Updated with new dates DARC Tactical Carbine Course, North Little Rock, AR.

New dates added, see page 2 for some AARs from the first course. It was a big success and I've heard nothing but positive reviews.

After dealing with the owner now for awhile and especially after the last few days, I have to say that he's an extremely stand up guy in addition to having quite an impressive resume.

Your facility is most impressive http://www.darc1.com/facilities.shtml
Has anyone here trained with them?

Lots of the Arkansas home town forum member have done appleseeds there, but as far as tactical training, until recently it was leo/mil.

I would love to go but can't at this time. I do intend to go to some training at DARC when I can. I have heard a lot of good things.

I'm saving my pennies...

That's the old website, try http://www.darc1.com/ and see what you get.
The opening page should have a group of guys in tac gear crossing a street in the DARC live-fire village complex.

DARC has been around since the mid-90's and its client base has been mostly USG SpecOps types with virtually no civilian training (except some corporate clients).
There have been a few Appleseed's (I took my kids to one) this year plus there are a lot of guys in Central AR that are vetted role-players/OPFOR & have a good idea of who/how DARC trains.
There are a few members lurking around on this forum who might chime in too.

Rumor has it that DARC is close to issuing an open enrollment calendar for civilians for:
Carbine (AR's & another course for 'hinged' mag type rifles)
Precision Long Gun
Pistol
Medical/Trauma Stabilization
Tactical

DARC courses are not for the weak, those looking for a shooting vacation or instructor/video photo-op.
In one of their 5.5-day courses (96 hours long) for the SOCOM types the average weight loss is 5-7lbs per person...
DARC has a reputation for realistic, relevant, intense training - no frills, no BS, no entertainment just what works with really long focused days/nights.

MRF54, thank you for the input.

I will be there. Email sent. thanks

Here's some general info of what's in the course:

Malfunction Types
DARC Malfunction Sequence
POA vs. POI (standard & non-standard)
Front Sight Press
Limited Visibility Shooting
Admin Load
Tactical Re-load
Combat Re-load
Follow through/Second sight picture
280
Moving
Shooting on the move
Multiples
Cover & Concealment
Transitions (secondary weapon)
Primary Illumination Techniques
Alternate/Backup Illumination Techniques
Speed-Accuracy Drills
Firing Positions
0-100m engagements (speed)

*Day two is a really long day & night

I have sent several emails through your web site trying to get some sort of schedule for the rest of this year and next year if possible but haven't gotten any response. I want to go to some training at your place (LE courses) but can't get a response so that I know when I need to have the money set aside by.

They're very busy right now developing some great courses and possibly still recovering from recent storm damage. My facility is very close to theirs and we haven't fully recovered/rebuilt. It may take soem time, but they'll get back to you, no worries.

Ok thanks.

Who else is coming?

Any update?

I spoke with the owner over the weekend. He's semi out of pocket at the moment but everything is still on.

This course is a "GO" and another one is scheduled for Nov 5-7.

I'd be happy to answer any of your questions - What kind of info/update do you need?

Mostly I needed confirmation that the course was a go since attending requires me to schedule vacation time, especially since I have not received any instructions regarding application and deposit.

Two questions. What type of pistol holster do you require? Is an OWB or IWB (i.e belt type) required, or is a drop-leg tactical holster allowed (which is what I typically use for a carbine course).

Where do your students stay? Is there a convenient hotel/motel you recommend?

As long as your holster is strong side and secures to your belt you will be good to go. So, OWB, IWB or tac thigh holster are fine - just no paddle holsters.

The nearest motel is the Galloway Inn, North Little Rock, AR. If you google hotels in NLR just try and stay in the McCain Mall area near the WM Super Center. There is a full spectrum of amenities in that area and it's about 10 miles from the training site via I-40.

I was told that the registration form and area info packet will be going out to everyone this week. If I am guessing correctly, you are #7 on the list. There were more people trying to get into this course than slots available. So, if you did not rcv an email saying that the course was full with the Nov dates for the next class then you should be on the list for the Oct OE carbine.

