[Jack-O]

OK folks, I managed to get Suarez International to come up to Bozeman Montana for 4 days of exciting training May 9-12 2009.

As you may know the Suarez AK classes are the ones that started it all a few years back, and now EVERYONE has an AK class of some sort. Suarez brought in experienced Russian Spetznaz soldiers, and American AK experts alike and cobbled together THE CLASS that redefined how Americans view the AK. Gone are the days where the AK is viewed as a clunky unergonomic piece of battle machinery. Suarez has taught us that the AK is a masterpiece of engineering and more user friendly and capable than anyone in the west ever believed. These classes are the original, and have the benefit of over 3 years of constant upgrades and continuous injection of new and more progressive fighting techniques.

Close Range Gunfighting will expand on your preexisting pistol skills. This is NOT a basic pistol handling class. Expect to be running and gunning at the end of the course. Novice shooters, Graduates of other schools and experienced shooters alike will all be getting new material here. Day one will start with the fundamentals then move quickly into the actual FIGHTING with a pistol. Come with an open mind and a desire to learn.

These 2 classes will be taught by Dan Agakian a former "Eleven-Bravo" infantry soldier and a blooded Iraq combat vet. Dan is a gifted instructor and more than qualified to teach gunfighting. I have personally met and trained with him and he is extremely professional and knowledgable.

note: We do not have anyone signed up for these classes yet. If we do not get at least 10 people signed up in the next 2 weeks or so, these classes will be pulled off the schedule. if you want to go SIGN UP NOW. If you need more time to get all the funds up, then call Vinnie at the office and ask her about putting down a deposit to hold your spot.

here are the class descriptions and links

May 9-10, 2009

AK RIFLE GUNFIGHTING

Bozeman, Montana

SIGN UP HERE-----> http://www.suarezinternationalstore.com ... ProdID=695

The AK-47/74 series of rifle is one of the most prolific and useful weapons on earth. Close to 100 million have been made in various parts of the world and anyone's chances of encountering these weapons is high. This special course will take a close look at the Kalashnikov Rifle System and teach you to fight with it in both the standard "urban rifle" engagement as well as in the Close Range Gunfighting matrix. This material will have you appreciating the AK platform like no other rifle. It is too simple to be "tactical".

Duration: 2 Days 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Prerequisites: Students must have attended a basic tactical shooting program from a recognized school. While this is an entry level class to the AK, it is not for beginners.
Ammunition: Approximately 500 rounds (minimum)
Equipment:

AK-47 type rifle, (3) AK magazines and any ancillary rifle gear. Pistol, Holster, Pistol Magazines. Eye and Ear Protection. Note: Chest Rig/Tactical Vests are not allowed with CCW Holsters. If you wish to use a Chest Rig or a Tactical Vest, use a vest mounted holster or a thigh holster.

NOTE: Blackhawk Serpa Holsters are not allowed in class.
Instructor: Dan Agakian

Read A Review Of Past Kalashnikov Gunfighting Courses http://www.suarezinternationalstore.com ... ustom&ID=6

May 11-12, 2009

CLOSE RANGE GUNFIGHTING

Bozeman, Montana

SIGN UP HERE-----> http://www.suarezinternationalstore.com ... ProdID=691

This is our flagship course and goes as far as you can safely go on a square range with live-fire pistols. The dynamic curriculum surpasses the traditonal handgun methods commonly taught in most institutions and focuses of the use of the pistol in aggressive close range applications likely in individual civilian street encounters.

The class is instructed by Suarez International Staff Instructor Dan Agakian. We begin with a tune-up of the fundamentals, then we progress quickly to new skills such as Proactive and Reactive Manipulations, Shooting While Moving Off The X, Reality-Based Multiple Hostiles Engagement, 360 degree CQB Movement, Danger-Close Fighting, Bilateral Shooting, 360 degree After Action Assessment Methods, and Integrating the Flashlight and Other Tools into the Firing Platform. This is the life-saving material that is often ignored in many other programs. In two days, you will receive more information than most armed professionals ever get! Suitable for BOTH civilian defenders and professional operators.

We must point out that THIS COURSE IS NOT FOR THE NOVICE SHOOTER. If you have not received basic instruction in Defensive Pistol, or have a question about your skill level, please call us first.

** You don't need a Glock or a Custom 1911 to attend this class! Shoot what you carry. Any caliber or action type will do fine here - Revolvers Are Welcome!!

