They will issue you a ball cap, two pairs of shooting glasses, and ear muffs. They also give you earplugs.

Thanks, I appreciate it! Concerning the protective gear, they say a cup is optional. Is one really needed?

I didn't bring one and never got narded. The key is to not get too into it in the mat room. You're learning skills. Don't try to one-up your training partner by trying to kick his ass. Learn the techniques and go half speed.

Guys get hurt when they try to be macho and go full speed.

With that said, if you already own one, bring it.

Great, thanks again!

XBox. More range time!

#1: A real gun belt. Safariland and G&G make good low cost synthetic ones that will be gtg with most airline uniforms for under $30. You can buy nicer ones from several guys. The Belt Guy. Bullhide belts is another good option. A lot of guys buy nylon belts (you can get them at the PX) which is great if you shoot a lot on your own, but otherwise, I'd recommend you just get a belt you can wear with your uniform later. But regardless of which one, bring one. I can't emphasize this enough.

As others said, band aids, athletic tape, and even some padded tape. Tac boots if you've got em. Tennis shoes work just as well. Spray on sunscreen (or Purell to get the lotion off your hands - sweat will make the gun grip slippery enough).

Speed Loader.

Go easy on the civilian clothes.

Excellent point about belts. I bought a Blade-Tech belt about 8 months before I went to training. Good thing too, since it took some time to break it in.

I'm sure I'll upset all the FFDOs and those awaiting a call to training; but, the program has so many rules, regulations and red tape on top some very silly institutionalized training effort. The training, which has a demonstrated bias and the FFDO program has been neutered into nothingness.

FWIW, which is little, I compete, IDPA, USPSA, outlaw multi-gun and other - FFDO as currently constituted is not worth my time or yours.

Right?

Classic "all about me type". He solicits help and guys step up and give him plenty. But when asked for feedback to help others, he vanishes like a fart in the wind.

100% agree. It would be a great introduction to shooting for anyone aspiring to conceal carry-- call it an undergrad course. I compete in 3-gun, IPSC and long range and for those in that category you will learn significantly more doing one of the pistol and or carbine courses from a place like Spartan Tactical.

Don't go 100% on the mat, no reward or recognition for pulling soft tissue or breaking bone. The classroom was my toughest challenge, common sense and very boring. However, some days you will not go to the classroom, you will do something else indoors and it is there that you will learn to use your most valuable asset; pay attention to your environment, listen and watch the hands. Think, anticipate but don't broadcast or overreact.

The range instructors are former LEO and most have had their day competing themselves. Ask questions about trigger control grip placement, you will build a great foundation. The duty weapon takes awhile to master, its nothing I would personally own.

There will be ample time each evening to spend at the local pub and throw back some beers with your fellow bird men, take the time to find out why a Deltoid is the way he is.

My packing list:

A good belt
A nice set of electronic earmuffs so you can double up on the hearing protection and still hear the ROs clear as day
Boony hat
Glasses meeting mil-spec for impact (Oakley, Revision)
5-11 pants (its nice to dump the entire box of rounds into a pocket and the belt loops are reinforced)
Snacks
iPad
Portable speaker for the room