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I recieved a few emails from the last blog asking for clarification. The basic theme was if I believe you should seek training from a variety of sources, why have I gone to the same Basic carbine class taught by the same guy 3 times over the last few years? To clarify, I dont think there is anything wrong with getting instruction from the same person over a period of time on the same topic. My point was that it has to be filtered by training from OTHER sources as well to make sure I am staying balanced. If I only attended that carbine course, then my only frame of reference is that guy’s opinion on how the carbine should be run. I want a myriad of training since most instrucotrs background, experience and training will vary giving them completely different perspectives on the topic at hand. You must seek all the information you can get so that you can properly self coach and grow.

As an example, I recently attended a one day tactical medicine course put on by Combat First Aid, https://www.facebook.com/CombatFirstAid . I have attended other medical training classes starting with combat lifesaver in the Army through TCCC and others. This class was well presented and I learned some new things. More importantly was that there emphasis, and their motto was well played. Combat First, aid. The class was strong on managing the gunfight first and then working on the boo-boos that you or a partner received during that engagement. Their approach to aid was simple, realistic and easy to remember. They showed me the importance of a chest seal and I will be working to get those in the our patrol IFAK’s and for SWAT. The patrol based scenarios were a reminder that I need to remember that I am a cop, not just a SWAT team leader. My personal performance in the scenarios was not where I want to be. Learning occurred, and it was a great experience. I know they are working on a two day format and a SWAT specific course that I look forward to taking.

If I only stuck with my local contacts for this type of training, I would not have been able to glean the takeaways form this course. Was the skill of putting on a tourniquet or a dressing taught vastly different? No, but the emphasis on when and the ease of remembering what to do with different injuries nade this course a win. Like all good training I learned something new, but it also made me THINK about how to improve a vital skill POST training.

Get out of your comfort zone to expand knowledge. Go back to tried & true to ensure you are staying current and valid.