Post by Stan on Dec 29, 2012 21:29:31 GMT -8
An ongoing compilation of emails and posts post-SULE 2012
______________________________
I read the question "how was SULE", I started replying: "SULE was...." and that's where I stopped replying. hehe
I thought about it for 3 minutes and I still don't know what to say. Saying "SULE was awesome" is definitely true, but then so are the Rifle classes. SULE is a lot more than that though. It's a lot more than handling the rifle properly. Maybe if others chime in I'll get some inspiration, but all I can say is that I plan on attending any future SULE class.
Nothing can replicate real combat, but, for a civilian, SULE gets as close as you can get without getting your hands dirty. However, it's not a Rambo type of class! Safety is the primary concern, as in all other classes, and the class really works on several levels, physical, mental and tactical.
The day part was "awesome" for many different reasons... but then the night part kicked it up even more. You obviously know the mission is not for real, no one is out to kill you (which is a great thing!), and I guess it can be easy to just tag along (not saying that anyone did that). For me, hiking uphill and in the bushes with all the gear through the dark, quiet night, just with your own thoughts and awareness of the surrounding, brought back a realism that I didn't expect.
I appreciated Stan's rifle classes, and I will re-take them many times, since rifle handling is a perishable skill, but rifle classes are kind of a static, closed environment thing, while SULE is a living, breathing, organic thing.
I can't say how the class was, in general terms, I can only say how it was for me.
_____________________________
Some email replies:
SULE was a great training event I will never forget!!!
I am grateful and very thankful to the Cadre and to all the students that participated in SULE.
The amount of information provided in each mission may seem overwhelming at the beginning but thanks to our team mentors that were there in every step of the way to help us complete each mission in a safe way.
Our instructors and the safety crew did a superb job in making sure there was no accidents, issues or problems and that every student understood the missions.
SULE was a very challenging exercise because tested each individual work skills, time management, delegation and problem solving skills. I feel that SULE accomplished it's purpose of developing leadership skills on each team by building team cohesion and help us identify our own strengths and weaknesses .
The day missions had it challenges, but I feel that the night operations was the most demanding on everyone, having to work in darkness and through unfamiliar route made it tougher and after completing several missions throughout the day exerted our bodies and minds and during the night we were still required to conduct the frontal assault and envelopments and still be able to think clearly and precise.
The CHOW was delicious, YUM YUM.
Look forward in participating in the next year's SULE.
I would like to wish you everyone a happy holidays in company of your love ones, family and friends.
EB
____________________________________________________
I just wanted to express my thanks to the cadre and the other students at the SULE course.
I enjoyed myself and felt like I came away with more knowledge and understanding.
SULE covered a much broader range of topics than the typical "shooting" class and I can't think of any other class I've taken which went into the specifics of patrolling and small units like this.
The mission orders processing part of the class was eye opening, in regards to organizing and planning.
I also appreciated the practical tips and advice that the mentors had as we were running through the missions.
I'd also like to thank the other students just for showing up and participating in this event. I hope you all got something out of it.
JVV
__________________________________________________
I wanted to thank Stan and the Cadre for all of the guidance and making this a very challenging but safe event. Some of my take a ways were:
Medical management - In the start of the course, Doc gave us a basic overview of what to do to a gun shot wound with your medical pack. I added some other non tacticool items to my pack since then...
Communication - It was clear that everyone from your team must understand their role and objectives. It is even more critical during live fire.
Leadership - once the high level goals are given. That information must be then translated into an actual plan and objectives so that everyone on your team must understand the end goal. Ensure team is ready for mission.
Team work - Translate the mission and deploy. During patrol, everyone is staggered and always checking their six. Communication during the patrol.
Time Mgmt - Each mission has a start time and it is pronounced when you are coordinating attacks with other fire teams.
Fitness - going through the hill side of the ASR will give force you to use every muscle in your body. carrying 25LB rig + rifle will force you to either re-eval your rig or train harder. After the hike, you are then tasked with hand to hand for 2 minutes on the punching pad.
Problem Solve - Things never goes as planned but its up to you to contribute to resolve any obstacles.
I might have missed some things and welcome my other team mates to contribute. Thanks again for the great experience!
____________________________________
NOTE: I only did the day portion so that only thing I really used in my backpack were water and snacks.
What you "really" need in firearms and equipment? Before and after
•A backpack with an integrated camelbak hydration system.
