Skills

The “DMR” Omni rifle, part 1

11.1.2025 Monte

Intent of article

Inform, educate, and give confidence to the reader that a DMR is a much simpler, easy, and attainable weapon than they think. A lot of folks have a lot of misconceptions, ideas, and expectations compared to the DMR. This article is meant to dispel those and inform the reading what a DMR & DDMR is and isn’t.

What is the DMR mission and role?

The Designated Marksman Rifle or Designated Defensive Marksman Rifle is a multi-purpose rifle, to be applied across the entire battle space and reach ballistic superiority over the enemy and or attacker. My opinion: Every soldier should be trained with it, have it and use it, these should be a common infantry type weapon…not special! It is used in executive protection in certain circumstances, and areas to control areas and space around a static, and or temporary location where a client is occupying. Many have misimpressions of the rifle and its uses. Some believe the DMR rifle is used for precision accuracy and engagement of point targets at long distances. This is incorrect, and disingenuous on the part of some. Others think this is a battle rifle, used at short to medium distances, that is more correct but not fully descriptive of the platform. The current DMR / DDMR theory is that an “Omni rifle”; a multi-purpose semi-auto universal system, is to be used across the length and breadth of the battle space; it works to protect a squad, person, or you. You could deny the enemy terrain and or the ability to freely maneuver. The goal is to achieve ballistic superiority over the adversary, armed with general issue small arms. The farther we can accurately engage an enemy, the more time to evacuate, and or maneuver our forces and people. Distance is time, more time means better decision making and greater opportunity to inflict greater causalities on the enemy. This means more options for better courses of action; to close with and destroy the enemy or tactical retrograde. Time and distance give us choices, which can mean the difference between life and death. In this role you don’t have the latitude of setting up a semi-permanent, or permanent sniper position, generally all else being equal. If you were setting up these types of positions, you are far better off using a conventional bolt action sniper rifle. DMR positions are hasty, the use of tripods and extensive support specialized equipment is precluded. Most of the applications are medium range then occasional long-range engagements, in this order. We seek high rates of fire on target, the ability to fire repeated rounds, and see impact with higher capacity than a bolt action rifle will give us. Often it is used to protect an infantry squad and is integrated with the same. This rifle fills the distance between a service rifle and a dedicated sniper rifle, at around 300–600 meters (about 1968.5 ft). The goal is faster repeated rounds on multiple targets and dependent on operational requirements.

What is the general make up of a DMR Rifle?

This is the modern scout mountain rifle if you will. Many misinterpret the need for extremely expensive and fancy equipment. You can buy a reasonable scope and back it up with 5.56 / 223 AR type platforms and do very well. The top gun of our last DMR course in Finland was an AR-15, topped with a low powered scope. This shooter and his weapon outperformed all the bolt action shooter precision sniper systems on the line. I prefer a semi-auto 308 / 7.62 or 6.5 rifles with short barrel (16 – 14-inch barrels) for this application, but it is not a requirement. Keep in mind, we want to be able to put exacting fire down range, on a point target at 500m (about 1640.42 ft), 600m (about 1968.5 ft) is the preferable limit on a man size silhouette. Shooting past 600m (about 1968.5 ft) typically would engage area targets using a cone of fire and even farther a beaten zone to suppress an enemy. The 6.5 can push this out to 800M+ without a problem on a point target. Everything is dependent on the equipment, caliber, and cartridge of the weapon you are using. A semi-auto is not as inherently accurate as a bolt action rifle in relative terms i the hands of an average shooter. You will need a scope, a low powered variable optic (LPVO), and a second focal plane. A scope will not make you a better shooter; it will however improve your ability to see farther, and more clearly see threats while engaging them; paraphrasing Mr. Jeff Cooper.

