Jason Falla

Increase Your Push Up Potential

2011-12-30T14:24:00.002-05:00

Pre-Amble

In 1993 I signed my life away and swore allegiance to the Queen and joined the Army. After passing the Rifleman and Infantryman qualifications I had my eyes set on becoming Special Forces. I had to complete several fitness standards in order to meet the criteria of being awarded a green beret and joining the ranks of the Commando Regiment. One of these physical fitness standards was called the BFA or Basic Fitness Assessment. The BFA at the time consisted of minimum of 60 push ups, 100 military sit ups to a cadence, 20 dorsal raises, 20 pull ups and a 5km run under 26 minutes.

When I began my Commando Training Induction Course which lasted 12 months, I was surrounded by a bunch of guys that ranged from ultra marathon racers, body builders, Triathletes, boxers. artial artists you name it. I thought to my self how can I compete with these guys? Sure at that time I was a bit of a rock climbing junky climbing sustained 5.11a routes during the weekends, but would that be enough to get me through?

When it came time to perform the elements of the BFA, I was quite nervous as I didn't really train for it and never really knew enough about fitness training to prepare. Typically the sit up test is performed first then the push ups, dorsal raises, pull ups and the run. I was pretty sweet during the sit ups, smashing out 100 without any issues, onto the push ups. These tests are normally done in pairs, your partner goes first then you go. Looking around watching the first group, I saw a some guys smashing out fast push ups and finishing with 100 odd while others struggled to make the required 60. It was my turn and soon after adopting the push up position I was under way. The first 30 is always easy, then the second 30 I noticed that lactic acid burn and when 50 came around I was really struggling, I managed to complete 60 and did a few more to show some dedication to the cadre watching and circling like buzzards waiting for one of the cadindates to fail.

After receiving my green beret, I wanted to have a crack at SAS selection. It took me several years of personal development prior to me getting the nod to attend the course. In 1999 I was given blessing by my unit OC and CSM to attend the course. My preparation was approximately 6 months of training daily. A combination of gym circuits, beach weights, long and short runs, battle PT, ruck runs and endurance marches. I attended the selection course at the peak of my physical conditioning. Although petrified of what I had gotten my self into, I was well prepared physically to meet the challenge. The one thing that became a constant frustration to me throughout my years of service and training was how to increase my muscular endurance and increase my maximum push ups? I ended up passing the selection course and after joining my Squadron I began a quest for knowledge particulary about fitness.

PT in the Squadron is a daily occurance, performed on a routine basis and is very competative. Essentially you are judged, based upon your level of fitness. It forms a pecking order of acceptance within the troop. If you are fit you are gold, if you are a slug that continues to make excuses why you can't attend PT you are targeted and outcast. It pays to be within the top 10%. You never want to be first and you never want to be last!

A couple of cycles later, we received some re-enforcements into the troop. These guys were lean fit, hungry and cut like a cheetah. One of the boys Paul was a fitness freak. He lived and breathed training. He was selected to attend Australia's premier intitute of sport, a competative endurance racer and adventure racer partnered with yours truly! During push up testing Paul held the record within the unit for maximum push ups in 2:00. He would routinely crank out 120-130 push ups in 2:00 minutes. A push up animal. I wanted to be able to pump out 100 push ups so I decided to pick Paul's brain on the subject.

Paul began to inform me of his method of increasing your push up potential. It is relatively simple and easy, the best thing is that it works! I immediately adopted it. Paul's system of increasing muscular endurance now resides in the Redback One Fitness Book.

The System

Let's say that your max push ups until failure is 60. You would perform 60 push ups and then select an amount of recovery time. Let's say 1:00 minute. At the completion of the minute you would imediately attempt to perform half of you max. In this case, it would be 30 push ups. You will then continue to reduce the rest period by X amount until you can perform your max set and the half max set without recovery. Let's say that you reduce your recovery time by 20 seconds every week. By the forth week, your max push ups would be 90. Your training cycle would look like this.

Week 1

60 push ups
1:00 recovery
30 push ups

Week 2

60 push ups
40 secs recovery
30 push ups

Week 3

60 push ups
20 secs recovery
30 push ups

Week 4

60 push ups
Nil recovery
30 push ups

Effectively you can now achieve a max of 90 push ups before failure. You will then apply the same theory and routine to increase your max push ups further.

Note: This is an example only and individual results may vary. You will have to experiement with the times and frequency of performance in order to determine your success timeframe.

This is the best way to increase your muscular endurance and can be applied to a variety of exercises.

Let me know how it goes for you!!

Train Hard Boys.

Field Trials - Redback One Combat Pistol Sights

2011-11-23T12:18:00.023-05:00

Several people have asked us about the difference in POA/POI with the RB1 sight on a Glock 19 as apposed to a Glock 17. (I have been using our combination front post and rear notch for quite a while on a standard Glock 17 with excellent results but never on a G19). This was an interesting question that deserved a little field testing to ensure that we were putting out the correct information to our customers. So I had Carlo, our resident Glock armorer install a set of RB1 Combat Pistol Sights onto a Glock 17 and Glock 19 and have them ready for field trials.

For those of you that are not familiar with our sights, here are some specs. They were designed by myself in conjunction with 10-8 Performance. The sights features a serrated front and rear with a small .60 tritium vial positioned high in the front post. The front post is .215 high and the rear is .156 wide with a square notch. We believe this to be the perfect combination for combat shooting and the Glock 17 platform. (We are working on other models including HK USP).

The rear sight features the Redback One abbrieviated brand name stamp RB1 on the top under 10-8 so you will know that you have a set of Redback One originals!

We arrived at the range in the early afternoon. The weather was overcast with 100% cloud cover with heavy precipitation on the ground from earlier in the day. The temperature was negligible at approximately 65 degrees.

The range was 80 yards in length with the option of pushing back into the weeds another 20 yards to ensure that were able to shoot from 100 yards for the final part of the trial. The target used was a steel plate cut similar to that of a 'C-Zone' of an IPSC cardboard target. The width was 12 inches and the height was 15 (not including the head).

The ammunition selected for the comparison field trail was as follows:

1. Mil-Spec M882 9mm Ball (Grain weight unknown, 115 or 124.) This info was not available at the time of the trial.

2. Speer Lawman 9mm Ball 115 grain.

3. Speer Gold Dot 9mm JHP 124 grain

4. Speer Gold Dot 9mm JHP 124 grain +P

The intent of the trial was to determine any Point Of Impact (POI) shift between a Glock 19 and a Glock 17 using the same set of RB1 Combat Pistol Sights, the same Point Of Aim (POA) and using the above ammunition fired from distances of 25 yards through to 100 yards.

Knowing that there is a difference in the muzzle velocity due to the decreased barrel length of the Glock 19, we wanted to determine if the difference in barrel length would create a change in the POI and become an influencing factor of accuracy degradation during the comparison even though we are using the same sights.

During the trial, the same POA was used. The POA was midline, slightly high of center. (Upper thoracic cavity-UTC).

We began the trial by loading the Glock 19 with 5 rounds of M882 and fired one round at 25 yards from the standing position. The initial results would determine that the rear sight needed to moved to the left IOT impact the center of the steel plate. After a quick re-alignment of the rear sight thanks to Carlo, we were back at the 25 yard line.

Results: The next series of rounds impacted the steel at the intended POI. Time to switch to the Glock 17.

As expected, the G17 performed in the same fashion, POI was UTC. Time to change loads.

All ammunition listed above performed flawlessly and impacted the same POI.

We moved back to the 50 yard line and continued the same series of tests.

Results: We determined that at 50 yards, all ammunition and weapons performed the same regardless of grain weight or barrel length. All rounds impacted in the UTC with the same POA.

The next distance was 80 yards, the edge of the actual range. All rounds were fired from the standing position, weapons and ammunition changed out as per the previous tests.

Results: All rounds impacted at the same POI using the same POA regardless of grain weight or barrel length.

I decided to push into the weeds and low hanging tree branches IOT to get the final test completed. 100 yards. All tests at this range were conducted as per the previous set.

Results: Yet again, all rounds impacted the same location, high to middle of the steel plate. Only one round was low on the plate due to a poor set up on my part!

Conclusion: After completing this trial we were able to determine that there is no significant point of impact shift using Redback One Combat Pistol Sights on either a Glock 19 or Glock 17 regardless of barrel length or round selection (given the test rounds).

We are now even happier with our latest product and would recommend these sights to any and all Glock 19/17 users that want a robust combat sight replacement for their service weapon or carry gun.

I will be testing a Glock 27, 22 and 37 soon!

Redback One's Combat Training System (CTS)

2011-08-21T11:40:00.026-04:00

Over the past 6 years I have been designing and developing a systematic approach to combat marksmanship that builds a shooter from the ground up. This system is designed to train a shooter to handle, operate, carry and control a pistol, carbine or shotgun in a tactical environment. The application of this system is very robust and can be applied to the military, law enforcement and private citizens. This system is called the Combat Training System or CTS.

The techniques that are taught in CTS have been designed, developed, tested and evaluated by RB1 SME's prior to being incorporated into our training courses. Our SME's have extensive real world combat experience. All have multiple combat deployments to the Middle East and other areas of operations as members of Australia's Special Operations Task Group and U.S Special Operations Command.

Our CTS training techniques are unique in many ways. We have evolved current techniques to be faster and more efficient and developed our own techniques bringing new methods of deploying weapons and accessories to the tactical shooting world. The CTS techniques have been designed to teach a shooter how to systematically and subconsciously apply the fundamentals of combat marksmanship and weapons manipulation to maintain high hit probability and lethality and, to keep the gun running in a tactical environment.

Some of our unique training techniques include:

RB1 Power Turns - This method of turning to engage a threat is based on our asymmetric shooting platforms and allows the shooter to turn and engage a threat from 90/180 degrees up to .50 sec faster than standard turns and pivots. A saving of .50 sec in a gun fight can mean all the difference! The principle action in this technique is driving the outside hip towards your threat. This creates speed of movement and power similar to a boxer throwing a straight right punch. We incorporate angular momentum from the upper body to increase the speed of movement. The shooter needs to be comfortable shooter on the natural side with both the left foot or the right foot forward. This technique has direct cross over to our barricade shooting method and combatives program, allowing the shooter to perform strikes and parries to incapacitate or control non-combatants as required.

CTS: Power Turns

Transitioning to secondary weapons - Our method of transitioning from primary to secondary and back to primary have been developed for speed and efficiency as well as to allow the shooter to perform visual checks to determine why the weapon failed! Key points in this technique are tuning the primary weapon palm down with the support hand, and recovering the primary at the balance point of the weapon allowing the shooter to visually inspect the chamber as he re-holsters the secondary.

CTS: Transitioning from Primary to Secondary Weapon

System Check - Our system check allows the shooter to visually inspect the position of the bolt after an engagement by rolling the carbine/shotgun to the left or returning the pistol to the high ready. This check verifies the condition of the weapon, an important procedure under extreme combat stress where the shooter can unintentionally fail to recognize a weapon stoppage preventing him from engaging.

CTS: System Check

Flashlight Deployment - Our method of incorporating a hand held flashlight during low light engagements is an adaptation of another well known technique. However, with the RB1 method, the shooter is able to illuminate the sight picture and the threat at the same time. This aides the shooter to easily check the sight package prior to engaging. The flashlight is held in the support hand, hammer fist style, indexing the fist against the cheek bone. This aligns the light source with the shooters eyes, sights and target, giving him an excellent view of the situation. This technique does rely on being competent at shooting with the strong hand only.

CTS: Flashlight technique during our Night Fighting Course

Combat Grip

Pistol: The RB1 method of gripping the pistol gives the shooter greater recoil management than any other technique currently being taught. The grip looks similar to other grips being taught however the arm placement is the true key to the RB1 pistol grip method and recoil management. Having the arms parallel with the axis of the barrel increases the grip pressure at the top of the frame, limiting the weapons natural fulcrum action when fired. Our carbine grip leverages of the principles taught for the pistol, however the support hand is forward on the hand-guard.

CTS: Pistol Grip

Carbine: Our carbine grip will see the shooter with the support thumb indexing the target as per the pistol grip and therefore clear from the IR beams of the laser/illuminator. The alternate grip gives the shooter the option of wrapping the support thumb over the top of the rail interface further decreasing the fulcrum action during firing. The support arm should be parallel with the axis of the barrel as per the pistol grip allowing the shooter to draw the weapon into the shoulder pocket with both strong and support hands, increasing recoil management. This technique allows the shooter to drive the weapon faster from target to target by pulling and pushing the front of the gun. Accuracy is also increased as a greater portion of the barrel is being stabilized by the support hand. The elbow of the support hand should form a slight obtuse angle allowing the shooter to employ RB1 Combative techniques when required.

CTS: Carbine Grip

Y-Factor - We a true believers in providing the reasons why our techniques are taught as well as how and where they are applied. Giving the student a reason for learning increases the desire to learn and is seen as the crux of the adult learning process.

These are some examples of the methodology and techniques that form the RB1 Combat Training System.

RB1 - "innovation not imitation!"

