ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the challenges, and lessons learned from the pilot program of sport psychology within THOR3. THOR3's objectives are to increase the Special Forces (SF) Operator's physical and mental performance, aid in rapid recovery from injuries sustained in combat or training, and help them stay healthy, enhancing the Operator's career longevity. At the time of its inception, the components of the THOR3 program were strength and conditioning, performance nutrition, physical therapy, and sport psychology. The first truth of Special Operations Forces (SOF) is: "Humans are more important than hardware". To reflect adherence to this truth, in 2009 US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) received funds to establish the Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) program investing in the human warrior. The primary goal of THOR3 is to increase performance; however, ambiguity exists in defining performance within the variety of missions SF Operators must successfully conduct.
