Spec Ops Prep - List of Articles -
Research One Stop Shop
This list will keep you busy for quite some time learning what you can about a future profession you are considering. Do yourself a favor and learn more about the process, the preparation required, and the job itself - then don't even talk to a recruiter until you are physically ready to crush a PST.
The following list of articles are for general research and information on training as well as links to official recruiting sites that should be where you start on this journey:
But first are you THIS person? Spec Ops Candidates - read
Here is HOW you can be a Better Recruit - Prepare.
Check Out These Podcast Interviews with former Special Operators
If I Could Give Advice to my Younger Spec Ops Prepping Self...
What Fitness Standards are GOOD ENOUGH for Special Ops?
Physical Assessment Tools to get TO and THROUGH Training
See what is "good enough" - PST Type Scores - See recommendations to PT / Cardio scores prior to joining.
Now - how about your durability - strength numbers - See recommendations of strength scores prior to joining.
BTW "Good Enough: is exceeding the standard not just meeting the standard.
Set a PERFORMANCE Starting Line - Not an Arbitrary Timeline
Crush the PST | PST Clinic | PAST Test Workout | 50-50 Swim Workout
Air Force 50-50 Workout | Fix Your Kick | Classic Week of PST Training |
CSS One Stop Shop Videos / Articles
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
Navy Special Warfare:
So You Wanna Be a Frogman - Good starting point for BUD/S Prep and critical reading of articles and viewing of videos on this one page.
Ten Questions About SEAL Training and Life
Learn How to Crush the PST - The PST Clinic
Better PST Score Information on Training Ideas
Build a Faster Run and Swim - PST Related
The PST Strategy - Practice and Build Your Own Strategy
Getting To and Through BUD/S - The Basics of Training you need to know. There is getting TO BUD/S by passing a PST, then there is getting THROUGH BUD/S by preparing yourself specifically for events at BUDS (log pt, boats, 4 mile runs, 2 mile swims with fins, etc)...
I want to go to BUDS when I graduate...STOP and read first...
The Classic PST Week of Training - Workout Referenced in the video:
Be a GOOD Runner - Running Program
Get Faster at Running - Five Tips
Swimming and Treading Skills - Practice / Watch Videos
DUDE - You Are Not is Swimming Shape
Pull - Breathe - Kick - Glide ...repeat LEARN THIS!!
#1 Most Important Part of Swimming - Streamline
Army / USMC Rucking Prep
Army Ranger / Special Forces Training Pipeline
New Army CFT and Rucking Prep / 2020 Changes
How Good is Good Enough - USMC
Air Force Special Warfare
The program to become any of the professionals in the Air Force Special Warfare program is similarly set up to the BUDS prep included a similar Prep Course and the PAST Test is the same exercises as the PST (just different order). See some of the PST related articles for physical assistance.
General Tactical Fitness Training Information
Learn How to do Seasonal Periodization to Build Tactical Athlete Skills
Twelve Questions / Answers About Mental Toughness
Quitting or Not Quitting - The Choice is YOURS
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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
Core Mission
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Tactical Fitness Training For the Candidate / Recruit: Specializing in preparing individuals for military, special ops, law enforcement, and firefighter selection programs (getting you "TO and THROUGH" training).
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Functional Training for Both Active Duty / Recruits: Utilizing a seasonal tactical fitness periodization system that balances longer workouts of running/rucking, swimming, and calisthenics during the Spring/Summer when days are longer. Then, the focus shifts in the Fall/Winter to lifting (Cals/cardio maintenance) when the days are shorter/colder. This process has 25 years of proven success building tactical athletes who improve in all areas of fitness: strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, muscle stamina, mobility, flexibility, and grip.
- Becoming an Asset for All Types: Even non-tactical athletes want to be of use in situations that require some level of fitness to get through the day. Be an asset, not a liability, in potentially dangerous situations, whether natural or man-made. Fitness can be a common denominator in successfully enduring life-or-death scenarios.
Specific Programs & Courses
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The Ageless Athlete (Fitness Over 50): A 22-week program designed for beginners to advanced trainees looking to regain fitness, flexibility, and energy.
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Tactical Fitness Over 40: After training people for over 25 years now, many who started with me in the early 2000s are now in their 40s and beyond. Learning how to shift training to remain an asset while also offering longevity, flexibility, and mobility is central to this 52-week program. (4-part series)
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Tactical Fitness Course: An 80-minute course on preparing for Spec Ops selection, getting TO and THROUGH the toughest military special ops’ programs using this two-phase system.
Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization - A 25 Year proven system to become a tactical athlete. What is Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization?
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The Never Quit Mindset Book and Course: The "Never Quit Mindset" book and course are a deep dive into building constructive habits that incrementally improve discipline, build mental toughness, and foster a Never Quit Mindset in anything you want to do.
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Specialized Workout Plans: Specific, tailored programs for Navy SEAL (Phases 1-4), SWCC, Army (SF/Ranger/Airborne), USMC MarSOC / (RECON), Air Force (PJ/CCT), Coast Guard, Law Enforcement (FBI/DEA/FLETC), Fire Fighter, and general fitness too for beginners and advanced athletes alike.
Resources and Content
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Extensive Content Library: Over 1,000 free articles, 200+ podcasts, and social media content (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) featuring Spec Ops swim critiques and LIVE QA sessions.
- FREE Local Training for those preparing to serve! Check out HeroesofTomorrow.org for our location and schedule.
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NEW SKOOL.com Tactical Fitness Community
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Educational Materials: Over 40 options for eBooks, videos, printed books, podcasts (200+), and online video courses.
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Apps: Pushup Push, Pullup Push, FBI workout, and Navy SEAL exercise apps (iPhone/Android).
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LIVE QA Sessions Each Week: Monday and Tuesday, 9 am EST on social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) and Skool.com Tactical Fitness community.
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Online Coaching: Personalized programming based on specific goals, equipment, and your time availability.
- Membership Site: Access to hundreds of weeks of training, unpublished workouts, and exclusive content, weekly newsletter sent to subscribers with the week's latest articles, videos, and workouts (beginner/intermediate, and advanced special ops prep workouts).
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Extensive Content Library: Over 1,000 free articles, 200+ podcasts, and social media content (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) featuring Spec Ops swim critiques and LIVE QA sessions.
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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.
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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.
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)
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