Basics of Body Armor with AR500 Armor: Part 2 - Glen and Matt demonstrate using rifle slings with body armor

Be sure to check out our friends over at AR500 Armor.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Basics of Body Armor with AR500 Armor: Part 1 - Glen and Matt explain how to properly fit and setup body armor carriers

Be sure to check out our friends over at AR500 Armor.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

800 Yard Peanut Butter Cup Challenge from Team Caracal

We were issued this challenge by Jeff from Team Caracal and Caracal USA, and we can't ever say no to a challenge! A peanut butter cup is a mighty small target at 800 yards . . . .

Visit Team Caracal on Facebook: http://Facebook.com/TeamCaracal

LRK Mechanical rifles: http://lrkmechanical.com/

RedWire Gear rifle squeeze bags: http://www.redwiregear.com/ 

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

You should also definitely visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

G.I. Jobs Article: Turning a Passion Into a Paycheck

Glen's newest article for G.I. Jobs has been posted: Turning a Passion Into a Paycheck.

“Do what you love and the money will follow.” You’ve likely heard that before, but how do you figure out what you love to do?

Click HERE to read the full article.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

G.I. Jobs Article: What I Look for in a Team Member

Glen's newest article for G.I. Jobs has been posted: What I Look for in a Team Member.

"If you are reading this on G.I. Jobs, you likely understand what it means to be on a team. More than likely you’ve seen what happens when a team succeeds, or when one fails to function at all. Perhaps you’ve even experienced leading your own team. Before I go any further, let me explain what the term “team” means to me: it’s a group of people with different experiences and complementing skills who are headed for the same goal together."

Click HERE to read the full article.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

The American Woman Shooter: Realistic Range Bags

The new issue of The American Woman Shooter is available, and Glen's article about Realistic Range Bags is on Page 20.

Read it here: http://theamericanwomanshooter.com/media/American-Woman-Shooter-3-web.pdf

If you'd like to learn more about The American Woman Shooter, visit:
Website - http://theamericanwomanshooter.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheAmericanWomanShooter

And if you want to subscribe to The American Woman Shooter, go here: 
http://theamericanwomanshooter.com/product/subscribe/


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Gunsafe Roundup Shooting Exercise and Marksmanship Training

Most of us probably own at least a few firearms that don't get taken out of the safe that often, and the Gunsafe Roundup exercise can help you fix that!

The Gunsafe Roundup is great for kids, too!

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

AR500 steel targets are from Precision 3D Targets - be sure to ask for the Independence Training model: http://www.p3dt.com/

You should also definitely visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

Want to get more info about training, firearms, self-reliance, and emergency prep? Check out our show, The Arms Room: http://www.thearmsroomshow.com

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!



Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

The Importance of DOPE

Glen's newest article for Western Whitetail is up, and it's all about the importance of DOPE - rifle DOPE, that is. You can read the article in full by clicking here or on the image of the rifle and DOPE book below.

Want more info about Western Whitetail magazine? Visit their website.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

The Total Carry System - it's more than just a gun

"If you carry a gun everyday it won’t be long before someone asks you, or you ask yourself, how can this be done more comfortably? Like most things in firearms culture, it is a constant balance."

Our good friend, training associate, and fellow instructor Jason from TCB Firearms and Holsters had an awesome article about the Total Carry System posted over on IRON Mike Magazine - you can read the entire article by clicking here.

When we had Jason on the The Arms Room earlier this year, we talked about the Total Carry System and why it's so important - check out that episode here. Jason also told us his awesome story about why he got into carrying a gun and training in the first place, so be sure to listen to that episode to hear more about it.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Rocking the M60 full auto just for fun

Sometimes we have to be reminded that going shooting isn't always about training, and nothing can remind you of that better than some belt-fed M60 goodness. Burning some powder is good therapy, and we like to do it from time to time for no particular reason. Glen, our head instructor, was out with some friends and decided to do a short belt dump from an M60 - good times!

