Tier-1 Group has one of the greatest  driving programs on the planet. Besides just teaching High-Speed Vehicle Dynamics, T1G also covers some really great field vehicle repairs. If you saw our video on repairing bullet holes in a radiator, you’ll recall Chad is very direct and to the point. You’ll find the same here, where Chad takes us through plugging a tire in the field, both with and without a plug kit.

  First, what is a Plug Kit, and why would I need to know how to use one? Picture walking out to your truck and seeing it has a flat. Upon closer inspection, you see that you ran over a simple nail or screw.  Easy fix, just put on the spare tire and take the flat to a local tire shop. The mechanic rolls the tire around the corner, and comes back 5 minutes later, with your tire magically fixed, and he holds out his hand for that $20 bill you owe him. How did he fix it? He pulled that nail out with pliers and used a Plug Kit to stick in a 25 cent plug.

    Plug Kits can be bought at any auto parts store on the planet (buy a good one), and knowing how to use one is a “Man Skill” that should to taught to every kid in high school.

    Now, fast forward to the real world and you may find yourself in need of a repair with no mechanic. You don’t have to be an SOF Operator in the middle of a covert op in some foreign desert; you might just be out in the mountains hunting or just enjoying the great outdoors. Whatever your situation, having the knowledge to plug a tire in the field may just be the mental tool that saves the day (or at least your afternoon).

    Plugging a Tire requires:

Inserting a Plug through the eye of the Split Needle Tool
Removing the nail or screw
Smoothing out the hole with the Reamer (provided in most Kits)
Inserting the Plug with the Split Needle Tool (Provided in Kit)
Quickly withdrawing the Split Needle, while leaving the Plug in the tire (no glue required)
inflating the tire, with  air compressor, to your desired tire pressure
Yes, it is really that easy.

    How about if you run out of Tire Plugs? How about if you don’t have a plug kit?

    Enter Chad, with his fury tire. I say “fury”, because he has several tires in his shop with 50+ different plugs in them, and they still hold air.  In this video, Chad is going to show you a variety of different materials that can be used to plug a tire in the field. He’ll show you what works better than other materials. Medical Gloves, for example, work great if done right. Now, you understand why 550 cord wont work, right?... because the air would just go right through the porous material?  Wrong... 550 cord makes a great  tire plug; you just have to grease it up (to seal the material) with grease you can rob from the side of your engine block. We’ve done hundreds of tires like this.

   Don’t have a Plug Kit? You can use a screwdriver and a Leatherman. However, it’s a lot harder than using a real plug kit, but it can be done.

    You can buy a plug kit and air compressor in just about any country on the planet. Add it to the list of other supplies that you purchase right after you pick up your rental car. Toss it in the trunk, and you’ll probably never need it.

    So, watch the video three or four times, then go out and practice in the back yard? Nope. Some of this skills seem really easy, but it’s also really easy to screw it up.  Drop the coin, and sign up for one of Chad’s courses. Besides just this “Man Skill,” he also covers dozens of other really cool expedient field repairs. Chad will properly demonstrate the task, and then have every student do each task. Try finding that at other driving courses. Knowledge is power; learn from the Best.   Strength and Honor, Tactical Rifleman.
 

Whether you are talking to a new recruit or a old Nam vet, they will all recall the Rifle Qualification Course. While i can’t attest to the other branches of service, the US Army has always relied on the 300 meter standard Rifle Qualification. This test required a Soldier to first shoot a 20rd magazine, from a concrete “foxhole,” at targets ranging from 25 meters to 300 meters. The Soldier then had to climb out of the foxhole, assume a unsupported prone firing position (laying on the ground), and again engage various targets from 25m to 300m, with a second 20rd mag. If I recall correctly, I think 34/40 was expert. If I shot below 38, I wanted to kill myself (very easy test for a young trooper with good eyes).

