AAR SIG Academy-Close Quarter Pistol Operator

I recently attended the SIG Sauer Academy – Close Quarter Pistol Operator Course. This one day class was taught by Todd Rassa. Todd is a Sig Instructor and also has his own training company Tactical Defense Readiness Concepts. He also works for a large municipal Police Dept. I had been to SIG twice in the past for armorer classes and had been impressed with the facilities and staff. In the two years since my last visit, they have been busy. It’s almost worth the trip there just to see the Pro Shop. (Leave Your Credit Card At Home).

Class started promptly at 0830 with 6 students attending, 4 of us being Law Enforcement Instructors and 2 Civilian Shooters. In speaking with the other students we were all either looking to improve skills or as a tune up and continuing education. (See I’m The Police Firearms Instructor, I Don’t Train Anymore).

Todd started the class with a safety briefing and then discussed CQB and the OODA Loop. His reasoning that we need to teach and train in CQB as a majority of defensive situations are indeed going to be at contact distance is valid, and was an eye opener for some. The need for muzzle-target separation was also explained. His explanation of the OODA Loop, brought home the point of the need to short circuit your adversaries plan.

Todd’s teaching style is professional but easy going and lends itself to a wide variety of experience levels. As several of us were instructors as well, Todd brought our experiences and training into the class to make various points. The classroom portion of the day lasted for about an hour, and then it was onto the range.

Once on the range, drills were demonstrated and the pros and cons explained prior to preforming them. Something I found refreshing, instead of the do it this way because  approach.

Without going into detail on specific techniques taught in class. The tried and true retention techniques were taught as well as the CAR and Modified CAR. I found the Modified CAR very useful. Muzzle-Target Separation was stressed, as were various distraction techniques. Movement was incorporated into each drill, also stressed was the reality that your ability to move due to obstacles will be limited. Single and multiple threats were addressed.

Fast but accurate shot placement from various positions was the order of the day, including starting from seated positions. I found the techniques realistic and applicable to real world situations for myself and my students. At no time was a “I invented this”, or “It was invented here” demeanor shown. Round count was ample to get the repetitions of the skill sets, without being unmanageable during our ammunition depleted times.

I would recommend this class to anyone who wishes to expand or refresh the tools in their “Tactical Toolbox”. SIG Academy has built a top notch facility and has a professional staff as well.

Be Safe.