An UnFair Advantage

In our pursuit of creating the most formidable fighting force, we have rightfully emphasized strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. However, I am here to argue that without a dedicated focus on tactical mobility, we are building powerful engines on fragile chassis. We are creating soldiers who are strong but brittle, capable of incredible feats of power but susceptible to the very injuries that can sideline them when we need them most.

This essay is not a critique of our current methods but an impassioned plea to augment them. It is a call to integrate a comprehensive tactical mobility program into our training doctrine, a program that will not only enhance performance but will drastically reduce our staggering rates of musculoskeletal injuries. I will outline the what, the why, and the how, drawing upon my personal experience, established research, and the expertise of organizations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The time has come to move beyond the traditional paradigms of fitness and embrace a more holistic approach, one that recognizes that the ability to move well is just as important as the ability to move with force.

What is Tactical Mobility?

Before we delve into the benefits and implementation of a tactical mobility program, it is crucial to define what we mean by "tactical mobility" and to differentiate it from other, more familiar concepts like yoga.

Tactical mobility is the ability of a soldier to move their body through a full, unrestricted range of motion with control and efficiency, particularly in the context of job-specific tasks. It is not simply about being "flexible" in the traditional sense of being able to touch your toes. It is about having the requisite mobility in your hips to get into a low squat behind cover, the thoracic spine mobility to press a weapon overhead without compensating with your lower back, and the ankle mobility to navigate uneven terrain without rolling an ankle.

As outlined in Chapter 12 of the NSCA's Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning, mobility is a multifaceted concept that encompasses not only the flexibility of muscles and tendons but also the health and function of our joints and the neuromuscular control we have over our movements. It is the synergistic interplay of these factors that allows for the fluid, powerful, and injury-resistant movement patterns that are essential for the modern warfighter.

It is important to distinguish tactical mobility from yoga. While yoga can certainly improve flexibility and mobility, it is a much broader practice with its own distinct philosophy and goals. Yoga often incorporates elements of meditation, breathwork, and spiritual exploration. Tactical mobility, on the other hand, is a targeted, performance-oriented practice designed to enhance a soldier's ability to perform their duties safely and effectively.

The US Army's Tactical Mobility Active Recovery (TMAR) program, as detailed in the H2F TMAR manual, provides an excellent example of a mobility practice that is specifically tailored to the needs of the military. TMAR is a "mind-body practice to enhance physical and mental readiness," but its focus is squarely on the practical application of mobility for the soldier. It is about "cultivating the tools that will help you with the entire rest of your life—your job performance, your personal relationships, your sleep, your physical fitness, and your ability to make choices in alignment with what matters most to you."

In essence, while a soldier might find personal benefit in a yoga practice, a tactical mobility program is a non-negotiable component of their professional development. It is the targeted intervention that will directly translate to improved performance and reduced injury risk on the battlefield.

The Overwhelming Case for Tactical Mobility: Expected Outcomes

The integration of a dedicated tactical mobility program into our training will yield a multitude of positive outcomes, impacting everything from individual soldier readiness to the overall effectiveness of our units.

1. Drastic Reduction in Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSIs):

The single most compelling reason to embrace tactical mobility is its profound impact on injury prevention. As I have seen firsthand, and as the research overwhelmingly supports, a lack of mobility is a primary driver of the musculoskeletal injuries that plague our forces. Overuse injuries, in particular, which account for a staggering 80% of MSIs, can be significantly mitigated through a focus on mobility.

The provided document on "Tactical Mobility Training" highlights a pilot study where trainees who engaged in TMAR were 22% less likely to have an injury-related medical encounter. This is not an insignificant number. Imagine the increase in our deployable force if we could reduce our injury rates by nearly a quarter.

Furthermore, a study on "Thoracic Mobility for the Tactical Operator" from the NSCA emphasizes how a lack of mobility in one area, such as the thoracic spine, can lead to compensatory movements and subsequent injury in other areas, like the neck, shoulders, and lower back. By addressing these mobility restrictions, we can prevent the cascade of events that often leads to chronic pain and debilitating injuries.

2. Enhanced Physical Performance:

A more mobile soldier is a more capable soldier. Mobility is the foundation upon which all other physical attributes are built. As the "Tactical Mobility Training" document states, "Mobility...can significantly augment the efficacy of other fitness parameters, including cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, agility, speed, power, and balance."

