GSL Defense Training’s
Critical Threat Management Course
“A good piece of kit”
by Joshua McClain
(GunNews) – Time and time again I see people take their required 16-hour Illinois Concealed Carry course only to think they’ve reached the finish line. Unfortunately, too many people think the basic CCW course is all that’s needed to prepare them for challenges they may come their way in the real world. For others though, they will look and hunger for more. They will want to take that next step and push themselves further. Prior to last weekend, if a friend or fellow concealed carrier asked me what course he or she could take to advance to the next level, I was always conflicted on which course I would recommend. I’m pleased to say I have no confliction anymore.
I took GSL Defense Training’s Critical Threat Management (CTM) this April 2016 (photos and story here). The nearly 20-hour course spread out between Saturday and Sunday, almost 10 hours each day. Upon arrival, I joined 15 other students from across central Illinois. Each student brought different experiences, backgrounds, and goals to the table. It was a joy to learn and share in these experiences with each of them. The cadre of instructors and role players allowed for one-on-one instruction and different types of force-on-force scenarios.
Day one began with a quick introduction and safety brief. We received a rundown on what the day’s activities were, while we munched on snacks and fresh coffee brought to us by the staff. From there we geared up and ran through some basic drills using our newly issued Airsoft pistols and safety equipment. After some familiarization drills were complete, we moved right into scenario-based force-on-force drills. Each of the force-on-force drills were everyday scenarios that anyone could find themselves in. No instruction was given during these drills so the instructors could find and evaluate your “baseline” knowledge, experience, and former training.
After the force-on-force scenarios were complete, we came together for a debrief and short discussion. Afterwards, lunch was provided with a chance to interact with instructors and other students. Once we were finished refueling, a guest instructor joined us to begin our Krav Maga training.
We rounded out the afternoon learning strikes, defensive techniques, defensive ground tactics, and weapon retention skills. It was excellent instruction taught to us in a no “BS” manner by Bill Martin of Bloomington, IL.
We finished the first day with a lecture and Power Point presentation on Situational Awareness and Pre-Assault cues. During these lectures, avoiding confrontation, conflict, and recognizing danger before its right on top of you were stressed by all the instructors. Multiple videos demonstrated the cues and what could happen if you didn’t listen to your inner voice. Afterwards, one of the instructors (and licensed attorney) gave a great lecture on use of force and the Illinois Complied Statute of Deadly Force. Finishing our classroom activities; we were dismissed to go home, rest up, and prepare for tomorrow.
Day two began again with a quick safety brief and discussion of the day’s activities. We then went into a critique of yesterday’s force-on-force scenarios. Once that was complete, it was time for the live fire portion of the course. We went to the on-site range, loaded up our magazines, and began shooting. We practiced from defensive retention, close-quarters shooting, marksmanship, movement, and reloading techniques.
After our live fire portion was complete; lunch was again provided and we had a chance to wind down from shooting. After lunch, we jumped right into more scenario force-on-force training. Day two scenarios were different than the first day’s; some were more challenging. We broke up into groups of two or three, and everyone got their chance to run through each scenario. A special final set of scenarios was given to all the students at the same time to cap off our weekend of training. Once the force-on-force scenarios were complete, we all met back at the classroom for a critique and final debrief.
Every student including myself enjoyed themselves and learned something from the cadre. Each instructor throughout the weekend showed their dedication and commitment to teaching responsible firearm ownership. Each role player took time out of their busy schedule to make sure we had the most realistic scenarios possible. The whole weekend had an atmosphere of friendship, learning, and camaraderie. If you have your concealed carry license and you want that next step up in additional training, GSL Defense’s Critical Threat Management is the course to book on your calendar. As we say in the firearms industry: “It’s a good piece of Kit”.
Thanks for the student perspective, Joshua. This class is educational and very fun! The men and women who have taken the class leave smiling and mentally prepared to observe and gauge everyday happenings. As a role player many times over, I have witnessed women, often just along for the ride with their spouses, wake up with a new boost of confidence and realization. Many of the men arrive thinking they know when and how to react only to learn that things are not so cut and dry. One thing is certain: you will never go to the store leaving your brain or defensive tool behind again!