Redback One Medical Training and Blowout Kits

2011-08-17T17:59:00.003-04:00

Redback One offers a 5-day Combat Lifesaver Course specially designed for military personnel. We also offer Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training to law enforcement officers and emergency service personnel. In a collaborative effort with Chris from Condition Red, we are able to certify our students in the life saving skills outlined in the protocols of TCCC.

As a former Special Operations patrol medic I am always on the lookout for new products to aid those going into harms way. Medical blowout kits are hot on my watch list and I have not seen any good designs of late. So I called Muz from SORD USA to find out the latest on the new medical pouch? Redback One and SORD have a great relationship and both companies often come together to collaborate on new projects. I have been using the SORD CFA medical pouch for a long time now and with input from current members of Special Operations Australia and myself we have come up with a new medical pouch called the CFA Small.

I always carry my CFA Blowout kit when training, it forms the basis of my medical response should I incur a casualty during training. I have witnessed several incidents over the years that involved persons being shot during training. None on my watch thank goodness! From my experience, gun shot wounds during training are the result of inadequate training, performing a drill incorrectly during handling and operation or poor personal discipline. Typically the injuries sustained have been reasonably minor and casualties have presented as Prior 3. Most incidents involved pistols being drawn and or re-holstered, resulting in the round entering and exiting the lower extremities. One case to note was the accidental discharge of a carbine while performing a transition drill. The M855 round passing clean through the boot and foot.

To deal with casualties in remote areas or high risk areas such as SWAT operations domestically or military operations overseas, you will need a bag of tricks containing several very important items! This is what I carry in my Blowout Kit:

1. 2x Tourniquets

2. Hemostatic agent (Quickclot/Cellox)

3. Hemostatic Gauze/Hemcon

4. Israeli Bandage

5. 2x Asherman's Chest Seals (ACS)

6. 2x packs of compressed Gauze

7. 1x Elastic Roll Bandage (Wide)

8. Nasopharyngeal (size 28)

9. 2x 14 ga needle catheters

10. Trauma Sheers

11. Field Medical Card

12. 2x Green Chem Lights

13. 1x IR Chem LIght

14. Scalpel

15. Gloves

16. Tape

With this set up and the right training, I should be able to treat most battlefield casualties quickly and effectively by day or night. The TCCC guidelines have been designed for every soldier to effectively reduce the number of preventative deaths on the battlefields.

Armed with the right equipment, the right training and right intervention at the right time, you can make the difference between life and death in austere high risk environments.

If you are interested in medical training, here are some of the course learning objectives for our Combat Lifesaver Course (CLS):

A. Treat all casualties IAW TCCC Guidelines

B. Treat Uncontrollable Hemorrhage

C. Treat Penetrating Trauma to the Chest

D. Open and Maintain an Airway

E. Identify and Treat Tension Pneumothorax

F. Perform Emergency Surgical Airway

G. Initiate Fluid Resuscitation

H. Identify and Treat Non Life Threatening Injuries

I. Prepare Casualties for Transport

J. Identify and Prepare HLZ for Medical Evacuation

K. Complete Field Medical Card

We can bring this course of instruction to your department by way of our Mobile Training Team. Each member of your team could have these life saving skills in just 5-days!

For information on RB1 medical training please contact us directly via phone or email.

Stay safe.

Carbine's for Duty Carry, Which One and Why?

2011-08-16T17:54:00.005-04:00

The United States is the center of gravity for all things tactical. The U.S market represents 90% of the world market and because of this the world's premier weapons manufacturers have set up shop here in continental United States to sell their wears to the military, law enforcement agencies and private citizens.

However, after world events such as 911 there has been a huge demand for weapons in the U.S. This placed massive strain on quality control systems of weapons companies as demand overtook supply. As a result, manufacturers produced what could only be seen by the end user as lower quality products that failed to meet the expectation of the consumer.

Another issue to compound the existing problems was the injection of new companies looking to capitalize on the buyers market. This has become the biggest issue for end users as one weapon looks much the same as another, yet one is priced to meet the budget of most civilian shooters and law enforcement agencies struggling with budgetary constraints and the other priced for high end private users and military units. To the layman, both weapons meet the specifications of the end user and price then becomes the deciding factor.

I would like to focus this writing towards the law enforcement officer looking to purchase a weapon for duty carry or an LE department looking to outfit the department with a patrol rifle for general patrol use or for tactical SWAT applications.

Here is a list of considerations when selecting a weapon for duty carry/use.

1. Mil-Spec: I am a firm believer in buying a carbine that meets Mil-Spec standards. The military operates in the harshest environments on the planet and if it's good enough for them, it's definitely good enough for domestic use. All of my AR15's/M4's are fully Mil-Spec, as are the parts kits and accessories. I will not have anything on or in my weapons that do not meet these requirements.

2. Manufacturer: (This is a contentious issue as the industry is full of 'experts' looking to capitalize on promoting themselves by promoting a weapon manufacturer. Bottom line is, business is business, but don't fall foul of believing the hype! Remember, the U.S market is 90% of the world market. Everyone is out to make a buck!)

Stick with high end manufacturers that build guns for the military. Colt has been supplying quality M4's to the military for a long time. I used one while serving and it ran like a charm. I now have two H&K 416's. I have had nothing but success from both of these guns and don't believe the hype that's out there about the problems with this weapon. I have LMT guns all are Mil-Spec and all run like a charm. My latest project is a collaboration with Monty from Centurion Arms to produce a fully Mil-Spec carbine for Redback One. Centurion Arms is a small and up coming company that produces excellent quality Mil-Spec carbines. Monty has put together rifles and carbines that closely resemble those currently being used by Special Operations personnel. An example of this is his Mk 12 SPR.

3. Direct Gas Impingement or Piston: I have used all of the quality DGI and piston guns on the market today. I like both operating systems. My advise is this. Stay away from piston driven guns that are not currently in wide spread use by U.S Special Operations. I have seen all of the issues such as heat transfer to the hand-guards, reliability issues, excess recoil, accuracy problems, vibrations causing accessories to rattle loose and so on.

The fact is, good piston guns are more reliable than DGI guns because they will run without much lubricant and gas and carbon is not being deposited back into the bolt, bolt-carrier and body of the weapon which contributes to weapon malfunctions. FACT: piston guns need to be lubricated. Don't think that you will get away without lubing your weapon. Piston guns run better after a good cleaning and a light oil. This will not only enhance performance under normal conditions but it will prevent excess wear and tear on all parts, saving the bottom line of the department.

All piston guns recoil harder that a standard DGI gun. When I began shooting my HK416's I wasn't sure that I was going to like them due to the excess recoil. But, after only a short time I was able to manage recoil using our recoil management system just as effectively as any DGI gun.

4. Barrel Length: I believe that a 14.5" barrel is the best barrel length to issue patrol officers for duty. This length is perfectly suited for all conditions from rural to urban operations. Muzzle velocities are high enough to stabilize the projectile out to 200 meters, the lethal range of the weapon system. It's not too long so patrol officers can deploy the weapon quickly and effectively for active shooter response.

For tactical SWAT applications, I would encourage the decision to purchase a 10.5" barreled carbine. This will allow the officers to maneuver the weapon efficiently when conducting missions involving room clearing and CQB. Although terminal performance is compromised due to the much lower muzzle velocities. The 5.56 round can still be just as effective but relies more on shot placement that the terminal performance of the round selected. (The previous statement is true across the board, however training is the biggest factor effecting the lethality of the patrol officer.)

5. Round Selection: For law enforcement use I strongly advocate using the Hornady 75 grain TAP round as the preferred round for patrol and SWAT applications. This round has been tested and approved for use in U.S SOCOM and gives terminal performance similar to BH 77 grain OTM LR ammunition.

6. Accessories: I am a big believer in aiding the abilities of the shooter by equipping him with accessories that enhance his capability and lethality.

A. Having a quality weapon mounted flashlight is of paramount importance and should be seen as a standard accessory permanently mounted to the carbine. My preferred manufacturer is Surefire. No other flashlight compares, or comes close to them. I use scout lights on all of my carbine in various configurations from 3V, 6V, IR V series, low profile mounts to standard mounts. This is the best carbine flashlight on the market!

B. I believe that all tactical SWAT personnel should be issued with an NVG and Laser for there weapons. This force multiplier enhances the teams capability and enhances lethality by being able to target individuals without the need for visible light which can lead to mission compromise, potentially effecting a successful outcome.

C. Having a quality red-dot sight on the weapon is an obvious enhancement to the targeting capability of the officer during daylight or low light operations. I choose Aimpoint as my preferred combat optic and the T1 micro and the preferred model. You can't beat the battery life and how robust they are.

D. Keep a quality pair of iron sights on the weapon just in case the optic fails!

E. A sound suppressor can be an effective tool to enhance command and control at the tactical level. It also provides a silent entry capability for the assault team with the right set up and training. This is a desirable feature not an essential one. Go with a reputable brand such as Surefire or AAC.

F. You will need a sling for the weapon. Slings can be used for tactical use and for administrative purposes. Choose a sling that will best serve your purpose. The sling must NOT prohibit the maneuverability of the weapon or restrict the user from accessing the control features of the weapon. There is way too much industry hype on sling choice. Don't believe the hype! A two point sling will allow you to sling the weapon on your back to climb, go hands on, conduct admin, attend to a casualty etc. It will also allow you to operate the weapon tactically and transition to your secondary weapon as required. A single point sling is purpose built for CQB only and you will not be able to perform the functions mentioned of the two point sling. I have designed a two point sling that is low profile, only 1" wide, is adjustable for tactical use and administrative use. It will be available soon through RB1 and SORD USA.

My final thoughts are this. Buy quality and buy once! Don't believe the hype! Seek advise from unbiased people that know what they are talking about.

Please feel free to contact me or Redback One at any time for any advise on training, tactics or equipment.

Stay Safe.

Redback One Combat Pistol Sights

2011-07-14T00:16:00.003-04:00

Our custom designed RB1 Combat Pistol Sights are now in production and should be ready in a few weeks. At this time they will only be available for Glock model handguns however, we may expand the line based upon demand.

These sights have been the product of several months of T&E to find the perfect match of height, width and depth to produce a pair of combat sights that shoot Point Of Aim/Point Of Impact at all ranges out to 100m.

Special thanks to Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance for taking on this project and getting the sights to production.

I will have more information regarding Specs and pricing soon. To reserve your set of RB1 Combat Pistol Sights please email me with your request. JF

Physical Fitness & Nutrition

2011-07-11T22:51:00.005-04:00

A few years ago I was training twice a day seven days a week, I was on a great nutritional plan designed by a professional nutritionist, seeing a sports therapist on a regular basis for massage therapy and had a physical therapist on standby for any injuries. I was playing Australian Rules Football (AFL) at a professional level and was a team member of one of the best counter terrorist units in the world. I was is in peak physical condition and feeling great.

When I discharged from the military and arrived in the U.S, I tried to maintain this training regime and eating plan. During the first year I was able to keep up the fitness with regular visits to the 'gun shop' and plenty of pounding pavement. The one thing that I was struggling with was the nutrition! I was bombarded with fast food, eating out, too much processed foods and way too much saturated fat.

The one thing that I noted was how difficult it was to buy everything that I wanted from one supermarket! I had to drive to sometimes three different supermarkets just to buy what I needed. One didn't have very good fresh produce, the other didn't have very good fresh lean beef. This was very frustrating and made shopping days difficult.

Being a civilian, managing a business and balancing a family, I find that time is my worst enemy. It's hard to eat clean every day because of such a busy lifestyle. I have fallen fowl to a cheese burger and nacho cheese on a far too regular basis.

I don't think that I am on my own here, so I thought that I'd write some notes on some good PT workouts that gets results and for the most part are low impact, so joints will be preserved. I will also cover some good clean eating tips that will help the waistline!

Most of what I will write is either common sense or proven methods that I have not designed. I find that he biggest problem with fitness and clean eating is US! We make too many excuses for why we can't do it rather than reasons why we should do it. Then we look in the mirror and say "I should go on a diet!" or "I really need to work out!"

Eating 101

The first thing you need to do is clean out the pantry! Get rid of anything that will contribute to your physical demise! If you don't have it, you won't eat it! Keep the kids healthy too, they don't need ten different types of high fat cereals or snacks either. Keep plenty of yogurt, bananas, berries, and juice. No soda! I will cover what supplements are worth investing money on later also.

PT 101

Start to plan now for your PT sessions. Keep it at the same time everyday, make it part of your day and treat it like a business meeting and you have to attend! Log it into you electronic diary so that you don't forget about it. Have your PT gear ready and any other equipment for your training. Most of us have bits and pieces of home gym type equipment at the house and that's what you will need for the training that I will outline. If you have a gym membership and go, you can do all of these workouts also.

There will be more to follow!

Redback One - SWAT Magazine Cover & Article

2011-06-29T09:50:00.003-04:00

We recently had Ed Lawrence one of SWAT Magazines writers attend one of our 3-Day Tactical Pistol Carbine courses. Ed called me prior to the class and asked if I was interested in the possibility of getting the course covered in SWAT Mag. I was pretty excited about this opportunity as I have been a fan of SWAT Magazine for about 20 years! I remember driving across the city of Melbourne Australia to a local news stand that sold the magazine to pick up a copy every month. At that time I was a fresh faced 18 year old looking to join the Army!

