PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This 4-Week, 4 day/week training program is specifically designed to prepare fit athletes for MTI’s Part-Time SWAT Fitness Assessment. This plan was developed and tested with a part-time team on the east coast in June, 2025.
Unlike full-time SWAT/SRT teams, which often benefit from multi-day assessments, annual fitness testing, dedicated gym access, and daily training, most part-time teams operate with far fewer resources.
This training plan is built to work around those part-time restrictions while assessing the fitness demands of a SWAT Team and progressing accordingly. See below for assessment results from the part time we developed this training plan for, or read the full mini-study write up here.
Assessment Overview (4 Events):
- 1RM Back Squat – Tests total and core strength
- 1RM Bench Press – Measures upper body pressing strength
- Max Rep Strict Pull-Ups – Evaluates upper body pulling and core strength
- 9-Minute AMRAP in Kit – Tactical work capacity test involving:
Each event is worth up to 10 points, for a total possible score of 40. For strength tests, the score is standardized by bodyweight (i.e., 1RM ÷ bodyweight), which is then translated into a score.
Scoring – Each Individual Event Can Score a Total of 10 Points.
| Event | Raw Result | Notes | Score (0-10) |
| 1RM Back Squat | _________ Pounds | / BW = ____________ | |
| 1RM Bench Press | _________ Pounds | / BW = ____________ | |
| Max Rep Pull Ups | ___________ Reps | Strict, unloaded | |
| Kit Grinder | _________ Rounds | 9-Min AMRAP in Kit | |
| Total Score |
OVERALL SCORE
| Score | Tier |
| 34-40 | Excellent |
| 26-33 | Good |
| 0-25 | Poor |
Back Squat 1RM Scoring – 1RM divided by Bodyweight
| Strength Ration (1RM / BW) | Score | Tier |
| 2.0 | 10 | Excellent |
| 1.8-1.99 | 9 | |
| 1.6-1.79 | 8 | Good |
| 1.4-1.59 | 7 | |
| 1.2-1.39 | 6 | |
| 1.1-1.19 | 5 | Poor |
| 1.0-1.09 | 4 | |
| 0.9-0.99 | 3 | |
| 0.8-0.89 | 2 | |
| < 0.8 | 1 |
Bench Press 1RM Scoring – 1RM divided by Bodyweight
| Strength Ration (1RM / BW) | Score | Tier |
| 1.6 | 10 | Excellent |
| 1.5-1.59 | 9 | |
| 1.4-1.49 | 8 | Good |
| 1.3-1.39 | 7 | |
| 1.2-1.29 | 6 | |
| 1.1-1.19 | 5 | Poor |
| 1.0-1.09 | 4 | |
| 0.9-0.99 | 3 | |
| 0.8-0.89 | 2 | |
| < 0.8 | 1 |
Pull Up Scoring
| Reps | Score | Tier |
| 20 | 10 | Excellent |
| 18-19 | 9 | |
| 15-17 | 8 | Good |
| 14-15 | 7 | |
| 12-13 | 6 | |
| 10-11 | 5 | Poor |
| 8-9 | 4 | |
| 6-7 | 3 | |
| 4-5 | 2 | |
| < 4 | 1 | |
| 0 | 0 |
Kit Grinder AMRAP Scoring
| Reps | Score | Tier |
| 7+ Full Rounds | 10 | Excellent |
| 6+ Full Rounds | 9 | |
| 6 Rounds | 8 | Good |
| 5+ Full Rounds | 7 | |
| 5 Full Rounds | 6 | |
| 4+ Full Round | 5 | Poor |
| 4 Full Rounds | 4 | |
| 3+ Full Rounds | 3 | |
| 3 Full Rounds | 2 | |
| < 3 Full Rounds | 1 |
WEEKLY SCHEDULE (Non Assessment Weeks)
- Monday: Strength Progression
- Tuesday: Assessment Specific Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
- Wednesday: Rest
- Thursday: Strength Progression
- Friday: Work Capacity, Hypertrophy
COMMON QUESTIONS
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?
Access is online, via username and password. You can log in either through our website or through our app (Mtn Tactical Fitness) available for IOS and Android.
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.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Barbell, Plates, and Squat Rack for Heavy Back Squats and Bench Press
- 25# vest or kit
- 2x 30# Dumbbells
- 80# Sandbag
- Pull Up Bar
- Stopwatch with repeat countdown interval timer (smartphone will work)
- Track or flat course with known distances for running and Devil Dog assessments
- Foam Roller
Session 1
OBJ: Part Time SWAT Fitness Assessment
See Overview for Scoring.
Warm Up
4 Rounds:
- 8x Back Squat – Start light and increase load as you warm up
- 8x Hand Release Push-up
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Uniform: Shorts, T-Shirt, Sneakers.
