The TTPOA Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Reticence Group "If You Want Them to Be Wow Shooters, You Better Be Able to Pull Some Wow Sh*t Out of Your A$$"

Release Date: November 3, 2024

Hosts: TTPOA Host (Graham and Brandon)

Guests: Chansey and Brian from Reticence Group

1. Introduction to Reticence Group

In this episode of The TTPOA Podcast, hosts Graham and Brandon welcome their special guests, Chansey and Brian, founders of Reticence Group—a training company dedicated to enhancing the skills of SWAT officers, military personnel, and first responders. The conversation kicks off with light-hearted banter about TTPOA’s 40th anniversary and the origins of their group, setting a collegial tone for the episode.

Notable Quote:

• Brandon [01:27]: “We're teaching like that and live like that. And so that's a testament to who y'all are.”

2. Backgrounds of Chansey and Brian

Brandon invites Brian to share his background, revealing his extensive experience as an officer in the Dallas Metroplex, SWAT member, and firearms instructor with over seven years at the range. He highlights collaborations with Graham spanning two decades.

Chansey provides a comprehensive overview of his career, detailing his roles within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, patrol duties, zero tolerance teams, SWAT operations, use-of-force coordination, and current position as a sergeant over the air support unit. His dedication to training and mentorship is evident as he emphasizes the support from his superiors in raising the next generation of law enforcement officers.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian [04:56]: “I've been doing training for a long time… We can't just talk about it.”
• Chansey [06:00]: “I've been doing that since 06/05/06 time frame… I'm a blessed guy.”

3. Philosophy and Mission of Reticence Group

Chansey and Brian articulate the foundational philosophy of Reticence Group, emphasizing "reticence"—the principle of sticking to one’s beliefs, maintaining discretion, and letting actions speak louder than words. They discuss the challenges of marketing their training in the age of social media, acknowledging the importance of word-of-mouth and adapting to younger generations' communication styles.

Notable Quotes:

• Chansey [01:45]: “Being a reticence person… doing what's right.”
• Brandon [03:10]: “People can sniff those out… it's important to have.”

4. Critique of Traditional Law Enforcement Training

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the shortcomings of traditional law enforcement training. Chansey and Brian criticize static, script-based drills that focus excessively on accuracy without considering the dynamic nature of real-world engagements. They argue that such training fails to prepare officers for the unpredictability and speed of actual confrontations.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian [14:36]: “We're teaching to reality… It was two totally different sides of the spectrum.”
• Chansey [19:07]: “The whole training sets them up for failure.”

5. Emphasis on Grip and Fundamental Skills

Chansey and Brian place paramount importance on the fundamental skill of grip control. They assert that a proper grip is the cornerstone of effective shooting, influencing both accuracy and speed. They challenge outdated grip techniques, such as the "60-40" or "70-30" grip ratios, advocating instead for a balanced, natural hold that suits each individual shooter’s physiology.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian [60:33]: “Grip.”
• Chansey [60:34]: “It's 100%. The grip. They feel like they have to stage a trigger…"

6. Realistic, Movement-Based Drills

Moving beyond static drills, Reticence Group incorporates movement into their training from day two onward. They emphasize shooting while on the move, mirroring real-life scenarios where officers must engage targets while navigating dynamic environments. This approach helps officers build muscle memory and adaptability, crucial for effective performance under pressure.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian [25:07]: “We train zero to the qual. Nothing has to do with the qual.”
• Brandon [32:24]: “CQB is not stand on the line shooting.”

7. Innovative Teaching Techniques and Demonstrations

Chansey and Brian discuss their hands-on, adaptive teaching methods. They prioritize demonstrating drills in varied positions and encouraging officers to understand the "why" behind each movement. This methodology fosters deeper comprehension and retention, enabling officers to apply skills intuitively in high-stress situations.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian [58:00]: “We tell our students, move natural.”
• Chansey [30:37]: “We want them to be wow shooters… pull some wow sh*t out of your a$$.”

8. Overcoming Egos and Fostering Continuous Improvement

The conversation delves into the importance of setting aside personal egos to embrace continuous improvement. Chansey and Brian advocate for a humble, self-critical approach where instructors lead by example, aiming to be the weakest shooters on the range to encourage learners to excel.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian [50:18]: “I want to be the worst dude on the range.”
• Chansey [48:28]: “Put that damn ego aside… learn from them.”

9. Practical Application and Real-World Relevance

The guests highlight the need for training that mirrors real-world law enforcement challenges. They reference scenarios such as traffic stops and active pursuits, stressing that officers must be prepared to react swiftly and accurately without relying on outdated drill protocols. Their training equips officers to handle unpredictable engagements effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Brandon [55:39]: “Imagine getting called to Walmart and chasing a shooter in the parking lot.”
• Brian [62:00]: “How do you run around the world if you're not pointing your gun at somebody?”

10. Commitment to Excellence and Future Endeavors

Wrapping up the episode, Chansey and Brian emphasize their commitment to advancing law enforcement training. They discuss ongoing collaborations, such as their participation in conferences and instructor schools, aimed at disseminating their progressive training philosophies nationwide. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional training underscores their mission to elevate the capabilities of first responders.

Notable Quotes:

• Chansey [82:23]: “We're attacking the administration side… make cops better.”
• Brian [80:41]: “Encouraging progression and movement… push the envelope.”

Conclusion

This episode of The TTPOA Podcast offers a deep dive into innovative law enforcement training methodologies championed by Reticence Group. Chansey and Brian's insights challenge conventional practices, advocating for realistic, movement-based drills and foundational skills like grip control. Their emphasis on continuous improvement, humility, and real-world applicability provides valuable lessons for first responders seeking to enhance their tactical proficiency and leadership capabilities. As they conclude, the guests reinforce their dedication to "Train Hard" and leaving their teams better equipped for the challenges ahead.

Final Quote:

• Chansey [83:52]: “So you guys keep training hard and stay safe.”