The TTPOA Podcast: "Precision Rifle from a Practical Approach" Summary

Release Date: January 6, 2025

In this compelling episode of The TTPOA Podcast, hosts Derek and Brandon delve deep into the intricacies of precision rifle training tailored for law enforcement and SWAT teams. Joined by esteemed guests Dan Jarecki, a competitive shooter turned sniper instructor, Mike Castillo, a sniper team leader from Central Texas, and Sean Harris, an experienced sniper and instructor, the conversation bridges the gap between military precision and practical law enforcement application.

1. Introduction to the Guests

The episode kicks off with a lighthearted banter among the hosts and introduces Sean Harris as a seasoned sniper team leader with a rich background in both military and law enforcement.

• Brandon (00:47): "Sean is one of our regional directors and he's also a sniper team leader instructor with and other... all the stuff."

2. Precision Rifle Training for Law Enforcement Snipers

Dan Jarecki shares his transition from competitive shooting to training law enforcement snipers, emphasizing the need for speed and accuracy in high-stakes environments.

• Dan (01:56): "The notion is to get law enforcement snipers to be able to hit maybe longer distance targets or even shorter distance ones accurately and more quickly."

• Brandon (03:05): "Speed and accuracy. They're not competing against each other. They're married to each other."

3. Bridging Military and Civilian Techniques

Sean Harris recounts his journey from the Marine Corps to law enforcement, highlighting the discrepancies between military sniper training and what’s currently offered to LE snipers.

• Sean (10:07): "I had to break that barrier down myself. But you get around guys, like Rob Latham... they're just civilians, but they're phenomenal shooters."

• Brandon (13:09): "Why aren't we doing it in the sniper community? Yeah, we're not doing it at all."

4. Instructor Responsibilities and Training Quality

The conversation shifts to the responsibility of instructors to provide comprehensive and practical training, beyond mere marksmanship.

• Sean (31:03): "Are you, Chris, you have certificate."

• Brandon (32:04): "What are the parameters? You know, so a lot of it comes from ASA..."

5. Positional Shooting and Practical Application

Emphasizing the importance of positional versatility, the guests discuss training snipers to operate effectively from various positions, not just prone, to adapt to real-world scenarios.

• Sean (44:25): "More than half of them are other than prone. And then the other biggest portion of the position that the shot was taken in is standing."

• Dan (45:29): "If you've got a notion of what it takes to hit positionally... you're not going to hit a one MOA target at 800 yards."

6. Equipment and Ballistics Knowledge

Mike Castillo underscores the critical need for snipers to understand their equipment and ballistics thoroughly to ensure precision and accountability in the field.

• Mike (56:37): "Backdrop needs to be an extremely important factor... knowing the type of ammunition and why we're selecting that depending upon the situation."

• Dan (57:00): "Dope is data on previous engagement. Elevation adjustment or windage adjustment for that distance."

7. Overcoming Egos and Fostering Collaboration

The hosts stress the importance of humility and collaboration among instructors and snipers to foster continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

• Brandon (16:49): "If you don't take that and go back and go, how do I get where this guy is? Then you're a fool."

• Sean (34:54): "If you didn't continue to learn, you need to get out of the game."

8. Honoring Fallen Officers and Foundational Legacy

The episode takes an emotional turn as Mike Castillo honors fallen officer Jorge Pastor, highlighting his legacy and the establishment of the Jorge Pastor Foundation to support training for first responders.

• Mike (70:06): "His ultimate sacrifice... inspiration... if he can do it, then that means I can do it too."

• Brandon (70:06): "Men carrying their fallen brothers... honoring their legacy."

9. Conclusion and Call to Action

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage continued training and collaboration, emphasizing the collective responsibility to enhance sniper training and honor those who have sacrificed.

• Brandon (84:49): "Keep training hard and be safe out there."

• Sean (85:01): "We need your professionalism, your input, your experience."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Jarecki (01:56): "The notion is to get law enforcement snipers to be able to hit maybe longer distance targets or even shorter distance ones accurately and more quickly."

• Brandon (03:05): "Speed and accuracy. They're not competing against each other. They're married to each other."

• Sean Harris (10:07): "I had to break that barrier down myself. But you get around guys, like Rob Latham... they're just civilians, but they're phenomenal shooters."

• Dan Jarecki (57:00): "Dope is data on previous engagement. Elevation adjustment or windage adjustment for that distance."

• Mike Castillo (70:06): "His ultimate sacrifice... inspiration... if he can do it, then that means I can do it too."

Key Takeaways:

1. Integration of Competitive Shooting Techniques: Leveraging PRS (Precision Rifle Series) strategies enhances speed and accuracy for LE snipers.

2. Comprehensive Training: Quality sniper training goes beyond marksmanship to include ballistics, legal liabilities, and scenario-based exercises.

3. Positional Versatility: Training snipers to operate from various positions ensures adaptability in diverse operational environments.

4. Continuous Learning and Humility: Overcoming egos and fostering collaboration among instructors and snipers is crucial for ongoing improvement.

5. Honoring Legacy: Remembering and honoring fallen officers like Jorge Pastor inspires current and future first responders to uphold high standards and commitment.

This episode of The TTPOA Podcast serves as an essential listen for first responders, highlighting the importance of advanced, practical training and the unwavering dedication required to protect and serve effectively.