“Most designated marksman rifles are based on modified designs of an assault rifle currently issued by a nation’s military, or on a battle rifle that was formerly issued. The ammunition used is often of the same caliber as that of the squad automatic weapons within the same combat unit, typically a fully powered cartridge such as the 7.62mm NATO. For example, battle rifles such as the M14, FN FAL, AR-10 and Heckler & Koch G3 were replaced during the 1980s and 1990s by modern assault rifles firing the 5.56mm NATO intermediate cartridge, but many were accurized and kept as DMRs. Conversely, some nations have also built rifles that were designed for the designated marksman from the ground up. Examples include the Soviet SVD and Chinese QBU-88.” (Wikipedia, 2020)

To be continued in part 2 / Article 2 will focus on the specifics of the rifle, the Scope and support equipment. I will also share some courses of fire specific to DMR.

About the author: Monte is an honorably retired US Peace officer (27 ½ years of service) and SWAT (HRT) member (22 ½ years), former US Marine, and US Army service (24 years of service). He served as a “Sniper detachment team leader” for a US Army Infantry battalion. While serving on his department’s SWAT team he was a “Sniper team leader,” later becoming the state of Ca. Master Instructor. This sniper program handles training all SWAT Sniper personnel (over 200 snipers state-wide). He took part in multiple combat, foreign & domestic, counter-narcotic missions, and US border operations; combat operations with US, Dutch and French 1st SAS Special Forces including the elite French “Commandos Hubert” and supporting US Army Special Forces. Further working as a contractor on High-risk protection teams with heads of state and clients throughout the world.

What to know before attending training

3.6.2021 IMTTFinland

A multi-part series Part 1

By Monte Gould

In this series we will discuss the following:

Introduction & context
The difference between training and education
Types of training and or group discussions
What makes a class
How to select a training group or individual
How to evaluate a vendor and their qualifications to conduct training
What should the client expect and demand
How to act at a class / course
Is it worth the money

Part 1 will cover

The difference between training and education
Types of training and or group discussions
What makes a class
Selecting a vendor

Introduction & context

Few have discussed thus topic in-depth, and delved into the nuisances of the subject matter. Many
attend training with regularity; from any number of vendors, private organizations, or as a course of
employment. This article is in no way meant to disparage people from attending anyone’s training,
seminars and or classes.

Ego, insecurities and incestuous organizational training policies, with lack of outside objective audit and
review leads to poor antiquated techniques affirmed. This diminishes development of practices and
lessons learned by practitioners in the field. I’ve seen lesson plans; courses of instruction and
institutional training in excess of twenty years old, never being updated, and or reviewed. In-service
training personnel, unit trainers and some managers are threatened by non-internal outside training.
They perceive these entities as undermining their personal organizational value, forces them to assess
their training methodologies, beliefs and credibility. These insecurities manifest themselves in dated,
obsolete and poor or substandard performance, combined with unsafe practices, not within industry
standards by employees and individuals. Training must be constantly audited for improvements,
validation and credibility through recent court rulings, field experience, and after action reviews. It has
to be acceptable and credible to the stake holders, administration and the end users.

Part of Monte’s professional responsibility was to evaluate training vendors, and establishments to
conduct outside training for our teams, and agency. This article is opinions based with amalgamate of
fact that has driven his deductions, yes it is sprinkled with subjectivity as well as professional
conclusions; this is not a peer reviewed article. These conclusions are based on experiential activities,
and observations of nearly forty years of my involvement in training, and attending training as both a
professional, and citizen. He attended as a student, over 140 courses of instruction to date, ranging from 1 day to 6 months. Monte has been an instructor in hundreds of training programs, with thousands of
students. As part of his previous responsibility in his agency, he accounted for every dollar spent in
training, and justified it through the prism of objective outcomes, applicability to responsibilities, and
responsible expenditures of funding. His agencies budget was in the millions for training, this revenue is
derived from tax payers. All expenses are reviewed and accounted for by the administration,
management, oversight and audited regularly. His agency required at least two of instructors to attend
all outside contract training, before utilizing the vendor. They audited these groups as “mystery
shoppers” to evaluate their credibility, experiences, and delivery of the course. This was done before
approaching them, or any agreements were signed with them. Their staff attends and then debriefs a
working group on the results, the course content and the vendor’s performance. This was done without
the knowledge of the group providing training.

An introduction to training and education; what’s the difference?