My own experience in the Pacific Best Warrior competition is a testament to this. While my competitors were focused solely on traditional strength and conditioning, I was dedicating a significant portion of my training to mobility work. This allowed me to move more efficiently, to get into and out of unconventional positions with ease, and to recover more quickly between events. It was my secret weapon, the unseen advantage that allowed me to outperform soldiers who were, on paper, stronger and faster than me.

3. Improved Physical Readiness and Deployability:

By reducing injuries and enhancing performance, a tactical mobility program will directly contribute to a more ready and deployable force. As the "Tactical Mobility Training" document asserts, a focus on mobility helps to develop "more capable and resilient warriors, adequately prepared for the physical exigencies of combat."

When soldiers are not sidelined by preventable injuries, they are available for training and deployment. When they are moving more efficiently and with less pain, they are more effective in their roles. This is the very definition of readiness.

4. Enhanced Posture and Biomechanics:

The modern soldier is often burdened with heavy loads, from body armor to rucksacks. This, combined with the often-sedentary nature of some military roles, can lead to poor posture and dysfunctional movement patterns. Tactical mobility training can help to counteract these negative effects by improving posture, restoring proper joint alignment, and reinforcing efficient biomechanics. This not only reduces the risk of injury but also improves energy efficiency, allowing soldiers to perform for longer periods with less fatigue.

5. Boosted Morale and Mental Resilience:

The benefits of tactical mobility extend beyond the physical. The H2F TMAR manual emphasizes the mind-body connection, noting that practices like TMAR can "augment mindfulness, alleviate physical tension and emotional stress, and serve as a diversion from distressing thoughts, thus improving mental well-being."

A soldier who is in less pain, moving more freely, and performing at a higher level is a more confident and resilient soldier. By giving our soldiers the tools to take care of their bodies, we are also giving them the tools to take care of their minds.

Implementing a Tactical Mobility Program: What it Entails

Integrating a tactical mobility program into our existing training structure does not require a complete overhaul of our current methods. It is about augmenting what we already do with a dedicated, consistent, and progressive approach to mobility.

The program should be built around the following key principles:

• Assessment: Before we can address mobility restrictions, we must first identify them. This can be done through a variety of movement screens, such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), which is mentioned in the article I previously summarized for you. These assessments will allow us to identify individual and unit-level mobility deficits and to tailor our training accordingly.

• Consistency: Mobility is not something that can be achieved with a single, intensive session. It requires consistent, daily practice. This can be integrated into our existing warm-ups and cool-downs, as well as through dedicated mobility sessions throughout the week. The H2F TMAR program provides excellent examples of 20-minute pre- and post-PRT sequences that can be easily incorporated into our daily routine.

• Progression: Just like any other aspect of our physical training, our mobility work must be progressive. This means gradually increasing the range of motion, the complexity of the movements, and the time spent in each position.

• Specificity: While general mobility is important, our program should also include exercises that are specific to the demands of the modern warfighter. This includes movements that replicate the challenges of wearing body armor, carrying a weapon, and navigating complex terrain.

A typical tactical mobility session might include the following components:

• Soft Tissue Work: Using tools like foam rollers and lacrosse balls to release tension in tight muscles and fascia.

• Dynamic Stretching: Moving the joints through their full range of motion in a controlled and deliberate manner. This is an excellent way to prepare the body for the demands of a training session.

• Static Stretching: Holding a stretch for an extended period of time. This is best done after a training session, when the muscles are warm and pliable.

• Joint Mobilizations: Using specific movements to improve the mobility of our joints, such as the hips, shoulders, and thoracic spine.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The evidence is clear, and my own experience is a testament to its truth: tactical mobility is the missing link in our pursuit of creating the ultimate warfighter. It is the key to reducing injuries, enhancing performance, and building a more resilient and lethal force.

We can no longer afford to treat mobility as an afterthought, as something to be done only when a soldier is already injured. We must be proactive. We must integrate a comprehensive tactical mobility program into our training doctrine, from basic training to our most elite units.

I urge you to consider the information I have presented here. I urge you to look at the staggering rates of musculoskeletal injuries in our forces and to ask yourself if we are doing everything we can to prevent them. I urge you to consider the potential for enhanced performance and readiness that a focus on mobility can unlock.

I am a product of this approach. My success as the Pacific Best Warrior was not an anomaly. It was the result of a deliberate, intelligent, and holistic approach to my training, an approach that placed a premium on my ability to move well.

Let us give all of our soldiers this same advantage. Let us build a force that is not only strong but also supple, not only powerful but also resilient. Let us embrace tactical mobility and forge the future of military fitness.