The Human Performance Optimization (HPO) Program is a Navy initiative to maximize warfighter readiness by integrating evidence‑based physical, mental, emotional and nutritional performance services. Its main goals are to strengthen, sustain and support the “total warfighter” — improving strength/endurance, injury prevention, recovery and sleep strategies, stress management, nutrition/fueling education, and cognitive performance to maximize effectiveness and resilience.
Primary users are active‑duty Sailors (priority access); other eligible patrons may participate per DoDI 1015.10 and local policy, with program focus on commands and warfighter populations at Naval Base San Diego’s Harborside Sports & Fitness Center.
The program provides evidence‑based assessments and services including body‑composition and physical performance assessments, injury‑prevention programs, recovery modalities and education, sleep and recovery strategies, stress‑management tools, and nutrition/fueling education; it emphasizes credentialed specialists and recovery‑focused services.
The Navy says HPO gives priority to active‑duty warfighters but is open to “eligible patrons” under DoDI 1015.10; that DoD instruction broadly defines MWR eligibility (service members, dependents, retirees, some DoD civilians and others as authorized), so access beyond active duty is determined by that policy and local command rules.
The public announcements do not specify exact funding streams or a detailed staffing model; Navy materials state HPO is staffed by specialized, credentialed personnel (trained staff/experts in nutrition, cognitive performance and fitness) operating within defined professional scopes, but whether staff are military medical personnel, civilian employees, contractors or external partners is not publicly detailed.
HPO differs from standard Navy fitness and MWR programs by shifting from general gym access and group classes to a performance‑based model: it uses evidence‑based assessments, credentialed specialists, recovery services, and tailored performance education focused on warfighter readiness rather than general recreation or fitness access.
Navy officials describe the Harborside rollout as a proof‑of‑concept with the intent to collect metrics and evaluate the model for enterprise‑wide expansion, but no timeline or committed follow‑on installations has been publicly announced.