TRAINING VERSUS EDUCATION “The difference between training and education”

From Marian Webster
Let’s define “training” by the English definition
English Language Learners

A process by which someone is taught the skills that are needed for an art, profession, or job

The process by which an athlete prepares for competition by exercising, practicing, etc.
(Staff , 2017)

From Marian Webster
Let’s define “education” by the English definition
English Language Learners

the action or process of educating or of being educated also: a stage of such a process
a. the knowledge and development resulting from the process of being educated, a
person of little education
the field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools
(Staff , 2017)

We define and explain training in the following way, “training enhances performance” in the work place
and work related skills, informs the employee / student of responsibilities and gains compliance with
expectations of the organization, certifies the person to perform certain tasks and or specific skills”
Many times this is liability focused, to insulate management from civil actions stemming from lack of
training. Training is repetitive practice of an already attained skill; training sharpens the proficiency
earlier learned.

Many companies provide instruction and or training on contract, for government agencies and
organizations. They design training for clients specifically for the agency / entity. How this is
accomplished? First a “needs assessment” by the company representatives is completed. They then
meet with the agencies / groups lead instructors and managers / leaders. A preliminary plan of
instruction is now developed and provided. This proposal is then reviewed by the group for acceptability
within their structure, and budget. The proposal is further reviewed by the designated staff and the
management team. In our case seldom does IMTT conduct strict, singular overall template pattern training, for government entities with prefabricated collective plans, and or courses of instruction. The
client group is actively involved in the development of said training, to address their specific needs, and
identified deficiencies within their scope of duties. We seek to mitigate un-necessary training on
irrelevant topics, and wasteful use of funding by agencies. These groups do not seek entertainment, fun
and or unrelated topics. As an example IMTT provides “work place safety training” for hospitals, and
large businesses. We also provide leadership training for corporation, active shooter response protocols,
first aid and a gambit of other topics. The vendor must work within the client’s budget, equipment
limitations, personnel training and missions. As an example; IMTT has personnel who teach firing from
helicopters, maritime operations, explosive entry, and a gambit of other topics, these are only relevant
to a very few organizations. Nor is it worthy of spending the public’s money on such wasteful endeavors.
We work with many groups in private, closed session with their team, and or unit and they require
confidentiality. Relative to police, military, and security groups they possess very clear rules of
engagement, operational capabilities, mission requirements, equipment specifications, training budgets,
and strict responsibilities. These groups have legal oversight relative to the use of force, and restrictions
are major concerns. They also have in place training, and agency policies that must be respected, and
blended into provided training as required.

TYPES OF TRAINING “Types of training and or group discussions”

Now we have a rough summary of the nuisance differences, between training and education. Let’s begin
by discussing and defining categories or events. I will break these into types, categories and define
each.

General types of training gatherings

Symposium
Workshop
Clinic
Conference
Class / course

A symposium tends to be similar to a conference, but reduced in size. It is simply a small
conference. The main difference between a symposium and a conference is that a
symposium tends to be similar to a conference, but smaller. … Similar to a conference in that
the focus is on presentations and lectures, and less hands-on than a workshop, a symposium is
typically completed in a single day.

A workshop most usually a day or two long, these are dedicated to conversing on a specific topic. These
events are held as part of a section, you will frequently find outside visitors who attend them.

A clinic is a conference or short course on a particular subject. These are most often from a couple of
hours to 8 hours one day. These are very focused on a very specific skill or topic and can be in a practical
environment and or classroom. These don’t involve testing and or evaluation of student retention of
course material.

A conference tends to be a large event. They can total between fifty attendees to thousands, and the
largest may host even more. A convention, in the sense of a meeting, is a gathering of individuals who
meet at an arranged place and time in order to discuss or engage in some common interest. The most
common conventions are based upon industry, profession, and fandom. A gathering of people with a common interest or background, with the purposes of allowing them to meet one another and to learn
about and discuss issues, ideas and work that focus on a topic of mutual concern.

