Newsletter


Defensive Carbine 2 (DC2) 5&6 APR 2025

“What ought one to say, then, as each hardship comes? ‘I trained for this! I practiced for this!'”  Epictetus, 55 – 135 AD

Purpose

DC2 is a two-day, 2-person team tactics class.  Its purpose is to provide the student with the skills needed to take maximum advantage of a team-mate and also deal with the complications inherent to being part of a team.  Drills include scenarios where both members are active (fire-team) and where one member is passive (protector & principal).  There is also a block of instruction on ‘buddy aid’.

We consider it an intermediate level carbine class.  DC1 (or outside equivalent) is a pre-requisite. The DC2 student should already be familiar with:

  • Weapon nomenclature, function and controls
  • Lubrication and maintenance procedures
  • Fundamentals of combat marksmanship
  • Stoppage reduction (reloading & clearing malfunctions)
  • Standard shooting positions (standing, kneeling & prone)

DC2 builds on the DC1 curriculum and adds the following:

  • Use of cover
  • Individual movement techniques
  • Non-standard shooting positions
  • Team communication
  • Team maneuver techniques

Solo students are welcome!  We’ll pair you up with another solo student or one of the adjunct instructors.  This is not necessarily a bad thing as the ability to sync up with another law abiding citizen or LEO and form an ad hoc team might one day be a life-saver.

If you’re not currently part of a team, we would urge you to start that process!

DC2 is a prerequisite for Urban Break Contact (UBC).

Training Outline

  • Firearm safety & range emergency procedures
  • Review: Nomenclature, function and controls
  • Review: Lubrication and maintenance procedures
  • Review: Fundamentals of combat marksmanship and the 36 yard zero
  • Review: Standard shooting positions (standing, kneeling & prone)
  • Review: Stoppage reduction (reloading & clearing malfunctions)
  • Zeroing (100 YL)
  • Review: Scanning, use of cover and other tactical considerations
  • Review: Threats left, right and to the rear
  • Individual movement techniques
  • Team communications
  • Team maneuver
  • Low-light techniques and tactics
  • Low-light exercises
    • Discrimination (Threat ID / shoot v. no-shoot): Individual and team
    • Clearing malfunctions
    • Team Maneuver
  • Individual Shoot-off

End of Day 1

Day 2

  • AAR
  • Review
  • Unconventional shooting positions
  • Drills: Two person team scenarios
  • CSAT Patrol Rifle Standard
  • Team Shoot-off

End of Day 2

Equipment Requirements

  • Carbine w/ sustainment equipment & supplies
    • Cleaning kit, lube, spare batts, etc.
    • Quality two point sling
    • Six magazines (min) and the ability to carry at least one of them on the body
      • Magazines should have some form of ID on them so they can find their way back to you
    • 500 rds carbine ammunition
  • Usual defensive handgun setup
    • 50 rds handgun ammunition
  • Handheld flashlight
  • Safety gear
    • Ball cap, ear pro and ANSI or mil-spec rated wraparound eye pro.
      • Don’t forget a pair of CLEAR lenses for low-light!
  • Lunch, snacks, meds, whine stoppers, etc.
  • Hydration (electrolyte replacement strongly recommended to supplement your water)

Optional stuff

  • Weapon Mounted Light (WML).
    • Not necessary but preferred.  If you don’t have one, there are too many options to discuss here. Better to try out some of those brought by others if you’re not certain.  Feel free to call with your questions.  My first question will be, ‘what’s your budget’?
  • Bug spray, sunscreen, other seasonal needs
  • Rain gear
    • Training will continue in the event of rain.
  • Note-taking gear
    • Please! Take notes! The information flow is like drinking from a fire-hose.  Write it down for recall later.
  • Folding chair
  • IFAK / ITK (Individual first-aid kit / Individual trauma kit)

What NOT to bring

  • Any steel core ammunition (M855, most steel cased ammunition)
  • Blackhawk SERPA holster
  • Single-point sling
    • Unless an agency or department requirement
  • Ego

Admin

You must be a US Citizen to take this class. 

