I do agree with the use of FATS to a reserved degree. It does show you where you might be weak on your shoot don't shoot scenarios, but if that is what you are looking for Simunitions is the only way to go. You use your guns with slight modifications and "paint ball" type ammo. The guys in the department that have used it said it is the best training they ever had. I dont know what the expenses are for this type of training but it has got to be cheaper than a FATS system. The main precaution is making an area totally clear of any live ammo so there are no accidental deaths.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
FATS training
- Thread starter steve154
- Start date
S.E.R.T.SGT
New member
Our qualification is a two part scenario: The first is where we shoot our qualification course. Secondly, after completing this we go and shoot the FATS machine. My theory on training is that the more QUALITY training that you can get is always a plus.
Gary L. Griffiths
New member
Steve,
My company provides judgmental use-of-force training using an IES Range 3000 XP-4 simulator. Think of it as a FATS on steroids. Perhaps we can provide training support to your department to enable you to obtain the benefits of this type of training, and decide whether you want to invest in a simulator.
I've e-mailed you a brochure.
My company provides judgmental use-of-force training using an IES Range 3000 XP-4 simulator. Think of it as a FATS on steroids. Perhaps we can provide training support to your department to enable you to obtain the benefits of this type of training, and decide whether you want to invest in a simulator.
I've e-mailed you a brochure.
Capt. Charlie
Moderator Emeritus
Gary L. Griffiths
Gary, does your company have a web site? Our dept., along with several other depts. in the area, lease FATS for a month every year. Will your company lease? If you would, I'd also like a brochure. Thanks.
Gary, does your company have a web site? Our dept., along with several other depts. in the area, lease FATS for a month every year. Will your company lease? If you would, I'd also like a brochure. Thanks.
FATS was originally formulated through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia. The first films were made at FLETC and the bank scene was filmed in nearby Brunswick.
When I was notified that the FATS system was to be demonstrated in San Mateo County at the Redwood City Hall, iirc, I notified one of the lieutenants that worked in our federal office and we went down to the preview. There were city, county, and other federal agencies there as well. The salesman set up the unit and asked for volunteers to test it out. I watched as one after another of the best shots of different agencies did their best to beat the machine.
When the sales rep asked for one more volunteer I raised my hand. I went through the whole set of scenarios and the only one that I made a bobble on was the bank robbery scenario in town. I had the highest score and everyone was amazed at my score. After the demo was over I talked o the sales rep and told him that I had one slight edge over everone else. I had attended the police academy at FLETC and the scenarios were all familiar to me. There were scenes at the school store, a warehouse, various parts of the FLETC campus and I was familiaer with them all.
Our organization did not have the funds at the time to purchase the unit but we bought some 16 mm fils with various "Shoot-Don't Shoot" scenes. I set up some paper on our indoor range and showed the 16mm film and had my officers go through some training where, when the would shoot, I would freeze the frame and we could analyze their shot. This was not really that satisfactory but you make do with what you have.
Some time later when the FATS system was being tweaked into a better system I got a call from a friend in the DEA. We went to Concord and observed the FATS System with the "branching" capability. This allowed the trainee to have a different ending and that way the previous trainee could not say for certain how the scenarios ended to the next person on the range.
While the FATS ststem was a great training innovation it did not replace he need for real live gunfire with the sound, smell and feel that is associated with it. I used to take some of our more interested shooters to the South San Francisco Night Owl Shoots before the range at the shore became a building project. It was supposed to be a true test of ones ability to shoot under street light conditions using the issue equipment. While I actually believed that was the case and did my shooting with duty belt and reload strips and a flashlight on my belt, I noticed the CHP Blue Team used the speed loaders in a special plastic tray and had some modified handguns. I insisted that our unit play by the original intention of the rules. We won first place in our class at last two times. It gave our unit something to look forward to and booosted their morale.
If your organization has the opportunity to use FATS, by all means go for it. just do not let it become a replacement for real range time as a whole.
When I was notified that the FATS system was to be demonstrated in San Mateo County at the Redwood City Hall, iirc, I notified one of the lieutenants that worked in our federal office and we went down to the preview. There were city, county, and other federal agencies there as well. The salesman set up the unit and asked for volunteers to test it out. I watched as one after another of the best shots of different agencies did their best to beat the machine.
When the sales rep asked for one more volunteer I raised my hand. I went through the whole set of scenarios and the only one that I made a bobble on was the bank robbery scenario in town. I had the highest score and everyone was amazed at my score. After the demo was over I talked o the sales rep and told him that I had one slight edge over everone else. I had attended the police academy at FLETC and the scenarios were all familiar to me. There were scenes at the school store, a warehouse, various parts of the FLETC campus and I was familiaer with them all.
Our organization did not have the funds at the time to purchase the unit but we bought some 16 mm fils with various "Shoot-Don't Shoot" scenes. I set up some paper on our indoor range and showed the 16mm film and had my officers go through some training where, when the would shoot, I would freeze the frame and we could analyze their shot. This was not really that satisfactory but you make do with what you have.
Some time later when the FATS system was being tweaked into a better system I got a call from a friend in the DEA. We went to Concord and observed the FATS System with the "branching" capability. This allowed the trainee to have a different ending and that way the previous trainee could not say for certain how the scenarios ended to the next person on the range.
While the FATS ststem was a great training innovation it did not replace he need for real live gunfire with the sound, smell and feel that is associated with it. I used to take some of our more interested shooters to the South San Francisco Night Owl Shoots before the range at the shore became a building project. It was supposed to be a true test of ones ability to shoot under street light conditions using the issue equipment. While I actually believed that was the case and did my shooting with duty belt and reload strips and a flashlight on my belt, I noticed the CHP Blue Team used the speed loaders in a special plastic tray and had some modified handguns. I insisted that our unit play by the original intention of the rules. We won first place in our class at last two times. It gave our unit something to look forward to and booosted their morale.
If your organization has the opportunity to use FATS, by all means go for it. just do not let it become a replacement for real range time as a whole.