Student Review: HEAT 1 Combat Tactics
First-Time Student – A Transformative Experience at Max Velocity Tactical
HEAT 1: 26 Jun – 29 Jun 2025
As someone who has always been into the gun culture lifestyle, buying both firearms and gear, I had never taken the next step by attending any formal training. I totally take accountability for that decision and should have looked for training opportunities when first getting into the hobby.
After being asked to attend Max Velocity Tactical by some friends, I signed up for the 4-day HEAT 1 course in Romney, West Virginia. While excited to get out there and use my rifle & gear, I was also a bit nervous for the experience being a beginner.
Those nerves didn’t last long as we started day one with the fundamentals, continuing to build on what we had learned in each subsequent drill throughout the day. From the very beginning, the instructors Max and Scott set a tone of professionalism, competence, and most importantly safety. Their confident approach and clear communication helped me feel at ease and fully
engaged in the learning process on both the flat and tactical ranges. It was clear that both Max and Scott have real world experience and are fully qualified to teach this curriculum. During drills there was always a focus on safety and both Max and Scott were right with us providing reminders and guidance to ensure all standards were being met in real time. Each drill would
end with a detailed debrief where feedback was given on performance and areas to improve in future drills.
The course itself was incredibly well-structured spread out over four days. It introduced me to the fundamentals of weapon manipulation, tactical movement, communication, and mindset in a way that was both accessible and challenging. The first two days are spent on a flat range while the remainder of the time was spent on tactical ranges with challenging terrain. The hands-on
drills, team-based scenarios, and real-world applications made every day feel purposeful and rewarding. There is definitely a level of physical fitness required, so be sure to do some endurance type training before coming to Romney which is in the WV mountains. Also pay attention to the recommended gear list as you need to bring anything and everything you may need.
What stood out most over the four days was the supportive environment. Despite being a complete beginner, I never felt out of place. Max and Scott were patient yet firm, encouraging, and genuinely invested in helping each student grow, regardless of their starting point. The other students were also great, providing encouragement and support. It was nice to spend so much time with likeminded individuals.
By the end of the four days, I felt a real sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to the lifestyle. I left with new skills, greater confidence with my rifle, and a strong desire to continue training.
If you’re on the fence or new to this kind of experience, I can’t recommend Max Velocity Tactical enough. It’s a top-tier program run by professionals who truly care about your development and safety.
Jeff
