Patrol Rifle Operator Course ($29 SOTA Members Only Special)

Required Equipment

Students must bring the following equipment:

• Body armor
• Eye and ear protection
• Patrol rifle/carbine with a minimum of 3 magazines and 1,000 rounds of ammunition (it is unlikely all 1,000 rounds will be used, but students should arrive with the full amount to ensure sufficient ammunition for all drills and contingencies)
• Duty handgun with approved duty holster, a minimum of 3 magazines, and 250 rounds of ammunition
• Lunch and adequate hydration (water or sports drinks)

Course Description

This course is designed to develop and enhance the law enforcement officer's proficiency with the patrol rifle/carbine in a realistic operational environment. Students will receive instruction and practical application in safe weapon handling, marksmanship fundamentals, weapon manipulation, movement techniques, and threat engagement. Emphasis is placed on building confidence, accuracy, and efficiency with the patrol rifle while reinforcing sound decision-making and firearms safety principles.

Through a combination of classroom discussion, demonstrations, and live-fire exercises, students will learn to effectively deploy the patrol rifle from close-quarters distances to extended engagement ranges, utilize cover and concealment, manage weapon malfunctions, and transition between the patrol rifle and duty handgun when necessary.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate safe handling and operation of the patrol rifle/carbine in accordance with agency policy and established firearms safety rules.
• Apply proper marksmanship fundamentals, including stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, and follow-through.
• Establish, confirm, and maintain an effective rifle zero while understanding trajectory, mechanical offset, and ballistic performance at varying distances.
• Accurately engage stationary targets from close-range encounters to extended patrol engagement distances.
• Perform emergency and tactical reloads efficiently while maintaining weapon control and situational awareness.
• Identify and clear common patrol rifle malfunctions within established performance standards.
• Transition safely and effectively between standing, kneeling, seated, and prone shooting positions.
• Utilize available cover and concealment to maximize officer safety and effectiveness during threat engagements.
• Demonstrate movement techniques while maintaining muzzle discipline, target awareness, and accountability.
• Engage multiple threat targets and successfully conduct target discrimination exercises under time constraints.
• Transition effectively between the patrol rifle and duty handgun when operationally appropriate.
• Demonstrate increased confidence, competence, and operational readiness with the patrol rifle in patrol-related scenarios.

This course is intended for sworn law enforcement personnel authorized to carry a patrol rifle/carbine in the performance of their duties.