and I highly recommend adding the change no pullups… I can sweep up the rope now like a 90lbs Pacific Islander and I am around 200 with an X frame and can’t dance. I say all this to give feedback. Help the plans evolve. Help you guys stay competitive. The Greek Hero plans have it all. Everyone comments on what I do. I don’t do it because of that. I do it because it’s not standing in front of a mirror curling or working cable tri’s meanwhile having a gut. Far too much of the warrior community are peacocks. They take the easy road by shaping muscle, by looking strong, not performing, hoping to deter aggressors. That is sheepdog mentality. They want to make a big display on the perimeter of their courage. That’s not for me anymore. I desire to live out past the perimeter now. I digress. If you asked what could be added I would say I am at a point where I need more emphasis on stretching rolling soft tissue stuff and your programming will knot you up fast. I have blended Thor 3, Some Squat University stuff, and your warmups and cools downs and it seems to be helping prevent injury. Over the last year the most common tight spots or pain areas were the arch of the foot tightness, calf’s, hamstring lower back. Thanks for what you do. Hope this helps.”

SAPPER LEADERS COURSE TRAINING PLAN

“Back at the end of 2016 I reached out to you asking for program advise prior to attending Sapper school. At the time I was deployed in Iraq and you recommended Big24 followed by the Greeks prior to the 8 week Sapper specific program. Let me tell you, that Sapper program was no joke and the Saturday mini events kicked my ass. I was in the best endurance shape of my life.

Ultimately the work paid off and I received my tab as a first time go. I wasn’t the strongest or the fastest but I was overall one of the most rounded. One piece of feedback would be to adjust the end of the programming. Sapper always has a report date that falls on a Thursday with the initial PT test hitting at 0500 on Friday and the Ruck march Saturday at 0200. Both of these events are prereqs to classing up. Adjusting the rest days to account for this schedule would help.

Hope this is helpful and thanks again for being so receptive to user questions.”

RANGER SCHOOL TRAINING PLAN

“First and foremost, I’m in the National Guard so I required RTAC before Ranger school. So, my experience is a bit different than most (IBOLC, Ranger Regiment, MCCC, etc). Prior to the Ranger training program, I already had completed the Valor program which gave me a nice base of fitness due to the 3 mile interval rucks and added running. I started the Ranger School training program 9 weeks before the start of the school (this was when the program was only 7 weeks). I doubled up on Week 4 and Week 5 since I had a little extra time. During Week 7, I did a lot of “active recovery” with walking and swimming. I believe this week was the most important..I also upped my diet so I could gain some “healthy” fat.

I initially tested at the following numbers:

PU: 57 (these are to “Ranger standard”…arms completely locked out, chest tapping the ground, back up at the pace of a metronome. Slow and methodical.)

SU: 64 (also performed at perfect standard)

2 mile: 31:20

Pull-Ups: 10 (perfect, all the way down…even disengaging my lats so I knew they were to standard)

12 mile: 2:25

After the assessment I was pretty wiped out due to the 12 mile ruck. It’s definitely normal because rucking sucks ass anyway.

I finished the program at the following numbers:

PU: 72 (this is without stopping during the 2 minutes, slow and steady)

SU: 80

2 mile: 30:15

Pull-Ups: 18

12 mile: 1:55 (I was at an airborne shuffle the entire time)

I reported to RTAC in January 2018 and graduated Ranger school in April. There were a couple of things that the RTAC cadre loved that wasn’t in the Ranger programming:

1. Mountain Climbers

– We did these more than push-ups

2. Hill Sprints

– The infamous “tab runs” in RTAC were you run down a large hill, touch a Ranger tab and spring back up the hill.

3. Flutter Kicks

– You do have these in the programming but I strongly suggest if you can go over the prescribed # in the Ranger program do it because you do a shit load of them.

I had 2 days between RTAC and Ranger.  Not much time recover but I definitely lived it up with food and some active recovery. As for RAP week I had no issues. I completed the ruck march in 2:28 and received a Major Plus for finishing before 2:30. A tip is to have 1 duffel bag filled with all of your clothes and use it to prop up your feet with the 1-2 hours of sleep you get each night prior to the ruck. It’ll help a lot.

I want to touch on a few things that I loved during the programming and a couple of things that I changed:

1. Mountain climbers during the Work Capacity

– RTAC and Darby cadre preferred these

2. 2 mile intervals

– After about 4 weeks of the interval training, I started to remove them and used that time for rucking.

3. Mobility work

– The program does a wonderful job of hitting this. But, it’s definitely worth stressing.

Other than that, I suggest the program to any and every one. Just a reminder, I did the v1, not v2, so I’m not sure what has changed.

Thanks for everything!”

RANGER SCHOOL TRAINING PACKET

“Just a quick note to tell you that I have been doing the Ranger Packet starting with Fortitude and am now in Valor. Yesterday I did a 12 mile ruck for the OML to go to Ranger. My time was 2:32 with the standard 45 pounds over a hilly course here at Ft. Carson, with less than 12 hours notice prior to the event. Just another testament to your programming, to have an athlete able to complete such a taxing event on a moments notice and able to come in at the top of the pack.”

HUMILITY

“I found this program to be fantastic! I thought I had a decent work capacity but this program definitely showed me some humility. I dropped about 4 pounds over the course of the 7 weeks. I felt great after each of the training sessions and had many looks of awe in the gym. I have recommended MTI to several people that asked what I was doing. The only thing that I didn’t like was 30% Burpees but I think that had more to do with me than the program. I was diagnosed with a lung disorder while deployed and it can make it hard to breath and recover during HIIT training. This is one that I will come back to multiple times. Keep up the good work!”

RUCK BASED SELECTION PACKET

“Just wanted to thank you for your ruck based selection packet. I followed it from humility to the actual selection training plan (Was only able to complete 5 weeks of the selection plan due to timing issues). I recently returned from SFAS and was selected and a large part of that was due to your programming. I was prepared physically and mentally for all events.  I’ll spend a week or so recovering then I’ll start your airborne school training plan followed by your q course plan.  It’s comforting to know that I won’t have to go digging for fitness plans for the rest of my career as long as you guys keep pumping out solid results.  Thanks again!”

Military On-Ramp Plan

“I completed the on ramp program last week.  It covered all aspects of fitness and I found it very balanced.  The progression was excellent as was the testing and the calculators. Every workout felt like it was right at the edge of my physical limit. 10/10.  The exercise library was a big help, also.  I could tell that a lot of thought was put into the exercise choice – they were all effective and easy to learn.”

RANGER SCHOOL TRAINING PLAN

“Really love the website and training plans. I used the Ranger School prep plan and it got me through RAP week and the school straight through. I was very impressed how physically prepared I was by just following your plan and eating well. I use a combination of your plans now to make the PT plan for my platoon.  Last week my platoon scored a 276 average on the APFT… the BEST in the entire battalion.  So thank you all for your hard work in putting all these plans together.”

RANGER SCHOOL TRAINING PLAN

“I want to note that I followed your Ranger program leading up to the course. I made it straight through with no injury. I owe this to MTIs programming. So thank you again.”

RANGER SCHOOL TRAINING PLAN

“I just spoke with a soldier that completed the v3 training and recently graduated Ranger school. He is in the process of mobilizing so I wanted to share what he told me in regards to the program:

The rucking was paramount to the training. He went straight-through and he mentioned that he didn’t start to fall off until the beginning of the Florida FTX. While in school, you’ll notice Ranger students have to get on the ground and strap up the ruck in order to even get the ruck on. His strength wasn’t sapped, so he was able to pick the ruck off the ground and get up get ready to move. This may not seem like a big deal, but if you’re the last one up before a movement or slower than everyone else, it does get noticed and will affect your peer ratings. The less tired you are, the more you can contribute. HUGE FACTOR!

He added mountain climbers to the work capacity based off of what I told him. Before you move into Darby, you do these in these in gravel in the company training areas. It is absolute murder on your hands.

You also do something called “Y Squats”. They are a smoker but he said it wasn’t an issue because of your programming.

Last thing he mentioned was how most of his squad asked him how he prepared, and mentioned the programming from your team. They all went off of the RTB’s programming which got them through Darby and then most of them were sucking starting out in Mountains. He definitely believed that your programming is what got him through the school in a first time go.

So, thank you so much for everything Rob. He’s a stud but that will only get you so far. We now have 2(!) Ranger-qualified soldiers with your help.”

USMC TBS/IOC TRAINING PACKET

“I wanted to let you know that I graduated from IOC this past Saturday and I owe you and your staff a huge thank you for your IOC and CET plans. I was the smallest guy to graduate (5’7”, 150-160 lbs throughout the course) but I felt physically and mentally prepared every day, and I contribute that to simply being used to having to push way past my comfort zone during your workouts. The day of the CET I kept thinking to myself “my body has been here before a dozen times,” especially when we were around the O-Course, and that enabled me to stay focused mentally – a pattern that would repeat itself throughout the rest of the course as well. Your programming’s focus on chassis integrity and lower body strength were invaluable for the many miles of heavy hiking, and more important than allowing me to perform, it allowed me to remain injury free while so many others got hurt. Y’all do great work and make a great product, thanks again.”

