3GIQ

Duskin 3gun is a match dedicated in memory of CWO2 Mike Duskin, who was KIA in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Mike was a huge believer in the benefits of competition and practical shooting, and his spirit lives on in the form of an annual match held on Fort Bragg. Listen in to hear what goes into the planning for a major match on a military base, and hints of what to expect from this year's match.

In this episode, we speak to Sgt Joshua Cardenas about his path to the Marine Corps Shooting Team, the transition over to the Advanced Marksmanship Training Program, and his life as a sponsored shooter.

In this episode, we sit down and conduct an after-action of our performance of the Zoo City February Monthly Match. We talk about our gear, stages, fuck-ups, and more.

Alex Goking recently served as a match director and stage designer for a local match aboard Quantico, Virginia. We talked planning, designing and match flow with Alex and Franks first go at shooting open.

n this week's episode, we interview @theuspsa President @yeeminlin. Yee-min served as a logistics officer for two deployments before leaving the service. We talk about the path that led him to join, the vast difference in his deployment experiences, and why he decided to EAS. We also discuss qualifications for world shoots and the quality of USPSA's national matches in a way that even crayon aficionados can understand.

In this episode, we interview Dan Rhodes who is the SNCOIC of the Advanced Marksmanship Training Program for the Marine Corps.  He describes what the mission of the program is and how they came about, as well as where they are headed in the future.

In this episode, we interviewed Brendan Souder from RPGI. We discuss everything from training, instruction, night matches, and his military career in special forces.    https://rpg-international.us/ @rpgi_official  

In this episode, we sit down with 3 Warrant Officers and conduct an after-action report on MCMC Far East.

In this episode we speak to Nick Thayer from  @TheTacticalGames  about what The Tactical Games offers competitors. What it is to be a competitor, implements, military and the future of the Tactical Games.

In this episode, we spoke to Becky and Tim Yackley about their background in competitive shooting sports and their most recent successes at the IPSC World Shoot.

Frank and Matt sit down and conduct an after-action of the past year and set goals and schedules for the following year.

On this week's episode of 3GIQ, we interview Sam Lorino of @sigsaueracademy. Sam served on the @usmcshootingteam's pistol team before he accepted his current position at Sig Sauer. We discuss his transition from military to civilian sector, instructorship, and some exciting developments at Sig Sauer Academy's campus in Epping, NH

We sat down with Parker Tomasi and did a deep dive into the Camp Lejeune Intramural match. We talked about what went right, what went wrong, and how the Marines who participated in the match found a new passion for competing in matches on the weekend.

In this video, Matt, Frank, and Mike sit down and talk about formal marksmanship training and how to properly vet firearms instructors.  @mikepannone1534  #usmc #marines #training

Frank, Matt, Chris Scott and Mike Pannone sat down and had a round table discussion on what they consider to be quality matches, both at the local match level and major match level.

This episode is about the release of the book Bastards and Brothers, 3d Battalion 2d Marines Deployed to Al Anbar deployment in 2005. We have special guest Ajax Trueblood who is the author of the book as well as Lieutenant Colonel Chris Ieva(Retired) and First Sergeant Sean Gregory(Retired) the Company Commander and Company First Sergeant for 3/2 Kilo Company. You can pre-order the book at bastardsandbrothers.com

Today we sat down with SSgt Andrew Dow about his experience in MCMC NCR and how it catapulted him into his passion for practical shooting since his first MCMC.

This is a special release episode for the Fall Brawl. This is the recorded audio from the Saturday night live stream on YouTube.

In this episode, we discuss the upcoming Camp Lejeune Intramurals and what the Marines can expect, and what they can do to attend.

In this episode, we recap a training event that Matt went to that produced negative training results for all who attended. We further dug into everything and had a conversation with Mike Pannone to see his thoughts on everything.

In the next couple week we are going to be releasing an episode based off of the experiences of the Marines of 3d Bn 2d Marines experiences in Al Qaim, Iraq from 2005. Here is a promo for the release of the book that you can get at www.bastardsandbrothers on November 10th. #marines #usmc #marinecorps #3/2 #infantry #iraq #alqaim 

In this episode, we spoke with board members from the Memorial 3-Gun Foundation. We did a deep dive into the mission of the foundation as well as covered the emotions involved with putting a match like this on.

In this episode, we spoke to Nick Collier from DoubleStar. We wanted to get an industry perspective on what it is to be a sponsored shooter/brand ambassador as well as get an inside look as to what they are looking for when bringing on new shooters for their team.

