Operational Detachment Source

The target used in the shooting qualification of the NC CCH course is not dictated by the state of NC. The distances the shooter must engage from, and the minimum rounds fired are dictated by the state. An instructor is given the final decision on the target used if it meets the minimum requirements for accuracy. ODS has chosen to utilize the standard B-8c NRA Bullseye Target for our test. The scoreable area we utilize is the black section with a circumference of 17.25 inches. We ask that out of 30 total rounds fired, that 21 of them are in the black scoreable area. The instructor takes on a responsibility when qualifying students. If the instructor does not believe the student demonstrates the needed proficiency, then a certificate is not granted. When a student can not achieve that minimum from the distances of 3 yards (20 seconds to fire 10 rounds), 5 yards (25 seconds to fire 10 rounds), and 7 yards (30 seconds to fire 10 rounds), they are NOT proficient.
At Operational Detachment Source, LLC, we do ask our students to demonstrate a realistic accuracy standard, and we spend the time to instruct students to help them achieve the minimum. We do this because we believe that to carry a firearm is a huge responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Many instructors who teach CCH classes do not think about the 2nd and 3rd order effects of granting this ability to untrained and unsafe students. At this time, I do not know of any other CCH courses that offer any basic instruction before the qualification is given. It is expected that someone attending a course to become licensed to carry a firearm in the defense of self, and others, in a public environment, knows how to efficiently use such a firearm. At ODS we understand that getting a CCH may be the first time in a long while that some of our students have handled a firearm, or that they have not received any formal instruction on proper handling and safety. We take the time to cover all the fundamentals and more to give our students the tools to pass. Most students pass the course the first time. Many though fail to meet the standards, requiring further training, and can come back to any of our future CCH classes free of charge to attempt to pass the qualification. We do not charge a student twice for the same information.
This customer not only failed to meet the accuracy standards, but also failed to fire all rounds in the allotted time. Nowhere does the state of North Carolina ask that companies offering their approved course allow students a second attempt at the applied ability test. We however allowed this student to try again with a firearm she claimed to feel more comfortable with. She failed again.
Regarding the holster this customer was asked to not use. The Blackhawk Serpa holster is well known for causing safety problems. Organizations like the Los Angeles Police Department, Dallas Police Department, the US Forest Service, the National Parks Service, and so on. The US Army has also chosen to not continue the contract with Blackhawk for the serpa holster due to the safety and functionality reasons. When this student arrived at the range, she was told that her serpa holster would not be allowed. At no point were students ever instructed to utilize their pockets as holsters. When it was seen it was corrected by the instructor. The program of instruction never requires the use of a holster. Students were told to maintain control of their firearm in their hand, unloaded, always oriented in a safe direction. If a student did possess a safe holster, they were told they could utilize them.
At no point do we ever mislead students when they sign-up for our classes. This is a clear case of a vindictive complaint spurred by disappointment in personal performance.