Sheepdog Tip of the Day, Before Combat tip 287
The first stage [of training with new hardware] is the experimental stage. During this stage, we educate the student on the principles behind the skill we're about to teach. We then demonstrate how we expect that skill to be carried out, and then we provide lots of coached practice. We set up the sniper rifle to fit properly. We adjust the scope for proper eye relief. We make sure the trigger is right. We experiment with different adaptations of the basic positions to find the one that is right for that individual. We set the student up for success. This is all low-intensity training. Our philosophy is, "Get good before you get fast, and smooth is fast." The second stage of marksmanship practice is live rehearsals and scenarios, which extends into operations. This is high-intensity training, and while it starts off slowly, it gains momentum as the skill levels develop. Because the emphasis is on being smooth, the student will get fast without trying. It's during this stage that the student becomes ready for operations. Then there is the recovery phase. It's widely known and well documented that tactical police officers need some downtime, some time away from the stresses of their job.
Linda K. Miller and Keith Cunningham, Secrets of Mental Marksmanship
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