Want to break into tactical strength and conditioning? Start by understanding the physical and stress demands of tactical work. Whitney Tramel explains what coaches need to know before stepping into this space. Drawing on her experience across military, police, and fire settings, she outlines the training qualities tactical professionals need to stay ready. She also discusses the growing focus on “holistic health.” In her view, that means looking at the whole individual and supporting longevity across a demanding career. As Tactical Program Manager at the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a PhD candidate studying stress physiology, Tramel connects research with the realities of tactical coaching. She also addresses a side many coaches are not ready for: tactical athletes often trust their strength coach with conversations that reach far beyond training. Learn what the role requires, what coaches often miss, and how to enter the tactical field with clarity.

Reach out to Whitney by email: whitney.tramel@nsca.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs

Looking to enter the tactical space or keep growing in it?

Explore the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®) certification and join us at 2026 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in Orlando this August 17 – 20

Show Notes

“Maybe there are times throughout the year we can focus more on one than the other. But I think we're really doing people a disservice if we only choose to focus on one at a time. We have a police officer that might be at a desk or two sitting in his cop car all day, but when he needs to chase after someone, he needs to chase after someone, and he doesn't know when that time is going to come. So he needs to be ready to do that at any moment.” 7:40

“Is it required? No. Do I think that it shows that you care and are making efforts towards learning? Absolutely. Secondary to that, it's police officers, firefighters, military personnel, service members who want to bring physical fitness, strength and conditioning, human performance to their department, to their unit, and essentially be a force multiplier...” 19:00

“There's so much research on what the physical and stress demands are of these jobs. So do the research and show up to your first interview knowing without a shadow of a doubt what you're working with. [...] I understand this is what I'm working with. I understand these are some things that I might see in this role. And here's what I plan to do to kind of help that. And I think those are ways to really help you get a job in the space of that's kind of what you're looking for.” 23:05