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. This book also explains how to utilize technology to individualize the human performance optimization program at an organizational level. The book discusses current technologies in power generation, measuring endurance, and nutrition, and also demonstrates to strength coaches and practitioners how to use these technologies and individualize optimization.

About the Author

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.