This is a 4-week, 5 day/week training cycle is designed to sport-specifically prepare military athletes for the 19-day, USAF SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) and US Army Aviation and SFQC 21 and 19 day SERE Courses.
Strength and Chassis Integrity are also trained this cycle, but the emphasis is mountain endurance, specifically uphill hiking, and running to prepare athletes for the mountain endurance fitness demands of the field-based SERE course instruction.
This 4-Week Training Plan includes a taper week – so after completion you can role right into SERE.
This is the first version of this plan, built May, 2023.
Strength:
This plan trains strength using bodyweight exercises. You’ll complete an initial 3-exercise assessment, and your follow-on strength progression will be based on your initial assessment results. In this way the plan automatically “scales” to the incoming fitness of the athlete. As well, you re-assess mid-cycle, and re-set the progressions – so the programming automatically increases in difficulty as your fitness improves.
Chassis Integrity
You’ll complete 10-15 minute Chassis Integrity circuits using a sandbag, two times/week. Chassis Integrity is MTI’s functional core strength programming methodology.
Endurance
The focus of SERE Course Training Plan is endurance – to reflect the primary fitness demand of big uphill climbs, and continuous movement under light load. You’ll train both uphill endurance (loaded step ups), hiking endurance, extended multi-modal work capacity (step ups, running with a pack) and unloaded running endurance.
Required Equipment:
This a limited equipment program:
- Bench or step for step ups (15-18″)
- Backpack with 15# of filler,
- Stop watch
- Sandbag (40# pound for women, 60# for men).
- Area for off trail, uphill hiking. If not available a treadmill with a 10% grade incline ability
- Pull Up Bar
- Foam Roller
Schedule:
- Monday – Endurance – Loaded Step Ups (500-900)
- Tuesday – Strength, Multi-Modal Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
- Wednesday – Endurance – Uphill Hiking under Load (60-90 minutes)
- Thursday – Strength, Multi-Modal Work Capacity Chassis Integrity
- Friday – Endurance – Moderate Pace Running 6-8 Miles
- Saturday – Total Rest
- Sunday – Total Rest
COMMON QUESTIONS
What if I can’t do the whole session?
If you don’t have enough time to complete the whole session, you can split the session into two.
What if I miss a day?
Begin where you left off when you return to training. This program is progressed – each session builds upon the prior session – so don’t skip a session or skip around. Follow the training sessions in order, regardless.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run/Ruck Calculator is listed as an exercise.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I see sample training?
Yes. Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming.
How do I access the plan?
You can access the plan via username and password either through our website or through our app (Mtn Tactical Fitness) available for IOS and Android. More info HERE.
Can I print out sessions to take to the gym?
Yes – you can print a week of programming at a time
More Questions?
Email: coach@mtntactical.com
DISCLAIMER
Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your physician to ensure that you are in proper health. Physical training contains inherent risks including, but not limited to, muscle strains, tears, physical and bodily injury up to and including death. This training program is not meant to provide medical advice; you should obtain medical advice from your private health care practitioner. If you are unable to assume these risks then you should not engage in this training program. No liability is assumed by Mountain Tactical Institute, Inc, its owners or employees, and you train at your own risk. Mountain Tactical Institute makes no warranty, express or implied, of any kind in connection with this training program.
This a limited equipment program:
- Bench or step for step ups (15-18")
- Backpack with 15# of filler,
- Stop watch
- Sandbag (40# pound for women, 60# for men).
- Area for off trail, uphill hiking. If not available a treadmill with a 10% grade incline ability
- Pull Up Bar
- Foam Roller
Below is the entire first week of programming from the plan:
MONDAY
SESSION 1
Obj: Uphill Endurance
Warm up:
3 Rounds
Training:
(1) 500x Step Ups @ 15# Back Pack, Moderate Pace
"Moderate" = Comfortable but not easy
(2) 2 Rounds
*****************
TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Strength Assessment, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
Training:
(1) Max Hand Release Push Ups in 90 Seconds
You can rest in the down position as needed. Just keep working for the full 90 seconds.
*** Rest 2-3 Minutes
(2) Max In-Place Lunges in 90 Seconds
*** Rest 2-3 Minutes
(3) Max Rep Pull Ups - no time limit
RECORD YOUR SCORES
(4) 4 Round Grind...
- 30% Hand Release Push Ups Push Ups
- 30% In-Place Lunges
- 30% Pull Ups
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through this circuit for 4 Rounds.