USAF PFT TRAINING PLAN

“Hope this message finds you well. Big time kudos to you and the Mountain Tactical staff on the USAF PFT training plan. Tested out last week and scored a 99.5 out of 100. My last three scores have all been 99 or greater thanks to your training. Running in the TX heat this time of year can be humbling and the intervals were the perfect form of preparation. I was able to crank out the 1.5 mile run in the 9’s…the running prep was of particular help when it came to the final 1/4 mile push. Your training is always solid. Thanks for all you do to support the tactical athlete. You guys are always at the top of the list when recommending a training resource.”

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“I used your ruck based selection plan v5 and reached all of my goals. Thanks for the great training plan. You are the man!”

USAF PAST TRAINING PLAN

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you. I am currently in a Battlefield Airman Development program with the goal of becoming a SERE specialist. Brett McKay’s site made me aware of you and I decided to give your program a try, because the one my recruiter had prescribed quickly became too much volume to make recovery feasible. Although I only had three weeks between beginning your program and taking my first official PAST test, my results were solid. Your PAST prep program was effective and sensibly laid out. Now I am following the programming of our coach, a former Air Force Special Operator and will be shipping off to basic in 3 weeks. MTI will certainly receive my business in the future.

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“Big thanks on your ruck based selection packet. Myself and two buddies used it to train up for SFAS, and all of us were selected. We all concurred that we were very prepared for the time under load as a result of your training plan. The only thing we noticed was that our pushups seemed to suffer during the actual Ruck Based Selection Plan, we did identify this 4 weeks out and supplemented additional pushups as a result.”

HUMILITY

“I’m an engineering student here at the University of Arkansas. I was just wanting to tell you that I just finished the Humility program last week and saw great success in it. I lost about 12 pounds in the process and I’m able to run more now than I ever have in my life. I’ve always been a big advocate for more body building style workouts but I decided to switch it up and try out your program. I have been nothing but thrilled. Everyday I get to wake up early and go get after it I am grateful for. This week I started sample training for the Fortitude program as it was listed as a good successor to the Humility program. I am really excited about starting this plan because I love the tactical/functional aspect to it, especially since I do a lot of hiking and backpacking around in this area. Really looking forward to the ruck run tomorrow morning! But being a college student, the price of the program is of some concern for me as I am on a pretty tight budget. I was just wondering If you could allow me to use some sort of discount code for this program, so that I can continue to partake in the program. I would really appreciate it. I am extremely grateful that I found you all, as I find myself enjoying every day I get to do these awesome workouts. Keep up the great work!”

OPERATOR UGLY TRAIN UP

“Just wanted to thank you for the Operator Ugly Train Up. Had my tryout this past week and all my numbers went up over the course of 3 weeks. +2 Front Squats, +1 Bench, +3 Deadlifts, +5 Pull Ups, and most of all went from 34 sand bag get ups to 72. Additionally, I got my mile and a half done in under 10 minutes. Looking forward to starting your gun maker series next. Thanks again.”

GREEK HERO PACKET

“First and foremost I believe the program is working. I’m currently deployed right now with the Army National Guard and a cop back home. I feel like this program (Operator Hector) has gotten me into the shape I need to be in to continue to be successful here and back at home. Prior to finding your workout programs, I developed one for myself. It was good, I was able to stay in pretty good shape but it was starting to get old and harder to find new things to integrate. Your programs have been just awesome. The workup and building up to the next program has been reasonable. There haven’t been a lot of workouts I haven’t felt like I could complete. For me the only improvement I could see is maybe in the military on-ramp program you could have introductions to the Olympic lifts. Prior to your programs I only had experience with back/front squats and RDL’s. It took a minute to grasp the power cleans. Most importantly the proper form. For that reason there were times were I couldn’t meet the suggested weight for the lifts. The Greek hero program can be pretty long and luckily I have time over here to be at the gym for 2 hours. At home, I won’t have that luxury so I bought the busy operator programs which I’m really excited to try.”

APFT TRAINING PLAN

“Mountain Tactical’s APFT training plan has been incredibly rewarding so far. In 3 weeks I shaved over a minute off of my 2 mile run time and added nearly 20 reps to both my max push-ups and max sit-ups. The results speak for themselves. The app is easy to navigate and all of the workouts are laid out in a very simple, easy to understand format. I went from feeling really down on myself for my APFT score to confident that I will max it out. I will be using the “Hector” program next to work on my overall physique and performance. The fact that I can reach out at any time and get a quick response from the program coach is also a huge part of why I am so impressed with Mountain Tactical. Thank you for the awesome programs and I will be recommending you to any/all of my family or friends looking to better themselves and improve their performance.”

FORTITUDE PLAN

“I just finished Fortitude… awesome stuff.  I was doing some swimming concurrently (only time I could get coaching) which when coupled with the Big24 progressions of bench and push press, was just murder on my shoulders (impingement).  I found the speed of my runs and rucks didn’t increase much throughout the program, but I definitely feel that it built a solid base ready for some future speed work.  I just did my assessments for Valor and my run and ruck times per mile at max effort have dropped considerably.”

HUMILITY”I need to take a moment to say thank you. I recently completed Humility. It took 11 weeks to finish your 7 week plan. At the time I finished I had dropped three minutes from my three mile time, I chalked that up to the possibility of it being significantly warmer than my last four time trials (from the plan and PT tests). Today I was given a short notice APFT and dropped 1 full minute off my 2 miler (I’m now 45s from maxing) and took my sit-ups from 66 to 76 (maxed out). I found this progress incredible considering the program was just building general fitness and not sport specific training for the APFT. I’ll be finishing big 24 soon and rolling into Fortitude; even with the change in run volume I hope I can continue to see progress on my run. Thanks for great training plans!”

GENERAL

“Not only did I never fail a physical evolution throughout this past year and a half, I was able to excel in them and experienced no injuries. It’s true that BUD/S is a mental game, but I can remember several times thinking to myself, “I could not have trained or prepared any better for this”. In any event, thank you for your program.“

OPERATOR SESSIONS – “I just wanted to drop you a line and say thank you for the awesome programming. I just brought my company back from a very challenging 6 months in eastern Afghanistan. The bottom line is that without your program we would not have been able to accomplish half of what we did and we would not have brought home as many guys as we did. My Soldiers hated me when I first instituted mind numbing amounts of leg blasters, step-ups, and sandbag get ups, and training that was like nothing they had ever done before, but all these things became a rallying cry as the Soldiers realized how far ahead of their sister companies they were in their physical and mental fitness. Keep doing what you are doing, the benefit cannot be understated.” – B

RUCK BASED SELECTION, BEST RANGER COMPETITION PLAN

“Just got home from SFAS, successfully selected. I know you’ve got tons of athletes, but I’m going to run down a quick laundry list on how your program has had a direct and significant impact in my life:

In 2009, I was first introduced to your program as my USMA Sandhurst team used it to get ready for the 2010 competition. The training helped us place first in the nation that year. At the end of 2010, after working through operator sessions over the summer, I used your ruck based selection program to get ready for Ranger School. Day 4 of Ranger School, I blew my knee out on the Darby Queen.

Not knowing the extent of the injury, I got up, dusted myself off, and completed the next 59 days of Ranger School. I would later learn I had torn three ligaments and my meniscus. In November 2011, I had surgery on that injury and used your single leg program to get back in shape while my knee healed. With the help of the single-leg program, I recovered a month ahead of schedule and was able to assist in the rehabilitation of over twenty other soldiers in my unit dealing with leg injuries.

My unit used your programming to prepare for our 2013 Afghan deployment, to much success. In February 2014, I coached a Best Ranger Competition team from Fort Campbell- we used your BRC prep. The team, first time competitors, finished 21st out of 50 teams with zero training or competition injuries. Finally, I used your Ruck Based Selection Program to get ready for SFAS this past May- I placed in the top 10% for the course with zero recovery issues and zero injuries.

Thanks for what you do, from the programs to operator sessions to the forums and gear. Your work has helped me reach so many goals in this profession. Look forward to more.” –

OPERATOR SESSIONS

“Thank you for putting together the training programs and Operator Sessions. Everyday is a challenge and a felt sense of accomplishment once completed. This is THE best workout program out there for those of us burdened with maintaining a constant level of fitness.”

HUMILITY

“Wanted to send you another quick note and thank you for the recommendations and advice over the past year.  As you know, I have completed several of your operator plans (Humility, Sandbag/Weightvest/Dumbbell) and recently used the Pre-Deployment plan to prepare for a week-long backpack-style archery elk hunt in the Rockies.  Long story short, I was able to connect on a 5×5 bull on the last day of the hunt, with an hour of daylight left.  As you know, just covering ground in Rocky Mountain “elk country” is hard work — but doing that for 6 days straight and then spending the 7th day packing out and elk?  That is quite a bit of demand.  I credit your plans for giving me the physical ability, durability, and mental toughness to make it through a long week, hunt hard right up until the end, and then still have something left in the tank to get an elk out of the backcountry.  I killed the bull about 5 miles and 2,500 vertical feet up from the truck, so doing two round trips of that with a weighted pack made for a long day.  (Thankfully I had a great hunting partner and a few pack goats to share the load with!)  The Pre-Deployment plan prepared me for the climbing, as well as the weighted descent, and improved my core stability to bear the heavy pack.” – M

USAF TACP PLAN

“Just wanted to let you know I followed your USAF TACP plan and supplemented some weight training prior to the ALO assessment.

