This is a sport-specific 8-week program specifically designed to prepare athletes for the U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group (SOG) Selection Course. The plan includes a 1-week
The plan includes a 1-week taper, and is designed to be completed directly prior to your selection course start week.
This is a very intense, 6-day a week, often 2x/day training program with high levels of volume and stress. The intensity of this training plan reflects the volume and intensity of the USMS SOG selection course. Be safe and smart about your training as you work through the program and don’t be afraid to cut down sessions, or if necessary take an extra rest day if needed.
This program follows a general format and gets progressively harder each week, until week 8, when the training tapers down into the start of selection. Don’t skip ahead!! The plan is designed to build upon itself. If you have to miss a training day, start up back where you left off.
To successfully complete this program you’ll need to make training for selection a priority during your work day.
FITNESS ATTRIBUTES
This plan is “sport specific” to the specific fitness demands you’ll face at USMS SOG selection – specifically bodyweight smokers, running, some swimming and significant rucking. In general, it’s aims to build your “combat chassis” – legs, core, lungs and heart. The plan includes:
– Testing and progressive training for the USMS PFT
– Long Rucks and Runs with intervals to increase you speed over ground
– Work Capacity Smokers 2-3x/week
– Sandbag Getups for work capacity, mental toughness, and core strength
– Additional core, mobility, and stabilzer strength training for durability
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Mon:
AM: PFT Work
PM: Rucking Intervals
Tues:
Work Capacity and Chassis Integrity
Wed
AM: Running
PM: Work Capacity
Thurs:
2 Mile Run Intervals
Fri:
Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity, Grip Strength
Sat:
Long Ruck
Assessments
The plan includes 5 specific assessments and follow-on progressions. You’ll take these assessments multiple times over the 8 weeks:
(1) USMS PFT- Max Sit ups (1 minute), Max Push ups (1 minute), Max Pull ups, 1.5 Mile Run
(2) 5 Mile Ruck Run for Time – 45# Ruck, 10lb Rubber Rifle, or Sledge Hammer, Full Cammies/Boots, Helmet
(3) 6 Mile Run for Time
(4) 10 Minute Sandbag Getup (SBGU) for reps at 60# Sandbag
(5) 1.5 Mile IBA Run
COMMON QUESTIONS
What equipment is needed to complete this program?
- Fully equipped weight room
- Stop Watch with repeating countdown timer (We like Timex Ironman)
- 60# Sandbag
- ALICE Ruck or same ruck you will use at selection, 45# of filler 55# weight vest and 35# ram or dumbbell
- 10# Rubber Rifle (No rifle? Use a 10 lb sledge hammer)
- Pair of 25# Dumbbells
- OPTIONAL:
- GPS-enabled Stop Watch with repeating countdown timer (Garmin Forerunner 10 is recommended ) – a GPS Watch will make completing your running and ruck assessments and intervals much easier.
What if I miss a day?
Don’t skip ahead. Start where you left off. The plan is progressive, and its training sessions designed to be completed in order.
What if I have less then 8 weeks before I start the Selection Course?
Still start at the beginning of this training plan anyway. Don’t skip ahead.
What if I can’t handle the training volume at first?
Building stamina and resilience is a key training goal of this plan, and physical and mental stamina is also key to completing the Selection course. If you can’t handle the training volume at first, it is better to cut training sessions short, rather than take unscheduled rest days.
What if I can’t make the prescribed reps for the bodyweight exercises, or the prescribed interval times for the rucks, or runs?
Do your best, and be sure to do the total number of rounds, even if you can’t make the reps or the time. Don’t quit.
I can’t pass the swim and water tread… what should I do?
Use our Swim Improvement Plan to increase water confidence on days which only have one training session. This is an easy test, but don’t let it be the reason you don’t make it.
How do you count reps for Sandbag Getups, and Step ups?
Sandbag Getups – The prescribed rep count is total reps, so 50x Sandbag Getups at 60# sandbag = 50x total reps,
25x each shoulder.
Step Ups – The prescribed rep count is total reps, so 600x step ups = 600 total, or 300x per leg.
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.
What equipment is needed to complete this program?
- Fully equipped weight room
- Stop Watch with repeating countdown timer (We like Timex Ironman)
- 60# Sandbag
- ALICE Ruck or same ruck you will use at selection, 45# of filler 55# weight vest and 35# ram or dumbbell
- 10# Rubber Rifle (No rifle? Use a 10 lb sledge hammer)
- Pair of 25# Dumbbells
- OPTIONAL:
- GPS-enabled Stop Watch with repeating countdown timer (Garmin Forerunner 10 is recommended ) - a GPS Watch will make completing your running and ruck assessments and intervals much easier.
Below is Week 1 from the SOG Selection Training Plan:
***********
SESSION 1
Obj: Assessment (PFT)
Warm up:
3 Rounds
- 2x 4-Square Drill
- 8x Squats
- 8x Push-Ups
- 8x Sit-Ups
- Instep Stretch
Rest 5 Minutes
Training:
(1) 1 min. Max Push-Ups
Rest 5 Minutes
(2) 1 min. Max Sit-Ups
Rest 5 Minutes
(3) Max Pull ups
Rest 5 minutes
(4) 1.5 Mile Run (timed)
RECORD YOUR SCORES
********
SESSION 2
Obj: Assessment
Training:
(1) Run 6 miles for Time
RECORD YOUR TIME
*********
SESSION 3
Obj: Assessment
Warm up:
3 Rounds
- 2x 4-Square Drill
- 8x Squats
- 8x Push-Ups
- 8x Sit-Ups
- Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 10 Min Sandbag Getups for Reps @ 60#
RECORD TOTAL REPS
**Rest 5 Minutes
(2) 4 Rounds
300m Shuttle Run every 2:30min
**Rest 10 Minutes
(3) 1.5 Miles IBA Run (timed)
RECORD FINISH TIME
*********
SESSION 4
Obj: Assessment
Warm up:
3 Rounds
- 2x 4-Square Drill
- 8x Squats
- 8x Push-Ups
- 8x Sit-Ups
- Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 8 Rounds for Time
- 5x Renegade Man Makers @ 25# Dumbbells
- 10x Sandbag Back Squats @ 60#
- 15x Situps
- Run 200m with Sandbag
RECORD FINISH TIME
*********
SESSION 5
Obj: Assessment
Warm Up
- 3 Rounds
- 8x Squats
- 8x Push-Ups
- 8x Sit-Ups
- Swim 25m
- Instep Stretch
Training
Pass/Fail Event
- Tread Water for 5 minutes in full BDU’s (No Boots), then immediately…
- Swim 50m, do not touch pool wall
*************
SESSION 6
Obj: Ruck Assessment
(1) 5 Mile Ruck for Time, Flat Course
Load - 45# + 10 lb Rubber Rifle/Sledge/Dumbbell
RECORD YOUR TIME
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