Be a Better Recruit Timeline

Being a prepared recruit for any branch of service is on YOU.  There are processes to enter military service to learn, physical fitness standards to crush, and tough selection programs to prepare for. Many people ask how long that preparation must be - to be honest - it depends on you, your current fitness level, your general state of readiness, and of course - your goals. 

Here is a general timeline, that varies (longer or shorter) depending upon the recruits age, athletic history, and current fitness abilities. * Note - these are MY recommendations and not the US Navy or Department of Defense. 

* Note - these are MY recommendations and not the US Navy or Department of Defense.

Here are my recommendations to helping yourself along this journey:

1 - Crush the PST / PFT / IFT test before you ever talk to a recruiter.  Make your first PST an awesome event and a good first impression to perhaps one of the first special ops members you have ever met (or at least applied for a job in his world).  Consider this a job interview. 

2 - Now you can maintain your PST scores and focus on getting better at future events like longer runs and swims (4 mile runs / 2 mile swims with fins BUD/S for instance) or longer runs and rucks for Army and USMC preparation.  This may require some strength training if you are having issues with load bearing events (rucks, logs, boats, equipment, gear etc).  This progression can take some time if you are coming from an endurance background (strength building) and it can take some time if you are coming from a strength background (longer runs / swims).  Neither are easy processes and take time so be patient and give yourself time to focus on any weaknesses you may have. 

3 - Give yourself time to get through some training cycles. This may include a strength cycle or a high rep calisthenics and cardio cycle or both depending on your abilities.  Having the maturity to acknowledge weaknesses is critical.  Are you a cardio machine? 

Here is a video podcast that Jeff Nichols and I did discussing the process and being a better recruit.  Also one of the highlights is when we pretend we are the Sec Def or CNO and share how we would fix the process.  

However, the process is the way it is mainly because of the influx of unqualified candidates entering the pipeline through the recruiter process.  Really in the end, there with no excuse to not being a better recruit. 

Official Military Special Ops Recruiting Links:

  

Navy SEAL / SWCC  - SEALSWCC.com (if going SEAL or SWCC)

Army Special Forces - Special Forces, Ranger, 160th SOAR, Civil Affairs / Psy Ops are jobs within Army Special Operations Command.  

Air Force Special Warfare - ParaRescue, CCT, TACP, Special Recon, SERE are jobs within Air Force Special Operations Command - ground fighters. 

Marine Corps - RECON Recruiting and MarSOC Info   

For You Special Candidates
(Get in Shape LONG Before You Join) 

High Intermediate Military / Advanced Spec Ops
Building Programming:

These programs have Lift Cycles in them as part of our Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System. But do not get these lift cycles confused with ACTUAL strength / power lifting programs; these are strength / power programs that also have a focus on cardio fitness maintenance BECAUSE you need to be good at all the elements of fitness and develop into an all-round Tactical Athlete.  

Your Mission Starts Now

Let today be the day you refuse to quit. Let today be the day you adopt a mindset that transforms setbacks into comebacks. Join the Never Quit Mindset revolution and discover your limitless potential.

Act now—seize your $100 savings and begin the transformation that will last a lifetime.

 
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Discover The Never Quit Mindset by Stew Smith—a transformative personal development resource designed for motivated individuals seeking to break through barriers and achieve lasting success. Whether you're striving for excellence in your career, health, or personal life, this guide provides the tools to develop the discipline needed to conquer obstacles and fulfill your potential.

There is More To StewSmithFitness.com than You May Know

Dive deeper into the world of Tactical Athlete training and mental toughness by exploring Stew Smith Fitness Programming for the Tactical Athlete online store. Uncover the strategies and techniques used by elite forces to push past physical and mental barriers. Visit StewSmithFitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success in many special ops-level selection programs in the military and police world. 

Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com

Who is Stew Smith? Coach, Trainer, Author, Podcaster 

I'm the former Navy SEAL that special ops candidates go to for books, ebooks and online coaching to prepare themselves to get to and through intense tactical assessment and selection programs and qualify for service in their chosen tactical profession.  See More at StewSmithFitness.com

Core Mission

Specific Programs & Courses

Resources and Content

Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Best Health After 50 (latest program developed)

As you cross the wonderful milestone of 50, you might find that your body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone in this—many men and women in your age group are searching for ways to revive their fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. That’s where longtime coach and fitness writer Stew Smith’s newest book, "The Ageless Athlete: Fitness Over 50," comes into play. This book may just be the spark you need to ignite your fitness journey.

Truth is, there are people over 60 and 70 doing this workout. Even the advanced section. It works and will help you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced. 


Remember, as you age, your training needs to adapt.

Have you been thinking about getting back in shape but don’t know where to start?

Imagine waking up each day with more energy, flexibility, and the drive to embrace life head-on. Stew Smith, a seasoned fitness expert with 56 years of experience, has crafted a program specifically for guys like you—men who may feel overwhelmed by fitness options or unsure what’s suitable for their age. With his 22-week plan tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced practitioners, you will find exactly what you need to suit your current fitness level.

New Tactical Fitness Training Course!

Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.

Training is What We Do: 

Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond?  We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program.  See how that works.  

New Tactical Fitness Training Course!

Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.

Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs

When you start training again, consider the seasonal tactical fitness model.  I call it A WAY to train and obviously not the only way to train. But it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, improves flexibility and mobility, and puts you at a level of physical ability where you are happy with your overall ability to do just about anything. We have a system where the seasons dictate our training. When it is nicer outside, we tend to run and do more calisthenics.  When it is colder and not so nice, we lift more, run less, and still maintain our outdoor activities with shorter runs and rucks. Check it out: Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.  

Online Coaching Options

Online Coaching is Available with Stew Smith Fitness - Weekly Workouts created personally for you.


New Members' Only Content / Services Program!

If you want access to years' worth of workouts, many of the top eBOOKs, favorite workouts of the week, a free fitness APP, a closed Facebook Group, a video/picture library of exercises, and more access to LIVE Q/A sessions, check out the Stew Smith Fitness Members Section. 

The dashboard below has the links to all the information, archives, videos, and links to workouts, podcasts, live Q and A lessons. 

Consider this! - A Membership Program and Gain Access to Exclusive Content
(click for Fitness Club Dashboard - members only)

Best of all, if you have questions, email Stew Smith himself (Stew@stewsmithfitness.com).  Join the tactical fitness group discussions, latest articles, LIVE QA videos, swim critiques, podcasts, and much more at the Stew Smith Tactical Fitness Training Closed Group on Skool.

 

Questions?  Just email Stew@StewSmithFitness.com

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