Nate Palin, MS, CSCS, is the tactical strength and conditioning program manager for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Prior to his transition to the strength and conditioning profession, he served as a leader in the 2nd Ranger Battalion for seven years. Over the course of five combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Palin experienced the military’s performance shortcomings and observed the need for enhanced physical training to better support mission critical tasks. These experiences drove him to begin his coaching career in 2010, narrowing his focus to tactical strength and conditioning as a performance specialist for EXOS in Washington, D.C., in 2012. He coached Special Operations Forces at Joint Base Lewis-McChord from 2015 to 2018.

Rob Hartman, MAEd, CSCS, serves as a strength and conditioning professional who is contracted to implement, analyze, and guide numerous aspects of the Special Operations Human Performance Program at the unit level. He began his career servicing the Special Operations community in late 2010, spending the first six years with the 1st Special Forces Group and more recent years working with the Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Part I. All About the ACFT
Chapter 1. The Army Combat Fitness Test
Chapter 2. 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift
Chapter 3. Standing Power Throw
Chapter 4. Hand Release Push-Up–Arm Extension
Chapter 5. Sprint-Drag-Carry
Chapter 6. Leg Tuck
Chapter 7. Two-Mile Run

Part II. The Science Behind Training
Chapter 8. Training Principles
Chapter 9. Components of Performance

Part III. Preparation and Programming
Chapter 10. Your Current State of Readiness
Chapter 11. Training Plan Considerations
Chapter 12. Sample Training Plans

Part IV. Workout and Exercise Descriptions
Chapter 13. Warm-Up
Chapter 14. Power Exercises
Chapter 15. Lower Body Pulling Exercises
Chapter 16. Lower Body Pushing Exercises
Chapter 17. Upper Body Pulling Exercises
Chapter 18. Upper Body Pushing Exercises
Chapter 19. Trunk Exercises
Chapter 20. Conditioning