Lt. Col. Nick Barringer, Ph.D., served 21 years in the Army, where he helped develop nutrition and fitness programs for several units, including the 75th Ranger Regiment. With expertise in kinesiology and human performance, Barringer will bring a wealth of knowledge to the TotalForce+ conference.

 

Attendees can drop by his session on pushing decision-makers to critically assess how performance optimization can elevate military readiness, ensuring the entire force is not just prepared, but primed for peak performance.

 

Before joining Lionel University, Barringer was the program director for the joint Army-Baylor University graduate program in nutrition and worked as an assistant professor at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. He is also a regular contributor to Military Officer magazine.

 

Barringer connected with MOAA ahead of TotalForce+, which runs Oct. 28-29, to discuss how health impacts our servicemembers and force readiness. This interview was edited for length and clarity.

 

Q. What made you want to participate in TotalForce+?

A. As a veteran and performance nutritionist, I've spent my career focused on optimizing the health and readiness of our nation's warfighters. TotalForce+ is one of the few platforms that brings together innovative minds from across the military, performance, and wellness spectrum to solve real-world problems. I saw it as an opportunity to give back, share actionable insights, and be part of a community that refuses to settle for the status quo regarding human performance — especially for those who serve.

Q. What message will you be bringing to TotalForce+ attendees?

A. My core message is simple but urgent: We can do better for our warfighters. Integrating science-backed strategies into every performance layer — nutrition, sleep, mental health, recovery, and training. I want to empower attendees with tools they can use immediately, whether that’s a nutrition protocol to boost cognitive endurance or a shift in mindset that helps someone stay resilient under pressure. Optimization isn't a luxury; it's a responsibility — especially in the tactical arena.

 

Q. What challenges are you eager for TotalForce+ to tackle?

A. I'm particularly eager for us to address the systemic gaps in individualized performance optimization within the military. We need scalable, yet personalized solutions beyond “one size fits all.” That includes advanced testing, more innovative nutrition strategies, mental health integration, and rethinking how we measure combat readiness — not just fitness test scores, but holistic resilience. It's time to bridge the gap between elite-performance science and the everyday warfighter.

 

[WEBINAR RECORDING: Nutrition for Cognition and Mental Health With Nick Barringer (MOAA Premium and Life Member Exclusive)]

Q. Where do physical and mental health intersect?

A. There's no meaningful separation between physical and mental health — they're two sides of the same coin. You can't fuel a soldier on poor nutrition and expect clarity, resilience, or tactical sharpness. Likewise, chronic stress or poor sleep will sabotage physical performance.

 

Peak readiness happens when we stop compartmentalizing and view the warfighter as a complete system. Proper optimization is when the mind and body are aligned.

 

Q. What nutritional advice do you have for servicemembers who want to improve their fitness test scores?

A. Start by treating food like a weapon system — it can either enhance or degrade your performance. I recommend focusing on protein intake, carbohydrate timing, and hydration. Prioritize lean protein at every meal to support recovery and muscle integrity. Time your carbohydrates around your workouts; in other words, fuel before and recover after.

 

And never underestimate hydration. Even slight dehydration can impair strength, endurance, and cognitive function. Simple changes, consistently applied, can yield serious results.