Dates: 5 & 6 APR 2025

Location:  Lake Darpo, 4900 North Governor Williams Hwy., Society Hill, SC

Prerequisite training:  DC1 (or equivalent:  call)

Physical requirements:  Moderate

Cost:  $300 individual or $550 per couple / 2 person team

  • $150 deposit per person is required. Classes are kept small and there is a cut-off.
  • Full-time LEO, active duty mil & SCNG $0
    • The number of free seats is limited to 25% of class size
  • PayPal OK [button below] or send personal check or money order to the address below

Duration:  20 hrs

Start / Stop Times:  Day 1 is 8:30 am – 9 pm / Day 2 is 9 am – 5 pm (Registration begins 8:00 am Day 1)

Misc

Out of town students:  Marriott Comfort Inn, 527 Woody Jones Blvd, Florence, SC gives a substantial ‘Paladin Training’ discount.  Here’s the link:

https://www.choicehotels.com/south-carolina/florence/comfort-inn-hotels/sc554/rates?ratePlanCode=LPDT

While the curriculum is geared toward the AR platform, AK’s, Mini-14’s, basically any magazine fed semi-auto based on a military platform will work and provide a good training opportunity.

Call if you have questions about your rifle, gear, etc.  PLEASE DON’T GO BUY SOMETHING EXPENSIVE FOR THE CLASS WITHOUT DISCUSSING IT WITH US!

Steve Cooper @ steve@paladintraining.com / 843-618-1381

Paladin Training, Inc.

POB 12752

Florence, SC 29504

Defensive Carbine 1, 15 – 16 MAR 2025

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” Dietrich Bonhoeffner, 1906 – 1945

Purpose

DC1 is geared toward the beginner wanting to establish a proper foundation in carbine fighting skills.  It is also suitable for the experienced rifleman wanting to tune up or augment his / her technique.

DC1 is a prerequisite for DC2 and UBC.

Training Outline

  • Firearm safety & range emergency procedures
  • Nomenclature, function and controls
  • Lubrication and maintenance procedures
  • Fundamentals of combat marksmanship and the various zeroes
  • Stoppage reduction (reloading & clearing malfunctions)
  • Standard shooting positions (standing, kneeling & prone)
  • Static warm up drills
  • Zeroing
  • Trigger control drills
  • Movement drills
  • Threats left, right and to the rear
  • Situational awareness and consolidation
  • Low-light tactics and techniques
  • Low-light exercises
    • Discrimination drills (Threat ID / shoot v. no-shoot)
    • Clearing malfunctions

End of Day 1

Day 2

  • AAR
  • Review
  • Transition
  • Unconventional shooting positions
  • Use of cover
  • Multiple Targets
  • Moving Targets
  • Abbreviated CSAT Patrol Rifle Standard

End of Day 2

Equipment Requirements

  • Carbine w/ sustainment equipment & supplies
    • Cleaning kit, lube, spare batts, etc.
    • Quality two point sling
    • Six magazines (min) and the ability to carry at least one of them on the body
      • Magazines should have some form of ID on them so they can find their way back to you.
    • 500 rds carbine ammunition
  • Usual defensive handgun setup
    • 50 rds handgun ammunition
  • Handheld flashlight
  • Safety gear
    • Ball cap, ear pro and ANSI or mil-spec rated wraparound eye pro.
      • Don’t forget a pair of CLEAR lenses for low-light!
  • Lunch, snacks, meds, whine stoppers, etc.
  • Hydration
    • Electrolyte replacement strongly recommended to supplement your water.

Optional stuff

  • Weapon Mounted Light (WML).
    • Not necessary but preferred.  If you don’t have one, there are too many options to discuss here. Better to try out some of those brought by others if you’re not certain.  Feel free to call to discuss.  My first question will be, ‘what’s your budget’?
  • Bug spray, sunscreen, other seasonal needs
  • Rain gear
    • Training will continue in the event of rain
  • Note-taking gear
    • Take notes, PLEASE! The information flow is like drinking from a fire-hose.  Write it down for later.
  • Folding chair
  • IFAK / ITK (Individual first-aid kit / Individual trauma kit)

What NOT to bring

  • Any steel core ammunition
  • Blackhawk SERPA holster
  • Single-point sling
    • Unless an agency or department requirement
  • Ego

Admin

You must be a US Citizen to take this class.  