After the course concluded I spoke to Ed on several occasions clearing up some doubtful points regarding the course curriculum and in-particular our training methodology and what we call our 'Y-Factor' the reason WHY we do what we do.

Not only did the article turn out great but we also made the cover!

The guys at SWAT Magazine sent us the link to the article as a sneak-peak. To read the article please click on the link below.

http://digital.swatmag.com/SWAT/2011/SWAT1108/?BuildGuid=8381791a-c090-49b0-8c3b-2fcaf7ef996d

Banning the Star Spangled Banner! Are you serious?

2011-06-08T07:15:00.006-04:00

I have just about had enough of democratic left wing liberal reformists abusing the rights of the people and attempting to destroy the foundation of what makes this country great, just to satisfy an agenda that could ultimately jeopardize national security.

I first took notice of these subtle yet defining attempts to change our nations traditions when the current President of the United States refused to cover his heart and face the flag or take the pledge of allegiance!

Now there is the 'unofficial' change to the Pledge of Allegiance with the silent replacement of the words 'Under God' replaced with 'Under Law'! The words 'Under God' were implemented under President Eisenhower to separate the United States from other countries 'way of life'.

The original Pledge:

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The official Pledge, June 22, 1942

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The only official change to the Pledge, June 14, 1954

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The 'unofficial' left wing change.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under Law, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

There are some schools that have now banned students from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with the words 'Under God' so that no-one is offended by the american way of life!

This morning I heard that Goshen College in Indiana has just banned the playing of the United States Nation Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner because the lyrics are offensive, the words 'bombs bursting in air' are too violent!

Are you kidding me?

These words were penned by Francis Scott Key during the Battle of Baltimore, a turning point of the War of 1812. In the defense of Baltimore's Ft McHenry, American forces repulsed a sea invasion and killed the commander of the invading British army forces. It was during this battle that the poem at the time called the 'Star Spangled Banner' was written and serves as a reminder to ALL Americans that we fought for our freedom and will continue to fight for it.

Every American should take offense to subversive interference or gestures by left wing liberalists who attempt to change what Americans have fought for and continue to fight for including our freedoms that make this country the greatest country in the world.

If you don't like the American way of life, LEAVE!

Shooting 'Molly-dooker'!

2011-05-30T07:43:00.008-04:00

In the tactical shooting world there are seldom times that a right handed shooter needs to be a 'molly-dooker' (Australian slang) or left handed. So why are more and more shooting instructors, me included, teaching this low percentage skill to our modern war fighters? Surely it makes more sense to train someone to a better standard on their natural side rather than spend time trying to teach them to become a left hander, right!?

Well, it's partly true. It definitely makes a lot of sense to train someone to a higher standard on the natural side before training them to become a steely eyed freedom fighter on their non-master or support side.

So when would I ever need to switch the gun to my non-master side? And even if I did, why would I need to do it so fast?

These are the typical questions that I get asked when training students on this advanced technique. The answer though really lies with the task that needs to be performed by the individual or the unit. For example, an assault team that is dynamically entering a structure using the principle of speed to their advantage in order to maximize surprise, left handed techniques will seldom if ever apply. This is due to the short duration of the mission and use of overwhelming force ratios. This type of approach is frequently used also during hostage rescue or recovery type operations.

But, with the emergence of new enemy tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) designed to combat our modern warfare doctrine, we the good guys need to adapt and develop new TTPs or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to counter our enemies. This struggle or tug-of-war as it were, has been going on for centuries.

How this relates to being a 'molly-dooker' is this. Being able to safely handle and operate the weapon on both sides of the body confidently, provides the shooter with added security when performing CQB/MOUT (Close Quarters Battle/Military Operations in Urban Terrain). Being able to switch the weapon from natural to support shoulder, mount the weapon and accurately engage a target quickly and decisively is a real advantage to the shooter. Shooting from the support shoulder and from support side cover will provide the shooter with more security as he will be less exposed to the threat. These types of scenarios typically present themselves during urban warfare or MOUT operations. Support side shooting techniques can provide the commander with added force protection and flexibility, allowing him to clear enemy held strongholds more methodically while ensuring that the security and protection of his men is still maintained. This is particularly useful when conducting night operations using NVG's and Lasers.

There is another reason for shooting left handed, and that is to maintain combat effectiveness while injured. In line with the principles of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), if injured during combat operations, an individual should apply self aid and attempt to regain the initiative and continue the fight if possible. In situations like this, the shooter may need to employ the primary weapon from the support side should he sustain injuries precluding him from using his natural side.

Some of our advanced weapons manipulations training will involve the students handling and operating the weapon with the support hand and shooting from the support shoulder. This training includes support hand manipulations where the student will need to rectify malfunctions and reload the weapon using only the support hand.

We always stress the necessity for speed and accuracy of movement during the drills. This is to breed the instinctive nature of weapon handling and shows us that the student has in fact learnt the drill, committed the sequence to the subconscious and is able to perform the drill on demand under stress.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-29T09:04:00.003-04:00

To those that are currently serving to defend this great nation and those that have previously served, we salute you and we honor those that have fallen. Your efforts will not go unnoticed. Redback One wishes everyone a happy Memorial Day. Please take the time to reflect on the great job our service men and woman do and have done to defend our freedom. JF

Flashlight position & mounting options for your M4

2011-05-20T23:14:00.011-04:00

I get asked a lot about where to mount your flashlight to your rifle. I also get asked about mounting options. So I thought that I would drag out some of my SF lights with different mounting options and show you how I mount mine. I am currently running a Centurion Arms full Mil-Spec Cabine. It has a 16" cold hammer forged barrel, covered by a DD M4A1 rail.

I always say that there is never a perfect set up. You will always have to compromise on something. You will always have to give up something to get something. So if you are struggling with the perfect set, just realize that everything is normal. Always remember that if it's tactical, it's not comfortable!

Figure-1

Figure 1 shows my laser (LD D-BAL A2) positioned on the 12 o'clock rail and close to the front sight post so the illuminator beam is not interrupted by the sight housing. My flashlight, in this case a 'V' series SF scout light, positioned on the 3 o'clock rail and forward to minimize shadow created by the light hitting the weapon.

I activate the flashlight by pressing the tape switch velcroed to the rail between the 3/6 rail with my support fingers. My laser switch is mounted in the opposite rail, 12/9 and is activated by my support thumb.

I find this to be the best mounting solution for both laser and flashlight as it is very intuitive and allows the user to shoot day and night while activating both laser and light with the same grip. The grip forms an integral part of the recoil management system and should not be compromised to access controls.

Figure-2

Figure 2 shows (4) different mounting options for your flashlight. The 'V' series light uses the proprietary SF QD rail grabber. I have rotated mine around so that it does not irritate my support hand. I always use an IR cover (figure-3)or black cover on all of my light to prevent white light ADs or to ensure that there is no reflection from sunlight creating shine and reflecting back towards the enemy. Another reason I keep a cover over the lens is so that is does not get blacked out by the muzzle blast.

Figure-3

The next light is a SF mini scout light and the body has been replaced by an S&S Precision IMF Hinged mount. This is an early model and the new ones are made from one piece of aluminum. This mount allows the light to be mounted to the rail so that the light sits between rail segments and keeping it as close as possible to the gun.

The third light is a SF scout light with another S&S Precision low pro mount designed specifically for the HK 416. This version like the previous is designed to have the light as tightly as possible to the weapon, keeping it very slick and tight!

The last light is again a SF scout with the standard thumb screw SF mount that comes with the unit.

My preference is still a tap switch over most others and to me honest my favorite switch of all time is the rubber SF on/off switch from the Classic series that I had on my MP5. Sometimes you need constant on!

Figure-4

For more information please visit the following websites:

www.surefire.com

www.sandsprecision.com

www.tnvc.com

www.centurionarms.com

ATTENTION SHOOTERS

2011-05-18T09:10:00.005-04:00

Redback One will soon be updating our Advanced Course curriculum. As part of this update, we would like to have your input as to what you would like to see included in the most advanced weapons training offered to civilian shooters.

We already have some great ideas and look forward to reading your responses. Your input will go a long way into the design, development and implementation of the very best training curriculum, tailored specifically for our customers by our customers.

Feel free to post your responses here or on our Facebook page at the following link:

www.facebook.com/redbackone

LOWA Zephyr Desert GTX® Mid TF

2011-05-16T17:32:00.009-04:00

I came across LOWA boots for the first time when I will on a training trip to the UK/Norway a few years ago. Most of the UK SF were issued the LOWA Mountain Boot for cold weather operations. Unfortunately for me the Q store didn't have my size! So I had to settle for a pair of La Sportiva Lhotse. I good compromise I guess.

I re-connected with the LOWA brand recently during an expedition to the REI store in Virginia where I picked myself up a pair of the Zephyr Dessert boots for summer training on the range. Boots are one of those items that everyone has an opinion on and here is mine...

FIT: I think that the low ankle boot is ideal for summer training. The fit of the boot is snug when you first put it on but once it warms up you barely even know you have it on! There is plenty of ankle support too.

DESIGN: The design of the boot was one of the first things that caught my eye, esthetically, the boot looks great. The lacing system is nice and easy to use.

COMFORT FACTOR: (High) I couldn't be happier with the comfort factor, I have worn plenty of combat style boots before and the LOWA Zephyr are probably the most comfortable boots that I have worn yet.

PRICE: For what you are getting the money is well worth it. There are plenty of other cheaper options out there that will fall apart after a couple of months. But if you want a great pair of boots that will last then try a pair of LOWA's.

For more information you can visit the LOWA website at this link.

www.lowaboots.com

Redback One Launches Security Services Division.

2011-05-14T13:00:00.013-04:00

RB1 CONSULTING ADDS A NEW DIMENSION TO OUR DYNAMIC BUSINESS.

After nearly 12 months of discussions, Redback One has added security consulting services in addition to our provisional training services. This new business dimension allows us to capitalize on the specialized and unique skills of our highly qualified staff. RB1 Consulting is a full-service consultancy dedicated to providing tailored security services of the highest quality in support of our clients operational and personal security requirements at home and abroad. For more information regarding our services please visit our website at the following link.

www.rb1consulting.com

Redback One Training Trip

2011-05-14T08:25:00.004-04:00

A recent whirl wind trip across the U.S took Redback One to El Paso, TX for the 2011 SOG Border Security Conference. We invited SORD USA to join us at the booth to display the latest range of tactical nylon products that included the RB1 Elite Series product range. On the second day we were able to demonstrate our training methodology through a series of live fire drills at McGregor Range Complex. We gave demonstrations of our square range techniques of andvanced weapons manipulation then two live fire demonstrations of Combat Clearance and Hostage Rescue in the Shoothouse. Everyone was suitably impressed with the demonstrations.

From there, it was off to California for the 2-Day Advanced Tactical Carbine course, held at the Eagles Nest range in Angeles, CA. Despite the high winds during the first day, the students had a great time learning advanced weapons manipulations and tactical movement techniques that concluded in a run and gun stress course that incorporated plenty of running, assembling weapons, medium range targets at 150m standing, 225m targets kneeling and 300m targets prone, followed by two surprise targets in the low ground at 100m and 175m. Both of these targets had to be engaged with rifle then with pistol during a change over drill.

From there is was a reload on the run to a support shoulder clearance and engage a close range target from the support shoulder, a quick switch back to strong side and sprint down range to engage an IDPA target with a 6 round cadence drill. High port turn and go, back up range 55m to a prone support side shot onto another IPDA target to finish.

Everyone did a great job completing the course of fire with some really great times that had me putting in the big ones to ensure that I stayed head of the course.

At the completion of the course several of the students went out for an end of course dinner at which we all heard the news of the demise of UBL. There was plenty of celebratory drinks all round!

The next day was a slight change of gears and a change of curriculum for the 2-Day Tactical Carbine Course for Brea SWAT at the Prado Shooting Center in Chino, CA. We had several departments attend this course due to the multi-jurisdictional team. We also had some patrol officers on the course too. The interesting point on this course was that all students arrived with the HK G36 carbine or rifle. There were a couple of shooters that were using M4's also. So I strapped a G36R to my back to ensure that I was able to demonstrate all drills with both M4 and G36.

Everyone learnt plenty of new tricks and tweaked pre-existing skills with the advanced weapons concepts that we put out on our training courses.

We finished up around 1830. I quickly grabbed a shower and change of clothes then off to LAX for the red-eye to Washington DC to prepare for a high level security presentation for an elite group of influential women operating business' in the DC area. This was a change of gears, swapping guns, armor and multicam for a pin strip business suit and tie.

The presentation was a great success for our company's latest addition RB1 Consulting. This side of the business offers security services covering a wide spectrum from Mission Analysis, Risk Assessment, Advisory Services, Provisional services including boots-on-the-ground and full spectrum equipment procurement.

