The following is a very intense, sport-specific 8-week program is specifically designed to prepare athletes for US Army Cadet Summer Training. The plan includes a taper, and is designed to be completed the 8 weeks directly prior the start of CST.
PROGRAM APPROACH
This training plan is focused on the fitness demands of CST including:
– AFT: You’ll take the AFT four times over the course of your plan, every other Monday, and complete follow-on, AFT-specific progressed programming.
– 12-Mile Ruck progression with 35# ruck sack with filler, 10# Rubber Rifle, 10# Sledge Hammer or 10# Dumbbell to carry while you ruck. You’ll Ruck every Saturday in this plan, working your way up to 12 miles, which you’ll complete twice on successive Saturdays week 6 and week 7.
– On Mondays when you are not taking the AFT there is a body weight flow that incorporates a 20 ft rope and a swim circuit with a 10# Rubber Rifle, 10# Sledge Hammer or 10# Dumbbell. The rope climb is to prepare you for the obstacle course and the swim is to prepare you for the CWST.
Schedule for Weeks 1-8
- Monday: AFT Assessment or Bodywieght Flow/Swim
- Tuesday: Shuttle Sprint Repeats, Chassis Integrity Grind, 2-Mile Run Work (800m Repeats)
- Wednesday: Dead Lifts, Hand Release Push Ups, Plank
- Thursday: Sprint-Drag-Carry, Chassis Integrity Grind, 2-Mile Run Work (1-Mile Repeats)
- Friday: Dead Lifts, Hand Release Push Ups, Plank
- Saturday: Long Ruck (6-12 miles)
- Sunday: Rest or Orienteering Practice
Army Fitness Test (AFT)
You will take the AFT at the start of CST, failure to pass it will lead to your dismissal from CST. The following is to be completed in civillian PTs and running shoes
- 3RM Dead Lift (3 Repetition Maximum)
- Max Hand Release Push Ups in 2 Minutes
- Sprint-Drag-Carry for Time
- Plank for Time
- 2 Mile Run for Time
Please click HERE for an official US Army AFT Website describing the AFT and it’s events.
Please click HERE for the AFT Scoring Tables.
This training program deploys the AFT on the Monday of Weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7, and uses your latest AFT event results for the follow-on progressions. In this way, the program automatically “scales” to the incoming fitness of each individual athlete, and ensures that each athlete is pushed throughout the program.
The 12-Mile Ruck
A graduation requirement for CST is completing a 12-mile ruck with a 35-pound ruck and a rubber rifle. There is no specific time requirement for completion; at CST, it will be conducted as a formation ruck, averaging a 20-minute mile pace. This program prepares you for the distance through progressively longer Saturday rucks.
The Obstacle Course
At CST, you will complete an obstacle course that includes a 20-foot rope climb. While completing the obstacle course is not required for graduation, failure to complete it will negatively impact your overall CST score. Rope climb training is integrated into Weeks 2, 4, and 6 through bodyweight flow sessions, which include a 20-foot rope climb or Tarzan pull-ups (if a rope is unavailable).
Combat Water Survival Test (CWST)
The CWST must be completed in full OCPs, with FLC or TAPs, and a rubber rifle. It consists of:
- 15-meter swim with full kit – Swim underwater or perform a sidestroke for 15 meters while wearing uniform, boots, a load-bearing vest (or IOTV), and carrying a rubber rifle.
- 3-meter drop – Drop into deep water from a diving board or platform with your weapon, then swim to safety.
- Equipment ditch – While submerged, remove your vest and weapon, then swim to the edge.
Passing the CWST is not required for graduation; however, doing so will improve your overall CST score. This program trains only the 15-meter swim with full kit, progressing with 25-meter swims using a rubber rifle.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What equipment is needed to complete this program?
- Stop Watch with Repeating Countdown Timer – Smartphone app will worklnn
- 60#, 40# Sandbag
- Ruck you will use at CST, 35# of filler, 10# Rubber Rifle, 10# Sledge Hammer or 10# Dumbbell to carry while you ruck
- 90# Sled/Tire to Drag and 45# Kettlebells or Dumbbells
- Hexbar and plates
- Rope or pull-up bar
- Access to a 25m lap pool
What if I have less then 8 weeks before I start CST?
Still start at the beginning of this training plan anyway. Skip to Week 8 the week directly before CST.
What if I have more than 8 weeks before I start CST?
Email coach@mtntactical.com and ask for guidance.
What if I can’t handle the training volume at first?
Building stamina and reslience is a key training goal of this plan, and physical and mental stamina is also key to completing CST. If you can’t handle the training volume at first, its better to cut training sessions short, rather than take unscheduled rest days.
Unfamiliar Exercises? Questions?
Go to http://mtntactical.com/category/exercises/ to see unfamiliar exercises.
What if I have more questions?
