First Responder Training Aug. 10-12 report Day 3 Update
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2022 8:24 pm
We finished up our first day. Nothing too exciting. Intro, qual, definitions, and laws. I think the troopers were expecting the same spirited discussion as they had in the first class with some of the definitions and laws but they prefaced each trouble spot so we just waited until the explanation was given. We had some discussion but nothing went off the rails. As usual, the troopers were professional and welcoming.
Good news is they allowed 40 (actually overbooked 43) in the class but only 30 showed up. The troopers were told the number was going to increase per class since there are over 500 on the waiting list and limited times when the range is available. Good so more folks can take it. Bad since the class is larger.
One thing that was made evident is this law was targeted towards rural counties. The big municipalities and counties will be able to exempt themselves. If you’re in a county of over 250,000 or muni over 30,000 and don’t have any prospects in the surrounding smaller counties then you may want to reconsider your investment in this class.
Tomorrow is the long day. 8 a.m.to 10 p.m. since we have low light training.
Day 2
It was a late one and by the time I got back to the hotel so it was shower, pack a little, and get to bed.
Day 2 covered holsters, grip, stance, natural point of aim, reloading, sight picture, draw and presentation, lots of dry fire.
Now that all sounds pretty basic but I always learn something new or, maybe more importantly, unlearn some bad habits. We ran several movement drills as a coach/shooter so we could shoot it and see how to coach it.
Every drill we have run consists of instruction, dry demo, and then hot demo. You’d better make sure you’re on your game if you have to demo it for your students. I’ve got a couple of things I need to polish up.
We ended up with low light. Discussed light sources, flashlights, flashlight holds, and transitions with a light range work was from holster (both handgun and flashlight) to different holds and favorite holds. Weapon lights were also discussed and used by those that had them. Night sights or dots were discussed as a necessity for carry.
We have 4 or 5 high speed guys in class. What has impressed me is they have as much trigger time and /or experience than the instructors and they go through the class and range just like it was their first day. I take that to mean they know the foundational skills are still important no matter how slick you are. A good lesson for me…and all of us.
We’ll finish up this afternoon and then I’m on the road so Day 3 update will be later tomorrow.
DAY 3
After a seemingly short night we started in the classroom and covered cover and concealment with a lengthy discussion on using vehicles. We then went to the range and shot from unconventional positions. We shot from lying on our sides, sitting, kneeling, and transitioning to standing. Honestly, we had a few guys that I’m not sure how they got up and down. I can’t imagine how they are going to effectively demo these drills to students.
Once we dusted ourselves off and reloaded we shot around barricades.
We finished up in the classroom with deescalation and storage. Some of it was LTC stuff while most of it was tailored more towards fire or EMS. The test closed things out. Everyone passed.
Some take-aways
-Electronic ear pro is needed.
-Bring clear eye pro for low light.
-Have a good holster. A paddle Kydex worked well for me.
-Knee pads were helpful today for those of us with a touch of bursitis. Pads also help you from kneeling on a piece of brass.
-The class ran fine but we didn’t get to do some walkthroughs because of the class size. Class size is not likely to change.
-The final is not hard if you paid a lick of attention and have some common sense.
-Make sure your gear is squared away. Things still happen but having a fresh battery or a back up gun makes problems less of a problem.
-Bring at least 3 mags. 4 or more is better.
-You should be fine with the recommended 400 rounds but take 500.
-Bring at least 2 mag holsters. I found three was nice.
-Bring a towel for the barrel during quals. It’s also nice to have to wipe sweat if you have 100 degree days like we did.
-Move with purpose. Don’t be the guy that casually strolls across the range when the instructor is waiting for you to join the group.
-Read the information they sent you. Read it again.
-If it’s hot like our class was, bring plenty to drink and drink it. A bottle of Gatorade or Liquid IV can help.
-For some the drills were refreshers. For others it was the first time to run a drill. It’s ok either way.
-The DPS were professional and patient as they always are.
Personally I think you ought to run the course with the gear you normally wear or close to it. We had some high speed guys that wore their load out or duty holsters because that’s what they wear most everyday. We also had “desk” guys that geared up with all their tac gear. It seemed a little much for what we were doing. I don’t usually wear tactical pants or carry three mags but it makes sense for training. Battle belts with drop holsters and doo-dads seemed a little much for what the class is and how most of us go through our normal day. Just my opinion. You do you.
