Who: DSS - Dynamic Shooting Systems
What: Carbine - Low Light to No Light Course
When: November 6th, 2013, 1600 - 2200.
Where: Council Bluffs, IA
Why: High probability of a fight in low light environments.
Instructor: Shawn Claussen, Dynamic Shooting Systems
• Service as an NCO with the Marine Security Guard Battalion during the 90's, the MSGBN is responsible for US Embassy protection.
• Active Police Officer with 15+ years of experience, special assignments have included Head of the Firearms Training Unit, ERU Marksman/Observer and Entry Team Member.
• Guest Instructor at the 2010 International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor's Annual Training Conference in San Antonio, TX.
• USPSA Production Division, Class "B"
Students: Civilians.
Course: If you have read any of my other DSS AAR's you know that the material DSS brings to the table is always practical, relevant and backed up by factual data, this one was no different. We started the evening with a safety brief, then covered the realities of deadly force engagements and using a firearm at night. White Light, Night Observation Devices, Infrared and no light options were all discussed in detail with practicality being the voice of reason for choosing your method of fighting with a firearm at night.
Transitioning from discussion to hands on we hit carbine retention, light usage and then manipulations. Shawn is big on "Performance On Demand" and we were expected to stay in the fight regardless of what we ran into...malfunctions, empty guns, shooting from strong and weak sides, barricades and movement around vehicles were all mixed in.
We wrapped up everything with a performance evaluation that tested our ability to move, navigate, identify and engage targets all while performing transitions, reloads and malfunctions. As expected, running any firearm at night is a challenge. Running a carbine until it goes down, then transitioning to your pistol all while moving and identifying your threat, under time...even more so. Valuable, practical and relevant material and course...as expected.
Below is an overview of the topics presented AND practiced throughout the Course:
DSS Philosophy:
• Principle Based vs. Scenario Based
• SNS Activation and Action vs. Reaction
Realities of Deadly Force Engagements - Worst Case Scenario Planning:
• NIBRS Data
• FBI: In the line of Fire
• NYPD: Firearms Discharge
• Armed: Kleck and Kates
DSS Training Methodology:
• 4 M’s
Low to No Light Statistics:
• US DOJ
• PPSC
• Baltimore County, MD
• LA County Sheriffs
Carbines:
• Selection
• Ballistics
Physiological effects of darkness.
Low to No Light Necessities:
• Navigation
• Identification
Lights:
• LED vs. Incandescent
• Switching Options
• Light Output
• Ability to illuminate and identify targets at varying distances.
• Tritium vs. Non-Tritium Sights
• Optics and RDS
• Weapon Mounted Lights vs. Handheld Lights
NODS:
• Positives / Negatives
Techniques:
• Navigation
• Location
• Identification
• Engagement - WITH and WITHOUT barricades.
Light usage/activation:
• Carbine Mounted
• Handheld - FBI / Harries / Modified Harries / Rogers/Surefire
Carbine Manipulations:
• Positions: Off Shoulder / Standing / Kneeling / Prone(s)
• Reloads
• Malfunctions
• Switching Shoulders
• Transitions to pistols
V/r - Rob
