Coaches' AAR

In this episode, we respond to the recent “good vs bad coach” conversation and reframe it through real-world experience. We unpack why coaching success can’t be separated from unit culture, leadership engagement, and Soldier ownership—and why human performance is ultimately a shared responsibility. We discuss how friction shows up inside conventional units, how effective teams overcome it through collaboration and system-building, and what good coaching actually looks like when you’re managing large formations, high OPTEMPO, and uneven training backgrounds. We close by opening the door for direct dialogue with coaches navigating these challenges and looking for practical support on the ground.coachesaar@gmail.com

On this episode, Coach DeJuan Hathaway joins us—a seasoned tactical strength and conditioning coach with years of real-world experience working on the ground and chasing the occasional adventure along the way. Coach Hathaway breaks down his journey serving tactical populations, his training philosophy, how he navigates friction in challenging environments, and what it truly takes to succeed in the tactical space.Check out his book: Special Forces Fitness Training: Gym-Free Workouts to Build Muscle and Get in Elite Shape

Joining us today is Coach Luke Propst—a seasoned strength coach who stumbled into the tactical world by chance and has been thriving in it ever since. Luke breaks down the experiences that shaped his coaching and how they drive the way he delivers training to soldiers. We dive deep into reconditioning physical training for injured service members, and even take a fun detour into how pop culture sparked our love for lifting in the first place.There are few coaches as knowledgeable as Luke. Whether you’re new to the tactical space or still finding your footing, this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss—tune in and make sure to give him a follow. If you like what we're doing, please review, follow and like!https://www.instagram.com/lukepropst_pst?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

We're back!This episode has been sitting waiting for me (Ray) to edit.Today we’re joined by Elza van Niekerk, a South African–born physical therapist with a deep passion for movement and tactical populations. We cover some familiar ground—but with a twist. Elza brings an outsider’s perspective, offering candid insight into what she sees working with tactical professionals on the civilian side. Tune in for an honest, refreshing conversation on movement quality, performance, and why precision matters for those in mission-critical roles.

Today we welcome Coach Beth Bearden—a leader who has truly made her mark in the tactical space. From strength coach to program director, Beth cracked the code early on: earning buy-in, engaging leadership, and helping define what it really means to be a tactical strength coach.If you’re a young coach looking to grow in this field, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.🎧 We hope you enjoy the show—don’t forget to like, follow, and share!

Today we're joined by a former colleague, Air Force veteran, and original H2F coach. Coach Mata has been on the ground since the rollout of human performance on the conventional side and helped pioneer much of the way coaches do business. Join us for a great conversation about his role in the Air Force Special Warfare pipeline, his thoughts on what makes a successful tactical coach, and his new venture pursuing a master’s degree to become a licensed psychotherapist.

We’re joined by Coach Jon Leitch on today’s episode to talk about the grind and the journey that lead so many coaches into the tactical ranks. We dive into the similarities and differences between collegiate and tactical settings, and the biggest surprises he faced after making the transition from Division I athletics. Coach Leitch gives an honest look at what it’s really like on the other side—because news flash: strength and conditioning is a grind no matter where you coach. If you’re thinking about making the jump into the tactical world, don’t miss what Coach Leitch wishes he’d known before making the move.

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Redshaw of O2X, the Human Performance Program Manager for the Arlington County Fire Department, VA. Alex shares his journey from coaching athletics and firefighting in Australia to leading performance initiatives at Arlington Fire. We dive into topics like training strategies for fire academy candidates, managing fitness around shift work, and supporting individuals through their probationary period. What really stands out is Alex’s genuine passion for helping firefighters perform at their best—both on and off the job.Check out Alex in action here.https://youtu.be/_xyHnnem8Lc?si=QK6oJtxXt8Sa4Pqf

In today’s episode, we dive into a core question in the tactical performance space — how far can a coach go in instilling discipline and enforcing standards among service members? We share real-world experiences from the field and discuss why holding the line on professionalism matters just as much as physical training. From there, we transition into programming — why it’s not the magic fix for every problem — and explore how service members and coaches can work together to truly elevate performance.

