2022 Low Light Self-Defense - Nov 5 

Course Summary:

FBI crime statistics show that if you are a victim of a violent crime, the assault will probably be at night or in low-light situations. So no matter how good you are at shooting paper targets on a well-lit range, you will need a very specific set of skills to survive when you find yourself in the dark. This includes safely utilizing your flashlight in and around your home or defined structure.

Prerequisites:

NOTE: A valid concealed carry license/permit from Ohio or another state is required to participate in this training. 

There are no other prerequisites for this class, but please be aware that this is not a class for beginners. Students will be required to demonstrate safe gun handling skills such as muzzle awareness, trigger finger discipline, and holster usage during dry fire and live-fire drills at the beginning of class. 

Course Length/Hours:

1 Day - 1:00pm-9:00pm

Topics Covered:

Presented by EAST Group, this 8-hour course will teach you advanced, real-world tactics that could save your life. You will learn:   

• The one and two-handed flashlight techniques that work best for you
• How to efficiently use a flashlight to identify targets
• How to navigate corners and barriers without exposing yourself with your light
• How to use your flashlight to manage unknown contacts
• Basic do’s and don’ts of tactical flashlight technique
• Pros and cons of flashlight types and lumens, including incandescents and LEDs
• Using the above skills in a live-fire shoot house

Gear Requirements:

• Modern defensive pistol
• At least 3 magazines, a mag pouch, and a sturdy gun belt
• Ammo: Approx. 200-350 rounds
• Strong side holster (IWB, OWB, Appendix) - no shoulder, cross draw, Serpa, or middle-of-back holsters
• Tactical flashlight and carrier
• Apparel appropriate for the weather, including boots - We shoot rain or shine
• Warm clothing for night shooting - When the sun goes down, it gets COLD!!
• Dinner, snacks, and hydration
• Electronic hearing protection
• Eye protection
• Billed hat
• Portable chair is recommended

Classroom & Range Information:

Portable restroom facilities on-site
Classroom - Please note that firearms and/or ammunition are NOT allowed in the classroom!!
Use Google Maps to GPS

Course Cost:

$175 per person, which includes instruction, targets, and range access. 

A portion of your entry fee benefits Buckeye Firearms Association.

Register Now!

Preview the Liability Release you will be asked to sign when you check in at the event.

ONLY 30 SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE!! Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete paperwork!!

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: For most of our events, you may cancel and receive a refund (less a $10 processing fee) up to 3 weeks before an event and refunds will not be available within 3 weeks of an event.

Additional Information:

Few people practice with a flashlight or even think to carry one. But did you know that it is one of the most important strategic accessories you can own??

A flashlight gives you many tactical advantages, and it should be part of your EDC (Every Day Carry) gear and a key element in your home defense plan.

For example, the number one rule for determinng whether a person is a lethal threat is to confirm whether they have the means to kill you or cause you serious bodily harm. This is especially true if you are outside your home. What may seem like a pistol in someone's hand may be just a cellphone or compact umbrella. 

Being able to proficiently use your flashlight could mean the difference between you saving your life or you spending the rest of your life in prison. 

Did you know that using an extremely powerful flashlight to blind an unknown contact is NOT considered assault? Not only is it not illegal, it also gives you a few extra seconds to displace yourself, disrupt the night vision of your attacker, allows you the additional tactical advantage of being "lost" in a bright blotch of light.

Since we consider flashlight skills to be as important as pistol skills, we have created this very special but incredibly practical training class.

Please be aware that this is considered an advanced class!! You will be required to possess a CCW license and be proficient in drawing and reholstering with one hand. Students will also be required to demonstrate safe gun handling skills such as muzzle awareness and trigger finger discipline during dry fire and live-fire drills at the beginning of class on the square range.

The first half of the class will refine your handgun and drawing skills and refresh your shooting fundamentals, including trigger management, moving, reloads, and use of cover.

Then, during the remaining daylight, you will practice shooting with a flashlight (one-handed and two-handed light techniques), moving, reloading, and use of cover. 

After a short break for dinner and at the onset of nightfall, you will have a chance to put all these skills together in actual low-light conditions. Shooting at night is a dynamic experience. Your sights will look different, your muzzle flash will become a factor, and your light discipline - not illuminating yourself for your adversary - will become critical.

About the Instructors/Venue:

E.A.S.T. (Environmental Assessment and Solutions Training) Group:

E.A.S.T. Group was established by a group of professionals with a specific mission in mind: To assist individuals and organizations with the resources needed to map out a realistic training program and provide solutions to operate in today's ever- changing environment. 

Our cadre of instructors have the knowledge and experience gained from decades of working within the security realms both here and abroad which allows our students to immerse themselves in real world, up-to-date exercises. 

Our training methodology is unique due to our personal experiences which is why our company mantra “Bullets are Inbound” is the basis for all our training. This mindset allows for a vast mixture of “Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures” to tailor a training solution that meets the needs of our clientele.

E.A.S.T. Group's training facility is set up to allow students to run realistic training based on how our mind and bodies react when put under stress which enables the armed civilians to use that to their advantage instead of it being used against them.

Click here to visit E.A.S.T. Group's webpage!!

Chief Instructor Sylvester (Sly) Pocius:

E.A.S.T. Group’s Chief Instructor, Sylvester (Sly) Pocius, is a Retired Marine Corps Staff NCO with operational, strategic, and tactical experience from multiple overseas deployments. Assigned as a Primary Marksmanship and CQB instructor, Sly was responsible for Pre- Deployment and In-Theater training of Marine units in the tactical areas of Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Precision Rifle, Close Quarter Combat, Mountain and Desert Survival, Rappelling, and Fast Roping. 

Sly’s private contracting duties included the Drug Eradication Task Force in Afghanistan and he was responsible for training the Afghan National Police in Weapons Handling, Team Tactics, Building Clearing, and Raid Techniques.

Sly served in a Diplomatic Protection Detail in Iraq, where his primary responsibility was the day-to-day security and monitoring of the movements of US Ambassadors and visiting US Dignitaries. His secondary duties included keeping the security teams proficient in their Weapons Handling Skills, Building Clearing Procedures, and Hostage Rescue Techniques.

Sly is currently Chief of Operations and Chief Instructor at E.A.S.T. Group, a state-of-the-art firearms training facility in central Ohio. 

Lead Instructor Jeff Baker:

E.A.S.T. Group’s Lead Instructor, Jeff Baker, has been in law enforcement since 1996. During his career, Jeff has been a Swift Water Rescue Instructor, a Field Training Officer, a Boating Education Instructor, and a Fitness Tester. He moved into supervision/management about 6 years ago and he is currently Supervisor of Security for his department's headquarters. 

At E.A.S.T. Group, Jeff is Sly's Right Hand Man as well as his perfect partner for training demonstrations. Besides being an all-around awesome sidekick, Jeff's current claim to fame is that he owns the rights to the term describing the rapid, defensive movement demonstrated by Sly in all of his trainings, which is affectionately referred to as "The Sly Slide."