Not only did I feel confident in my training during the extended training sessions, but I was selected out of a large pool of candidates.” – D

GENERAL, VALOR

„I will be working through Valor before then doing the USAF PFT programming (this suits Australian Army BFA training) before taking a test in March.  Not too sure after that but I’m thinking a gym based work-capacity program would be ideal.

I’ve gone from a complete functional fitness beginner to nearing your strength standards and nearing my own endurance goals (12km in 60 minutes) in only 10 months.  I cannot wait to see where I’ll be at in another 10 months.

Your programming really is the shit.  Quite often when looking at the next days programming it looks easy.  Then you start the workout and the lightbulb soon goes off that Rob Shaul won’t let you off that easily.  What I like the most about your stuff is that it is programmed, progressed and it works.  I trust it.  I don’t waste emotional energy worrying if the work I’m doing is what I really should be doing.  It’s not “working out” it’s “training” and that’s also one of the things that keeps the motivation so high. Keep up the good work.“

DEVGRU SELECTION PLAN

“Based on your recommendation I completed the DEVGRU program  (with a cut back in some ruck/run volume and adding in more bodyweight PT circuits) and it was definitely the right call for the SEAL screener.  It was 28 hours, 50% got medically dropped or quit, and even several that finished came out of it with stress fractures and joint problems.  Me and a buddy, who have been on your programming for a while, only experienced the muscle soreness of a really tough lift, and were consistently top performers.  We credit your programming with that, so thank you!” – K

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“I’m a huge fan of your work. I appreciate the scientific rigor you use to create truly inspired workout programs for military guys like me. I just (mostly) finished the Ruck-based Selection train-up and it helped me finish in the top 10 of a support company of over 100 Soldiers during a week of physical events that included the APFT, pull-ups, rope climb, CWST, 5-mile run, and 12-mile ruck.” – N

RUCK BASED SELECTION PLAN

“Sincere appreciation for y’alls work. I recently came back from SFAS and was completely prepared physically for what we faced. I appreciate the support!” – T

RUCK BASED SELECTION PLAN

“Just wanted to say thanks for all the work you’ve been doing in the functional fitness field. I’ve used your plans a few times in my military career. Most recently your Ruck Based Selection Plan. I attended SFAS in November of this past year and was Selected. I was definitely prepared for the physical aspect thanks to your programming.”

Keep it up! – A

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN”I recently was selected through SFAS to continue in the SF Q-Course as a hand amputee. The difference between success and failure in many aspects was your Ruck Based Selection Training Plan. Thank you for your passion and ability in programming effective workout regimens.”

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“I am a little late to sending this, however, I wanted to take a moment and let you know that I appreciate what you do for our community. I recently successfully completed SFAS at the end of January and was selected to start the SFQC.

A little background on me and your training program. I first found your Mountain Athlete in 2009, when I was a Sophomore at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. I stumbled upon your programming by doing some of my own research. I was initially extremely disheartened when the only programming I could ever find for Military (or sport specific) training was all body weight and running that included thousands of reps. I quickly became pretty burnt out conducting “Army” PT in the morning and my own lifting regiment that I picked up from high school sports in the afternoon. Anyway, I quickly began to follow some crossfit workouts, but I did not believe in the “random” training aspect. I wanted to get more sport specific. So I compared all different athletes and tried to figure out what sport is most closely related to “Military Fitness” needs. So I researched professional climbing workouts and coaches. I finally stumbled upon your website as well as Gym Jones. Since then, I have been following your Military Athlete programs to help me complete and exceed at IBOLC, Ranger, and most recently SFAS. I can tell you up front that I could not have been so successful without the training you and your team develops at Mountain Tactical Institute.

I utilized your Ruck Based V5 Selection program to prepare for SFAS. I will say, the programming was definitely pretty difficult and required some dedication at times (but anything worth doing does). At selection, I was able to finish in the top 1% for the rucks, including the trek. However, the runs I was finishing more in the top 20%-30%. I would like to believe that is because the younger 18Xs are just ridiculously fast runners. I would like to offer some feedback to you from my thoughts on your training plan and its effectiveness in preparing for SFAS.

– APFT – I maxed the APFT and ran a 12:25 2-Mile. Only thing I would recommend here is addition of some extra push up training during the week, maybe included in the 6 mile run workouts.

– 6 mile running workouts – the 2 mile repeats were probably the thing I dreaded the most each week. I definitely got use to the mileage and suck factor, however, I was just curious on the effectiveness v. the recovery factor every week doing those repeats at a 13:30 pace after an AM workout.

– Strength – I believe your sandbag focused strength training effectively helped with the “awkward” lifting of heavy shit that occurs quite often at SFAS. Only suggestion I would make is possible addition of some extra low carry training.

– Rucking – obviously your ruck training was on point. It helped me finish consistently in the top  of the class. I don’t really have a recommendation here just kind of curious to the need of 16 Mile and 18 Mile rucks. Of course, I completed them because they were on my training calendar and for some reason I just can’t skip something that’s written down, possibly my stubbornness. However, I just thought maybe it was a little excessive to go over 12 Miles when we are focusing on a training effectiveness v. durability for Selection aspect. These are just me thoughts here, and like I said, I still completed the 16 and 18 miles.

I just wanted to provide you and your coaches with some feedback. I logged every single one of my workouts on paper and I would like to send my data to you if you believe it could be useful for improvement in the future. It astonishes me that the Military and its personnel are not treated more like athletes when it comes to fitness, nutrition, and recovery. All the Army programs that are out there seem to me to be half assed and behind the power curve. Your programming is the closest I can get to having an individual trainer who knows what I need ( and I would not be against paying you for personal training). Again Rob, Thank you for everything you and your team does at MTI, keep up the good work because there are a lot of us out here that rely on programming like yours.”

HUMILITY

“I just finished Humility. I had previously been doing a mix of different workouts from your Ruck Based Selection Packet that I bought a couple years back. I’m finally starting to prep for SFAS and your new philosophy on prepping for it caught my eye, especially with all the research you put in to back up your change of programming. I decided to get Humility and see how the new programming method was. I loved it.

The Quadzilla and Gorilla complexes thrashed me, as did the Devil Dog Circuits. Now that I’ve finished the program my “combat chassis” feels better than ever. The 7 mile IBA run and 12 mile unloaded run were once far off goals and are now a reality. Here are all my assessment numbers for Weeks 1 and 7. The program took me about 9 weeks to complete due to field ops etc.

Burpees 66  81

EOs 60  72

Box Jumps 38  40 (Week 1 done with 16″ box, Week 7 done with 20″ box. My bad.)

Hand Release Pushups 31  36

Jump Lunges 24  30.5

Pullups 23  24

3 Mi Run 22:14  21:29  20:49

Thanks for the great program. I really enjoyed it and made some great progress, especially on my lower body. Up next is Big 24 and I can’t wait.” Thanks – P

SFOD-D(DELTA) SELECTION COURSE PLAN

“I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for the SFOD Selection Course Training Plan I purchased on your site. I did the program twice in preparation for A&S and it proved to be quite beneficial and I know it contributed to my success there. I would have to say the only thing I would change is that I would have increased the frequency of step-ups throughout the program. Other than that, I felt I was more than prepared for selection. I will definitely recommend your site and training plans in the future.”

RANGER SCHOOL TRAINING PLAN

“I would also like to give you all some kudos. I graduated Ranger School on Friday (17OCT) and was able to make it through without any recycles. A large part of that I think is due to my training leading up to Ranger using your Ranger School Prep program. The program did an excellent job of preparing my physically and mentally for the rigors of Ranger School. I cycled through it once before our Brigade level Ranger Assessment Program, then cycled through it again before going to RTAC at the WTC in Fort Benning. I would recommend that you somehow incorporate more flutter kicks into the workouts as they seemed particularly fond of them in Darby Phase. Also, for those of us who are time-constrained, if push comes to shove between a workout and a ruck march on the plan, always pick the ruck march. During Ranger School you spend so much time under a ruck that rucking will serve you best instead of lifting weights. For the rucks in the plan, since you have two per week, I would recommend having one be for time (i.e. to prep for the 12 miler that weighs about 50lbs) and then one that is for distance and at a heavier weight (i.e. 60-80lbs). After RAP week, I can’t think of a time when we rucked with anything less than 60lbs (maybe through Darby if you didn’t carry any squad equipment).

