Good point. It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than one shooter learning from a better shooter/instructor. There’s no need for guys with warfighting experience to get their precious egos bruised by the idea that they could learn how to shoot better from a civilian.
I won’t rehash what the others have already articulated as I think they spelled it out very well. You might want to do a search and look for Paul’s write up about the training that he received after he left the military and how that compared to the training that he received while in the military.
It’s great that you are seeking out additional training. I think it will be an eye opening experience for you.
I’m a civilian shooter and when people ask me why I take these courses (assuming I’m a tin-foil hat wearer preparing for the zombie apocalypse). I tell them that I just want to be a better student of the art of shooting. I don’t want to be “that guy” who collects guns and never learns how to use them. I tell people that these schools are similar to the different sword schools developed during the Renaissance. Sword styles like the Italian, Spanish, and English schools evolved from the battlefield for use on the street and for dueling (I don’t plan to duel :rolleyes:). I think for civilians Jeff Cooper said it best; “Owning a handgun doesn’t make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician.” I think that applies to rifles as well.
OP, be sure to look me up when you make it down to NC. I live in Charlotte and regularly participate in area events. I can also assure you that NC is full of opportunities for top notch instruction from the best in the business.
Im extremely grateful for all the feed back. I didn’t know what to think about these topics at first.
I saw classes as training civilians to be warfighters. My ignorance.
But now im understanding its not like that. Its about shooting. Its unfortunate that these kind of classes get that stigma in MIL circles.
Cant tell you how many times Ive heard becoming a trainer called a “retirement plan”. Im sure some courses are for guy who just want to feel like badasses, Ill just be avoiding those.
I appreciate the insight on civilian trainers. I would of avoided that and missed out. Fundamentals are the bedrock of shooting skills and you don’t have to have served to master them.
wahoo95 PM inbound
Stop listening to everyone who thinks they already know everything they need to know. There is always room for improvement, even if it learning what doesn’t work.
Take any and all training you can get, when you can get it.
My objective for taking classes is to make that particular skill nearly subconscious. I intend on keeping my skill level high enough to just be able to do the action. If I can minimize the needed brain power to make a shot or do first aid, then that leaves power in reserve for other things.
For instance, here are some of the tasks needed in a contact.
Individual
- seek cover
- return fire
- communications
- scanning
- movement
Leader
all above plus
- accountability
- choosing next actions
- informing team of those next actions
- leading
- reporting
So if someone is a SME on any of those areas, I will learn what I can to make each of those skills as automatic as possible. There is a huge difference when you think " I need to shoot him" and the gun comes up, the sights center, the trigger is pressed, and bad guy falls down vs " I need to shoot him. lemme get squared up. I need sight alignment, sight picture, pause my breathing, sque-e-e-e-eeze trigger. Damn missed, um, shoot faster"
Red: They ARE training to fight, if it’s a good class. Blue: That’s because nobody likes to think a talented “amateur” is better than a “professional” at anything - even though it’s quite often the case.
You’re going to be in a gunfight in the next 30 seconds - you can pick one of two partners: a random 0311, or Bill Rogers.
I know who I’m bringing.
Perfectly described.
“Blue” comment. I can see why! 
You literally spend all day everyday working to improve you fighting skills mentally and physically. And then some hobbyist out shoots the shit out of you. I can see that being hard to swallow haha
As for a gunfight… If that random eleven is one that ive spent endless training time with id take him any day for the fact that we’d both be on the same page and com would be minimal. Knowing each others strengths and weaknesses as well as loadout goes an infinite way.
But I get your point, association with a title doesnt designate high skill levels.