This article looks to explain why law enforcement recruits have higher incidences of lower extremity bone stress responses and stress fractures. It also explores injury mitigation pathways to increase the graduation rates among law enforcement academies.

This article is part of a continuing series of tactical strength and conditioning (TSAC) research reviews. It is designed to bring awareness to new research findings of relevance to tactical strength and conditioning communities.

This article will discuss why it is important for first responders to have abdominal and lumbo-pelvic strength in relation to movements and tasks in their specific jobs. A list of possible exercises and implementation are also included.

This article discusses the variability in physical testing outcomes for law enforcement recruits based on the ambient temperatures and relative humidity present on test day.

This article is part of a continuing series of tactical strength and conditioning (TSAC) research reviews. It is designed to bring awareness to new research findings of relevance to tactical strength and conditioning communities.

This article discusses motivation, self-efficacy, and barriers to exercise specific to law enforcement officers. Visit NSCA online to learn more about tactical performance and occupational fitness.

At the United States Air Force Academy, time is a commodity. Now entering his 20th season coaching the Falcons, Matt McGettigan explains how he works within the constraints of Division I football at one of the sport’s most distinctive programs. He talks through the reality of the Air Force Academy, where class schedules, military requirements, and sleep routines influence training decisions. A teacher by trade, McGettigan breaks down how the Air Force Academy aligns its performance team and why movement is a separator in its system. He also explains what it means to be the program’s “standard bearer.” McGettigan then walks through a typical day with the team, restorative water-based recovery, and maximizing pre- and post-competition 72-hr windows. Along the way, he reflects on family, mentorship, and preparing athletes for service and life beyond the Academy. Listen for hard-earned lessons to manage cumulative stress, build competition-week readiness, and keep the growth mindset that sustains a long coaching career. Reach Matt by email at Matthew.McGettigan.ctr@afacademy.af.edu | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs Join the NSCA Football Special Interest Group (SIG) on LinkedIn to connect with other coaches and stay current on football strength and conditioning best practices.

Correctional officers can achieve heart rates that are indicative of maximal effort exercise during a simulated confrontation with a noncompliant inmate. Given the nature of the position, agencies should attempt to hire individuals that have the potential to be able to work in these situations and training instructors should ensure they are physically developed so they can function and make correct decisions when providing maximal effort under stress.

This article is the ninth in a continuing series of tactical strength and conditioning (TSAC) research reviews. It is designed to bring awareness to new research findings of relevance to tactical strength and conditioning communities.