Joshua Clark* Advanced Long Range Clinic
Tyler and I have been teaching this course together for well over 10 years. It is his original creation; I have only added perspective and some additional experience to the mix. This is the one we look forward to every year and it is unique in several ways.
Our range is a vast amount of open desert primarily accessible through an agreement with a private land owner. This gives us autonomy, limitless distance, and 360* of opportunity.
It is located 6 miles from the nearest hardball road and 45 min from the closest town. Self-sufficiency and commitment are valuable characteristics.
Barring any unforeseen emergency or critical need, we stay on the range for the duration. Tents and up to medium sized trailers are the norm as are propane stoves and bottled water. Bring a shovel also.
The nightly campfire conversations are as valuable as the formal training throughout the day. So are the “survival” experiences when we get hit with a storm, and we’ve had a few epic ones.
All training is conducted in whatever environmental conditions are present. Sometimes this means great wind opportunities, other times conditions are ideal for data collection at each range line. And still others mean you’ll find out how well you and your gear work at 35* with sideways rain.
This course is all about gaining experience and exposure to situations and conditions that are difficult or impossible to replicate with a pre-planned range day. You’ll shoot off your belly for one day out of five; the rest are, “make it work, engage your target.” Stalking and concealment techniques are covered with multiple stalks under observation. Range card construction is mandatory as you engage a dozen different targets arrayed in front of you. Feature to feature targets require you to account for wind you can’t see and didn’t know was there. Sniper/spotter conversation is critical and something you’ll work on every day.
Guest instructors in the past have included: Chris Cooke, Daniel Defense; Dave Mason, ModTac; Gerald Hooee, Hunting The Ancient Grounds; Gary Davis, Air Armor Tech; Leah Chang, Scottsdale Osborne Med. Center ED; Josh Stabler, Hogsaddle; Dan McNamee, Two Vets Sporting Goods; Gene Hauenstein, Centermass Solutions; Phil Hayes, MCSO armorer, NRA High Master and CMP Distiguished Rifleman.
Administrative Requirements
Current assignment as a sniper for your team (minimum 1 year) OR former sniper now assigned to the training cadre.
Graduate of a basic sniper school (LE or Mil).
Preferred former student of ATOA sniper courses or those offered by Standing Offhand/Dead Drift Consulting.
Sniper supervisors are absolutely welcome and encouraged to attend.
Equipment Requirements
Issued duty rifle, including magnum calibers (no 50Cal).
Unsuppressed, muzzle-break guns may be segregated to one end of the firing line.
Issued rifle scope, professional grade: MOA or mils, preferably 1/4min or .1 mil.
Issued duty/match grade factory ammo, 600 rounds.
Shooting support, front and rear: bipod, pack, tripod, sand sock, something to support both ends of the rifle.
Sling: to shoot with (primary function) and carry the rifle (secondary).
Backpack: 3-day sized or similar for water, snacks, ammo, rain gear, etc.
Ear and eye protection.
Laser rangefinder.
Good footwear: hiking boots, approach shoes; no open toed or sandal style shoes.
Protective clothing: cargo pants/bdu’s, long-sleeve shirts, jacket, insulation, hat, rain gear, etc.
Notepad or data book.
Calculator/phone.
Ballistic software.
Sunglasses.
White light flashlight and/or headlamp.
Sustainment items: food, hydration, candy, sunscreen, scarf/shemagh.
IFAK and any specific medication you may need (bee sting kit, allergy meds, epi-pen, etc).
Shelter: tent or small camp trailer.
Whatever you need to cook and eat with.
One bundle of firewood per shooter.
Admin and Logistics:
Registration and waiver documents will be emailed upon contact and receipt of an email address.
Detailed course description, itinerary, and maps/directions provided upon registration.
Completion of a personal data sheet is required by all participants and is part of the registration process. This includes your birthdate, driver’s license number, and SSN. Standing Offhand/Dead Drift Consulting does not provide firearms training of any kind to convicted felons or non-citizens of the United States. Sworn police officers can satisfy this requirement with a copy of their department ID card.
PAYMENT:. We work with your training coordinator or fiscal personnel for payment directly from your agency. Officers paying their own way through the course require a 50% deposit upon registration in order to hold your seat.
Equipment/gear recommendations are free, just give us a call.
SAFETY and drama-free conduct is paramount to the successful completion of this course. Instructors reserve the right to enforce safety regulations up to and including expulsion from the course at any time if major safety violations occur, without refund. Personal conduct and behavior are included in this policy. In short: don’t be a dick and act responsibly with a firearm.
Tuition and additional fees
Course cost: $1000
For those attending from out of state or traveling long distances we offer an ammunition storage and delivery service: $50 per shooter.
*Update 9/22/24: This course, long a staple in our repertoire, has been renamed in honor of the service and sacrifice made by our Marine Corps SS brother Joshua M Clark. Josh died on 9/19/24 after a 2-year battle with what started as colon and liver cancer but spread throughout his abdomen and chest. Josh is a bonafide legend within the Marine Scout/Sniper community and I was blessed to have served and worked alongside him. Joshua 1:9 - “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”