AAR: Combat Rifle / Contact Drills (CRCD) 3/4 May – Jim W

AAR  May 3-4

I have read a number of AAR’s about the CRCD class to help figure out what I would write.   One thing stood out for me that has been mentioned, but not highlighted.  Max and Aaron are excellent instructors, they even have a little “good cop, bad cop” thing goin’ on.   There is nothing more I can say that hasn’t been said by many/most- but this class was the most fun shit I have done in years!    Exhilarating!   Heart pounding, physically demanding, chest thumping freakin’ awesomeness!

Our fire team assaulted a bunker and proceeded to lay down suppressive fire for another team.   Max called cease fire, and I realized I was breathing hard, my feet hurt,  my knees and shins were bruised from dropping for cover all weekend, and my barrel was smoking.   I looked over at my teammates, and everyone looked like I felt, and all had smoking barrels and big ass grins on their faces.   All I could think was, “Awesome!  I want to do this again.   I gotta schedule another class!”

The other students were all great, friendly people.  If you are hesitant to go because you think it might be a class of psycho revolutionaries, rest easy.  I was surprised at the amount of educated folks who were there.  PhD’s, a lawyer, tech folks, a retired pilot; all very friendly and motivated.  I was easily the meathead of the group- I wasn’t “that guy” though.  But even “that guy” was a friendly, engaging fellow who was there to learn.  He even offered me one of his last beers upon arrival Friday night before class.

I have been to other square range type tactical schools and a few Appleseeds.  All were excellent and informative.   One thing I don’t like is you spend all your time loading three rounds in your magazines in anticipation of stoppages or reloads.   At MVT you are out on the range, contact comes and you are either advancing or withdrawing with full magazines.  You don’t know when the stoppage or reload is going to come.  It seemed to me, often it was right before I bounded.  My teammate would yell “move!”, and just as I was about to move- empty… “Reloading/stoppage!”  To maintain any type of rhythm or flow, you need to be able to perform the proper action quickly.   You’ll get plenty of practice.

If you’re thinking about going, do it.   You will be glad you did.

Excellent job Max, Aaron and Fred.   Thanks!

Jim W.