Upcoming Courses

The Firearms Instructor Course (FIC) – Pistol Only is designed to prepare officers to instruct handgun operation and marksmanship at their agencies.

This is a 5-day course approved for 35 Minnesota POST credits.

Students will learn the fundamentals of firearms instruction and develop repeatable methods for teaching others. The course covers core elements of pistol operation, lesson plan development, and the SAFE (Sight Alignment by Feel Exercise) series, giving instructors practical tools to use in their training programs.

Topics include loading and unloading, drawing and re-holstering from a duty holster, tactical ready positions, reloads, malfunction clearance, one-handed shooting (strong and support hand), positional shooting, weapons maintenance, and equipment selection.

This small-group environment combines lecture, demonstration, coaching, and live-fire drills. Students will conduct teach-backs, learn to run a firing line, and deliver brief instructional presentations. The course concludes with a live-fire qualification.

Registration is open to active law enforcement and military personnel only. All students must meet minimum proficiency requirements, including safe handling of firearms. Tuition must be paid in advance and is non-refundable.

Course Objectives

• Apply handgun fundamentals and elements of marksmanship

• Develop lesson plans for handgun instruction

• Use the SAFE (Sight Alignment by Feel Exercise) series

• Teach loading, unloading, drawing, and re-holstering safely

• Conduct reloads and clear malfunctions

• Teach one-handed and positional shooting

• Run a firing line and conduct live-fire qualifications

• Strengthen confidence as both a shooter and instructor

What to Bring

• Body armor

• 1,200 rounds of pistol ammunition

• Pistol with at least three magazines (five if single stack)

• Duty belt or load-bearing vest

• Eye and ear protection

• Extra batteries for gear

Featured Instructors

Jeff Whitbeck and Derrick Herling

Testimonials

“I am significantly more confident in my own shooting abilities. What I liked most about the training was the repetition and overall shooting opportunities. I have already recommended this course to others. It’s fun and laid back, but also challenging in a good way.”
Keirsten Englund, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office

“Extremely knowledgeable instructors with an obvious passion for what they do.”
Eric Anderson, Lakeville Police Department

“Class was awesome! Great instruction, demonstration, and great material. I am now very confident in teaching basic firearm skills and this class really broke it down.”
Josh Sannes, Eagan Police Department

“I feel that I learned a lot about the instruction portion of firearms training and relating these techniques to newer or less experienced officers. The instructors were very personable and very professional. They were very open about learning from their students. I like that the students ran a lot of the range with supervision from the instructors.”
Jordan Hellerud, Saint Louis Park Police Department

“I wanted to learn how to train officers who never touched a gun, and I learned how step by step. These instructors are better than any course I have had. Instructors very much wanted to help YOU become a better instructor, could tell they cared and were very knowledgeable.”
Dave Streefland, Eagan Police Department

“I feel my shooting skills have improved significantly as well as my teaching skills. Excellent instructors, very skilled and competent. What I liked most about the course was actually practicing running my own firing lines. This course was excellent, among the best I’ve ever attended.”
Chris Anderson, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office

“Very good course! Goes over the fundamental trainings to be able to teach other people at all skill levels.”
Jordan McKellips, Plainview Police Department