I. NEW FLASHLIGHT MOD

You may know that each of our defensive firearm classes ends the day with a block of instruction on low light issues.  In it,  we cover several flashlight techniques such as FBI, Harries and Cheek Index, all of which use what’s called an ‘ice pick’ grip on the light and NONE of which allow a decent two-handed firing grip on the gun while retaining the flashlight. I recently learned of a flashlight modification that fixes that problem. We’ll call the mod the shock-cord mod and the technique the ‘bungee’.

NOTE: I can’t remember who first showed it to me.  If you know who’s responsible, please let me know so I can give attribution where deserved.

1. The flashlight with some 1/8″ bungee attached.
   

   2. The flashlight in the Search position. Note the flashlight is captured by the shock-cord on the TOP of your fingers and not on the inside facing the palm. From this starting point, you can still use the Harries, FBI, or Cheek Index techniques as desired.                                                                          (NOTE) I have to capture the tail-cap with the index finger of my support hand to better control the lens end, but it’s probably faster to deploy if you can capture all (or more) fingers with the shock-cord.

    

    

3. The flashlight rolled over the hand and out of the way in anticipation of deploying the pistol.

4. Full, two-handed firing grip while retaining the flashlight.

I bought the bungee at smile.Amazon, of course.  The vendor was SGTKNOT.  25 feet of 1/8″ shock-cord cost about $12. Don’t forget to seal the ends with heat after you cut it to length.

I’m under the impression not just any knot works on shock-cord.  Four years in the US Navy and most days it still takes me two attempts to tie a square knot, so I went to YouTube and found this guy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuTO8bfU1s8.

After viewing it about a million times, I was able to tie two proper loop knots in the shock-cord.

To use, search using the appropriate flashlight technique, light fastened to the support hand with shock-cord, pistol either in the holster or tucked in to a Strong Hand Only compressed ready, muzzle down.  If the pistol is called for, simultaneously draw the pistol and rotate the light out of the way.  Acquire your normal two-handed firing grip and do what’s necessary.

Obviously you don’t want to use this technique if your flashlight has a lock-on tail-cap switch.  You’ll wind up lighting yourself up.

That’s it.

Give it a try.  I think you’ll like it.

Questions or comments, use the comments section.

II. INSTRUCTOR BIOS

The bio’s for Paladin’s AI’s are up here: http://www.paladintraining.com   This is the first time I’ve had this information in one place.  Check this out:

88 years LE

92 years MIL (16 of those in SPECOPS

34 years Contract Security

123 years as an AI w/ Paladin Training

They’re a good group of men… talented, experienced, and bringing different perspectives to the problem of the moment.  I’m humbled and somewhat surprised they let me be the Lead.  Anyone else in SC bring this level of experience to the classroom or range?  Not that I’m aware of.

III. DC2

19 – 20 NOV 2022

For particulars, see the previous newsletter.

This class probably won’t be offered again until Spring of 2023.

Go VOTE!

and keep on working on that team.

Steve

DVC

A gentle reminder that DC2 happens in a couple of weeks; 19 and 20 NOV.  Link to the course description below.  DC2 is a pre-requisite for UBC.

Unfortunately, grant money can’t be used for this class as that is reserved for ‘basic’ handgun and carbine classes.

The next time we start cycling thru the course catalog is expected to be early 2023

Still got room.  Reserve your seat soon.

Also, I’ve been putting in some much needed work on the website.

1. Got all the instructors listed along with their training bios.  A whole lot of knowledge, experience and talent on that page.
2. I’ve got most of the classes listed along with their descriptions.
3. Beginning to get the FAQs and LINKS updated.

These are the first improvements to the website in years.

Check it out.  And please let me know if you have problems.

And work on that Team!

Steve

DVC

Defensive Carbine 2 (DC2)

1. DH.5, 8 OCT

We still have room in the one day defensive handgun class scheduled for 8 OCT.

DH.5

Lake Darpo, SC

8 OCT from 830 am to NLT 830 pm

Full details here: https://paladintraining.com/courses/defensive-handgun-pt5/

This is a ‘grant’ class, so we’re paying $100 of the normal $200 tuition.  We pay half, you pay half.

We’re also providing 100 rds of 9mm or .40 S&W toward the class ammo requirement.

This is a finite amount so eventually we’re going to run out.  The earlier you can sign up, the more likely we are to have 100 rds of ammo with your name on it.  If we do run out, I’ll do my best to notify those effected, but you should come with the full ammo requirement.  Hopefully you’ll be able to take most of that home at the end of class.

2. DC1, 22 – 23 OCT

Full details here: https://paladintraining.com/courses/defensive-carbine-1/

3.  Having some issues with the website that are preventing me from changing SOME content.  Our Voodoo Witch Doctor is working on it as we speak trying to remove spells.  Or something.