These tests were all done with iron sights. They were good for gauging how good our Soldiers would be shooting at targets in an open defence. However, as the global war on terror was shaping up, we began to see more and more urban combat. So, what about training, and testing, at CQB distances?

Here we are, now 15 years later, still playing the same political games. There are quite a few different Carbine Tests out there. Some are good. Some, well, not so much.

In this video Rob takes us through what we call the “Mar Qual.” It is a standardized test, that T1G uses to gauge the shooting abilities of different operators (and whole units), prior to allowing them to go “Hot” into the live-fire shoot houses. It takes shooters through Standing/Kneeling/Prone, speed reloads, shooting on the move, and limited exposure shots (snaps). Rob has a little fun talking through how to properly score these targets. There are actually two different versions (male and female), but both have the same scoring areas. To run this test, each shooter will need 50rds of rifle (there is a pistol version also) and three paper targets. You’re wanting at least 80 points to pass this test.

Stages (so you don’t have to keep rewatching the video)

From 50m; 2rds Standing, 2rds Kneeling, 2rds Prone; against 1st paper target

From 50m, run to 25m, then 2rds standing and 2rds Kneeling

From 25m, 1rd snap to the face in 2 seconds

From 25m moving to the 15m; shooting while moving 2rds to chest

From 15m, 2rds hammered pair to chest in 2 seconds

From 15m moving to 10m, shooting while moving, failure drill

From 10m moving to 5m, shooting while moving, failure drill

Walk back to 7m; from 7m moving to 3m; shooting while moving, failure drill

Set up 2 new clean targets

From 50m; 2rds Standing on 1st target, speed reload, 2rds Kneeling on 2nd target

From 25m moving to 15m; shooting while moving, 2rds each target

From 15m; 2rds hammered pair on each target

From 15m moving to 10m, shooting while moving, 2rds each target

From 10m; 2rds hammered pair on each target

From 10m moving to 3m; shooting while moving, Box Drill

So, if you are looking for a new drill to add to your training plan, or you are just wanting to test your skill level against America’s finest, give this Carbine Qualification a try. It’s a great training tool.

Now, that said, do I think it should replace the Army’s standard 300 meter qual? No, I do not. Unfortunately, we are seeing our modern generation of warfighters becoming overly dependant on optic sights and only practicing at CQB distances. What good is having a rifle capable of precision shots at 400 meters, if our Soldiers are only proficient out to 25 meters? Don’t just train for your last battle; train for what might possibly be your next. That means mastering both CQB distances and open long distances. So, conquer them both.

This is the part where you push away from the computer. Go slap in a fresh mag, and try out this qual on your local rifle range. Then, come back and let us know how you did.

Is it hard to patch a bullet hole in a radiator? Not if you know how. In the movies, hollywood always shows the hero pissing in the radiator after fixing it, but they never show how he actually fixes it. In this video, two Special Forces Operators, Chad and Karl will take you through exactly how easy it really is.

Sid takes us through a great introduction of the famous AK-47 Assault Rifle. He talks through it's history, uses and functionality. Everyone seems to love to at least shoot it a few times. If you haven’t tried an AK47, come down to T1G and we’ll let you try one of our full-auto versions (ours are all full-auto). Sid, and the other Weapons & Tactics instructors down at T1G, teach a lot of classes involving the AK-47. He knows what he is talking about. If you have any questions about the AK-47, you can comment below or reach out to Sid directly at T1G.com

In our first water purification video, I tried to cover all the different techniques for purifying water. We covered everything from Boiling to UV Light. However, when I got to chemical treatment, there were just so many different types on the market that I couldn’t hit them all in that one video. So, for this video, we are focusing just on chemical treatment. There are actually lots of options out there. The old Iodine tablets have been improved. There’s the Chor-Flox that the military is now issuing. Then, there are the multiple different ways to employ Chlorine. I cover the pros and cons of each. Which way is best? Nope, don’t go there. Ask “Which way is best for me?” I say that, because everyone has different situations and preferences. Taste alone, may steer certain people in certain directions.

