The Human Weapon System

This book discusses the differences between a human weapon system and a tactical athlete and what a human optimization program is. Furthermore, this book discusses and demonstrates how to put together a training program at an organizational level for the human weapon system. A systematic approach is presented and discussed, from initial analysis of the human weapon system to creating a multi-domain human performance optimization program. This book strives to familiarize the reader with the systematic approach that the author has utilized as an exercise physiologist in the Department of Defence over the past ten years.

Introduction.- Section 1: Defining the Human Weapon System (HWS) and Human Performance Optimization (HPO).- Chapter 1: What is the Human Weapon System (HWS).- Define the HWS.- Define tactical athlete.- How does HWS definition improve upon the tactical athlete definition.- How does the HWS definition apply to the military and other austere condition professions.- Chapter 2: What is a Human Performance Optimization (HPO) Program.- Define Human Performance Optimization.- The Different HPO Models.- Discuss the domain models versus the pillar model.- 3 Domain.- 4 Domain.- 5 Domain.- 6 Domain.- Discuss the similarities and difference of these models and their applications.- Section 2: The Human Performance Domains in Human Performance Optimization Programs.- Chapter 3: Physical Domain.- Define the domain.- Application of the domain.- Tests and analytics.- Chapter 4: Recovery Domain.- Define the domain.- Application of the domain.- Tests and analytics.- Chapter 5: Cognitive/Psychological Domain.- Define the domain.- Application of the domain.- Tests and analytics.- Chapter 6: Medical Domain.- Define the domain.- Application of the domain.- Tests and analytics.- Chapter 7: Nutrition.- Define the domain.- Application of the domain.- Tests and analytics.- Chapter 8: Spiritual.- Define the domain.- Application of the domain.- Tests and analytics.- Section 3: How to Build a HPO Program.- Chapter 9: The Needs Analysis: Understanding the Needs of the Mission and the Human Weapon System.- Define Needs Analysis.- Define and Explain the Process.- How to Apply the Process Across the HPO Program Domains.- Chapter 10: Periodization for the Human Weapon System.- Define Periodization.- How to Apply Periodization Across the Different HPO Domains.- Chapter 11: Integrating the Program into Operational Planning and Mission Execution.- HPO Is Not a Medical Program, It Is a Force Multiplier.- Application of HPO into the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP).- Application of HPO to MissionExecution.- Chapter 12: Determining If the Program Is Working.- Key Program Metrics.- Process to Make Program Improvements.- Chapter 13: How to Leverage Technology to Improve the Human Weapon System Performance.- Force and Velocity Sensors.- Nutritional Sensors.- Cardiovascular and Sleep Sensors.- Conclusion.

Dr. Christopher Myers is an Exercise Physiologist Human Performance Optimization (HPO) Program Coordinator for the United States Air Forces Europe Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). Dr. Myers enlisted in the US Army in 1997 and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, from 2000-2004. Upon graduation, Dr. Myers was commissioned as a 2LT in the Military Police (MP) Corps. As an MP officer, Dr. Myers served three tours to Iraq, served as a Platoon Leader, Battalion Operations Officer (S-3), and Company Commander. He was medically retired in 2012 as a Captain. Dr. Myers was awarded, amongst others, the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Overseas Service Ribbon x3. Dr. Myers is an employee of the U.S. Air Force. The views depicted throughout this book do not represent the views of the U.S. Air Force.

Upon retirement, Dr. Myers started the process of obtaining his doctoral degree. He entered the Clinical Exercise Physiology Masters Program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in November 2012. Dr. Myers served as the Exercise Physiology Laboratory manager while attending the program. Upon graduating in May 2013, Dr. Myers won the University of Louisiana at Monroe Research Symposium with his Master's Thesis titled “The Calculation of Torque Generated by a Swimmer’s Arm During the Freestyle Swim Stroke.” Following graduation, Dr. Myers entered the Exercise Physiology Program focusing on skeletal muscle physiology at Florida State University. He conducted his doctoral research and post-doctoral fellowship research with the Navy Experimental Dive Unit in Panama City Beach, Florida, from January 2015 – June 2019. During this period, Dr. Myers served as an associate investigator and primary investigator researching the effect of hyperoxia on human performance in Navy Divers. From May 2013 – June 2019, Dr. Myers made several presentations at national conferences and published his researchin several notable peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, he authored the books Triathlon Training with Power and Skeletal Muscle Physiology: An Update to Anatomy and Function.

Finally, Dr. Myers is the founder and head coach of 3 Sports Science. As a triathlon and cycling coach, Dr. Myers has trained several IRONMAN and national champions.