Training
Bodyweight
- Hop on Scale and get your bodyweight + t-shirt & shorts, no shoes
RECORD BODYWEIGHT
Back Squat 1RM
- Work up to 1RM Back Squat
- Add 5-30# to your finishing warm up load and do 5x reps, then add 5-30# and do 3x Reps, then add 5-30# and do 1x Rep. Continue adding weight and doing 1x rep (single) until you reach your 1RM. Aim to reach 1RM by your 3rd or 4th Single.
RECORD RESULT
Bench Press 1RM
- Work up to 1RM Bench Press
- Start light and do 8x Reps. Then add 5-30# and do 5x Reps. Then add 5-30# and do 3x Reps. Then add 5-30# and do 1x Rep. Continue adding weight and doing 1x rep (single) until you reach your 1RM. Aim to reach 1RM by your 3rd or 4th Single.
RECORD RESULT
Max Rep Strict Pull Ups
- Max Reps Strict Pull Ups
- Strict Form – full elbow extension on the dead hang to chin over bar at the top. No time limit and the athlete can rest in the bottom position, but his feet can’t touch and both hands must remain on the bar. No kipping, bucking or other bullshit.
RECORD MAX REPS
9-Minute AMRAP “Kit Grinder” – Complete Wearing Loaded Body Armor (Comms, Mags, etc.)
- 2x In-Place Lunge – 2x each leg, 4x total
- 4x 25m Prone to Sprint – Each count as ½ rep.
RECORD TOTAL ROUNDS COMPLETED
On “Go” Start with 2x In-line Lunge (4x total), then …
- drop to prone, pop up and sprint 25m
- turn around, drop to prone, sprint 25m to start
- turn around, drop to prone, sprint 25m
- turn around, drop to prone, sprint back 25m to start
= 4 Lengths total.
1x Round = 2x In-Place Lunge + 4x 25m Prone to Sprint. Only fully complete rounds count.
RECORD COMPLETED ROUNDS
2 Rounds:
- Hip Flexor Stretch
- Foam Roll Low Back
Session 2
OBJ: TOTAL REST
Session 3
OBJ: Strength Progression, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up
4 Rounds:
- 8x Back Squat – Start light and increase load as you warm up
- 8x Hand Release Push-up
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Uniform: Shorts, T-Shirt, Sneakers.
Training
Back Squat Warm Up
- 8x Back Squat – 50% 1RM
- 8x Back Squat – 70% 1RM, then
6 Rounds:
- 2x Back Squat – 80% 1RM
- Hip Flexor Stretch
Bench Press Warm Up
- 8x Bench Press – 40% 1RM
- 8x Bench Press – 50% 1RM, then
- 8x Bench Press – 70% 1RM, then …
6 Rounds:
- 2x Bench Press – 80% 1RM
- 5x Shoulder Dislocates
6 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds:
- 30% Max Rep Pull Up – every 90 seconds
Set a countdown repeating timer to 90 seconds. On “go” complete your prescribed pull up reps. Faster you finish, the more rest you get between efforts.
2 Rounds:
- Lat + Pec Stretch
- Foam Roll Quads, Low Back
Session 4
OBJ: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up
4 Rounds:
- 2x In-line Lunge
- 5x Burpee
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training
5 Rounds – Wearing Kit, 25# Weight Vest or 25# Backpack
- 2x In-line Lunge
- 4x 25m Prone to Sprint
- Rest 60–90 Seconds
Max effort through the lunges and prone to sprints, then take 60–90 seconds rest.
15 Minute Grind
- 10x Weighted Situp – Start @ 25# and add weight if possible until 10x is hard, but doable
- 5x Standing Russian Twist – Start @ 25# and add weight if possible until 10x is hard, but doable
- 5x Side Plank Raises
“Grind” = work steadily not frantically for the prescribed time or rounds. Pace yourself, but don’t stop to rest.
2 Rounds:
- Hip Flexor Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Session 5
OBJ: Strength Progression, Chassis Integrity
Warm Up
4 Rounds:
- 8x Back Squat – Start light and increase load as you warm up
- 8x Hand Release Push-up
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Uniform: Shorts, T-Shirt, Sneakers.
Training
Back Squat Warm Up
- 8x Back Squat – 50% 1RM
- 8x Back Squat – 70% 1RM, then
6 Rounds:
- 2x Back Squat – 80% 1RM
- Hip Flexor Stretch
Bench Press Warm Up
- 8x Bench Press – 40% 1RM
- 8x Bench Press – 50% 1RM, then
- 8x Bench Press – 70% 1RM, then …
6 Rounds:
- 2x Bench Press – 80% 1RM
- 5x Shoulder Dislocates
6 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds:
- 30% Max Rep Pull Up – every 90 seconds
Set a countdown repeating timer to 90 seconds. On “go” complete your prescribed pull up reps. Faster you finish, the more rest you get between efforts.
2 Rounds:
- Lat + Pec Stretch
- Foam Roll Quads, Low Back
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