Just some thoughts and comments. All in all, I thought it was a great plan, and am still an avid fan of Military Athlete. Thank you for all you all do, and the support you give to the military and law enforcement communities.” – J

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“I just wanted to send my thanks for your Ruck Based Selection Program. Just got back from SFAS and was selected! I was in the top 10% for all events and rucks. Was able to beast through Team Week even after the long days and nights of the STAR Course. I couldn’t have made it through without your program. Amazing job in what you and your team do. As a guy who isn’t infantry, it was difficult in figuring out where to start with my training. You took the guess work out of it, and it paid off in the end. Thank you so much.” – A

AFGHANISTAN PRE-DEPLOYMENT PLAN

“I’ve had great success with all of your programming I’ve tried, starting back more than handful of years ago with your Afghanistan prep plan before my first deployment. I ran the Virtue Series Packet throughout my most recent deployment last year, and left in some of the best shape I’ve been in a long while. I’ve got an older version of the APFT plan and have used it several times over the years with solid success, and I always recommend it to soldiers in my unit struggling with their scores- I’ve seen it turn a couple guys careers around at the last minute. It’s amazing what working up to a decent PT score can do for a soldiers morale. I’m a big fan of your programming and the methodology/mindset behind it. Keep up the incredible work!”

GREEK HERO HECTOR

“Just finished Greek Hero Plan Hector based on Rob and team’s recommendations and I am once again hooked on another MTI /MilAth plan. I asked for a plan that would focus on explosive strength in short spaces and they nailed it. I will be continuing the Greek Hero series. MTI God bless you guys. I think it’s apparent our military needs help in physical fitness training based on your Q and A posts. I hope you guys get broad recognition for this. Jealous at how fun your job must be.”

HUMILITY

“Hey Rob, just thought I’d share an update. About 5 weeks into humility. Needless to say, this is the best training plan I have ever done this far. It’s challenging, but I am seeing results. Can’t wait to continue with the other ones. Thanks for all the R&D to help guys like me prepare for the future.”

AFGHANISTAN PRE-DEPLOYMENT PLAN

“Wanted to reach out to you just to say thank you for recommending the Afghanistan pre deployment plan for me in preparation for Army Mountain Warfare School. I crushed it. Graduated at the top of my class. Other trainees were asking me how I trained for the school even. I only have good things to say about MTI and I look forward to the next program. I’m also looking forward to the big Idaho hiking trip in a couple weeks more than ever after seeing the results from your program. All the best!”

MILITARY ON-RAMP

“I am in the Active Army, Special Operations and currently am deployed with my team to the mid-east. My team mates have been doing the military on-ramp program to start off the deployment and have since moved on to other programs. I have recently attended a female SOF course and wish I had known about these in depth, incredibly  researched, programs offered here. I had a coach through my sof Thor3 center, and he trained me through fear of not knowing what to expect. That contributed to me going into selection past peak and over reaching. I was not physically consistent throughout the selection. Although I made it to the very end through pure relentless tenacity, it was extremely difficult and I have some sustained injuries resulting.

I am in day two of the first week of mil on-ramp, and love it. This is what I was missing. What wonderful structure this program has and I assume all of the others do as well. Also, I appreciate that this program teaches patience. Through anxiousness and fear of the unknown of some of these schools and selections, its easy to go overboard and think its the right thing if you are not careful. Again, hindsight is 20/20 and boy this stuff is amazing.”

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“Morning Rob,

I hope you are well.

Also I went to SFAS in May and got selected. I followed your Ruck Based Selection Plan and never had a problem – was told by the cadre I was a top 5 performer.It worked extremely well and I felt strong throughout. I know some guys have been saying there isn’t a need for the longer rucks (12+ mile), but I felt that they made the difference on the land nav phase, where just being on your feet under a ruck for days on end started to break down the other lads. Because I had the extra milage in the legs and back, I felt my ability to recover was much better.

The only thing I did change was on some of the 2 mile intervals, I carried a 50lbs KB in one hand to work on grip strength and replicate events on Team week, that really gave me the edge. I watched people quit because of that.”

HUMILITY

“Last time I emailed you I was preparing to ship for Army BCT. I just got back from training a week ago. I just wanted to let you know I was by far one of the most physically prepared individuals throughout basic and AIT because of your programs.”

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“Good afternoon. I am following your program and its amazing. I am thankful I found such a comprehensive and effective routine. I go for selection soon. We did a 5 mile ruck/run so I took today off. Today was suppose to be a 10 mile ruck on week 7. I think pretty soon my body will adapt. Thank you for the amazing info. My LT was amazed, he said this was the most comprehensive plan he had ever seen. You guys really take pride in your work. That means so much to those of us who want to qualify to be the best in the world. Thank you again.”

APFT PLAN

“I used the APFT programme. After four weeks I went from 60 to 80 pushups, and 65 to 84 situps. Super pleased. 300 points after just a month. My run didn’t improve (12:53) but I played sports all day the day before and that took a lot out of legs on test day.”

HUMILITY

“I’m finishing up Humility and it’s been a complete smoker. I loved it! My overall fitness is the best it has ever been and I can definitely feel that “hardening” effect that you’ve mentioned a couple of times. This is my first real taste of your more difficult (but kick-ass) programming and I’m definitely hooked. Thanks for the work that you and the other coaches do!”

HUMILITY

“I’ve been following  the Humility V2 program to T.

Currently, I’m working through week 4 of the program (the week in which you reassess your fitness), and I’ve never had such large improvements to my fitness in such a short period of time.

Thank you for the excellent, specific, and well designed program.”

APFT

“I just took my APFT after running the 6 week program. It might not sound like much, but I broke 80 points in each event. I haven’t done that in almost 8 years since I’ve been in the national guard. I just wanted to thank you for putting together the program. This is huge for me. I can’t wait to try Humility next.”

Rob, Thanks!! I have been doing your program since 2009. Won’t deviate too much from it. I know that you came to work with C Co. at 1-10 in Germany. I was and now am in the other companies. Outside of an instructor gig at Fort Bragg, I have been runnin’ and gunnin’ nonstop since 2003. This program has been the one that has fit me the best. I am now currently pulling some duty here in Afghanistan at a higher HQ.  Btw, the last stamina cycle-brutal, especially at 6000 ft in one of the dirtiest cities in the world.

Thanks again.

Rob: First off, I want to pay it forward to what you are due. I myself utilized your training methods to prepare myself for BUD/S. Your dynamic training sessions mixed in with extra running and swimming that followed closely to the training periodization that your program follows, (varying the intensity in which I executed the extra running, swimming, lifting, rehab exercises, etc. rather than attacking by body group) assisted me in achieving great results. Not only did I never fail a physical evolution throughout this past year and a half, I was able to excel in them and experienced no injuries. It’s true that BUD/S is a mental game, but I can remember several times thinking to myself, “I could not have trained or prepared any better for this”. In any event, thank you for your program. Now I am in SQT, the PT portion is mostly on your own, and I find myself utilizing your program again. Respectfully

Rob,

My name is Owen. I am an Airborne and Ranger qualified Army Medic currently stationed at Fort Benning, GA. I started doing your Mountain Athlete and Military Athlete workouts about 2-3 months ago after doing Crossfit for about 2 years, and I can say without any doubt that I am in the best shape of my life. Since starting your programs and adding some Gym Jones and Crossfit I have lost 15lbs and my Strength and Endurance have both improved as well as my Cardio. I can easily run my 2 Mile in under 13 minutes and run 5 miles over a hilly course in around 37 minutes. I routinely jump from Airplanes and while others get hurt, I walk away and I know its a reflection of the tough and austere style of training.

I will be deploying to SW Asia in the Spring and will continue using your programs and passing the knowledge to my platoon. Thanks for what you do for the Military, it is very much appreciated in the Light Infantry and Ranger communities.

V/R,

Rob, I just wanted you to know its been almost a year since you gave our team the membership, since then M/A has really caught on in 3rd group. The guys still following the program are all extremely happy with the results. I personally have never been stronger. I really have reaped huge benefits from the program. When I started I was physically broken down (bad) from Lyme disease that went undiagnosed for about a year. M/A really helped me bounce back

Rob,

Last night Ryan (my XO) and John (one of my PSGs) competed in a Push/Pull
competition on our COB.

John’s BW: 203#, Ryan’s: 207.

Ryan benched 335 (PR for over here) and dead-lifted 495 (a PR by 80#!)…his
1RM for DL when he started training with me 5 months ago was 335#…an
increase of 160#!

John benched 295# (tied PR), and dead-lifted 455# (a PR by 40#).

Both of their performances show the benefits of your programming as neither
had ever trained seriously as an athlete (besides the standard beach muscle
workouts) before this deployment.

Attached is a photo of them locking out their max dead-lifts.

It was also interesting to note amongst the competitors here on Taji that
while John and Ryan did not ‘look’ the biggest in their respective weight
classes (Ryan missed the lower weight class by #2), their performances and
relative strength to BW is incredible.

Also, after having trained with these guys and understanding there’s more to
fitness that just strength, I knew looking at the other competitors, that
while they may have all been strong, none of them possess the lung capacity,
endurance, or stamina as John or Ryan.

They are balanced athletes, not just meatheads who can lift a lot of weight.

Ryan recently ran a sub-35 5-miler and John will likely run in the low 34s or
mid 33s on his 5-miler next week.

Take care and thanks for what you and your team do.

-E

Dear Rob,

Just wanted to say thanks for all the effort into a functional and rigorous program. I used to be a heavy crossfiter, but as an operator I need to be strong and maintain a high endurance. I was introduced to your site by a fellow operator and good friend this past year while I was in Afghanistan. I must say that it has everything that I need and want. I recently did OP Ugly for the first time after doing MA exclusively for four months ,with one of my team mates and as 155lb guy I scored a 170. Just a testament to how well the program works keep up the great work and thanks to the Labs rats as well.