Today we're lucky to have Dr. Brian Leary from West Virginia University, where he serves as Director of the Master of Science in Health Sciences and leads the Tactical Performance Physiology Area of Emphasis within the Division of Exercise Physiology. His work centers on preparing graduate students to apply principles of physiology, strength and conditioning, and performance assessment to support military, public safety, and other tactical populations.Join us for a discussion on newly emerging tactical programs within universities, research and its utility for practitioners , and of course we get into physiology.

We’re joined by Drew and Alex of the renowned MOPs & MOEs podcast. If you’re in the tactical human performance space and don’t know them—well, we don’t believe you. From coaching to data and even some background on the SMA story, this episode is packed with insight and laughs. Don’t miss it.Want more MOPs and MOEs? Check out their podcast here or take a deeper dive by visiting their website.

Today’s guest is Matt Zanis — strength coach, physical therapist, and movement expert.Plagued by injuries as a young athlete, Matt found his calling as a coach and PT, helping both developing athletes and seasoned operators prepare for the highest levels of competition and military operations.Tune in for his origin story, his paradigm-challenging mindset, and his perspective on training operators and Team USA.For more on Matt check out https://www.rootedinmvmnt.com and give him a follow in IG here.

Today we have Matt Spaid, Marine Combat Veteran and Firefighter who is helping veterans and first responders get the support they need through his non-profit Operation: Antifragile. This is somewhat out of our wheelhouse and that couldn't be better. We talk about the stress of military separation, the lack of down regulation skills we gain in the military, and of course training. Want to connect with Matt and Operation Antifragile? Instagram: @OAF_TrainingThe Warfighter 176 Challenge: From noon on September 1st to noon on September 11th, you’ll move with purpose; rucking, walking, or running 176 miles in honor of the 176 veterans who die by suicide every 10 days.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rachael Lacey a tactical physical therapist whose path has taken her from athletic training at NAIA and Division II athletics to working on the front lines of soldier health. Over coffee in the early hours, we swap stories about the most common injuries we see, how logical periodization can be a game-changer for prevention, and why the tactical setting demands more than just good programming—it requires trust. We dig into the shifting demographics since the GWOT era, the socioeconomic hurdles to getting soldiers to seek care, and how strength coaches and rehab professionals can work side-by-side to keep the force ready.

Short episode tackling social media influence in the tactical space vs good quality training that may not be as flashy.

We're back! We apologize for the hiatus and delay in new podcasts. This episode we discuss how to integrate into multidisciplinary teams and ways to be proactive. As coaches we are on the frontlines in tactical, we see more of the population and can be the eyes and ears of our teams.

Today’s episode is all about the critical role coaches play in shaping and driving physical culture within tactical units.This is a sensitive topic for many in the tactical community, but it's one we care deeply about. We believe the most valuable thing a coach brings to the table isn’t just programming—it’s coaching. That means setting the tone, pushing intensity, maintaining technical standards, and taking command of the training session.We dive into how coaches can actively lead physical culture from the front, influence expectations, and establish training standards that ripple across the entire unit. When a coach runs a session, there should be a noticeable difference—and that standard should be one the whole unit can rally around.

Today we're chatting with Jason Gusic, Marine, SWAT Officer and founder of Conjugate Tactical. Most importantly hardworking dad and awesome example of human performance practitioner. Tune in for an insightful talk on the origins of Conjugate Tactical and its evolution within Westside Barbell.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most talked-about topics in tactical training: preparing for high-speed schools and selection. No gimmicks, no sales pitch—just real talk from.

This week we’re joined by Jennifer Corwin — a Nutrition Health Educator and certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Instructor working with the tactical population. We dive into the common nutritional pitfalls she sees among service members and how she builds trust and buy-in with a population that isn’t always easy to reach. Then we shift gears and explore the world of Pregnancy and Postpartum training — a topic that’s a little off the beaten path for us, but one that brings fresh perspective and plenty of insight.