IALEFI 2007
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
THURSDAY, 23 MAY 2007 - PM
THROUGH THE END OF THE CONFERENCE
Shain's class was the last range class I had. The remainder of my classes were all classroom instruction. I was a little sorry about that, but I was also relieved. Through the last three and a half days I was constantly on the range, exposed to the elements, and I fired almost 1000 rounds of ammunition of various kinds. When I'm not on the range, I'm maintaining weapons, loading magazines, arranging gear, and trying to stay fed, hydrated, and rested. I have no idea how some of the guys managed to party in the hospitality suite every night and still manage to perform in class. My man card just isn't stamped for that. At this point, I'm getting a little tired. On Thursday my second class is Serpa Holster Instructor put on by the Team One Network's Bill Sandman & John T. Meyer, Jr. The course blurb is brief:
This course will address the unique drawing and retention techniques of the Serpa Holster. Student Requirements: None
I manage to make it to class in time to sit down and appreciate some air conditioning. We were exposed for three and a half hours to the Blackhawk Serpa Holster system, which is very good. I carry a Serpa holster daily, and I recommend them strongly. What we accomplished in the class could have been accomplished in 20 minutes by just passing them out and letting us handle and evaluate them. I had really hoped to learn something, but having already used a Serpa holster for quite some time, I didn't experience anything I didn't already know. The class title was misleading because there really isn't any instructor course for the Serpa holster. It's so simple and works so well that you don't need an instructor. I'll continue to use my Serpa holster, but I won't attend any more 'classes' on the subject...
Friday - AM
Friday morning I decided to switch classes and take Tara Harper's Legal Train the Trainer: Objective Reasonableness - What it is and How to Train It. I was scheduled for it in the afternoon, but Ms. Harper graciously allowed me to swap into the morning class. The course blurb is:
The course will begin by examining case law to determine how the courts use the phrase "objective reasonableness." Practical exercises are included for discussion of objective reasonableness. The course concludes with practical strategies for firearms instructors in how to explain/instruct objective reasonableness to law enforcement students. Student Requirements: None
Ms. Harper does a fantastic job of teaching us to do something that we should be doing, but often neglect. We are ceaselessly teaching our students how to prepare for and survive a violent encounter, but we only rarely prepare them to survive the aftermath of such an event. I am more versed in some of the legal aspects of use of force because I have a particular interest in that area. I was very impressed with Ms. Harper's presentation, and I highly recommend her class to every use of force instructor.
Friday - PM
Friday afternoon I attended Jeff Hall's Finish the Fight. The course blurb is:
This presentation will examine a number of police shootings where the officers responded incorrectly, and lost, when confronted with a lethal threat. We will look at videos and examine cases where a different response allowed the officer to win. Officers should be trained to "Finish the Fight" before they call for help, move to cover, etc. They must be taught to be aggressive and ruthless when the fighting has started. Student Requirements: None
I had previously attended Master Hall's Finish the Fight class in Albuquerque at an ASLET convention. The presentation is excellent on every level. This time I took better notes, and got as much out of the presentation the second time as I did the first.
Saturday - Long drive home...
The primary lesson I took from the conference was a reinforcement of 'Spirit beats Method'. I am thankful in all my parts.