Dates: 15 & 16 MAR 2025

Location:  Lake Darpo, 4900 North Governor Williams Hwy., Society Hill, SC

Prerequisite training:  None

Physical requirements:  Light

Cost:  $300

  • $100 deposit is required to hold a seat. Classes are kept small and there is a cut-off.
    • We have a limited number of GRANT seats available. Tuition is discounted from $300 to $100 and up to 250 rds of 5.56 is provided. First come, first served. We’ll do this until the ammunition and money run out.
  • Full-time LEO, active duty mil & SCNG: $0 (Limited to 25% of class size
  • PayPal OK or send personal check or money order to the address below

Duration:  20 hrs

Start / Stop Times:  Day 1 is 8:30 am – 9 pm / Day 2 is 9 am – 5 pm (Registration begins 8:00 am Day 1)

Misc

Out of town students:  Marriott Comfort Inn, 527 Woody Jones Blvd, Florence, SC gives a substantial ‘Paladin Training’ discount.  Here’s the link:

https://www.choicehotels.com/south-carolina/florence/comfort-inn-hotels/sc554/rates?ratePlanCode=LPDT

While the curriculum is geared toward the AR platform, AK’s, Mini-14’s, basically any magazine fed semi-auto based on a military platform will work and provide a good training opportunity.

Call if you have questions about your rifle, gear, etc.  PLEASE DON’T GO BUY SOMETHING EXPENSIVE FOR THE CLASS WITHOUT DISCUSSING IT WITH US!

Steve Cooper @ steve@paladintraining.com / 843-618-1381

Paladin Training, Inc.

POB 12752

Florence, SC 29504

 

Paladin Training is a public charity under IRS Section 501(c)(3).  Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Schedule Update: MAR / APR 2025

Defensive Carbine 1

15 & 16 MAR

Lake Darpo

 

Defensive Carbine 2

5 & 6 APR

Lake Darpo

 

Details at www.paladintraining.com/courses

Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many churches are opting to send relief teams to Western NC.  The mindset of these relief teams should reflect two realities:

  1. The goods being transported have an extremely high value;
  2. The areas they’re going into or through are, in many cases, essentially lawless.

Hopefully this checklist will help relief teams have the equipment they need for the trip, and more importantly, develop the proper mindset for the mission.  It should be considered a living document, subject to continual revision.  If you are aware of any existing AARS, please forward them to me.

  1. After Action Review

An (AAR) should be done following each Relief Effort (REF).

Bullet Points of Lessons Learned from previous AARS should be discussed with REF Teams with enough advance that questions and concerns can be addressed.

  1. TEAM MAKEUP

Each Vehicle should have a Crew of at least two; a Driver and an Assistant Driver (AD).

The two crew members are considered a Team.  When forming Teams, priority should be given volunteers with MIL/LE/MED experience and members of the church armed Safety Team.

Every Team member should be armed; Drivers with a sidearm, ADS with a sidearm and a long gun.

Every Team member should have an Individual Trauma Kit (ITK) and be trained it its use.

  1. COMMS

For intra-convoy comms, the AD of each vehicle should be furnished a radio.  Consider spare batteries or recharging stations.

Especially when the REF consists of multiple vehicles, call signs should be designated.  The call sign of the convoy leader is ‘E1’ where ‘E’ =  ‘element’.  Echo 1 is                 usually the lead vehicle.

Primary and alternate frequencies/channels should be designated.

  1. NAVIGATION

Each AD should know the physical address of the End Point.

Each AD should know how, and have the means, to contact the End Point.

In the event GPS / cell service is non-existent, each AD should have a hard copy of the route.

A map recon of the route should be conducted prior to departure to designate:

    1. Possible Rally Points
    2. Likely points of confusion
    3. Potential danger areas
    4. Planned rest & fuel stops

CONTINGENCY PLANNING

A pre-departure briefing on the use of Deadly Force and differences between SC and End Point carry / transport law be conducted by Echo 1           or a SME.

Contingencies for encountering hostile behavior should be discussed.

Plans should be made for low light operations.

Ex: Each member of the REF should have a working high intensity flashlight and spare batteries.

VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

The fuel tank of each vehicle should be topped off just prior to departure.

Each vehicle should be equipped with enough reserve fuel to get the vehicle back to an area where resupply is reliable.

Each vehicle should be equipped with a General Purpose First Aid Kit and a Trauma Kit.

Each vehicle should be equipped with at least one can of FixAFlat / SLIME for each tire.