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

Please also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/user/IndependenceTraining/videos

Thanks to Bear for use of the M60!


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Iron Mike Magazine article - Every Day Carry (EDC) Considerations

Check out John's article over at iRON MIKE Magazine about Every Day Carry (EDC) by Clicking Here.

Interested to learn more about our concepts of EDC? Here's a link to a show we did about it on The Arms Room: http://youtu.be/VyynxdWuYb8.

And here's a video we did about EDC on the Independence Training YouTube channel.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Western Whitetail article: Silence is Golden

The new issue of Western Whitetail is out (Early Season 2014), and Glen's "Make The Shot" column in this issue takes a look at why using silencers/suppressors for hunting is a huge benefit to everyone, including those who don't like suppressors or don't own any (yet). You can read the article in full by clicking here or on the image of the first page below.

Want more info about Western Whitetail magazine? Visit their website.

Standard subscription rate is $12.99, but if you're interested in a FREE subscription to Western Whitetail, Independence Training can help you with that! Contact us to find out how to get it - Contact Info Here.



Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Unloaded Handguns for Self-Defense are Only Useful as Clubs

A woman in Alabama learn the hard way that keeping an unloaded gun for self-defense, especially far away from your body, is basically useless, and may possibly make the situation worse if presented to the situation in its unloaded state. If you aren't comfortable carrying your handgun, or carrying it loaded, then it's time to increase that confidence with some quality professional training and lots of practice. This isn't the first time we've talked about this subject, so before you go on to the story below, check out our post from nearly 3 years ago - Carry Condition: it makes a difference.

From the news report:

IRONDALE, AL (WBRC) -

Irondale police are searching for two suspects after a woman was shot in the chest during a robbery early on Tuesday. 

Irondale police say the shooting happened after two men followed the woman and her boyfriend home to Hunter Ridge Apartments from a convenience store in Roebuck. 

Irondale Detective Michael Mangina said the two armed men forced the couple out if their car at gunpoint, hoping to get money and the car stereo. 

Mangina said the female victim got her unloaded handgun out of her car, but the suspects shot her. 

Both suspects are still on the loose and believe to still be armed. 

Read the full story here.


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Roadside Shooting Workout with only 10 Rounds

We hear from our students often that they just don't have time for training due to busy schedules and ammo costs. Here's a solution to that: a simple, quick, and easy 10 round shooting workout that can be done on a dirt side road (check your local laws!) or even at an indoor range. And you don't have to use a steel target - a cardboard box with a hand drawn target would also work just fine, you just don't get the immediate feedback.

Steel target shown in video came from Precision 3D Targets (P3DT): http://www.p3dt.com/

Glen's MK82 SOB medical kit on his belt came from RedWire Gear: http://www.redwiregear.com/

Holster and mag holder from TCB Holsters: http://www.tcbfirearms.com/

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

Please also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

My Use of the Resqme Tool in the Real World

You never know when you might be called upon to rescue someone from a vehicle, especially a child who has been trapped inside by a careless parent, which happens a lot during the summer time, and can quickly lead to heat-related injuries or death. Carry the right tools for the job!

From Resqme's Facebook page:

We received a notification telling us that Glen Stilson, Independence Training head instructor, saved a life trapped in a car after an accident, using the resqme tool. Our team is beloved to share this fabulous story to you all:

I wanted to write you a quick note about how I recently used one of the Res Q Me tools that you sent to us. Myself and another one of our instructors were headed back from a training class when we witnessed a vehicle accident in front of us. As we rendered aid to the occupants, the passenger, who was pinned inside and underneath the vehicle, began having trouble breathing due to the seatbelt being wrapped around his neck and restricting his airway. I keep a Res Q Me attached to my med kit, and with one clean cut I released the seatbelt and then stabilized the passenger’s airway. In the end, the driver was released at the scene and the passenger was taken to the local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, thanks to the Res Q Me.

