This past weekend (9-10 SEP 23), TNVC Training completed our first Nightfighter 101 of the fall season in Great Falls, Montana. There was also a NF201 class going at the same time, so it was a full weekend for the teaching team.
Great Falls continues to be a superb host and training location for the conduct of our training. The Great Falls PD and Cascade County Sherrif’s Department go out of their way to make our classes run so well--we are lucky to have a great relationship with them. Special thanks go out to Heritage Baptist Church for allowing us to use their buildings for internal work and classroom set up.
This was a full class with a healthy mix of LE, first responders and average earth people. It is fun to have these diverse classes--everyone brings a different perspective and goal for the class, and the cross talk among students really makes the class that much better.
The weather gods blessed us with 0 rain--rare for a TNVC class--with highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s. Solid illum at about 35% and no wind. Perfect conditions. In fact, almost too good as the lack of wind on night 2 really supported us creating our own weather with smoke from some of the drills.
Equipment across the class was a broad spectrum of binocular (articulating and fixed bridge) and monocular goggles, lasers and lights. No issues to report--a sign that the word about good gear is making the rounds. This helps students get the most out of the class.
Speaking of getting the most out of the class--it is incredibly helpful to prepare slightly for the class. Simple things like pre-jamming magazines, lubricating weapons, cleaning and treating light lenses, and putting fresh batteries in your gear all help you to get the most out of your time. That way, breaks become that for the students--a break. Instead of a mad dash to get things accomplished. It is a common trend in most of our 101 classes, and we want to continue to spread the word about this.
Great Falls remains a core venue for us, and we will be back there again in 2024. Our 2024 schedule will go live next month, and we are excited about what we will offer and how many classes we have on the schedule.
Additionally, several companies stepped up to offer students swag and such for their attendance. We really appreciate their generosity and are proud to have them associated with our classes.
Ops-Core
Unity Tactical
Defense Mechanisms
Thyrm
Otte Gear
Phokus Research Group
Blue Force Gear
Cloud Defensive
Nods-Pods
Act in Black