Echo 1’s vehicle (at least) should have a 12VDC air compressor.

 

 

4 QTR 2024 Class Schedule – Rev 5

 

 

TRAINING CALENDAR

4 QTR 2024

REV 5

 

HANDGUN CONCEPTS 1 (HC1)    12 OCT          Florence County SO   $150

 

DEFENSIVE CARBINE 1 (DC1)       26 – 27 OCT Lake Darpo                 $300

 

HANDGUN CONCEPTS 1 (HC1)     2 NOV

 

Florence County SO   $150
CARBINE OPERATOR 1 (CO1)       3 NOV

 

Lake Darpo                    $150
HANDGUN CONCEPTS 1 (HC1)     16 NOV

 

Florence County SO   $150
HANDGUN CONCEPTS 1 (HC1)     28 DEC

 

Florence County SO   $150
CARBINE OPERATOR 1 (CO1)        29 DEC Lake Darpo                      $150

 

 

FULL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CAN BE FOUND AT www.paladintraining.com/courses

PLEASE LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!

UTRINQUE PARATUS!

 

Paladin Training, Inc.  POB 12752  Florence, SC 29504 www.paladintraining.com / 843-618-1381 / steve@paladintraining.com

Paladin Training is a tax exempt public charity under IRS Section 501(c)(3).

All donations are fully tax deductible. 

4th QUARTER 2024 TRAINING SCHEDULE

TRAINING CALENDAR

4 QTR 2024

 

DEFENSIVE CARBINE 1 (DC1)                 26 – 27 OCT           LAKE DARPO          $300

 

HANDGUN CONCEPTS 1 (HC1)              2 NOV                      FCSO*                      $150

 

CARBINE OPERATOR 1 (CO1)                3 NOV                      LAKE DARPO          $150

 

HANDGUN CONCEPTS 1 (HC1)              28 DEC                     FCSO                       $150

 

CARBINE OPERATOR 1 (CO1)                29 DEC                    LAKE DARPO          $150

 

UTRINQUE PARATUS!

*Florence County Sheriff’s Office range, Effingham

FULL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CAN BE FOUND AT

www.paladintraining.com.

 

 

PLEASE LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!

Paladin Training, Inc.  POB 12752  Florence, SC 29504

www.paladintraining.com / 843-618-1381 / steve@paladintraining.com

Paladin Training is a tax exempt public charity under IRS Section 501(c)(3).

All donations are fully tax deductible.

 

UBC!

UBC!

Less than two weeks to UBC XIII and we’ve got room for another two-person team.  If you are planning to attend, contact me ASAP @ steve@paladintraining.com.

If you’re new to the newsletter, UBC stands for Urban Break Contact.  It’s a scenario-based class. Caught in a disturbance (or worse) in an urban area, you’re trying to drive out of the situation and your vehicle becomes disabled. The safest course of action appears to be travelling on foot back to a safe(r) area. UBC is about how to do that and builds on the skills developed in DC1 and DC2.

We’ll cover possible actions necessary to get out of the vehicle and how to proceed on foot away from it.  We’ll have to clear corners, work from cover to cover, deal with possible and confirmed Threats as we encounter them, etc.  Urban combat with an emphasis on avoiding a fight.  Of course, it’s a gun class so sometimes that plan is not going to work.

Then we’ll add your Team Mate and do it over.

This year we’ve added a block of training for unarmed family members (UFM) in the event you have to move on foot with an unarmed spouse or child. For this inaugural class we’re limiting the number of UFM’s we’ll run through the scenario.  If you’re interested in observing this, email me at steve@paladintraining.com.

UBC 9 – 11 FEB 2024

Details at www.paladintraining.com/courses

GRANT CLASSES

We still have some grant money and intend to schedule free classes in the first quarter of 2024.  I’m thinking a Ladies One Day Defensive Handgun in late March and a Ladies One Day Defensive Carbine in early April.  Subject to adjustment.  Let me know what you think.

Book Recommendation

The Forge of Christendom – The End of Days and the Epic Rise of the West, Tom Holland

A fascinating and entertaining look at the church in the 900’s and its development into a muscular, militant and aggressive faith, very different from the soft, defensive, and largely ineffectual church we have today.  As Christianity faces seemingly ever strengthening opposition, it might be helpful for the Western Believer to know its roots in the west.

