What is the H2F Program? Complete Guide for Athletic Trainers

The Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program represents one of the most significant transformations in military readiness in decades. For certified athletic trainers, it offers a unique opportunity to serve military personnel while advancing your career in a specialized, purpose-driven environment.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the H2F program, from its mission and structure to career opportunities, salary ranges, and how to apply.

Understanding the H2F Program

The Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program is the Army's revolutionary approach to soldier readiness. Launched in 2020 and expanding rapidly across Army installations, H2F fundamentally changes how the military approaches physical fitness, injury prevention, and overall soldier health.

Unlike traditional military fitness programs that focused primarily on passing physical tests, H2F takes a comprehensive, individualized approach. The program recognizes that optimal performance requires attention to five domains:

• Physical readiness - Strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance
• Nutritional readiness - Fueling performance and recovery
• Mental readiness - Resilience, focus, and stress management
• Spiritual readiness - Purpose, values, and connection
• Sleep optimization - Recovery and cognitive function

The Role of Athletic Trainers in H2F

As a certified athletic trainer in the H2F system, you serve as a critical member of the multidisciplinary performance team. Your role extends far beyond the traditional sports medicine setting.

Primary Responsibilities

Injury Prevention and Risk Reduction

You conduct movement screens, identify biomechanical deficiencies, and implement evidence-based injury prevention protocols. The goal is to keep soldiers mission-ready by addressing issues before they become injuries.

Musculoskeletal Injury Management

When injuries occur, you provide immediate care, develop treatment plans, and coordinate rehabilitation. You work closely with physical therapists and physicians to ensure optimal recovery timelines.

Return-to-Duty Protocols

One of your most important functions is managing the progression from injury back to full duty status. You design and oversee functional progressions that safely restore soldiers to their units.

Performance Enhancement

Beyond injury management, you help soldiers optimize their physical capabilities. This includes designing prehabilitation programs, monitoring training loads, and preventing overuse injuries.

Education and Training

You educate soldiers, leaders, and other performance team members on injury prevention, proper movement patterns, and recovery strategies. You may also train combat medics and unit-level personnel.

A Day in the Life

A typical day as an H2F athletic trainer varies based on your installation and unit assignment, but generally includes:

Morning (0600-1200)

• Attend unit physical training sessions to monitor form and identify injury risks
• Conduct pre-training movement screens for soldiers returning from injury
• Provide immediate care for acute injuries during training
• Document injuries and treatment plans in the military medical system

Afternoon (1200-1700)

• Perform one-on-one rehabilitation sessions
• Conduct movement assessments and functional screenings
• Collaborate with the performance team on case management
• Develop injury prevention programs for specific unit needs
• Attend interdisciplinary team meetings

Ongoing Throughout the Day

• Consultation with unit leadership about soldier readiness
• Coordination with military medical facilities
• Equipment maintenance and facility management
• Professional development and research

H2F Program Structure and Locations

The H2F program operates through Brigade-level Performance and Readiness Centers strategically located at Army installations across the United States and overseas.

Current H2F Locations

As of 2026, H2F facilities are operational or being established at major Army installations including:

Continental United States:

• Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), North Carolina
• Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas
• Fort Campbell, Kentucky
• Fort Carson, Colorado
• Fort Riley, Kansas
• Fort Stewart, Georgia
• Fort Bliss, Texas
• Fort Drum, New York
• Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
• Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), Louisiana
• Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), Georgia

Alaska:

• Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)
• Fort Wainwright

Hawaii:

• Schofield Barracks

Europe:

• Multiple locations in Germany, Italy, and other NATO countries

Pacific:

• South Korea installations

The program continues to expand, with new facilities planned for additional installations over the next several years.

Facility Design

H2F facilities are state-of-the-art performance centers designed specifically for the program's multidisciplinary approach. A typical Brigade H2F center includes:

• Strength and conditioning areas with modern equipment
• Athletic training clinic spaces
• Assessment and screening areas
• Nutrition counseling offices
• Physical therapy treatment areas
• Recovery zones with modalities
• Office space for the performance team
• Educational classrooms

These are not converted gyms. They are purpose-built facilities that reflect the Army's commitment to the H2F mission.

