Tactical Carbine Course, February 15th, 2009

[Kchen986]

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=303828#post303828

It's in Frederick, VA, close to D.C.

Anyone thinking of going? I need some 'action shooting' experience with my AR.

If we can get a couple of people to sign up...it'll be a great way to socialize and improve our skills.

*Edit:* If 3 people go, one person can go free. I propose that if three of us go, we'll all divide the $300 fee up equally. Just an idea.

 

[K-Romulus]

Dude, I'm going to check with "the boss" to see if I can do it . . . .

 

[Kchen986]

I've got a friend who's retired Airborne going. So I've got two people signed up already. The more the merrier! =)

 

[K-Romulus]

I've got a friend who's retired Airborne going. So I've got two people signed up already. The more the merrier! =)

So is that 2+you, or (you + one more)?

 

[apexinm3]

I might be able to do this if you need any more going. Keep me posted if there is any more slots (15 max was the class size).

 

[Kchen986]

So far it's just me +1 (Chris).

I just called them, to see how many slots are left, but the instructor's currently out teaching. I'll post up new information as soon as it's available.

*Edit:* I realize that my first post was somewhat confusing. What I mean is if one person gets two other paying people to go, then that person doesn't have to pay. So, if three people go, one of the three doesn't have to pay--hence we split up costs.

 

[K-Romulus]

OK, I'm out . . .we already planned to go to PA that weekend ("we" . .right). . . I guess plinking at the in-laws' will have to make do that day . . .I would be interested in other training opportunities with MD Shooters members in the future, though . . .oh, well . . .

ETA: I would be interested in taking this course in particular . . ..

 

[Kchen986]

=\ That's too bad K-Romulus. Hopefully we'll get to attend another tactical course some other time.

I recieved a call from the instructor today. We'll be learning how to shoot on the move, communications, shooting over vehicles and around obstacles. In addition we'll be shooting beyond the 25 yards common among tactical carbine courses. The range is a 500 yard range, so hopefully, it'll be a dynamic and educational day.

 

[Todd v.]

How was it? I'm real interested in a good tactical carbine class but most I would have to fly or have a long drive.

it's rough when your a single dad of 2 to ask the GF into doing it all by herself for days at a time... She'd do it but I'd rather not ask...

 

[Kchen986]

Hey! Sorry about the late AAR. In short, it was *GREAT!* Would definitely reccomend going if you have the time/money. I learned a lot, got to try out new tactics/transitions/communications and had a blast just hanging out.

http://www.commonwealthcriminaljusticeacademy.com/

Here's my AAR copied and pasted from M4carbine.net

===============================

This was my first carbine course, so keep in mind I don't have a baseline to compare it to.

First impressions/Classroom

The facilities were top notch--I'm used to crappy class rooms rented out from the local shooting range, so, upon arrival in to Tom Perroni's Tactical Training Academy I was surprised by the professionalism. Everything was done in a well thought out and structured manner.

First, we went through a slide show of the basics--field strip, lubrication and cleaning points, such as how to clean your gas tube without removing it. Then as the teaching section progressed we learned about tactical reloads, methods of charging and clearing the weapon etc.

There were a couple things that stood out about the classroom instruction portion.

1.) Mr. Perroni/Tom told us that he was teaching us, "a way" rather than "the way." It showed a level of open mindedness not often found with my previous firearm instructors.

2.) Everything he taught, he backed it up with a rationale. i.e. The squared up fighting stance rather than the weaver stance--done as to maximize the chances of a innocuous plate strike, rather than a critical shoulder hit.

3.) Clarification--some of the other shooters were absolutely new to their weapons, and Tom was *very* patient with them, even through live-fire drills.

The Staff

The folks there were all pros with years of experience. Tom is the author of "Getting off the X" an article I read a while back regarding shooting and moving, rather than getting 'ventilated.' In addition, he has years and years of real world experience, including...(I think) serving as an instructor for Blackwater, operating with the Dept. of State. Sec. Service, and a whole plethora of other impressive activities.

Here's a quick list of the Carbine Instructors:


Chris Pick PTTA & CCJA Lead Adjunct Firearms Instructor (Former) U.S Army Current M4 Armorer / Instructor.

Angela Tasky PTTA & CCJA Adjunct Firearms Instructor (Former) U.S. Secret Service PPD POTUS Detail Current Director for Contract Gov OCONUS /CONUS Security.

