I don’t know where or when I first heard the saying “always remain a student,” but it’s one that has impacted my life with immeasurable effect. Regardless of the topic, I always approach it with the mentality that I’m there to learn. Even if the course is going to include rudimentary material. However, on a few special occasions, it is also professional development. The Gunsite Team Tactics course was easily one of them.

Mossberg Hosts the Gunsite Team Tactics Course

When the subject matter isn’t broadening my knowledge base, I turn my attention to the presenter and note how they explain it.

Presented by Mossberg, seven writers headed out to the world-famous Gunsite shooting academy. We put the MC2sc through its paces while learning to work with a partner to master tasks like room clearing, handling ambushes, and even rescuing hostages.

The material unfolded with the basic fundamentals of drawing, reloading, and moving. However, I quickly noticed that the instructors clearly believed in what they were teaching. The way they worked together boldly demonstrated the core values of teamwork.

After the first day, I was deep into uncharted waters material-wise. Yet, examining their teaching styles, I still found my attention drawn to the presenters. Each had a rich, vibrant, and unique background, which makes this course a one-and-only.

Sgt. Mario Marchman (Ret.)

The first instructor that we met was Mr. Mario Marchman, the Range Master for the entire event. Mario has been a Gunsight instructor since 1990. So, his experience in that arena alone is enough to prick up your ears when he talks.

A long-standing career in law enforcement prepared him for this role, particularly when you factor in his time with the Glendale, CA SWAT team.

Mario has been through several real-life encounters (and lived to talk about them). So, he prefers to focus on teaching the tactics that have been proven effective. But as the world is forever changing, he keeps an open mind to new solutions.

His underlying message of “always be aware” comes from this background and effortlessly shined through each subject taught that week. In his teachings, he hammered home that awareness buys you time and options. Likewise, it might even help you avoid a situation altogether.

Later, during the force-on-force segments, this knowledge proved imperative as both myself and my partner neglected to check a corner and found ourselves confronted by two armed “thugs.”

Mario’s favorite instruction method, he worked with the Gunsight Players to reproduce realistic scenarios to test and evaluate reactions and teamwork for each pair of students. After each run, we were debriefed with dignity, taking away only the lessons we learned from our error.

Lt. Col. Freddie Blish USMC (Ret.)

No other entity has mastered the craft of teambuilding like the United States Marine Corps, and working with Retired Lt. Col. Freddy Blish made that abundantly clear. During his 24 years of service, Freddie has been involved in both an instructional and operational capacity. This makes him another highly qualified “preach what you practice” instructor.

When asked what he thought the most important team quality was, his answer was simply “trust.”

This became obvious when we rolled into dynamic entry. After pushing through a doorway, my partner and I had to learn how to immediately cut sectors of fire. We had to believe that the other was skilled and aware enough to cover their own.

This trust was earned through repetitive work together, allowing more opportunities to learn each other’s habits and build that confidence. It quickly became apparent that this was Freddie’s favorite subject to teach. He couldn’t contain his passion and quickly became the predominant voice whenever it was broached.

I found his lessons on the importance of communication invaluable. Specifically when it is related to using concise verbal commands or non-verbal cues. Freddie really liked to begin each section with a verbal lecture, followed by a demonstration, after which we each had a chance to replicate.

During this practical examination, his feedback was colorful without being critical. However, at the same time, he wasn’t afraid to call out bad habits or point out if you’ve made an error that would prove fatal in real life.

As the saying goes, “Sweat during training, or bleed during combat,” I greatly appreciated this honesty.

Shr. Jim Wilson (Ret.)

And then there’s Sheriff Jim. I’d like to say that all our teachers that day walked the straight and narrow, filled with flawless life decisions. But alas, Mr. Wilson chose to leave a perfectly good Law Enforcement career to become, of all things, a gun writer.

Although not an “official” Gunsite instructor, his presence in our three-day Team Tactics was invaluable as it added another 30+ years of wisdom into the pool. A Texan through and through, he embodies the spirit of a Western sheriff in spades, right down to his delivery.