•A cap to cover muzzle to prevent dirt getting inside the barrel. Although I didn't have an issue with my rifle, my teammates experienced a malfunction because of dirt getting inside the barrel and rolling down the chamber. I think this happened to Kevin Phan and I think Joe V. saw dirt coming out of his barrel as well.
•Maybe a magnifier for my optic.
*Your perception of combat before and after
Most shooters think that combat is fun, an adventure, a pure adrenaline rush. Although this is the closest training course that gives me the experience of what combat can be like, I can say that I never want to experience one unless it's necessary. The thought of bullets flying pass my head can be terrifying. Having teammates and a good leader with you can improve my confidence to complete the task. Although this course isn't really about tactical training but to see how one can be as a leader or keep cool headed when frustrated, physically drained, and mentally exhausted.
*Your perception of fighting alone and now fighting in an organized, SULE-trained team
That it's so much better to be in a team rather than fighting solo. The power curve is tremendous and I will never do the first mission if I were alone.
*Your perception of firearms training before and after.
It's always good to have some good level of weapons manipulation but it's always nice to take a different course that doesn't involve a whole day of shooting. SULE, for example, focuses more on team building, leadership skills, and a good workout. TCCC is a must because the chances of saving a life than taking a life is more common. Force on Force training with FX Simunitions - although some people think that his will only benefit CCW users, this can benefit home owners defending themselves during a home invasion.
*How important leadership, planning, division of labor, time management, etc. is as compared to firearms training alone.
All very important compared to firearms training alone. If one or more of them breaks down (planning and time management) then the mission or a life can be in jeopardy.
*How important physical fitness is to the total warrior (rather than just firearms skills).
Very important especially cardio. Being physically fit can also improve mental confidence.
*Is close combat (martial arts) seemingly more important to you now?
Yes so bring a knife.
*Do you feel SULE is of importance to a real-life catostrophic event like an earthquake vs just firearms skills alone?
Hell yes and can be important anywhere where firearms are not involved. For example, if I'm home and there's a powerful earthquake, I may have to be the one to make sure everyone is OK and count heads, then I have to make sure the gas line is turned off, prepare for aftershocks, see if the house still has electricity, prepare to evacuate if necessary, etc.
- Jon
______________________________
I read the question "how was SULE", I started replying: "SULE was...." and that's where I stopped replying. hehe
I thought about it for 3 minutes and I still don't know what to say. Saying "SULE was awesome" is definitely true, but then so are the Rifle classes. SULE is a lot more than that though. It's a lot more than handling the rifle properly. Maybe if others chime in I'll get some inspiration, but all I can say is that I plan on attending any future SULE class.
Nothing can replicate real combat, but, for a civilian, SULE gets as close as you can get without getting your hands dirty. However, it's not a Rambo type of class! Safety is the primary concern, as in all other classes, and the class really works on several levels, physical, mental and tactical.
The day part was "awesome" for many different reasons... but then the night part kicked it up even more. You obviously know the mission is not for real, no one is out to kill you (which is a great thing!), and I guess it can be easy to just tag along (not saying that anyone did that). For me, hiking uphill and in the bushes with all the gear through the dark, quiet night, just with your own thoughts and awareness of the surrounding, brought back a realism that I didn't expect.
I appreciated Stan's rifle classes, and I will re-take them many times, since rifle handling is a perishable skill, but rifle classes are kind of a static, closed environment thing, while SULE is a living, breathing, organic thing.
I can't say how the class was, in general terms, I can only say how it was for me.
_____________________________
Some email replies:
SULE was a great training event I will never forget!!!
I am grateful and very thankful to the Cadre and to all the students that participated in SULE.
The amount of information provided in each mission may seem overwhelming at the beginning but thanks to our team mentors that were there in every step of the way to help us complete each mission in a safe way.
Our instructors and the safety crew did a superb job in making sure there was no accidents, issues or problems and that every student understood the missions.
SULE was a very challenging exercise because tested each individual work skills, time management, delegation and problem solving skills. I feel that SULE accomplished it's purpose of developing leadership skills on each team by building team cohesion and help us identify our own strengths and weaknesses .
The day missions had it challenges, but I feel that the night operations was the most demanding on everyone, having to work in darkness and through unfamiliar route made it tougher and after completing several missions throughout the day exerted our bodies and minds and during the night we were still required to conduct the frontal assault and envelopments and still be able to think clearly and precise.