Duration: 2 days
Ammunition: Approximately 500 rounds (minimum)
Requirements:

Modern Defensive Pistol, Holster specifically made for that pistol and designed to be worn on the belt, 3 Magazines and Magazine Pouch, A Belt of the same width as the belt loops for the holster and magazine pouches, Range Safety Gear (Eye protection, and ear protection)

NOTE: No Blackhawk SERPA Holsters Allowed in class
Instructor: Dan Agakian

 

[Jack-O]

Sorry folks, but this class has been pulled due to non participation. Thanks for your intrest

 

[constructor]

Well, I don't have an AK and I do have a Serpa so that ruled me out pretty quick :lol:

 

[ArtFWTx]

Well, I don't have an AK and I do have a Serpa so that ruled me out pretty quick :lol:

:lol: :lol: It would be fun to take an AK class just to learn and have fun. I watched a Spetznaz show on Mil Channel and Sonny Puzikas changed mags on his AK as fast as I've seen AR mag changes, and he showed a technique where he took a hostage and strapped them to his AK and used them as a human shield to escape or move around in an engagement. It was like an AK Full Nelson.

 

[marinesg1012]

The AK is good to know and be familiar with especially if your going to be working in environments where there are a lot of them but when it comes down to it give me my AR every time.....

and I know the supposed issue with the serpa but not allowing guys to bring one to your course seems wrong to me....

 

[BLACK LION]

Well, I don't have an AK and I do have a Serpa so that ruled me out pretty quick :lol:

Took the words right outta my mouth :lol:

They shouldnt do serpa end users like that just becuase dumbasses are shooting themselves and blaming it on the holster.

 

[Lost River]

Hyping someone up as a "blooded" 11B is pretty silly. Maybe for people who have no idea, that sounds really neato and cool but give me a break. Next thing will be instructors who are "Blooded counterterrorist machine gunners using extreme shock ammo".

I am not harping on the individual, because he may be a heck of a nice guy and a squared away Troop. He at least was smart enough to want to wear the crossed rifles, but being your basic 11B is hardly qualifications, it is more like a beginning of a foundation.

 

[Lost River]

In regards to Gabe Suarez,

If I recall correctly ( It has been a few years now), he was initially arrested and charged with 4 or 5 Felonies to include grand theft, fraud and money laundering. His wife was arrested as well as another cop. He managed to plea the felonies down, as is common for criminals to do. He did the better part of a year in jail and paid some huge fines as part of his plea to avoid a felony. If he had done a year and a day, he would have never been allowed to possess a firearm in the U.S. The bottom line is he is a convicted criminal and I would never, ever pay to take firearms training from a criminal. He is an embarrassment to every Police Officer across the nation and put yet another black eye on the profession.


I believe I will stick with Gunsite, Thunder Ranch, Mid South or other reputable outfits.

 

[marinesg1012]

Hyping someone up as a "blooded" 11B is pretty silly. Maybe for people who have no idea, that sounds really neato and cool but give me a break. Next thing will be instructors who are "Blooded counterterrorist machine gunners using extreme shock ammo".

I am not harping on the individual, because he may be a heck of a nice guy and a squared away Troop. He at least was smart enough to want to wear the crossed rifles, but being your basic 11B is hardly qualifications, it is more like a beginning of a foundation.

I know nothing about this guy or company... but I have to agree being a grunt is great but that is just the start of any gun slingers training....

 

[BLACK LION]

Here is "Gabes version".
http://www.warriortalk.com/showthread.php?t=5797

and here is the story.