We are very pleased to include former Tier 1 U.S Army Special Operations personnel to the RB1 cadre staff to assist with both the operational and training sides of Redback One. More on this later.

Are Centurion Arms Barrels the Best on the Market?

2010-10-14T08:42:00.002-04:00

I recently taught a carbine class in California and one of the my students arrived with an upper receiver built by Monty at Centurion Arms. As soon as I heard that Monty had built the upper I was curious about how it would perform during that class.

My first and only experience with Centurion Arms came while filming and episode of Tactical Arms. The episode featured the MK12 Special Purpose Rifle, originally designed by the Naval Special Warfare Command to provide personnel within the command with a short range precision rifle. The MK12 that Monty builds is as close to the real MK12 from Crane as it gets. Almost every part on the weapon is some on the Centurion Arms gun as the one that comes from the Crane laboratory.

When I shot Monty's MK12 on the show I very impressed with the way is shot, both in terms of accuracy and reliability. Now being a 'sniper' variant I would expect the accuracy to be well with in spec! But what about a standard upper receiver from Centurion Arms?

So when Michael began his zero during the California class I was immediately surprised when I saw the first group. All three rounds were grouped together with the extreme spread well under 1" at 25m.

Knowing that there are 3 ingredients to accuracy; The gun, the ammo and the shooter, I straight away figured that Michael had been shooting for a while. Michael's 10 round group at 50m during the confirmation shoot measured around 1.75", and by far the tightest of all groups shot. Michael's group at 100m was well under the military specifications of 4MOA. (ammo dependent)

I was super impressed by the accuracy of the Centurion Arms barrel, and Michael's ability to shoot tight groups!

Throughout the next two days of heavy round counts and hot weather, the Centurion gun didn't skip a beat. There were plenty of high dollar guns in the class that were 'playing up' from time to time and some ammunition issues that caught a few students out too.

I thing I know about shooting is this, spend your money on quality, not quantity! Quality ammunition will increase not only your accuracy and reliability but also the life span of the barrel.

I spoke to Monty about his barrels the other day and without giving away his trade secrets, there is a lot of modern, high tech manufacturing inside of every barrel that Monty puts onto one of his guns. Monty also ensures that his guns are 'in spec' and goes the extra yard to make sure every gun that comes off his production line is the very best.

I met Monty in Coronado, San Diego in 2005 when I was still in the military and was astonished by his depth of knowledge about weapons. It was like listening to 'rain man' speak about guns!

I know that there are several companies on the market that claim to have the best barrels but here is an up and coming brand that may well take the industry by storm!

Keep up the good work Monty, and if anyone is looking for a quality in spec carbine, give Monty a call and pick yourself up one of his uppers.

Take Care.

Redback One Teams with C2 Shooting Center in Virginia Beach

2010-10-14T08:13:00.008-04:00

Redback One has found a home ground to conduct all firearms related tactical training. I sat down with Kent, the owner of C2 and discussed the opportunity for RB1 to utilize C2's range facility located near Creed's in Virginia Beach. After a relatively short meeting, an accord was struck.

I will be posting all of next years courses to be conducted at C2 on the Redback One web page. We have already booked a 2-Day Tactical Pistol/Carbine course for early next year.

C2 Shooting Center is located at

6025 Marvin Rd

Virginia Beach 23457

For more information please contact us at Redback One.

My assessment, opinion and conclusion of Colt's 6920 LE carbine.

2010-09-22T19:49:00.004-04:00

I just finished up teaching my first carbine class in New York. The course was organized by Grey Group Training and was held at the Brookhaven Shooting Range in Long Island. I travelled light for this course leaving both my pistol and carbine behind. I arrived at my hotel in vicinity of the range and grabbed some shut eye after a dismal drive from New Jersey across the the Washington Bridge.

I was greeted at the range on Monday morning by my friend Dave V. who handed me a gun bag that contained the carbine that I was going to use throughout the course. I opened the bag and removed a brand spanking new Colt 6920. The last time I ran a Colt gun was when I in the Regiment back in Australia so I was really excited to shoot a one again. This gun was stock out of the box with a standard trigger, pistol grip, trigger guard and M4A1 butt-stock, A2 birdcage, LMT fixed rear sight on the flat top receiver with an Aimpoint Comp M2 to finish it off.

After we knocked out the mandatory power point lessons, we headed down to the range to zero the weapons. We had a full class with 21 shooters on the line and being a basic class there was plenty of coaching required to ensure that each shooter could meet the marksmanship standards for the course of a 1" group at 25m.

After a couple of trips back and forth to check targets and make bold adjustments to the sights, I was able to sneak in a quick group of own. I loaded a magazine containing 28 rounds of 55gr Federal LE BTHP's into the well lubricated 6920 with a 16" barrel. I dropped into the prone and tested and adjusted my position to ensure I had natural point of aim and loosed off 3 rounds down range. I checked safe, called the line cold and walked down to check my handy work with the class. I checked the zero target and saw the three holes grouped up a few inches from the intended point of impact. The group was pretty decent and measured less than a inch at the extreme spread. I made some quick adjustments to the M2 Aimpoint and went back to supervising the class. Once I was happy enough that the students were in the ball park at 25m, I moved them back to 50m to confirm that each shooter was point of aim/point of impact at 50m.

I snuck in another group, this time 10 rounds from 50m. One thing I really like about the 6920 was how soft it shoots. The 55gr bullets helped out a little too! I inspected the target at saw my group. Again another pretty good group that covered about 1.75". A few more trips down to targets and we were done with zeroing and moved onto more tactical applications of employing the weapons.

I ran the gun as hard as could during the course shooting loads of multiple round drills. The 6920 performed flawlessly without any malfunctions. I used the gun to demonstrate to the students methods to clear bolt override malfunctions. I saw the look on Dave's face as I collapsed the butt-stock and began to 'mortar' it into the earth. Luckily on this day the earth was soft and sandy, and even with plenty of dust dirt and debris the Colt still ran like a charm. I didn't oil it at all over the two days nor was it cleaned.

There is certainly something to be said about quality in this game of combat shooting. I truly believe in buying high quality brand name guns and quality ammunition. This combination will give you the best performance overall. During this course there were several students shooting NY compliant guns and others using LE guns. What I noticed was that the off brand guns and parts, cheap steel cased ammo and home built guns failed more than any other. There was even a POF that continued to malfunction due to a broken lug on the barrel extension causing continuous failures to feed.

One of the students had a stainless steel 'bull' barrel that gave him all sorts of problems too. In my opinion, a cold hammer forged barrel is the only way to go if you want to attend combat shooting courses. Stainless barrels may well have there application but not for combat shooting where you need to continually run magazines through it.

Overall, I was super happy with the Colt 6920. Even with the 7" RAS II on the front I didn't have any problems managing recoil during the 6 round cadence drills. I was easily able to shoot 6 rounds in 1.5 seconds from 7m inside a 7" circle.

If your looking to purchase a quality carbine that wont let you down on your next combat shooting course, you can't go past a Colt 6920.

Take care.

Redback One Heads to California.

2010-08-01T20:40:00.006-04:00

Redback One will be heading to California to conduct a 2-Day Tactical Carbine course at the Prado Olympic Shooting Range in Chino from 14-15 August. I am really looking forward to heading out west with RB1. We have a great shooting range laid on and plenty of good training with awesome prizes and giveaways. Tango Down is donating a gift voucher for the high shooter of the course and Surefire will be attending and as always will have the latest SF products available.

I will have some of the latest products from the RB1 - Elite Series line, manufactured by SORD USA. This will be the unveiling of our latest product, the Advanced Releasable Armor Carrier (A-RAC).

The A-RAC features a very low profile cut and will fit IIIA soft armor inserts as well as a 10x12 strike plate, front, rear and sides. It also features a single point cut away and the ability to convert from heavy armor carrier to plate carrier within a few minutes. I will have our latest version of the Combat Sling that is integrated directly into the single point release system.

I will have the RB1-Elite Series Combat Belt on display also. This is a great modular combat belt that I designed to be flexible enough to accommodate most Special Operations missions. I features a SORD riggers belt that forms the base and incorporates a low profile padded belt comforter. It has removable leg straps for use with a flight suit and molle for attaching pouches to end user specification. A great product that I use on a daily basis for tactical use as well as for competitions.

I will be shooting my Daniel Defense M4 and Glock 17 during the course and encourage everyone to bring their preferred firearms. I am well aware of the CA limitation on assault weapons for residents of CA. I will ensure that I get the most out of what ever set you have and show you how to employ your weapons to the best of your abilities.

I am looking forward to seeing what the shooters of California have to offer and I hope to pass on as much information as possible in the short time that I have there.

If anyone is interested in booking a position on the course, you better hurry as we are nearly at limits.

You can email me directly to sign up or contact giselle@redbackone.com or Paul at training@greygrouptraining.com

See you there!

Jason

Redback One's Industry Partners

2010-05-16T22:29:00.010-04:00

We are extremely happy to announce that Redback One has partnered up some of the biggest industry professionals.

Our training division has taken a huge step forward by partnering up with one of the countries finest weapon designers and manufactures; Daniel Defense. We will be releasing our (Redback One) own DDM4 later in the year featuring the Redback One logo laser etched into the lower receiver. I will be sure to post some photos when we get them in!

Our Tactical Nylon Division; SORD USA is also steaming ahead with our products in service with the 75th Ranger Battalion and the Canadian Defense Force. We have some exciting news and developments with SORD USA coming up also which I'll let you in on later!

Laser Devices have been a big supporter of our training and have come on board to supply us with their D-BAL A2 (Dual Beam Aiming Laser) for use by our instructors and students during our Night Fighting Course.

Aimpoint has also come on board by supplying us with the best combat optics in the world. They will also feature our logo laser engraved onto them. We have a great relationship with the Aimpoint crew in Sweden and we always look forward to catching up at SHOT for dinner and a beer.

Smith Optics have just recently come on board and will supply all of our tactical eye protection needs. You might even see a set of Smith eyewear with the RB1 logo on them down the track! Watch this space for that! Mike from Smith and I took a hellish spin in the awesome off road racers during the LE Technology & Equipment Expo held in El Paso TX last week. A big thanks to the CBP for putting on a great day at the range.

RB1 AT THE SOG - LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY EXPO 4-5 MAY 2010

2010-05-02T13:09:00.007-04:00

Redback One will be exhibiting at the SOG - Equipment & Technology Expo in El Paso TX 4-5 May 2010 hosted by U.S Border Patrol Special Operations Group. We will be at booth 112W and will have information about RB1 training courses as well as products from our tactical nylon division SORD USA. It should be a great show in one of my favorite states, Texas. If you're at the show please stop by and say hello. For those unable to attend I will post some unclassified photos after I get back.

Take care.

Redback One instructors head to Montana for MSTOA 2010

2010-04-25T16:44:00.004-04:00

For everyone heading to Ft. Harrison, Montana in May for the 2010 MSTOA conference be sure to catch Steve and Looey from Redback One leading the Pistol and Carbine tracts.

Steve is a veteran SF Sergeant from 3rd Special Forces Group. He served as an instructor with the Army in Africa and has operational deployments with ODA 391 to Afghanistan and Iraq. Steve was a lead firearms and tactics instructor at USTC were he lead courses for Special Forces Groups, U.S Navy, USCG, Canadian Provost Marshals, Law Enforcement Agencies and Private Security Contractors. Steve has a ton of experience teaching combat marksmanship and we are excited to have him lead the tactical pistol training during the conference.

Looey is a veteran of the USMC with an extensive background in firearms instruction, competitive shooting, tactical driving and executive protection. Looey has over ten years of experience as an instructor and has lead courses for Special Forces Groups, Law Enforcement Agencies, U.S Navy, USCG, and Private Security Contractors. Looey taught advanced firearms, convoy motorcade operations, small unit tactics and surveillance detection with USTC for the past 5 years. We are excited to have Looey lead the Tactical Carbine tracts for MSTOA 2010.

If you were lucky enough to secure a slot on either of these tracts be prepared to see some of the latest techniques in combat marksmanship delivered by two exceptional instructors.

If you are interested in attending these training tracts, give Ryan or Brandon from the MSTOA a call.

Ya better hurry though!

REDBACK ONE PARTNERS WITH GREY GROUP

2010-04-12T17:00:00.014-04:00

Redback One has joined forces with Grey Group Training to promote our Combat Training Systems courses. We will be launching the new Redback website shortly which is starting to look really good. Until the official launch you will be able to find details relating to Redback classes on the Grey Group website, www.greygrouptraining.com

We already have classes scheduled in New York, California and Arkansas coming up and are looking run a course somewhere near you in the immediate future. If you, your Department or your Unit would like to host a Redback One course, please email our training Coordinator Giselle at; mailto:giselle@redbackone.com

We look forward to doing business with you.

Take Care.

NYTOA CONFERENCE

2010-03-15T21:27:00.003-04:00

I will be heading to Verona, New York for the 2010 New York Tactical Officers Association conference on the 27th of April. I attended last years conference and had a great time. After looking through the 2010 event schedule it sounds even better than last year.

