Lon Bartel is the Director of Training and Curriculum for VirTra, a leading-edge simulation and training company which provides products and services within the Military and Law Enforcement space. Bartel is a partnering instructor for Force Science institute. He relies on over 20 years of law enforcement training experience to improve the performance of the officers and trainers he works with. In this episode, Bartel dives into his unique career path, from SWAT and explosive breaching to leading advancements in simulation and VR training. He critiques outdated training methods and champions a more integrated, real-world approach that emphasizes decision-making over mere marksmanship. Discover how he is shaping the future of law enforcement training, ensuring that officers are better prepared for high-pressure situations through innovative, validated techniques. Bartel also emphasizes the importance of functional fitness in law enforcement, stating that fitness should be a continuous process rather than a static goal. He advocates for incorporating fitness into the culture of law enforcement by engaging in activities that are both effective and enjoyable, like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and functional movement exercises. Bartol also highlights the value of incorporating fitness into realistic training scenarios, which not only enhances physical fitness but also improves performance in stressful, real-world situations.
Mr. Bartel earned his Master’s in Applied Exercise Science from Concordia University-Chicago and a Bachelor’s in Exercise Sport Science from Arizona State University, focusing on physiology and biochemistry. He's nationally certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. His research includes studies on how weapons and holster combinations impact response times and how officers transition between lethal and less-lethal weapons.
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in General Psychology with a focus on Performance Psychology, Mr. Bartel combines his expertise in human performance with psychological insights to improve decision-making under stress. His goal is to create a holistic approach that enhances the accuracy and speed of responses for military and law enforcement, aiming to protect lives and optimize performance in high-pressure situations. This approach breaks down the siloed methods that often hinder evaluations of human performance under high stress.