Audience/Who Should Attend:
Responsible and conscientious adults who serve as part of an organization’s security or life safety team. 

Important: This is not a “handgun 101” course. Participants must already have a basic understanding of and ability to safely handle and manipulate their pistol in a controlled manner with a calm demeanor. TAP is a basic, skill-building course but it is not an introductory course for a person who has never fired a handgun or who is not familiar with how to safely handle a handgun. 

You need not be an accomplished marksman, but your behavior and actions must demonstrate that you have a keen awareness of the powerfully destructive potential of a firearm. 

Note: At the beginning of class you will be asked to demonstrate how to perform the functions of your firearm and the physical measures listed under the “Prerequisites and Physical Requirements for Firearms Training” section.  If you cannot perform these tasks you will not be allowed to continue with the course.
 

Synopsis:
This dynamic and life-changing course is intended as an introduction and foundation for the base skills necessary to act as a discreetly armed protector as part of a life safety team. We combine the fundamentals of marksmanship with basic tactical principles to teach you skills for how to fight and defend life with a handgun. Our discussions include the lawful and biblically proper use of force supported by Supreme Court case precedents. These skill competencies include deploying your pistol, firing, maintaining situational awareness, and managing your gear while:

• Bilaterally using a stationary position of concealment/cover;
• Moving forward and backward with your pistol ready in an “up” or high ready position;
• Moving laterally and at oblique angles with your pistol ready or engaged;
• Utilizing one or both hands from a variety of positions and fighting platforms.

Our building-block approach is appropriate for the novice who is already familiar with their pistol as well as the experienced individual who wants to take their skills and abilities to a new level. We focus on principles, tactics, and techniques to set you up for success in an armed encounter. As protectors, our mindset must be more than merely to survive, but rather to prevail and WIN in an armed attack.
 

Exercises and Drills:

• Safety and the Fundamentals of Marksmanship
• How to Discreetly Carry and Deploy a Firearm
• Proper Draw Stroke and Proper Recovery to the Holster
• The Lawful, Justifiable, and Biblically Proper Use of Force
• The Winning Warrior’s Mindset and Stress Management
• Loading, Unloading, and Reloading
• Developing Natural and Repeatable Index Points
• Communication and Working with a Partner
• Verbal Challenges and Commands
• Single and Multiple Threat Engagement
• Immediate Action Drills and Clearing Malfunctions/Stoppages
• Making Proper Decisions Under Duress
• Interacting with Responding Law Enforcement

Regarding our Training Philosophy and Practices:
Our training staff is composed of professional and experienced coaches and we take pride in being students ourselves. We believe in treating everyone respectfully and as adult learners. Our coaches participate in the learning process and we use a building block approach to solidify skills before moving toward more advanced concepts. We believe that “capability breeds humility.” In other words, by achieving a higher level of skill you will be able to better maintain composure while under duress. By managing fear the capable operator will operate more confidently, more quickly, and make better decisions in the stressful environment of a true emergency.

We do not believe in “check the box” training nor do we believe in “lowest common denominator” training. Individual assistance is always available. Those who are not safe and conscientious with their firearms, those who are not willing to be open-minded, receive new information, and try new concepts, and those who are not capable of keeping their ego in check should not enroll in our trainings.
 

Prerequisites and Physical Requirements for Firearms Training:

• You must understand the basics of how your firearm operates and be able to:

1. Lock the pistol open using the slide stop with the magazine removed;
2. Use the decocking lever to render the pistol safe (if so equipped);
3. Engage and disengage all safety devices (as equipped) while maintaining a master grip;
4. Release and recover an empty magazine using the magazine release button;
5. Field strip the pistol according to your owner’s manual for maintenance and cleaning.

• You must be able to operate in a SAFE and CONTROLLED manner. Speed is not an issue. Muzzle discipline (where the gun is pointed) and awareness are paramount.
• You must possess the physical strength and stamina to repetitively function and fire your pistol during training drills. You must be able to move forward, backward, and laterally under control while holding your firearm in front of you and pointing at the targets. As a matter of general fitness and a gauge for this course, you should be able to be on your feet for 3-4 hours, get down on the ground and back up again unassisted, perform 10 squats, and climb two flights of stairs at walking speed without becoming short of breath.
• You must have personal self-discipline and be able to always maintain mental, physical, and emotional control and not become over-excited or lose your composure. You must be open-minded and willing to accept coaching and instruction and follow commands.
• You must have a keen awareness and consideration for other participants while handling firearms and conducting drills in close proximity to one another.
• You must speak and understand fluent English.

Your Pistol:
Participants will use a full-size or compact pistol that fills the hand and allows all fingers to contact and wrap around the grip. Subcompact “pocket” pistols, (.22, .25, .32, and .380 calibers) are not allowed.  You may use a revolver OR a semiautomatic pistol but it must be of excellent quality and function without difficulty. If you train with a revolver, it must be a double action model.  Ultra-small pistols that only allow a three-fingered grip, derringers, revolvers that require you to remove the cylinder pin to reload them, single-action revolvers, and any pistol that has a capacity of less than five rounds are prohibited.
 

Your Belt, Holster, and Gear:
NYLON, LEATHER, or FABRIC HOLSTERS THAT COLLAPSE WHEN THE PISTOL IS DRAWN ARE NOT ALLOWED IN OUR TRAINING.  Holsters must be rigid and retain their shape. Inside-the-waistband and external belt holsters are both welcome as long as they are rigid and do not collapse or pancake when the pistol is drawn. You must use a secure and well-fitting holster that retains your firearm near your dominant hip. When holstered, the trigger guard of your pistol must be completely covered. “Secure” means that your pistol will never come out of the holster accidentally. Other types of holsters such as cross-draw, shoulder, ankle, belly-band, purse, or fanny pack models are valid methods of carrying but are not acceptable for this training.
 

Ammunition:
Minimum 600 rounds of factory ammunition for the handgun.  Ammunition may be hard to obtain from some suppliers. Purchase quality ammunition well in advance!

Logistics:
Make sure you have the necessary equipment listed for training. Having a backup firearm, holster, magazines, and ammunition is recommended in case of mechanical failure or a stoppage we cannot correct. We cannot guarantee that a “loaner” will be available for you.
 

Required Gear and Equipment:

• Pistol according to listed acceptable guidelines
• Holster according to listed acceptable guidelines
• 4 magazines or speed loaders for your pistol
• Belt-mounted pouch to carry at least 2 spare magazines or speed loaders (you must be able to carry a minimum of 24 rounds of ammunition on your person for all exercises)
• High-intensity flashlight (tail cap switch preferred) and spare batteries
• Hearing protection
• Wraparound eye protection – prescription glasses are acceptable
• Ballcap or cap with brim
• Jacket, vest, or heavy shirt to conceal your pistol and work from a concealed position
• Knee pads
• Hydration source
• Hand towel
• Sack lunch (we will not dismiss for lunch, bring your own!)
• Clothing and footwear suitable for all weather conditions
• Range bag, duffel, or suitable container that allows you to bring all gear to the line with you
• Cleaning equipment and materials in the correct caliber for your pistols