I hope to catch up with all the fella's from the NY area.

For more information on the NYTOA conference check this link.

http://www.nytacticalexpo.com/index.html

REDBACK ONE Training Division

2010-01-29T14:35:00.011-05:00

REDBACK ONE specializes in supplying Military, Law Enforcement, Private Security Personnel

(PSP) and civilian personnel with advanced tactical firearms training.

The company's instructors have years of operational and instructional experience training both Military Special Operations Forces and Law Enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics Units in the U.S and many other countries worldwide.

Our instructors expertise and proficiency in special operations techniques to include military small arms, urban warfare, CQB, land-warfare and other specialist skills make them highly sought after instructors within the firearms industry and the U.S military.

When not engaged with the customer our instructors are at the range looking to create faster and more efficient techniques in order to provide our students with vital knowledge and skills to prevail in combat overseas or during lethal force encounters here at home.

Our diverse capabilities and qualifications make us unique in the Mil/LE/PSP training industry.

REDBACK ONE currently offers both Mobile Training Teams (MTTs) and training courses conducted from the 'Rifles Only' training facility in Kingsville Texas, 30 minutes from Corpus Christi.

Some courses offered by REDBACK ONE are only open to Military, Law Enforcement and selected Private Security Personnel (PSP). Please refer to course outlines for more detail.

For more information on our training courses please email or call us directly.

www.redbackone.com

"STOPPAGE" - WHAT THE MALFUNCTION IS UP!

2010-01-12T21:10:00.008-05:00

'You may not realize it, but you are smarter than the gun!'

BACKGROUND

I have come to realize over the past few years that of the myriad 'tactical' carbine instructors that this country has to offer almost all of them teach different methods of rectifying malfunctions.

How can this be?

It seems as if there is almost 100% consensus on the topics of 'Loading, unloading and positive/press checks' - 'Ready positions' - 'Presentation time and set time' - 'Fundamentals of marksmanship' - 'Positional shooting' and pretty much every other lesson in the syllabus on a basic tactical carbine course. So why are there so many different techniques in sorting out arguably the most important part of 'running the gun'? Could it be that instructors are merely presenting or re-presenting information passed to them from previous courses of instruction most likely originating from their former Military units?

If this is true then I find it completely unacceptable. Part of the responsibility of the instructor as a Subject Matter Expert is to research and develop faster and more efficient tactics, techniques and procedures in his respective field. This is an implied task as the role of the instructor is to impart knowledge, skill and attitude to students.

Over the past four years I have worked for Blackwater as a lead instructor of firearms and tactics. I often train high level special operations units from the US Navy, Army and Air Force. With such diverse clientele, it is important to be well versed in the particular TTP's of the unit being instructed. From my experience it appears that not only are there different terminology and classifications for malfunctions across the services, each service teaches a different method of clearing them. This in itself isn't a big deal so long as the operator can effectively bring his weapon back up to a working condition within a certain timeframe in order to remain combat effective.

It would be nice to have commonality in small arms training across all services of the military. Although this seems like an impossibility due to the doctrinal ways of each service, it could be possible in the near future should the military continue to outsource for its small arms training.

In the private sector there has been literally hundreds of former service members trying their hands at making a buck off the '9-11 shooting school' boom. A few have made a name for themselves and secured a government contract or two. This is where we run into the same old problems of what service did the instructor come from? Was he a SEAL, DELTA, SF, AFSOC or Marine?

As a subject matter expert in small arms and combat marksmanship I am obligated to my students to get out to the range and train when ever I have the opportunity. I work with a diverse team of professionals that come from all facets of gunfighting. From Coalition SOF, SEALs, Army SF, Marines and Police SWAT. We are all very good friends and are all very competitive. When we get out and train we always have a shot timer and always test each other on marksmanship skills such as speed and accuracy as well as gun handling skills like reloads and malfunctions. When we train we are always looking for the best way to perform a drill or a skill. But, it can't just be fast! It has to be accurate. By accurate I don't just mean on target, I mean that if it is a technique that speeds up clearing a double feed it has to clear it 99% of the time. This is where I have issues with other instructors and 'their' drills. More on this later.

I served my country in the Army for 12 years, 6 of those years were at the highest level participating in training and operations on par with US Tier 1 assets such as CAG and DEVGRU. One thing that I have realized is that I am a better gun fighter now than I ever was back in the unit. I am much faster, more efficient and more accurate than probably anyone in my former unit. Why? Because the only thing that I concentrate on is shooting! I don't have to deploy for months at a time, or maintain currency as a paratrooper, an assault swimmer, a combat medic and so on. Now I concentrate on how to run the gun faster and more efficiently while still maintaining a combat mindset. And by that I mean I wear the same kit as the warriors that I teach. I don't shoot an AR that is designed for competitions with muzzle breaks and 2 pound triggers. Nor do I shoot a competition handgun with a modified load. I shoot the same guns as my students. A Berreta M9, a SIG 226, a Glock 17 and a Safariland 6004 leg holster. For a rifle I shoot a standard Daniel Defense M4 or an LMT. No trigger jobs or compensators and I shoot iron sights as much as possible. I wear combat fatigues the same as the students and wear heavy armor the same as the students. If you are going to teach combat marksmanship you should probably train and look like a warrior not a '3 gunner' or an IPSC champ.

On the range.

What I teach now is a bastardized mix of what I have learnt over the past 17 years as a combat decorated Commando and SAS warrior turned private security and military small arms instructor with Blackwater. In over a decade in Special Operations I had never heard of terminology such as 'Tap Rack Bang' or 'SPORTS' or 'type 1 and type 2' or 'Immediate Action and Remedial Action' as names or methods used to clear malfunctions until I began training US personnel. I find this really strange too as everyone uses the same weapons platform in the AR.

Australian Special Operations have been using the AR platform ever since it first showed up in Vietnam. My fore-fathers carried versions of the M16 and CAR 15 during operations along with the MAC-V and LRRP during the late 60's. So 'we' have as long a heritage with the AR as the US does.

SASR Vietnam.

Having said that, Australian SOF has simplified correcting malfunctions over the years and simply put when the weapon fires then stops, you carry out the IA - Immediate Action drill. The IA for the M4 is 'Tilt Look.' Tilt the rifle over to the left and observe the ejection port opening. After inspecting the ejection port you can determine what the problem is.

If the bolt is forward - Tap the magazine and charge the weapon. Reacquire sights and reengage if required. If a round is ejected the operator should take mental note as this is an indicator of the cause of the malfunction.

'Weapon fires, weapon stops!' - 'Carry out the IA'

'TILT LOOK'

'Bolt fully forward'

Here is where you have to be smarter than the gun! After leaving the regiment and taking up a career as a tactical small arms instructor I have adapted a different approach to malfunctions. The first thing I want to know is where the bolt is. In this example the gun lets you know exactly where it is because the last thing that the gun did was go 'CLICK'.

What does 'click' mean?

It means that the bolt is fully forward and in battery. The weapon is working just fine, it just didn't go 'BANG'!

This can only mean that there is either a bad round in the chamber or no round in the chamber and quite frankly I don't care which it is!

If I know that the bolt is fully forward I don't have to waste time at 'Tilt Look'. If I tilt look I see the bolt is in battery.

The Jason Falla Immediate Action drill for a gun that goes click is - 'Tap-Tug, Rack, Re-acquire'. However, I will throw in a caveat and that is that during combat operations it may be difficult to hear/feel the click. If this occurs I recommend the default setting of 'Tilt Look'.

If the weapon fires and then stops but doesn't go 'click' then the bolt must be out of battery. This is confirmed by a dead trigger. In order to identify what malfunction has occurred you must 'Tilt Look'. The good thing about tilt look in this case is that the gun has let you in. You can now see inside the weapon and select the right drill to rectify the stoppage. It may be difficult to determine an empty magazine from a double feed during heavy combat operations. Therefore tilt look is the order of the day.

'Weapon fires, weapon stops. Carry out the IA.'

'TILT LOOK'

'Double Feed'

The Jason Falla method of rectifying a double feed.

1. Lock the bolt to the rear.

2. Remove the magazine.

3. Bring the weapon to the work station and inspect the chamber.

4. If the chamber is clear place the magazine back on the weapon.

5. Release the bolt.

6. Continue firing as required.

I'm a big proponent of retaining the magazine rather than dumping on the ground for several reasons.

1. We never under any circumstances take bad magazines on operations. All magazines are to be test fired prior to heading out to ensure proper feeding. So it won't be a magazine issue unless your using standard GI magazines and haven't downloaded the rounds for some time. You will know that the spring has failed when you look at the magazine while inspecting the chamber. If you see the spring has collapsed and rounds just floating in the mag, dump it for a fresh one.

2. Special Operations operators are carrying less magazines on target than ever before. Some units SOP is to only carry 4 mags. (Statistically it's likely that a DGI M4 will malfunction after 68 rounds fired according to military test figures.) So if I dump two mags after two stoppages, potentially I could be loosing up to 50% of my front line ammo. A big reason why these units turned to the HK 416 with its piston operating system.

3. I don't want to leave ammo on the battlefield for the enemy to acquire to use against me or anyone else if I can help it.

So what happens at night when I can't see into the chamber area to see if it is clear? At night the double feed drill should be modified to include a compulsory three racks of the bolt. This extends the time of the drill but gives the shooter a 98% solution. If after completing this drill you find yourself back in double feed mode there will most certainly be bigger problems. Such as a broken extractor, or the rim torn from the case.

If your mission is being conducted in a permissive setting such as LE SWAT or other domestic CT units, dumping the mag may be acceptable. If however you are operating in a non-permissive environment then I would hazard against dumping magazines and ammo on the deck.

I refer back to my original statement that you should be smarter than the gun and also smarter than basic drills! It may seem like I teach complex malfunction drills. But the more proficient you become with the rifle the less complex they become. There is no point in having a student with a double feed, tap and rack! I have seen this technique taught for double feeds. Tap rack does nothing but waste time!

I will be covering bolt overrides on my next post. So check it out if your not 100% with clearing them.

Most people spend minimal time on the range performing malfunction drills and shows during range practice and stress courses. So take the time to get out there and square away your stoppage drills.

Take care.

Short range ballistics and the 200 Meter Combat Zero

2010-01-03T09:56:00.029-05:00

'The 200 meter zero is a fire and forget system for the combat rifle between 0 - 250 meters.'

This is a very interesting subject and one that I get a lot of questions about.

What is the best distance to zero a combat rifle? To me a combat rifle is a rifle/carbine that is issued as a standard service weapon. In todays military in the US this would be either the M16 A4 or an M4 Carbine. Both are chambered in 5.56mm. The real difference in the two is the overall length and more importantly the length of the barrel. The M16 A4 comes standard with an 20" barrel and the M4 comes with a 14.5" barrel. The length of the barrel will directly effect effective range and accuracy. However, accuracy at long ranges is based more on the ability of the shooter than 5.5 inches of barrel length.

Ammunition selection is critical also for a couple of reasons. Reliability and performance. Military ammunition may not give you the performance of a match round for competitions but it will give you the most reliability during cycling on the battlefield. This is seen to be more important than performance for the Military.

Most manufactures of Military grade service weapons test their products using Milspec ammunition. The most common test rounds include but are not limited to M193 55gr ball, M855 62gr 'green tip' and Mk 262 77gr long range ammunition. Each one of these rounds perform differently in terms of ballistics.

In short M193 is more accurate than m855 but lacks the penetration. Mk 262 is more accurate over longer distances than M193 but again lacks the penetration capability of green tip.

Green tip was originally designed by the Belgians and designated at the time the SS 109. The projectile was designed to pierce Soviet Body Armor at 200m and through one side of a steel helmet at 600m in line with the specifications of an LMG (light Machine Gun). This was in preparation for a possible war with the former Soviet Union.

In order for the projectile to perform this task it needed to be stabilized for longer. This means make the projectile spin faster. So the twist rate of the M16 had to change from its original 1:12 of the Vietnam era or 1:14 from Stoners original design to 1:7 twist rate of the M16 A2 adopted by the Marine Corps and Army in 1982.

The performance of green tip ammunition is almost irrelevant on the modern battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Our enemy is not technologically advanced by todays standards and is made up of militia members rather than enlisted men and unlike most first world militaries does not issue body armor to its soldiers. Therefore the M855 'penetrator' round is relegated to punching through mediums such as heavy cover like cinder block walls and vehicles.

When green tip strikes our enemy it penetrates 10-15 inches before it yaws, and separates into three pieces. The tip, core and sheath, creating three separate wound channels and thus incapacitating him. Unfortunately, the chest walls of our enemy are between 8-10 inches thick and green tip has exited before it can separate. When this occurs we generally see .22 calibre through and through wound ballistics that may not kill the enemy.

Mk 262 77 grain long range ammunition was designed to fill the ballistic gap of 5.56 and 7.62. It was specially made for Special Operations teams to use with their SPR rifles. After its successful incorporation into the SOF inventory Mk 262 became a heavy duty work horse for special operators throughout the Middle East.

