Training Tip Tuesday: mastery

A little more philosophical than our typical Tuesday Training Tip… let’s discuss “mastery.”

First and foremost, mastery is the elevation of the basics to a point beyond typical outcomes. It’s pretty simple, really. If a skill has been reduced to its component parts, being very good at those parts makes us exceptional at the whole. Often people mistake creative techniques or tactics as mastery, we would argue that while these may be a product of it… it’s the basics that make us good.

So how is it developed? Mastery takes work, concentration, and time. We caution all of those we train with, to value “slow.” It allows us to identify those inefficiencies that have to be removed in order to get better. The upshot is that speed happens “accidentally” or organically as we progress.

So, have fun at the range, do the “wazoo” drills if that is fun for you (safely please), but when you want to achieve mastery… slow down to the basics. Be dedicated to the slow walk forward. You’ll achieve it faster than you think. We’re betting on you.

Train smart!

Author Bio

Duane “Buck” Buckner

After spending 25 years in the USCG, Duane “Buck” Buckner is now the U.S. Director of Training for Aimpoint. The Aimpoint Training Division conducts training courses for military and law enforcement agencies up to the Federal level as well as for the prepared civilian. Buck is widely known for his emphasis on brain psychology as it relates to combat and survival.

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