I recently took the Armed Movement In Structures in Culpeper VA. The class was june4th and 5th. I have put this off because I wanted to better digest the information. The more I reflect upon the class the more I realize how unqualified I am to write this AAR. Somebody has to do it, so here I go.
Day 1:
Southnarc led us through introductions and a brief powerpoint presentation. By brief, I mean brief. We were taught the basics of one man room clearing. It was covered that there “IS NO SAFE WAY TO DO THIS,” but it was not beaten so far into us to cause panic. Other AAR’s I have read on similar courses from other instructors seem to push this way too hard. Under the guise of life is not safe or fair, we broke into teams and started putting concepts into play. We worked through the day and into the night.
After Dinner, we got a brief low light training and replaced airsoft gear for Simunitions. We ran drills in the darkest conditions known to man. The darkness and fatigue really added to the stress levels. There were a few gunfights at very close range, by very experienced people in which no rounds made contact with the the intended target. At one point I could only shoot at muzzle flashes. We ended at about 0100 Sunday morning.
Day 2:
We gathered at about 0900 and split into our groups to work on what we learned the day before. At that point my group and I broke the fundamentals down, step by step. This really proved invaluable. Day one was really like drinking from a fire hose. After that we joined together and worked on how to issue commands to a “no shoot individual.” This was probably the most entertaining part of training. My partner and I were both masters at verbal jui jitsu.:jester: After everyone was comfortable with that we practiced dealing with cases of extreme exigency. then it was off to the final evolution.
With a few volunteer actors staged, we were led to a starting point and given a situational briefing. The story given to me was really effective in getting my heart pumping and adrenaline flowing. I cant say that I ran flawlessly, but I did okay. Sure, I got shot a couple of times, but you should have seen the other guys! :ph34r: After feedback, I packed my happy ass into the car and drove to Washington DC. I was so mentally fatigued, I almost had to stop for a nap on the way to my hotel.
What I learned:
This shit is not safe. I will probably be shot in the hand or left arm if this ever plays out in real life.
I know that I have a lot to work on. I also know what to work on.
I know that this was one of the best group of guys I have ever had a chance to hang with.
I know I really need a pistol course… Any suggestions?
(I didn’t do that bad)
I know that Southnarc is one bad ass honky tonk mofo!
I really recommend this class to anyone and everyone who has a family, or carries in their daily lives. The FOF is priceless. Way different from a shoothouse or paper targets on a square range. Crafty bastards shooting back and laying ambushes is the best way to learn.