TacTrain Intro to Wilderness Combat and Maneuvers Course Description

Introduction to Wilderness Combat
and Maneuvers Course Description
A Course in Team and Self-Management last updated 05-23-11

The Introduction to Wilderness Combat and Maneuvers is a Level-III 1st Dimension 2-day (28 hour) Course conducted in the Arizona desert wilderness. Training includes both Battle Pistol and Battle Carbine as well as; introductions to Communication, Leadership, Equipment Management/Maintenance, Land Navigation, Individual/Team Assault, Cache, Ambush/Counter-Ambush, Bivouac, Defense/Offense Positions, Recon, Mission Planning/Operations, Reconnaissance, Day/Night Patrols, Field Movement, Wilderness Survival Skills, Environmental Management, Intelligence Gathering/Utilization, Escape and Evade, Casualty Management, Field Movement, and more. Students will be challenged to experience and build, both individual and team skills.

Course Objective: To provide TacTrain square range students with a unique and challenging Desert Wilderness Experience as they learn to utilize previous firearms and mental fight training to their best advantage in a volatile desert environment. Designed as an introductory learning experience, students will be continually challenged to utilize new skill sets to accomplish specific goals, both physical and mental. This course provides students with a unique personal insight into the unfamiliar, and often overlooked pitfalls of the surrounding Sonora Desert, as well as build confidence in their ability to master not only a difficult and dangerous environment, but difficult and dangerous situations as well.

Course Prerequisite: Successful Completion of TacTrain Skill at Arms Development Level-I and Level-II Battle Pistol AND Level-I and Level-II Battle Carbine.

Course Duration: Approximately 28 hours, 6 AM - 10 AM (0600 hours Saturday morning around the clock until 1000 hours Sunday morning). Students should be prepared for additional hours depending on the speed of the class.

Course Location: Foothills of the Bradshaw and Black Mountains in the Sonoran Desert, about 2 hours north of Phoenix.

Student Provided Equipment (approximate minimum):
     -- 1 carbine (the type used during Level-I/II Battle Carbine training), and associated gear.
     -- 1 pistol (the type used during Level-I/II Battle Pistol training), and associated gear.
     -- 6, 30 round carbine magazines (loaded 28 rounds each -168 rounds).
     -- 4 pistol magazines (double stack loaded to capacity) - or - 6 single stack (1911 type loaded to capacity).
     -- 1 large fix-blade field knife -and/or 1 quality folding knife.
     -- 1 web type (deuce gear), or other harness type/chest, or load bearing vest, to store magazines, equipment, etc.
     -- 1 weapon, maintenance kit, portable (Bore Snake, toothbrush).
     -- 1 Individual.First.Aid.Kit (IFAK), portable.
     -- 2 MRE's (Meal-Ready-to-Eat).
     -- 8 energy bars.
     -- 1 Day/Assault Pack (GI type A.L.I.C.E. pack works well, or similar commercial day pack).
     -- 1 US, GI type poncho.
     -- 1 US, GI type poncho liner.
     -- 2 Cyalume type chemical break lights.
     -- 3 Pairs of socks, subdued earth tones.
     -- 1 foot powder, small, portable.
     -- 1 belt mounted flashlight, batteries.
     -- 1 two-way Motorola type GMRS handheld radio/ batteries (optional).
     -- 1 handheld compass (Lensatic or similar type).
     -- 1 pen/pencil.
     -- 1 small (3x5, 5x7 etc.) notepad.
     -- 1 set, US, GI type BDU clothing, subdued earth tones.
     -- 1 pair, light-sturdy desert boots.
     -- 2 - 1 Quart US, GI type canteens (or similar).
     -- 1 Camelback hydration carrier (optional).
     -- 1 small, light bedroll.
     -- 1 head cover (hat, subdued color) + 1 bandana type cloth/rag (subdued color).
     -- 1 Multi-Tool (recommended but optional).

NOTE: Students can expect moments of general discomfort and inconvenience. Students should expect to receive mild cuts, abrasions, sun-burns, and beware the ever present threat of cactus and thorned vegetation. As this course is conducted in the desert wilderness; snakes, insectia, and various vermin will likely be encountered and properly negotiated. Students should be in reasonably good physical condition and health. This course is not meant to be impossible, but rather to stretch the student out from the normal gun training environment, presenting them with the opportunity to experience seldom available type training, and the opportunity to succeed.