The M 193 55 grain ball ammunition has a full copper alloy jacket and an antimony alloy core. M 193 is a light weight round that is generally used against personnel and unarmored targets. M 193 ball is a good training round that is extremely accurate over short ranges however it lacks the punch of 62 grain green tip.

When the question "What range do you recommend to zero a carbine?" comes up. I hear nearly every instructor say something like, "Well, what country are you deploying to, Afghanistan or Iraq?" And back it up by saying that if your going to Iraq you should have a 100m zero because of the combat ranges there. And a 300 meter zero for Afghanistan because of the extended ranges.

Well I call bullshit on all accounts.

In combat there isn't one specific range for shooting bad guys either in Afghanistan or Iraq. What is important is that you have a zero that best covers the ballistic profile of the projectile being fired.

This is why I advocate the 200 meter zero. A 200 meter zero is like a fire and forget system for the combat rifle from ranges between 0 - 250 meters.

When you zero your rifle for 200 meters you can either use a reduced target and shoot at 25 meters or shoot Point Of Aim/Point Of Impact at 50m. If you zero at 25, always confirm POA/POI at 50m as there will always be discrepancies when zeroing on a reduced target. A good shooter should be able to hold a 1" group at 25 meters with an inservice M4. (This is consistent with Military Specifications of the weapon being a 4" gun or holds a 4 inch group at 100m. A service rifle should hold a 2 MOA group and service ammunition should hold a 2 MOA group hence the 4 inch group.)

At 25 meter the projectile will be approximately 1" low and be POA?POI at 50 meters. At 100 meters, the projectile is traveling on its upward flight path and should be around 2 inches high at its culminating point and will intersect POA/POI at 200 meters. At 250 meters the projectile will be approximately 6 inches low of the POA and approximately 10 inches low at 300 meters. What this means to the operator is that he doesn't need to worry about 'hold overs' or 'hold unders' at all at any range between 0 - 250 meters based on the percentage of the target seen.

With a 100 meter zero the projectile will be in the parallax zone until about 87 meters then fly pretty straight through 100m which is its culminating point. At 200 meters the projectile will be approximately 6 inches low and 18 inches low at 300 meters.

The BZO sees the projectile intersect the POA? POI at 25 meters then fly's high, up to 10 inches at 150 meters which is it's culminating point. It then drops to intersect the POA/POI at 300 meters. The biggest issue with this zero is that the marksmanship standard in the Army for example is 1.5 inches at 25 meters. This extrapolates to a 6 inch group at 100 meters and 9 inches at 150 meters.

If a soldier puts his Aimpoint red dot onto a target at 150m with a rifle with a BZO his POI will be 19 inches higher than his POA less any shooter error.

This is one reason why our Military personnel are not killing enough bad guys!

An interesting fact to note is that m855 is not lethal beyond 200 meters and needs to be traveling at about 2700 f/p to be effective. This limits the effectiveness of SBRs in combat engagements beyond 100 meters and where shot placement becomes critical.

Stay safe

Instructional Technique - Beware of Phonies!

2009-12-15T20:54:00.006-05:00

During my time in the Australian Army I had the opportunity to receive some of the best training in the world. From CQB and hostage rescue to using long range patrol vehicles behind enemy lines. A very unique experience. One thing that remained common among the diverse training courses was the ability of the instructional cadre to provide very clear and concise instruction taught in a method that is easy to understand and quick to learn but most importantly that it made sense!

This is a very important and vital part of the instructional technique. To become an instructor in the Australian Army, the soldier must attend an eight week initial course that qualifies him in all facets of instruction including parade ground drill, theory lessons, equipment lessons and weapons lessons. During this course it is continuously stressed to the student the importance of a step by step approach to learning and progressional learning with the use of tests of objectives by way of practical skills, oral Q & A or a written test. These tests are imperative as they quantify the new learning.

As a rule after the preliminary administration has been conducted, each lesson should begin with an introduction. The introduction should consist of what the students will be taught, the reason why the students need to know it and what the students must know by the end of the lesson. After the introduction is concluded the main body should be taught. This the guts of the lesson. A basic method of instruction is to use the abbreviation of EDI, or Explanation, Demonstration, Imitation. The instructor explains what is required. It is important at this time not to demonstrate during the explanation! This is very difficult for instructors. If there is a lot of information to be delivered like for example during the 'Strip and Assemble of the M4' then the instructor should explain one aspect then demonstrate it. This will keep the students focused on the task at hand and are not bombarded by loads of information at one time.

If the skill to be learnt is a physical skill such as with Drill. A complete demonstration should be performed by the instructor prior to teaching the main body. This will allow the students to see what is to be learnt in its entirety.

There should also be an adequate amount of time allocated for either individual or group practice of the skill. This is the 'Imitation' It allows the instructor to individually critique the performance of the students during the learning phase.

The lesson should conclude with the 'Conclusion'. This should consist of a test of elementary objectives. A reiteration of what was being taught and the reason why it is important to learn it. A quick overview if the performance of the students during the lesson then a preview of the next lesson on the syllabus with which instructor and what location.

Don't forget the dismissal, which may include a final clearance of weapons if required.

For more information on instructional technique or if your interested in attending a formal 'Method Of Instruction' course, please email me.

Take care and stay safe.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SAVE A LIFE ON THE BATTLEFIELD?

2009-11-22T14:23:00.022-05:00

HISTORY

Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) found its origins in Vietnam. The speed at which U.S forces extracted wounded soldiers from the field was actually quite good. The skill and valor that our pilots showed while attempting to evacuate our wounded was quite phenomenal. Those actions alone were responsible for saving many lives.

The media reports from Vietnam showing our dead and wounded soldiers being 'Med Evaced' made our medical personnel back in the U.S sit up and take note. It was assessed that the ability of the combat medic and the speed at which casualties were delivered to field surgical hospitals was directly attributable to a successful outcome in the OR.

On highways back in the U.S delivery times of casualties sustaining life threatening injuries from motor vehicle accidents to primary surgical facilities were well over an hour due to distance and method of transport. Learning from their military counterparts in Vietnam the National Registry of EMTs made a decision that would change the face of civilian field medicine. The decision was to introduce EMS Paramedics, with a capability of Aero Medical Evacuation using Department of Defense helicopters in-conjunction with civilian authorities.

TCCC first popped up on the radar in 1996 and by 2002 a committee was established by the U.S Special Operations Command who endeavored to continually update the TCCC guidelines and there use.

TACTICAL Vs NONTACTICAL

Delineating the difference between civilian and military Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) is really quite simple. Are hostilities involved?

In nontactical settings, standard PHTLS principles must be followed. However in combat settings there are very unique factors that are considered.

Hostile fire
Darkness
Environmental conditions - extreme heat or cold, dust or snow storms and mountainous terrain.
Resource limitations - Medical blowout kits and Medic Aid bags
Prolonged evacuation times
Transportation issues
Experience of personnel

TCCC is designed to be used on the battlefield in a tactical pre hospital setting. Again, when setting is nontactical, standard PHTLS principles should be followed.

WHAT PHASE ARE YOU IN?

When tending to a casualty on the battlefield it's important to understand the phases of TCCC. By knowing the phases of TCCC, soldiers can make better tactical decisions on the medical treatment and interventions of the casualty and take appropriate precautions to ensure that 'they' don't become a casualty!

UNDER ENEMY EFFECTIVE FIRE - (CARE UNDER FIRE)

THE ENEMY HAS BEEN DESTROYED OR HAS BROKEN CONTACT - (TACTICAL FIELD CARE)

THE AREA IS SECURE AND CASEVAC IS UNDERWAY - (CASUALTY EVACUATION CARE)

1. CARE UNDER FIRE

This refers to care rendered while under effective hostile enemy fire. At this time the risk is extremely high for the casualty and the provider.

Care under fire is broken into three areas.

Self aid - This is where injured personnel have the opportunity to tend to there own wounds. Soldiers must attempt to reposition themselves behind cover and conduct a self assessment of their injuries.
Buddy aid - If the casualty has sustained injuries inhibiting his ability to move himself or cannot understand verbal commands, 'buddies' should attempt to move casualties to a position of cover and quickly assess the casualties injuries.
Medic aid - If the medic has the opportunity to assess and treat a casualty he will. Remember that the mission has priority and the medic may be busy regaining the initiative by returning effective fire. Gone are the days of calling "MEDIC!" and a medic arrives.

It is in this phase of TCCC that our scenario plays out. The soldier on the ground with wounds to his chest and leg being dragged behind cover by a team mate.

So what should you do?

If your not actively being targeted by the enemy, quickly assess the casualty in order to identify any life threatening hemorrhage.

In our scenario, our casualty had been shot in the lower extremity, above the knee. He has what looks to be arterial bleeding coming from a wound in his thigh, the blood beginning to pool on the ground.

Our buddy in this scenario a graduate of a previous Combat Life Saver course, quickly identifies the casualties CAT tourniquet that is located in an obvious exposed place on the front of his body armor and places it over the casualties leg. He places it all the way up the leg to the groin and cinches it down and uses the windlass to tighten down on the muscle. He wound the CAT down until the bleeding stopped.

(Our casualty was switched on enough to have prepared his tourniquet so it easily fits over his boot and leg.)

Thats a good time to get a bit of focus back on the gun fight. A quick all round scan to stay in touch with the team and maybe to return some fire on enemy targets of opportunity.

In our scenario it appears that the enemy has broken contact and withdrawn.

Our casualty who is conscious, tells our buddy that he has been shot in the chest. Our buddy opens the casualties armor and places it over his helmet. He unbuttons the casualties field shirt and uses his trauma sheers to cut away the t-shirt. Our buddy immediately spots an entrance wound in the upper thorax and dives into the casualties blow out kit looking for his Asherman's chest seal which he places directly over the wound. Our buddy then checks for down sign or exit wounds on the casualties back. His bloodied hand reveals an obvious exit wound.

Note - This is the hardest wound to dress for a CLS provider as blow out kits tend to be small and little attention is payed to large injuries and dedicated occlusive dressings.

Our buddy opens his Isreali dressing and uses the plastic wrapper as an occlusive and tapes it in place. He then lays the casualty back down and places his armor back to provide him some protection ensuring the one way valve of the Asherman seal is clear. He then places the pad of the Isreali dressing on the exit wound on the casualties leg and wraps the bandage around the leg to create a pressure dressing.

Our buddy assess' the situation again and drags the casualty a bound to cover and signals to the team commander that he has one casualty.

The ambush was brief but violent and resulted in one friendly casualty. Thanks to the quick response of the Combat Life Saver our casualty lived and was 'Cas Evaced' to a Field Surgical Hospital via a dedicated rotary wing platform.

IS THAT WHAT YOU DID?

For more information on TCCC or if you would like to attend a CLS COURSE please email.

Remember, the right intervention at the wrong time could be the difference between life and death!

Stay safe.

TACTICAL COMBAT CASUALTY CARE-TC3 How to save a life on the battlefield.

2009-09-25T20:27:00.007-04:00

'The best way to prevent more casualties is to train better shooters!' - Jason Falla 2009

In today's military there is no excuse for commanders not to give their war fighters the very best training that this country has to offer. The Obama budget cuts just don't cut it anymore. As a trainer of our courageous men and women that dedicate there time to the defense of our country, I am appalled by the lack of military personnel attending good shooting schools. Lets face it, the military no longer has the skills, ability or time to adequately train our soldiers to seek out and destroy the enemy. If they did, I wouldn't have been employed for the past four years!

Then when a military group does come to train however, I spend the first day at least trying to break bad habits that have been previously taught by military institutions or in house training.

Although we have seen a decline in military students attending shooting courses, Uncle Sam still sees fit to continue to deploy them into harms way. The biggest problem with this is that the soldier thinks that he has the best training there is, why, because the military says so and he goes off to war feeling six feet tall and bullet proof.

Then, as his vehicle, the lead as part of a large military convoy is hit by an enemy IED grinds to a halt and is peppered by 7.62x39 and 54 from enemy AK 47s and PKM machine guns, he thinks to himself - What do I do now?

So he grabs his rifle and exits the vehicle trying to find some cover. When he gets there he brings his rifle to bare on an obvious enemy combatant and opens fire. He watches as his round misses its intended target and prepares for another. At that moment he feels a sharp impact to his lower extremity and another to his chest and falls to the ground, his cry's of 'medic' are drowned out by the crack thump of rounds impacting his position.

At that moment he feels the earth moving beneath him as he is dragged behind a small rocky outcrop. He opens his eyes to see his team mate looking anxiously at his wounds.

What would you do?

Quiet on the western front

2009-08-14T10:50:00.006-04:00

Well, if anyone has been wondering why my blog hasn't been updated for a little while it's because I was dedicating most of my time to getting a nursery built and having things ready for the arrival of my first baby.

My beautiful wife Giselle gave birth to our son Ethan Michael Falla at 1010 hours on Monday the 10th of August. He weighed in at a respectable 7 pounds and 11 ounces.

Giselle is recovering well at home now and Ethan is settling nicely. However our Czech shepherd Saxon has found a little competition for attention!

