I am writing to offer my own insights into the training I received from Strategos International. Let’s first start with the instructor, Todd Burke. This man had an extraordinary enthusiasm to pass on his knowledge. He offered insights and new ways of doing things without stating his way was the only “right” way. I enjoyed having him as an instructor and I would gladly enroll in future courses he teaches. The course itself, patrol rifle, was tremendous! The knowledge I received was very practical and it will prove to be valuable in my career. The course was also fun, and Todd Burke helped to make it fun. I would like to say that Mr. Burke brought up a good point about the role of patrol officers in tactical situations. There is no reason why patrol officers should not receive tactical training similar to SWAT. Patrol officers should be capable of responding to and mitigating certain tactical situations without having to call SWAT. Of all the things I learned in this course, my role as a tactical patrol officer is what will stay with me the most, and I thank Todd Burke for opening my eyes to that role. Bottom line, excellent course and instruction.

Respectfully,
Officer Patrick Malley
Tequesta, Florida PD #1150

Synopsis: A rifle in the hands of a trained operator dramatically increases that officer's potential for threat mitigation. This course is "tactical weapons training" in its purest form and provides preparation for a variety of patrol deployments including active shooter engagements.

This program is challenging and participants should be in good physical condition. Days will run longer than 8 hours and the curriculum includes evening events. Participants who complete this course come away with a skill set they absolutely appreciate and are able to apply immediately!

• Fundamentals Review
• Failure Drills: Transition to Pistol
• Turning Movements
• Support Side Shooting
• Contact and Cover
• How to Adapt Your Shooting Platform
• Defeating a Vehicle Assault
• Officer Down Rescue
• Tactical and Effective Communication
• Moving Targets
• Shooting On The Move
• Multiple Threat Engagements
• Movement & Mobility Exercises
• Use of Cover
• Threat Discrimination: Shoot/No Shoot
• Dynamics of Low Light Engagements
• Close Quarters Battle
• Man-on-Man Drills

In addition to range drills and exercises, the Tactical Rifle Instructor course includes the following teaching and training (coaching) sessions and instructional support materials on CD for the instructor candidate:

• 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

Logistics:

• Duty or Tactical Gear
• Ammunition according to course needs
• Body Armor
• Gas Mask with leg pouch/case
• Minimum of 4 magazines (pistols & rifles)
• Knee pads and gloves
• Wraparound eye & ear protection (clear lenses for night events)
• Cap with brim
• Hydration source
• Clothing for all weather conditions
• Duffel that will allow you to bring all of your gear to the line with you

Ammunition: 500 pistol | 2,500 rifle

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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