The CHOW was delicious, YUM YUM.
Look forward in participating in the next year's SULE.
I would like to wish you everyone a happy holidays in company of your love ones, family and friends.
EB
____________________________________________________
I just wanted to express my thanks to the cadre and the other students at the SULE course.
I enjoyed myself and felt like I came away with more knowledge and understanding.
SULE covered a much broader range of topics than the typical "shooting" class and I can't think of any other class I've taken which went into the specifics of patrolling and small units like this.
The mission orders processing part of the class was eye opening, in regards to organizing and planning.
I also appreciated the practical tips and advice that the mentors had as we were running through the missions.
I'd also like to thank the other students just for showing up and participating in this event. I hope you all got something out of it.
JVV
__________________________________________________
I wanted to thank Stan and the Cadre for all of the guidance and making this a very challenging but safe event. Some of my take a ways were:
Medical management - In the start of the course, Doc gave us a basic overview of what to do to a gun shot wound with your medical pack. I added some other non tacticool items to my pack since then...
Communication - It was clear that everyone from your team must understand their role and objectives. It is even more critical during live fire.
Leadership - once the high level goals are given. That information must be then translated into an actual plan and objectives so that everyone on your team must understand the end goal. Ensure team is ready for mission.
Team work - Translate the mission and deploy. During patrol, everyone is staggered and always checking their six. Communication during the patrol.
Time Mgmt - Each mission has a start time and it is pronounced when you are coordinating attacks with other fire teams.
Fitness - going through the hill side of the ASR will give force you to use every muscle in your body. carrying 25LB rig + rifle will force you to either re-eval your rig or train harder. After the hike, you are then tasked with hand to hand for 2 minutes on the punching pad.
Problem Solve - Things never goes as planned but its up to you to contribute to resolve any obstacles.
I might have missed some things and welcome my other team mates to contribute. Thanks again for the great experience!
____________________________________
NOTE: I only did the day portion so that only thing I really used in my backpack were water and snacks.
What you "really" need in firearms and equipment? Before and after
•A backpack with an integrated camelbak hydration system.
•A cap to cover muzzle to prevent dirt getting inside the barrel. Although I didn't have an issue with my rifle, my teammates experienced a malfunction because of dirt getting inside the barrel and rolling down the chamber. I think this happened to Kevin Phan and I think Joe V. saw dirt coming out of his barrel as well.
•Maybe a magnifier for my optic.
*Your perception of combat before and after
Most shooters think that combat is fun, an adventure, a pure adrenaline rush. Although this is the closest training course that gives me the experience of what combat can be like, I can say that I never want to experience one unless it's necessary. The thought of bullets flying pass my head can be terrifying. Having teammates and a good leader with you can improve my confidence to complete the task. Although this course isn't really about tactical training but to see how one can be as a leader or keep cool headed when frustrated, physically drained, and mentally exhausted.
*Your perception of fighting alone and now fighting in an organized, SULE-trained team
That it's so much better to be in a team rather than fighting solo. The power curve is tremendous and I will never do the first mission if I were alone.
*Your perception of firearms training before and after.
It's always good to have some good level of weapons manipulation but it's always nice to take a different course that doesn't involve a whole day of shooting. SULE, for example, focuses more on team building, leadership skills, and a good workout. TCCC is a must because the chances of saving a life than taking a life is more common. Force on Force training with FX Simunitions - although some people think that his will only benefit CCW users, this can benefit home owners defending themselves during a home invasion.
*How important leadership, planning, division of labor, time management, etc. is as compared to firearms training alone.
All very important compared to firearms training alone. If one or more of them breaks down (planning and time management) then the mission or a life can be in jeopardy.
*How important physical fitness is to the total warrior (rather than just firearms skills).
Very important especially cardio. Being physically fit can also improve mental confidence.
*Is close combat (martial arts) seemingly more important to you now?
Yes so bring a knife.
*Do you feel SULE is of importance to a real-life catostrophic event like an earthquake vs just firearms skills alone?
Hell yes and can be important anywhere where firearms are not involved. For example, if I'm home and there's a powerful earthquake, I may have to be the one to make sure everyone is OK and count heads, then I have to make sure the gas line is turned off, prepare for aftershocks, see if the house still has electricity, prepare to evacuate if necessary, etc.
- Jon