Skills Course Descriptions

Skills are the individual competencies required to fight by yourself or as part of a larger team.  Handgun, Carbine, Precision Rifle, Driving, Movement, and Communications are just a few examples of the skills required of a modern fighter.  Skills are an individual responsibility, and are the foundation of all the tactical specialties.  We teach skills using a crawl, walk run methodology with a focus on their integration into techniques.

Forge Tactical Course Attendance Policies

 Students must be US citizens or have appropriate ITAR clearance before registering.

 All students must present valid law enforcement credentials, military ID, current CCW, or state background check upon in processing the first morning of any course. Failure to have valid proof of these course attendance requirements will result in forfeiture of course participation and class fees.

 Before registering note if courses are closed enrollment (LE or Military only), and do not register if you do not meet the criteria.

 Please check the prerequisites and the course equipment list as described for your course. Failure to demonstrate the basic weapon operator skills required for safety leaves us no choice but to dismiss you from training. Questions regarding whether your training history matches our standards, please contact us as early as possible at chappy@forgetactical.com.

 Electronic hearing protection is mandatory for all courses. It is a safety issue. You must be able to hear the instructor at all times.

 Ammunition counts are estimates. It is an overestimation in most cases. When national shortages occur, we make every effort to adjust training to accommodate.

 At no course is armor piercing or steel core ammunition welcome. No tracer ammunition. We wouldn’t say it if it hadn’t happened.

 No IWB holster is acceptable for training in any shoothouse course or other course where PPE includes the wear of soft armor or a plate carrier.

 No Class 3 full-auto firearms unless it is your issued, agency owned weapon. Full-auto fire is never acceptable in our courses unless specifically called for by the instructor.

 No course refunds will be given for failure to have the proper prerequisites or equipment necessary to participate in training safely.

Handgun Skills

The Forge Tactical Handgun Skills Course is a 16 hour square range session designed to refine and expand the student’s handgun skills.  Topics covered in this course vary depending on the needs of the student base.  Fundamental handgun skills are evaluated and trained in depth, with an emphasis on identifying skills the student needs to improve in order to grow in their ability to apply them to techniques and procedures.  Students will work in both overt and concealed environments, and a low light component is included where range conditions permit.  This is not a “first time” or beginner’s handgun course.      

Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person, and graduate of a reputable basic pistol course.

Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• Handgun with 3 magazines or speedloaders

• Magazine pouches

• Overt tactical or duty holster

• Concealed holster (your EDC is strongly recommended.  AIWB holsters are welcome)

• 800 rounds pistol ammunition

• Handheld or weapon mounted light (preferably both)

• Cover garment

• Electronic hearing protection

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes)

Pistol / Carbine Fundamentals 

The Forge Tactical Pistol / Carbine Fundamentals Course is a 20 hour square range session focused on developing the core handgun and carbine skills needed to effectively integrate the critical weapons handling, mindset and marksmanship skills required to develop a strong fighting foundation.  Topics covered in this course include rapid engagements between 3 and 50 meters with both primary and secondary weapon systems, fundamental weapon manipulation and combat marksmanship, carbine and handgun weapon integration (transitions and retention), use of and engagement from ready positions, varying distance engagements, and shooting standards.  These standards are designed to be used long after the course to help students maintain and grow their skills, and to create a base for comparison over multiple courses.  Please come ready to work with a zero’d rifle.     

Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person.

Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• Carbine with 3 magazines (Carbine should be zero’d when you arrive)

• Carbine magazine pouches

• Handgun and 3 magazines

• Tactical holster

• IFAK and TQ

• 300 rounds carbine ammunition

• 300 rounds handgun ammunition

• Electronic hearing protection

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes)

Carbine Skills

The Forge Tactical Carbine Skills Course is a 16 hour square range session designed to refine and expand the student’s carbine skills.  Topics covered in this course vary depending on the needs of the student base; however every course will include engagements between 3 and 100 meters, fundamental weapon manipulation and combat marksmanship, shooting on the move and carbine standards which can be used long after the course to help students maintain and grow their carbine skills, and to create a base for comparison over multiple courses.  Fundamental skills are evaluated and trained in depth, with an emphasis on identifying skills the student needs to improve in order to grow in their ability to apply them to techniques and procedures.  A low light component is included where range conditions permit.  This is not a “first time” or beginner’s carbine course, so please come ready to work with a zero’d rifle.     

Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person, and graduate of a reputable basic carbine course.

Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• Carbine with 5 magazines (Carbine should be zero’d when you arrive)

• Magazine pouches

• Handheld or weapon mounted light (preferably both)

• IFAK and TQ

• 800 rounds carbine ammunition

• Electronic hearing protection

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes

Intermediate Distance Carbine

The assaulter’s carbine or patrol rifle is a weapon system capable of effective use at distances well beyond those associated with most LE qualification course of fire. Equipped with even a non-magnified red dot sight (RDS), the patrol rifle offers the precision and terminal performance preferred for threats at and beyond normal handgun engagement distances. Critical incidents continue to demonstrate the need of the patrol rifle operator to perform at distances perceived as being beyond their level of trained competence.

This 16 hour class expands the capabilities of the patrol rifle operator to effectively engage targets to a minimum of 300 yards in supported positions and to 150 yards unsupported. Though designed for the law enforcement community, all qualified weapon operators are welcome and will increase their confidence utilizing their carbines at these distances and conditions. Skills taught to enable these objectives include:

• Basic ballistics

• Point Blank Range theory

• Ammunition choices and terminal performance

• Zeroing options

• Effects of weather

• Range estimation

• Controlling wobble in supported and unsupported shooting positions

• Holdover compensation

• Common ballistic reticles and RDS use

• Spotting techniques and communication

• Review of case law pertaining to use of DPF

Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person, and graduate of a reputable basic carbine course.

Equipment list

• Common sense

• RDS or optical sight equipped carbine and at least 3 functional magazines

• Magnifiers or LPVO welcome but not necessary

• Because of its ability to stabilize any firing position, the two-point adjustable sling is a critical piece of equipment to aid rifle accuracy. Single point slings and carrying straps are inadequate in that ability. There are many, but the two best examples recommended for the patrol rifle are the Blue Force Gear VCAS and the Viking Tactics.

• 200 rounds of ammunition. NO GREEN TIP, AP, OR PENETRATOR CORE AMMUNITION ALLOWED.  Acceptable examples include 55 gr ball (M193) or other full metal jacket, ball-type ammunition.

• Magazine pouches

• Electronic ear protection/Eye protection

• Water and food

• Weather appropriate clothing, sunscreen

• Pen and notebook

Carbine 2A

The Forge Tactical Carbine 2A course is a 16 hour intermediate level course, designed to expand the effective range and capabilities developed in the CQB skills course.  This course refines the student’s close range skills (<50 yards), and develops their intermediate range skills (50-300 yards).  The goal of this course is the achievement of first round hits from 5 to 300 yards.  Topics introduced include basic extended ballistics, zeroing options, effects of weather, range estimation, shooting positions, holdover compensation, common ballistic reticles, and spotting techniques and communication.  There is a low light component is included where conditions permit.  This is not a beginner’s course, so please come ready to work with a zero’d rifle.     

Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person, and graduate of Forge CQB Skills Course or other reputable carbine operator course.

Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• RDS or optical sight equipped Carbine with 5 magazines (Carbine should be zero’d when you arrive)

• Carbine magazine pouches

• Handgun and 3 magazines

• Tactical holster

• Handheld and weapon mounted lights

• IFAK and TQ

• 700 rounds carbine ammunition (NO GREEN TIP OR AP AMMO IS ALLOWED)

• 100 rounds handgun ammunition

• Electronic hearing protection which fit under your helmet

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes)

CQB Skills

The Forge Tactical CQB Skills Course is a 24 hour square range session focused on developing the handgun and carbine skills needed in a close quarters environment.  Topics covered in this course include rapid engagements between 3 and 50 meters with both primary and secondary weapon systems, fundamental weapon manipulation and combat marksmanship, carbine and handgun weapon integration (transitions and retention), rapid engagement from ready positions, varying distance engagements, emergency engagements from positions of disadvantage, and shooting standards.  These standards are designed to be used long after the course to help students maintain and grow their skills, and to create a base for comparison over multiple courses.  Fundamental skills are evaluated and trained in depth with an emphasis on their application in the rapidly moving CQB environment.  A low light component is included where range conditions permit.  This is not a beginner’s course, so please come ready to work with a zero’d rifle.     

Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person, and graduate of reputable handgun and carbine operator courses.

Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• Carbine with 5 magazines (Carbine should be zero’d when you arrive)

• Carbine magazine pouches

• Handgun and 3 magazines

• Tactical holster

• Handheld and weapon mounted lights

• Ballistic vest and helmet (limited rentals are available)

• IFAK and TQ

• 1000 rounds carbine ammunition

• 300 rounds handgun ammunition

• Electronic hearing protection which fit under your helmet

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes)

Small Team CQB Shooting Package

The Forge Tactical Small Team CQB Shooting Package Course is a 20 hour square range session focused on developing the live fire small team (2 man) skills needed in a close quarters environment.  Topics covered in this course focus on safely and effectively integrating with a second assaulter, rapid engagements between 3 and 50 meters with both primary and secondary weapon systems, fundamental weapon manipulation and combat marksmanship, carbine and handgun weapon integration (transitions and retention), rapid engagement from ready positions while in close proximately with your base-2, emergency engagements from positions of disadvantage, and shooting standards.  These standards are designed to be used long after the course to help students maintain and grow their skills, and to create a base for comparison over multiple courses.  Fundamental skills are evaluated and trained in depth with an emphasis on their application in the rapidly moving CQB environment.  A low light component is included where range conditions permit.  This is not a beginner’s course, so please come ready to work with a zero’d rifle.

Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person, and graduate of reputable handgun and carbine operator courses or the Forge Tactical Pistol / Carbine Fundamentals Course.

Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• Carbine with 4 magazines (Carbine should be zero’d when you arrive)

• Carbine magazine pouches

• Handgun and 3 magazines

• Tactical holster

• Handheld light

• Ballistic vest and helmet (limited rentals are available)

• IFAK and TQ

• 300 rounds carbine ammunition

• 300 rounds handgun ammunition

• Electronic hearing protection which fit under your helmet

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes)

 Low light Skills

The Forge Tactical Low Light Skills Course is a 16 hour square range session focused on developing handgun and carbine skills needed in low illumination situations.  Topics covered in this course include flashlight performance, weapon setup, the science of visible illumination, controlling illumination to advantage, rapid low light engagements between 3 and 50 meters with both primary and secondary weapon systems, fundamental weapon manipulation and combat marksmanship in a low visibility environment, carbine and handgun weapon integration (transitions and retention), rapid engagement from ready positions, varying distance engagements in low light, emergency engagements from positions of disadvantage, and low light shooting standards.  This is not a beginner’s course, so please come ready to work with a zero’d rifle.   

This is a reverse schedule course, so please prepare your sleep schedule accordingly.  

Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person, and graduate of Forge CQB Skills Course or other reputable carbine operator course.

Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• Carbine with 5 magazines (Carbine should be zero’d when you arrive)

• Carbine magazine pouches

• Handgun and 3 magazines

• Tactical holster

• Handheld and weapon mounted lights

• IFAK and TQ

• 800 rounds carbine ammunition (NO GREEN TIP OR AP AMMO IS ALLOWED)

• 300 rounds handgun ammunition

• Electronic hearing protection which fit under your helmet

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes)

PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) Shooting Package 

The Forge Tactical PDW Shooting Package course is a 20 hour square range session focused on the deployment and effective use of the PDW system in defensive and assault operations.  The PDW is a shoulder-fired weapon system designed to be used when deploying from or operating in confined space.  PDWs are generally envisioned as short overall length systems, with barrels less than 10.3 inches; in 9mm or other pistol calibers, 5.56 mm, or 300 Blackout.  Topics covered in this course include confined space deployment, ready position applications, rapid engagements in both confined and mid-distance ranges, safely and effectively applying the PDW when utilizing cover, and shooting standards applicable to the PDW.  These standards are designed to be used long after the course to help students maintain and grow their skills, and to create a base for comparison over multiple courses.

 Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person.

 Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• PDW with 3 magazines (PDW should be zero’d when you arrive)

• PDW magazine pouches

• IFAK and TQ

• Duty gear or concealment systems appropriate to your mission

• 400 rounds carbine ammunition

• Electronic hearing protection

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes)

Tripod Fundamental Skills

The Forge Tactical Tripod Skills Application course is a 16 hour square range session focused on developing the fundamental and environmental skills needed to utilize a robust Tripod system in tactical, surveillance, overwatch, and big game hunting situations where the prone position is not available.  This course is designed for operation of patrol and general purpose carbines, precision carbines, precision sniper rifles, and big game rifles.  Topics covered include expedient rests, tripod sling integration, rapid system deployment, rapid target engagement, surveillance and overwatch deployment, concealed position deployment using terrain, buildings and vehicles, and shooting standards from the tripod.  These standards are designed to be used long after the course to help students maintain and grow their skills, and to create a base for comparison over multiple courses.  Please come ready to work with a basic understanding of your weapon’s holdovers or adjustment for various distances, and a zero’d rifle.     

 Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person.

 Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• Carbine or precision rifle with 3 magazines (Carbine should be zero’d when you arrive)

• Carbine magazine pouches

• IFAK and TQ

• Duty gear appropriate to your mission

• 300 rounds carbine ammunition

• Electronic hearing protection

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes)

Low Profile Shooting Package

The Forge Tactical Low Profile Shooting Package Course is a 20 hour square range session focused on developing the core handgun and carbine skills needed to effectively and safely deploy these tools from low profile concealment.  Topics covered in this course include rapid deployment of concealed systems, rapid engagements between 3 and 100 meters with both primary and secondary weapon systems, fundamental weapon manipulation and combat marksmanship, carbine and handgun weapon integration from concealment (transitions and retention), varying distance engagements, and shooting standards.  These standards are designed to be used long after the course to help students maintain and grow their skills, and to create a base for comparison over multiple courses.  Please come ready to work with a zero’d rifle.     

 Prerequisites: US Citizen or ITAR approved person.

 Equipment List:

• Common Sense

• Carbine with 3 magazines (Carbine should be zero’d when you arrive)

• Concealed carbine magazine pouches

• Concealment bag, case or method for carbine

• Handgun and 3 magazines

• Concealment holster and mag pouch

• Concealed body armor is strongly recommended

• IFAK and TQ

• 400 rounds carbine ammunition

• 300 rounds handgun ammunition

• Electronic hearing protection

• Eye protection

• Water and snack food

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Pen and notebook (you will be taking notes)

Sniper Overwatch Skill Builder  

Sniper Overwatch Skill Builder is a two-day, 16-hour course, aimed at developing the skills necessary for the precision shooter to succeed from positions other than prone. Different than Sniper Overwatch Course—which is limited exclusively to attendance by LE and Military snipers—it is an open enrollment program of instruction, permitting the civilian student to learn many of the same techniques which are applicable to hunting and other applications where the prone position is not available to the shooter.  

Emphasis is on best methods utilized to achieve accurate fire with precision weapon systems from 200 to 25 yards. Use of slings, tripods, expedient rests, vehicles, and urban features are taught. With the exception of sniper/assaulter team integration and procedures relevant to the LE and Military sniper, the same fundamental skills as taught in Sniper Overwatch are covered.  

For the SWAT sniper preparing for Forge SWAT Sniper Overwatch or other advanced sniper courses, this is the training to develop the skills necessary to succeed in those courses as well as in actual deployment.    

Prerequisites: Basic precision rifle course, Basic SWAT Sniper, or Military Sniper School.  

Equipment List:

• Precision weapon system capable of 1 MOA or better. This is not a DMR course.

• Confirmed 100 yard zero. Know your dope from 200 to 25 yards in 25 yard increments as appropriate for a sniper. We will not be collecting your data for the first time in the course.

• 200 rounds of precision ammunition, minimum. No Armor Piercing.

• Gear to include, sling, bipod, tripod and saddle, rear bag, day pack, and all basic sniper gear. There will be no loaner equipment. If you need equipment recommendations, we are happy to provide them. For a tripod, it starts and ends with the Shadow Tech/HOG Saddle 0311 tripod.

• Electronic ear protection is mandatory at all Forge courses.

• Eye protection, clothing appropriate for all weather conditions

• Hydration and snacks. Bring your noon meals to the range.

• Pen and notebook for copious note taking.