A class / course are a body of students meeting regularly to study the same subject, a course of
instruction provided by a lead instructor or teacher. These are conducted for one or more days. A class is
conducted on a specific topic and or subject. This topic should have definable objectives and outcomes,
or it is not a class. A class often contains evaluations and progressive performance feedback for
retention of material and subject matter. This is not a group discussion and or free flow of cross
information on numerous sub-topics.

WHAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF A COURSE “What makes a class or course?”

A class can be training or education, or both simultaneously.
Generally a presentation and generically most classes / courses are organized containing the
following

Introduction
Presentation
Summary
Evaluation

(BARNARD, 2018)

Most often professional training groups blend “principle based learning” and conventional course break
down as described above. This is a hybrid approach, it contains the enumerated categories of principle
based learning, and strict adherence to the building blocks of practical performance. Governmental
organizations require testing, whether question and answer, written and or practical application or all
combined. There’s also many other methods of instruction being introduced, the field is evolving
rapidly. I want to keep this as simple as possible for clarity.

“Principle based learning: The focus is on presenting the principals involved, with the instructor
facilitating the training. Students are encouraged to ask questions and try different options to
determine what works best for them.” (Teach Thought staff , 2018 )

SELECTING A VENDOR “How to select a training group or individual” & “How to evaluate a vendor and
their qualifications to conduct training” There’s differences between organizational / agency and
individual private person training, and the purpose of such trainings.

Government agencies and many private companies now require full resumes, training records of
instructors, and practical experience with recommendations of other past governmental groups, who
have attended their training. These government groups further require the agency conducting training
to test all personnel. Performance testing with definable objective outcomes is required. The student
must perform on demand and to standard in order to be successful. Certifying agencies like POST “Peace
Officer Standards and Training” or STC “Standards Training Corrections” in charge of training oversee
certifications of companies, and groups. They require very strict definable standards of performance,
experience and relevant associated practical capabilities of staff, in the discipline they teach. As an
example some personnel cannot teach “Law Enforcement high risk warrant operations”, although they
may have years of military experience, this doesn’t automatically enable or qualify them to instruct Law
Enforcement, the inverse is as true. If they cannot prove they possess said experience they will not be
certified to teach such topics. There is cross over in many tactics, but for certifications through state and
government agencies, and the process is very restrictive, on who and who cannot instruct such subjects.
The instructional personnel must possess very specific backgrounds, experience, and training before allowed to communicate subjects. This is due to litigation, both civil and criminal, which likely if the
group trained has a confrontation. Arguably there’s far less difficulties when instructing military
regarding their civil and criminal vulnerability. This is particularly true in our current times of hyper
sensitivity to Law Enforcement use of force. Government, state and educational institutions certifying
require specific formatting, and the course to be presented in a specific fashion, to match agency
requirements. Also at the conclusion of the training a strict course student critique review in writing
must be filled out by the students for submission to the agency head. If you have complaints and
continually failures to deliver training in the prescribed manner, the company will lose their certification.
As an individual; not an organization, vendors providing training to have no regulations, and certifying
vetting bodies. It is up to you to research them, find out who and what they are, and what they have
done. There is no certifying overall agency vetting private companies, their staff or their backgrounds.
Anyone can hang a shingle; he or she is then an instructor. I have literally seen vendors completely
fabricate backgrounds, falsify experience and present false CV / resumes. It’s pretty much the Wild
West, add water “poof” instant trainer. Relative to testing of students in the private sector; strict
standards, strictly enforced can create difficulties for the business model. Many vendors do not test, or
the assessments are very subjective, to avoid bruised egos. Competitions and grades can become biased
and subjective as well. Testing and standards create confrontational feelings by the student. This can be
quarrelsome, and reduce return customers. Evaluations of skills create friction, and it is time
demanding, requiring tutorial with retraining methods on occasion. Subjective testing can also create
problems reducing business; clients recognize false standards or poor evaluations. On the other hand,
no student should ever be tested or held to achieve standards of performance, they haven’t been
instructed. Templates and what “right looks like” should be provided and demonstrated to the student
population. This is not giving them the answers; it is setting standards of acceptable performance, and
expectations. In order for students to achieve and perform, they must clearly know what the
expectation is, and what the correct answer is prior to any evaluations. If the student doesn’t know what
is expected, and the instructor cannot define and demonstrate it, than the student cannot be held to
that standard. Students experiencing training, going through the process and understanding clearly
definable expectations should be able to perform on demand, if the training is well designed and
executed. If the testing fails a majority of people and or above 10% be suspicious of the instructional
staff. All things being equal, any time you have a major portion of the students failing evaluations that is
a direct reflection of the instructor, not the students.
On the other hand private vendors in the market offer open training to the public, on generic topics.

