Regional Semi-Automatic Transition Training

Members of the Tampa Police, Zephyrhills Police, Pasco County and Pinellas County Explorer Posts met at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Training Center on Saturday, January 12, 2008 for a day of firearms instruction.  Cpl. Kelly Gaull and Cpl. Stanley Gams of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office provided the required training to prepare Explorers for the transition from shooting revolvers to semi-automatic firearms. 

Historically Explorers have completed many hours of preparation in the areas of firearms and range safety, and undergo strict scrutiny as they practice to perfect their marksmanship. These efforts are put to the test at regular pistol competitions sponsored by the Florida Association of Police Explorers, for explorer posts across the state.  Three Explorer Delegates meetings are held at various locations in January, April, and September of each year.  These meetings include training, as well as, both individual and team pistol competitions.  The Exploring year culminates in a state competition.  The top shooters in each of five individual categories and the team event are rewarded for their abilities and recognized as the best in the state. 

This year the F.A.P.E. has initiated the transition to include semi-automatic 9 mm firearms.  As the posts prepare for the new challenges inherent with any change, especially in the area of firearms instruction, an extreme standard of safety was the focal point of the training event.  They were also familiarized with the mechanical workings of a semi-automatic and its nomenclature.  They learned the proper assembly and operation of the weapon and practiced malfunction drills all under the direct supervision of seven firearms instructors.  By the end of the day attendees possessed a greater understanding of the differences among weaponry and had completed the first phase of using a semi-automatic firearm.

The training day was not only an instructional day with very serious subject matter, but it was an opportunity for 30 teen-aged explorers to build friendships and camaraderie as they worked together during team building events.  With a common purpose in mind, to become better skilled marksman, better Explorers, and better human beings, the Semi-Auto transition training was a huge success!