Use your Part (1) - (3) max efforts to calculate the reps for Part (4). So, if you completed 35x Hand Release Push Ups in Part (1), your Hand Release Push Up Reps for Part (4) would be 35 x .3 = 10.3 or 11x (round up). Same formula for the In-Place Lunges and Pull Ups.
(5) 15-Minute Grind
- 40x Step Ups @ 15# backpack
- Run 200m with backpack
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through this circuit for the prescribed time.
(6) 15 Minute Grind ...
- 5x Backward Sandbag Drag @ 40/60#
- 6x Sandbag Getup @ 40/60# - alternate shoulder each round.
- 5x Sandbag Toss + Chase @ 40/60#
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through this circuit for the prescribed time.
(7) Foam Roll Legs, Low Back.
******************
WEDNESDAY
SESSION 3
Obj: Uphill Endurance
Warm up:
3 Rounds
Training:
(1) 60 minute hike or treadmill uphill endurance wearing a 15# backpack or ruck @ a moderate pace.
"Moderate" = comfortable but not easy.
Treadmill? - Aim to maintain a grade of 10% on treadmill and a speed of 3.0+.
(2) 2 Rounds
***************
THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Strength, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
Training:
(1) 6 Round Grind...
- 30% Hand Release Push Ups Push Ups
- 30% In-Place Lunges
- 30% Pull Ups
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through this circuit for 6 Rounds.
Use your SESSION 2 max efforts to calculate the reps for Part (4). So, if you completed 35x Hand Release Push Ups in SESSION 2, your Hand Release Push Up Reps for Part (4) would be 35 x .3 = 11x. Same formula for the In-Place Lunges and Pull Ups.
(2) 15-Minute Grind
- 40x Step Ups @ 15# backpack
- Run 200m with backpack
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through this circuit for the prescribed time.
(3) 15 Minute Grind ...
- 3x Sandbag Cross Clean @ 40/60#
- 6x Sandbag Getup @ 40/60# - alternate shoulders each round.
- 6x Sandbag Clean & Press @ 40/60#
(7) Foam Roll Legs, Low Back.
**********
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
Obj: Endurance - Running
Training:
(1) Run 6 Miles at a "Moderate Pace.
Moderate = Comfortable but not easy
Trail run if possible.
(2) 2 Rounds
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Do you have any reviews or testimonials from athletes who have used your Athlete's Subscription
Yes. Click HERE.
Is it true you guarantee your stuff works?
Yes. If you purchase an Athletes’ Subscription, follow the training sessions as prescribed, and are not satisfied with the quality of the programming, notify us within 30 days of purchase, and we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
How is MTI programming different than CrossFit?
This is a common question. Read our answer HERE.
You have a lot of competitors. Why should I choose MTI?
MTI is driven to improve mountain and tactical athletes' mission performance and keep them safe. This emphasis and focus on mission performance sets us apart. Read about more that sets us apart HERE.
If I purchase a plan or subscription, how do I access the programming?
All of our plans are online, accessible via username and password.
You can log in through our →Website or Mobile App →IOS and Android.
Do you have downloadable .pdf's of the training plans?
No. But you can print the programming, by week, from your browser. You access individual training plans online via a username and password.
Do you have a mobile app?
Yes, we do. Available for IOS and Android.
What is the difference between purchasing an individual training plan, packet of plans or an Athlete's Subscription?
- Plan - Like purchasing the DVD of the first Star Wars movie. You own it forever, including any updates we make to the plan.
- Packet - Like purchasing the DVD's of all the Star Wars movies. You own them forever, including any updates we make to the plans.
- Athlete's Subscription - Like subscribing to Netflix. You get access to all 200+ plan in our library, but lose access if you unsubscribe.
If I purchase an Athletes Subscription Can I cancel on my own, anytime?
Yes.
Do I have to contact MTI to cancel or can I do it myself?
You can do it yourself. Instructions HERE.
If I purchase a subscription and have questions about where to start or what plans(s) to use for my goals, will you help?
Yes. We answer dozens of training questions from athletes weekly. Email coach@mtntactical.com.
If you add new plans or update existing plans after I subscribe will I have access to them?
Yes. We are continuously adding training plans and packets (2-5/month) and updating plans. With your subscription you'll have access to all new plans, new courses and plan updates.
What Equipment is Required?
Click the "Required Equipment" tab to find out what equipment is required for the specific plan you are interested in.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run and Ruck Calculators are listed as exercises.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I see sample training?
Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming. You are encouraged to do it before purchasing.
What if I have more questions?
Email rob@mtntactical.com