The five questions you must answer before spending money on training:

Why are you attending said course, and what are your expectations?
Do you want education or training?
Do you seek both education and training?
Are you seeking fun and entertainment?
Is the cost worth the increased skills, providing there is a definable and clear objective?

In order to answer the questions above, you must know the following:

What is your need?
Is this for your work or work related posting?
Is this enhancing your skill toward better performance of a hobby?
Is this a practical skill you’re looking to enhance your performance within?
Do you seek a certification of a skill for upward mobility or job placement? And how exactly will
this training / certification enhance that?
Are you only interested in a reduced scope of study, to a specific device and or thing?
Are you interested in a general theory and overview of the entire topic and its general
application?
What is the cost versus final outcome of objective skills performance? Is the cost of the course
worth it for the time and the resulting clearly definable skills?

About the author

Monte owns and operates IMTT (International Mobile Training Team) a consulting and training firm,
which has been in business since 1994. IMTT trains and certifies instructors from many different units,
teams, organizations and groups. He worked professionally in the public sector for a government
organization, as an “in service training instructor” and a “master training for trainers” instructor for the
state of California. Monte was employed in law enforcement for over 28 years; assigned to a SWAT team
and the “Master Trainer” for his department’s state SWAT unit. This unit employed over 650 members
at one time. They were / are authorized a multi-million dollar budget annually to operate within and
accountable for the same. His finally posting was to mentor, develop and supervise a large group of
instructors, in order to facilitate basic and advanced SWAT schools, sniper courses and numerous other
SWAT related courses across the state of California. Monte was responsible for planning, coordinating,
supervising, and contributing to training pertaining to the unit, and operational activities. He was
responsible to oversee the development of lesson plans, courses of instruction, agendas, to include
support and execution of training sessions. His group delivered tactical and technical guidance, and
professional support; to both subordinates and superiors in the accomplishment of their duties. He
reported directly to the state “Emergency Operations Unit”. Monte is an US Federal court certified
expert for training, tactics and firearms. He is a member of the US Military and has both combat and
non-combat deployments overseas. In addition, Monte is currently a Senior NCO in the US Army and has
conducted training at the team, squad, platoon and company level with over 30 years of service.
If you have comments contact MONTEIMTT@GMAIL.COM

REFERENCES

BARNARD, D. (2018). how to structure your presentation. Retrieved from Virtual Speech :
https://virtualspeech.com/blog/how-to-structure-your-presentation
SC Kong, Y. S. (2014 ). JSTOR . Retrieved from https://www.principlebasedlearning.com/
Staff . (2017). Miriam Webster . Retrieved from MW Dictionary : https://www.merriam-webster.com/
Teach Thought staff . (2018 ). 12 Principles of learning . Retrieved from TeachThought :
https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/12-principles-of-modern-learning/

Max Ordinate Academy – Advanced Sniper course

26.1.2021 Monte

Today many folks, of all walks of life are participating in Precision Rifle Series competitions. The study of precision rifle has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 20 years. The quality of rifles, the types of ammo & calibers available, the evolution of equipment and the massive improvement in optics is stunning. Not to mention the introduction of ballistic software and aids is astonishing. The Global War on Terror pushed forward technologies, methods, tactics and procedures for military and law enforcement snipers, far beyond what was even imagined. The technical and technological superiority, sophistication and training of personnel are far beyond what we envisioned, even as recently as 1999. If you’re not attending training, meeting with peers, training regularly, and staying abreast of the newest innovations, you are falling behind, and fast. With this is mind I’m constantly attending training and learning from the newest generation of shooters and professionals. With every class I attend, I learn new techniques and useful methods improving my skills.