My son lives in Cabot and I am just now hearing about this facility. Is there any type of mailing list that I can find out about future civi classes around the feb-march time frame.

With your LEO/MIL classes do they run unit affiliated or can LEO/MIL attend without unit backing?

Some classes are unit specific and closed.
However, usually a MIL course is open to anyone with proper credentials and background for the training. These slots are unpredictable and usually last minute.
LEO courses are open to anyone with LE creds.

At this time, there is no mailing list for updates because DARC typically interacts with organizations.
An individual trying to get information or sign-up for a class will usually get frustrated and have to stay on it to get in.
DARC is aware of this so it's making changes to become more public/individual user friendly.

DARC is also working on a 2011 OE calendar for civilian and LEO but hasn't released it yet.

Thanks for the quick reply. Would love to get in on some of your carbine and med courses.

Just to check, do you have me down for your course? I sent an email about 2 months ago and haven't heard back. How far are you from whatever airport we will be flying into?

Thanks

Can't help you on the list info, Little Rock National Airport is off of exit 3 on I-440 in Little Rock. To get to the galloway inn, you'll hit I-440 east, go about 6 miles, exit for highway 70, turn right and go about 2 miles until you see some truck stops and the hotel on your left.

Alternate, take 440 east to I40, about 7 miles, take 40 east, go 2 miles, and exit 161. Turn right. Left at the stop light will take you to DARC, straight one block will take you to the galloway inn.

From a scheduling standpoint do you think we will finish up in time to fly out in the evening of the last day?

We should be done by 5pm Sunday afternoon if you want to make travel arrangements for that evening.
Yes, you are on the list for the course.
The airport is about a 10-15min drive from the facility.
You still have my personal email?

I couldn't find little rock national airport. Is it Little Rock airport (Lit-Adams field)?

Yes iirc.

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FYI.......I am supposed to be attending the Oct 15-17 carbine course, but I have yet to recieve any registration form / info packet as of today.

No one has because nothing has been sent or maybe someone you know is messing with you...

Just had read your earlier post stating that DARC would be sending the docs out last week. Just making sure I wasnt the only one.

Registration forms emailed out for 15-17 Oct and 5-7 Nov Tactical Carbine Courses.
If you were on the list and didn't rcv it let me know.

AAR

The course occurred as described with 10 students and 2 instructors. DARC is a large facility with numerous ranges of varying types. The course utilizes a covered flat (1000yd) range, 2 steel ranges and a 50 yd range containing obstacles used to shoot around and over cover. The use of mostly covered ranges was welcomed given the sunny mid 80s weather we experienced.

Since registration forms were delayed, I must admit to have been a little concerned. However, once I arrived the course proved to be well planned and executed. I was also skeptical prior to the course regarding the use of 22 LR. Their use turned out to be an unexpected strength of the course and one of my “light bulb” moments occurred during their use regarding “targeting”. I now plan to incorporate 22 LR into my training.

I have taken courses from approximately a dozen different firearm instructors, 1/3rd of which were exclusively or partly rifle related. In general, I find courses fall into 3 categories: 1. Those in which I learned a lot but were a little stressful. 2. Those that were fun and good practice, but I didn’t learn much. The DARC course fell into the 3rd and much sought after I learned a lot and had a great time. Richard, the instructor (and Travis his assistant) clearly deserve the credit. Rich is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced instructor who makes training enjoyable thanks to his friendly and cheerful demeanor.

There are no negatives to include. I will reiterate what was included in the course description that this is clearly not a beginner’s course. Secondly, although I have a few chronic injures I consider myself in decent shape, working-out most days, including swimming for an hour. I am still sore from the course. Consider taking this course one more reason to get in shape.

One last comment; my most recent rifle course prior to this was 3+ years ago, but I considered myself reasonably up-to-date regarding firearms technique and rifle and tactical equipment selection. It appears that a great deal has recently been learned thanks to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, information that Rich passes on to his students.

