Quoted:
I am a Vietnam combat vet so we can stop worrying about my training.
Thank you for your service. Now, what is it about your military service in the 60s and 70s that means you never need any more training? Serious question.
My thought about seniors needing tactical training was not about me, but about all seniors who feel safer being armed but who would appreciate a training class on safety, security and shooting technique.
As mentioned before, there a lot's of NRA trainers out there teaching Basic Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home and Personal Protection Outside the Home classes. These are very basic classes that anyone can get through, senior citizens, young people, anyone.
I would hope that you trainers out there on a nationwide basis, not jsut in Texas, would consider special classes for seniors.
What would differentiate a class for seniors from a regular self defense class? I taken classes with other students that were in their 70s many times. No instructor worth a damn would push a student beyond their physical abilities, be they old, disabled or whatever.
Sure, the cool wiz bang Magpul and Kyle Lamb videos show guys running and gunning, flopping down prone and doing fancy crap. 90% of that will never be used in a personal self defense situation.
In the Central Texas area there are lots of great opportunities for training, look up KR Training and talk to Karl. He can tell you what classes require physical activity and at what level.
For legal and self defense info, take a CHL class.
If you can stand the heat, come shoot some IDPA with Texas Tactical. In my 10 years as a Safety Officer I have never forced anyone to kneel on a stage if they weren't comfortable with it. I may give a small penalty if the stage called for kneeling but I'm happy to help anyone that comes out and shoots with us.
As a trainer myself, I can't see anyone developing and marketing a "seniors only" firearms class. The skills needed and material taught would be the same as any basic or intermediate class, with allowances for physical limitations.
Staying on your feet and defending yourself while getting mugged requires the same techniques for a 30 year old as it is for a 60 year old. Staying alert and maneuvering tactically while in public is likewise the same.
I'm not that many years away from 60. There aren't any special old fat arthritic guy ninja skills that are gonna keep me safe as I get older. I just have to be smarter and more careful.
Gringop