Preparing
Below are some suggestions to help students prepare for level-II
To mentally prepare for success in a NATEC Level II class, there are three things that you need: A positive attitude, an open mind, and thick skin.
A positive attitude is essential for a student to get the most out of one of our classes. The days are long, the physical demands can be significant, and there is a whole lot of material that may seem foreign for many students. Students often feel overwhelmed or think that they cannot keep up, but that simply is not true. Our goal is for every student to leave with a complete understanding of all the class material and we will do everything that is possible to ensure that you do. Because much of our training involves teamwork, an individual’s attitude may have a major impact on a number of other people.
An open mind is tremendously important for success in our courses. We can teach you a lot, but only if you are willing to learn it. All we ask is that when a student comes to us, they do their best to put aside any mental barriers that they have that may prevent them from getting the most out of our class.
Finally, it is important to have thick skin when you come to one of our classes. This does NOT mean that we expect you to tolerate abuse from instructors or other students. However, you should be aware that we may communicate with you in a way that is more direct and less diplomatic than you are accustomed to. Our intent is not to offend but to inform you of problems, shortcomings, and failures clearly and concisely. This may be unpleasant if you are not used to it, but it is the way that problems are addressed in our community. We do not cultivate a boot camp atmosphere in our classes, but we are going to let you know if your performance needs improvement and how that can be done.
Our classes can be physically demanding. This is particularly true for those that are intended to prepare you to function as a member of a SWAT team. Because this is a job that requires physical fitness, our courses have a physical fitness component built in and some have a PT (physical training) standard that must be met to continue in the class. Below are some training suggestions that we hope will help you succeed in these courses.
Cardio- Cardio conditioning is essential for success in our classes. We run, we carry and drag patients, and we do all sorts of other things that are physically demanding. If you’re capable of long and hard cardio conditioning, that’s probably the best way to go. Running, biking, rowing, and High Intensity Interval Training are all good options for cardio training.
Endurance- Our days are long and there is little downtime. It isn’t uncommon for students to spend eight hours a day on their feet and on the move for the entire five days of a Level II class. The same training options listed above are also useful for endurance training, provided that you take care to avoid injury.
Strength- Strength is invaluable in our profession and in NATEC classes. You may find yourself swinging a 40lb battering ram, dragging a 200lb patient, or lifting a teammate up to a window. Functional strength training is invaluable, provided that you take care to ensure that you also maintain the mobility, speed, and endurance that you need to perform well.
Mobility- Mobility is an underrecognized but essential component of fitness success in our classes. Stretching and flexibility exercises will assist students in preventing injuries and in performing new techniques that they are unaccustomed to.
Clothing and equipment can make or break a student. It is difficult for anyone to learn when they are miserable, uncomfortable, and fighting to make their gear work for them.
Clothing and footwear- Your clothing and footwear should be comfortable, broken-in, and appropriate for the weather. We train in places that are rough and dirty, so it is a good idea to wear something that is rugged and that may be damaged. We stand all day and often run from place to place, so you will need to be dressed appropriately for that.
Pistol and associated equipment- This is the most common equipment problem that we encounter. You need to bring a quality pistol that you are familiar with, at least two magazines, quality ammunition, and a belt/holster/magazine pouches to support it. You will be at a marked disadvantage without these things, and we cannot promise that we will be able to provide the same quality of training if you do not bring them. Please DO NOT bring a weapon that you are unfamiliar with, one that you have never fired, or one that has been modified without being test-fired afterward. Our class is not the place to find out that your weapon and equipment do not function. If you do not have these items, please contact us in advance so that we can try to make arrangements to assist you.
Pen and paper- Students are expected to be able to take notes and record information as required.
Tactical equipment- We encourage students to bring their issued equipment (or other equipment they intend to use) to class to test it and adjust it to suit their individual needs. However, equipment issues must not be allowed to disrupt class or interfere with training in any way.
Hydration- We train in Southwest Georgia, where heat and humidity are a way of life. Proper hydration is essential, and it is highly recommended that all students come to class with a water source and a way to carry it. We will attempt to ensure that sufficient water is available for all students, but we cannot guarantee that it always will be.
Food- Lunch is usually provided for students each day, but it is typically simple (hamburgers/hot dogs/PB&J). Students with special dietary requirements are advised to plan their own meals and prepare accordingly. Lunch breaks are typically short and may not allow enough time for food preparation.
Comfort items- Comfort items such as insect repellent and sunscreen are recommended and encouraged. Please be aware that these items are not typically provided, and it is up to students to use them at their own discretion.
Backpack or other carrying system- It is the student’s responsibility to carry all necessary equipment throughout the class. Classes will not be delayed for students to retrieve items from vehicles throughout the training day.