I talked fast in the video, and didn’t cover it very well. So, I wanted to talk a little more about the proper use of Calcium Hypochlorite or “Pool Shock”, as it is a great way to treat large amounts of water for your home (think Hurricane Katrina). While I don’t think it is great for backpacking; it is the best method I have found for long-term treatment and a large scale. A lot of people plan on using household bleach, if they are ever faced with a long-term situation (again, think Katrina). The problem with bleach, is it only has a 6 month shelf life, and is just nasty to work with. You can store Pool Shock damn near indefinitely, and it takes much less space. That said, you still need to store it away from your food or other gear (it gives off a slight gas), and it takes a bit of mixing to get the proper concentration for treatment. However, if you are willing to do it properly, you’ll see this is a great technique to keep in your mental toolbox. Here are some notes:

Using granular Calcium Hypochlorite to disinfect water is a two-step process

Note: Mix only in a Plastic or Glass container, NOT METAL!!

Step-1: Make a stock of liquid chlorine solution

· dissolve 1 heaping teaspoon of Calcium hypochlorite in two(2) gallons of water

Step-2: Disinfect Water

· Add one part of the liquid chlorine solution to 100 parts water to be treated;

· Let sit for 30 minutes before use

Example: Add 6oz of liquid solution to treat 4.75 gallons of Water in a five gallon bucket. (4.75 gallons = 608 oz of water)

A 1-pound bag of 70% calcium hypochlorite in granular form (pool shock) will treat up to 10,000 gallons of drinking water. That’s a lot of water for your family to live off of. Again, this is a great technique to keep in your mental toolbox. Knowledge is power. Knowledge can be your best tool.

So, enjoy the video and let me know which water treatment techniques you prefer or if you have anything that you think I have left out. I’m always looking for new techniques. What’s in your Bag? What’s in your Plan? Share your ideas and opinions. Don’t have an opinion? Maybe you need to get outside and get one. Don’t rely on the internet. You need to get out there. You need to get some real training. Don’t know where? Let me know, and I’ll point you in the right direction. Strength and Honor.

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This week’s video is by Chad Morman, showing us a few examples of Improvised Weapons. Chad is one of the Lead Instructors, at Tier-1 Group (T1G.com). If you want quality training, and can afford to train where America’s Finest train, you can reach out to T1G and they’ll set you up with a custom class. 95% of what they teach the military, they can also train civilians; and the other 5% you don’t need to know.

Chad has the frame of mind to always have a weapon. If he doesn’t have one, he immediately starts looking for a weapon, BEFORE he needs one. Look around the room you are sitting in. How many items in this room could be used as a weapon? Rest assured, that Chad could kill you with the computer sitting right in front of you. Do you want that same level of confidence? It doesn’t come from Amazon or Youtube. If you truly want to be prepared for the “Moment of Truth,” you need to get off your ass and sign up for one of Chad’s classes. We would not (and should not) cover in this video half of the improvised (and sinister) uses of normal items that Chad shows in his Improvised Weapons classes.

Sid, from T1G, takes us through the definitions of Speed and Tactical Reloads. Speed: you’re out of ammo; gas that puppy up as quick as possible. Tactical: There’s a lull in the fight; gas that puppy up, but save the half full magazine for later use. Even if you only shot a few rounds, do you really want to go into the next room with a half-full gun? No. So, take a second, and put in a full mag.

One thing I want to highlight, is where Sid says to conduct your reload; up, right in front of your face. It’s a “pet peeve” of mine, when shooters reload down in front of their waist. With their head down, they lose total situational awareness to their surroundings. That would seem fine in training. However, we react under stress how we have been taught; so, train as you fight. If you think you will be able to take your eyes off the bad guy to your front with the AK while you watch your reload at waist level, you are sadly mistaken. You’ll be stuck staring at him, while your body messes up a simple reload, because you have never practiced doing it correctly. Rather, again, train as you will fight under stress. Keep your head up trained on the target. Conduct that reload right in front of your face, as Sid showed in the video. You’ll be able to look through the front sight of the gun and keep constant awareness of the enemy. Did he hide behind the car to the left or behind the tree to the right? You wouldn’t know if you had been staring at your crotch, during the reload. However, with the gun up, you know where he went and have your weapon ready for when the monkey sticks his head back out. Plus, if you have any problems with your weapon, it’s already up where you can see it. It works. It’s what the pros do; and it’s why we teach it.

