The Command Drill Breakdown

Published on February 13, 2025
Duration: 18:57

Rick Crawley of Achilles Heel Tactical breaks down the 'Command Drill,' a training methodology designed to improve firearm proficiency by focusing on process and efficiency rather than simply racing the clock. The drill uses a shot timer with a random delay and a set time limit, prompting the shooter to draw and fire on the second beep. By analyzing response and overall times, shooters can identify areas for improvement in their grip, sight alignment, and economy of motion, making it applicable to both dry fire and live fire scenarios.

Quick Summary

The Command Drill, developed by Rick Crawley of Achilles Heel Tactical, uses a shot timer with a random delay and a time limit. Shooters initiate their action on the first beep and fire on the second, allowing them to study their process, grip, and sight picture within a defined timeframe to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:24Introduction to the Command Drill
  2. 00:38Why Not Race the Timer?
  3. 00:58The Command Drill Explained
  4. 01:41Ideal Draw Times and Goals
  5. 01:59How the Command Drill Works
  6. 02:35Studying Grip and Sight Picture
  7. 02:57Analyzing Response Time
  8. 03:31Adjusting Time for Execution
  9. 04:18Demonstration Setup (25 Yards)
  10. 04:53Timer Setup: Random Delay
  11. 05:10Dry Fire Rep Analysis
  12. 05:55Live Fire Setup and Timer Change
  13. 06:06Setting Up Pocket Pro II Timer
  14. 06:26Interpreting Timer Results
  15. 06:46Avoiding Jumping the Gun
  16. 07:15Analyzing a Good Run
  17. 07:39Dropping the Time Limit
  18. 07:57Achieving Efficiency in Draws
  19. 08:04Simultaneous Hand Movement
  20. 08:10Grip and Elbow Technique
  21. 08:26Demonstration at 1:30
  22. 08:36Result: 1:49 Total Time
  23. 08:50Beyond the Goal Time
  24. 09:00Chasing Faster Draw Times
  25. 09:34Incorporating 50/50 Drill
  26. 09:53Two Rounds on the Second Beep
  27. 10:15Analyzing Double Tap Results
  28. 10:24Proofing with Live Rounds
  29. 10:38Live Fire Double Tap Results
  30. 10:56Chasing Lesser Times
  31. 11:13Reducing Time to 1.10
  32. 11:24Snapshot of Sight Picture
  33. 11:40Result: 1:26 Total Time
  34. 11:51Chopping Time Further
  35. 12:06Reducing Time to 0.90
  36. 12:20Result: 1:10 Total Time
  37. 12:27Acceptability within 0.90 Seconds
  38. 12:43Response Time: 0.20
  39. 12:51Flash Sight Picture Confirmation
  40. 13:12The Drill Teaches Groove
  41. 13:24Dropping Time to 0.70
  42. 13:51Point of Diminished Return
  43. 14:06Flash Sight Picture Rip
  44. 14:15Average Response Time Analysis
  45. 14:38Presenting Gun in 0.70 Seconds
  46. 14:58Shooting Sights, Not Timer
  47. 15:127/10 Draw, Settling Sights
  48. 15:21Result: 1:05 Total Time
  49. 15:31Perception vs. Reality
  50. 15:46Accountable Shot Execution
  51. 15:51Multifaceted Drill Potential
  52. 15:53Rifle to Pistol Transitions
  53. 16:07Transition Drill Demonstration
  54. 16:31Transition Result: 1:74
  55. 16:46Identifying Useless Motion
  56. 17:10Live Fire Transition Setup
  57. 17:22Live Fire or Dry Fire Transitions
  58. 17:2650/50s with Transitions
  59. 17:39Transition Time: 1:69
  60. 17:41Benefit for Teams
  61. 18:15Smoothing Economy of Motion
  62. 18:24Multifaceted Command Drill
  63. 18:37Conclusion and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Command Drill in firearm training?

The Command Drill is a training exercise using a shot timer to improve firearm proficiency. It involves initiating a task, like drawing a pistol, on the first beep and executing a shot on the second beep, with a set time limit. This method helps shooters analyze their process and efficiency rather than just reacting to the timer.

How does the Command Drill help improve shooting speed and accuracy?

By setting a time limit and analyzing response and overall times, the Command Drill forces shooters to identify and eliminate wasted motion. Gradually reducing the time limit encourages greater efficiency in the draw stroke, presentation, and sight acquisition, leading to faster and more accurate shots.

What are the key metrics to analyze in the Command Drill?

Key metrics include the response time (from the second beep to shot execution), which assesses reaction and fundamental skills like grip and sight picture, and the overall time (from the first beep to shot execution), which evaluates the entire process. Split times are also important for multi-shot drills.

Can the Command Drill be used for rifle-to-pistol transitions?

Yes, the Command Drill is versatile and can be adapted for rifle-to-pistol transitions. The first beep can initiate the rifle action (like sear disengagement or cook-off), and the second beep can trigger the pistol round execution, allowing for analysis of transition speed and efficiency.

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