On December 7^th through the 11^th I attended the Advanced Sniper course, at Max Ordinate Academy in Apple Valley California. Max ordinate academy is a veteran owned and operated Precision Rifle training establishment headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. The training facility is located in Apple Valley, California. MOA encompasses several thousand acres of a remote and isolated region of the county of San Bernardino. The company was established in 2013 by Mr. Tyler Hughes, Marine Scout Sniper and Recon Marine with combat service. Upon discharged from the U.S. Marines, Tyler worked as an overseas security contractor. During his time as contractor he felt there was a need for professional level in-depth training, relative to Precision Rifle and LE Sniper operations. With this in mind he set his goals on building a training institution that would raise the bar. MAX Ordinate seeks to become the standard for civilian precision rifle and Law Enforcement Sniper training in the United States. The institution provides all levels and types of long rifle training for the beginning to the expert; for Law Enforcement, Military, security and the citizenry at large.

Author’s relevant background: attended over 23 different courses of instruction relative to this subject matter “precision rifle” and “sniper”. He served as a Law Enforcement SWAT Sniper and instructor, for over 20 years. Additionally serving as an US Army Sniper, assigned to an Infantry Battalion Sniper detachment for 8 years, with a final assignment as the Sniper detachment team leader.

This class is restricted to US Citizens, military and Law Enforcement only. There are several topics instructed within this class that will not be discussed as per the request of MAX ordinate.

Day #1 / 0700-1700

Individual and staff introduction
Weapons checks
Equipment checks
Course objectives
Classroom lecture
Checking zero of rifles
Shoot qualification course
Shooting out to 300 yards
After action report & review

Approx. 150 rounds fired

Upon class start time you will be provided a Student Course Booklet, a custom Max Ordinate Data-book, Tripod, Rifle Rest, Sling, Pocket reference card. This day was an overview of expectations, learning the foundational concepts of the precision rifle use and application.

Day #2 0700-1700

Classroom lecture
- Wind solutions & estimation
- Use of optics
- Slope firing methods and determination formulas
- Use of Tri-pods
- Use of ballistic software
Live fire range operations, shooting out to 400 yards
Shooting moving targets, calculation of moving target leads based on speed and distance
Introduction to shooting with Tri-pods and artificial support
Angle firing practical application exercises out to 500 yards
Barricade firing practical exercises and introduction

Day #3 0700-0000hrs

Multi-positional (course #1) and station barricade firing round robin exercise shooting to 300 yards. These were steel plate targets at multiple distances, positions and angles of engagement.
Tri-pod shooting exercises and methods
Shooting moving targets out to 200 yards (50, 100, 200).
Unsupported standing, kneeling and sitting on steel plates at 100 yards
Classroom lecture
- Loophole shooting methods and techniques
- Obstacle supported shooting positions
- Alternate supported shooting positions
Practical exercises, Loophole shooting
Multi-positional (course #2) and stationary barricade firing, round robin exercise shooting out to 700 yards. These were steel plate targets at multiple distances, positions and angles of engagement. This course focused on shooting up hill primarily, in unconventional positions, extremely challenging.
Night and low light shooting out to 600 yards. The targets are illuminated at the base with only enough light to see the steel target. As part of the exercise you must range it, call your wind and shoot the target twice. This is the first time I had shot on targets with this little illumination, at these distances. Excellent drill and practical exercise, very challenging and instructive.

Day #4 0800-1800hrs

Barricade firing drill at 100 yards on reduced targets
Bi-Pod practice live fire at 100 and 200 yards
Long range shooting out to 800 yards
Extreme angle firing, up and down hill
Live fire moving targets
Live fire practice the entire day

Day #5 0700-1700hrs

Qualifications courses of fire the entire day. Multiple stages, complexities and requirements.

