Concussion is a concerning injury and recovery can last days, weeks, or even months. Becoming familiar with post-concussion symptoms and the ensuing health-related sequelae is essential for those aiming to optimize the physical performance of tactical athletes.

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.

Mick Stierli, a Sargent with the New South Wales Police Force and the creator of both the Physical Training Instructors program and the New South Wales Police RECON program in Australia, discusses his holistic approach to providing care and training to police officers over the course of their career from hire to retire at the 2018 NSCA Tactical Annual Training.

"Pay attention to the details and the corrective exercises because they set the conditions for the success you're going to have executing the big lifts," Jose Cruz says in this hands-on lecture from the NSCA's 2014 TSAC Conference. Jose identifies and discusses missteps when executing and integrating performance and corrective strategies in the tactical athlete.

The NSCA is proud to recognize the outstanding work of our professionals around the world. Please take time to nominate your peers when you see excellence that deserves recognition.

This article is the sixth 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.

Want to break into tactical strength and conditioning? Start by understanding the physical and stress demands of tactical work. Whitney Tramel explains what coaches need to know before stepping into this space. Drawing on her experience across military, police, and fire settings, she outlines the training qualities tactical professionals need to stay ready. She also discusses the growing focus on “holistic health.” In her view, that means looking at the whole individual and supporting longevity across a demanding career. As Tactical Program Manager at the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a PhD candidate studying stress physiology, Tramel connects research with the realities of tactical coaching. She also addresses a side many coaches are not ready for: tactical athletes often trust their strength coach with conversations that reach far beyond training. Learn what the role requires, what coaches often miss, and how to enter the tactical field with clarity. Reach out to Whitney by email: whitney.tramel@nsca.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs Looking to enter the tactical space or keep growing in it? Explore the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®) certification and join us at 2026 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in Orlando this August 17 – 20.

This article details the rationale for making the eight main movements the foundation of tactical strength and conditioning.

This article explores a return to duty program for the tactical facilitator to implement with injured firefighters.

This article will discuss specific measures of stress that can be monitored, as well as coping skills to mitigate the negative effects of stress.