What is Military Fitness?

In this country and many others, most people equate muscle size with strength. This is incorrect. For the
tactical operator in both the military and law enforcement, extra bulk can be a serious hindrance. It is well
known that bodybuilders do not do well in special operations. Operators are lean and powerful with a high
strength to weight ratio.

The term Military Fitness refers to the entire spectrum of fitness and health aspects that an operator must
focus on to ensure maximum physical performance. It is in fact a way of life. Such factors include the
pursuit of maximum strength and endurance in a lean frame. Total body health is also a vital area of
interest, which means strong bones, tendons, ligaments and vital body systems. Working out with an
unsound and unbalanced body is not Military Fitness. You must develop the entire body!

By that token, workouts must develop the entire body in a manner that is foreign to most Americans.
Imagine that two days ago you worked legs really hard. Today you are so sore that you can barely walk. Do
you honestly think you will be able to perform at your maximum potential in that condition? I’ve been
there and the answer is no. So you must exercise in a manner that does not leave you so sore that it impedes
performance.

The operator’s goals are unique and many. You constantly strive to run and swim faster and further.
You try to carry more weight faster and further. You always strive to increase your strength and endurance.
There is a lot implied by those goals. The ability to run 10 miles at 7 minutes per mile has little to do with
your ability to carry an 80lb pack for 20 miles over steep terrain other than general cardiovascular fitness.
This separates Military Fitness from sport and sport specific training. Military Fitness must be tailored to
the demands of the job just as a sprinter trains specifically for the 100m.

For the Pararescueman or Combat Controller this can mean carrying a buddy on your shoulder up a
mountain or running the length of a 5,000-foot dirt runway with 80lbs on your back, rifle in hand in the
middle of the night. There are so many combat skills that the operator must know and practice that you will
never run out of training variations.

As a training NCO or officer, always take into account these tasks. The ability to perform combat tasks
is the important thing. The ability to bench press three times your weight will not help the operator. Be sure
your men are building functional Military Fitness.

Nathanael Morrison
http://www.specialtactics.com/MILFIT1.pdf