Standards & Measures
What We Measure—and Why It Matters
Mission
To create clarity in performance.
Every test, metric, and measure within THI exists to inform programming, not define identity.
We assess what matters operationally—linking measurable fitness attributes to mission-relevant outcomes while respecting the individuality of every Tactical Human.
Objective
Establish a standardized yet adaptable testing system that evaluates physical readiness, physiological capacity, and human factors of recovery—so that every training cycle begins, progresses, and resets with purpose.
Testing is not a judgment; it is a map.
It tells us where you are, what needs priority, and how to allocate training resources to improve readiness and resilience.
I. Performance Attributes
Fitness tests that reflect real operational capabilities.
| Category | Purpose | Example Assessments |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Strength | Assesses bodyweight-to-load capacity for movement efficiency and injury prevention. | Pull-ups, Deadlift 1RM (relative to bodyweight) |
| Muscular Endurance | Evaluates the ability to sustain submaximal effort during extended work. | Push-ups, Rows, Carry Holds |
| Speed Over Terrain | Measures acceleration and agility under realistic ground conditions. | 20m Sprint, T-Test, 5-10-5 Shuttle |
| Run Performance | Gauges aerobic and mechanical efficiency for sustained locomotion. | 1.5–3 Mile Run |
| Foot March (Ruck) | Evaluates load tolerance and gait economy under occupational strain. | 4–6 Mile Ruck, Weighted Step Test |
| Work Capacity | Tests ability to maintain high effort across mixed metabolic demands. | AMRAP Circuits, Density Sets, Sprint Intervals |
| Change of Direction | Reflects combat agility and short-distance response capacity. | Shuttle or Illinois Agility Test |
Each category measures an attribute of operational readiness—together forming a complete picture of tactical performance capability.
II. Physiological Capacities
The engine beneath the armor.
| Metric | Purpose | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|---|
| VO₂max (or Field Estimate) | Measures maximal aerobic capacity. | Indicates how efficiently your body delivers and uses oxygen during sustained effort. |
| Lactate Threshold (LT) | Identifies sustainable high-intensity pacing. | Guides tempo runs, endurance intervals, and threshold-based conditioning. |
| Resting Heart Rate (RHR) | Reflects baseline recovery and cardiovascular adaptation. | Lower resting rates often signal improved recovery status and aerobic conditioning. |
| Body Composition | Tracks fat-free mass and recovery potential. | Informs fueling strategies, recovery efficiency, and load-bearing readiness. |
These physiological metrics form the core of endurance diagnostics—revealing how effectively the system produces, sustains, and recovers energy under operational load.
III. Readiness & Recovery
Human factors that drive sustained performance.
| Factor | Purpose | What It Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Readiness | Provides a global snapshot of current recovery state. | Adjusts daily training intensity, workload, and readiness cycles. |
| Soreness Index | Monitors soft-tissue fatigue and residual strain. | Guides exercise selection, movement prep, and mobility emphasis. |
| Sleep Quality & Duration | Measures the primary recovery driver affecting readiness and adaptation. | Modifies training volume, cognitive demand, and recovery prescriptions. |
| Hydration Status | Tracks hydration balance and performance reliability. | Prevents acute fatigue, thermoregulatory strain, and cognitive decline. |
| Nutrition Quality & Adherence | Evaluates fueling consistency and nutrient sufficiency. | Informs metabolic recovery, energy stability, and body composition goals. |
| Stress Index | Identifies psychological readiness and overall allostatic load. | Integrates recovery, mindfulness, and lifestyle recalibration strategies. |
Readiness and recovery data inform operational decision-making—ensuring each day’s demand matches the system’s true capacity.
IV. From Data to Doctrine
How to Read Your Results
Each metric serves a function: to guide training direction, inform recovery decisions, and prioritize adaptation.
Your results reveal trends, not verdicts.
Over time, they show how your system evolves—how well you move, recover, and sustain under pressure.
V. Testing Cadence
Initial Baseline: At program entry—establish starting values.
Quarterly Reassessments: Track adaptation, refine training blocks.
Event-Specific Re-Baselining: Conducted before missions, selections, or competition cycles to tailor readiness profiles.
Testing follows NSCA-advised sequencing to ensure accuracy and minimal fatigue crossover:
Sequence:
Non-fatiguing → Agility → Power/Strength → Sprint → Muscular Endurance → Anaerobic Capacity → Aerobic Capacity
This progression ensures performance integrity and valid data across all domains.
Operational Impact
Readiness: Objective insight into performance gaps and operational strengths.
Resilience: Continuous monitoring of human factors that protect against burnout and injury.
THI’s assessment model transforms testing from an event into a process—where every number fuels adaptation, not ego.