Student Prerequisites
Students must first meet the requirements listed for certification below before attending one of our courses. In addition, students must have a good working knowledge of the firearms used and the capability to safely and accurately operate them prior to attending any ASTAI class. Without this basic background, students will find it difficult to keep pace with the instruction, practical exercises, and successfully complete the proficiency assessments. Students who are not able to demonstrate proficiency in the operation of their firearms or commit unsafe acts will be dropped from the school (see equipment/skills preparation section). Students must be physically capable of quickly and safely assuming standing, kneeling and prone positions, maintaining them for a period of time, and safely recovering without assistance.
Student Equipment Requirements
The following list applies to ALL classes:
1. Duty Handgun – Revolver or Semi-Automatic duty-type handgun.
2. Magazines or Speed loaders – If using a semi-automatic, bring a minimum of 4 magazines
If using a revolver, bring a minimum of 5 speed loaders.
3. Holster, Belt, Magazine or Speed loader Pouches – The holster must be duty-type (patrol), strong-side directional draw, equipped with a handgun retention device and securely fastened to the gun belt.
4. Eye and Ear Protection, Cap – Student must wear “wraparound” or “side panel” safety glasses. Prescription glasses may be used if shatterproof and equipped with side shields. Ear plugs or ear muffs (preferred) and a cap with a bill to deflect ejected brass must also be worn
5. Knee and Elbow Pads – Knee and elbow pads are optional for kneeling and prone position shooting.
6. Appropriate Clothing – Students should bring appropriate clothing to participate in the range exercises consistent with prevailing weather conditions. Range exercises will be conducted in
inclement weather unless a safety hazard exists.
7. Duty flashlight – hand-held duty flashlight capable of one-hand operation.
8. Notebook and Marker – A small pocket spiral notebook, pen or pencil, and a jumbo
permanent marker.
Additional School—Specific Requirements
1. Shotgun – 12-gauge pump or semi-automatic shotgun with Sling, 5 slug shells
2. Ammunition – 900 rounds of service or training handgun ammunition
Curriculum
OUR CURRICULUM is designed to help the instructor develop, prepare, and conduct safe, effective, reality-based, and agency-related/appropriate handgun/shotgun training programs, both in the classroom and on the range. All classes and range exercises will be conducted at the instructor level. The students will be expected to conduct many of the range exercises
CLASSROOM – Approximately 14 – 24 contact hours will be spent in the classroom. Subjects will include, but not be limited to:
1. Handgun Marksmanship Fundamentals
2. Handgun Handling Techniques
3. Coaching Techniques
4. Teaching Firearm Safety
5. Preparation and Construction of Lesson Plans
6. Tactical Use of Cover and Concealment
7. Effective Communication
8. Methods of Instruction and Use of Training Aids
9. Off-Duty Safety and Concealed Carry Considerations
10. Reduced Light Training
11. Shotgun Marksmanship Fundamentals
12. Shotgun Handling Techniques
13. Liability Considerations
14. Developing and Conducting Practical Range Training
RANGE – Approximately 14 – 24 contact hours will be spent on the range. Subjects will include, but not be limited to:
1. Instructional Coaching and Partnering Techniques
2. Teaching Field Stripping and Assembly
3. Teaching Loading and Unloading Procedures
4. Teaching Reloading and Clearing Malfunctions
5. Teaching Shooting Positions
6. Teaching Flash Sight Firing
7. Teaching Safe and Practical Range Exercises (Grouping and Zeroing; Ball and
Dummy/Malfunction, Clearing; Multiple Target Engagement; Body Armor Drills or Alternative
Points of Aim; Shoot or No-Shoot; Challenge Drills, Decision Making and Problem Solving;
Shooting and Moving; Close Quarter Target Engagement; Stress Inducement; Shotgun Moving Targets; Shotgun Shooting Positions)
8. Teaching Dim Light Techniques
9. Teaching the Tactical Use of Cover/Concealment
10. Teaching Transition Techniques
11. Teaching Incapacitation Techniques
12. Engage in Proficiency Assessments through-out Range Work