So the next time you’re on the range and that pistol runs dry, don’t just holster up and go “admin.” Rather, treat every pause as a chance to conduct a Speed or Tactical Reload. Practice makes perfect. Proper Practice builds Proper Muscle Memory. Muscle memory builds speed, and speed wins gunfights.

In this video, Chad takes us through an often over-looked step in knife fighting. Just like shooting, where most people only practice from the “Ready” position, the most over-looked step is the Draw. Knowing this is half the battle. Now, the other half is you having the discipline to practice and develop the ‘muscle memory” to push this skill into your subconscious thought. You can watch videos all you want, but if you aren’t getting your butt off the couch and practicing, you aren’t going to be worth a shit at the moment of truth. Decide what type of knife you are going to carry. Then, practice getting it into the fight.

This week Sid takes us through how to properly shoot using “Strong Hand” only. In a USPSA match, why would we shoot “Strong Hand Only”? Well, probably because the Stage Range Officer just read you the course description and it listed “this is a Strong Hand Only drill.” That’s fine. However, in a real world situation, why would you ever chose to shoot one handed? Probably, because you were either carrying something (like a litter) or your other arm was incapacitated. So, in either case, not only do you need to know how to shoot one handed, but you also need to know how to correct malfunctions and reload one handed.

Sid does a great job explaining several methods for “Strong Hand Only” reloads. These are combat proven techniques that really work and should be practiced by anyone who carries a firearm for self-defense. You won’t see competitive shooters doing one-handed reloads in competitions. Why? Well, because of the liability issues of having novice shooters conducting dangerous fine motor skills under stress. Yes, lawyers should come right between deer and turkey seasons. Yes, these reload drills are dangerous. However, they are safer than standing there with an empty pistol during a two-way gunfight. Practice these techniques dry or with dummy rounds, until you have the drills safely mastered. Then, add them to your standard training plan, and you have these skills pushed into “muscle memory.”

Train as you fight. If you want more great tips from Sid, please check out his other videos. You can also book a training class through Tier-1 Group, where Sid is a Weapons & Tactics instructor. Check them out at t1g.com

Sid, from T1G, takes us through two different techniques on how to reload a AK-47. First, he covers the “standard” technique covered world wide. Then, he covers “sweeping the mag” with the fresh mag. This technique is slightly faster, if practiced. You can surf the web and find literally thousands of different videos show techniques on reloading the AR Carbine. Most have merit, most are repeats, and a few… well, they just shouldn’t be on the web. Keeping true to the spirit of Tactical Rifleman, we wanted to show valuable techniques and skills that aren’t always found on the mainstream websites. Take it, or leave it; but this is just one more “tool” to have in your “tool box” of weapon skills. Sid has taught hundreds of courses to our nation’s finest units. He wouldn’t teach this technique if it wasn’t battle-proven. Looking forward to your comments.

When people talk about survival, they tend to focus on making fire. That’s fine, as I tend to enjoy setting things on fire almost as much as blowing things up. However, for this video, I wanted to cover purification of water. Yes, if you’re really sucking, you can drink dirty water and worry about getting sick down the road (as opposed to dying of dehydration). No one really gives this subject much thought, as we always just carried Iodine tablets everywhere we went. Well, there are lots of different options out there. Some are better than others. Some are faster than others. Some taste better than others. Which of these matters most will depend on your situation or mission. I know I talk fast in the video… so here are a few notes for you:

