Training is basically an activity aimed at receiving new information (skills) and also at improving current skills and knowledge. Training is one of the most important things on the way of being at least good in what you do. Another part takes your own personality and further experience. There is a proverb: “Practice makes perfect”. This, however, misses the huge importance of the way you practice.
It’s proven that trainings are more efficient than learning in deployments because:

• an experienced instructor observes and corrects mistakes immediately, whereas in action everyone must focus on his own AoR
• mistakes do not have fatal consequences
• one can learn step-by-step in a controlled environment
• using training drill (repetition of movements and information) helps to remember

Following text is divided into 2 points of view. The first is point of view is that of the trainee and second point of view is that of the instructor.

Trainee

An enlisted person undergoing law enforcement or military training. Basically someone who learns for being in police unit or army.

Here are few basic things which a trainee should do before, during and after a training:

• He should read according material for the training, often written by the instructor
• He should check what is needed for the training
• He should think about what he/she expects from the training itself
• During the training he must be fully focused
• During the training he should use the opportunity to ask questions whenever something is unclear to him
• After the training he should continue with practicing on his own (practice makes perfect)

Instructor

An instructor is basically the person who teaches (instructs) people. He has the responsibility for the education of his trainees. His main goal is to train them to the best of their ability. Before leading a training session, an instructor should think over these basic things:

• What is the topic of the training?
• What is needed for the training (e.g. gear, locations, assistants)?
• How skilled are the students already? Different kinds of skill and knowledge levels require different kinds of approaches.
• Who are the students? Everyone has different ways to train and comprehend information best. The personality of the students is also important.

Basic theory on training and teaching students:

1. Explain each tactic/move step by step and the theory behind them
   • what to do
   • where and when (i.e. in which situation)
   • why (what are advantages and disadvantages)
   • are there alternative tactics
2. Don’t teach too much in single session (rather focus on trainees and correct their mistakes until they do it right)
3. Observe your students and their movements carefully
4. Show as much as possible and explain as you show (a picture is worth more than thousand words)
5. Keep your trainees focused (boredom kills whole effort)
6. Ask trainees questions to find out what they know so far; it gives you a hint if they read tactical material for the training

• More details can be found at our Instructor Guide.
• To download this article we recommend the PDF Version.
• If you have comments or questions, use the Discussion Thread.