Qualifications and Requirements

To work as an athletic trainer in the H2F program through PSI, you must meet several requirements:

Education and Certification

• Bachelor's or Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited athletic training program
• BOC certification - Current Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) credential in good standing
• State licensure - Valid license in the state where you'll be practicing (PSI assists with licensure in new states)

Professional Experience

• New graduates are welcome and encouraged to apply
• Prior military or government contracting experience is beneficial but not required
• Experience with active populations and orthopedic injury management is valuable

Additional Requirements

• Security clearance eligibility - Ability to obtain and maintain required clearances (PSI guides you through this process)
• Physical capability - Able to work in an active training environment and occasionally lift/move equipment
• Technology proficiency - Comfortable with electronic medical records and military systems
• Team collaboration - Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary setting

Salary and Benefits

H2F athletic trainer positions through PSI offer competitive compensation and excellent benefits that rival or exceed traditional clinical and sports medicine settings.

Compensation Factors

Your specific salary depends on several variables:

Education Level

• Master's degree holders typically earn at the higher end of the range
• Doctoral degree (PhD or DAT) may command premium compensation

Experience

• New graduates start in the $60K-$70K range
• 3-5 years of experience: $70K-$80K
• 5+ years with specialized skills: $80K-$90K+

Location

• High cost-of-living areas (Alaska, Hawaii, certain urban installations) offer higher base salaries
• Some locations include locality pay adjustments

Additional Certifications

• CSCS, FMS, SFMA, or other relevant certifications may increase compensation
• Specialized skills (dry needling, manual therapy, etc.) are valued

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Beyond base salary, PSI provides an extensive benefits package:

Health and Wellness

• Medical insurance with multiple plan options
• Dental and vision coverage
• Health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA)
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance program

Retirement and Savings

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Vesting schedule for employer contributions
• Investment options and financial planning resources

Time Off

• Paid time off (PTO) accrual from day one
• Federal holiday observance
• Sick leave
• Parental leave

Professional Development

• Continuing education allowance for CEU requirements
• Conference attendance opportunities
• Tuition assistance for advanced degrees
• Professional organization membership reimbursement
• Mentorship programs

Work-Life Balance

• Standard Monday-Friday schedule in most locations
• Rare evening or weekend coverage requirements
• Minimal travel demands
• Stable, predictable schedule

How to Apply for H2F Athletic Trainer Positions

Ready to explore H2F career opportunities? Here's the application process:

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Visit the PSI careers portal and complete the online application. You'll need:

• Current resume highlighting your education, certification, and experience
• Cover letter expressing your interest in the H2F program
• Copies of your BOC certification and state license
• Professional references (3 recommended)

Step 2: Initial Screening

PSI's recruitment team will review your application within 5-7 business days. If you meet the qualifications, you'll be contacted for an initial phone screening to discuss:

• Your background and career goals
• Available positions and locations
• Salary expectations
• Timeline for starting

Step 3: Interview Process

Qualified candidates proceed to a formal interview, which may include:

• Video or in-person interview with PSI leadership
• Discussion of your clinical philosophy and experience
• Questions about working in a military environment
• Opportunity to ask detailed questions about specific positions

Step 4: Offer and Onboarding

If selected, you'll receive:

• Formal job offer with compensation details
• Benefits enrollment information
• Security clearance paperwork and guidance
• Onboarding schedule and training plan
• Relocation assistance information (if applicable)

Step 5: Start Your H2F Career

PSI provides comprehensive support as you begin:

• Orientation to the H2F program and Army culture
• Introduction to your performance team
• Training on military medical systems
• Mentorship from experienced H2F athletic trainers
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose H2F?

The decision to pursue an H2F career is significant. Here's why athletic trainers consistently rate H2F positions among the most satisfying in the profession:

Meaningful Mission Your work directly supports national defense and soldier readiness. Every injury you prevent or successfully rehabilitate has real operational impact.

Exceptional Resources H2F facilities are state-of-the-art with modern equipment, technology, and support. You have resources that exceed most clinical and university settings.

Professional Growth Working in a multidisciplinary team with physical therapists, dietitians, and performance specialists expands your skills and knowledge dramatically.

Work-Life Balance Standard business hours, federal holidays, and generous PTO allow for a sustainable career that many clinical settings cannot match.

Competitive Compensation Salaries rival private practice and university positions, with excellent benefits and job security.

Career Stability The H2F program is a long-term Army commitment with continued expansion and investment. These are stable, secure positions.

Next Steps

The H2F program is actively hiring athletic trainers at installations nationwide. PSI is the leading provider of H2F athletic training services to the U.S. Army, with positions available for professionals at all career stages.

Whether you are a new graduate looking to launch your career or an experienced athletic trainer seeking a meaningful change, H2F offers opportunities that combine clinical excellence, professional growth, and a sense of purpose that few other settings can match.

Explore current openings, speak with our recruitment team, and take the first step toward a career that makes a difference.