Student Review: Combat Rifle Manipulation (CRM) 30 May – 01 June: F
Max: The weekend of 30 May – 01 June was the inaugural Combat Rifle Manipulation (CRM) Class on the new MVT Square Range.
The purpose of this new class is to act as the connective between the fundamentals of shooting and tactical training. It is not a standard ‘square range’ class and is a fully combat focused to train the skills which will give you the confidence and ability to master classes like the Combat Rifle / Contact Drills (CRCD) Classes.
From the CRM Page:
The intent of the weapons manipulation classes is to provide a more in-depth training service, while remaining focused on the MVT philosophy of progressing students towards realistic combat tactical training. ‘Square range’ weapons manipulation classes are part of the transition from basic marksmanship to field firing tactical training. The MVT manipulation classes are focused on transitioning the student towards tactical training, such as found on the CRCD classes. The danger of ‘square range’ training is that it becomes an end in itself, a diversion from the real purpose of the transition, which will give students a false sense of their training level, and in many cases teaches habits that are harmful to your health in a combat environment.
MVT ‘square range’ weapons manipulation training remains focused on the progression to tactical training. These classes can be taken as precursors to the tactical classes, as additional skill builders, or as stand alone classes in their own right.
Above: not yet complete, the new range is shaping up well.
F’s Review:
I took Aaron’s Combat Rifle Manipulation (CRM) class this last weekend.
I know some of you will ask, “F why take it? isn’t it a basic class and I know you shoot Carbine all the time?”
There is one reason,…… I know how well credentialed and competent the Instructor Aaron is and I was curious, eager even, to take a class from him and see what I might learn or improve about my weapons handling.
The Class didn’t disappoint, here are some just some highlights:
- When Aaron covered rifle malfunctions, showed us how to clear even the most esoteric ones and made us run these clearance drills with induced malfunctions many many times over.
- To add some spice he even made it a bit competitive, where once we learned the material we raced to our rifles in different “sticks” trying to get ours functional first and show the others we were done first, by shooting as controlled pair once it was cleared.
- I have never had anyone cover malfunctions clearance this thoroughly, the bolt override clearance I had never mastered before for that matter.
- Good solid reactions drills, with explanations on how to react and why it is good to react that way via body posture etc.
- In many drills on the line naturally a competitive spirit developed and I know some were trying to beat their buddy in speed.
- The drills worked.. a friend of mine who was there whom I outshot in speed by a margin in the beginning, in the last few firing orders was starting to match me. This shows these drills work!
- Aaron also covered some of the more esoteric, firing positions for completeness sake…but (and this I liked a lot) he made it quite clear that these are niche positions only to be used in isolated and unique situations and that the standard positions are preferable.
The facility was spartan but had all it needed and the focus was definitely on the shooter and the gun.
Aaron, showed himself to be a natural instructor who enjoys what he does and is good at it.
I can unequivocally recommend this class to anyone.
F… 
Thanks Max for the get off my ass pep talk!! Albeit not so fat ass, but certainly in need of stamina and strength training. It is far too easy for the every day grind and luxuries to bring us far away from training in WV. Keep on getting on our cases! Live Hard!
I, however, won’t be giving up my local beef cheeseburger, topped with homemade cheese, on homemade bread roll. Is it hard to milk a goat, make cheese, and make bread from scratch? Yup, it sure is and can even be a pain in the ass! Living hard now will hopefully soften the transition into the new world of self sufficiency. Prepping is easy and it isn’t training. It is easy to go to SAM’s, load up on bulk junk food, and store it. No different than going to the fast food store. Making everything yourself is a different story. Train yourself now.
My training involves going beyond PREP and I live it daily. It also helps with integrating PT. Chasing goats around an unfenced property works the cardio, carrying a 45 lb. child uphill through the woods on your back simulates a backpack, and there is practice of combat communication by yelling your best battle cry after stepping barefoot ,in new guard puppies poo…MOVING!!
Your Mental Preparation post really helped me too. While ‘Living It,’ it is quite difficult to have an intelligent conversation with a rooster. Sometimes Visualization is all I’ve got. For further visualization I tucked me head into ‘Patriot Dawn’. I look at the fighter jets that buzz the Blue Ridge with different eyes. You left me hanging and I’ve had to pick up another guys book! When is the sequel due out?
Aaron – I will be heading up to WV for CRM in August and I can’t wait! For me the CRM is a skill builder as well as confidence builder. The competitive spirit that F mentioned boosted me too. There is nothing like showing up the good old boys. ;)
My new rifle and I will be there with bells on. The Bull Pup/Tavor that you guys recommended will have to be next year’s Mothers Day gift. It would be great to try one on, but it proved difficult to get my hands on one. I’ve decided to stay with the AR-15 to keep continuity. Don’t take any of my excuses that it is “too heavy”…no cry babies right?! And speaking of babies, Redcoat will be on baby duty for CRM weekend…woo hoo for me! But we will both be back for another round of CRCD. Until then I’ll keep living it hard and more PT.
Thanks again guys! Shortbread