Get to know Army Lieutenant Colonel Nick Barringer, Program Director for the United States Army-Baylor University Master’s in Nutrition. Barringer shares how he originally planned to become a strength and conditioning coach before a nutrition course inspired him to pursue dietetics. However, it was his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) credential that ultimately landed him his role as the first 75th Ranger Regiment (Army Rangers) Dietitian. He recounts drawing inspiration from the Navy SEALS to start the Ranger Athlete Warrior (RAW) program and seeing the Special Operations THOR3 program follow suit — laying the groundwork for the US Army Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system. Barringer and McMahon discuss the synergy between strength and conditioning coaches and dietitians, as well as cultural challenges and diverse training ages in tactical settings. The pair also stress the importance of sales and building relationships before discussing basic nutrition advice and pathways into tactical and dietetics careers.

Connect with Nick on Instagram at: @nickbarringer.phd.rdn or by email: [email protected] | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs

“If I'm the dietitian at the unit or coming into a unit, I want to get on the calendar of those leaders. I want to go on a run with that regimental commander, that battalion commander, that brigade commander, and have that conversation with him or her to see what their vision is and where I can nest in it.” 11:05

“My first suggestion would be… find those strength coaches who've successfully made that transition to the military. And talk to them before going in.” 13:20

“It's more important in the tactical community that you practice what you preach… I'm not saying you got to be able to do everything that the soldier can do. But if you can put a rack on and at least go a couple miles and do those sort of things, that really carries a lot of weight.” 14:20