TTE Tactical Pistol Level 1
I had the pleasure of taking the TTE Grouple Level 1 Tactical Pistol class taught by Kelly Hohnholz this past May (2010). This was a new curriculum to me (CSAT) that added to my base of knowledge from other schools including Tactical Response and Col. Cooper's Orange Gunsight Ranch. I want to share my perspectives and lessons learned from the class to encourage you the reader to take this class, and hopefully learn from my experiences.
The CSAT curriculum was founded by MSgt. Howe, and set forth ten standards of pistol marksmanship to be accomplished at a given distance, with a given accuracy under a given time limit. For the purposes of this class, we only learned and shot nine of the standards, with the tenth being a transition from rifle to pistol. The standards included single and multiple shots from the "ready" and from the holster, single handed transitions, malfunction clearing, magazine changes, and longer range shots from a kneeling position. Each standard specifically targeted necessary skills of pistol marksmanship, and the stress induced by the timer (and inevitably the other nine guys on the line watching you) helped to quickly expose weaknesses in technique and ability.
In order to meet MSgt. Howe's standard, the shooter must complete the regimen of all the standards successfully, with no second chances during the course of fire. The closest for a member of my class was six of the nine standards, if that gives any indication of the difficulty of the curriculum.
From this point, the majority of the class involved learning the standards, and then shooting them both individually and as a group in order to gain proficiency. There were a wide range of shooters, including active and retired military, lawyers, students, restaurant owners, and construction workers. Along with each came varying levels of pistol still and technique ranging from weekend shooters new to combat marksmanship and holster use, to more seasoned shooters and CCW holders.
It was evident that MSgt. Howe's standards helped each shooter as the class progressed. Even the newest of the shooters gained immense confidence and technique as the weekend progressed. Kelly's direct instruction was also a great asset to the class. He was able to find instruct on weaknesses in each shooter, from the newest to the most advanced. I myself learned a lot from Kelly, especially after comparing his teaching against that of other schools I've attended.
Kelly's approach to the class was also different from other schools I've attended. First, he wore his LBE gear with plates throughout the class. I asked him his reasoning and explained that he was on the line with ten new shooters whom he had never met and had no idea as to their skill or competency with a weapon, and for that reason decided to take every measure to ensure his safety. This concept, which I had overlooked until taking Kelly's class, made perfect logical sense, and I was curious why others had not considered it.
Kelly was also a very strict range officer, ensuring the safety of the students. This earned my respect, as some of the instructors I've encountered previous would lax on their safety concerns as the class progressed. He was prompt in addressing safety violation, and even saved what would surely have been a negligent discharge as a student was reholstering in an IWB holster, and his t-shirt went though the trigger guard and began to press the trigger to the rear. His close monitoring of the students saved what would have been a very dangerous situation, and I'm thankful that he was so attentive.
Though Kelly's class was not directly about technique, I am confident that my shooting skills, especially under stress, were dramatically sharpened as a result of Kelly's instruction. I was also given very measurable standards to work on and practice when at the range to further my abilities. I absolutely recommend this class, especially with shooters who are looking for a new, difficult challenge in an effort to become better marksmen, and better assets to our families, friends, and society.
