Factors Impacting First Responder and Military Recruits and How Certified Strength and Conditioning Professionals are Needed Now More Than Ever

A declining birth rate, resulting in less available recruits, assumptions about kindergarten through high school graduation (K – 12) levels of general fitness, increasing obesity rates, underfunded sports programs and less sports participation, injuries to both recruits and incumbent officers, and truncated levels of certified professionals to assist with recruit and incumbent officer physical training contribute to the challenge of training and maintaining personnel. The article discusses portions of the talent crisis that is currently plaguing United States (U.S.) first responders, public safety agencies, and military organizations, and concludes with highlights of select successful programs.

This article originally appeared in TSAC Report, the NSCA’s quarterly, online-only publication geared toward the training of tactical athletes, operators, and facilitators. It provides research-based articles, performance drills, and conditioning techniques for operational, tactical athletes. The TSAC Report is only available for NSCA Members. Read more articles from TSAC Report