Overall it was an enjoyable and informative, albeit hot and long, class. I don’t know that I’ll ever have any takers but I’ll throw it out there. I can use the drills and info in other classes.
Good news is they allowed 40 (actually overbooked 43) in the class but only 30 showed up. The troopers were told the number was going to increase per class since there are over 500 on the waiting list and limited times when the range is available. Good so more folks can take it. Bad since the class is larger.
One thing that was made evident is this law was targeted towards rural counties. The big municipalities and counties will be able to exempt themselves. If you’re in a county of over 250,000 or muni over 30,000 and don’t have any prospects in the surrounding smaller counties then you may want to reconsider your investment in this class.
Tomorrow is the long day. 8 a.m.to 10 p.m. since we have low light training.
Day 2
It was a late one and by the time I got back to the hotel so it was shower, pack a little, and get to bed.
Day 2 covered holsters, grip, stance, natural point of aim, reloading, sight picture, draw and presentation, lots of dry fire.
Now that all sounds pretty basic but I always learn something new or, maybe more importantly, unlearn some bad habits. We ran several movement drills as a coach/shooter so we could shoot it and see how to coach it.
Every drill we have run consists of instruction, dry demo, and then hot demo. You’d better make sure you’re on your game if you have to demo it for your students. I’ve got a couple of things I need to polish up.
We ended up with low light. Discussed light sources, flashlights, flashlight holds, and transitions with a light range work was from holster (both handgun and flashlight) to different holds and favorite holds. Weapon lights were also discussed and used by those that had them. Night sights or dots were discussed as a necessity for carry.
We have 4 or 5 high speed guys in class. What has impressed me is they have as much trigger time and /or experience than the instructors and they go through the class and range just like it was their first day. I take that to mean they know the foundational skills are still important no matter how slick you are. A good lesson for me…and all of us.
We’ll finish up this afternoon and then I’m on the road so Day 3 update will be later tomorrow.
DAY 3
After a seemingly short night we started in the classroom and covered cover and concealment with a lengthy discussion on using vehicles. We then went to the range and shot from unconventional positions. We shot from lying on our sides, sitting, kneeling, and transitioning to standing. Honestly, we had a few guys that I’m not sure how they got up and down. I can’t imagine how they are going to effectively demo these drills to students.
Once we dusted ourselves off and reloaded we shot around barricades.
We finished up in the classroom with deescalation and storage. Some of it was LTC stuff while most of it was tailored more towards fire or EMS. The test closed things out. Everyone passed.
Some take-aways
-Electronic ear pro is needed.
-Bring clear eye pro for low light.
-Have a good holster. A paddle Kydex worked well for me.
-Knee pads were helpful today for those of us with a touch of bursitis. Pads also help you from kneeling on a piece of brass.
-The class ran fine but we didn’t get to do some walkthroughs because of the class size. Class size is not likely to change.
-The final is not hard if you paid a lick of attention and have some common sense.
-Make sure your gear is squared away. Things still happen but having a fresh battery or a back up gun makes problems less of a problem.
-Bring at least 3 mags. 4 or more is better.
-You should be fine with the recommended 400 rounds but take 500.
-Bring at least 2 mag holsters. I found three was nice.
-Bring a towel for the barrel during quals. It’s also nice to have to wipe sweat if you have 100 degree days like we did.
-Move with purpose. Don’t be the guy that casually strolls across the range when the instructor is waiting for you to join the group.
-Read the information they sent you. Read it again.
-If it’s hot like our class was, bring plenty to drink and drink it. A bottle of Gatorade or Liquid IV can help.
-For some the drills were refreshers. For others it was the first time to run a drill. It’s ok either way.
-The DPS were professional and patient as they always are.
Personally I think you ought to run the course with the gear you normally wear or close to it. We had some high speed guys that wore their load out or duty holsters because that’s what they wear most everyday. We also had “desk” guys that geared up with all their tac gear. It seemed a little much for what we were doing. I don’t usually wear tactical pants or carry three mags but it makes sense for training. Battle belts with drop holsters and doo-dads seemed a little much for what the class is and how most of us go through our normal day. Just my opinion. You do you.
Overall it was an enjoyable and informative, albeit hot and long, class. I don’t know that I’ll ever have any takers but I’ll throw it out there. I can use the drills and info in other classes.