Stage 1, large paper targets multiple requirements. Dominate hand and support firing, gas mask, tripod fire and barricade fire. 56 round course 60 points possible, 51points is passing.
Stage 2, moving targets from (3 moa targets) 50, 100 and 200, firing from barricades and tripods, you must hit 100%.
Stage 3, long range steel targets (3 moa Targets) 200- 750 yards, max 2 shots per steel. All firing is from standing, kneeling and sitting with tri-pod.
Stage 4, barricade running course (3 moa targets) 150-350 yards 6 positions, you must use environmental structures for support only, 1 shot at each, allowed 1 miss then fail. Two total misses is failure of course.

You must pass all 4 combined courses to qualify. The wind here ranges from 3-30mph depending on the conditions.

Excellent instructional aids

Power point
Clear and concise student notebooks with solid reference material
All students additionally received power points, videos and instructional material to support instruction.
Instructors well prepared and very knowledgeable

Instructor profile

Tyler Hughes, Max Ordinate Academy lead instructor

Former US Marine Sniper and Recon Marine with combat service. He has been competing professionally for over 10 years, in conjunction with running operations and training for Max Ordinate Academy. Tyler holds multiple long distance national and regional match titles. He is the winner of the 2019 Steel Safari by Competition Dynamics.

Student profiles

Eleven personnel total, including the author

Seven Law Enforcement
- Police
- Sheriff
  - All personnel are assigned as SWAT snipers and have completed a basic sniper course.
- Average service time as a group was 8.0 years.
Three military personnel
- US-DOD SPECOPS
  - All completed basic military sniper course and advanced courses
- Average service period 9 years

All personnel have employed and deployment with their weapons systems, in call outs and military deployments. Many of the students were having advanced knowledge combined with extensive experience in this discipline.

Comments of students

Positives

Clear objectives, good foundational adult learning methodology applied. Excellent written support information, student handouts, excellent supporting videos and power point presentations. Each student instructor received an in-depth notebook, tripod and gun saddle device for the tri-pod. In addition each student received a colored range card with wind and range come ups and a card for and a comprehensive Instructor lesson plan notebook
All practical application supported the plan of instruction and validated learning points brought forth by the instructor.
A step by step approach with progressive building blocks of instruction facilitated rapid emersion and understanding of the techniques
Conduct, appearance and presentations of the instructor exceeded expectations.
Moving target engagements and forum.
Loophole shooting exercises and methods was extremely informative and useful for everyone.
Extremely thorough course of instruction, and non-compromising.

Negatives

Lack of applicability of long range shooting for Law Enforcement officers relative to their responsibilities and roles.
Excessive qualification courses of fire consuming the entire last day of training. Several wanted to train further on honing their skills instead of qualifying.

All participants had extremely positive reviews of the course in general, and highly recommending the class. The students overall rated this class an 8.5 from 1 to 10, 10 being best and 1 being worst.

Conclusion

Overall the course was excellent, useful, well researched and extremely comprehensive. I was tremendously impressed with the information and detail of the course of instruction. Without question this was one of the best, if not the best sniper course I have ever attended.

The two most interesting and informative topics were

Extreme angle firing
Tri-pod use for standing and kneeling position

Although I was familiar with all the techniques, Tyler was able to simplify the process, and streamline the application of the methods in the field. This accelerated the method and sped up the protocols for use. Fewer complex steps, faster and much simpler methods. Example when firing on angles we used the “rule of 15”. Here’s how this is used and accomplished. 1^st Determine the angle of the target and the distance. 2^nd Minus 15 from the angle degree (example 30 degrees -15 =15) 3^rd Convert this into a percentage (example 30 -15 =15%) and minus that percentage from the range, this is now your adjusted final shooting distance.

Example “RULE OF 15”

600 Yards, 30 degree angle, 30 -15 =15, now 15% from 600 Yards, -90 from 600 = 510 yards is the final firing solution and distance. Shoot the target as if at 510 yards, not 600.

