Developmental Model for Prospective Male and Female US Air Force Special Warfare Candidates—Part II: Training Program Management
by John Mata, MS, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F, RSCC, Zach Kinninger, MEd, CSCS, and Nicholas DiMarco, MS, CSCS, TSAC-F
TSAC Report
December 2023
Vol 70, Issue 3
This article will focus on the management of the physical training process of US Air Force Special Warfare candidates, with relevant information geared toward the specific demands seen within the first phases of a Special Warfare Operator’s development.
Introduction
In the initial installment of this article series, the authors provided a brief exploration of previous literature relevant to the preparatory training of both men and women hopeful to enter the United States Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) pipeline, which included comparisons of historical aerobic and strength/power sport performances, training outcomes during other military programs of initial entry, and physiological basis for the recommendations contained within this article (13). Part II will focus on management of that training process, including providing suggested training volumes, frequencies, and intensities intended to meet the demands to be encountered within the first phases of a Special Warfare Operator’s development as well as a method to identify the length of introductory program duration based on absolute and relative performance in relation to entry requirements and known sources of injury risk.
Pre-enlistment physical training for those hopeful to be accepted into the formal AFSPECWAR training program should include a substantial amount of physical preparation directed toward the mastery of load carriage in the form of high frequency ground impacts including extensive and intensive plyometrics as well as traditional loaded marches. The manipulation of heavy objects as a skill should be included supplementary to training intended to increase the probability of passing the Physical Skills and Stamina Test Physical Abilities Stamina Test (PAST) (now referred to as Initial Fitness Test [IFT]), which includes “traditional” preparatory methods such as high-volume running, bodyweight calisthenics, resistance training, and swimming. In keeping with many of the “Ten Pillars for Successful Long-Term Athletic Development” highlighted in the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) position statement, developmental programs should aim to reduce or mitigate the risk of injury to ensure ongoing participation and continued physical development, as well as provide multiple modes of exercise to training to enhance health and specific skill-related fitness with systematic progression principles (11).
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
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