Here is what we'll cover in the course:

Lectures include:

Review the Four Firearms Safety Rules, Tactical Safety, & Safety while Moving
Review of Judicious Use of Lethal Force & other Alternatives
How to set up a "Self-Defense File"
Review the Five Fundamentals of Marksmanship
Introduction of Range Protocol
Understanding the "Tachy-Psyche Effect" upon a defender
The "Self-Defense Mindset"
Pondering the "Three questions no one can answer for you!"
Introduction to the "Five Shootings" you'll undergo if you use lethal force
What to expect when the police arrive after a shooting
Breaking up the Natural Body Armor
Identifying "Target Indicators"
Methods of Conceal Carry
Various concealment options & strategies
The "Pros & Cons" regarding different types of holsters
and accessories for conceal carry or off-duty

Range Training & Exercises on Day One include:

Administrative Skills

Proper unloading, loading, & performing a chamber check
Proper inspection of the defensive handgun
Improving defensive marksmanship

Tactical Skills

Four point presentation from the holster (without concealment)
The "Push, Pull, & Sweep" technique
Introduction to the "Ready" position
Verbalization to the threat
"After Action" response including the scan & search technique
Combat reloads
Tactical reloads
Clearing Phase One malfunctions
Clearing Stovepipe malfunctions
Clearing Phase Two malfunctions
Battlefield pickup
Shooting one handed and then safely transferring to the other hand on command
Close quarter shooting
Introduction of the use of cover or concealment
How to assume a position behind cover or concealment
Speed kneeling and double kneeling
"L" maneuver to cover
Introduction to the DPSST 25 round, ten yard & five stations, timed Qualifying Course of Fire
to demonstrate defensive handgun proficiency and as a model for future practice/training

Range Training & Exercises on Day Two include:

Tactical Skills

Review administrative and tactical skills from Day One
Continuous practice clearing malfunctions
Emphasis on "conceal carry" or "off-duty" carry with all range work done from concealment
Four Point presentation from concealment
Introduction to the Self Defense Triad - "Shooting, Moving and Communicating"
Tactical Movement - lateral (left/right) and advancement/retreat (forward/backward)
Rapid Movement - rapid advancement & retreat to cover while shooting
Introduction to Team Tactics (concepts & practice)
Tactical reloading by teams/pairs
Movement by teams/pairs
Movement & cover include using various cover positions
Defending oneself from a seated position
Overcoming and succeeding when in the "surrender" position
Introduction to defending oneself from the ground including sitting
and being "knocked-down" on your back
If time and range facilities allow students will receive an introduction into building tactics including doors, halls, corners, windows, movement, working with a partner, and how to pie-the-corners
If time permits we'll cover additional grounded defensive drills, team tactics, and advanced use of cover

Equipment & Supplies for the Course

Safe, reliable, high quality defensive handgun - bring a back up just in case your primary breaks down
1000 rounds of high quality ammo (preferably factory new for safety and functionality reasons)
At least three magazines or speedloaders
High quality defensive type holster,* a sturdy belt, & a magazine/speedloader pouch
Eye & ear protection (corrective lenses are ok as long as they are ANSI approved safety glass/shatterproof)
Hat or cap with bill (for the sun & to prevent hot brass from getting trapped in your eye protection-ouch!)
Knee pads/elbow pads - not required but are helpful during kneeling & grounded drills in the gravel
Long legged pants with amble pockets to carry loose rounds of ammo and/or spare magazines/speedloaders
Sturdy boots/shoes & dress appropriately for the time of the year and activity level
A garment (shirt, vest, jacket, long tail polo shirt etc) to conceal your handgun during the entire second day of class. The second day all range work will be conducted from concealment
Sunscreen
Lunch, snacks, and drinks for the day (bring lots of water because you'll need it!)
Cleaning & maintenance supplies for your handgun
A lawn chair or something similar to sit on during lectures
Clipboard or note pad plus a writing pen in order to take notes during lectures & briefings
One old shirt, T-shirt, sport shirt, blouse, dress shirt or jacket in any adult size and color. This item will not be worn by the student and will be unusable after class. This is for instructional purposes. Note: The garment will be ruined during the course.

* Note: Bring a holster that will remain open when the handgun is drawn so you are not required to use both hands in order to re-holster. Also, the trigger and trigger guard must be covered when the gun is in the holster. Be advised; if you bring a "snap-type" retention holster then expect to unsnap/re-snap each time your present the handgun from the holster. Got a question on the right holster for you?