To mentally prepare for success in a NATEC Level II class, there are three things that you need: A positive attitude, an open mind, and thick skin.
A positive attitude is essential for a student to get the most out of one of our classes. The days are long, the physical demands can be significant, and there is a whole lot of material that may seem foreign for many students. Students often feel overwhelmed or think that they cannot keep up, but that simply is not true. Our goal is for every student to leave with a complete understanding of all the class material and we will do everything that is possible to ensure that you do. Because much of our training involves teamwork, an individual’s attitude may have a major impact on a number of other people.
An open mind is tremendously important for success in our courses. We can teach you a lot, but only if you are willing to learn it. All we ask is that when a student comes to us, they do their best to put aside any mental barriers that they have that may prevent them from getting the most out of our class.
Finally, it is important to have thick skin when you come to one of our classes. This does NOT mean that we expect you to tolerate abuse from instructors or other students. However, you should be aware that we may communicate with you in a way that is more direct and less diplomatic than you are accustomed to. Our intent is not to offend but to inform you of problems, shortcomings, and failures clearly and concisely. This may be unpleasant if you are not used to it, but it is the way that problems are addressed in our community. We do not cultivate a boot camp atmosphere in our classes, but we are going to let you know if your performance needs improvement and how that can be done.
Our classes can be physically demanding. This is particularly true for those that are intended to prepare you to function as a member of a SWAT team. Because this is a job that requires physical fitness, our courses have a physical fitness component built in and some have a PT (physical training) standard that must be met to continue in the class. Below are some training suggestions that we hope will help you succeed in these courses.
Cardio- Cardio conditioning is essential for success in our classes. We run, we carry and drag patients, and we do all sorts of other things that are physically demanding. If you’re capable of long and hard cardio conditioning, that’s probably the best way to go. Running, biking, rowing, and High Intensity Interval Training are all good options for cardio training.
Endurance- Our days are long and there is little downtime. It isn’t uncommon for students to spend eight hours a day on their feet and on the move for the entire five days of a Level II class. The same training options listed above are also useful for endurance training, provided that you take care to avoid injury.
Strength- Strength is invaluable in our profession and in NATEC classes. You may find yourself swinging a 40lb battering ram, dragging a 200lb patient, or lifting a teammate up to a window. Functional strength training is invaluable, provided that you take care to ensure that you also maintain the mobility, speed, and endurance that you need to perform well.
Mobility- Mobility is an underrecognized but essential component of fitness success in our classes. Stretching and flexibility exercises will assist students in preventing injuries and in performing new techniques that they are unaccustomed to.
Clothing and equipment can make or break a student. It is difficult for anyone to learn when they are miserable, uncomfortable, and fighting to make their gear work for them.
Clothing and footwear- Your clothing and footwear should be comfortable, broken-in, and appropriate for the weather. We train in places that are rough and dirty, so it is a good idea to wear something that is rugged and that may be damaged. We stand all day and often run from place to place, so you will need to be dressed appropriately for that.
Pistol and associated equipment- This is the most common equipment problem that we encounter. You need to bring a quality pistol that you are familiar with, at least two magazines, quality ammunition, and a belt/holster/magazine pouches to support it. You will be at a marked disadvantage without these things, and we cannot promise that we will be able to provide the same quality of training if you do not bring them. Please DO NOT bring a weapon that you are unfamiliar with, one that you have never fired, or one that has been modified without being test-fired afterward. Our class is not the place to find out that your weapon and equipment do not function. If you do not have these items, please contact us in advance so that we can try to make arrangements to assist you.
Pen and paper- Students are expected to be able to take notes and record information as required.
Tactical equipment- We encourage students to bring their issued equipment (or other equipment they intend to use) to class to test it and adjust it to suit their individual needs. However, equipment issues must not be allowed to disrupt class or interfere with training in any way.
Hydration- We train in Southwest Georgia, where heat and humidity are a way of life. Proper hydration is essential, and it is highly recommended that all students come to class with a water source and a way to carry it. We will attempt to ensure that sufficient water is available for all students, but we cannot guarantee that it always will be.
Food- Lunch is usually provided for students each day, but it is typically simple (hamburgers/hot dogs/PB&J). Students with special dietary requirements are advised to plan their own meals and prepare accordingly. Lunch breaks are typically short and may not allow enough time for food preparation.
Comfort items- Comfort items such as insect repellent and sunscreen are recommended and encouraged. Please be aware that these items are not typically provided, and it is up to students to use them at their own discretion.
Backpack or other carrying system- It is the student’s responsibility to carry all necessary equipment throughout the class. Classes will not be delayed for students to retrieve items from vehicles throughout the training day.