Course: 2-day Basic Carbine
Location: US Training Center, Moyock, NC
Date: 11/19/2011 - 11/20/2011
Instructors: Tom Alibrando
Class size: Six students with mixed experience levels on the M4 or other weapons
I recently attended US Training Center’s 2-day Basic Carbine course at their facility in Moyock, NC. This was my first, formal training course since my military service a number of years back. If there’s one thing I’ve learned here at M4C it’s that investing in quality training is one of the best investments a person can make to improve their skills and knowledge of their weapon system. And let me say, I’m glad I listened and attended this course.
Day one started in the classroom with Tom instructing us on fundamentals including safety, characteristics of the M4, and function and maintenance. We also covered sight-in procedures including the differences (pros/cons) between various zeroing distances and their affects on proper sight pictures at various distances. Even though this material is basic, Tom took opportunities to enhance the learning experience by explaining the “why’s” behind the material by sharing first-hand experiences.
After lunch we hit the range and first up was establishing and confirming a 100-meter zero. I was surprised that this didn’t take long. Tom did not let us chase shot groups all over the paper but got us where we needed to be and we quickly moved on to fundamental shooting skills like sight alignment and sight sight pictures, proper stances and grips, and trigger control. Safety was reinforced continuously and even though this was the first time on a range for some of the students, range safety and discipline was maintained from start to finish. Several shooting drills at various distances wrapped up day one.
Day two continued on the range where we learned and drilled ready positions, shooting positions and sight management. Drills included multiple shots on multiple targets and reinforced the importance of scan and assessments. Magazine changes and ammunition management was taught and reinforced throughout the drills. We also learned the critical skills of recognizing and clearing malfunctions. One of the best things about day two was that through out the day, Tom ramped up the stress levels by introducing timed drills, competition, and physical movement. Understanding how stress affected my sight alignment and sight picture was an invaluable lesson. The second day ended with a session on the KD range where we engaged targets at 200 and 300 meters.
Thank you Tom and USTC. I cannot speak highly enough about the facilities, material, but most importantly, about the instruction. Tom Alibrando is a fantastic instructor and he truly offers a wealth of experience and information to the students that we otherwise would never have been afforded. After just two days, my knowledge, abilities, and confidence with the carbine has grown immeasurably, so I highly recommend USTC’s facilities and courses. I look forward to my next one.
Nick L.
Alexandria, VA