How the Growth of Tactical Fitness Has Improved the Military
Military.com | By Stew Smith, CSCS®
Published July 10, 2025 at 10:10am ET
The concept of the "tactical athlete" is a relatively recent development in military fitness training. "Tactical fitness" did not begin to emerge until the mid-2000s, with military fitness programming and philosophy undergoing the most significant changes in the last 20 years. Here is a question from a recruit new to tactical fitness:
Fitness Training in the 1990s and Earlier
Several decades ago, those in the military rarely saw themselves as "athletes." Fitness was viewed as a requirement, not an identity, and most training programs were supplemental to the job and tailored to service members' interests. For many, the frequency of workouts increased about three to four weeks before the next fitness test, which typically consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, crunches and running. After the required test, many did not prioritize maintaining a high level of fitness.
Not all military branches had this mindset, though. Some -- notably the Army and Marine Corps combat arms (and special operations) -- included load-bearing exercises and rucking as part of their routine. At the same time, other services had diving and swimming as job requirements. However, resistance training for strength was generally left to personal initiative; those interested would lift weights on their own time.
https://www.military.com/military-fitness/how-growth-of-tactical-fitness-has-improved-military
