So you want to go to a Training Course for the first time?

[Redmanfms]

I'd add, be in decent physical condition. Being able to move a little, get up from prone regularly and keep a weapon presented for more than 30 seconds would go a long way.

[Ash Hess]

Set an endstate. A real endstate. Not "M4C said I need to go to......" Get focused on it. Get a into a class that will match your intent. And just like with buying the Carbine, get the most for your money, the first time.

I strongly suggest doing a lot of research. I looked at the Company's websites, read the AAR's, looked at pictures, and looked at the next class higher. I also did Google searches on the instructors if they were mentioned. This allows you to understand the Schools methodology and focus. As well as make an honest judgment call if you are fit enough, have the proper equipment, ETC. If the course is above your level, find a lead in clinic. Find a friend.

Most of the Bigger schools and Grey Group have information email addresses. Ask questions. I had several communications with Tigerswan prior to signing up for the class and have maintained that line of communication since then.

[JSantoro]

3- Have dependable equipment.
The first time you use a piece of gear should not be day 1 of the course....

A slightly paradoxical caveat to this, for those that are in classes and have specific operational requirements, i.e., need specific gear to fulfill them: Use classes to figure out what "dependable equipment" means to you.

Classes are also a place to provide proof-of-concept or a shakedown to new equipment, so you can see what does or does not work for you. It allows you to learn about and tweak what you hang on you or your gun(s) in much the same way the curriculum itself allows you to learn about and tweak manual-of-arms and other skillsets.

So, as other gents have stated, you can make sure that things fit, stay in place, basically function...all of that prior.

A class can be where the rubber meets the road, so that you no longer think that a piece of gear or some combo thereof may function in your head, but know in your balls that it does or does not, or needs more time using it to know for sure, or may not be quite the answer so let's see what happens if I cut THIS off....

Be prepared for the possibility that that shroud, thing, widget, or jewjaw that looked, worked, or fit perfectly while you were mincing around your man-cave may end up getting broken or just not do what you thought it would. It doesn't pay off to get emotionally involved with it, because it's gear, not love, so getting needlesly upset if something doesn't go as planned is only going to interfere with your brain on multiple levels. You pays your money, you takes your chances, and chances are that something may rip, tear, crack, lose alignment or have a change of heart. Don't be yet another version of That Guy, the one that has something go down and decides that he has to drag everybody there to the Soverign Realm of Bruisedicus Vaginarium with him.

What worked, what failed, what was middling-could-be-better? Why did it work or not? What would alter, fix, refine, or otherwise make something napalm-death-on-meth? Identify things that are material solutions to training problems and decide if you're better off with the $$$ investment for the material or the time/$$$ investment for the training. Ad nauseum, ad infinitum.....here's another area where note-taking gear comes in handy. Paraphrasing Einstein, if you write it down, you don't have to worry about remembering it.

This certainly may not apply to everybody, as some have already mentioned the fact that there's no automatic need for a 14' Ryder box truck full of gear. Be sensible about it and remember that it's, at best, a tertiary reason to hit a class.

See to your software needs first; it gives you clues to how the hardware gets added into the mix.

[mpd046]

10- Don't argue with the instructor or say things like "Well, so and so from wherever said to do fill in the blank, like this. " If he doesn't teach it a certain way, it's for a reason. It might be because he likes a method for a certain reason, or doesn't know or have proficiency with whatever other technique. Either way, he isn't going to stop he class and adopt a different technique. If you want to talk about it with him later, great, but don't interrupt a period of instruction to do it. After all, you aren't paying him to teach him stuff.

Keep an open mind... I was helping teach a class last week where a guy got so agitated because we asked him to shoot from the isosceles stance. He got so frustrated by the end of the day that he didn't even show up for day 2. To be that narrow minded over just how your going to face the target surprised me.

Matt

[GLOCKMASTER]

Another thread that contains some very good information.

[Raven Armament]

Most of my training has been during LE school and a few private CQB and room entry classes when I worked as a bail enforcement agent/bounty hunter.

As stated above, helping with scenario setups and handling light duty administrative tasks with the instructors helps the entire group. Don't point to the stapler, get your butt over there and walk it to them.

Definitely load up some mags (I usually do 6) the night before so they're ready. I carry two empty mags for use with failure drills. I make them 20rd mags and put red tape on the bottom half of the mag that's exposed outside the mag well. These mags never get ammo loaded, they are only dummy mags for failure drills and as such are marked with the red tape. I keep one in my cargo pocket so it's there in a pinch. Keep a spare in my range bag.

