I have just returned from an extended training period in Missouri. We ran a variety of courses and I was very pleased with the overall success of the event. I am not 22 years old any longer (no matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise) so the extended training schedule was a bit fatiguing to say the least. It was a great reminder of why I train physically along side my combatives and firearms training. Maintaining solid physical fitness is at the core of anyone who considers themselves a warrior.
Many people fall into the gun fitness group. They feel that since they have a gun, that they will no longer need to run or be physical. This is absolutely false and a dangerous mindset. There is a high probability that you may need to dash for cover or evade an assailant. The scenario list is endless.
I will not suggest that you take up an Olympic conditioning program. What I do suggest is that you take care of yourself physically. This is especially true of instructors. I have always been a believer in only asking people to do what you yourself can do. MSG Paul Howe - US Army ret. is world renowned for his tactical team leader course as a two decade special operations veteran. Much to the shock and disappointment of many of us in the community, he has cancelled all of his traveling classes. His statement reads:
"I have decided to cancel my tactical team leader classes for the near future. It seems that my statement: “Students should target their physical performance so they can run 5 miles in 50 minutes or less,” scares too many potential students off. I have the choice of either dropping the statement or canceling the course. Getting old and cranky, I would rather drop the courses on the road. Instead I will conduct them from time to time at my range. Training only a handful of serious students on the road is meaningful, but not cost effective and staying in hotels is getting old. The target “fitness” I am looking for in the course allows the student to complete my practical exercise and not be injured."
All officers, especially tactical officers need to be in shape for the job, but also to train effectively. If they cannot wear their full tactical gear for 8-10 hours and train efficiently in it, how do they expect to do it for a long mission? Also, if they are physically exhausted training because of their poor shape, they will not be training to any type of standard, but rather just trying to survive the day. Everyone mourns officers that get killed, but no one mentions that standards have been lowered to meet touchy-feely leadership and social standards. The fact is that many times the bad guy trained harder than they did. To fix this problem, leadership should set the standard/example. I would rather stay home and divert my attention to other requested courses than work with potential leaders who want to be handed a certificate for showing up. These are the same individuals that will not put forth any effort in their profession and who fail to set the standard for their men to follow."
This is a profound collection of thoughts and principles. One that I subscribe to firmly. It is indeed time consuming and taxing to maintain our physical fitness. It is in my belief that this is simply the price we pay to live the life we do - and to call ourselves warriors.
I wish you all the very best this upcoming year. It is my hope that we all cross paths and enjoy the opportunity to train together!
Fred Mastison
President - Force Options Tactical Training Solutions
