The Ridgeline LE Designated Marksman Program Development  course is designed to advance the students proficiency with a rifle equipped with a magnified optic. The designated marksman concept provides agencies a precision rifle fire capability that fills the void between the SWAT Sniper and the patrol officer equipped with a red dot optic. Our five-day (50 hour) course is purpose built for the firearms instructor who has been selected to provide their agency the ability to identify and neutralize threats at distance. In addition to what is taught in the Designated Marksman Course, students in this course will be provided training on how to administer Designated Marksman specific qualifications and manage their Agency’s Designated Marksman Program.

Graduates of this course will be able to make non-instantaneous incapacitation shots from 0-400 yards with a minimum 50% hit probability (daytime from any position).

Graduates of this course will be able to make snap target engagements from 0-200 yards with a minimum 90% hit probability (day and night, from any position).

Graduates of this course will be able to make non-instantaneous incapacitation shots on moving targets from 0-200 yards with a minimum 50% hit probability (day or night and from any position).

Graduates of this course will be able to make instantaneous incapacitation shots from 0-50 yards with a minimum 99% hit probability (day or night and from a supported position).

Subjects covered

How to maximize precision with the Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)

• Optimize your setup
• Rapid engagement techniques
• Advanced wind class 

How to effectively employ the DMR in short range engagements

• Short range marksmanship
• CQC shooting
• In-extremis scenarios 

How to maximize stability from alternate shooting positions

• Unsupported alternate positions  
• Barricade/Real world supported positions

Advanced marksmanship package

• Moving target engagements
• Range Estimation/Unknown distance target techniques 
• Field firing scenarios 
• Stress shoots
• Low light engagements using white light at distance
• Night vision technology familiarization

DM employment

• Intermediate barriers/Terminal ballistics
• CBRN familiarization fire
• Perimeter/Containment considerations
• Counter-sniper operations/advanced target detection

DM program management

• Equipment selection and procurement considerations
• Candidate selection

FIREARM REQUIREMENTS

Patrol Rifle capable of 2 MOA or better (min Cal .223)

• LPVO Rifle Scope (Ideally 1x on low end/4x minimum on high end/mil-based & illuminated reticle preferred) 
• Weapon Mounted White Light (500 lumens minimum) 
• 2 Point Sling – we recommend the Ridgeline HOG Leash Sling
• Bipod (Harris BRM-S 6″-9″ or similar)
• (4) 30-Round Rifle Magazines (minimum)
• (1) 20-Round Rifle Magazine

Duty Handgun

• (3) Pistol Magazines

Ammunition

• 1400 Rounds Rifle (Preferred 800 DMR Duty & 600 Training)
• 200 Rounds Handgun

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT

• Rifle Magazine Pouch (belt mounted, plate carrier, chest rig)
• Duty Belt with positive retention holster and magazine pouches
• Small Rear Bag
• Laser Range Finder
• Assault Pack for carrying all equipment
• Weather Appropriate Clothing/Gloves (Cold/Rain/Mud)
• Eye Protection
• Ear Protection
• Rifle Cleaning Gear
• APR/Gas mask (If issued)
• Night Vision (If issued)
• Note Taking Material

The items above are REQUIRED.  Any other items such as, but not limited to; bi-pods, spotting scopes, shooting mats, Kestrels, etc are welcome.

NICE TO HAVES

• Knee Pads
• Sun Block
• Chapstick
• Insect Repellent
• Handwarmers
• Cooler with drinks
• Lunch/Snacks
• Camp Chair/Stool

PREREQUISITE

Students must be ACTIVE Law Enforcement Officer, Military Personnel, and have successfully passed a Patrol Rifle Course. Students should be a certified firearms instructor.

James Ybarra is the POC for this course.  

Email - james.ybarra@ttpoa.org