Definitely know your gear. You should know the controls and manipulation. If you're wearing a mag carrier, at least have the basics of changing mags out. If you have a sling, know how to install it on the gun and use in on your person, get in and out of it, etc.

Control your weapon when it's slung. Don't just let it flop around. Control it.

Never, ever be afraid to ask for help. If you don't understand something, ASK. If you can't get something to work, ASK. If you don't know if something is "right" for you, ASK. If you are told to try something, shut your mouth, put your ego in your pocket, and TRY IT.

Let the instructors know where you are for an unplanned break (ie, bathroom). Let them know where you are going and when you return. Take your weapons with you but CLEAR them before you leave the firing line. Put the mags in your pocket or in your gear bag, handle your business, and get new mags upon your return.

One thing I do is keep a highly visible nametag on the rear of my hat or shirt. If the instructor needs to address me by name from a distance (because of something I'm doing) they can single me out. Not required, but just how I roll.

[jenrick]

Check your ego at your car door day 1. Do not get it back out for the full period of instruction.

Nothing will get you off on the wrong foot faster, or jack your shooting up faster, then going into a class like you've got something to prove. Go in there with the goal of being SAFE, and executing the fundamentals to the best of your ability. You will shoot better for it.

On more then one occasion the guy running his mouth is the worst shot in the bunch. The guy who, if you can even get him to comment, says his shooting is "okay, but could be a lot better" is usually pretty dang good. Follow that example. Mouth shut, eyes, ears, mind open.

-Jenrick

[theblackknight]

I'll add this.

Bring Gloves. Some never shoot enuff or rapidly to realize your hand guards will get very hot. These are 16 bucks.

[Rhutch]

I'll add this.

Bring Gloves. Some never shoot enuff or rapidly to realize your hand guards will get very hot. These are 16 bucks.

Yes and blisters can crop up on those delicate hands too, the gloves will help with that. But practice shooting with the gloves before you go.

[Harv]

Eating and Drinking...

I find that not chowing on a big breakfast or lunch but grazing thru the day works well... Granola, Power bars.. fruit (Free to grab at the hotel you may be staying at) along with a steady intake of water and Gatorade will keep you hydrated and the food will get you the electrolytes you need to stay sharp.

Pack a lunch. The lunch at most classes is a great time to get to know fellow classmates, share,exchange ideas, check out different gear,guns,accessories,etc. Don't waste it running to a fast food joint and back. I find a nice sandwich along with some fruit and I'm good to go and don't feel sluggish for the afternoon.

I like to bring preloaded mags, I find I can come back off a relay, exchange empty and partials and grab fresh to reload pouches. If there are open relays, then I can turn two relays.. means more shooting and more practice. I like stripper clips.. I can load magazines pretty fast. At the end of the day, I reload, all my mags, give my gun a quick inspection/wipe down and function check and I'm ready to go for the next morning. Now I can head back to my room, shower, grab a bite with classmates, have a little fun and discuss the days events in a relaxing and fun (remember.. training can and should be fun...)environment.


Gloves.. Threads have been written around them.. I like them, but then I train in them, both summer and winter..if you don't, then a class is not the time to start, cause you will get frustrated with your manipulation and wind up taking them off. It's not unusual to loose a chunk of skin during a 2-3 day class. that's why I like gloves, protects my hands... but if your not going to invest in the time to train, then get some medical tape and tape up wear areas on your hands... it helps.

Gear.. Start out minimal..if you show up in a full CIRAS with all the soft/hard armor/12 mags and 2 Jerry cans of water ziptied to you.. and your not use to running in that gear... your going to wear down QUICKLY.. especially if your occupation is sedentary. Dirty Harry once commented that a man's "Got to know his limitations".. good words to live by. Be real with your self assessment of your physical status..

I'm in reasonably good shape yet I'm pretty tuckered after 3 days in gear running and gunning in the hot 90F degree sun... If your carrying an extra 20 +pounds and don't exercise with any regularity, your gonna suffer, and be a danger to your self and others... Again.. Know your limitations.

Guys and guns in close proximity seems to always increase the testosterone level... and you need to be cognizant of why your there.. it's not a competition... don't turn it in to one.. your there to learn, improve and or sustain...and have fun...don't forget that part.