SMPD Officers Charged With Fraud
Clara Sturak
Associate editor

On Friday, March 2, two Santa Monica Police Officers were arrested in connection with conspiracy to defraud the City of Santa Monica through Workers Compensation fraud. Officers Jason Comer and Gabriel Suarez were arrested along with Suarez' wife Cheryl Suarez.
According to a press release issued by the Public Information Office of the Santa Monica Police Department, the three were charged after a "long term and intensive investigation" on the part of the Department's Internal Criminal Unit, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, and the California State Department of Insurance.
Comer, 32, a six-year veteran, and Suarez 40, a twelve year veteran, along with Mrs. Suarez, are charged with four criminal counts, explains Deputy District Attorney Craig Omura, who led the DA's portion of the investigation. "Count one is conspiracy to commit workers compensation fraud, count two is workers compensation fraud, count three is money laundering, and count six is grand theft, because the money they obtained was over $400." Counts four and five, both for perjury, apply only to Officer Suarez, in regards to false depositions he gave in March and June of 2000. Details of the case have not yet been released.
The investigation, says Omura, has been going on since October of 2000, when the SMPD became aware of possible criminal activity. "They brought the information to [the District Attorney's office] in November of 2000. At that time we began a three-pronged investigation with the Santa Monica Police and the State Department of Insurance." SMPD did the most of the investigative footwork, according to Omura, consulting with the other two departments as to "what elements [they] needed to prove."
The charges and subsequent arrests were not made public until March 7, with an interdepartmental memo sent by SMPD Chief James T. Butts. Although there has been concern that some City officials were not made aware of the situation until several days following the arrests, Judy Rambeau, Assistant to the City Manager states that the City Manger's office was aware of the investigation from its beginnings. "The City Manager is always alerted when something like this is going on," said Rambeau in an interview on Monday. "That doesn't mean we have all of the details as the investigation proceeds. The police need to keep tight control over who knows what's happening at any given time."
In fact, that's exactly why City officials were not informed. Chief Butts' memo states that "there are other long-term investigations concerning potential fraudulent application for Workers Compensation benefits by other members of the department that continue." SMPD Public Information Officer Captain Gary Gallinot confirmed in a telephone interview with the Mirror that, "it was our intent that the investigations be entirely wrapped up before we went public." But, says Gallinot, the District Attorney's office felt they had enough information to go forward, and "since they are the prosecuting authority, it was up to them."
Once any arrest is made it becomes a matter of public record. However, the SMPD did not issue a statement on the day of the arrests. According to Gallinot, "the reason [the arrests weren't] made public [by the police department] is because we did not want to jeopardize the ongoing investigations. Once we realized it was going to be made public [in the media], our strategy had to change, and notifications were made."
Gallinot could not comment on the ongoing investigations, except to say that they are "specific" in nature, and that the DA's office is involved.
"It's important to note," he said, "that this investigation was started by our police department. We are vigorously involved in the discipline and prosecution of misconduct [on the part] of our employees. If you don't look for misconduct or criminal activity, you seldom find it. The fact that we do so shines a positive light on our institutional integrity."
Jason Comer, Gabriel Suarez and Cheryl Suarez are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, March 14. If convicted, Jason Comer and Cheryl Suarez could serve maximum prison sentences of 5 years, 8 months, and Gabriel Suarez could serve a maximum of 7 years, 8 months.

 

[Awake777]

"Blooded" sounds like a word that a gang or drug cartel would use.

 

[BLACK LION]

I had a similar issue in the military. Organizations would rather make up a reason to get you for attempting to defraud them, than to give you the disbaility or workmans comp you are medically entitled to. I understand a man that would rather cop a deal that would still allow him to keep and perserve his 2nd amendment rights...than to go bankrupt and broke trying to fight a never ending battle against the city and state. They will win becuase thier $ and resources are endless, while the average joe and even the wealthy cant even afford the retainer fee let alone a full blown trial with a defense team. He was most likely better off taking the deal, letting the smpd get the shiny medal for prosecuting thier own, do his time, then get out with his rights and priveleges in tact and with the means to make 2x as mush as he did on the force and do something he loves to do...without all the beaurocracy , politics and petty bullshyt.

 

[Lost River]

There is always more to the story than just what is printed. What someone is charged with is only what a prosecutor believes he can prove. Often people are guilty of far more but if you cannot prove it, it does not get charged. The scams he was running with his wife are prime example. He has some entertaining writing and often I agree with Suarez. That being said, in regards to his work comp fraud, if he was well enough to be running and gunning teaching, he was well enough to at the very least fly a desk and do admin work instead of trying to rip off the system that is in place to help other cops who are truly injured. Work Comp is a pain in the ass and I have had my own dealings with them, having been severely injured and requiring several surgeries over the years to correct and get me fit for duty again. What Suarez did was thievery and fraud plain and simple. His reputation and trustworthiness within the old school of the training and industry circles is poor to say the least.

To each their own I suppose. People can choose to believe whatever they want. I have heard him called some pretty derogatory things by some of the biggest names. These are true gentlemen who rarely speak ill of anyone even in private circles.

 

[Cold]

In regards to Gabe Suarez,

If I recall correctly ( It has been a few years now), he was initially arrested and charged with 4 or 5 Felonies to include grand theft, fraud and money laundering. His wife was arrested as well as another cop. He managed to plea the felonies down, as is common for criminals to do. He did the better part of a year in jail and paid some huge fines as part of his plea to avoid a felony. If he had done a year and a day, he would have never been allowed to possess a firearm in the U.S. The bottom line is he is a convicted criminal and I would never, ever pay to take firearms training from a criminal. He is an embarrassment to every Police Officer across the nation and put yet another black eye on the profession.

I believe I will stick with Gunsite, Thunder Ranch, Mid South or other reputable outfits.

Never knew that... thanks for the insight.

ETA: Oh shit... just say this "Counts four and five, both for perjury, apply only to Officer Suarez,"

That IS NEVER going to get you favors in court, ever.

Im taking myself off this guys email list.

 

[Jack-O]

Suarez may be a flawed man, as am I and perhaps a few of you are as well. I have met him and know him to be a man of integrity and honor, and his training and teachings ring true to me. That is all I need to know about him, and refuse to pass judgement on him for things I have no direct knowledge of.

Far be it from me to ignore some good advice even if it came from the devil himself.