Ok, so I took tactical carbine 1 and 2 back to back. Never attended a civilian course so didn't know what to expect. Thought the training was great. Learned quite a few new things as far as movement, technique, and team tactics. Different from what I learned in the military and reinforced safety and fundamentals of firearms handling and manipulation. It was recommended that you take carbine 1 and then return at a later date for carbine 2. The rationale is that you practice what you learned in 1 and become more proficient in it before attending 2. It makes sense as two built on what you learned in 1 and would have made the movements and teamwork much smoother.
Hot as balls days 1 through 3 and then pouring down rain on day 4. Equipment used was a leg rig (Costa) with tacos and a Raven holster. Ran through about 1,000 rounds of 5.56 for each course (2,000 total). Not sure how much pistol ammo I went through but if it was 200 rounds combined for both courses combined I'd be surprised. Tried to use a couple of different chest rigs but quite honestly, it was pretty hot out and the leg rig worked just fine. Now some of you might say "train the way you fight so suck it up, Nancy." but, I've been down range a few times wearing a MTV in sweltering heat and I didn't feel the need to do that here Also, I don't think I'd be running and gunning down my neighborhood in full kit. Four rifle and a few pistol mags should do.