That’s all for now.  Keep developing your team!

Steve

 

UBC

UBC is scheduled for 9, 10 & 11 FEB 2024.

Details at www.paladintraining.com/courses

Class size limited to 12 students.

Steve

Newsletter 2023-8

 

TRAINING CALENDAR

4 QTR 2023

 

WHAT                                                           WHEN           WHERE                     COST

 

LADIES BASIC AR-15 (BAR)                    30 SEP           Lake Darpo             $200*

 

DEFENSIVE CARBINE 1 (DC1)                 28 – 29 OCT Lake Darpo             $300**

 

DEFENSIVE HANDGUN 1 (DH1)             18 – 19 NOV  Lake Darpo            $300**

 

DEFENSIVE CARBINE 2 (DC2)                9 – 10 DEC    Lake Darpo             $300

 

URBAN BREAK CONTACT (UBC)         JAN TBD       Lake Darpo             $500

 

NOTES

*  Thanks to a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, Paladin is able to provide all the ammunition and 100% of the $200 class fee for the Ladies Only AR-15 class.

 

You do NOT need to own an AR-15 to take this class!  Call the number below to reserve a Loaner.  Quantities are limited.

 

** Paladin is able to provide up to 250 of the required 500 rds (9mm / 5.56 only) and $200 of the $300 class fee.  The student is responsible for the remaining $100 class fee and 250 rds.

 

Discounts assume ammunition inventory and may end at any time.  First come, first served, but priority is given new students.

 

FULL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CAN BE FOUND AT

www.paladintraining.com.

UTRINQUE PARATUS!

Paladin Training, Inc.  POB 12752 Florence, SC 29504

www.paladintraining.com / 843-618-1381 / steve@paladintraining.com

Paladin Training is a tax-exempt public charity under IRS Section 501(c)(3).

                           Donations are tax deductible.

Newsletter 2023-7

Greetings!  Hope this finds you and your tribe well, prosperous, and prepared for what comes next.

The Last Quarter 2023 training schedule is in the works and we’re hoping to get six classes in.  The dates below are tentative. We’ll lock them in and advise ASAP.

  • SEP 2023 LADIES ONLY BASIC AR15 (BAR)

BAR is a ‘grant class’.  The class is free plus we provide the ammunition.  We also have loaner AR15’s for students that don’t already own one. Seats are limited and first come, first served.

  • SEP 2023 DEFENSIVE CARBINE 1 (DC1)
  • OCT 2023 DEFENSIVE HANDGUN 1 (DH1)

DH1 is a ‘grant class’.  Day 1 of the class is free plus we provide the ammunition.

  • NOV 2023 DEFENSIVE CARBINE 2 (DC2)
  • DEC 2023  DEFENSIVE SHOTGUN 1 (DS1)
  • JAN 2024  URBAN BREAK-CONTACT (UBC)

Details can be found at the Paladin Training Course page.

RAFFLE!

We’re going to raffle off a custom light weight AR15. This is still very much in the planning stage, so ticket cost, ticket number, cut-off date, etc are still TBD.  The specs, however, are locked in.  I’m looking at the following parts sitting on the floor next to my desk that will be delivered soon to Jamie Ogburn at Ogburn Combat Development (http://www.ogburnrifles.com/) for assembly:

  • PSA upper with nitride mid-length 16″ pencil barrel
  • Bravo Company light weight 13″ handguard

www.bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mcmr-13-m-lok-compatible-modular-rail/

  • Toolcraft bolt carrier

www.toolcraftinc.com/

  • JP Enterprises enhanced bolt assembly

www.jprifles.com/1.4.7_Bolt.php

  • PSA lower
  • Bravo Company MK 2 receiver extension and buffer assy

www.bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk2-recoil-mitigation-system-mod-1-t1/

  • Geissele SSA two-stage trigger

www.geissele.com/super-semi-automatic-ssar-trigger.html

  • Geissele Ambi charging handle

www.geissele.com/super-charging-handle-schr-5-56-black.html

All the upgrades above are to increase reliability and durability, reduce recoil or save weight.  The finished gun should weigh in at just under 6 pounds.  The parts total right at $1500.  Updates on the schedule and raffle will be published regularly.

Share this, please!

Thanks for subscribing to Paladin’s newsletter.  Hope to see you on the firing line soon.

Steve