Here’s one thing I have been able to do:  .

https://paladintraining.com/instructors/steve-cooper/

https://paladintraining.com/instructors/chris-johnson-2/

https://paladintraining.com/instructors/kerry-alzner-2/

https://paladintraining.com/instructors/terry-gainey/

Hope to see you in a class soon.  Time’s short, I think.  People I trust are warning of severe food shortages in a few months.  None of us here know the kind of desperation that situation causes in a man or woman watching their kids starve.  I figure we have two missions in that scenario:

1. Protect your family from desperate people

2. Don’t become one of the desperate people

Also, we’re looking at potential unrest associated with the upcoming mid-terms.

We live in interesting times.

Stay sharp and BECOME PART OF A TEAM!  Make it happen!

Utrinque Paratus

Steve

DVC

Been a long time since you’ve heard from me.  No excuse.  I apologize and will do better in the future.

I sincerely hope you’re doing all you can to improve your skills and develop a team.  If you need medical or dental work, get it done now.  If you need to get in shape, it’s never too late to start improving.  Being able to shoot, move and communicate is weapon independent.  Remember the Combat Triad.  Mindset at the top, Skills next, followed by Equipment down at the bottom.  If you’ve got the mindset and skills, you can get a better weapon.  Stop buying guns and train on what you’ve got.

Here you go…

I. TRAINING CALENDAR

4 QTR 2022

DEFENSIVE HANDGUN .5 (DH.5)        8 OCT             Lake Darpo              $200*

DEFENSIVE CARBINE 1 (DC1)             22 – 23 OCT  Lake Darpo              $300**

DEFENSIVE CARBINE 2 (DC2)             19 – 20 NOV Lake Darpo              $300

URBAN BREAK CONTACT (UBC)         9 – 11 DEC     Lake Darpo              $500

*  Thanks to a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, Paladin will discount the DH.5 tuition by $100 and provide 100 rds of ammunition (9mm or .40 S&W only) for the class.  The student is responsible for the remaining $100 and 200 rds.

** Thanks to a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, Paladin will discount the DC1 tuition by $200 and provide 200 rds of ammunition (5.56 only) for the class.  The student will be responsible for the remaining $100 and up to 200 rds.

ADMIN STUFF

That’s ‘DH point 5’ as in 50%, a one day class instead of the usual two day format.  Both DH.5 and DC.5 will include low light training.  Also, both DH.5 and DC.5 meet the pre-requisite requirements to take DC2 and you need to complete DC2 in order to take UBC.

$100 deposit is required to save your seat in any class.  Deposits can either be mailed to the POB below or using PayPal to send a DONATION to steve@paladintraining.com.  If you use PayPal, click on ‘DONATE’ and search charities for Paladin Training.  If check, payable to Paladin Training.

Grant classes will be offered until we run out of ammunition, so reserve your seat soon.  Hint:  One of our classes makes a great Christmas present!

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

II.  Technique gotten sloppy or just feel the need for a tune-up, but don’t have the time for a full two-day class?  Consider arranging a private clinic for carbine, shotgun or rifle.  Call if you’d like to discuss particulars:  843-618-1381.

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.

Urban Break-Contact
UBC

The purpose of UBC is to help the student develop the mindset, gun handling skills and tactics needed to successfully disengage from a numerically superior force in an urban environment. Think somewhere between WW-Z and Kyle Ritten-house.

It builds on the foundations we developed in DH1, DC1 and DC2, and those three classes (or their outside equivalents) are firm pre-requisites for attending UBC.

UPC presumes you have sense enough not to willingly drive into a situation full of ‘hostiles’, so participants are encouraged to begin each scenario in their normal everyday civilian clothes…in ‘mufti’. You will quickly learn how well your arrangement lends itself to being retrieved and put on quickly (and correctly) while under duress.

Day 1 is spent reviewing the basics covered in DH1, DC1 and DC2. Days 2 and 3 are spent working the various combinations available to an individual and team member to break contact, gradually building in difficulty and intensity.

It is NOT necessary that you attend with a team-mate. We’ll pair you up with another solo attendee or one of the Assistant Instructors.

The operating envelope for this class is Contact Distance to 100 yards.

UBC includes a low-light segment at the end of Day 1 and Day 2.

Administrative:
When: 18 – 20 FEB 2022
Where: Lake Darpo, SC
Start time: Sign in begins at 0830; class at 0900
Cost: $450
Prerequisites: DH1, DC1 and DC2 (all, or outside equivalents — ask)
Physical requirements: Moderate
Only US citizens are allowed to attend this class.