Tom Perroni (Former) U.S Dept of State Firearms Inst. (Former) Blackwater Instructor (Former) Law Enforcement, Current M4 Armorer / Instructor.

Mark Quinnell PTTA & CCJA Adjunct Firearms Instructor (Former) Law Enforcement Current Black Water Operator Current Bushmaster M4 Armorer.

Brad Naylor PTTA & CCJA Adjunct Firearms Instructor (Former) Law Enforcement Current PM for Contract Gov OCONUS /CONUS Security M4 Armorer/Instructor.

Don Sheridan PTTA & CCJA Master Armorer / Rifle Builder (Former) Marine Corps Armorer Current owner Special Projects Unlimited

The Range

The shooting facility is located near the back of a farm. Flag markers indicate 25 yards, 50 yards and 100 yards. Our targets were mainly steel targets--great, since we were training for combat accuracy, not target shooting. Hence every hit was rewarded with a 'ping' instead of looking for a new hole.

One of the highlights of this course was shooting through a Suburban SUV. We were able to practice using the engine block and wheel axel as cover during engagements and reloading.

The Instruction

Keep in mind, I've never used my AR outside of a flat shooting range.

1.) Shooting while slowly moving out from 10 yards to 25 yards, to 30, to 50, and so on all the way to 100 yards. We would engage. Stop, go to the back of the line and shoot again. In this manner we slowly increased our distance from the targets. Once we reached 100 our bad habits were magnified so the instructors were able to rectify our problems.

2.) Communications. We learned how to communicate reloads and engagements using phrases like, "Contact Front" and "Cover!" to signify enemies and when we were temporarily out of the fight. I learned a lot from this, since it showed me the "Prepatory and Execution" method of communicating in engagements.

It was also amazing since they taught us the rationale behind it--for example, yelling "up" after reloading, since someone might be shooting over us for cover. Sometimes, when we reloaded, and yelled "cover" Tom would come around with his AR and start shooting to simulate covering fire.

3.) Utilizing cover. This was a treat, since we did a lot of tricky things. First, we learned how to 'pop out' and engage. Then, we learned how to do this while transitioning stances from standing, to kneeling, to prone. Finally, we learned how to transition to our weak hand--something particularly hard to do, but I was grateful for the chance to do it on a live-fire range.

We also utilized the Suburban SUV as cover--which was incredible since it removed us from the whole 'barrels as cover' sort of thing we often see in competition shooting courses. We were able to shoot through the windows, over the engine block and around the tailgate.

4.) Shooting while moving. The aforementioned Snake Drills and such. Very hard, but the instructors taught us how to walk as to minimize 'sight bounce.'

5.) Night time shooting. I had never shot in the dark, so again, this was very new to me. We were able to engage targets after dark at steel plates, while utilizing cover. In short, it was amazing since we were able to practice temporarily turning on the flashlights and see what it was like to shoot in the dark.

The Verdict

I went with an Ex-Airborne Army friend of mine. His comments? "I learned more here in one day than I did 4 years in the military."

This is one facility that I'll definitely return to over and over again. It was a great experience and I had a great time both learning and just hanging out with other gun enthusiasts.

======================

I'll post up again the next time he holds a class, my friend Chris (the airborne guy) and I had a *very* good time, so I'd be happy to bring more people .

Full disclosure: I have no financial stake nor monetary interest in Tom Perroni's Tactical Training Academy.

 

[3rdRcn]

Sounds like a pretty sweet course, might have to see if I can make the next one. Thanks for the AAR!

 

[Todd v.]

Wow looks like a great time and thanks for the nice reveiw. How do they schedule the classes? I didn't see any more on their schedule yet, is it something they need people to sign up for then they pick a date? I'm sure we could fill one up, I know at least one other person who would attend. I've been looking for a good class somewhat nearby cause I don't want to have 2 days of driving or have to risk flying with firearms for a 2 day class.

 

[Kchen986]

To be honest, I have no idea how they schedule the courses. I know he had this course scheduled for 1 month, but I didn't hear about it (on an AR website) until two weeks before the class.

I think they'll announce at firearms website or email people to announce the next carbine course. I think the instructor's usually busy teaching Army and LEOs..

To be sure, I'll post up here if I get wind of another AR carbine course in the area.
Thanks for the kind replies!

 

[ateixeira]

Damm it! I knew I should have gone. Post the next one in BOLD.


Haaarrrg!! could not help myself..looks like they have two in March one mid one late I'm going!!!!!!!!!! Anyone els?