The first ever 1 Inch TO 100 YARDS Training Symposium was held last month in Laughlin, Nev. Organized by internationally recognized trainer Wes Doss, the symposium incorporated multi-tracks covering all areas of defensive tactics and range training. Some of the foremost law enforcement trainers, including Bram Frank, Felix Valencia, Tony Blauer, Dr. Robert Smith, Rich Daniel, Greg Glassman and others, presented some of the best training any cop could desire. The quality of training was so high that even the instructors took advantage of as much training as they could.
Law Officer launched a networking effort to arrange for two officers from the Gulf Coast area affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to attend. This region still struggles to get back on its feet, and both funding and training remain hard to come by. When I was down in the area a few months ago, I asked around to get two really good officers who would take the training back to their region and share the wealth. It didn t take long to come up with Lieutenant Curtis Soileau, the academy coordinator for Calcaseiu Parish (La.) Sheriff's Academy, and Deputy Elvin Modica of the Jefferson Parish (La.) Sheriff's Office.
One Inch to 100 Yards was a hit with the two officers from the South. Several good programs were introduced at the conference, and I met a lot of good trainers. The spear-training system is what I liked the most. It had real close-quarter defensive tactics, says Soileau.
The hospitality impressed Modica. Everyone was very accommodating, and it was a real pleasure to attend the conference, he says. I made a lot of contacts and plan on following up with them.
The training venture for Soileau and Modica would not have been possible without the generous help of First-Light USA, Mar-Vel International, Eye Safety Systems and Doss company, Khyber Interactive. It was an honor to work with these fine companies to help make this happen.
The dates have been set for next year s 1 Inch to 100 Yards conference: May 20 23. Find more information at www.warrior-conference.com.