The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has announced the recipients of the organization’s 2024 Tactical Awards. Nominated by the NSCA community, these distinguished awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the tactical strength and conditioning community. Each winner is formally recognized at the 2024 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in Norfolk, VA, and online.

    The NSCA announced Robert G. Lockie, PhD, TSAC-F, as the 2024 Tactical Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year. This accomplishment recognizes the coach, researcher, tactical professional, educator, or administrator whose influential contributions have led and advanced the field with measurable and outstanding results.

    Dr. Robert Lockie is an Associate Professor of Strength and Conditioning at California State University, Fullerton, and has been a sports and tactical researcher for more than 20 years. He has conducted numerous research projects with law enforcement, fire, military, and sports organizations. Dr. Lockie has authored or co-authored over 100 articles on the topics of law enforcement, firefighter, and military fitness, as well as testing and tactical performance. He has also presented his research findings locally, nationally, and internationally. In October of 2023, Dr. Lockie was recognized by Elsevier and Stanford University as one of the top 2% most-cited scientists in the world.

    Vernon Griffith II, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F was awarded 2024 Tactical Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. This achievement recognizes the coach whose influence within his or her assigned military, law enforcement, or fire and rescue setting exceeds that of their peers. This influence may be the result of coaching-related accomplishments, such as measurable performance improvements or injury reduction, program creation, advancement through innovation, or other initiatives that enhance wellness, health, and performance at the local level.

    Vernon Griffith is a Performance Consultant and Owner of Performance Explored, LLC. He works closely with active duty and retired military special operations personnel, SWAT teams, and domestic agencies, focusing on performance and longevity. As a coach and consultant, Griffith also works with athletes around the globe in the European Premier League, NFL, NBA, and MLB. Additionally, he assists professional and collegiate sports teams with movement and mobility, developing practices built on high performance and injury resiliency. Griffith is also an author and key contributor to high performance literature and has been featured on some of the most well-known podcasts in the health and fitness industry.