Shooting with and from the tri-pod, I found this extremely difficult and trying. Tyler coached me through the process. The key of shooting accurately with the Tri-pod is allowing the Tri-pod to do the work. This took me some time to grow accustomed to and perform correctly. I continually fought the Tri-pod and attempted to muscle it into submission. This is incorrect and highly frustrating. In the standing position the key is to set the rifle correctly into the vise on the Tri-pod, tighten it and attach the sling to front sling swivel and the other end to your belt, then reversing your supported hand grip locking the elbow extending the arm. Always use a pack or large pad against the body to rest your dominate side elbow on and lock it into your side. This works in the standing, kneeling, and sitting position to stabilize the rifle, and your muscles, providing more bone support and stability. My shooting in these positions increased in accuracy tremendously in a short period of time, with these methods and the coaching of Tyler.

Forget about shooting from a prone relaxed position, not going to happen in the advanced courses. This is an extremely demanding course, not for beginners and not for those in moderate to good physical condition. Bring your “A game”, if you attend this course, this is a serious class with a high level of difficulty and very challenging. This course is both mentally and physically demanding. You must have a solid foundation in the basics. This is not a beginner’s class. This specific course was an Advanced Law Enforcement sniper school. I was very impressed with the entire course of instruction, support, material and entire facility.

Things you’ll need:

Long range precision rifle (preferred capability of 1 MOA accuracy or better)
Scope (Open Tactical Turrets, Minimum 10x magnification, adjustable parallax recommended, Turret adjustments with matching reticle measurements is recommended)

600 rounds of appropriate caliber ammunition (500 minimum)
Bipods or shooting bag/rest
Shooting mat (recommended, not required)
Binoculars (recommended, not required)
Backpack
Call out gear I.E. vest, helmet, etc.
Gas mask
Tripod / Rifle saddle if you opted for the lower tuition w/o tripod option
2 magazines for your specific weapon platform
Water / fluids
Food / snacks
Sleeping bag & pillow
Weapons cleaning gear / lube
Hygiene equipment (soap, shampoo, towel, etc.)
Weather appropriate clothing (we train in all weather conditions). It is recommended to check the weather before coming to pack appropriate clothing.
Clothing for off-range / leisure time
Hat / skull cap / Rain Gear
Ear protection
Eye protection
Sunblock
Chapstick
Paper & Pen
The Ballistic ARC smartphone app (The “free” version is adequate for the course but the paid version has some very nice additional features.)

Lodging is provided as well as running hot water, the cabin is fully temperature controlled. There are multiple showers and restroom facilities, along with additional restroom facilities outside, a TV, pool table, Wifi Internet, Cable, a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker, charcoal and propane grill, etc. Bring your own food and an ice chest. There are plenty of beds; you will need to bring a sleeping bag. The road to the cabin and training area is regularly maintained. Normal passenger cars can pass through without much trouble; however they suggest you do not use a “lowered” vehicle.

Basic MOA qualification course phase #1 only:

Cold Bore Shot

Check and Adjust your zero

Dominate side 5 target 5 shot drill

Dominate side 5 target 5 shot mag change drill

Dominate side 5 target 5 shot single feed drill

Weak side 5 target 5 shot drill

Gas Mask Engagement drill

Type 1 Malfunction drill (Empty Chamber)

Type 2 Malfunction Drill (Double Feed)

Speed Drill – one shot 9 seconds

Speed Drill – three shots 17 seconds

Speed Drill – three shots break position drill 60 seconds

Unsupported engagements – standing kneeling seated prone (no Bipods)

After the qualification you’ll debrief, discuss all fundamental issues or shortcomings before we start the classroom portion of the Advanced Sniper Course. If you’re interested in this topic (precision long rifle) and want to know more about this discipline, and improve your skills, contact them directly. They offer beginning classes, intermediated and advanced courses. In addition they offer one day training sessions every month regularly. These courses also include free lodging.

Max Ordinate has many instructional and in-depth videos posted on YouTube, make sure to check them out.

Max Ordinate Academy contact information

Website: https://www.maxordinate.com/

Contact phone number Phone:(760) 845-5350

About the author: Monte is a former (honorably retired) State of California Peace officer (27 ½ years of service) and SWAT member (22 ½ years), former US Marine, and US Army 24 years of service, both active and reserve US Army SOF SNCO.

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