Email coach@mtntactical.com
- Stop Watch with Repeating Countdown Timer – Smartphone app will worklnn
- 60#, 40# Sandbag
- Ruck you will use at CST, 35# of filler, 10# Rubber Rifle, 10# Sledge Hammer or 10# Dumbbell to carry while you ruck
- 90# Sled/Tire to Drag and 45# Kettlebells or Dumbbells
- Hexbar and plates
- Rope or pull-up bar
- Access to a 25m lap pool
SESSION 1
OBJ: Assessment - AFT
Warm Up
3 Rounds:
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8x Dead Lift – increase weight every round to warm up
-
4x Hand Release Push Ups
-
4x 25m Shuttle
-
8x Sit Ups
-
Instep Stretch
-
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training
Work Up to 3RM Dead Lift
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AFT 3RM Dead Lift
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Note: You have 5 minutes. We recommend two 3-rep warm-up sets, then 1–2 attempts at your 3RM. Don’t exceed 420 lbs.
Rest 2 Minutes Between Events
Max Hand Release Push Ups in 2 Minutes
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AFT Hand Release – Arms Extended Push Up
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Note: Rest position is the front leaning rest (high plank).
Rest 2 Minutes Between Events
Sprint-Drag-Carry for Time
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AFT Sprint-Drag-Carry
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Note: Start prone. Drag a 90# sled, carry 45# kettlebells or dumbbells.
Rest 2 Minutes Between Events
Max Plank for Time
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AFT Plank
Rest 5 Minutes Between Events
Run 2 Miles for Time
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Run 2 Miles
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RECORD ALL SCORES
SESSION 2
OBJ: Shuttle Sprint Repeats, Chassis Integrity, 2-Mile Run Work
Warm Up
5 Rounds:
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5x Squat
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5x Squat Jump
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4x 25m Shuttle
-
Instep Stretch
Training
4 Rounds Every 1:15
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150m Shuttle Every 1:15
20 Minute Grind
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60s Sandbag Shoulder Carry – 40/60# (increase to 80# if possible, alternate shoulders)
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5x Keg/Sandbag Lift – 40/60# (increase to 80# if possible)
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5x Sandbag Getup – 40/60# (increase to 80# if possible)
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5x Sandbag Good Mornings – 40/60# (increase to 80# if possible)
3 Rounds:
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Run 800m – Use your "800m Interval Pace" based on SESSION 1's AFT 2-Mile Run and the MTI Running Calculator
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Rest 4 Minutes Between Efforts
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Running Calculator
2 Rounds:
-
HAM – Hip Mobility Drill
SESSION 3
OBJ: Dead Lift, Hand Release Push Up, Plank
Warm Up
3 Rounds:
-
8x Dead Lift – increase weight every round to warm up
-
4x Hand Release Push Ups
-
8x Sit Ups
-
Instep Stretch
-
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training
8 Rounds – AFT Deadlift
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Round 1: 3x @ 65% of 3RM
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Round 2: 3x @ 75% of 3RM
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Round 3: 3x @ 85% of 3RM
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Rounds 4–8: 3x @ (3RM – 10 lbs)
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Use 3rd World Squat Stretch between each round
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Example: If 3RM was 225#, use 215# for Rounds 4–8
6 Rounds Every 75 Seconds
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30% of AFT HRPU Assessment
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Perform reps and rest the remainder of the interval
6 Rounds:
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30% of Max Plank Time
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Rest 30 Seconds
2 Rounds:
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Toe Touch Complex
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5x Shoulder Dislocates
SESSION 4
OBJ: Sprint-Drag-Carry, Chassis Integrity, 2-Mile Run Work
Warm Up
5 Rounds:
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5x Squat
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5x Squat Jump
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4x 25m Shuttle
-
Instep Stretch
Training
3 Rounds:
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100m Shuttle Drag – 90# Sled, Rest 30s
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100m Lateral Shuttle, Rest 30s
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100m Shuttle Carry – 45# Kettlebells or Dumbbells
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Rest 1 Minute Between Efforts
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Each 100m Shuttle = 25m down & back, twice
20 Minute Grind
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10x Sandbag Sit Up – 40/60# (increase to 80# if possible)
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60s Sandbag Zercher Carry – 40/60# (increase to 80# if possible)
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5x Sandbag Cross Clean – 40/60# (increase to 80# if possible)
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Standing Founder – 15s each side
2 Rounds:
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Run 1 Mile – Use "1 Mile Interval Pace" from SESSION 1’s AFT 2-Mile Time and MTI Running Calculator
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Rest 8 Minutes Between Efforts
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Running Calculator
2 Rounds:
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HUG – Hip Mobility Drill
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?
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If I purchase a subscription and have questions about where to start or what plans(s) to use for my goals, will you help?
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If you add new plans or update existing plans after I subscribe will I have access to them?
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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