Review: HEAT 2 Combat Patrol: Jim

HEAT 2 Combat Patrol AAR.

I attended my first HEAT 1 Combat Tactics class in December of 2020. That was the beginning of my formal SUT training, and this past week I was back in Romney for my third HEAT 2, my sixth HEAT training with Max. I am fortunate that I have the opportunity to train throughout the year with several friends that have been to the same MVT classes as a group. Every time I gain new insights and am able to absorb more that the previous time. My first HEAT 2 was awesome, but there was so much information that I truly only was able to keep up, and get through each drill. By continuing to come back at a minimum of once a year the knowledge is truly building, weapon malfunctions are now actually second nature.

I experienced a stoppage on day 2 (despite finally listening to Scott and bringing a Colt). The ease that I was able to clear the malfunction surprised me, as after the ENDEX I couldn’t articulate exactly what had been the issue, only that I was able to clear it rapidly, without looking at the rifle, and got back into the fight as quickly. This is due to not having to think about the weapon or the drill itself as both have become second nature after years of practice.

As far as the class itself, this is my favorite. Ambush and Attack days are glorious when well executed, and we had some great runs. The way in which the instruction is delivered is unparalleled to any other training I’ve received. Max and Scott work incredibly well together in the classroom portions, in rehearsals, and on the ranges.

The CTR (Close Target Reconnaissance) is a fantastic way to push the limits and see just how far is too far and how close is too close. A little hint: if you are close enough to observe enemy flatulence in detail, you are likely too close to said enemy.

Corrections are made in the appropriate way, and nothing escapes these instructors. If you screw up, someone is going to let you know. The level of the correction corresponds directly to the magnitude of the mistake. (“You could have done this better” all the way to “you couldn’t have done this more poorly”)

Safety is so critical with live fire SUT training, and it’s why there aren’t classes all over that offer this. It’s inherently risky, so having instructors that have the ability to keep things running safely is a huge factor in me and my team continuing to come back for more MVT training.

HEAT 2 is fantastic. It’s both physically and mentally challenging – you test yourself, you test your gear, but there is nothing else out there like it. Well, TEXAS Alumni Live Fire is comparable, and highly recommended as it’s in many ways a longer, bigger, more intense version of HEAT 2.

There have been a few changes over the years to this class, for example there is now a brief classroom rundown of TCCC (Tactical Casualty Combat Care, TC3), which is a great quick review (another reason to go to TX HEAT – there is an entire day for TCCC, as well as many drills incorporating taking casualties under fire).

If you are looking for an easy class where the instructors just pat you on the back and tell you you did a great job at the end of each exercise I would recommend you find somewhere else. If you are looking for a challenge and a way to grow tactically as an individual or as a team, this is it.

None of it would be possible without dedicated instructors as well as dedicated students, so I’m thankful that there are always both when I spend the time and money to attend MVT trainings.

Thank you Max and Scott for another great time in the WV hills.

Jim