KC

On a side note, I have been following your website ever since you had the Military Athlete tab on the Mountain Athlete website. Your workouts are great. The coolest thing has been seeing how fast the word has spread across all of special operations. I am a Green Beret and I was introduced to it by a friend during the Q-course. I am deployed right now, a few years later, and it seems that everyone I meet, Navy Seal, Green Beret, Combat Controller, even support troops have been choosing Military Athlete as there workout of choice to prepare for combat. Not just that, but it has been working for all of us. Anyway, thanks for helping us out. You’ve done some outstanding work.

V/RJ

Rob, I’m driven to write this email for two reasons. The first one is purely selfish. I’m 45 years old, 6′ tall and weight 212 lbs. as of this morning. But, on January 1, 2009, I was 44 years old still 6′ tall but weighted 278 lbs. I can confidently say I feel i’m in the best shape of my life. This brings me too the second reason for this post. I wanted to thank publicly the people in my life that have helped to bring me to today. First of course my spouse, telling me I had to get off of the couch and do something, and then the couches that I found to help me on my way. I started Crossfit last March after losing 30 or so pounds the traditional way, Globogym style. Crossfit has taken me further than I thought I could achieve at my stage in life and overall physical condition. The couches at Crossfit Asheville (if you will allow the plug), Shanna & Corey Duvall, are truly wonderful people and true inspirations. This brings me to the “Heart” of this letter. The third coach is a man named Randy Kite. Randy is 41 years old in fantastic shape and also getting ready to deploy to either Afghanistan or Iraq. Randy’s a member of the North Carolina National Guard, but not a long time one. Randy was in the service before, had served his country, returned to civilian life started a business with his wife and started a family. What inspires me is his need to re-enlist even when this will bring tremendous hardship into the rest of his life. Randy’s continuing drive to serve his country in a time of war is the greatest inspiration that I have. Randy turned me on to Military Athlete, and I have been hooked since, sometimes to the consternation of the two other wonderful coaches at our gym. I’m not ready yet to begin the prescribed program, but I’m working towards it. My goal is to be ready when Randy deploys in the spring and for the year that he’s away serving our country, I want to honor him by following the Militaryathlete.com training program. Yesterday I completed “gym rat nirvana”, and it was truly an experience, Rx’d weight, with no unbroken sets. This next weekend I’m going to do Operator Ugly. I’ll let you know how it goes. I’ve attached two photo’s one is of my last rep of the fuckin 400, and the other is Randy Kite. Sorry about the length of this email, if you see fit to add it to your site feel free to edit it as you see fit. Sincerely D

I have been a faithful Military Athlete for a few months now. I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done here. I am addicted to the sessions. Every night I wait for the next one to be posted, so I can see what kind of hell I’ll put myself through tomorrow. I have become so hooked on it that I even get angry when I see people in the gym doing all their bullshit vanity lifting. I have been working to put my own gym together just to avoid the headache of working around the others guys. Your sessions have made me functionally stronger than I have ever been. I barely even have the extra $25 a month for gym dues but I will make it work. Its a small price to pay for the gains I have made and plan on gaining. Thank you for all of your work. i look forward to one day making to a MA seminar.

I graduated from the sapper leader course yesterday. I began your program last september while deployed and I definitely was able to “use fitness” over the last month at sapper school. I’m looking forward to getting back to training after some recovery time. I feel like I will recover fast and hopefully be ready to attend ranger school later this month. Just wanted to say thanks and reaffirm the effectiveness of your training. Take care, God bless, and stay hungry.

Rob, I would like to take this opportunity to say that I love your program and I can honestly say that thanks to the conditioning I have undergone by being a member of your “operator sessions,” I am still here today. There have been multiple engagements I have been in where I have had to run across open riverbeds or run up the side of a mountain searching for cover. Being a JTAC embedded with the infantry I have to be able to move and communicate to the CAS platforms overhead enable to get bombs on target. If I’m breathing too hard the CAS overhead cant understand me. I simply just want to convey I appreciate the work you produce.

Wanted to share some kudos and pictures with you. Last week my unit did a Competition for the TACPs currently deployed in Kuwait. I had the fortunate opportunity to run the 3 day event. I wanted to pass along our PT testing we did. Day one I started everyone with Operator Ugly, slightly modified due to equipment and time constraints (details below), the next morning they had to do a 6 mile ruck @ 55#, the final morning they had to conduct the Air Force PT test and pass. Everyone enjoyed Operator Ugly. Like I said before I had to slightly modify it for a couple of reasons: (1) we didn’t have Sand Bags so I substituted with 62# kettlebells, which I found to be equally difficult on the core and legs but some added upper body while holding the KB to the chest. (2) due to time constraints, space available and heat I removed the 3 mile run. (3) each event had to be worth a total maximum of 100 points. So I put caps on the exercises: Bench, Squat and Deadlift were worth 1pt/rep max of 15pts; Sprints were worth 1/2pt/length max of 20pts; pull ups were worth 1pt/rep max of 15; Kettlebell Get Ups were worth 1/2pt/rep max of 20pts. Nobody was able to get 100% on the test, there was a 97 & 96 though. My operators averaged a 79%.

We all just wanted to send you our thanks for the awesome PT session! There is a group of us here that have been doing the operator sessions for the past 5 months of our 9 month deployment. We plan to conduct the full Op Ugly before we depart back home. Please find some attached pictures of the 82 EASOS TACPs doing Operator Ugly last week Wednesday 31 July 2013 (pictures will be broken up over several e-mails do to size)

Thanks for the sessions!

A few months ago I acquired your scalable APFT plan for and used it to prepare for a similar pt test here in Canada.  I added the pullup and bench training as per your advice and it worked like a charm and kept my body weight down.  I just wanted to say thanks and let you know that I find your methods and programs to be top notch, especially for those who train for results outside the gym and more specifically for combat.  So thanks again, keep up the good work.

Firstly let me thank you for all that you and your lab rats do, I love your programming and your methodology has inspired me to become more professional in my training. I have successfully used your lower back and body weight training plans with great results and attempted to make it through the hypertrophy program, but the rep/set scheme was a little much for me at the time, planning on knocking it out in the near future.

Rob,

Wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for all you do for our community. I’ve been following your stuff off and on since 2010 and in my humble opinion it is the best stuff out there as far as special operations physical training goes. A couple of reflections I wanted to share with you and your team to let you know we appreciate what you do.

One of the things I love most about your training is the stoic, quiet professional, blue collar way you and the lab rats go about your business. I love the photos. Things I notice as a professional: No shirtless poster boy show boats with cool, high socks or head bands with their Fran time plastered on it. When I came back into the fold this past time to your programming, it involved me parting ways with my old Crossfit gym on less than great terms. All over a damn double under. The conversation went something like this, coach: “You know you are really going to have to concentrate on some of the Crossfit skills like the Double Under if you ever want to graduate to being an elite level athlete.” My reply to the walking advertisement of a coach covered in Crossfit merchandised flair, “I have never done a Double Under in a tactical situation, not once…….When is the last time you did a 10K offset with 100 LBS of gear on your back, with no sleep, and less than ideal food?” My point is this, I firmly believe you deliver on your advertisement of tailored operator sport specific training. And you do it in a humble, workman-like way. No flash, no flair, just ordinary guys training in extraordinary ways and doing extraordinary things.

Your ability to recognize the burden of constant fitness is much appreciated. You acknowledge that the guys using your training are usually working extremely hard on the other finer points of killing. I don’t have time to get 12 hours of sleep a night, eat strict paleo zone 100% of the time, or get 3 WODs in a day. There are weeks where this job in and of itself is PT and a break is needed. The key is peaking at the right time for the right events and your specific trainups allow guys to do that while maintaining their base using your operator sessions.

You and the lab rats’ humble honesty is much appreciated. You put yourselves out there, post your times, stats and numbers, and reflect on the pains and pleasures of training. For type A personalities, striving to beat the experts is always an incentive and you post the numbers for guys to gauge where they are and it serves as a means of shared hardship over digital means. We appreciate it.

Really loving the new endurance cycles. As a meat head ex football player, the gym has always been my first love. Endurance is something I needed to work on and you have made me do it. I am anxious to see how it will transition to the strength and work capacity efforts and anticipate it helping both while still improving endurance over the long term.

I’ve went too long already, thanks again Coach.

Rob, Just wanted to take some time to say thank you for all you have done.  I started following your programming in 2008 while deployed.  Since that time I have used your APFT plan to more then max the APFT on multiple occasions, I used your Ruckselection plan to get selected, while in the q course I got a stress fracture and used your one leg program to come off the injury stronger and faster, and I have recently used your run improvement plan to help me get better.  During all this I continued to follow the operator sessions and they have made me into a more stronger and more durable athlete.  So thank you for what you do and please continue evolving your training!

