Spec Ops Candidates - Is This You?

Tell me if this is you… 

Are you an aspiring special operations candidate who dreams of becoming a special forces operator? If so, there are some things you need to understand about Tactical Fitness.  There are phases you need to master. 

Currently, are you focusing on crushing your fitness test and preparing for spec ops selection. AKA – try to get TO and THROUGH the training.  Getting TO the training is phase 1.  Getting THROUGH the training is phase 2.  Both are different programming with phase 2 building on your phase 1 testing prep foundation.  

Ultimately, your goal is to serve in special operations and belong to an elite team of warriors.  We all were here.  Every operator or veteran of the special ops community was once a wanna-be too. We get it. But, make yourself smarter, do your research and PREPARE - otherwise you will either fail like the majority of candidates or never pull the trigger and even try out for these professions. 

I remember when I was a candidate like you.  All I wanted to do was focus my training on the following.  

  • Crush fitness test.

  • Pass selection standards.

  • Get a spec ops contract.

Tell me, would you be ecstatic if you could be at this level today:

It takes time. Time in training all of your weaknesses and achieving the optimal level scores just so you can get your foot in the door to even try out.  Once you get your ticket to attend selection, your training has to change to focus on the elements that will challenge you the most.  Usually longer runs, ruck, swims with fins, load-bearing activity (logs, boats, equipment/people carries), and being able to learn tactical skills quickly. Being OK with being cold, wet, sandy, uncomfortable, and receiving near-constant negative feedback is also something you have to be able to handle.  Are you ready for that?

You may need more time, as right now you likely need to figure out how to: 

  • Get rid of physical weaknesses (such as strength, swimming or running).
  • Get mentally tougher. 
  • Crush the PT Test, but also build up durability and overall work capacity to endure the selection training program of your goal profession.
  • Assess yourself and know what your strengths and weaknesses are compared to successful spec ops candidates: Assessment Tools to Track Your Progress (Spec Ops Selection)

You have to be patient with the process as it is easy to get frustrated by the fact that you are: 

  • Seeing very little progress with ALL you have to do.
  • It's more competitive to get a slot to training than you realized.
  • It's even harder to get THROUGH the training once you get there – getting TO the training is the easy part. 
  • What is optimal?  Are you there yet? 

Do you need answers because what you are doing is not working? 

So what is holding you up? Is it… 

  • Not having access to ideal training facilities?
  • You think you have to be a born runner or swimmer to succeed?
  • That you see great athletes quitting all the time, so you think how am I going to survive training? 

People of all shapes and sizes, athletic histories, and backgrounds make it through special ops selections every year.  Just because you may not look like some poster does not mean you cannot serve with an elite team of like-minded people. You just have to want it, know WHY you want it, and prepare consistently.

You need to focus on what you want to do and WHY.  In your case, you want to 

  • Pass selection on the first try – First Time Every time!
  • Not even consider quitting during training!
  • Serve your country with like-minded people in an elite team setting! 

Here is where I would start. 

Check out the Three Phase System for Recruit Success article - How Any Spec Ops Candidate Can Succeed.

Assess yourself to see where your strengths and weaknesses are:

Assessment Tools to Track Your Progress (Spec Ops Selection)

Then See Which Program is Right for You...or ask if you need help - email me at Stew@StewSmith.com.

Check Out - Which Program Is Right For You?

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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

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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.

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. 

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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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