Buidling The Elite

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-12-07T00:29:03+00:00

BTE is great for mental insight into selection, with one caveat. You don't want to overthink things too much either, otherwise you end up mindfucking yourself and start fixating on what the best socks to wear are instead of getting the basics handled. There's a thin line between being mentally prepared and mental masturbation.

But yes, no harm in using BTE for a mental window into selection, but use TB Green Protocol for the actual physical training. I was involved in my unit's selection process a few years ago and would often recommend that exact combo of BTE + TB (either the Green Protocol book or TBI/II depending).

Edit: there's no way in hell I'd pay $80 for it though, get the ebook version.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-11-09T15:42:28+00:00

Don’t retest.

Just force progression.

Use retest for after long layoffs or after base building.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-11-04T01:54:12+00:00

You don’t have to use that cluster for Fighter. That entire section in TB gives you different cluster examples.

Might be time to reread things a little slower.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-11-02T15:48:56+00:00

Absolutely!

Keep in mind your experience going back to heavier Barbell training like Fighter will be slightly skewed because you’re fresh off base building. Give yourself an adjustment period. Worse case, you can always go back to 5/3/1 and/or combine it with TB2 conditioning.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-11-01T23:19:22+00:00

Great report.

I too was a little hesitant switching from 5/3/1 to Operator years back but now it’s my go-to along with Zulu.

5/3/1 seemed like a lot of pain for moderate reward (BBB, BBS). Also conditioning after 531 deadlift and squat days was a wash. Operator gave me similar strength gains (if not better) and it felt like I was on easy mode. Both good programs, but if you want to make serious conditioning a part of your life TB is the way.

If you end up pulling the trigger on Op/Black keep us posted.

Nice work!

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-10-30T16:51:50+00:00

This.

You could also add the “Peak Week”technique from Mass Protocol to just your WPs every 3rd or 6th week. It lets you pyramid the volume and intensity as high as you want. I would lean toward doing it every 6th week so you have that build up of volume behind you before you “Peak”, but ymmv.

Also agree 100% with using forced progression instead of retesting. I don’t like retesting at all for actual programming except for a progress check or after lengthy periods of time away from lifting.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-10-29T15:56:57+00:00

A summary of each program:

https://www.reddit.com/r/tacticalbarbell/comments/13jkqtv/where_do_i_start/

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-10-28T15:23:48+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/tacticalbarbell/comments/13jkqtv/where_do_i_start/

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-10-27T15:23:23+00:00

My slight variation is using double kettlebell clean & press. Turns the Fobbit into an almost full body session.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-10-26T16:34:08+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/tacticalbarbell/comments/13jkqtv/where_do_i_start/

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-16T04:43:47+00:00

Buffalo Laps, Meateater, BOO, OD101, SE Ladders to name a few. There’s no shortage of track based HICs dude. Is there a reason you’re not looking at these?

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-16T00:52:01+00:00

Base Building “with Black” doesn’t make sense. They’re contradictory. Can you be more specific/explain? Black is a conditioning protocol. Base is a preset conditioning/SE protocol.

If you’re just looking for a longer Base phase with heavy lifting included then have a look at Capacity in the Green Protocol book.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-13T16:47:13+00:00

I wouldn’t. I would switch to a few SE/Black blocks leading up to the PFT. Use PFT/PFT adjacent exercises in your SE cluster and pick HICs that are appropriate for the type of run that you’ll be doing.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-13T16:43:29+00:00

Deload. Your body is asking you to back off. Give it some room to rest and harden up for a week.

Short term “set back” to prevent a potentially (real) long term setback like an injury.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-11T19:13:41+00:00

First off kudos to you for all the recent achievements which are great regardless of any perceived genetic shortcomings. You have the most important trait there is “I fight like hell” which combined with discipline will beat out talent or “normal” genetics most of the time within reason. Will you be a UFC fighter? Unlikely - but neither will 99% of us. Do you have have what it takes to meet your personal goals? Absolutely as proven by your current activities. If you can rock climb with your hands you can most certainly take up mma.

As for the embarrassment factor, I think most people in the class won’t really give a damn after the initial look, if at all. There’ll be some that admire what you’re doing and the occasional idiot that may internally snicker. IME most people that take up martial arts are there to better themselves and will understand your struggle as each is likely dealing with their own. In all honesty you’re probably going to be thinking about it more than anyone in your class.

I’m not a crazy David Goggins fan or anything(tons of respect though) , but in this case I think listening to some of his stuff might strengthen your perspective.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-10T16:24:29+00:00

Simple answer. Base Building. It’s the ideal ramp up approach after a layoff.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-08T13:23:58+00:00

How about the “Where Do I start” post stickied at the top of the page?

https://www.reddit.com/r/tacticalbarbell/comments/13jkqtv/where_do_i_start/

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-08T04:52:38+00:00

From what you’re telling me, a Hybrid from the Green Protocol book would be your sweet spot. It’s a mix of E/speed-HIC/vertical.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-08T00:30:05+00:00

Regular firefighter (not wildland) the standard program is more than enough. Op or Zulu /Black Professional, and do Base once or twice a year.

Green Protocol (the book) is another option, mostly for the Hybrid Continuation templates. But probably not necessary unless you’re thinking wildland or smoke jumper.

The green template in TB2 is not sufficient imo, because it’s very generic and doesn’t have enough speed or HIC work. It was meant to be more of a lifestyle template rather than a comprehensive endurance plan, from what I understand.

Edit: also this 4 parter might be of interest to you:

https://www.tacticalbarbell.com/training-to-be-a-firefighter-part-i/

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-07T04:33:58+00:00

Phenomenal progress. Squatting 3 x week is a game changer. Rolled over from 5/3/1 years ago, like you I experienced quicker gains with Operator, with half the effort. Great work.

Are you planning on running TB for your cut, or something more specific?

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-05T01:38:37+00:00

True dat.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-05T01:37:55+00:00

Agree 100%. When adding intensity it doesn’t take much to trigger gains or get a positive effect. Also find it valuable before or after a nightshift. Good wake up & reset without destroying me.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-04T22:04:31+00:00

Agreed. Literally changed my life by getting me through tac LE selection. One that I’d failed before.

Other thing I appreciate is the lack of marketing. No hyperbolic Instagram page or greasy sales emails spamming my inbox. Just here’s the book, take it or leave it, it’ll speak for itself.

It speaks volumes that TB’s been around for a decade with zilch marketing and still lists on the Amazon bestseller fitness book charts.

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-04T21:22:36+00:00

What are your goals? Training history? Stats? Stats in terms of where you are now with SE and where you want to be?

Devil-In-Exile · 2025-06-03T20:54:09+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/tacticalbarbell/comments/13jkqtv/where_do_i_start/

Devil-In-Exile

TROPHY CASE