Another AAR:


First off, this was my first formal training course and thus my first AAR. As I told Rich afterwards, I'm both impressed and now very spoiled thanks to both the instruction and the facilities. I've seen through AARs here and abroad, as well as pics and videos of what other schools have to offer in the way of ranges and facilities and DARC is definatly at the head of the class. Both instructors were excellent at combining humor, sarcasm and real world knowledge to get their point across.

We shot till approx 2100 the first 2 night. Being in Arkansas in the fall, that exposed us to cold, warm, hot, cold and cold/windy environments all in one day. Combined with different ranges and different actions, it made for a great way to evaluate your equipment in different conditions.

I don't want to give away the whole program for others to copy but I'll throw out one highlight:

The malfunction sequence we went through was worth the tuition alone. I seriously could have left after the first 4 hours and thought it was the best money and ammo I've ever invested. Period. End of story.

I can't think of a single negative thing to say, other than wishing we had more hours to spend covering things. I can't think of a single situation as a civilian that the class didn't help me prepare for.

All in all it was an excellent program and I'm a better shooter for it. I'll most likely be repeating the course annually, as well as attending any other courses i can fit in the schedule. If you're within any reasonable distance at all and are looking for a carbine course THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT.

Think Im gonna give this a try. How is the sniper/observer course?

I believe a civvy open enrollment course is in the works.

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For those IMing & emailing:
Dates are being worked out for a Feb, open enrollment, Tac Carbine and a March OE Tac Pistol.

Very interested.

If you do it before the 15th, I'll dye your beard pink.

If you do it after the 15th, I'll bring my pink M&P.

So I win either way...!

That feb course may be to soon for me, hopefully I can get in that March pistol course though.

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It would be great to see a feb carbine course. I would be interested in it.

All it takes is 6 to schedule a course.

Ok do we have a time frame for the feb carbine. I will be on PCS leave from 3 feb to 3 march and have my son with me. If it is at the butt end of feb I can easily make it work as my son will need to come back down to cabot at the end of my leave. I would really like to attend one of your courses as I have heard loads of good things from several military buddies.

Waiting on a schedule conflict to be resolved during the last 2 weeks of Feb.
Once their CO confirms I will let you know.

If one of the last 2 weekends opens up does that work for you and do you have any questions?

Would be really great if it could be the last weekend. I don't see any problem if others can make it work the 26th and 27th. Might be able to add my brother as well if it isn't LE/MIL only I was understanding it was open so if that is the case I can say two but would have to confirm with his training courses as well. Im sure he can open up his schedual for his little brother being home and training with.

Course is open enrollment.
IM sent

Dates are set for 28Feb - 2Mar: 3 days and 2 nights

Cost is the same as the last one - $650 per person.

The round count for the 22cal work has been changed to 2K rds each as of the last class.

FAQ - "Can I bring a 22 conversion kit for my glock and shoot 22's to save money and my ball ammo during this course?"
Answer - Yes, that is perfectly acceptable but is not limited to glocks. Any acceptable carry gun that has a 22 conversion can be used but I wouldn't bring MK11/111, BMark, etc.. This course focuses on the rifle but has some secondary weapons training day/night and the caliber doesn't matter. If you want to save some $ by shooting 22's through your pistol, go for it.

DARC is anticipating a small class because of the short notice. So, it is recommended that you bring more ammo - especially for the steel on the 1000m range on day03.

Thanks for all the IM's about the course.
Here are a few of your Q's and my A's that I think everyone could benefit from. If I get some more that I think will help then I will post them too.

Q - "How experienced do I need to be to come to a DARC course. I don't want to embarrass myself, waste my time or get in the way of the other people in the course?"
A - The course is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of participants. If you can't zero your rifle by yourself, pull the charging back or mastered some of the basic marksmanship fundamentals then I would seek out a different course. If you shoot regularly, been to another course, maybe have tried some competition, carry concealed, active hunter, etc then you should do fine in a DARC OE course. However, this course is not geared to entertain you or be a photo op with a certificate. If you are serious about using your AR as a fighting tool and have a relative amount of firearms experience you will do fine. Two classes ago, we had an experienced hunter with a brand new rifle (His 1st AR and he had only sighted it in) and someone else brought their 17 year old son - they both did fine and did not hold anyone back during the course.