In this episode, we interview John Bodzioch from the  @USMC Shooting Team  The questions asked were: -What were some of your conceptions prior to coming to Teams? How have those changed after the summer season? -You've experienced a lot of growth as a shooter in a short amount of time. What accounts for that growth? Could you share some of the breakthroughs that occurred? -Which match would you say really clicked for you as a shooter this summer? -What are some of your short and long term goals as the XO of the team? What about personal goals? -Are there any other disciplines that you would want the team to go out and compete in that it doesn't already? -Are there any after actions from this summer season that you'd want to implement going into future seasons? ( Frank/Bod) This past weekend, you competed in a night match, was this your first time competing in this style of competition at night, describe the experience. ( Bod) Is there a plan to transplant this style of shooting into what the Marine Corps Shooting Team teaches? (Frank/Bod) What control measures were in place in terms of safety? (Frank/Bod) What is your confidence level utilizing nods or white light when shooting in pitch-black conditions? Instagram: @tankusthefrankus @mfgundlach @usmcshootingteam

In this interview, we interviewed JJ Racaza, Josh Cardenas, and Sam Nelson in a discussion about a recent training event that Sam and Josh attended. We covered: -Teaching style -Expectations -Feedback -Teaching on a government contract vs teaching USPSA. and much more

In this episode, we conducted a recap of two matches we each shot this past weekend.

In this episode, Frank and Matt spoke with Alex Goking and John Bodzioch about the 2022 Microtech ProAm. In this episode we asked: You both just finished the 2022 Microtech ProAm: How would you describe that match and what growth did you see in Amateur shooters that progressed through your stages? Given that it is a ProAm concept, which pro shooters stuck out in your mind as being the most helpful and beneficial to the growth of their Amateur counterpart? This is the second year serving as RO's for the match, what stuck out in your mind this year compared to last year? Why is it important for the team to continue to help at these major events? What was your favorite stage of the match, and what skills did it draw upon? What stage would you like to get back, and what skills would you focus on in order to improve upon that deficiency? What makes the Clinton House such an accommodating location for large-scale events such as the ProAm and the Zoo City Armory Fall Brawl? Given that you just completed the ProAm, is there any information you would like to leave the amateur shooters with?

In this episode, Matt and Frank reflect on the recent matches they shot, what went right, what went wrong, and what they would change for the next event.

In this episode Frank and Matt interview Nate Staskiewicz of the prestigious Army Marksmanship Unit. The questions we covered are: Tell us about when you started 3-gun, how old were you, who were some major influences in your life, when did you start noticing improvement in your game? At what point did you know you wanted to go to the Army Marksmanship Unit, what was that process like, did they say anything to you, did you have to try out, was there a panel interview? What has the Army Marksmanship Unit done for you in terms of increasing your ability, who are some key influencers/motivators in your life that keeps you at the top of your game? What are some ancillary activities (fitness, hobbies, etc) that help you perform in your competitive shooting career? When we first met in 2018 when the Marine Corps Shooting Team (MCST) came down, you guys opened us up to so much in terms of how to train, how to set goals, achieving certain gates/what are gates, and how to prioritize certain actions before a match, can you go into that some? Much like the MCST, you guys get tasked out to train other units, how do you prioritize training other units when you have a match right over the horizon? How does the AMU keep you guys relevant in terms of going to specific schools, you yourself are an 11B infantryman, you've been to infantry school, jump school, and various other schools. What is the purpose of sending a soldier from the AMU to those specific service schools? What about civilian schools? What is your work life balance like, how do you prioritize work with school and various other activities that you find important? What advice would you give a prospect looking to join the Army Marksmanship Unit?

In this episode, Frank and I speak to Jason Byerly of Zoo City Armory and discuss the newest match of the year, the Zoo City Armory Fall Brawl. We discussed: Where did the idea of the “Brawl” come from? - So, this is a relatively new venue for Zoo City Armory to be using; why the move from Gryphon Group down to the Clinton House? - What are some considerations when looking at a new venue? o What gets you excited? o What are deal breakers? - What gives Zoo City 3-gun its personality? - What to expect from Brawl? o What kind of stages can we expect? o Furthest shots/target size o Jungle Runs o Vendors on site? o What kind of facility is Clinton House if you've never been there? - What are the rulesets for the Brawl? - Where are some good locations to lodge and eat? o Staying on site. o Hotels in the area o Food at the event o Places to eat around the area. - Awards ceremony. Who do you have making trophies?

