This article is from the perspective of the Battalion Commander, 1st Tank Battalion, in an effort to share with other TSAC-F what did and did not work while implementing the Marine Corps’ Force Fitness program.
Because fitness test results are part of performance evaluations, smaller service members have an advantage in terms of attaining promotions, despite evidence that suggests that greater body size, strength, power, and load carrying capacity is correlated with tactical performance.
TSAC FacilitatorsTesting and Evaluationbody mass biasreliability of fitness testsallometric scalingTSACfitness testing
NSCA Member Spotlight: Meredith Butulis shares how the CSCS helped bridge physical therapy, strength and conditioning, and athletic confidence. Read her story.
Personal trainersCoachesClient Consultation|AssessmentProfessional DevelopmentCSCSMember Spotlight
Soldiers in today’s Army should be exposed to realistic and stressful training scenarios. Additionally, they should be educated on the physical, psychological, and cognitive effects of combat and fatigue. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (AROTC) cadets are an ideal training audience since they are already immersed in an academic environment.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designProfessional DevelopmentROTCTactical AthleteMilitary TrainingCadet Training
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyEmergency ProceduresLegal IssuesBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentMental HealthMusculoskeletal HeathRecoveryEndurance TrainingSport PerformanceMarathon des Sables (MdS)Training Volume
At smaller colleges, strength and conditioning coaches are often asked to lead big with limited staff. Whitney Leyva-Camberos, Director of Sports Performance at Fresno Pacific University and NSCA Southwest Regional Coordinator, shares how she supports a growing program while building a career through service. Leyva-Camberos talks through small-department challenges coaches know well, from crowded training windows and shared weight room space to constant communication with sport coaches. She uses timing gates and velocity-based training to raise intent, spark athlete competition, and keep data useful for a small staff. As a parent and department leader, Leyva-Camberos reflects on the support that helps coaches stay in the field for the long term. She also shares how saying yes and showing up at NSCA events helped turn local introductions into lasting connections. Listen for strategies to lead with limited resources, choose technology with purpose, and get connected through NSCA opportunities in your region.
Connect with Whitney on Instagram: @bigassmuscles or by email: whitney.leyva@fresno.edu
| Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
This award for career achievement was created in honor of Alvin Roy, who helped establish strength and conditioning as the cornerstone of any athletic training program.