Q - "I don't have a 22 conversion kit for my AR. Do you have any that I could use or rent for the course?"
A - Yes, DARC has drop in conversion kits and MOE MP15/22's with RDS optics, VG's and mags that you can rent for the 22cal work on day/night 2.

Q - "Do I need body armor and ballistic helmet for this course?"
A - No, but if you want to bring yours and train in it that's fine.

Q - "I have night vision but not an infra-red laser, is that going to be a problem or keep me from coming to the course?"
A - Only overt light and natural light are used during the 2 night training evolutions. There is no NOD training in this particular course but if you want to bring your stuff and there is time we will let you shoot it on one of our steel ranges.

Q - "Do you (DARC) have a place to stay like a barracks for students? What about camping onsite?"
A - No, not for Open Enrollment Firearm course. There are ample hotels within a 5-10 minute drive of the facility. Some LEO/mil guys will get rooms at LRAFB or Camp Robinson with their ID to save some cash if they are coming on their own dime but if you don't have the ID then you need to find a commercial hotel to stay at while in the course. If you need some more info just shoot me an email.

Q - "What kind of optics, clothing and tac gear do you recommend I bring for this course?"
A - Wow, I get asked this a lot... What do you currently use - have you read the packing list? Unless you just have to buy something for the course bring what you already have, like and use. If you don't have the equipment for the course and know what you prefer now then maybe you aren't ready for this course....
Clothing - I wear what a normal person would wear (blue jeans, button down, good boots, a belt and a baseball hat). If you want to be in the 511 army, be invisible (camo) or look like an REI model then go ahead (no one at DARC is going to care what brand or material you are wearing) but it's not a requirement. I would say that you don't want to show up looking like a zombie slayer video game commando with bloused boots. Please use your judgement.
As far as optics - a quality USMIL issue RDS will suit your needs but if you have other uppers and optics you can switch out then bring them too. The course is about you, not a chest rack or particular scope. Don't be an ass clown and show up with NIB tac gear and gadgets - you won't be able to keep up when you are trying to assemble new gear or figure out how something works. You need a reliable rifle with BUIS's, decent sling, an optic and good light; then a good pistol and holster. Just keep it practical/simple.

Q - "I've heard about DARC from some of my friends in Special Forces - what kind of shape do I need to be in for this course?"
A - There is a lot of moving around in this course and then of course the "Gladiator" drill. You don't have to be in SF shape, an Olympian or triathlon athlete to be successful. Read some of the AAR's on this forum and get a feel for the folks that have gone through the course already. As long as you are healthy you will be fine - there might be some brief moments that sux but you will be fine. Can you walk up 2 flights of stairs and not pass out or die?

If I do wear invisible bloused boots do I need to stay within AR670-1....I am glad we are limiting the zombie slayer costumes. I was really worried about flashbacks.

If I do wear invisible bloused boots do I need to stay within AR670-1....I am glad we are limiting the zombie slayer costumes. I was really worried about flashbacks.
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You can wear whatever you want and no, AR670-1 is not enforced out at DARC - consider yourself on relaxed grooming standards while you are here.
You know exactly what I am referring to and summed it up well with the word "costumes"... Ultimately, I don't care but it gets a little goofy and irritating at times.

I have taken 4 courses at DARC including the Tactical Rifle Course, (Taking Tac Handgun in April). It was one of the best courses I have ever taken and I loved it. The Facility is top notch and Rich Mason and his cadre are awesome. Rich knows how to shoot and more importantly how to teach. It is no Gucci BS or Tacticool Ninja Techniques, just increased lethality with a firearm. Simply Put, If you can go, GO.

I went to another Tac Rifle Class with nothing but Special Operations Guys after attending TAC Rifle at DARC, I hung in with the class no problem and was one of the better shooters. You will do malfunction drills and reload drills that will make you smooth and fast. Now that DARC is starting to open itself to the general public I think you guys should get in on the action.

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