Wanted to share some kudos and pictures with you. Last week my unit did a Competition for the TACPs currently deployed in Kuwait. I had the fortunate opportunity to run the 3 day event. I wanted to pass along our PT testing we did. Day one I started everyone with Operator Ugly, slightly modified due to equipment and time constraints (details below), the next morning they had to do a 6 mile ruck @ 55#, the final morning they had to conduct the Air Force PT test and pass. Everyone enjoyed Operator Ugly. Like I said before I had to slightly modify it for a couple of reasons: (1) we didn’t have Sand Bags so I substituted with 62# kettlebells, which I found to be equally difficult on the core and legs but some added upper body while holding the KB to the chest. (2) due to time constraints, space available and heat I removed the 3 mile run. (3) each event had to be worth a total maximum of 100 points. So I put caps on the exercises: Bench, Squat and Deadlift were worth 1pt/rep max of 15pts; Sprints were worth 1/2pt/length max of 20pts; pull ups were worth 1pt/rep max of 15; Kettlebell Get Ups were worth 1/2pt/rep max of 20pts. Nobody was able to get 100% on the test, there was a 97 & 96 though. My operators averaged a 79%.

We all just wanted to send you our thanks for the awesome PT session! There is a group of us here that have been doing the operator sessions for the past 5 months of our 9 month deployment. We plan to conduct the full Op Ugly before we depart back home. Please find some attached pictures of the 82 EASOS TACPs doing Operator Ugly last week Wednesday 31 July 2013 (pictures will be broken up over several e-mails do to size)

Thanks for the sessions!

Sir I just wanted to give you some feedback/testimonial to your USAF pt program. I took my pt test this morning and scored a 98.3 maxing out everything portion of the test except for pushups. Here are my scores from 5 weeks ago and today: May 20th June 24th 1 min pushups: 41 1 min pushups: 49 1 min sit-ups: 44 1 min sit-ups: 59 1.5 mile run: 10:05 1.5 mile run: 8:59 Again I was only able to complete 5 weeks of the program but for the most part followed the program to the T with only a few minor adjustments. Also note the version I had was not the most recent updated one but last years version. Leading up to starting the program I was following Atomic Athlete programming. Thank you sir for the program I will definitely be purchasing the most recent version for next years pt test.

Rob, I couldn’t wait to write this email this morning.  A bit of a background on me,  I’m currently in the Army PSYOP-Q and earlier this year I suffered a lumbar muscle strain from crossfit so bad I was in pain getting out of bed, although I have used your rucking selection plan in order to get ready for selection, I regrettably stopped the operator sessions and moved to crossfit.  Now 4 months later after completing your operator sessions, I’m better than I was before my injury. Now two of my buddies in the Q (both are former infantry officers) have been kicking my ass on our weekly rucks, now I’m proud to say I was able to leave them in the dust this morning and beat them by over 8 minutes.  This is an attest to the operator sessions, and I don’t plan on stopping.
Keep up the great work.
– R

Coach,

I took your advice I jumped feet first into the Bodyweight Training Program and one week in I have been completely humbled.

Honestly, I was worried about losing the strength gains I had made through Starting Strength, halfway through my first mini leg blaster I could care less and I realized how out of shape I really was.

If anyone doubts the effectiveness or difficulty of this program, please feel free to refer them to me!

Thank you again!

Very Respectfully,

Coach Shaul, Thanks so much for having an innovative program. I am an Airborne Infantry officer in an OPFOR battalion that spends 2-3 weeks straight a month in the field for 10-11 months a year. Using your Operator Sessions in conjunction with the Ultimate Meathead Cycle I’ve been able to maintain my fitness and actually make gains. With the focus on strength, mixing in work capacity,  I’ve been able to stay in shape for those long field rotations while being able to avoid injury (especially being on airborne status). The shoulder durability exercises are especially helpful, being that after separating my shoulder before and during Ranger School I had issues carrying a ruck for long movements and day after day. But after the Operator Sessions I no longer have such a rough time. Again thanks.-

First off, I want to thank you for such awesome and innovative programing. It has throttled me into a whole other world of fitness that I never thought I could attain. From being an airborne infantryman to my current status as an Officer Candidate and full time Criminal Analyst in the Massachusetts Arm National Guard tasked out to the US Marshals Service, your programming has kept me ahead of the curve. Let’s just say my TACs’ smoke sessions are a piece of cake thanks to you.

I wanted to thank you for all the great programming and advice.  I recently attended my unit’s SFRE (a mini-SFAS based event that screens and selects candidates to go onto SFAS) and was one of several selected.  I owe a large portion of the success to your insights and training programs, specifically the ruck based selection packet and daily operator sessions.  We did multiple events virtually back to back over the four day period such as timed 2 mile and 4 mile runs, timed 6 mile and 12 mile rucks and also many team events.  Everything we did involved rucking over long distances as well.  Being able to perform to the standard was difficult given the short breaks between timed events and overall sheer volume placed on our bodies from the rucking. Thanks Rob, couldn’t have done it without the great programming! –E

Today’s Operator sesh (12/30) was awesome! I hope to see more like these with a few tough strength circuits followed by a mini WOD to leave you smoked.

I am really benefiting off your programming. I’m seeing and feeling results in the gym and in the field.

The last few years I’ve struggled to find programming that directly correlates to my line of work (Border Patrol Agent). After years of following different CF programs I wasn’t seeing the results in the field that I should have. Decided to give this program a shot.

Since I jumped on Military Athlete I have more energy on a daily basis and I’m pretty sure I am more effective at my job. I feel good ending this year after only being on this program for a few months now.

GREEK HERO PACKET

“Hands down best program I have seen for fitness. Especially for those of us serving in the military with physically high demanding jobs. It gives a great knowledge base on how to achieve your goal. Would recommend to everyone.”

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“Well.  I am hooked.  My friend pointed me in the direction of MTI because he knew how excited I am about being athletic and outdoors.  I shopped around, I liked the smell, and I settled on a package deal.  I am so glad I did.  I am seven weeks into my Ruck based Selection Plan.  I am very pleased with my progress.  I really appreciate the scientific approach to measuring and analyzing of every effort.  I like the blog posts and Youtube content for when I am unfamiliar with a movement or need a little motivation.  I feel like the focus on standard military movements and ruck fundamentals really set me apart from my peers during a competition last weekend and I would like to very humbly report that I have won the honor of being 2018’s NCO of the year for the Oklahoma Army National Guard.  I am moving on to the Region 5 competition in May and will definitely remain engaged with my MTI Ruck Based Selection Plan.”

CCT/PJ/CRO SELECTION PLAN

“I wanted to send along my gratitude for the programming and assistance you provided over the past few months. Last week I went through a USAF Special Tactics Officer Selection. The week was full of grueling workouts and leadership challenges. Your CCT/PJ/CRO Selection plan left me more than prepared to handle it all.

Each of the focus areas (ruck run, heavy ruck, swim work cap, PAST, etc.) was spot on for what we saw at selection. The workouts provided a meaningful and objective challenge each day, with logical progression towards improvement. I’ve used other selection workouts with success, but none of them matched the logical layout and sensible progressions for your workouts. All of this is to say that I was extremely successful at selection and was picked up. I couldn’t be happier with my Mountain Tactical Institute experience and will be returning to the site for tune up training as I get ready to hit the pipeline.

Can recommend some changes as someone who followed your program exactly and then went to selection? First, put STO in the title! It works perfectly for those of us trying to become STO’s as I’m sure it works for CRO hopefuls too. Personally, I was weak in my sit ups to begin with. Overall the PAST preparation was great, but I wish there was more of it. The once a week focus on calisthenics might not be enough for people needing work on their muscular endurance. I might suggest throwing in an extra day or workout for calisthenics. Overall the plan is great. These were minor things that I altered or fixed on my own, but might help another hopeful in the future.”

“First I wanna say your programs have dramatically improved my fitness over the past 6 years or so. I’ve been following your programs from back when I was preparing for ROTC until now as an Engineer Officer getting ready to start BOLC. So, thank you for all the hard work and dedication to building quality programs. I’m a firm believer in your methodology.”

OPERATOR SESSIONS

“I’m a long time follower of your gym and Military Athlete training ideals from Australia – I’ve touched base with you a couple of times before. Just wanted to give you some feedback from my recent personal experience.  I had after a few years of relatively successful Olympic Lifting seasons here in Perth (couple of years as state champ at 94kg) followed by probably a year of general inactivity – I had no real training focus. The last few months I have jumped back into you Operator Sessions starting with John and am now half way through Luke. What a change it’s been! I’ve been strict with following your sessions in order – I don’t necessarily train monday to friday because of work but I have maintained the order to your sessions. I’ve dropped 11kg of body weight and my running went from struggling to break the 5 minute barrier on a 1km sprint to last night running (as part of my 6 mile/9.2km run Luke session 16) consistent sub 5-minute kms for 10km and feeling great afterwards. My estimated VO2 has gone from low 40s to 52.

I know my pacing is a little quick (quick for me!) compared to what you have prescribed on the run chart, based off my initial 3 mile test in session 2, but I’m generally pressed for time so if I can run it quicker I will. The run times aren’t super quick by comparison to a lot of people but they are for me! The gym-based endurance stuff is also a fresh experience and a good mental workout for me. Your Operator Sessions are putting me in a good place for an upcoming exercise in a few months and deployment at the end of the year, especially after being a lazy POS for so long haha. I am also gearing up for an attempt at SASR selection in 2019 if everything goes to plan and I feel like your training is absolutely right direction for me.”

