Firearms Operator Course
Skill prerequisites: No prior experience is required; this course is designed for beginners. However, participants must meet safety and conduct requirements.
Course Overview:
The Firearms Operator Course is a foundational two-day training program designed specifically for police, military, and security professionals, but open to anyone who has limited prior exposure to firearms. This course provides participants with a solid knowledge base and practical skills in handling and operating a wide range of weapon systems. Through expert instruction and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the confidence and competence necessary to safely and effectively operate both civilian and military firearms.
Course Objectives:
- Develop a fundamental understanding of firearm safety, operation, and maintenance.
- Gain hands-on experience with a variety of weapon systems, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, and military firearms.
- Build a foundation of marksmanship skills, including aiming, trigger control, and recoil management.
- Understand the differences between civilian and military firearms and their appropriate applications.
- Learn essential skills such as reloading, clearing malfunctions, and basic tactical maneuvers.
Key Topics Covered:
- Firearm Safety and Handling
- The four universal rules of firearm safety
- Safe handling practices for different firearms
- Introduction to Weapon Systems
- Overview of civilian and military firearms
- Basic anatomy of pistols, rifles, shotguns, and automatic weapons
- Marksmanship Fundamentals
- Grip, stance, and sight alignment
- Breathing techniques and trigger discipline
- Operational Skills
- Loading and unloading procedures
- Clearing jams and malfunctions
- Maintenance and Care
- Field-stripping and cleaning of various weapon systems
- Importance of regular maintenance
- Practical Shooting Exercises
- Live-fire drills for accuracy and control
- Engaging stationary and moving targets
- Introduction to Tactical Application
- Using a holster
- Shooting under stress
Who Should Attend:
This course is tailored for police officers, military personnel, and security professionals who have minimal experience with firearms but wish to build a strong foundation for future training or operational use. Although it is tailored for active duty professionals, veterans and civilians seeking to increase their firearms competency are welcome.
Course Specifications:
- Course duration: This is a 16-hour weekend course starting Saturday at 8:00 AM and finishing Sunday at 5:00 PM. Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion.
- Weapons systems: Training covers a range of civilian and military firearms, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, and automatic weapons.
- Skill prerequisites: No prior experience is required; this course is designed for beginners. However, participants must meet safety and conduct requirements.
- Included: Airport transfers, accommodation and board, ammunition, and all required equipment.
TACSOL was initially created to provide training to French police SWAT units and military special forces, we have now decided to open our doors to international professionals seeking to improve their skills in a safe, dynamic, stimulating yet accessible environment. Based outside of Bordeaux and serviced by several international airports (Bordeaux, Limoges, Bergerac), we are one of the easiest training centres to reach from mainland UK.
The TACSOL private facility comprises multiple shooting areas, including classroom facilities and we provide comfortable accommodation options so you can get the most out of your training. Licensed by the French Ministry of Armed Forces, we have a well stocked armoury of both civilian and military weapons. Our skilled instructors have a variety of different backgrounds and above all posses real world experience in their subject matter. We do not provide “shooting experience” packages under the guise of real firearms training as do many training providers. Our aim is for you to return home with a solid arsenal of new skills which have been built and tested in a challenging environment.
Located on the picturesque outskirts of Bordeaux, our training center offers the perfect blend of professional development and leisure. Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning 18th-century architecture, world-famous vineyards, and vibrant cultural scene.
While here, explore the historic Place de la Bourse, stroll along the Garonne River, or visit the Cité du Vin for a unique wine experience. For nature lovers, the nearby Arcachon Bay and Dune du Pilat provide breathtaking scenery.
Combining your training with a getaway to Bordeaux offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of France's most beautiful destinations, making your trip both productive and memorable.
Getting Here
Traveling here from the UK is straightforward, with several low-cost airlines providing direct flights to Bordeaux:
- easyJet & Ryanair: Offers direct flights from various UK airports to Bordeaux, Limoges and Bergerac.
- British Airways: Operates direct flights from London to Bordeaux.
Additionally, we can arrange collections from Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport and Limoges Airport, ensuring a convenient journey to our facility.
We believe if you are training hard then you need to sleep comfortably! Accommodation, breakfast and evening meals are all provided by one of our very comfortable partner hotels.
We can of course cater for special dietary requirements, just let us know.
Unless otherwise specified, rooms are shared (non-mixed) but single rooms can be provided subject to availability for a small supplement.