Testimonials

Todd, I had a great time learning from you while you were in Kansas City teaching at the academy. I am preparing my lesson plan for Monday to teach our team some your drills. I think after I came back from your class and everyone started asking how it was, they are ready to do some training. I haven't been able to stop talking about the drills and the camaraderie that our class grew into. Thanks again for a week of fun safe training. I hope to work and learn with you soon.

Jeff Sargent,
Blue Springs, MO PD

Todd, I just wanted to drop you a line or two to offer again my sincerest thanks for an educational experience like none other in my career. Last Tactical Firearms Instructor's Course was truly a life saving experience, not just for me and the other members of the class, but for those we will pass our knowledge and experiences off to. I have not received training in such a high paced, well thought out and planned, organized and effective manner. The days were long, but each second was worth the time and effort. I can't thank you enough for bringing these skills to us.

Your organization is definitely saving lives one round at a time. Keep up the good work, I look forward to your next seminar in my area.

Loran F. Freeman,
Independence Missouri Police Department
av8tor1134@sbcglobal.net

Todd I just want to thank you for Coaching such a GREAT CLASS, I fell I'm a better Police Officer for taking it, I had a great time and I hope I can help you in future classes because this will only help me to be a better Firearms Coach, keep up the great work and THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!, Please tell Todd and Paul it was an honor to having them on the range.

Vernon "Dutch" Becker

Todd, First off, I want to thank you for a great week of training! This was the first time that I had been to a training of this level since I left the military. The tone for the week was set early and the professionalism never dropped. It was rewarding and refreshing to train with the quality of the individuals involved with this class.

When my department had asked me to become a firearms instructor, I didn't even consider some of the aspects that were taught in the Strategos course. But now I have the tools and knowledge to "twist the arm" of my administration to create realistic, valid, and SAFE firearms training.

Thanks again and you can be sure that I will include the Strategos name in all of my classes.

Aaron Mach
Strategos Certified
Tactical Firearms Instructor

Synopsis:
This is a useful and dynamic course for every trainer regardless of their background or other schools they may have attended. This dynamic and skill-intensive class addresses coaching and training skills for three weapon systems: the pistol, the rifle, and the shotgun. Special attention is paid to the dynamics of the low light environment and the skills necessary for prevailing in this realm. Training will proceed for more than 8 hours on most days. This program is challenging and participants should be in good physical condition.
- Certification is valid for three Years -

Class begins at 0730 on Monday morning.
Days will run longer than 8 hours and our curriculum includes evening events.

CONCEPTS AND SKILLS - PISTOL, RIFLE, AND SHOTGUN:

• Fundamentals Review & Diagnostics
• Zeroing, Unloading, Reloading
• Fighting Platforms
• Failure Drills: Transition to Pistol
• Turning Movements
• Support Side Shooting
• Contact and Cover
• Working in a Gas Mask
• Defeating Ambushes
• Officer Down & Rescue
• Active Shooter
• Moving Targets
• Shooting On The Move
• Multiple Threat Engagements
• Movement & Mobility Exercises
• The Correct Use of Cover
• Threat Discrimination: Shoot/No Shoot
• Dynamics of Low Light Engagements
• Principles of Light
• Close Quarters Battle
• Partner & Team Tactics

The TACTICAL FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR course also includes coaching and training sessions designed to assist the candidate in making departmental presentations or training other officers in practical firearms skills:

• Liability Issues
• Case Law and Precedent
• Instructional Techniques
• Coaching Beyond Fundamentals
• Preparing Incident Action/Safety Plans
• Creating Lesson Plans
• Managing Difficult Trainees
• Classroom and Range Presentations
• Designing Training for Your Agency
• Running a Safe Range at Night

EQUIPMENT:

• Rifle & shotgun must have a sling capable of cross-body, muzzle-down carry and a minimum of 4 magazines for rilfle
• Duty load bearing gear including pistol with minimum 4 magazines
• Body armor (undershirt or tactical)
• Gas mask with leg pouch or case
• Ball cap or hat with brim
• Knee and elbow pads
• Wraparound eye protection (clear lenses for night events)
• Hearing protection
• Hydration source (backpack preferred)
• Clothing suitable for all weather conditions
• Duffel that will allow you to bring your gear to the line with you

Ammunition:
1500 Pistol | 1,000 Rifle | 250 Birdshot | 20 00 Buck | 20 Rifled Slugs

Handheld Light:
All participants must have at least one high intensity hand held light

Weapon-Mounted Light:
Highly recommended but are not a requirement

Sling:
The operator MUST have a sling that permits a muzzle-down, front body carry.

NOTE: Instructor-level schools are longer than operator courses, and students participate in coaching and training delivery on the range. Make sure you have all equipment listed and backup firearms are recommended in case of failure or breakage. We cannot guarantee that a "loaner" firearm will be available.

Prerequisites and Physical Requirements for Firearms Training

1. An operator should be able to load, unload, and reload their firearm in a SAFE and CONTROLLED manner. Muzzle discipline and awareness is paramount.
2. An operator must possess the physical strength and stamina to repetitively function and fire their weapon during prolonged drilling. You must be able to get up and down from standing, kneeling, and prone positions, as well as move forward, backward, and laterally.
3. An operator must be able to maintain mental, physical, and emotional self-discipline and not become over-excited or lose control.
4. An operator must have a keen awareness and consideration for other operators while handling firearms and conducting drills in close proximity of other operators.
5. An operator should be familiar with their weapons and equipment and be able to field strip their firearm for cleaning, maintenance, and problem-solving.
6. Instructor candidates are expected to be excellent communicators and willing to adapt to the role of being a student-learner as well as an instructor. There is no place in the training arena for personal aggrandizement or ego.

Regarding Our Training Philosophy and Practices
Our training staff is composed of professional and experienced coaches and we are students ourselves.

We believe in treating everyone respectfully and as adult learners. Our coaches participate in the learning process and we use a building block approach to solidify skills before moving toward more advanced concepts.

We do not believe in "check the box" training nor do we believe in "lowest common denominator" training. Individual assistance is always available.

Those who are not safe and conscientious with their firearms, those who are not willing to be open-minded, receive new information and try new concepts, and those who are not capable of keeping their ego in check should not enroll in our training.

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