AAR #2: CRCD/Patrol April 5-9 – Eric

Wow…

There is so much I could talk about with this class.

First, I want to acknowledge Max and his willingness to train the average Joe how to defend himself and his family if SHTF should ever arise. Several times throughout the class, Max shared from his experience as a soldier in different parts of the world. He was a hardass only when he needed to be (when safety rules weren’t adhered to) but most of the time he was an even keeled, normal guy, who coached everyone one the level they needed coaching. Needless to say what we learned over those five days is an amazing compilation of tactics and knowledge from an excellent teacher.

Before I go into class content, I want to be honest about something: I was scared shitless in the days leading up to the start of this class. Several of my classmates shared with me a similar experience. I don’t know why for sure. I have always felt I could have been good at combat, but wasn’t really sure. I guess I was worried that I might look like a fool, make an ass of myself, or not measure up. The same challenges many men face I guess. But this experience proved to me I could do what needed to be done.

Certainly, there were no bullets coming back at us these past few days, but one thing I did pick up is that you don’t have to freeze when there is a high concentration of lead in the air.

During one of the exercises, our overwatch, fire support team shifted fire approximately 30 degrees off the objective so as not to endanger any of us in the assault party, but you still got to experience the “crack” (as Max describes it) of a bullet cutting through the air as it seeks it’s target. Fantastic, exhilarating, blood pumping experience.

Further take away from the class. So many of us who have never served in combat have had our perceptions shaped by Hollywood movies and the media.

There are no real “Rambos” amongst the masses of common men concerned about the future. Should your block, street, house, retreat, or hide be assaulted by a group of marauding bandits intent on taking your shit, if you and your group don’t have some training, chances are you and yours won’t make it out of it alive. In fact, I would bet that the average “prepper” will have no idea what to do if they come under fire. That is where MVT’s classes are so incredibly valuable.

One other observation, and recommendation, before you go (especially if you are doing the five day class) GET YOUR ASS IN SHAPE! I spent six weeks (Averaged probably three days a week) leading up to the class rucking, sprinting, pushups, etc, and thought I would do fine.

By the end of these 5 days, I was shot. I am sore in just about every muscle in my body, and there were a number of times I was absolutely gassed.

Count on it that if you go, you will be walking over, and climbing uneven, steep, hilly, almost mountainous ground, covered in rocks, limbs, and leaves. It would be challenging with just your body weight to carry, add in another 30 to 60 pounds of ammo, water, food, gear, and gun to the mix, you have a huge hill to climb (please forgive the pun).

Make sure your gun is clean, lubed, and in good working order. Had it not been for one guy bringing extra rifles, a couple guys would not have been able to participate because their guns failed. I took 1300 rounds of ammo, and came home with about two hundred, so take at least a thousand rounds.

Finally, I met some outstanding individuals through this experience. We had guys from 17 to 73. There was not one asshole, know-it-all, or “Rambo” in the bunch. For the most part, guys I would gladly go to war with if the need arose.

All in all, a great learning experience that I would recommend to anyone who desires to know how to defend themselves in case of SHTF, or just wants to challenge themselves, test their limits, and gain some invaluable knowledge.

Thanks Max for doing what you do, I had a blast, and learned a ton.

P.S. Thanks also to Max’s friends (you know who you are) who came and volunteered their time to add safety, and realism to the exercises.