Latest News
Load Carriage Microcredential
It's here: Adding to Bond University's Tactical Research Unit TACOPS suite of microcredentials the Load Carriage microcredential has officially launched. Everything you want to know about Load Carriage for military, law enforcement, fire and rescue.
https://bond.edu.au/microcredential/tactical-conditioning-optimisation-program
TSAC Tactical Annual Training 2024
The TRU were well represented at the National Strength and Conditioning Tactical Annual Training Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. HDR students Mark Stephenson, Whitney Tramel and Joe Dulla, as well as recent HDR graduate Dr Colin Tomes, caught up with their supervisor Professor Rob Orr after their podium presentations and set up further collaborations with Dr Jay Dawes (Oklahoma State University) and Dr Robert Lockie (California State University – Fullerton). Mark Stephenson and Whitney Tramel gave a joint presentation on stress in law enforcement while Dr Colin Tomes presented his thesis work on Heart Rate Variability. Professor Orr presented on load carriage across the tactical spectrum before chairing a knowledge exchange session based on the pad carriage presentation.
ADA Law Enforcement Innovation Day
Professor Rob Orr represented the TRU at the Biannual Law Enforcement Innovation Day (LEID) hosted by Australian Defence Apparel (ADA). Rob presented on how the Trident Approach of academia, industry and end users (ie law enforcement officers) has been used to design and progressively improve law enforcement body armour.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/australian-defence-apparel-pty-ltd_last-…
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/australian-defence-apparel-pty-ltd_milit…
Taser, Taser, Taser
The Tactical Research Unit recently enjoyed the opportunity to again support the Queensland Police Service. This research session saw data collected on the impacts of different holster designs and holster positions and orientations in relation to their Taser systems.
Tactical Annual Training
Professor Rob Orr will be presenting again this year at the NSCA's Tactical Annual Training talking on his favourite topic 'Load Carriage' Hope to see you there: 6-9 AUG in Norfolk, VA, USA (and online)
Professorial presentation with giants
Professor Rob Orr was honoured to share the stage with some giants in their field, Dr Karl Friedl (USARIEM) and Professor Michael Matthews (West Point) at Buckinghamshire New University. The team presented individual professorial sessions and answered questions from tactical professionals during an interactive panel. The evening session followed on from, and culminated, presentations given on the Tactical Athlete Performance Centre (TAPC)'s MSc in Human Performance Optimisation program.
Optimising Human Performance Podcast
Professor Rob Orr joins human performance experts Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin from the Wavell Room to discuss Tactical Physical Performance for Peak Performance. Listen to the Podcast here: https://shows.acast.com/65e07fa5dfdd5a0017dd8296/666802671ac9090012ae96…
7 Minute Science
Dr Rob Orr recently joined Annette Zapp as one of three fellow scientists to present their research for those working as, or working with, firefighters. Dr Orr presented his work and thoughts on Firefighter load carriage in 7 minutes flat. The video recording is here: 7 min Science Round 3 (youtube.com)
Human - System Integration with THALES
The TRU recently spent time with Alvaro Carvajal from Thales looking at the human-system interface for rifles. The team spent time firing variants of the F90, Army Combat Assault Rifle (ACAR), and LA105 and took a tour of the manufacturing areas. Lots to discuss, notably the biomechanics of the user, the engineering of the rifle, and the merging of the two.
