Updated October, 2024
The USMC Infantry Officer Course (IOC) Training Plan is a 30 session cycle designed specifically to prepare the athlete for the physical requirements of the Combat Endurance Test (CET) and follow on training at IOC.
It is designed to be completed during the 6 weeks prior to your IOC start date. of The Basic School (TBS). We understand that this period has multiple field events in which you won’t be able to train. Use these sessions when you can. Train smart – field events have priority.
This plan focuses on developing loaded endurance and bodyweight strength to successfully pass the CET and follow on training.
Here is the weekly schedule:
- Monday – E-Course Endurance
- Tuesday – Lower Body Muscular Endurance, O-Course
- Wednesday – Running Endurance
- Thursday – Tactical Work Capacity, Upper Body Muscular Endurance, Chassis Integrity
- Friday – Ruck
TACTICAL ATHLETE WORK CAPACITY ASSESSMENT
This plan includes the MTI Tactical Athlete Work Capacity Assessment. below are details on how to conduct the assessment. This is a simple and straight forward assessment specific to the work capacity and movement requirements of tactical athletes.
Uniform: Boots & Utilities
Load: 25# weight vest, IBA or Ruck
Assessment wearing 25# weight vest, IBA or Ruck
- 3 Minutes 25m shuttle sprints for reps – with a drop to prone at each end
- Rest 1 minute
- 3 Minutes 25m shuttle sprints for reps – with a drop to prone at each end
- Rest 1 minute
- 3 Minutes 25m shuttle sprints for reps – with a drop to prone at each end
1x Rep = 1x 25m length, so a round trip = 2x Reps. Only full lengths count. Athlete starts on the ground prone, and must drop to the ground prone at each turn around.
Tally the total reps for each round. A sum of reps from all 3 rounds is the athlete’s final score.

CLICK HERE to see an Army Infantry unit conduct the test
RUCKING AND RUNNING
The objective of the rucking progression is to ensure you are prepared to carry the heavy loads over the rolling terrain of the Camp Barrett training areas. IOC has no ruck-run events but does include many miles of walking with a very heavy pack. Maintain a 15 minute per mile rucking pace. This is fast walking, not running.
For lightly loaded running, you’ll work up to completing the Endurance Course (E-Course) twice at 25#. This should be completed at a moderate pace. Moderate pace means comfortable, but not easy. We want you to be able to run long distances in preparation for the CET. You’ll work up to carrying a 20# load on top of your LBV.
OBSTACLE COURSE
Complete all obstacle course iterations in your LBV to gain confidence in getting over obstacles with a awkward load around your mid-section. Be in control – don’t go so fast that you can not maintain your balance. Ensure you have medical personnel on stand-by.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What equipment is required?
- Fully equipped functional fitness gym
- Ruck
- Load Bearing Vest (LBV) with 2 full water canteens, med kit, Magazine pouches and magazines
- Access to O-Course and E-Course,
- Sandbag at 60/80# (60# for women, 80# for men)
- Wrist watch or stop watch
How long do the training sessions last?
Training sessions are designed to last 60-75 minutes. Endurance events may take up to 2 hours.
What does “4/8x” mean? How about “15/25#”?
First number is for women, second is for men, both for reps, and loading. Examples:
4/8x Chin Ups = Women do 4x, Men do 8x
15/25# = Women us 15#, Men us 25#.
What does “Grind” Mean?
Work briskly, not frantically. Keep moving and work steady through the circuit.
What if I miss a training day?
These sessions do not have to follow a standard Monday to Friday schedule. You can have multiple days between training sessions if in the field or otherwise occupied with training at The Basic School. Complete the sessions in order – don’t skip around.
My gym doesn’t have sandbags. What should I do?
Make one and take it to the gym when you train … a sandbag is required for this program. We sell sandbags at mtntactical.com, other venders sell them, and you can make your own. Be resourceful.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run Calculator is listed as an exercise.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Questions? Email coach@mtntactical.com
Good Luck!
Required Equipment:
This program is designed to be completed with the equipment available at Quantico/TBS
- Fully-equipped weight room (bars, bumpers, racks, dumbbells, etc.)
- Load Bearing Vest
- Sandbag (60# for women, 80# for men)
- Quantico O-Course
Below is the Entire First Week from the Training Plan:
MONDAY
Objective: Endurance
Uniform: Boots and Utilities
Warm Up:
Training:
- 1 Round:
- Run the TBS Endurance Course wearing fully loaded LBV - Moderate Pace
- Moderate Pace = Comfortable but not easy
3 Rounds:
- Hip Flexor Stretch
- Pigeon Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
TUESDAY
Objective: O-Course, Strength Endurance
Uniform: Boots and Utilities
Warm Up:
3 Rounds:
- 10x Squat Jumps
- 2x Pull Ups
- 6x 25m Shuttle
- Instep Stretch
- Lat/Pec Stretch
Training:
- 1 Round:
- Full Leg Blaster
- Rest 60 Seconds
- 8 Rounds:
- Mini Leg Blaster
- Rest 30 Seconds
- 1 Round for Time:
- 2x USMC Obstacle Course wearing fully loaded LBV
RECORD TIME
WEDNESDAY
Objective: Endurance
Uniform: Green on Green
Warm Up:
Training:
- Run 6 Miles at Moderate Pace
- Moderate = Comfortable but not easy
THURSDAY
Objective: Work Capacity, Chassis Integrity
Uniform: Boots and Utilities
Warm Up:
3 Rounds:
- 10x Squat Jumps
- 2x Pull Ups
- 6x 25m Shuttle
- Instep Stretch
- Lat/Pec Stretch
Training:
- Max Pull Ups wearing fully loaded LBV
- RECORD SCORE
6 Rounds, Every 90 Seconds:
- 30% Max Rep Strict Dead Hang Pull Ups
3 Rounds:
- Max 25m Shuttles in 3 Minutes wearing 25# vest, pack or body armor - Drop to Prone at Each End
- Each full 25m Length = 1 Rep. Keep running count of total reps completed
- Rest 50 Seconds
RECORD TOTAL REPS COMPLETED
So, if you completed 12 reps on round 1, 10 reps on round 2 and 8 reps on round 3, your total score = 12 + 10 + 8 = 30 Reps. Only full lengths count as a rep.
20 Minute Grind:
- Sandbag Get Up and Run - 60#/80#
- 4x Sandbag Keg Lift - 60#/80#
- 60 Seconds Sandbag Bear Hug Walk - 60#/80#
- 30 Seconds Sandbag Hold and Farmer’s Carry
Grind = work steadily, not frantically for the prescribed time or rounds. Pace yourself, but don’t stop to rest.
FRIDAY
Objective: Rucking
Uniform: Boots and Utilities
Warm Up:
Training:
- 6 Mile Ruck
- 6 Mile Ruck - 50# Ruck, Fully Loaded LBV, Carrying a 10# Sledge/Dumbbell
- Maintain a 15min/mile or faster pace … fast walking, don’t run.
3 Rounds:
- 3rd World Squat Stretch
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
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.
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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