Sunday, August 21, 2011

Redback One's Combat Training System (CTS)


Over the past 6 years I have been designing and developing a systematic approach to combat marksmanship that builds a shooter from the ground up. This system is designed to train a shooter to handle, operate, carry and control a pistol, carbine or shotgun in a tactical environment. The application of this system is very robust and can be applied to the military, law enforcement and private citizens. This system is called the Combat Training System or CTS.

The techniques that are taught in CTS have been designed, developed, tested and evaluated by RB1 SME's prior to being incorporated into our training courses. Our SME's have extensive real world combat experience. All have multiple combat deployments to the Middle East and other areas of operations as members of Australia's Special Operations Task Group and U.S Special Operations Command.

Our CTS training techniques are unique in many ways. We have evolved current techniques to be faster and more efficient and developed our own techniques bringing new methods of deploying weapons and accessories to the tactical shooting world. The CTS techniques have been designed to teach a shooter how to systematically and subconsciously apply the fundamentals of combat marksmanship and weapons manipulation to maintain high hit probability and lethality and, to keep the gun running in a tactical environment.

Some of our unique training techniques include:

RB1 Power Turns - This method of turning to engage a threat is based on our asymmetric shooting platforms and allows the shooter to turn and engage a threat from 90/180 degrees up to .50 sec faster than standard turns and pivots. A saving of .50 sec in a gun fight can mean all the difference! The principle action in this technique is driving the outside hip towards your threat. This creates speed of movement and power similar to a boxer throwing a straight right punch. We incorporate angular momentum from the upper body to increase the speed of movement. The shooter needs to be comfortable shooter on the natural side with both the left foot or the right foot forward. This technique has direct cross over to our barricade shooting method and combatives program, allowing the shooter to perform strikes and parries to incapacitate or control non-combatants as required.

CTS: Power Turns

Transitioning to secondary weapons - Our method of transitioning from primary to secondary and back to primary have been developed for speed and efficiency as well as to allow the shooter to perform visual checks to determine why the weapon failed! Key points in this technique are tuning the primary weapon palm down with the support hand, and recovering the primary at the balance point of the weapon allowing the shooter to visually inspect the chamber as he re-holsters the secondary.

CTS: Transitioning from Primary to Secondary Weapon

System Check - Our system check allows the shooter to visually inspect the position of the bolt after an engagement by rolling the carbine/shotgun to the left or returning the pistol to the high ready. This check verifies the condition of the weapon, an important procedure under extreme combat stress where the shooter can unintentionally fail to recognize a weapon stoppage preventing him from engaging.

CTS: System Check

Flashlight Deployment - Our method of incorporating a hand held flashlight during low light engagements is an adaptation of another well known technique. However, with the RB1 method, the shooter is able to illuminate the sight picture and the threat at the same time. This aides the shooter to easily check the sight package prior to engaging. The flashlight is held in the support hand, hammer fist style, indexing the fist against the cheek bone. This aligns the light source with the shooters eyes, sights and target, giving him an excellent view of the situation. This technique does rely on being competent at shooting with the strong hand only.

CTS: Flashlight technique during our Night Fighting Course

Combat Grip
Pistol: The RB1 method of gripping the pistol gives the shooter greater recoil management than any other technique currently being taught. The grip looks similar to other grips being taught however the arm placement is the true key to the RB1 pistol grip method and recoil management. Having the arms parallel with the axis of the barrel increases the grip pressure at the top of the frame, limiting the weapons natural fulcrum action when fired. Our carbine grip leverages of the principles taught for the pistol, however the support hand is forward on the hand-guard.

CTS: Pistol Grip

Carbine: Our carbine grip will see the shooter with the support thumb indexing the target as per the pistol grip and therefore clear from the IR beams of the laser/illuminator. The alternate grip gives the shooter the option of wrapping the support thumb over the top of the rail interface further decreasing the fulcrum action during firing. The support arm should be parallel with the axis of the barrel as per the pistol grip allowing the shooter to draw the weapon into the shoulder pocket with both strong and support hands, increasing recoil management. This technique allows the shooter to drive the weapon faster from target to target by pulling and pushing the front of the gun. Accuracy is also increased as a greater portion of the barrel is being stabilized by the support hand. The elbow of the support hand should form a slight obtuse angle allowing the shooter to employ RB1 Combative techniques when required.

CTS: Carbine Grip

Y-Factor - We a true believers in providing the reasons why our techniques are taught as well as how and where they are applied. Giving the student a reason for learning increases the desire to learn and is seen as the crux of the adult learning process.

These are some examples of the methodology and techniques that form the RB1 Combat Training System.

RB1 - "innovation not imitation!"

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Carbine's for Duty Carry, Which One and Why?

The United States is the center of gravity for all things tactical. The U.S market represents 90% of the world market and because of this the world's premier weapons manufacturers have set up shop here in continental United States to sell their wears to the military, law enforcement agencies and private citizens.


However, after world events such as 911 there has been a huge demand for weapons in the U.S. This placed massive strain on quality control systems of weapons companies as demand overtook supply. As a result, manufacturers produced what could only be seen by the end user as lower quality products that failed to meet the expectation of the consumer.


Another issue to compound the existing problems was the injection of new companies looking to capitalize on the buyers market. This has become the biggest issue for end users as one weapon looks much the same as another, yet one is priced to meet the budget of most civilian shooters and law enforcement agencies struggling with budgetary constraints and the other priced for high end private users and military units. To the layman, both weapons meet the specifications of the end user and price then becomes the deciding factor.


I would like to focus this writing towards the law enforcement officer looking to purchase a weapon for duty carry or an LE department looking to outfit the department with a patrol rifle for general patrol use or for tactical SWAT applications.


