Real-World Tactical Driver’s Training At The Ranch Texas

An hour southwest of San Antonio, you’ll find The Ranch Texas, a 300-acre, tier-one facility that focuses on real-world tactical, driving, and medical training. Magpul recently had the opportunity to attend a two-day vehicle mobility course tailored for Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) and executive protection professionals taught by a cadre of expert instructors who have instructed a variety of military, federal agencies, law enforcement, first responders, and private sector clients.

An hour southwest of San Antonio, you’ll find The Ranch Texas, a 300-acre, tier-one facility that focuses on real-world tactical, driving, and medical training. Magpul recently had the opportunity to attend a two-day vehicle mobility course tailored for Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) and executive protection professionals taught by a cadre of expert instructors who have instructed a variety of military, federal agencies, law enforcement, first responders, and private sector clients.

The facility features a dynamic track with plenty of room for high speed, multi-car chases and evasion and ambush maneuvers. Students get hours of seat time in modified Ford Crown Victorias and are presented with various challenges in both the offensive and defensive situations that the instructors use to simulate real-world high threat scenarios individuals might encounter on the job.

The facility features a dynamic track with plenty of room for high speed, multi-car chases and evasion and ambush maneuvers. Students get hours of seat time in modified Ford Crown Victorias and are presented with various challenges in both the offensive and defensive situations that the instructors use to simulate real-world high threat scenarios individuals might encounter on the job.

Students learn to identify possible choke points and ambush risks and are then shown how to escape in a safe and effective manner when confronted with a threat. We found ourselves shifting between predator and prey as both the chased and chasers to learn the various techniques that increase the odds of survival and evading capture. Additionally, various dynamic metal on metal ramming and PIT techniques were presented to the students as methods of evasion and ending a chase.

Students learn to identify possible choke points and ambush risks and are then shown how to escape in a safe and effective manner when confronted with a threat. We found ourselves shifting between predator and prey as both the chased and chasers to learn the various techniques that increase the odds of survival and evading capture. Additionally, various dynamic metal on metal ramming and PIT techniques were presented to the students as methods of evasion and ending a chase.

One of the hardest techniques we encountered was learning to spin a car during a chase in the safest way possible. It’s a challenge that requires hand-eye-and-foot coordination that’s tough for someone who doesn’t already have a career as a professional drummer. After some trial and error, we learned through aggressive maneuvering to approach and turn into the rear quarter panel to rotate the threat car in front of you. At the same time, we also learned to protect that same area when being pursued to avoid getting spun out and potentially immobilized. At the The Ranch, you learn to think through these and other scenarios to develop the coordination to make it happen in real time.

One of the hardest techniques we encountered was learning to spin a car during a chase in the safest way possible. It’s a challenge that requires hand-eye-and-foot coordination that’s tough for someone who doesn’t already have a career as a professional drummer. After some trial and error, we learned through aggressive maneuvering to approach and turn into the rear quarter panel to rotate the threat car in front of you. At the same time, we also learned to protect that same area when being pursued to avoid getting spun out and potentially immobilized. At the The Ranch, you learn to think through these and other scenarios to develop the coordination to make it happen in real time.

The instructors dedicate sufficient time between scenarios to provide immediate feedback, reinforce the techniques being showcased, and educate the class. We left the course absolutely amazed at what a two-ton sedan is capable of doing after a few hours of professional training. If you’d like to attend a class at The Ranch Texas, head over to ranchtx.org to sign up for a wide selection of unique training opportunities.

The instructors dedicate sufficient time between scenarios to provide immediate feedback, reinforce the techniques being showcased, and educate the class. We left the course absolutely amazed at what a two-ton sedan is capable of doing after a few hours of professional training. If you’d like to attend a class at The Ranch Texas, head over to ranchtx.org to sign up for a wide selection of unique training opportunities.

Get The Gear

Other Stories Like This