My wife and I are taking some well deserved time off work which means that you will have to stand by for updates on the blog.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Just to let you know though, Tactical Impact season 2 has started filming and Larry and I just finished an episode on CQB weapons. It will feature the Uzi 9mm sub machine gun and the H&K 416 assault rifle. We look at operations such as the Israeli commando raid at Entebbe in 1976 and changes to the AR platform over the years and its use as a Special Operations weapon for CQB.

We also take a look back in history to The Battle of the Bulge and the Siege of Bastogne.

For those of you who's history is a little vague, the Siege of Bastogne was an engagement between American and German forces at the Belgian town of Bastogne.

The mission of the German offensive was to take the harbor at Antwerp. German mechanized units had to seize the roads through eastern Belgium before Allied forces could regroup and mount a major air offensive.

As all seven main roads in the Ardennes mountains converged on the town of Bastogne, the Germans had identified Bastogne as key terrain and control of its crossroads was vital to the German attack.

The siege lasted for 7 days when American forces were finally relived by elements of General Patton's Third Army.

Weapons of choice - The 1918A2 BAR, the Springfield 03 A4 and the M1 Garand.

Take care.

On the Set of Tactical Arms

2009-07-12T23:57:00.006-04:00

For this weeks blog I'm going to let you in on some of the action that happens on the set of this years most exciting new gun show, Tactical Arms. You can catch some of the action at the TA website, www.tacticalarms.tv or simply just click the link down the page a little.

Well Larry and I just finished off the newest episode of the show which is dedicated to H&K's classic, the MP5. This one just like most will start off with Larry in the Armory talking about the weapon, how it works and some of its design features.

After that Larry and I went out to have a little play around on the range and get used to both guns. The guns were provided by Larry and one of his industry friends. They are MP5 A3's, one traditional and the other set up similar to how typical LE SWAT would use it with an Aimpoint and Surfire front end.

One of the cool parts to the show, (I hope) will be the tactical rappel in full kit with live fire through a window several stories off the ground. During this segment we highlight the maneuverability of the weapon and show how effective it is during these types of scenarios.

Another highlight will be when Larry and I don our kit and mount up for a two man clearance of the shoothouse, unscripted and live!

We have cameramen forward of us in rooms with closed doors and bad guy targets. We also have cameras following us during the assault.

It was good fun doing it and certainly took me back a little to my operational days with the Regiment back home.

Larry and I finish off with a little challenge at 15 meters and 30 meters with reloads and transition drills, to see who is faster.

I hope you enjoy the show, here is a pic of the rappelling.

NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR

2009-07-09T07:04:00.008-04:00

Well, this week I was fortunate enough to attend the three day NRA pistol instructor certification course. The course was held at Blackwater (USTC) and our instructor was a long time member of the NRA and training councilor, John Ford.

John did a great job in passing on the information during the course and was pretty pleased with the level of experience in the class. All of his students for this course were all lead instructors from Blackwater.

Even though I am originally from Australia, I already knew quite a bit about the NRA and it's origins. But I was surprised and impressed by the quality of the training system that they have developed.

Although this course was very basic in terms of skills, it is nonetheless a very valuable training tool for the citizens of this country to learn about things such as safe gun handling procedures.

At times I found myself reflecting on things that a lot of people take for granted in this country, and that is the constitutional rights that allow our citizens to be able to do such things as own and carry firearms.

In Australia we never had that right! It was always a privilege and that privilege was taken from us some time ago after a major incident in Port Arthur over a decade ago where a man named Martin Bryant shot and killed over 30 people with 7.62 SKS rifle. Martin Bryant was finally captured in his home after a lengthy siege with Police Swat teams from both Victoria's Special Operations Group and the Tasmanian Police Special Operations Group. He is now serving a life sentence in prison.

Following that incident, the Australian Federal Government decided to crack down on the ownership of legal firearms and conduct an amnesty designed to recover guns that had not be registered with Police.

Shorty after came the ban. In Australia at this time citizens are no longer by law aloud to own the following firearms:

A pistol with a barrel length under 5" or a magazine capacity over 10 rounds.

Any semi automatic rifle, not even a .22.

No auto/semi auto/pump action shotguns.

You can have bolt action rifle so long as it doesn't have a box magazine feeding system.

You do need to register every weapon with the Police department and must possess a valid hunting license to own a rifle.

If you are going to own a pistol, you need to have your fingerprints register with Police. You need to register the firearm with Police. You must have a safe bolted to the ground in your home under a certain weight that is inspected by Police. You have to have the Police chief sign off on you owning a pistol and you must be a member of a sporting shooters club and active shoot at least one time per month. Just to own a pistol!

So as I sat there listening to John talk about the NRA I thought how important it is to be able to communicate to all citizens that not only is it necessary to know about gun safety and how to store guns and basics on fundamentals but also the importance of the protection of the constitutional rights given to all citizens of this great nation.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is the part of the United States Bill of Rights that protects a right to keep and bear arms from infringement from the federal government.

We all need to remember that in the U.S it's a right and not a privilege to keep and bear arms!

Take care and stay safe.

Time to Train

2009-07-04T07:10:00.004-04:00

Over the last few days I had welcoming break from teaching and was able to get out onto the range and conduct some training of my own. Myself and Kyle went out to shoot the 10-8 pistol drill. I like shooting this drill as it contains a lot of gun handling skills and combines marksmanship with speed.

If your not familiar with the drill itself you can probably find it on the net somewhere. I will post the drills up at the bottom to save you some time.

There are 3 different time hacks for the 10-8. Depending on how advanced you are as a shooter will determine what time you choose. This drill isn't really designed for basic or beginner shooters as there are quite a few advanced gun handling skills that need to be learnt prior to tackling this one.

The way I see it, you should select a time hack that you can still maintain 90% accuracy. If your accuracy suffers too much it's a waste of time and you will find yourself trying to point shoot and not look at your sites.

If your scoring in the sixties consistently then it's time to decrease the par time.

The three par times for the drill are 8 seconds, 6.5 seconds and 5 seconds.

The first time you shoot it try the 8 second par time then decrease accordingly.

I posted up some footage of the drill below. I know this is not going to win me an oscar in film making but you should still get the idea.

The next time I head out with a camera I will make sure I show the gun handling skills combined with shots of the targets so everyone can see that I am actually hitting where I'm supposed to!

Some drills from the 10-8 for you to practice.

All shot on an IDPA target with an 8" circle.

1 - From the holster, draw and fire 4 body and 1 head. (5 secs)

2- From the high ready, switch hands and fire 4 body and 1 head support hand only (5 secs)

3- With an empty chamber, and from the high ready, rack the slide with the strong hand only and fire 4 to the head (5 secs)

4- With an empty chamber and support hand only, rack the slide and fire 4 body (5 secs)

What you will notice in this last clip is that I have to wait on the magazine coming out of the gun, it didn't really come out all that clean either! But, as I always tell my students you always have to balance speed with efficiency. Now if I didn't have the speed component during this course of fire I would not have made the time. And if my 'e-factor' wasn't high I wouldn't have made the time either.

So always remember my "Warfighter Proficiency Cycle" (SEAR)

Speed, Efficiency, Accuracy, Repetition. If you follow these principles you won't go wrong.

Have fun and stay safe whilst doing it.

Weekly Training

2009-06-17T19:33:00.010-04:00

HRSO

This week has been pretty light on in terms of courses. I worked with the Coast Guard for a couple of days helping to run and critique their scenario based training.

Today I helped out on the High Risk Security Operator Course and gave the lessons on the M249, one of my favorite guns of all time.

If you didn't know, the M249 took the concept of the single operator machine gun from the Browning Automatic Rifle. The BAR which first saw service in 1918 was the only single operator machine gun in service with the U.S military up until the FN M249 was brought into service for the Panama campaign.

The U.S at the time was caught behind the power curve a little in the machine gun stakes for some time. The enemy was well up to speed with machine gun technology with the PKM which FN used as a model to create the M249.

The M249 took the operating system from the most reliable weapon on the planet at the time, the AK 47 and turned it upside down for the SAW. FN found inspiration from many other machine guns around the world including the German MG34, the Russian PKM, the Bren Gun and many more. The M249 pound for pound is the best the machine gun in service today.

I carried the SAW for the duration of my tour in Afghanistan and really enjoy teaching it and shooting it. The boys on the HRSO course today really got a lot out of the lessons and will now have a good understanding of how it operates, how to load and unload it, how to fire it and the rates of fire, how to change barrels and its importance, how to reload it, how to strip and assemble it and how to clean and maintain it.

This afternoon some of the other instructors and I went out to the range to shoot the Hackathorn Standards. It's one of our favorite courses of fire to shoot and compete against each other. I shot a 283 cold (no warm up) and moved onto another round. All three of us ended up with respectable scores of 288, 292 and 292.

We changed pace after that to the Bianci plate rack drill. The Bianci drill if you haven't shot it before is as follows:

10 yards - 6 plates - 6 secs (2x)

15 yards - 6 plates - 7 secs (2x)

20 yards - 6 plates - 8 secs (2x)

25 yards - 6 plates - 9 secs (2x)

This course of fire is all shot from the holster. There are no make up shots for missed plates. The total score is out of 48. Missed plates are tallied up to give the shooter his final score.

Today I missed only 3 plates, which is not too bad for not having shot it for a while.

Tomorrow I'm looking forward to getting out on the Known Distance range to Zero my DSArms FAL (OSW). If you are looking for an exceptional battle rifle call Mark at DSArms.

Mark is a great guy that will really look after you. Very professional and fantastic service.

Until tomorrow, check out this little clip of todays El Prez! This was shot during the Hackathorn, it's the 6th stage and when your trying to clean it, you can't afford to miss!

El Prez

(10 yards - draw fire 2 per target, reload and fire 2 per target in reverse order - 10 secs)

Most of the time you will see the El Prez shot super fast for time, Thats fine for getting hits on target but, in this game, shot placement is everything and just hits on a piece of steel isn't good enough. In this clip you will see Speed, Efficiency and Accuracy combined.

The result is all A zone hits under ten seconds with a standard Glock 17, no race guns here fellas!

Weekly Training

2009-06-13T12:15:00.008-04:00

5 DAY PISTOL/CARBINE JUNE 8-12 2009

This week at USTC was the 5 day Pistol/Carbine course. This is a real gem for new to intermediate shooters to really get a hold of the fundamentals of shooting both the pistol and the carbine. This weeks class had a mix of military personnel and former military to civilians that want to master both guns.

I took the students through all of the fundamentals of shooting in the classroom and talked about the color codes for awareness to highlight how important it is to be situationally aware of what is going on around you at all times especially for the military folk who are deploying into harms way. Always keep that head on a swivel and look like a hard target.

We had a mix of pistols on the range from the usual suspects, Glock and Berreta and also an H&K P2000.

They boys had a great time getting plenty of rounds down range while learning critical manipulations with the gun like malfunctions and reloads.

I always harp on my proficiency cycle of, Speed, Efficiency, Accuracy and Repetition or SEAR. With this cycle in mind, the shooter can balance his gun handling skills with his fundamentals to become proficient with the skill that he is learning.

I always see shooters that can't seem to separate these two elements of shooting.

On day three we broke out the carbines and I took the boys through a block of theory instruction relating to the history of the AR platform and its many faces to nomenclature and zeroing. The students really got a lot out of the class especially the zeroing piece.

Here are some jungle tips on Zeroing Your Rifle.

I always opt for a 200 meter zero for a combat rifle. I think that this is ideally matched for the optimum performance of the 5.56 round. With this zero on the weapon the projectile never rises or falls more than about 4.5" from the line of sight over 200 meters. So for high percentage targets that are inside 50 meters, we don't need to hold over in order to strike the target in the A zone or high thoracic cavity. However, if it is a low percentage target or you are required to place shots in an exact location then a small hold over is required to account for your barrel and sight relationship.

At zero meters with irons sights on a flat top M4 receiver the shots will hit 2.5" low.

With a Carry handle mounted to the receiver at the same distance, the shots should hit 4.5" low.

At 25 meters, the Iron sights should hit 0.85" low

At 25 meters, the carry handle should hit 2.6" low.

POA and POI should come together at 50 meters for both and the projectile should only rise approximately 2" at 100 meters and re-intersect the POA at 200 meters.

So the good thing about the 200 meter zero is that from zero to 200 meters we need only to aim center of target and we will only hit between 2.5 inches low or 2 inches high based of your optic set up on the rifle.

Don't forget that the shooter is the weakest link in this process and the amount of shooter error that you place on every shot will effect this system.

After zeroing the rifles up, we moved back to confirm POI/POA at 50 meters. We then moved back to 100m and shot some groups while the students picked up some tips on the prone position, natural line of sight and the test and adjust process.

I then took them through a timed shoot where they had to drop to prone and fire 10 rounds in 1 minute to access their combat zero.

We shot steel all day from 100m to 30 meters learning the manipulations for the rifle that mirror the pistol.