DH1 review topics include:
1. Standard firing positions
2. Movement – Lateral, turns and pivots left, right and to the rear
3. Working cover
4. Stoppages
5. Low light considerations

DC1 review topics include:
The same as DH1
Add transition to the Secondary

DC2 review topics include:
1. Movement – Add aggressing the Threat
2. Maneuver – Travelling, bounding overwatch
3. Intra-team communications – Problems posed by stress, problems posed by low light
4. Fighting from the defilade – Supporting fire

UBC topics include:
1. Vehicular ambush
2. Fighting from, around, and to get away from, a vehicle

Practical exercises include (All both day and low-light):
1. Dealing with multiple Threats and non-Threats at various distances; making use of cover, mobility, and standard and unconventional positions
2. Movement (Individual and team)
3. Stoppage reduction
4. Discrimination drills (shoot / no-shoot)
5. Inducing and mitigating physiological responses to stress (Noise and artificially induced tunnel vision)
6. Cross sector engagements

What to bring:
1. Good attitude

2. Carbine in 5.56 NATO or 7.62 x 39 equipped with a two-point sling
a. BUIS encouraged but not mandatory
b. RDS / LPVO encouraged but not mandatory
c. a high intensity weapon mounted light strongly encouraged but not mandatory

3. Magazines: However many you usually carry times two: Six minimum. Put your name on them.

4. 1000 rounds of carbine ammo (NO ‘Green Tip’)

5. Defensive handgun (9 x 19 minimum) and normal carry rig

6. Spare magazines: However many you usually wear times two: Four minimum. Put your name on them.

7. 500 rounds of jacketed factory handgun ammo

8. Handheld flashlight

9. Ear and wrap-around ANSI or Mil-spec rated eye protection

10. Baseball type cap (visor okay)

11. Lunch / snacks / water / electrolyte replacement / whine stoppers

12. CLM (clean, lubricate, maintenance) gear

13. Spare batteries, etc.

Optional, but recommended:
1. Trauma kit AND first aid kit

2. Bug spray / sunscreen / other seasonal issues

3. Rain gear – Training continues in the event of rain.

4. Note taking stuff  This is important!

5. Folding chair

If you’ll be travelling from out of town, ask me about the Paladin discounts offered by the local Marriott hotels.

Make sure you bring whatever you’ll need during the day (like lunch). There are no eating establishments nearby.

Hope you can make it.
Steve

steve@paladintraining.com / 843-618-1381

We still have space available in Urban Break Contact No. 10 scheduled for 18 – 20 FEB. We only do one of these each year, and you have to meet the training prerequisites of DC1 and DC2 (or outside equivalent).  I’ll be publishing an LOI for the class in a day or two. Short version: Lake Darpo / $450 / 1000 rds carbine & 100 rds pistol. 

Prior UBC attendees get a discount. 

Contact me with questions, etc:  steve@paladintraining.com or 843-618-1381.

We’re changing the location of the BDP class this Saturday from Marion County to Lake Darpo. Lake Darpo is located off US-52 about halfway between Dovesville and Society Hill. Google “Lake Darpo, SC 29593”. Unless you get there before I do Saturday morning, there’ll be a Paladin sign at the turn off.

Follow Lake Darpo Road all the way to the clubhouse at the end. Call or email me if you have any problems.

843-618-1381 / steve@paladintraining.com

Everything else remains the same.

I’ll make the decision Thursday evening based on the current weather forecast to either have the class or postpone it. If you don’t get a text by 9 pm, give me a call @ 843-618-1381.

Basic Defensive Pistol is still on for 29 JAN. I’ll make the final call Thursday evening based on the weather forecast and notify everyone via text. Be sure that you have 843-618-1381 saved in your phone’s contact list.

Cold we can deal with. Cold and wet is a non-starter.

Two points:
1. If something comes up and you can’t make the class, that’s not a problem, but please let me know ASAP so I can fill your spot. I’ve got people on standby.

2. If I’ve asked for your phone number and you’ve not provided it, I’m going to assume you’re not coming and give someone your spot. Still got time to fix that.

This is going to be a fun class, but the curriculum is aggressive so expect to work hard. Lots of material to cover. Take notes!

See you Saturday!
Steve
843-618-1381

Basic Defensive Pistol (BDP)

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor via the Coastal Community Foundation of SC, Paladin Training is able to offer a limited number of one-day, no-cost firearm training classes for new shooters. Both tuition and ammunition requirements have been met by the grant and will be waived until the grant is depleted.

Interpretation: The class is free and we provide all the ammo for it.

Purpose of Basic Defensive Pistol (BDP)
This class is geared toward the new or prospective owner of a defensive handgun and is designed to help establish a proper foundation in handling and marksmanship skills.