See the attached photo (shown above) that I took after Fire and EMS arrived and extracted the passenger. The passenger was on the opposite side of the vehicle - Glen Stilson, Head Instructor

Want more information about vehicle evacuation tools, including the Resqme? Check out the video below.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Iron Mike Magazine article - Using AR-15s for Home Defense

Check out Glen's article over at iRON MiKE Magazine by Clicking Here. It's about using an AR-15 for home defense, and why you may want to consider it. It's a good followup to our most recent show on The Arms Room about setting up a fighting rifle - check out the video below. Also in the video below is a special guest interview with Lauren, owner of the recently news-worthy Shooters Grill in Rifle, CO - where all of the waitresses are armed and trained!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Western Whitetail article: Setting Up for Hunting Success

The new issue of Western Whitetail is out (Spring 2014), and Glen's "Make The Shot" column in this issue takes a look at how to set yourself and your rifle up for success before and during the hunt. You can read the article in full by clicking here.

Want more info about Western Whitetail magazine? Visit their website.

Standard subscription rate is $12.99, but if you're interested in a FREE subscription to Western Whitetail, contact us to find out how to get it - Contact Info Here.



Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Tactical Head Whips, Shooting Yourself in the Butt, and How to Realistically Holster Your Handgun

Here's our new video on the re-holstering process - it's a lot simpler than some people make it out to be, but there's a conscious process involved here that should not be ignored.

There are a lot of re-holstering techniques taught out there in the training world. A lot of them are realistic and effective, but some are just plain ridiculous. Here's how we instruct our students (for the most part) on how to go from shooting your handgun to putting it back into the holster, minus tactical head whips and shooting yourself in the butt (or someone else in the foot).

We use and recommend Ring's Blue Guns for training: http://www.blueguns.com/

TCB Kydex Holsters: http://www.tcbfirearms.com/

Remora Holsters: https://www.remoraholsterstore.com/ 

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

Please also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/IndependenceTraining


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

The American Woman Shooter: Glen's article about Pocket Trauma Kits

The new issue of The American Woman Shooter is available, and Glen's article about Pocket Trauma Kits can be found on Page 7.

http://theamericanwomanshooter.com/media/American-Woman-Shooter-3-14-proof-6-.pdf

If you'd like to learn more about The American Woman Shooter, visit:
Website - http://theamericanwomanshooter.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheAmericanWomanShooter

And if you want to subscribe to The American Woman Shooter, go here: 
http://theamericanwomanshooter.com/product/subscribe/


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Combative Defense Tactics (CDT) with Brian Sinclair

On the street there are NO RULES, NO REFS, NO RINGS and NO ROUNDS. Any real fight you find yourself in could very well be a fight for your life. Our new Combative Defense Tactics (CDT) program is a based on a culmination of fighting styles and real-world life experiences of the instructors. There will not be any Belts or Ranks, just real life and the defense of that life. We will learn how to control situations and avoid unnecessary conflict via situational awareness and preparation. We will take the fight to an attacker and come out on top. Watch the video below for more information!

Read more about Brian here: http://www.independencetraining.com/instructors/

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

Please also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Realistic Emergency Prep: Water is Life - featuring Lee from Off The Grid Survival Gear

There is a lot of good information out there about preparing for emergencies, and also a lot of nonsense. The biggest flop that we see is a singular focus, especially when that singular focus is on an event that has a small chance of effecting you, such as a massive civil unrest, fighting against some foreign invaders, or (the pop-culture favorite) a zombie apocalypse. While preparing for those types of events will get you pointed in the right direction, it's a better idea to prepare for the types of emergencies that are more likely to happen, such as the loss of a job, a water shortage, a natural disaster, or a power outage. Those are some examples of emergencies that happen all-too-often here in our country, yet also all-too-often many of the affected citizens are unprepared for such events, and thus have to rely on others or (gasp!) the government to bail them out.

