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Primary & Secondary Article Library

Explore the Primary & Secondary Article Library: practical writing on firearms, defensive training, law enforcement, equipment, tactics, mindset, and the people who contribute to the professional training community. Articles are organized to help readers find durable information, professional perspectives, and useful resources by subject.

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Functional Element Of Weapon Control

Concepts, Military, Training

We are continuing our discussion on the functional element of control. Specifically, we will be addressing workspace management. The reference for this study is TC 3-22.9 dated January…

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Conflicting SDZ’s

Concepts, Military, Training

We’re continuing our discussion on Surface Danger Areas (SDZ’s). Specifically, we will be discussing how they conflict with each other. I will be using Macridge impact area here…

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Opportunity Cost

Concepts, Training

This article begins in 2012, when I joined m4carbine.net.  It seemed to me to be a gathering of solid people giving out solid advice, so I started reading.…

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SDZ’s Continued

Concepts, Military, Training

We are continuing our discussion on Surface Danger Zones or SDZ’s. This is important to know, because to get certain range concepts approved by your range officer at…

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Machine Gun Classes Of Fire

Concepts, Military, Training

We’re going to continue our discussion of Machine Gun Theory. Specifically, we will discuss what the classes of fire are, and discuss them each in order. The old…

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The Art of Tactics

Concepts, Law Enforcement, Military, Training

The art of tactics consists of three interrelated aspects: the creative and flexible array of means to accomplish assigned missions, decision-making under conditions of uncertainty when faced with…

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Positive Weapon Control

Concepts, Military, Training

We are going to be discussing the first few components of the element of Control. Training Circular 3-22.9, Change 1 dated January 2017 states that control is: “all…

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The Laser Bore Sight

Concepts, Equipment, Military, Training

We are going to talk about lessons learned from the DRE this week. Specifically, we will be discussing a system that is underutilized in the arms room; The…

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Surface Danger Zones

Concepts, Military, Training

We are starting a discussion on Surface Danger Zones. Specifically we will discuss what the different types are, and the different parts that make up an SDZ. The…

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Ballistic Considerations of Machine Guns

Concepts, Military, Training

Time to start a new discussion about Machine Guns. Specifically, we will start to address the specific ballistic considerations that come into play when employing machine guns. We…

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Shooter Conditions and Compound Conditions

Concepts, Military, Training

We are continuing our discussion on the functional element of Aiming as it relates to the shot process. Specifically, we will be addressing shooter conditions and Compound Conditions.…

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Planning and Maximizing Dry Fire

Concepts, Military, Training

Due to the importance of dry fire, we are continuing our discussion on dry-firing. We have established what drills we need to do at a minimum according to doctrine,…

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25m M16/M4 Zero Target

Concepts, Military, Training

This one was primarily written by Mike Lewis who was the 82nd Airborne Small Arms Master Gunner before me. He worked with Ash Hess , John Brady , and Paul…

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Integrated Weapons Training Strategy (IWTS)

Concepts, Military, Training

We are continuing our discussion on the Integrated Weapons Training Strategy (IWTS), specifically, we will be addressing how to use it for planning and resourcing our training. Considerable…

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Complex Engagements

Concepts, Military, Training

To continue the previous article about aiming as a part of the shot process. Specifically, we will be focusing on what complex engagements are, what three conditions affect…

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Achieving Zero With An M4

Concepts, Military, Training

For this one we will be discussing how to achieve a good zero with the M4 Rifle. This is the first rounds that the Paratrooper will be firing…

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Range Facility Management Support System

Concepts, Military, Training

For this discussion we will be looking at how the two-week read-only calendar for the Range Facility Management Support System can be your best friend in finding available…

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Integrated Weapons Training Strategy

Concepts, Military, Training

We will be discussing the Integrated Weapons Training Strategy in more detail. The IWTS is structured with four gates, six tables for each gate. As with an x/y…

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Shot Process: Aiming

Concepts, Military, Training

TC 3-22.9 dated May 2016, states that aiming is “the continuous process of orienting the weapon correctly, aligning the sights aligning on the target, and the application of…

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