Thanks for the awesome work you are doing.

RUCK BASED SELECTION TRAINING PLAN

“First of all, i just wanted to say thanks.  I did your 8 Week Ruck Based SFAS prep program and just got selected.  Physically i was well prepared for the events, and afterwards am recovering much faster than some others.  A few days after the last event i actually felt completely fine. Thanks again!”

As I told you before, I am with a Marine Special Operations Team. We were on an operation when one of our two MH-47’s went down. The 47 I was on went back in, and we started carrying guys to the medevac bird. My workout buddy, who is my corpsman, started working on guys and I started getting guys to the bird that was about 400 meters away. Soon we were both working together. Today we were talking about how we were in MUCH better shape then everyone else. Guys would be taking breaks and we would be standing there waiting for them. One guy looked at us and asked if we were smoked too, we both said no. We both know that it is because of your workout program, and we both want to thank you.

A little back story, the bird went down on exfil. We had finished clearing a bazaar, I had breached close to one hundred doors and I was totally fucking smoked. I had carried my kit, weapon, breaches, backpack, a shotgun, and moved over two kilometers for over five hours. Then after we exfiled the other bird went down, so we went back in and worked the medevac. Then after that we stayed on scene until the fire burned itself out, then got the bodies out and brought them home. We both feel that we would not have performed at the level we did if this had happened before we started your program. So we both thank you very much for the work you have done, and I look forward to being smoked by your workouts for a long time to come. Thanks again coach.

E

Rob,

I did your MA program throughout 2009 and the translation to functional fitness was phenomenal! I am now stationed in Korea where the new fitness mentality has yet to be established. Hopefully I can establish a foothold of your physical fitness common sense here.

I’m taking a company command in the last week of April. I would really like to implement your range fitness ideas as well as your Afghanistan program due to Korea’s terrain (mountainous but not as bad as the ‘stan). I also plan on using your squad PT as our foundation for physical training.

Thanks!

-D

So I am laying briefly collapsed on the floor of our small gym in full kit. What brought me here… well 1 minute ab bridge in kit for starters. As I am laying there and I see people staring at me.. I realize something. Why its worth it. My mate is about 12 meters away laying on the floor too. And I think to myself. How many people do you see in such a state at any time
during their work out? Sure, they are muscular, or strong, but I cant recall anyone ever laying on the floor for a moment to recover for the next iteration. And judging by the looks i get they haven’t either.

In the old days, students of the martial arts would travel hundreds of miles by foot to find a suitable sifu(or master). And I realize at that moment on the floor how valuable great instruction is. There are multiple elements necessary to mastery of anything, however the path to it almost always begins with solid instruction. In this day and age, there is so much information out there(both good and bad) that we may lose sight of the value of quality instruction.

Thank you for the quality level of instruction you provide. A few cups of coffee from star bucks costs me 25 dollars a month.. Fuck starbucks, i never liked their marked up coffee anyways.

-j

Rob, This morning I ran the Marine Corps’ CFT to assess my performance and determine where I needed to focus training. Work Capacity & Strength training with your program proved tremendously effective. I wanted to find my worst case scenario – No warm-up & No stretching. While driving through the movement under fire portion, I remembered training days with jingle jangles, repping at 80% max front squats, and/or sled drags. I maxed the event with time to spare.

The Military Athlete Training Program no only give us the ability to perform, but the tenacity to grit and drive through. Keep it up! Thanks!

SF, – K.

Rob,

I’ve been using your squad pt plan the last few months for my sniper section and it’s been working great! There’s been dramatic increases in endurance and strength plus, the guys love it.

Thanks,

– E.

Rob,

I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with your program, in that I love to hate the intensity. A month ago I started operator sessions, having completed the pre-Afghan training program and Big 24 prior to deployment. I’m telling you now I was weighing more on the hate side today with the stamina session. That was one of the most intense workouts I’ve ever done, and I wanted to thank you again for what you do. I actually made it to 12 sets of the back squats/getups when my sandbag broke and dumped into my face. With that said, I just ordered a sandbag and some collars for our gym so I can continue to punish myself at altitude.

I promised you a picture a while back, and I’ve attached it. Sadly, we don’t scale mountains in my AO (although we do sit at 7,500 feet), but this is the best I’ve got for now. This picture of my Squadron Commander (left) and myself was taken shortly before my platoon’s first direct fire incident.

Thank you again for everything. I was physically prepared for the deployment because of your programs, and I can’t begin to thank you enough.

– Z.

Rob,

First off- let me give thanks for your programming. I followed for your Operator Sessions for 8 months during my senior year of college and enjoyed the best level of functional fitness of my life. I later suffered a knee injury, prompted by the Bataan Memorial Death March in Mar 2011 and underwent surgery in Aug 2011. I followed your “One Leg Injury” programming following surgery which helped me maintain a respectable level of fitness. After I recovered from the surgery I had a few months before I shipped off to ranger school, so I began your “Ruck Selection” programming. I crushed Ranger School and was fortunate enough to make it through as a first-time “Go”.

– W.

Coach,

I just wanted to drop you a line and say thank you for the awesome programming. I just brought my company back from a very challenging 6 months in eastern Afghanistan. The bottom line is that without your program we would not have been able to accomplish half of what we did and we would not have brought home as many guys as we did. My Soldiers hated me when I first instituted mind numbing amounts of leg blasters, step-ups, and sandbag get ups, and training that was like nothing they had ever done before, but all these things became a rallying cry as the Soldiers realized how far ahead of their sister companies they were in their physical and mental fitness. Keep doing what you are doing, the benefit cannot be understated.

– B.

Rob,

Just wanted to say how great your operator workouts are. We are
currently deployed to Eastern Afghanistan been here since beginning of
July.

I had always been a fan of your workouts squad PT, SFAS ruck
program and the pre Afghan workout. I started the operator sessions once
we got in country, guys were looking at me weird I guess because I
wasn’t doing the “normal” gym/body building workouts.

But now I have 4 guys training with me at 5am 5 days a week. They curse at me every
workout but I try and remind them that it’s a guy named Rob Shaul who
comes up with these insane workouts not me. But in the end they love it,
they also see the results and benefits from the workouts.

To give you an example we were taking motor rounds to our COP, then over the radio they
called out for the medics because some guy had gone down and was in
another bunker across the cop so me and another medic took off
sprinting.

I had my full kit on and the other medic didn’t and I probably weigh about 30lbs more than him needless to say I left him in the dust and got to the casualty first and began assessing. By the time the other medic got there he was about to pass out and hyperventilating.

Oh and did I mention that in that same mornings workout had us doing
jingle jangles with our body armor?

I believe in your workouts and it’s benefit in helping us not only become better military athletes but to also help us to save lives. Here is a photo from the morning workout.

Thanks again for your awesome workouts!

v/r,

SGT A-G

Rob,

I’ve been lifting for about six years (boot, I know) and about two years ago a workout buddy of mine got me started on your operator sessions. In six months of doing your workouts, I was the biggest, strongest, and most physically fit I had ever been… and injury free (12 mile ruck under 2:10:00 @ 70#, ME DH pullups to 42) . My buddy PCS’d about a year ago, and I went back to my old ways, dabbling in various free functional fitness regimens online. After tearing my rotator cuff twice, tearing up both knees (a combination of operational hazards and my workout program), and not being remotely close to as strong as I was a year ago, I’ve returned to MilitaryAthlete. After just reviewing the current cycle I must say, it’s like coming home after a long deployment. I’m looking forward to a long love/hate relationship of slayfests with you and your lab rats.

Semper Fi,

John H.

Rob –

I’m a senior Marine ROTC student at CU-Boulder commissioning active duty in May.

I ran my final official Combat Fitness Test today (sprints, ammo can presses, buddy carries/drags, etc…. sorry if you already know what it is) and got my best time ever by a LONG shot. Perfect 300 and I feel like I had a lot left in me.

I just wanted to say thanks for the Military Athlete program. I’ve been doing “Crossfit-type” programs since the beginning of high school but your program is the only one that has truly yielded extraordinary results. The strength-bias programming is EXACTLY what I was looking for and EXACTLY what I need (as well as many of my active duty infantry friends here who do your program also and swear by it).

Thank you for all that you do.

Respectfully,

– T.

Rob –

Just graduated Ranger School last week and I’m emailing you to send big time KUDOS to you for developing the Ranger School train up program. All I can say is that I’m 28 years old and followed your program to the letter (I completed the 6 week cycle about 3 times before I actually went to school…) and I went straight through the course without issue. The mountain phase in particular was not even close to as bad for me as it was for 90% of the other dudes out there and I have to credit your program for really helping me get my legs ready for the exceptional challenges. I really do believe that I had the endurance to go the distance… And even as I was losing pounds of body mass and muscle each week, I had the foundation and confidence to know that I could take the next step and keep moving.

– J.