In this month's Journal of a Sheepdog, we went over to Off The Grid Survival Gear, one of our industry partners, to talk to co-owner Lee about realistic preparations, training, and also what he feels is the biggest lack of preparation in most people's lives: water storage.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Precision Rifle - Feb 28-Mar 2, 2014

Here's a video from our most recent Precision Rifle course with some photos and a few short slo-mo shots thrown in. This course was held at CowTown Range Arizona from Feb 28 - Mar 2, 2014. A great time was had by all, and every student learned a lot about their equipment, themselves, and what they can accomplish. 100m is a pistol shot for these guys now, and 300m is a starting point - nothing bigger than 1 MOA is acceptable!

Interested in getting in on the next course? Contact Us to let us know! We'll be scheduling the next Precision Rifle class soon for early fall of 2014, and this course fills up fast: http://www.independencetraining.com/contact-us/

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

The Arms Room: a new source for you to get info on training, firearms, self-reliance, and more!

Independence Training has taken over The Arms Room, and we hit the ground running! Hosted by the Vets on Media Radio Network, this internet radio show is all about training, firearms, self-reliance, hunting, freedom, personal protection, and more! You can view the show live every Monday from 10a-11a on the Vets On Media website (http://www.vetsonmedia.com/radio-shows/the-arms-room/), or afterwards on the YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRM4Bwdb0qbGmZ88VEwl0w) or the Podcast (http://thearmsroomvom.podbean.com/).

Our first couple of shows have been very well received, and you can view them below. We hope to hear your questions and comments soon, and we have some awesome guests and product reviews coming up soon!

Asking The Right Questions - 2/17: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RN3is4IF90&feature=share
Gun Lifestyle and Culture - 2/24: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny3S43IUtXU


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Independence Training uses Slip 2000

Here at Independence Training we use Slip 2000 products for our firearms maintenance. In fact, we believe in their product so much, that if you come to an Independence Training firearms course, you'll get a free sample of Slip 2000 Extreme Weapons Lubricant (EWL) and Slip 2000 725 Cleaner/Degreaser.

We ran into our friends from Slip 2000 at SHOT Show earlier this month, and told them about a handgun training course that we held during a snowy day, and how some student's guns started to have recurring malfunctions due to poor lubrication. What did we do to fix that? You'll have to read the whole story on Slip 2000's blog: http://www.slip2000.com/blog/independence-trainging-uses-slip-2000/.

And if you're a Facebook user, be sure to stop by their page, 'Like' it, and drop a comment on our story being posted there, as well: https://www.facebook.com/slip2000.



Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

The American Woman Shooter: Glen's article about Saving Lives

Glen is now writing for The American Woman Shooter - check out his first article in Issue One of 2014 by clicking on the link below and going to Page 16. It's short but purposeful, and comes just in time to get you thinking about taking our IFAK Life Saver course on Feb 8. Look for more great articles coming in future issues!

http://theamericanwomanshooter.com/media/taws-2014-1.pdf 

If you'd like to learn more about The American Woman Shooter, visit:
Website - http://theamericanwomanshooter.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheAmericanWomanShooter

And if you want to subscribe to The American Woman Shooter, go here: 
http://theamericanwomanshooter.com/product/subscribe/


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Celebrate the New Year with Independence Training - we brought in 2014 with a Bang!

We got a few of our instructors and students together on the first weekend in January 2014 so that we could ring in the New Year with a Bang and celebrate a friend's birthday! Similar to our New Year's Eve video (http://youtu.be/pNpNJMS4wG8), this is a short video from a long day, but we had a great time burning some powder and challenging ourselves. Remember to create a training plan for 2014, and we look forward to seeing you in class!

Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.

Happy New Year! We sent 2013 out with a Bang!

We got a few of our instructors and students together on New Year's Eve so that we could send 2013 out with a Bang! This is a short video from a long day, but we had a great time burning some powder during our informal "action shooting match." We hope that you had an exciting and safe New Year's Eve, and look for our next video where we bring 2014 in with a Bang - plus we demonstrate better tomahawk skills!

Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, and Train Hard.