This is Version 1 of MTI’s USCG Tactical Operator Training Plan, June, 2025.
The primary focus of this intense, 9-week training plan, is to prepare athletes for the challenges of the USCG Tactical Operator Screener. The plan includes rucking, running, swimming, water confidence/drown proofing and multi-modal, intense grinder-style work capacity events to prepare athletes for the Tactical Operator Screener.
This is a 9-week 6 day/week training program with many 2-a-day training sessions.
To successfully complete this program you’ll need to make training for selection a priority during your workday. The training plan is designed to be completed the 9 weeks directly before the Tactical Operator Screener. Week 9 in the plan is an unload/taper week.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This plan is “sport specific” to the specific fitness demands you’ll face at the screener – specifically swimming, treading, rucking, and the PFT. The plan includes:
- Testing and progressive training for the USCG Tactical Operator PFT
- Swimming, Treading, and Drown Proofing
- Extended, multi-modal work capacity events
- Chassis Integrity Work – intense core training
- Rucking
- Swim PT sessions in the pool
- Endurance – Moderate runs and speed over ground interval training
- Extended Mini-Events from 120-240 minutes in duration
WEEKLY SCHEDULE (Weeks 2-8)
Monday: AM – USCG TO PFT Work; PM – Swimming and Treading
Tuesday: AM – Strength/Work Capacity/Chassis Integrity; PM – Ruck Intervals
Wednesday: Moderate Run
Thursday: AM – Strength/Tactical Agility/Chassis Integrity; PM – Swimming and Treading
Friday: AM – USCG TO PFT Work; PM – Underwater Crossovers and Drown Proofing
Saturday: 120-240 Minute Mini Event
ASSESSMENTS
The plan includes 5 specific assessments and follow-on progressions. You’ll take these assessments multiple times over the 9 weeks:
- USMC PFT – Max Push ups (1 minute), Max Sit-Ups (1 minute) Max Pull ups (1 minute), Max Chin Ups (1 minute), 1.5-Mile Run, and swim 100m
- 6-Mile Ruck Assessment at 45#
- 500m, 750m, and 1000m Swim Assessments
RUN/RUCK/SWIM INTERVAL CALCULATORS
The training plan includes scaled paces for your runs, rucks and swimming assessments. These paces are based on your assessment results from the 6-Mile Ruck, 1.5-Mile PFT run, 500m, 750m, and 1000m swim. You’ll take these assessments 3 times throughout the plan. Use your latest assessment results for the subsequent training sessions.
We use interval training to train your run, rucking, and swimming fitness. The interval distances are shorter, and pace faster than your latest assessment pace.
Enter your assessment distance and pace in the calculators, and they will spit out your interval distance times. The calculators are listed under the “Exercises” tab on the website toolbar.
RUCK, RUN, SWIM UNIFORMS
- 3-Mile Ruck and 2-Mile Repeats – ODU, 45# ruck plus water
- Run Assessments and Repeats – PT Gear
- Swimming & Treading – Full ODU, but no boots.
Treading – Swimsuit only for the first 3 weeks of the training plan. Full ODU (no boots) for the last 6 weeks of the plan.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What equipment is needed to complete this training plan?
- Stop Watch with Repeating Countdown Timer – Timex Ironman is best.
- 40# Sandbags
- ALICE Ruck or same ruck you will use at the course, 45# of filler, 10# Rubber Rifle (No rifle? Use a 10 lb sledgehammer or a 10# dumbbell)
- Pull up Bar
- Foam Roller
- Running track or known distance for running and rucking assessments and 1-mile repeats.
What if I have less then 9 weeks before I start the Screener?
Still start at the beginning of this training plan anyway. Don’t skip ahead until your final week before beginning Tactical Operator Course, then skip ahead and complete Week 9 in this plan.
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.
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.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run/Ruck/Swim Calculators are listed as exercises.
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.
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.
Can I print out sessions to take to the gym?
Yes – you can print a week of programming at a time
How do I record my assessment Results?
Notebook and pencil.
More Questions?
Email: coach@mtntactical.com
Good Luck!
- Stop Watch with Repeating Countdown Timer – Timex Ironman is best.
- 40# Sandbags
- ALICE Ruck or same ruck you will use at the course, 45# of fille
- Pull up Bar
- Foam Roller
- Running track or known distance for running and rucking assessments and 800m repeats.
SESSION 1
OBJ: PFT and Swim Assessments
PFT Assessment (PT Gear), Swim Assessment (ODU, no boots)
Warm Up
3 Rounds:
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10x Push Ups
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10x Sit Ups
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5x Walking Lunges
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Run 100m
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Instep Stretch
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Lat + Pec Stretch
Training
USCG TO PFT
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1 Minute Max Rep Push Ups - Rest 10 Minutes
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REST 3 MINUTES
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1 Minute Max Rep Sit Up - Rest 10 Minutes
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REST 3 MINUTES
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Max Rep Pull Up - Rest 10 Minutes
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REST 3 MINUTES
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Max Rep Chin Up - Rest 10 Minutes
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REST 3 MINUTES
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Run 1.5 Miles for Time
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REST 3 MINUTES
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Swim 100m - in uniform, boots, helmet, and gun belt
Uniform: PT Uniform
Record results for each event
SESSION 2
OBJ: Ruck Assessment
Uniform: ODU, Boots
Training
-
6 Mile Ruck for Time - 45# Ruck Dry (Pack must weight 45# without water)
Record Finish Time
2 Rounds:
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Instep Stretch
-
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
SESSION 3
OBJ: Rest
Training
-
Total Rest
SESSION 4
OBJ: Swim Assessment, Swim PT, Treading
Uniform: ODU, No Boots for Part 1 & 2, then PT uniform for Part 3
Warm Up
3 Rounds:
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Swim 50m - Swim down 25m using the Combat Side Stroke, swim back using the breast stroke
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10x Sit Ups
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10x Air Squats
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Instep Stretch
Training
500m Swim for Time
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Swim 500m for Time - in ODU
We recommend utilizing the combat side stroke. Click above for details on the technique
RECORD RESULTS
10 Rounds for Time:
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Swim 50m (25m side stroke, 25m breast stroke)
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5x Push Ups
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10x Sit Ups
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15x Air Squats
Uniform: uniform, boots, helmet, and gun belt
5 Rounds Water Treading:
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15 sec tread both hands in water
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15 sec tread left hand out of water
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15 sec tread right hand out of water
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15 sec tread both hands out of water
2 Rounds:
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Lat + Pec Stretch
-
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
SESSION 5
OBJ: Endurance
Uniform: Normal PT attire
Training
Moderate Run
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Run 6 Miles, Moderate Pace
"Moderate" = comfortable but not easy
2 Rounds:
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Hip Flexor Stretch
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Pigeon Stretch
SESSION 6
OBJ: 120 Minute Mini Event
Training
Moderate Run
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Run 3 Miles - Moderate Pace
Moderate Pace = comfortable but not easy
15 Minute AMRAP
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3x Sandbag Getup - 40/60#
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3x Hand Release Push-up
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3x Clapping Pushup
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3x Pull Up
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3x Chin Up
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3x Sandbag Cross Clean - 40/60#
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9x Sit Up
"AMRAP" = As Many Rounds As Possible
6 Mile Ruck Run
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Ruck 6 Miles, over uneven hilly terrain - Moderate Pace
Load: 45# Ruck Dry - Water weight not included
Ruck Run = Trot or Jog
Moderate Pace = comfortable but not easy
2 Rounds:
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Instep Stretch
-
Foam Roll Legs, 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