TCA Tactical Week 2 - Assault Rifle Level 2

We started the second day of the TCA Tactical Week near Bratislava, Slovakia, feeling well-rested. Expectations were mixed. On one hand, we roughly know what to expect from a course like this and what awaits the shooters, on the other hand, Gabriel and his team always provide variety and surprises for maximum training effect.

The journey there is a bit easier now, and we quickly find ourselves back at the registration in the main building of the Zohor shooting range. We change into our gear at the parking lot, grab our equipment, and march back to the range - just like the day before.

After a brief welcome, we start loading and the course continues at the same pace it ended. That is: full speed ahead! With already two magazines loaded, the first drill tests what has been retained from Level 1.

For some, this is a seamless continuation, for others who were only here for the day, it is a good review. After this drill, we move on to learning new skills, as the Tactical Reload is up next. With a lot of background knowledge, Gabriel explains when to perform a Tac-Reload and what to watch out for. Several techniques can be used here, depending on what might suit one better. But also a different weapon system or physical stature may force one to use a certain technique. Each participant applies different techniques in dry training and ultimately decides which one works best for them.

Sharpshooting drills are repeated to solidify what has been learned. Those who read the course description realize that a lot of shooting is involved. In total, around 1,300 rounds are fired for Levels 1-3. The quantity can lead to some hesitations here and there.

This is also the next course content, as Gabriel visually demonstrates various hesitations. Whether AR or AK platform, there are various blockages yet they are almost always resolved in the same way. Primarily, one hits the magazine and racks the charging handle back. If no shot sound is heard, or if the hesitation is realized differently, the magazine is removed, the charging handle is operated at least three times, and then reloaded normally. This was discussed in more detail in the course, as everyone knows it might not always be that simple.

The live-fire drill is particularly exciting. Gabriel, Brad, and other TCA instructors create various hesitations using different tools or magazines. Participants are put in situations independently to execute various hesitation drills.

Before the well-deserved lunch break, the last exercise involves reacting to threats from different directions. Meaning, the shooter must turn left or right depending on the threat. Eventually, a 180-degree turn to the left or right also takes place.

After the briefing, the participants line up and Gabriel gives the command. They turn and engage the target. It's important not to forget to implement everything learned in the drills, whether it's reloading, resolving hesitations, or simply controlling the environment.

After three hours of course operation, the sun is at its highest point and all participants are well sweaty. There is an hour break to cool off and get some food. In the main building, there are cold drinks available for those who don't have anything with them, and if hunger strikes, a quick trip to Stupava for a snack is an option.

During the break, conversations start flowing and I hear from a German participant who publicly came to the TCA course. He traveled from the north of Germany to Bratislava by train and then onwards to Stupava. The last five kilometers from Stupava to the Zohor shooting range, he walked leisurely in the morning. It took him about an hour, proving that where there's a will, there's a way. He was already offered a ride for the upcoming courses and the trip back home.

Refreshed and slightly recovered, the course continues after the lunch break. The participants' rifles are still on the table. Here you can see: all of them are rental rifles from TCA. Everyone grabs their rifle, and you can already hear the command on how much to load.

Next up is shooting on the move. After instructions and dry training, the live fire follows immediately. The participants move towards the target and then away from it. The closer you get, the higher the rate of fire can be. It is also important to consider the optic offset again to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Afterwards, we move to the barricades. Several coverings with different geometric cut-outs are set up. Since almost every rifle has an optic mounted, it is important to pay close attention to the alignment between the barrel axis and the distance to the optic. Trainer Gabriel therefore explains comprehensively how to aim for each shape.

Various shooting positions, what to pay attention to, and of course, different weapon platforms are discussed as well. Gabriel always aims to provide participants with extensive knowledge to ensure maximum learning.

First, we go back to dry training and take turns on the barricades, so everyone can try each one. Then, of course, we load up again. This time with three magazines filled with 15 shots each, and alternately shoot from each opening of each barricade. If you don't feel comfortable with a particular opening, it's okay to skip it. But if you're not sure how to aim best, there are always instructors ready to help, noticing when someone looks lost.

If you've ever shot from a barricade like this, you know it is very tiring. Participants take short breaks to recover and hydrate in the shade. Water and ammunition are crucial to keep the course running smoothly. The TCA provides ammunition, but you should bring enough water for yourself if you don't want to buy the small bottles from the main building.

Once all course participants have taken their turn, the barricade is switched. The perforated ones are replaced with solid walls. Three walls are set up, and Gabriel explains the different techniques once again.

Attention is given to the backgrounds, and together with Brad, the TCA head trainer demonstrates how coverings can later be used in a partner team. It is crucial how the shooter chooses their position around a corner to avoid being endangered. For example, standing openly too close to a covering can expose them to bullet fragments or wall splinters.

After a visual demonstration, we as participants return to the cover. Gabriel has come up with something special here because shooting past may not be quite as difficult, but to raise the level of the course and expose participants to stress and disturbances, there are external influences. Gabriel throws smoke grenades, firecrackers. Other disruptive factors are added that we don't want to reveal all to you. This drill was immediately a highlight of the day and remained memorable to all.

Anyone who may have been somewhat exhausted before is now on high alert. This is also necessary because the last exercise of the day follows, a scenario or obstacle course. Gabriel only explains certain conditions based on which one must react independently to the targets.

Each participant goes through the course and may react slightly differently. This exercise is deliberately not demonstrated by the instructor, as he then goes on to discuss the mistakes made by the participants. We don't want to reveal too much here either, because that's when the "aha" and learning effect is greatest. This will definitely also stay in our memory and we will need it for tomorrow as well.

After the barricades and covers have been put away again, there is a short briefing session to end. The trainer Gabriel summarizes the day, explains again what was learned today, what to watch out for, and gives tips for further courses. Feedback to Gabriel or the TCA is always welcome, as this can also help them to improve. We all thank you for the action-packed and educational day, talk about our highlights, and also about the greatest learning effects.

Exhausted, we have now arrived back at the hotel, bought fresh water for the next day, and found a good restaurant for dinner. We will sleep well, although we are already looking forward to tomorrow.

The Tactical Week at TCA

TACTICAL COMBAT ACADEMY on the internet

SPARTANAT at the Tactical Week of TCA

– TCA TACTICAL WEEK - The Preparation

- TCA TACTICAL WEEK 1 - Assault Rifle Level 1