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Tactical Training, Gear and Task Layering

Writer's picture: Nate "Jetski" JeschkeNate "Jetski" Jeschke

What is tactical training?

A lot of people ask for it  but it often seems they aren't entirely sure what they're looking for. Is it military instruction? Is it CQB drills? Is it live fire scenarios? Is it militia or SHTF oriented training?


Put simply, tactical training is task layering—combining skills like shooting, movement, problem-solving, and gear management to navigate real-world scenarios or perform high-intensity drills often with a team. It often requires the right gear such as battle belts, helmets and body armor, to make training effective and realistic.



Tactics vs Tactical?

Tactics are simply the most effective way to execute a task.


Tactics are the specific actions taken to achieve a goal, while strategy is the overall plan. Tactics are the "how" of achieving a goal, while strategy is the "what" and "why".


"Tactics" refers to the specific actions or methods used to achieve a goal, focusing on the "how" of execution. "Tactical" is the adjective that describes anything related to or involving tactics, often referring to the approach or tools used in those actions. Conventionally, "tactical" implies accessories, tools, clothes, weapons and gear. Having the tools necessary to accomplish the task or deal with unexpected obstacles.


Regular Training vs Tactical Training

Tactical training is often misaligned with firearms training, as firearms proficiency is just one of the basic task. Other fundamental tasks could include lifting, cardio, movement, driving, weapon malfunctions, medical, communications, problem-solving, improvisation, concealment, or building cover. Each of these tasks are essential to effective tactical performance, but are typically practiced in isolation, focusing on each one individually.


Isolated skill-building is essential—it’s where you perform drills, repeating tasks to improve through consistent repetition. Scenarios, on the other hand, apply those drills with added elements like situational assessment and problem-solving. You bring your skills into a scenario, but you don’t build them there.


Tactical Gear

Another basic task essential to tactical training is assembling, maintaining, and managing tactical gear—learning to move with it and understanding the placement of each item for quick access. This includes balancing accessibility, like what’s on your battle belt, with sustainment, like what’s stored in your backpack or vehicle.


Gear enhances your ability to execute tasks effectively and ensures you're prepared for challenges, from immediate threats to prolonged engagements. It dictates how you move, solve problems, and react under pressure, maintaining your operational capacity when time and resources are critical.


In a tactical context, gear is essential for accomplishing the mission—it provides protection, tools to re-engage, and the means to overcome unexpected obstacles, ensuring you can continue when others without gear would be finished. It’s not just an accessory; gear serves as the foundation for tactical training and task layering.  Without gear, training lacks the realism and complexity needed to replicate real-world scenarios.

Conclusion

Tactical training, to me, is the ultimate expression of task layering, where we combine as much gear and as many tasks as possible while executing scenarios and drills. This means incorporating essential gear like a battle belt, a pistol with a level 2 retention holster, a rifle with a sling, and a plate carrier, while focusing on movement, transitions, and CQB drills.


Proper tactical training mirrors the complexity of real-world scenarios, challenging individuals to seamlessly manage their gear and skills under stress.


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