In this episode, Frank and Matt sat down with Major General "Hammer" Hartsell.  The questions we asked were: Introduction - Hometown - Military background - What you are doing now Where did the name “Hammer” come from? How important was marksmanship to you as a Marine and how did you promote it among the Marines that you served? What more do you think can be done to continue promoting the CIAP and see the Marines of the shooting team make a true impact on marksmanship throughout the Marine Corps? Throughout your years mentoring shooters, what characteristics would you say your highest performing shooters possessed? The Marine Corps Distinguished Shooters Association has a proud history of Marine Corps Marksman, every year they have an annual reunion. What do those gatherings symbolize to you, who are some individuals that you admire the most and give thanks in contributing to your success as a distinguished marksman? As a General, you are the first in over 60 years to become distinguished which is no easy task; what does earning the distinguished shield mean to you, and how would you encourage other leaders to set a goal to do the same? You are currently serving as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs, what surprises you most about what you do on a daily basis, and how fulfilling is it to continue to serve those who gave so much? What advice would you give transitioning veterans that are going back to their home state of Florida, and what advice would you give transitioning veterans in general? What programs are out there for veterans that live in Florida? What position did you hold in the military that gave you the most fulfillment? Is there anything you want to say to the listeners before the show ends?

In this episode, Frank and Chris Scott sit down and talk to Matt about his career in the Marine Corps.  The questions that were asked are: Could you give some advice to individuals at these particular points in their Marine Corps career: newly promoted NCO, newly promoted SNCO, fresh lieutenant to the fleet? -What are some characteristics of the best officer/SNCO working relationships you've had during your time in the Marine Corps? Two examples: -What particular duty stations, deployments, or relationships do you consider pivotal to who you are today? -What do you consider the most difficult or trying point of your career, and how did you overcome it? How did it change you as a Marine, a leader, and a person? What advice would you give to someone going through something similar? -You left the Marine Corps at one point during your career- what were the reasons behind you leaving at that point in your life, and what called you back in? I -We'll call this the sweet or sour question. Can you go into one instance in your career where being diplomatic achieved the best results, and another where being aggressive yielded the best effect? Do you consider a balance of both approaches to be an important facet of leadership in the Marine Corps? -You and I accidentally had an in depth discussion on Paradise Lost by John Milton on one of our calls. What got you into Milton, and why did that work resonate with you enough for you to get it tattooed on your body? How important has reading been to you, and what other books would you like to call out as your favorites? -How important has the pursuit of physical and intellectual hobbies been in terms of balance and personal development throughout your career? -What do you think the future of Marine Corps Marksmanship holds? What needs to happen, organizationally and culturally, for us to get where we need to go as a service? How do you see yourself continuing to contribute to Marine Corps Marksmanship and the CIAP after your retirement? -What are some things you've learned from shooting 3Gun that you wish you could impart to the Marine Corps at large?

In this episode, Frank and I sat down with James Gill and Jared Dalton two of the original members of the Marine Corps Action Shooting Team. How they ended up on the shooting team. In this episode we discuss:   Aspects of the team during that time.   Initiatives and threats.   Recruitment, competencies, and character traits.   Relationships that were necessary to running the team.   -What surprises them about the way the MCST has developed in its current day iteration? (scheduling, budgeting, shooter proficiency, facilities)   What still needs to be done.

Frank and I discussed our preparations for the Area 8 Championship and the Tactical Games Team event that is coming up this weekend. This was originally going to be a before and after episode, but we decided to split it up and release our preparations for the matches that we are shooting and will follow up with an outcomes episode at a later date.

-Marksmanship training throughout his career. -Evolving marksmanship training. -Benefits of Practical Shooting -Does the military do a good job at marksmanship training? -Success in getting service members into practical shooting. -Has the GM card in USPSA been diluted? -What benefit has there been to having "pro" shooters come in and train your teammates? -What is CTT-Solutions? -How do you think gun culture, marketing, and the pervasiveness of warrior culture within gun ownership lead to misplaced expectations when it comes to becoming a good shooter?

JJ was born in the Philippines and started shooting at six years old. He is currently a pro shooter for Beretta and the reigning USPSA Carry Optics National champion. JJ worked for the DHS as a federal agent and is widely sought after for his instructor credentials and charismatic persona.   -Phase 1: development of fundamentals Phase 2: explore/fail Phase 3: Execution/Overload -How important is the concept of losing something tangible to your training? Are you your toughest critic? -Fitness -Recovery and Rehabilitation -Immigrating to America -What do you think can be done to push individuals in the military, federal agencies, etc to pursue and understand higher-level marksmanship?

This week we talked to the coach of the Marine Corps Action Shooting Team, Sgt Tyler Arellano. In this episode we covered: Bio information: hometown, previous units, path to the MCST, history of competitive shooting.   How the summer season has gone.   Balancing training for each weapon system.   Difficult concepts to coach into the summer shooters.   A weapon system that you are most confident within 3gun.   How many shotgun shells have been dropped?   Matches that are on the radar.

In this episode, Frank and I discuss ways to improve marksmanship training in the military. This conversation was based on a conversation with an infantry unit leader who wanted some solutions to improve the marksmanship proficiency within his unit. They are cost-efficient and simple. 