Boiling (Heat) Boil for 10x minutes, or Rolling Boil at least 1x minute

Does not remove Chemicals / Heavy Metals / Prions / Spores (botulism & fungal)

Chemicals (add to water, and wait 30 minutes)

Iodine/ Chlorine/ Chlorine Dioxide/ Calcium Hypochlorite

Tablets or Drops

Does not remove Chemicals / Heavy Metals / Spores

Filtration

“It’s all about the size”

viruses are .02 - 0.1 micron; bacteria are 0.5 -5 micron; parasites are usually 1-5 micron in size

Life Straw; Hand Pumped; Gravity Fed

UV light (254 nanometers for 90 seconds, in clear water)

SteriPEN (uses batteries)

Distillation (Evaporation of the dirty water; then recapture of the steam, cooled into condensed water droplets in separate clean container)

I hope you look at the options and see some techniques may be fine for survival, while other techniques may be better for hiking and camping. So, enjoy the video. I’ll cover the different chemical treatments in a separate video. Don’t forget to comment below.

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Force Recon Marine Raj takes us through a quick review of an often overlooked weapon system, the M-203. Every infantry squad on the planet has at least a couple of these and most SOF units have access to them too. I would always push to have at least one M-203 around at all times. The 40mm rounds just bring a lot to the fight. My favorite use is covering the dead space that you just can’t reach with the sniper rifles ( like around the corners of concrete buildings in the Najaf). Raj makes it fun, and you can tell he really does love this weapon. He actually prefers to run a iron-sight M-203 while teaching CQB skills, just to show that don’t need all the fancy optics to be fast & accurate in the house. It comes down to mastery of the basics and muscle memory. Most operators that have a couple deployments under their belts all have a “favorite” M-203 story… We’d love to hear them. Please post them in the comments section below, and let’s share some “lessons learned”, both good & bad.

Phil talks us through how to properly use a shorty breaching shotgun to breach a push-door. There are different schools of thought about barrel placement and orientation. T1G teaches 45 degrees in (into the door frame) and 45 degrees down (to prevent the locking mechanism from flying across the room and injuring non-combatants within the room). Other schools teach different techniques. The key is to have positive entry in the safest manner possible. If your SOF unit is currently using different techniques; please leave a comment, as I would love to discuss your current TTPs. I’m a big believer in always keeping an open mind and discussing/learning new techniques.

We have all seen those Tasty videos that show you how to cook something. We thought it was about time for a gun version, we call it BLASTY. The Blasty series will show you how to take apart and put back together (disassemble and assemble) your favorite weapons. This weeks blaster is the SIG 226.

We have all seen those Tasty videos that show you how to cook something. We thought it was about time for a gun version, we call it BLASTY. The Blasty series will show you how to take apart and put back together (disassemble and assemble) your favorite weapons. This weeks blaster is the Remington 1911.

There are many elements to surviving in potentially deadly or hazardous situations. For this video we worked with Randy “Rawhide” Wurst, from Wurst Case scenario survival school. Randy is one of four guys who wrote the classified survival manual for SOCOM.

Part 5 covers your belt. On your personal belt you will need a small blade working knife and a tool like the Leatherman. You should find a small pouch like a Swiss Army Knife belt pouch and put inside of it some basic survival equipment you may need.

If you use a Pistol belt: A leather or synthetic belt material is your choice. A larger more detailed and equipped survival pouch is next. A large knife, 9 inches to 14 inches long. Next, should be a pistol of your choice, I choose a Ruger single action 10 22 caliber revolver. Water containers or canteens can be put on the belt, energy food bars, and honey too.

In all of these videos one of the important concepts I want to convey is layering of your survival gear. I will break it down to the layers according to “Randy’s world.” A short explanation is needed here. Primitive skills are great and one needs to know them and get proficient with those skill sets; but just having said that, we live in the 21st century, and if you can’t see the value of 21st tool/ equipment you should be using, you should be eliminated from the gene pool. “Just Saying”.