Here is a list of considerations when selecting a weapon for duty carry/use.


1. Mil-Spec: I am a firm believer in buying a carbine that meets Mil-Spec standards. The military operates in the harshest environments on the planet and if it's good enough for them, it's definitely good enough for domestic use. All of my AR15's/M4's are fully Mil-Spec, as are the parts kits and accessories. I will not have anything on or in my weapons that do not meet these requirements.


2. Manufacturer: (This is a contentious issue as the industry is full of 'experts' looking to capitalize on promoting themselves by promoting a weapon manufacturer. Bottom line is, business is business, but don't fall foul of believing the hype! Remember, the U.S market is 90% of the world market. Everyone is out to make a buck!)


Stick with high end manufacturers that build guns for the military. Colt has been supplying quality M4's to the military for a long time. I used one while serving and it ran like a charm. I now have two H&K 416's. I have had nothing but success from both of these guns and don't believe the hype that's out there about the problems with this weapon. I have LMT guns all are Mil-Spec and all run like a charm. My latest project is a collaboration with Monty from Centurion Arms to produce a fully Mil-Spec carbine for Redback One. Centurion Arms is a small and up coming company that produces excellent quality Mil-Spec carbines. Monty has put together rifles and carbines that closely resemble those currently being used by Special Operations personnel. An example of this is his Mk 12 SPR.


3. Direct Gas Impingement or Piston: I have used all of the quality DGI and piston guns on the market today. I like both operating systems. My advise is this. Stay away from piston driven guns that are not currently in wide spread use by U.S Special Operations. I have seen all of the issues such as heat transfer to the hand-guards, reliability issues, excess recoil, accuracy problems, vibrations causing accessories to rattle loose and so on.


The fact is, good piston guns are more reliable than DGI guns because they will run without much lubricant and gas and carbon is not being deposited back into the bolt, bolt-carrier and body of the weapon which contributes to weapon malfunctions. FACT: piston guns need to be lubricated. Don't think that you will get away without lubing your weapon. Piston guns run better after a good cleaning and a light oil. This will not only enhance performance under normal conditions but it will prevent excess wear and tear on all parts, saving the bottom line of the department.


All piston guns recoil harder that a standard DGI gun. When I began shooting my HK416's I wasn't sure that I was going to like them due to the excess recoil. But, after only a short time I was able to manage recoil using our recoil management system just as effectively as any DGI gun.


4. Barrel Length: I believe that a 14.5" barrel is the best barrel length to issue patrol officers for duty. This length is perfectly suited for all conditions from rural to urban operations. Muzzle velocities are high enough to stabilize the projectile out to 200 meters, the lethal range of the weapon system. It's not too long so patrol officers can deploy the weapon quickly and effectively for active shooter response.


For tactical SWAT applications, I would encourage the decision to purchase a 10.5" barreled carbine. This will allow the officers to maneuver the weapon efficiently when conducting missions involving room clearing and CQB. Although terminal performance is compromised due to the much lower muzzle velocities. The 5.56 round can still be just as effective but relies more on shot placement that the terminal performance of the round selected. (The previous statement is true across the board, however training is the biggest factor effecting the lethality of the patrol officer.)


5. Round Selection: For law enforcement use I strongly advocate using the Hornady 75 grain TAP round as the preferred round for patrol and SWAT applications. This round has been tested and approved for use in U.S SOCOM and gives terminal performance similar to BH 77 grain OTM LR ammunition.


6. Accessories: I am a big believer in aiding the abilities of the shooter by equipping him with accessories that enhance his capability and lethality.


A. Having a quality weapon mounted flashlight is of paramount importance and should be seen as a standard accessory permanently mounted to the carbine. My preferred manufacturer is Surefire. No other flashlight compares, or comes close to them. I use scout lights on all of my carbine in various configurations from 3V, 6V, IR V series, low profile mounts to standard mounts. This is the best carbine flashlight on the market!


B. I believe that all tactical SWAT personnel should be issued with an NVG and Laser for there weapons. This force multiplier enhances the teams capability and enhances lethality by being able to target individuals without the need for visible light which can lead to mission compromise, potentially effecting a successful outcome.


C. Having a quality red-dot sight on the weapon is an obvious enhancement to the targeting capability of the officer during daylight or low light operations. I choose Aimpoint as my preferred combat optic and the T1 micro and the preferred model. You can't beat the battery life and how robust they are.


D. Keep a quality pair of iron sights on the weapon just in case the optic fails!


E. A sound suppressor can be an effective tool to enhance command and control at the tactical level. It also provides a silent entry capability for the assault team with the right set up and training. This is a desirable feature not an essential one. Go with a reputable brand such as Surefire or AAC.


F. You will need a sling for the weapon. Slings can be used for tactical use and for administrative purposes. Choose a sling that will best serve your purpose. The sling must NOT prohibit the maneuverability of the weapon or restrict the user from accessing the control features of the weapon. There is way too much industry hype on sling choice. Don't believe the hype! A two point sling will allow you to sling the weapon on your back to climb, go hands on, conduct admin, attend to a casualty etc. It will also allow you to operate the weapon tactically and transition to your secondary weapon as required. A single point sling is purpose built for CQB only and you will not be able to perform the functions mentioned of the two point sling. I have designed a two point sling that is low profile, only 1" wide, is adjustable for tactical use and administrative use. It will be available soon through RB1 and SORD USA.


My final thoughts are this. Buy quality and buy once! Don't believe the hype! Seek advise from unbiased people that know what they are talking about.


Please feel free to contact me or Redback One at any time for any advise on training, tactics or equipment.


Stay Safe.