Frank and I sat down with Shane Butler from the Army Marksmanship Unit in this episode.  The topics we covered were: Quick recap of the summer season so far as the rifle team moves into Nationals, Describe your path to coming to the MCST Tell us the story of what joining the Army was like? What are some ancillary knowledge sets that you think enhance your abilities as a competitive shooter (hunting, reloading, ballistics, gunsmithing). -What skillset in high power rifle transitions well into action, and vice versa? -What's changed in the way you view shooting from when you first joined the team to now? What part of the highpower course of fire do you find most enjoyable, and what part do you find most nerve racking? What was your journey getting to the Army Marksmanship Unit, and what helped you achieve that goal? What feelings and emotions did you have when you held the team trophy during interservice rifle up? What is it like being surrounded by what most would consider champions? What is the AMU's schedule like, what major events do you participate in? What's your rifle dream team?

Frank and I had the pleasure to sit down with our friend Austin Hill. In this episode we discussed: -Biographic information- MOS, first unit, path to the team, accolades -Quick recap of the summer season so far- as the rifle team moves into Nationals, -What skillset in high power rifle transitions well into action, and vice versa? -What's changed in the way you view shooting from when you first joined the team to now? -You've served in a victor unit, at PI training recruits, and now as a coach on the shooting team. What do you think needs to change about marksmanship instruction at entry level training? What do you think would be a good way to introduce higher level marksmanship at the battalion level? -What are your goals during your time with the MCST? -Could you describe the learning curve you experienced in getting into action shooting between 2021/22 championships? -As technology and marksmanship disciplines evolve, where do you see the MCST in the future? -What's your rifle dream team?

In this episode Frank and I give our match debriefs from the 3man3gun Championship and the Maryland State USPSA Championship.

In this episode, Frank and I interviewed Donna Eberle and JK Khan, two very special individuals. they were the two responsible for the resurgence of the 2022 Duskin match. In this episode we covered: Introductions Who was Mike Duskin? Where and when did the Duskin match come to life? Why is this match so special. What makes this match so different from all the other 3-gun matches out there. How long Donna has been helping with the Duskin match. What relationships were important to establish to ensure the success of the match? Strategy with stage design? Level of difficulty. Planning considerations. Contingencies Takeaways and lessons learned What sets this match apart from all the other types of military memorial matches? Shoutouts

In this episode, Frank and I interviewed Patrick Moody, a member of the Marine Corps Rifle Team.  We discussed: - Background -Current season/Past Seasons -Strides in action shooting between 2021-2022 -Perspectives -Future plans -New England Accent

In this episode, we interviewed Ben Fouse who is a gunsmith and revolver shooter. The topics we covered are: -Revolver Nationals -Why revolver and how he picks his gear. -Marine Corps weapons culture. -1911/2011 gun builds. -Future aspirations.

In this episode, Frank and I discuss the elements of match burnout and what we do to combat it.

We sat down with a good friend Andy Brown, a former member of the shooting team who is now a sheriff's deputy in Indiana. In this discussion we covered: Introductions Who you are. What do you do for a living? -Time on the Marine Corps Shooting Team. -Training while on the team, and current training plan. -Transition from Marine to Law Enforcement Officer. -Developing attainable goals. -Tactical Games.

In this episode, we Interviewed a good friend of mine Chris Hutchison. This was a very fun episode where we all got very passionate about what we were talking about and gained some good perspective on just being a good representative of the organizations we represent. We covered: -Training in Ranger Regiment and the Special Missions Unit. -Benefits of training to the modern warfighter. -Successes in getting other active-duty service members in the shooting sports. -Training Philosophy. -Goals. -Upcoming matches. -Duskin match -Being a brand ambassador.

In this episode Frank and I sat down with Dan Horcharik, we had a great conversation covering a multitude of subjects. -MCMC East and Championships. -Starting a Shooting Club. -Milestones and Goals. -Adventure races. -Closing the gap in fitness and marksmanship. Dan also created his own Patreon site where he will be pushing out content to spread the good word. Give it a listen and we hope you enjoy it. https://www.patreon.com/horcharik  

In this episode, we sat down with Chris Scott and got updated on: -What he's been doing since we last spoke. -AMTP? -Marine Corps Championships. -What it's like being a cyborg! -Most memorable trip. -Most memorable match.

In this episode, I sat down with George Dorbert, a firefighter from Maryland. George has been a good friend and competitor in the 3gun community, and he exemplifies what it is to be a competitor and mentor for those starting out.   -Goals -Training -Battle for the South -Upcoming matches -Sponsors -Words of wisdom   After this episode, all episodes will include my good friend and co-host Frank Gao.