Training and Education: It's important too

Wow!

It's been a while. For those who do or don't or believe you know me. I am Jaron Smith, the Director of Training for U2AC. I'll start by saying, that I get it. The idea of getting out to train seems very "taxing" and a lot to do, but what if you developed a regiment to support your busy schedule.

I mean, just yesterday after months of training, and I decided to load my gear into my truck, drive to the range, and accept how much I suck at performing with my pew. It's true, these skills that rely are perishable.

Think about it. If you fail to get gas or get an oil change, then your car may start experiencing problems. What about not replacing your clothes, eventually those will fade and not look as good as when you 1st bought it. Even further, what about your own health. If you're not paying to attention to your body and its needs, then you will find yourself either in the hospital or preparing to be seen by folks you know for a fact are only onlooking because they feel like they have to.

That's how I approach training. If the one moment, that I need my pew is the moment that I fail to perform, then all of the above will be my end goal. I don't want that. If I carry it, then I am going to do what's necessary to be as prepared as I can be.

Okay, so how do I do it? Well, let's break it down.

1. Acceptance - No matter how good you are, you suck. That's right, I said it. You need some more work. Having this mindset will create the space to always want to learn. My saying before attending any course is, "As long as I get 2%, then it was worth the investment."
2. Planning - Everybody's schedule gets crazy. The best thing you can do is study your "rhythms". We all have a routine, no matter how chaotic it seems at times. There are a handful of things that you daily that require the same, consistent behavior to achieve. Learn it and find the pocket of space that can be adjusted, so you can get to the range.
3. Planning (pt.2) - Going to the range is not a hard task. We just make it hard because we believe that we have to do everything at one time. Before each trip, find 1-2 things that can be worked on. For me, the goal was performance. I printed out drills that required a specific set of tasks to be completed within a certain timeframe. Guess what, I suck. See! I'm already preparing myself for the next rip.
4. Documentation - Take advantage of adding a training journal to your training tools. The initial benefits are that you can be honest with yourself in the immediate moment. Also, in the event you find yourself in imminent jeopardy and need to use deadly force, then that training journal can be positive if your situation leads to a court case.
5. Betterment of Self - Training allows you to move the goal post of the betterment of self. Your health and wellness is important, so if you're carrying a pew, that becomes a part of that journey. If you are not proficient with your firearm, then I'm sorry, but you are a part of the very problem that you speak against on social media, forums, and other conversations. Do better. With ya bad self!

Any grammatical errors can be attributed to my laziness, being from the south, and just because the message is heartfelt, so I want you to hear my southern voice as you read.

Be blessed until next time!