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Law enforcement force is necessary to maintain peace, public safety, and public order. There are several law enforcement agencies, and each has a particular role. The common law enforcement force is the police force that enforces the law and maintains order in the city. The primary duties of a police officer are to prevent crime, apprehend criminals, and investigate any wrongdoing.
Many individuals passionately watch thriller movies and television series and develop an interest in joining a law enforcement agency. However, there is a complete process that an individual needs to go through. The process involves education, training, and certifications.
The Significance of Firearm Training
One of the essential aspects of the law enforcement force is ‘firearm training,’ and only trained personnel is allowed to carry a licensed gun. Veterans and qualified law enforcement officers give the training for proper use, handling, and safety of firearms.
The purpose of law enforcement firearms instructor training is to provide proper guidelines to the new instructors who will teach potential candidates to be inducted into the law enforcement force. The new firearm instructor gets familiar with various firearms and how to use and handle them safely.
There are several topics within the program that allows instructors to know about the changing rules. The primary goal of the firearm instructor is to teach
- Correct shooting techniques
- All the important safety rules and precautions
- Resolve any shooting issues or errors that are common
To enroll in the program, an individual must fulfill particular requirements that are
- The applicant must be a full-time law enforcement officer either with the police or military
- Must have prior experience of teaching and presenting material to law enforcement personnel who recently joined the force
- Having qualifications and certifications that prove ability and skill
- Must be medically fit with no preexisting health condition. The instructor also needs to pass Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) health screening test
- Demonstrate skills and individual proficiency by completing the firearm assessment courses. The instructor needs to have 85% on the standard course on the first day of training
Some of the materials or equipment that the applicant must have are an agency-issued firearm and accessories such as leather gear. If the applicant cannot bring the agency-issued firearm, then the FLETC will provide the gun. The applicant also needs to bring proper range attire.
The Important Things to Consider while Choosing Firearm Instructor
Due to the changing industry rules and regulations, an instructor today is given a variety of responsibilities. The two main aspects of the training course are basic safety rules and handling and marksmanship skills.
In recent years there has been an increase in sales of firearms and also in firearm instructors and training academies. First, you need to determine what kind of training you want, whether competitive training, sport shooting, or personal protection. The law enforcement firearm training is different than that of sports shooting or self-defense training. However, some of the key factors of a training program are
- Safety
The number one concern for firearm training is ‘safety,’ whether in the range or classroom. Mostly during instructor training, dummy ammunition is used.
- Qualification
The instructor wanting to take the training program must have past certification on various firearms such as handguns and shotguns. Only an instructor who passes the instructor training program can teach the students who recently joined the law enforcement agencies. An instructor passionate about teaching will continue to improve their knowledge and skill.
- Teaching Style and experience
Every instructor has a different teaching style. However, the course remains the same and is objective-based, which means the student needs to get it before moving to the next course.
- Work Experience
The instructor needs to teach tactical techniques and combat shooting during the course, so he needs prior experience. Apart from a real-life situation, an instructor spends sufficient time practicing and improving their skill in the shooting range.
The Key Aspects of the Training Program
The firearm training program is backed by state and federal institutions that authenticate the program. There is a long list of key areas when it comes to firearm training which includes
- Proper grip and stance
- Reloading techniques
- Distance shooting
- Shooting positions
- Precision shooting
- Fundamentals of marksmanship
- Malfunction drills
The applicant will have to pass rigorous physical training to prove his strength and ability. There is an activity where the applicant needs to move and manipulate the firearm actively. The training process involves constant movement of the body and in different positions such as sitting, standing and kneeling.
The level of physical fitness directly shows how much the applicant is willing to learn. Also, the instructor-level students need to possess extraordinary marksmanship skills and excellent communication skills.
Reasons for becoming a Firearms Instructor
There is not one but different reasons why a person may want to become a firearms instructor. Some like to transfer their knowledge and skill to aspiring law enforcement officers and allow them to be more resourceful. Many law enforcement officers retire and are assigned duties to train and teach students who want to join law enforcement. Apart from the teaching and training, there is a constant income that the instructor can earn.
One of the principles in law enforcement is that there is no replacement for experience. The young and aspiring individuals are passionate and full of energy but need proper guidance. Training is one activity that is necessary across all professions.
An instructor training means that the instructor will have all the essential knowledge to gain and transfer to the students. Apart from the training they receive, they also have the experience that helps students to learn valuable insights.
The goal of instructor training is reducing liability and allowing the applicant to improve his accuracy, precision, and tactical mindset. Many people confuse instructor training with shooter training, but there is a difference. An instructor training focuses on tips, tricks, and lessons for the young person enrolled in the law enforcement agency.
Conclusion
The instructor training program helps increase the number of qualified instructors who can teach students the correct way to handle a firearm. Most of the training involves going through the safety procedures and new techniques, and tactical methods.