Snappy comments like “a running vehicle is a weapon, a parked one is a coffin” stuck with permanence the first time they were uttered. Simple, short interjections were instrumental, like his demonstration of how the low-ready position can lead to better weapons retention and close-quarters deployment.

Additionally, their timing shows he truly understands the mindsets and methodology of the entire team of instructors.

Much was learned from Sheriff Jim. This was demonstrated when it was time to carry over tactics we learned on the square range to the simulations. Earlier in the course, Freddie showed us how to toe-knee-chin to work around cover or concealment.

Jim had an affinity for pointing out the places that made the most sense in the shoot houses. He considers these the most realistic representation of a gunfight, and by the way he handles them, I believe him.

Putting it together

Through their communication, trust, and knowledge of not only the subject matter but each other, the half-dozen of us quickly learned how to be effective in a gunfight. Operating as a team is an important value to learn and has application far inside of life-or-death situations.

The lessons that I learned during my time spent with the trio reached beyond the firearms sphere. I found myself quickly equating them to day-to-day scenarios. Although they probably didn’t realize it at the time, the most powerful message of teamwork didn’t come from the lessons they presented but rather the way they were presented.

Gunsite has been the foremost training authority for longer than I’ve been pressing triggers. Experiences like this make it extraordinarily clear why.

Mossberg MC2sc Optics-Ready

As one of the first writers to cover Mossberg’s reentry to the pistol game, I’ve followed the MC lineup extensively. In 2019, the Connecticut manufacturer introduced the MC1 series; its only flaw was bad timing.

Mossberg is always thorough in its creation process, which started several years before it released the new pistol. The only trouble with this level of attention to detail is it allows for a market shift—and it did.

Seizing the Shift

Six or Seven-round handguns became obsolete seemingly overnight. This made the MC1 less desirable than the new class of micro pistol that has been taking the CCW segment by storm.

In response, Mossberg did what it does best and innovated. With a slight redesign, they were able to build a magazine that held more than twice the capacity without disturbing the slim footprint of the pistol. Dubbed the MC2, Mossberg now had a contender, particularly with the Sub-Compact (sc) edition.

Well received right off the bat, Mossberg took the design further and cut an optics slot into the slide. It was done in such a way that it positions your red dot nearly level with your iron sights. I’m one of those guys in the process of switching over. Having this deep recess allows me to keep the same presentation I’ve used for the last 20 years.

Aside from being effortless to wrap my fingers around, I have loved the texturing scheme since the get-go. It’s aggressive only where it needs to be while remaining smooth for the more delicate parts of the hand.

Since they sponsored the event, each writer was issued one with the go-ahead to work the living hell out of it. These guns saw an extensive round count as well as some wet weather and worked faithfully through it. Considering that they were fresh out of the box, that is quite a feat for any firearm. Not to mention one dealing with the added slide weight of an optic.

Mossberg hit it out of the park with this pistol. I can easily endorse it with the same level of reliability as its legendary shotguns.

For more information, please visit Mossberg.com.

5.11 Taclite Pro 11” Ripstop Shorts

When I started shooting, I used to make fun of the guys who “dressed up” to go to the range. However, it wasn’t long until I realized they weren’t all just trying to look the part. Their apparel choices made their day a good bit easier.

As time went on, I started trying on different products when I shot or taught. However, I’ll wager if you’ve seen a picture of me working on the range, I was wearing a pair of 5.11 Taclites.

Up north, the pants serve me well, as temps can drop into the single digits. But when I travel to places like Arizona, the short version is a godsend.

Features, like covered magazine pockets and water-resistant material, were made for soggy range days. I found them long enough to protect me from the sun but short enough to stay cool during dynamic drills and exercises.

Altogether, the Taclite shorts feature eight pockets, which I use in their entirety during courses like Team Tactics. But if I had to pick a favorite, I’d say it’s the slash and strap seat pocket, which most will tell you is where I keep my coffee thermos.

For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.