I have taken a notable amount of training throughout my involvement in the tactical industry, from a decent range of instructors/ schools. Often while teaching or conversing amongst my peers we will get on the topic of which training I've take that has influenced me the most. Every time I have this conversation, it results in the same cadence. I want to be careful not to discredit any of my instructors or schools as I value them all, so please don't take this as a "one is better than the other" They each have their own unique and worth while curriculum. Each that I have attended are worth their money, however each offers a definitive brand and flavour from specific and worth while back grounds which is factored in with this cost of the course.
I can absolutely say Furlong academy courses are without question worth their money. Yes they are higher on the scale and its easy to say well I can take 1.5
Course for the cost a RMFA course, but please bear in mind what your paying for. I'm not sure if it's my place to publicly disclose the credentials of the instructors but I can say they are of the highest caliber. They are highly trained, highly accredited, extremely knowledgable and capable within the subject matter they are presenting to you. I had taken many carbine 1 and carbine 2 courses prior to taking a RMFA carbine course- the level and degree of training was a whole other realm. It was a new level of proficiency to strive for. I would never be foolish enough to say I had mastered any of what I had been previously taught, but I would say I have become capable enough to be moderately proficient.
I have earned the nickname of joker amongst my peers due to my light hearted demeanour and playfulness off the line, however, when it came to training with Furlong academy, there was no time for that. The course content was such a departure from anything I had experienced and become complacent to before that I was concentrating to absorb what I was being taught, pushing myself to be successful with the drills and manipulations. Again just to be clear, this does not mean it is only for a "certain level of shooter", it is material that anyone can receive. I say this all because it was such a stark departure from the regular material you would receive from another school is where I seen the worth and what I strived to absorb. So I was quite surprised at this.
From the moment the course starts it is up to you to make the most of it, as true with any other course mind you, but what is availible to you is defiantivly different. The instructors whom teach you are switched on, they're not there for a paycheck, this isn't another course for them to teach- this is training and they take training seriously. You expect them to be there to teach, not joke around, tell stories and get all buddy buddy- they make time for that after. During course, you can expect them to be there to teach, just as much as you are expected to be there to learn.
As for course content, there is a lot of time spent on technique and the why. Not just a new way to operate your firearm, your taught how to truly run your firearm. Your not critiqued by just one instructor, your are "coached" by three instructors, each with their own insight into why this technique is useful. Through this you gather a solid understanding of why it is employed and a respect for the time that is given to teaching it to you.
The courses I've been to from RFMA, I have seen some fairly seasoned gentlemen, respectfully "up there" in age, fairly new shooters, fairly recreational shooters as well as experienced shooters and even competitive/ 3 gun shooters am to which have benefited immensely from the course material, instruction. You are expected to know how to operate your firearm, however, the instructors don't present the material and leave you in the dust to figure out how to employ it, they work with you to figure out how to employ it for yourself through your ergonomics and experience.
The course style- other schools I've been to have taught defensive, "pull back and hold your own" style. Others a "get off the x and get out of there" style. RMFA is a very aggressive, move in and dominate style. Done with superior technique and manipulations.
Your not making noise, your making shots, and your not just sending a bunch of lead down rage to feel cool, the round count is healthy, but defiantly heavy. I've never heard anyone say "well that was fun, but I wish I had got to shoot more." Usually everyone walks away still processing and digesting what they've been handed for the past few days.
Ultimately, yes RMFA courses are worth your money. Other schools still have their worth absolutely, but RMFA courses are defiantly worth the time and money.