On day 5 I took them through the speed phase where they had to match speed with efficiency to pass the timed quals from the 7 yard line. Some of the more challenging shots to make for this course are,

1 round low ready, .75

6 rounds low ready, 2 sec

1 reload 1 low ready, 6 sec

rectify double feed from aimed in, 8 sec

El prez in 15 sec

The students finished off the final day shooting the mover at 50 meters with the rifle and competing against each other shooting a combo of static then mover across the rang. There were 11 pieces of static steel to engage before the mover stop from either left to right or right to left. The boys put in a stella effort to get most of it done to get piped at the post.

I had then try the same drill with the pistol at 25 as a finally but I think with the searing temperatures and the fatigue at that point they were ready for a cold beer! So it was off to the cleaning station to wrap up the course.

Thanks for a great course fellas. Take care.

Weekly Training

2009-06-01T22:05:00.013-04:00

Tac 1 Pistol

This week I am instructing USTC's Tac 1 Pistol course. The Tac 1 is a five day class thats ideal for the shooter that wants to master marksmanship fundamentals with the pistol and apply them more dynamically.

The class includes everything from reloading the gun and rectifying malfunctions to shooting on the move and shooting moving targets.

Monday - My class this week is very diverse and the students come from varying backgrounds, from retired Navy and Army to active duty Police, competition shooters, physicians assistance and a father daughter combo.

We started in the classroom reviewing fundamentals and how they apply to combat marksmanship, covering the usual suspects of stance, grip, sight package, trigger control and follow through.

After two hours in the classroom it was time to head out to the range and have the students put into practice their new learnings. We had plenty of time to warm up with several slow fire groups which gave me plenty of time to have a look at my students to see what I was working with.

As with most classes the common fault for this one was trigger control. It's the number one reason why people miss their intended targets. It's the hardest fundamental to learn and can catch even the best shooters off guard from time to time.

There was some drinking from the fire hose going on when the training tips and tactics started flowing. There was a lot of material covered today ranging from loading and unloading the weapon using efficiency and paying attention to the bodies natural biomechanics. We began building the follow through with single rounds and conducting the post shot sequence. From there I threw in reloads to include combat, tactical and administrative. I pushed the students to decrease their presentation time to target and decrease their overall time for the first round by demonstrating what an acceptable sight picture is at different ranges. From there we increased the efficiency of the draw stoke by taking out any unwanted movements and squaring away the sight package during the presentation to allow the shooter to press the first round faster with confidence.

We finished the day with a diagnostic fundamentals evaluation. By the end of the first afternoon there was a marked improvement in each shooter from the draw and presentation to trigger control and sight management.

I'm really looking forward see how tomorrow plays out.

Tuesday - I warmed the class up with another evaluation of the fundamentals that included a series of slow fire groups at varying ranges. These drills are all centered around accuracy.

We moved into malfunction drills, immediate and remedial or failure to fire and double feed. I gave the students great insight into why the gun malfunctioned and at what part of the cycle of operation failed. Everyone learned a lot and brought there ability to rectify malfunctions to a much higher standard.

I switched the class to steel to build on speed of both presentation first round shots on target. After demonstrating the requirements for the activity which were speed to the gun slow to establish grip and speed to target. I shot 3 timed first rounds. The first was a 1.70 showing the technique, then a 1.28 to highlight speed and efficiency, then a 1.08 center hit at 7 yards to highlight what can be achieved through quality training and repetition. All drills for this evolution were shot on a 12x12 steel plate at 7 yards.

All students were able bring their first round time down considerably with plenty of coaching and repetition. 2.00 sec first rounds are a standard for new shooters and everyone was able to achieve times under 2.00 secs. Well done everywhere!

I progressed the students through the day to multiple targets without cover demonstrating tactical priority and targets at adverse angles. These drills are designed to highlight efficiency of movement during rapid fire engagements when there are multiple targets to the front and both sides.

Wednesday - A full day of shooting steel. Pie plate racks at 10 yards to 15, 20 and 25 yards. Including the stress of the shot clock in order to decrease the dwell time of the first round. I set time hacks for 6 plates at all distances and finished up with a modified Bianchi drill for time.

After lunch was shooting on the move and shooting moving targets.

Steel Alley was everyones favorite, shooters engaging multiple steel targets on the move using cover and conducting emergency reloads, IN PAIRS! The students really enjoyed to freedom of the USTC ranges being able to engage moving targets while on the move. A real training bonus as most real life engagements will take place in an asymmetric dynamic environment.

Thursday - Began with lessons on injury drills and shooting the gun with the master hand only. From loading and reloading in the holster and using the body to rectifying malfunctions with considerations for concealed carry during summer and winter.

Everyone picked up a lot of great tips and tactics when running the gun with one hand. Reloading from the holster and behind the knee, racking the slide off the boot, holster and clothing.

Friday - We started the morning off with some scenario based shooting drills. Similar to those found during an IDPA competition. Multiple engagements from your vehicle, backing up and using cover while conducting combat and tactical reloads then engaging more targets from the other side of the vehicle including hostage targets.

We finished the shooting package off with a 'Run and Gun' using 3 separate ranges concurrently. The scenario is laid out, 'one of your loved ones has gone missing and you have not heard from them in 4 hours.' As you move on foot you find yourself engaging targets from 60 meters then running to a vehicle and shooting more bad guys. Move to cover and knock down 6 plates then reload and shoot on the move, more bad guys. Sprint back up range at the high port and make sure you have you flashlight! Enter a building to search for your loved one. It's pitch black, be careful not to shoot friendlies. Move out of that building and onto the 'shoot house', clear the rooms and watch out for any surprises!

Well done to everybody, you did a great job. There were plenty of learning points too.

This was one of my favorite classes, thanks to everyone that attended. See you for 'Tac 2'

My thoughts on speed and accuracy in combat shooting.

Accuracy should never be compromised by speed. There always needs to be balance of both in order to progress as a shooter. Never dwell on a sight picture during a speed drill and look for that perfect shot when an adequate sight picture will suffice shooting high percentage targets. To that end, never shoot too fast when accuracy can not be compromised. For example shooting a 12 x 12 steel plate at 80 yards requires a near perfect sight picture every time.

Weekly Training

2009-05-30T21:43:00.030-04:00

Tuesday 26 May 2009.

My class this week was US Training Center's advanced pistol class titled, Tac 2 Pistol. This is the next step up for shooters who have completed USTC's 'Tac 1' pistol course.

The course begins by refreshing students with core pistol skills including the draw, emergency and tactical reloads and malfunction drills. Students are expected to be at a proficient standard in these skills prior to arriving on the course.

After completion of the warm up, students are put on the shot clock and assessed for speed and accuracy at close range engagements.

Students then are required to test their accuracy with the 'back up' drill. This drill sees shooters engaging a single 12x12 steel plate at ranges out to 80 yards.

Day 1 focus' mainly on fundamentals of marksmanship in combat pistol shooting. Students are drilled repetitively and critiqued to improve efficiency of all core pistol skills.

Wednesday 27 May

Day 2 - Zero Distance shooting from retention. The class really enjoyed this up close and personal style of shooting. Palm and elbow strikes followed up by single rounds from retention and failure drills to high and low percentage zones.

After a short water break it was onto injury and protection drills with the master and non-master hand.

One handed reload drills using the holster and behind the knee for concealed carry. Malfunction drills including non-master hand double feeds utilizing equipment and clothing to assist in rectifying stoppages.

Wednesday finished up with accuracy drills with both left and right hand including groups at 25 yards.

Thursday 28 May

Day 3 - We left the paper in the target shed and engaged steel targets all day. Speed drills out of the holster to decrease presentation and set times for the first round. The students then built on the first round to fire multiple rounds and count drills working on timing and predictability of the gun and front sight in addition to recoil management.

The class was introduced to the 'Bianchi' drill concentrating on accuracy over speed for the first run. I shot a reasonable score of 44 from 48 plates in the required times which really highlighted the importance of Speed, Efficiency and Accuracy in combat shooting.

After reloading magazines the class returned for a refresher on moving targets. A skill that is super important for combat shooters on a dynamic battlefield.

The next drill included shooting steel targets on the move. I call it 'Steel Alley'. It includes multiple static steel targets and a few pieces of cover, staggered to the left and right forming a tight lane to move through. The targets range from 60 yards to 7 yards and students will shoot up to 5 rounds per target while moving to and from cover and conducting emergency reloads as required.

We finished up with the 10/8 drill on IDPA targets which was a good compromise of speed and accuracy.

I had a good run and cleaned to course with a perfect score of 65 with a 5 second par time.

I always shoot every assessment with the students so they can see that it's achievable as well as build confidence amongst the students by showing them what is required for each phase.

The boys went off to dinner before the night shoot which began at 1900hrs and finished at 2230

Students were practiced in low light engagements with hand held and weapon mounted flashlights, moving and shooting, reloads and malfunctions drills in low light and darkness.

Friday 29 May

Day 4 - Started with dynamic practical scenarios IDPA style. Students were on the clock shooting multiple targets from around a vehicle putting into practice plenty of what they had learnt in the previous days training. Rapid engagements and close range on high percentage targets to shooting on the move while backing up to cover. Students were taught the importance of concurrent activity during dead time by conducting tactical reloads on the go. Then engaging low percentage and hostage targets from cover in tactical order after reloading the gun.

After a quick range clean up we departed for the 'Roger's' range. The Roger's range has 8 bays of 7 eight inch head plate targets ranging from 7 yards to 20 yards. It's a computer controlled pneumatic range that really hones in on the shooters trigger control and sight management.

Students were able to be assessed on first round hits out of the holster at close, medium and far targets. Reload times were assessed on shooting 2 separate targets at different distances with an emergency reload in between. Students were also able to increase their skills in shooting on the move on varying distance targets.

After burning up about 250 rounds we headed back to the square range for and scored assessment of the 'Hackathorn Standards'.

The Hackathorn standards in my opinion is one of the best assessments of a shooters ability. It has a little bit of everything from speed drills at close range to accuracy at 25 yards.

Here it is in a nut shell for those of you that don't know it.

HACKATHORN STANDARDS

3 IPSC targets 1 meter apart and staggered heights.

5 yards - 1 round to each head freestyle. 3 secs

5 yards - 1 round to each head strong hand only. 4 secs

5 yards - 1 round to each body strong hand only. 3 secs twice

8 yards - 2 rounds to the body left target. 2 secs

8 yards - 2 rounds to the body middle target. 2 secs

8 yards - 2 rounds to the body right target. 2 secs

10 yards - El presidente 10 secs

10 yards - Weak hand pick up (pistol on ground, butt strong side. Flip pistol with weak hand and fire 1 round per target to each body.) 5 secs

12 to 8 - Shoot on the move, 2 to each body 5 secs

15 yards - transition drill, 1 to each body 4 secs

20 yards - standing to prone, 2 to each body 10 secs

25 yards - using vertical cover and tactical order, 2 to each body tactical/retention reload, kneeling, 2 to each body. 24 secs

The score is out of 300. 5 points for an A, 3 points for a C and 2 points for a D

I shot a 288 which wasn't too bad. My highest score is a 298 (unofficial) no one was there to witness it!

Saturday 30 May

Day 5 - Friday morning students met me at the CQB shoot house for a day of live fire 'structure searching'. My tactics and techniques for this phase of training is based on a single operator clearing their own home either from the outside or from the inside out.

There were multiple target engagements including no shoot and hostage targets simulating family members.

The day finished off with a stress course which included a short run to a 60 yards shot on a 12x18 plate. Another short run to a vehicle and engage 2 targets. Run to cover and shoot 6 pie plates from 12 yards through a window. Then shoot 2 targets on the move before another run to the next range. The next range was a dark room which forced the students to produce a flashlight in order to engage targets. From there they ran to the next range, a shoot house and cleared multiple rooms engaging shoot, no shoot and hostage targets.

Everyone got a real kick out of the stress course and also learnt a lot of lessons from it!

The course fired approximately 2,500 rounds each in 5 days and one night.

Take care and stay safe.

Jason Falla Co-Host of Tactical Arms

2009-05-24T20:34:00.006-04:00

A few months ago I was asked to co-host the exciting new television show called Tactical Arms with Larry Vickers and Kyle Defoor. Tactical Arms is the brain child of Intermedia Outdoors, owners of the Sportsman's Channel and outdoor magazines such as Gun's and Ammo, Shotgun News, Bowhunter and Handguns just to name a few.

Tactical Arms is a straight out gun show. Each episode of the show focus' of just one weapon which really gives viewers the chance to see what the gun can and can't do!

One of the things that I really like about the show is that we, the hosts, don't pull any punches. We pretty much say what we really think about the weapon. If it has good points we will be sure to mention them, but if it has any negatives, we will also drill into those too. However, rather than say that the weapon has problems and should be redesigned or scrapped, we will highlight these issues and show viewers how to fight through them to master it. I mean what gun is perfect right! An example of this would be Law Enforcement departments that issue weapons to officers that were clearly designed with safety in mind and not combat. Officers may not like the weapon that they are issued but still have to use it.

Tactical Arms will give viewers tips and tactics on running these weapons in combat situations to really maximize their performance.

The first episode will air on the Sportsman Channel around 15th July 2009. I'll be sure to post the exact date and time closer to then.