TCA Tactical Week 3 - Assault Rifle Level 3

A new day, a new course. We are at the TCA Tactical Week near Bratislava in Slovakia. The strains of the past days are now felt upon waking up, but the motivation is high. We drive with joy to the shooting range. Unfortunately, the third day is already the last day for the rifle module. On the website, the course content may seem somewhat inconspicuous with only "Unusual Shooting Positions" and "Shooting from a Vehicle."

Passing by another shooting range where shots are taken at longer distances, we arrive at our box. There, fresh targets and a table with chairs have already been prepared. Without much repetition of the previous day's course content, we continue with new skills.

TCA trainer Gabriel will teach us today how to shoot from a sitting position starting from a table. The first step is to shoot while sitting to learn how to manipulate the weapon around a table. The familiar routine kicks in, demonstration, dry training, loading, and then onto the live shot. All participants handle the weapon in a routine manner, so the exercise progresses quickly, safely, and effectively.

Today, we shadow two German participants. They are from the Nuremberg area, one is a police officer, the other is a sports shooter. Both want to expand their skills in handling weapons and have therefore chosen a course with TCA in Slovakia.

After sitting, of course, comes standing up. We must move away from the table and then aim at the target or targets. Not a big challenge, as we can apply what we learned the previous day and are therefore familiar with the movement in each step.

But that alone is not enough. It is important to make more connections, we must shoot while moving first to the left and then to the right. Here, each person applies their own technique and we all go through a course to practice the correct shooting stance. A logical step is to repeat the whole thing with live shots. Even our two colleagues manage to do this correctly right away.

In the short breaks between drills, or when each group is shooting, it's time to reload. Magazines are loaded with fresh rounds, conversations are sparse as everyone is counting how many rounds they are loading into the magazines. A little distracted, one can easily miscount. That happened to us here and there.

Brad and Gabriel set up and move targets again, staple fresh cardboard to the target. Gabriel engages in some artistry and draws faces on the target for us to shoot at, so we don't aim too high and risk the bullets going over the protective wall. Our two colleagues, as well as ourselves, then listen again to the instructions on how to complete the next drill. This once again represents a complete connection of what has been learned. This is always challenging, as when doing something like this for the first time, everyone tends to forget a small detail.

Not for one of the two though. He does everything correctly and is praised by Gabriel, of course. All those who may have forgotten something are reminded by Gabriel afterwards.

Today, it is important to drink a lot and regularly again, as the course is mentally and physically demanding. The sun is hot at the shooting range and beats down mercilessly.

The participants are now challenged to engage with three targets while moving. More or less in a U shape, one moves towards or away from the target. Being at different distances from the target, one must always adjust movement and shooting position to be able to effectively engage with the target. This was also the last exercise before the lunch break.

We therefore drop our equipment again and move back to the parking lot and main building. While we rest, our rental weapons are cleaned and freshly lubricated, so we have no inhibitions, because the required ammunition also increases with increasing course level.

In the main building, this time we took a closer look at the shop. This is not run by TCA, but by the shooting club itself. Here you can find everything you may need in between. In addition to cool drinks, there is various equipment from various manufacturers. Helikon-Tex caught our eye, as they are well represented here.

Today we also treat ourselves to a fresh, cool drink so that we can start the afternoon refreshed and well-nourished. While we rest, the vehicles are started and driven back to the range.

Now the time has finally come, and when we return, "Shooting from the vehicle" is on the program. Two vehicles were parked, with several targets next to them.

Full concentration is required. The trainer explains how to handle the weapon in the vehicle. How to bring it out of the window and engage with the targets. The first targets are positioned front right.

Our German colleagues also practice this according to Gabriel's instructions in dry training. Everyone tries it out and depending on whether one may have difficulties or not, additional instructions are given.

Subsequently, of course, in live fire. And even though one may have gone through it in dry training, it feels completely different in live fire. Adrenaline is back up and the shooter tries to implement everything correctly.

Immediately afterwards, another target is added at a short distance, which must also be engaged. Throughout the drill, it is important to keep a cool head and pay attention to the instructions while shooting, as one is constantly mentally challenged to react to various stimuli.

There is now a short break while the instructors reposition the vehicles. People exchange experiences with each other, give tips, and want to be best prepared for the next drill.

Shooting from the vehicle with a target facing backwards is in a class of its own. The goal is to safely turn around in the seat and also assume a stable position to engage with the different targets. Gabriel demonstrates it slowly again. Everyone can then practice dry firing in a vehicle.

We all generally shoot two rounds, one from each vehicle, but dry training is always done in one vehicle. After all, you don't always have the opportunity to train in a vehicle beforehand, even though you might need it at some point.

This is now the last exercise from the vehicle and for the day, so maximum concentration is necessary as the drill is completed. No matter which vehicle you are in, no matter which instructor, the drill is great. Always challenging, both physically and mentally, the participants are taken care of and the level is adjusted to achieve the maximum learning effect for everyone.

Gabriel was very satisfied with the performance of our two colleagues. It can rightly be said that they were not spared. Since we are done with our group, we chat briefly with Gabriel and he tells us that he was pleased not only with our performance today, but also in the past few days. Precision and correct execution were always emphasized, and the participants responded correctly. As a shooter who is learning, such praise is always welcomed.

To wrap up, the reward for the past few days is laid out on the table. There is a big feedback session where everyone shares what they liked and what could possibly be improved. However, everyone agrees that the courses were very good. Not only did the instructors' standards increase, but each participant could see how they had improved. Possible nervousness and excitement are replaced by routine.

Each participant now receives their certificate, sticker, patch, and a T-shirt in their size. Gabriel informs them about the courses they can now attend and what there is to learn. Everyone agrees that this was not the last course at TCA; we are eager for more.

We definitely agree and take a small group photo with our colleagues. Afterwards, we exchange photos because everyone wants a little keepsake and maybe show it at home.

Now, it's time for a day of rest, to rest our hands, and then go through the same with the pistol. We are also very excited about that.

The Tactical Week at TCA

TACTICAL COMBAT ACADEMY Online

SPARTANAT at the Tactical Week of TCA

– TCA TACTICAL WEEK – The Preparation

– TCA TACTICAL WEEK 1 – Assault Rifle Level 1

– TCA TACTICAL WEEK 2 – Assault Rifle Level 2