Weekend Training

[Cimarron]

I have so many thoughts I take away from this type of training. My thoughts and views come from a non-LEO/MIL aspect so I'm learning skills outside my "normal", but we look to being prepared outside our normal or we wouldn't be here. Right? Not going into the "why" would you train for building clearing, because we could come up with a hundred different scenarios you and your group may possibly be doing this.

As survivalists we try to stay in a constant prepared state of mind for all occasions that could happen. As stated before our initial plans got scrapped so we shifted into another part of training. Not all of us were prepared for this me being one of them. Most of us were dressed in casual everyday clothes blue jeans and t-shirt.

Forgot my flash light in the car. We had initiated the course and I couldn't "time out" to run go get it.
In a group formation movement and communication is..awkward. Hard to explain but keeping in formation, checking doors, clearing rooms, and knowing what your other members are doing is just plain awkward.

Some things I took away from this training that you would use in any combative scenario:
-Walking and shooting.
-Target acquisition.
-Concealment. at one time I was at a corner in a hallway I took a knee and the hostile (Matt) could see the end of my pistol.
-Breathing. Even training this made the adrenaline flow and was breathing hard.
-Weapon ready. Your not at the range shooting with arms fully extended. You walk through/around a door like that you will get your weapon taken from you or they know your there before you have target
-Not every contact is a possible hostile. I was on point and entered a room with target (Grand) leaning in relaxed position against the wall with his hands behind his head. I shot first but should had initiated a verbal command to "get on the ground". He did have a gun in his hands behind his head but I was in 'shoot first check the body' mode.

I could go on but I won't. I'm glad I went and really glad I'm part of this group and they let me join in on the fun lol.
I could see someone spending hundreds of hours in this type of training and becoming slightly proficient at it. You can't buy skills at the store or online it's something you have to work on.

[Grand58742]

As I was telling Matt-Gyver earlier, I completely forgot pictures today. But overall it was a good training and I learned as much as I taught. Also the fact we are planning future training out helps show the dedication the group and the members.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Well we had some quality medical training setup by one of folks who got someone who has "been there and done that" recently, to come in and teach and "the best laid plans of mice n men" you know how it goes with ole Murphy lurking round. So we checked fire, adjusted and did some building clearing in a new place that had been skillfully arranged.
There was a bit of information overload as many think that this stuff is like the movies where you just run in waving guns yelling bad words and all is well. While that actually can be done the living will be short term.
The possibility of actually needing this is not that high though certain scenarios could transpire causing it. Where this shines IMO is the ability for everyone to be able to shoot, move and communicate as a team. If we can accomplish that then daily taskings should be easier to include the non tacticool stuff. It builds confidence and doing it properly forces you to begin to trust the person on your left and right(or front and rear) that they in fact are doing what is needed and will not fail leaving you exposed and vulnerable. It is the stuff of becoming a team and not just a group of people. LD3 as others have mentioned this many times in the amount of work, training and time it takes to become a team and we have a ways to go yet still.
Mistakes were made, lesson were learned, laughter was had and I'm proud that they allow me to be a part of it all. Having a place setup and ready and an extra talented trainer with different background helped make the day.
The remainder of the time was used for discussion and planning

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Mr "Karen" talked to us about bee habits while we observed some and bestowed some good knowledge and we got to see some real pretty stuff out there too. Even though we prepare we should take the time to live as well and enjoy what we have and have been provided with

[Grand58742]

Sharpshooter managed to get a picture of my drowned tent

[Grand58742]

Matt showing some basic firestarting from natural materials:



Morning hike, just starting out.



Morning hike, about halfway to the summit. From L to R Mister Karen, Matt, HitandMiss daughter, Sharpshooter



Afternoon hike, at the return point taking a break. The terrain started getting pretty up and down after that point and the storm was starting to ride in.

[Grand58742]

Just a few shots. My camera unfortunately got a bath during the rainstorm. Lesson learned? Don't depend on Oklahoma terrain to provide any kind of markings to drainage patterns. Had a nice pool going in the base of my tent. Speaks volumes for the waterproofing, but not so much for comfort.

Matt in Oklahome giving some map and compass lessons:



More orienteering:



Sharpshooter giving some additional assistance

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Sharpshooter got to use his new Fasthawk to drain the flash flood away from the firepit (the designated firepit we were informed that we had to use when we checked in while in the sissy camp area)

In spite of everything it was awesome and i believe those that were there learned that we can rely on each other and work together towards the common goal and if nothing else we got out of the dull work/home routine and enjoyed time in the beauty and nature of Gods work

[Matt In Oklahoma]

So then as we were hiking I noticed clouds building and we all decide that we should skeedadle back and gather firewood and get to camp. We grab a flat rock for a fire shelter as well. Then as I was bragging about being able to have fire in the rain while the others around us didn't God decided he didn't like my bragging and shwocked us LOL

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Sharpshooter decide to purify a little water and see if he dies LOL

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Some of us stayed for a little camping
We ended up having to camp in the regular camp area but next time we will hike in
The shelters varied but we tried to use what we will have in the bags



gotta dry them socks and take of the feet out there

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Team Karen made us ranger beads for the land nav which was awesome!


We saw alot of edible wildlife to include these turkeys


Enjoyed a little lunch too along a lakeside with the buffalo

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Well went to the Mountains for some land nav and camping. I didnt get at much land nav done as I wanted nor with everyone I wanted to but we did get some accomplished for sure. The reason i like these mountains is that there is not alot of trees in the way and it is easier to show folks stuff and do terrain feature navigation.







We discovered many edible things along the way such as wild onions, prickly pear cactus, sumac though it was too dry, wild carrots, dandelions etc.

[Hit or Miss]

This was a really educational meeting. Although there was a glitch with reloading, the entire lesson was not lost. Learning more about map reading was very helpful and as Matt said, will be put into practice soon. The group weapons training was great. Matt has years of hands on, practical knowledge that he generously shares with us. Safety is always paramount and everyone can ask questions. And we do ask a lot of questions! Thanks to team Karen for hosting - thanks to Matt for the instruction -thanks to our group for sharing your time and talents.

[Swampwood]

Looks like Matt knows how to have a good time! Wish I was close enough to join da fun.