The Training Myth: Why Your “Military Background” Might Not Be Enough
We’ve all heard it before: “I grew up hunting,” or “I was in the service twenty years ago.” While those experiences are valuable, Brent and Roy deliver a dose of “tough love” in this episode: Shooting is a perishable skill. If you aren’t training to a consistent tactical standard, your skills aren’t just stagnant—they’re fading. But how do you find the right training without falling into the “tacticool” ego trap?
1. Breaking Down the Three Tiers
Not all training is created equal. The hosts break the landscape into three distinct levels:
The Local Instructor: Great for CCW basics and safety, but quality can vary wildly.
The Itinerant Trainer: These are the “traveling roadshows”—experts who bring high-level curriculum to local ranges.
The Academies: Prestigious institutions like Gunsite or Thunder Ranch. These are the “Ivy League” of shooting, offering immersive, multi-day experiences.
2. The “Seal Team” Fallacy
One of the most important takeaways from the episode is how to vet an instructor. A common mistake is assuming that a “Tier 1” operator (like a Navy SEAL or Delta operator) is automatically a great teacher for a civilian.
Brent and Roy argue that doing and teaching are different skills. You don’t need a combat veteran to teach you how to win a gunfight in a grocery store parking lot; you need a teacher who understands civilian legalities, human psychology under stress, and how to communicate complex mechanics simply.
3. Spotting the “Elite Club” Red Flags
How do you know if a trainer is more interested in your money (or their own ego) than your skills? Look for these warning signs:
The Ego Trap: If the instructor spends more time talking about their “stats” than watching your grip, move on.
Gear Shaming: Training should be about software (your brain and body), not just hardware. If a class requires $5,000 in custom gear just to participate, it’s a club, not a classroom.
Unsafe “Cool” Factors: If they prioritize “high-speed” drills over fundamental safety, they aren’t professionals—they’re performers.
The Bottom Line
Your 10-year-old CCW qualification doesn’t count today. Whether you’re a brand-new owner or a seasoned carrier, the goal is to find a reputable, safe, and humble teacher who helps you build a “roadmap” for self-defense. Training isn’t a status symbol; it’s a responsibility.
Are you ready to level up? Listen to the full discussion on the GUNS Magazine Podcast here.