Preparation and a Never Quit Mindset
If you are a special operations candidate with the ambition to become a special operator, you are undoubtedly aware of the challenging training and physical demands that lie ahead. Your immediate focus is on crushing the fitness test, securing your contract, and continuing your preparation so you can also graduate from selection (TO and THROUGH Selection). However, the journey is not without its obstacles and discomforts. Many candidates struggle with the Never Quit Mindset and accompanying physical weaknesses that can hinder their aspirations. Reducing weaknesses is not easy but the confidence gained is essential.
This long process of joining the military and getting to special ops training can be frustrating, especially when you see others unprepared for the challenges ahead, only to become an attrition statistic. The truth is, many hopefuls do not adequately prepare for special operations, leading to unnecessary setbacks – injuries, failures, or quitting. You must proactively address your weaknesses, particularly in load-bearing activities (rucking, logs, boats, equipment carry), water confidence, and running. These are statistically critical components of special ops training that most will fail. So, how can you quickly become proficient in these areas?
The answer lies in structured preparation. We call it Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization, and it requires time. A year or more may be what you need, while other well-rounded athletes may only need a few months. Developing all the components in the Venn Diagram below is what is needed in this preparation process.
These Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization
programs (and other options) will walk you through each season of the year and build a body with NO weaknesses.
Still, all candidates need time to focus on maintaining any strengths they have and developing any weaknesses in these core components of fitness:
Strength / Power / Grip
Speed / Agility
Endurance (Run, Ruck, Swim) / Muscle Stamina
Flexibility / Mobility
Your weaknesses will be exposed in the first week of selection – don’t just hope it will be OK.
To aid you in this essential preparation, consider engaging with specialized training programs tailored to special operations candidates. These programs, such as the "Stew Smith Special Ops Program Section at StewSmithFitness.com”, offer detailed workout techniques and strategies designed specifically to help you confront and conquer your physical limitations. They provide the support and guidance you need to succeed, leaving nothing to chance.
With these step-by-step plans, you will gain clarity on what it truly takes to not only achieve a contract but also thrive throughout the spec ops pipeline. Developing the right habits and cultivating a “never quit” mindset will set you up for the challenges of selection and beyond. Get consistent with following these plans, and you will develop mental toughness one day at a time. Your journey begins today.
Your ambition to serve in special operations deserves more than just hope; it needs a solid action plan. By checking out the specialized programs at StewSmithFitness.com, you can access the guidance and structured training necessary to elevate your performance in critical areas like swimming and running. Don’t let unpreparedness stand in your way. Seize this opportunity to set yourself apart and commit to the rigorous training that will lead you to success in special ops.
Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs
Consider the long term training system of seasonal tactical fitness model as it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, helps with flexibility and mobility, but will also put you at a level of physical abilities where you are happy with your overall ability to just about anything. We have a system where the strength and weakness dictate our training. Check it out: What is Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization?.
There is More to StewSmithFitness.com Than You May Know
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
Quick Summary:
- FREE Fitness (all topics) / Mindset Articles and Workouts - Latest info on training for any goal! (over 1000)
- eBooks, Books and eBooks in PRINT (over 40 options)
- Spec Ops Swim Critiques on social media - YouTube, TikTok, Instagram
- Live QA / CSS Critiques Mon / Tues 9am (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
- Podcasts (over 200)
- Stew Smith Fitness APPs - Triad version, Pushup Push APP, Pullup Push APP, FBI workout APP
- FREE Navy SEAL Exercises Apps - iPhone, Android
- Membership Site - Get access to 100s of week of training programs and unpublished workouts we are currently doing each week. Constantly updated weekly with new articles, videos, and workouts of the week.
- Tactical Fitness Course - 80 minutes to learn how to get both TO and THROUGH spec ops selection programs.
- Online Coaching - Get personalized programming designed for your goals, abilities, time per day, days per week, equipment/facilities...etc.
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 https://www.stewsmithfitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success for many special ops level selection programs in the military and police world.
Books and eBooks Available (All Levels of Fitness)
The Specific Military / Special Ops Physical Fitness Workouts
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 1
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 2 - 3
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 4 Grinder PT
Navy SWCC Workout
Army PFT Workout (Prep For Rucking, OPAT, ACFT)
Army Special Forces / Ranger Workout
Army Air Assault School Workout
Army Airborne Workout
Advanced Running Program - Special Ops Supplement Plan
USMC RECON / MarSOC Workout
USMC OCS / TBS Workout
USMC IST and PFT
The Combat Conditioning Workout
Air Force PJ / CCT Workout Battlefield Airman Prep Course
The UBRR Upper Body Round Robin Workout / Spec Ops version
The Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer / Navy SAR Workout
The Service Academy Workout (West Point, Navy, Air Force Academy)
The Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp Boot Camp Workout
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The Law Enforcement Physical Fitness Workouts
The FBI Academy Workout | FBI Workout Vol 2
The DEA Workout
The FLETC Workout - Ace the PEB
The PFT Bible: Pushups, Sit-ups, 1.5 Mile Run
The Fire Fighter Workout - Ace the CPAT
Calisthenics and Cardio
Online Coaching Options
Online PT CLUB - Premium Coaching -
Do you need a program that actually works for you? We can build it personally for you and your personal goals and help you fit it into your day with the equipment you have available. Let us be your training partner and coach.
Many people ask me what is the difference between the Premium Program and the Online PT CLUB Coaching. The people on either program receive personalized training from me - Stew Smith - to best fit your abilities, goals, time per day, days per week, facilities, and equipment. We communicate regularly about your progress and your feedback helps me create the next week plan for you. There is no template workout and see you later. These programs are created 1 week at a time with YOU and ME in communication to figure out how best to create the next week.
Tactical Fitness 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.
Member's Only Content / Services Program!
If you want access to years worth of workouts, favorite workouts of the week, free fitness APP, closed Facebook Group, 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.