Rob,

I wanted to write and thank you for another successful training program. This weekend I completed the first Goruck Heavy event at Ft Bragg. It was setup and ran by Sgt 1st Class Dan Plants of 3rd SFG(A) (whom I think you know). 73 showed-up and 37 finished 24+ hours later. I was in the finishers group – not bad for a 44yo dude. We went 30-40mi with 40# rucks minimum, carrying water cans, stretchers, slosh pipes, and other crazy shit. We hit sidewalks, fields, tank tracks – and whatever the sand/clay/misery mix that composes the trails at Bragg. We did log PT, stairs laps, lunges, etc… Weather was raining 34-45 degrees the whole time with no sun. I used the Ruck-Based Selection program, as you suggested, and that definitely helped carry me through. The rucking NO DOUBT prepared me for the long movements and general abuse we received. The sandbag getups and long work cap sessions especially helped prepare my mind for this event, and fighting off the word that starts with a Q and sounds like quit. If anything ‘gave-out’ on me, I would say my overhead pressing was nonexistent by the end – legs and back were still in the fight to the end.

I’m not sure what is next on the event list, but whatever it is, Military Athlete will be used for training.

Thanks again,

– S.

Rob,

I would like to thank you and your staff for all that you guys do and your support of the military.

I was a pretty avid crossfitter until I was turned on to your website through a platoon commander in my company. Needless to say I have been hooked ever since. I am without a doubt stonger and more durable than I have ever been in my life thanks to your workouts.

I am currently on my 2nd deployment to Afghanistan and have done your workouts religously and to the “t” day in and day out for seven months. Only taking a week off between programs for recovery and obviously on days we are outside the wire.

Since being out here myself and few other Marine Advisors have completed the 357 strength, Work Capacity, and Ultimate Meathead Cycle. Now we are currently doing the “Operator Sessions” until redeployment to the states. All of our lifts have gone through the roof! Every 1RM is over 200lbs with squats over 300 and deadlifts over 400.

We can’t thank you guys enough for what you have provided us to keep us in the best shape possible to do our jobs. We all have excellent training and know our jobs but just knowing that the man next to is capable of dragging your ass to safety if something goes wrong and can last in a fight for hours if need be puts you just a little more at ease.

This is how the Military should train hands down!

Thanks again for all you do and keep up the great work!

– J

Rob,
aI just wanted to thank you for all your hard work in programming your operator sessions. Myself and a few other guys have been following your operator sessions now since the beginning of our deployment back on July 2012 and now we are coming to a close of this deployment (10 days left). Your program has really changed us, one guy couldn’t understand why we were doing the things we were doing because it didn’t relate to anything the magazines say, so I had to constantly remind him to just follow the program. He did and now he is preaching Military Athletes to others. As for me I believed in the program since I was introduced to it from an old platoon sergeant, but never really stayed focused on it day in day out. So during this deployment I followed the program to the “T”. At the age of 35 I must say I much stronger than I was when I was in my 20’s and I have also lost 30 lbs!! Again me and the guys are grateful for you, even if we may cuss your name out on some of the workouts.

– R.

Rob,

The Bataan Death March plan you gave me was fucking awesome. About half of
my team did the plan, but we had a CSM who didn’t think he could learn
anything from a captain so he didn’t want to play. He took a few of my
guys, did their own thing, and they all finished like shit. Included among
the guys that did your plan is an SSG, who won third place in the
female military heavy division, and 2nd in her age group. I will send
pictures soon. Thank you very, very much.

– T.

Rob, I just wanted to say thanks again for such an awesome program. My detachment took a record APFT this morning and the results amazed me. My detachments average during the initial diagnostic was a very weak 242 and after doing your APFT 6-Week Training Program our average was raised to a 273. My background is Infantry so I believe it is important to be physical fit but my Soldiers are Public Affairs and they do not hold the same belief in physical fitness Infantry Soldiers do. I had two Soldiers raise their average over 50 points and I made a believer out of them and the other companies and detachments in my unit. Out of 10 companies and detachments we had the second worst average and after six weeks we know have the highest. Thanks again and keep up the amazing programming.

v/r – C.

I love the input you all got from the Canadian you posted on the front page.

Mine is not as sexy, but a few times in the past you have asked for input from us out here on how we are doing. If you are still interested, here goes:

1) Unloaded step-ups I went from 893 on 24 NOV to 985 today.

2) Last 1RM Bench Press was 210# which is most ever and is over my body-weight for first time in life. 8xBP get to 155#, which again is most ever.

3) Last front squat (which I used to HATE) is up to 130#. Again most ever for me.

Last weekend in Rome, Italy we walked MILES doing the tourist thing. I carried backpack and/or 4-yr old all four days and still set the pace.

Overall, I am in the best shape of my life, I am losing weight while gaining muscle, and I look better than ever.

Thank you both. Let me know if this is good stuff or not. I can send something every quarter or so if you like it.

I wanted to thank you for the workouts. I’ve been a Marine for over ten years and spent the last six as a Recon Marine. This past year I had 4 surgeries on my spine, resulting in a fusion of the lower spine (basically metal rods and cage). I felt ruined after all was said and done, as the recovery process was brutal. I came across your site towards the later part of my recovery (6 months after surgery). I was told to stay away from anything heavy on the spine and try not to run anymore. This of course was not an option for me as I wish to continue my career in the Corps. Now, less than a year from the surgery, I’m in the best shape of my life, thanks to your work. I took everything in small doses and it took me over a month to finish a whole week’s worth of workouts. Most days I came home and rested on the floor in the fetal position. Months later my back pain is mostly gone, I can run with the heavy packs, and finally I have no limits to what I can do. I’m now awaiting officer training and have passed on your site to all the Marines I work with (I also leave printouts every so often in the gym to let others know). I feel passionate about what you have brought to us in the combat arms. This is one of the many tools we can place in our packs to carry out our mission and will probably be the one that saves it. Thanks and keep it up!

Sir-

i just wanted to say thanks for the workouts, been doing it about 10 months, and i won’t go to anything else. i’m reading Mark Twight’s book Kiss or Kill: confessions of a serial climber, and he talks allot about a hatred of mediocrity, pushing yourself continually to the limit. i think this explains your program – pushing yourself to excel and be the best. i look forward everyday to see how you’re going to punish us the next, it hurts so good. thanks again for your coaching and program. i truly appreciate it.

Respectfully- CPT K

Sir-

I find what you write very encouraging – a buddy and I each just wrote (not knowing the other did) a paper discussing the inadequacies of the APFT to assess a soldier’s fitness level for combat (mine) and how soldiers should be treated as athletes (my buddy). we’ve both had numerous heated discusses (agreeing with each other) about how pitiful regular unit pt is. We both cited your military athlete program and much of your commentary. The sad thing is, we’ll talk about the need to change the pt standard, etc. with other leaders and they all agree, yet seem reluctant to change. Hopefully within a few months I’ll be taking command of a reconnaissance troop in the 10th Mountain Division, and can’t wait to employ your squad PT and Afghan train up program. I have a feeling the soldiers/NCOs will initially be reluctant, skeptical, and pissed their normal routine is being changed and they are actually being challenged during pt, but they get to suck it up and deal with it. they’ll come around eventually (if not, I’m the commander), and my goal is to get your point of “hard pt makes you harder to kill” across to the younger soldiers, molding their minds about pt. who know’s if it will happen, but I’m going to do my damnedest to get it done. Thanks again for forging the change in military fitness.

Respectfully – CPT K

Sir, I am a cadet at West Point. During the past few months a group of us has been using your operator sessions to prepare for a military competition held here every year called Sandhurst. Thanks to your sessions we were quite successful and were able to come in 1st in the Corps and 3rd overall out of 49 teams. So thank you for all the work you put in to your training program.  I would also like to request your Afghan training program to use. I think it would be very valuable to prepare for some of my summer training. Thank you very much again for all your help. I know many people here value your training program. It has really helped me and those on my team. Very Respectfully CDT SGT B

Rob, I’m a member of 3rd SFG and I’ve been doing the Operator Sessions for about 4 months now, and just wanted to say how impressed I am, being a former meathead, at the gains I’ve made not only in my fitness but also in mobility/durability.

CK

On a separate note, I am currently in Afghanistan and finishing up my 12-month deployment with 3 BCT, 101st ABN. It has been a long year, but thoroughly enjoyed your workout program. I know it has made me a better soldier, both physically and mentally.

Thanks again.

Z

“I was put on to MA while TDY to some training by a STO who went to college with me, I was doing 3-4 CF Wods a day and thought I was in shape and he invited to do one of the two a day stamina workouts…once we were done…I quietly picked my pride up off the floor and threw it in the trash and was hooked ever since. That was last August…since then I have transformed my mind and body and made HUGE gains in every category…when I am able to do a MA workout in the morning…then take my PT TEST in the evening and score a 98% with ease then I have to give all the props to Rob and his team. Thank you and God Bless!!!”

missed my mom after doing my first session. Broke my soldiers in half, I felt like my thighs had been raped … It is everything I have been looking for. I will let you guys know the end result. I plan on cycling through your skinny guy routine and operator sessions a few times and see where it takes me.

Thank you. That fucking hurt. I hope this email isn’t an auto reply.

Respectfully, SGT A