Secure Aspects Group Inc. - HDSOC PSD Training

Ok gents here is the review I promised you. I just recently completed the two weeks High Desert Special Operations Center (HDSOC) High Risk Training. The arrival and transportation from Reno Nv. to Hawthorn Nv. was a very smooth operation and everything happened according to the time line provided. Upon arrival in Hawthorn we were shuttled to our hotel. The hotel was adequate providing wireless and hard-line internet access to the rooms. The rooms were cleaned daily and contained a refrigerator, television and microwave.

The following day we went to HDSOC headquarters and completed the indoc, after which the pace picked up with range training. The original schedule was rearranged due to weather conditions.

The range training was at a controlled fast pace utilizing a M4 and Sig 226. Even though I do not like the Sig 226 as a secondary weapon, I prefer the Glock so the handgun portion of the course was challenging but following the instruction provided qualification was not difficult. I now have additional training on another weapon I can effectively employ if needed.

The M4 course was very challenging for me since I have never laid on my side or rolled on my back shooting under objects at targets, this is definitely a work out if you are not used to it. The qualification with both weapons was easily obtainable if you followed the instruction provided.

The range instructors come with various backgrounds most have spec-ops backgrounds from the Army SF, Marine Recon, and Navy Seals. The instructors also have backgrounds in Law Enforcement both Federal and municipal with tenure.
The instructors were approachable and seemed to be focused on providing the best training possible with class participation and enthusiasm.

Besides the weapons training the course also included various blocks of instruction in regards to IEDâ€™s, suicide bombers, basic GPS use and 9 line medivac procedures. These were instructed in a class room environment at the main building. The course also included a block of instruction in off road driving utilizing lifted suburbans for the practical application. The off road course to be negotiated was a 2.5 to 3 level in difficulty and was challenging and not to mention just down right fun.

The PSD scenarios were well coordinated and instructed, during the Assault on Principal training UTM, similar to simunitions was used and they do sting when shot, the paintballs used by the bad guys left a few welts on team members but were instrumental in pointing out mistakes. A paintball is always better than a 7x62.

The final scenario exercises were very challenging, especially if you have never done this type of work before. The final exercises cumulated in everything that was instructed over the previous two weeks. I donâ€™t want to give up any secrets but the final scenarios included IED attacks followed up with RPGâ€™s and small arms fire.
Just a word of advice make sure your class functions as a team and follows the chain of command, individuals are not needed in this line of work, we are not an army of one.

What to bring? My suggestion is not to bring any gear, unless you deploy after training, you will be given everything that you need, if you want to be a contractor then I suggest you start dressing like a contractor and get some 5.11 pants and some black shirts so the class will be uniform. If all you have is cammo then bring some other clothes to wear on the final scenarios because Cammies are not authorized to be worn in Fallon Nv. where some of the scenarios are conducted.

I have attended several other training courses and am still enrolled to complete some, for comparison my overall impression of this course is based on various observations consisting of, the humble instruction provided by some of the most skilled operators in this profession, resources and student educational, resources and logistical support. This is my third time in Iraq and I believe the course provides you with a solid foundation of the basics to continue building on, and makes you operational and ready for deployment in hostile environments.

I am glad I had the opportunity to attend this training and would highly recommend this course for anyone seeking to make High Risk Protection a career. I know some of you are apprehensive about spending the money to attend this course, and I definitely understand, that is your decision to make depending on what you think a new career is worth to you.
You will hear in the EP and PSD profession that your training is essential the way it works the more training and quals you have the better contracts you get. Gents they are running out of the 21 year old Rangers, SF, Seals, and recon guys now the pool has expanded to the older seasoned experienced cops and former military to do the same jobs.

I know that SOC-SMG is being awarded contracts as I write this and after you are recommended and successfully complete this course your chances of being a contractor for one of the best firms out there has increased tremendously. The training and certificate is also recognized by other leading firms in the business.

For information in regards to HDSOC training contact Bruce Bivens at (775)783-9277 or email: bbivins@hdsoc.com for more information.