The physical demands of tactical professions such as military, lawenforcement, and fire and rescue require those workers to be in topphysical condition to perform their jobs well and decrease the risk ofinjury. NSCA’s Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioningcontains scientific information to assist in implementing orrestructuring strength and conditioning programs at commercial orgovernment fitness centers that work with these tactical athletes toachieve those goals. Designed primarily as a preparatory resource for the National Strengthand Conditioning Association (NSCA) Tactical Strength and ConditioningFacilitator (TSAC-F) certification, the text is also useful as a manualfor government agencies or a daily reference for strength andconditioning professionals. Editors Brent A. Alvar, Katie Sell, andPatricia A. Deuster have extensive experience as scholars andpractitioners in their respective fields. They have assembled a team ofdistinguished contributors who bring to light current trends in strengthand conditioning through their combined experiences as professionals inthe fields of academia, athletic training, firefighting, lawenforcement, military, nutrition, physical therapy, and strength andconditioning. The contributors not only provide foundational knowledge of exercisephysiology and biomechanical movement patterns, but they alsocomprehensively review all of the components necessary for TSACFacilitators to design and operate successful training programs fortactical athletes. Separate chapters focus on the specific physiologicalissues related to military, law enforcement, and fire and rescuepersonnel, including how a strength and conditioning program shoulddirectly correlate to their critical job tasks and the specificenvironmental, occupational, and exposure concerns for each population. Topics such as nutrition, supplements, injury treatment andrehabilitation, wellness interventions, and assessments and evaluationsare discussed for professionals who work with tactical populations.Additionally, exercises, drills, and techniques targeting the specificneeds of tactical athletes in areas such as flexibility, mobility,speed, agility, power, and aerobic endurance are described in greatdetail and accompanied by full-color photos. Each chapter of NSCA’s Essentials of Tactical Strength andConditioning begins with learning objectives and incorporates keyterms, diagrams, detailed photographs, and key points throughout thetext to help guide readers and facilitate comprehension of concepts.Sidebars and sample programs are included in some chapters to helpreaders apply theoretical concepts in their professional practice. Additionally, for instructors using the book, or the TSAC-F exam prepsymposia, a presentation package plus image bank with more than 300photos and illustrations is available, making preparation easier withthe use of predeveloped materials that correspond with the book’scontent. Ultimately, the goal of NSCA’s Essentials of Tactical Strength andConditioning is to help prepare those seeking TSAC-F certificationand to serve as a resource for professionals so that they can implementan optimal strength and conditioning program targeted for tacticalathletes that will decrease their risk of injury and optimizeperformance.