The larger purpose of the class is to help good people meet their moral responsibilities regarding the protection of innocent life.

At the conclusion of this training, the student will have:
1. The correct foundation upon which to further develop marksmanship skills;
2. The ability to efficiently reduce stoppages when they occur and keep the gun running;
3. The administrative skills necessary to competently handle the handgun;
4. The knowledge to properly clean, lubricate and maintain the handgun.

Training Outline
1. Safety & Emergency Procedures
2. Nomenclature, function cycle and controls
3. Overview of lubrication and maintenance procedures
4. Natural Point of Aim
5. Fundamentals of combat marksmanship
6. Stoppage reduction
7. Use of cover
8. Discussion: Legal v. Moral; Right v. Responsibility; Mindset

Admin Stuff
Date: Saturday, 29 JAN 2022
Location: 402 SC 576, Marion, SC (from Florence, 1.4 miles past the Beneteau Boat factory. Look for the Paladin sign.)
Cost: $0 (normally $150)
Prerequisite training: None
Physical requirements: Light
Start / Stop Times: 9:00 am – Dusk (Registration begins 8:30 am)

Important Notices!
We reserve the right to withhold training.
We may request that you provide us with a character reference.

Equipment Requirements
1. Defensive handgun in 9 mm Parabellum (We have loaners. Let us know
you’ll need one ahead of time.)
2. Holster and one mag carrier
3. Gun belt (pants must have belt loops)
4. Concealment garment (jacket, vest, etc.)
5. Up to 200 rds of ammunition (PROVIDED)
6. Three magazines (min) and the ability to carry at least one reload on your body
7. Safety gear (ball cap, ear pro and ANSI or mil-spec rated wraparound eye pro)
8. Lunch, snacks, meds, whine stoppers, etc.
9. Hydration (electrolyte replacement strongly recommended to supplement your water)

Optional stuff
10. Bug spray, sunscreen, other seasonal equipment
11. Rain gear (training will continue in the event of rain)
12. Note-taking gear
13. Folding chair
14. Sun canopy

Misc
Be prepared to eat lunch at the range.
Space is limited.

I recommend you talk with me before you purchase something expensive for the class.

If you want to reserve a spot or have questions, contact me at steve@paladintraining.com or 843-618-1381.

Paladin Training, Inc.
POB 12752
Florence, SC 29504

Paladin Training is a public charity under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Our mission is to provide world-class crime prevention & homeland security training to law-enforcement, military, and – America’s original first responders – the armed private citizen.

Defensive Handgun 1 scheduled for 9 – 10 OCT at Lake Darpo!
Here’s the LOI:

Defensive Handgun 1
Date: 9 – 10 OCT 2021
Location: Lake Darpo, 4900 North Governor Williams Hwy., Society Hill, SC
Day 1 hours: 9 am to 9 pm (registration begins at 8:30 am)
Day 2 hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Training pre-requisites: NONE
Physical requirements: Light
Cost: $300
Discounts
Full time LEO: $150
Active Duty Military (including USCG, SCARNG & SCANG): No Charge

Training Outline:
Safety
Legal and moral constraints on the use of deadly force
Stopping mechanisms
Tueller Drill
Presentation
Combat marksmanship fundamentals
Reloads
Movement
Turns
Malfunctions
Decision making drills
Low-light considerations
Night-fire exercise

What to bring:
Defensive handgun w / holster
Concealment garment
Sturdy gun-belt (pants with belt loops!)
Three mags / speed-loaders (minimum) and the ability to carry at least one reload on your body
400 – 500 rds jacketed handgun ammunition
Safety gear:
Ear and wraparound ANSI (or mil-spec) rated eye protection

NOTE:  Bring TWO pair of safety glasses; a tinted pair for day use and a clear pair for night use.

Ball cap
LCM (lube/clean/maintenance) gear
High intensity handheld flashlight / spare batts
Lunch / snacks / water (30 minute lunch break on-site each day)

Optional stuff:
Insect spray, rain gear, sun screen – any other seasonal items
First aid kit
Folding chair (strongly encouraged)
Note taking equipment

Whine-stoppers

Admin:
A $100 deposit is required to lock in a slot. The deposit is 100% refundable up to 30 days prior to class date or at anytime the class is cancelled for reasons that don’t involve you. The deposit may be sent to steve@paladintraining.com via PayPal or by personal check to: Paladin Training, POB 12752, Florence, SC 29504.

If you have questions, please call 843-618-1381 early so we can head off any potential problems and help ensure you have a quality learning experience.

Paladin Training is a public charity under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Our mission is to provide world-class crime prevention & homeland security training to law-enforcement, military, and – America’s original first responders – the armed private citizen.