SLR & CARBINE COURSES

KWA-ZULU NATAL & GAUTENG | SOUTH AFRICA

The “modern sporting rifle” is arguably one of the best defensive firearms available to law abiding citizens. It’s effectiveness and adaptability make modern sporting rifles like AR-15 & AK-47 variants the perfect platforms for self defence and competitive shooting.

At Dark Earth Tactical, our professional instructors have a proven approach to making better rifle operators, one student at a time. Our classes are geared toward shooting fundamentals, rifle setup, keeping the firearm operational, and progressive semi-auto rifle tactics from beginner to advanced levels. Don’t just put that rifle in the safe… learn to run it like a pro, and incorporate it into your defensive plan.


CARBINE OPERATOR

LEVEL I COURSE

Duration: 4-6 hours (group size dependent)

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: 12 participants

It is dangerous to assume that you can simply purchase a rifle, place it in the safe, and then tell yourself that you’ll be ready to rock and roll when things go bad.

There are effective and proven means to evaluate your shooting technique, learn and practice new skills, and elevate your game. It’s called TRAINING!

If you  want to run your semi-automatic rifle or carbine like a seasoned operator, and also learn to KEEP it running when Murphy pays you a visit, then you need to start with a professional structure. This course lays the foundation for all future rifle training done through us; extremely unique methods and techniques taught by Dark Earth Tactical Instructors.

Our Carbine Operator course includes rules of use of force, safety and range etiquette, fundamentals of fire, stance, presentation (incl. high vs. low ready), recoil management, rifle & gear setup, dealing with stoppages and malfunctions and more.

Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • ≥ 100 rounds of rifle ammunition
  • Rifle optic (iron sights, red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Suitable shoes/ boots

Kit Recommendations

  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Shooting gloves
  • Camping Chair
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen
  • Sturdy belt

CARBINE CQB: CLOSE QUARTERS

LEVEL II COURSE

Duration: 6-8 hours (group size dependent)

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: 12 participants

A continuation from our Carbine Operator course; this course – Carbine CQB: Close Quarters – teaches vital tactics, techniques & procedures needed in order to assess and engage threats within close proximity.

Placing a heavy emphasis on situational awareness; a defensive mindset, whilst employing techniques that will give you the tools needed to outperform an assailant by means of superior speed, accuracy & shot placement when in close confines.

Our Carbine CQB course includes an intro to close quarters battle, reloading techniques, shot placement for defensive purposes, search and assess procedures, dealing with multiple threat encounters, pistol to rifle transitions and more.

Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • ≥ 100 rounds of rifle ammunition (200 rounds recommended)
  • Rifle optic (red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Additional rifle magazines with suitable mag pouches
  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Pistol with suitable holster & spare magazines
  • ≥ 50 rounds of pistol ammunition
  • Shooting gloves
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Suitable shoes/ boots

Kit Recommendations

  • Backup rifle sighting system 
  • Battle belt
  • Plate carrier
  • Camping Chair
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen

CARBINE TACTICS

LEVEL III COURSE

Duration: 6-8 hours (group size dependent)

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: 12 participants

A continuation from our Carbine CQB course; this course – Carbine Tactics – involves an advanced level of shooting techniques and firing positions which sets the shooter up for enhanced success by means of movement, use of cover and limited exposure. We take real-world scenarios and train you to position yourself accordingly.

The course starts working on movement, use of cover and concealment, barricade shooting, ambidextrous shooting techniques, scenario based stress shooting, and includes drills which will challenge you to perform skills under stress and with an elevated heart rate.

Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • ≥ 100 rounds of rifle ammunition (200 rounds recommended)
  • Rifle optic (red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Additional rifle magazines with suitable mag pouches
  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Shooting gloves
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Suitable shoes/ boots

Kit Recommendations

  • Backup rifle sighting system
  • Rifle barricade stop 
  • Battle belt
  • Plate carrier
  • Camping Chair
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen

BALLISTIC ADVANTAGE: RURAL DEFENCE

LEVEL III COURSE

Duration: 4-6 hours (group size dependent)

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: 8 participants

For those wanting to learn skills that will setup you up for success in rural environments, our Ballistic Advantage course is right up your alley.

A defensive course focussing on methods and techniques which aim to give you an edge over potential assailants and violent invaders, regardless of your environment; thus giving you the ballistic advantage. This course transfers valuable tips and skills that are relevant to the rural defence setting, which is rife across South Africa.

A Level II course which is a winner for those of you who live or work on rural farmlands, travel long distances, or show a keen interest in prepping & survivalism.

Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • ≥ 100 rounds of rifle ammunition (200 rounds recommended)
  • Rifle optic (red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Additional rifle magazines with suitable mag pouches
  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Shooting gloves
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Suitable shoes/ boots

Kit Recommendations

  • Backup rifle sighting system
  • Magnifier (for those using red dots or holographic sights)
  • Rifle barricade stop 
  • Battle belt
  • Plate carrier
  • Camping Chair
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen

NIGHT FIGHTER: LOW LIGHT

LEVEL III COURSE

Duration: 4 hours

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: 12 participants

This advanced course provides instruction and techniques to armed professionals who are looking to become more proficient in low-light operations; operating in the dark.

Students will participate in a variety of evolutions which include (but are not limited to) individual movement drills, weapons manipulation, use of cover/concealment and live fire drills – all under the cloak of darkness whilst employing selective & intermittent beams of white light.

All techniques taught are adapted to compensate for the loss of dexterity and natural awareness during low light conditions. In addition, students will run through a series of exciting live fire drills under various night vision devices (supplied on loan by our instructors).

Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • ≥ 100 rounds of rifle ammunition
  • Rifle optic (red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Weapon mounted light (pressure pad operated is preferred)
  • Additional rifle magazines with suitable mag pouches
  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Shooting gloves
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Suitable shoes/ boots

Kit Recommendations

  • Backup rifle sighting system 
  • Battle belt
  • Plate carrier
  • Headtorch
  • Night Vision Goggles (if owned)
  • IR laser/illuminator (if owned)
  • Camping Chair

MUC: URBAN SURVIVAL

LEVEL IV COURSE

Duration: 6 hours

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: 8 participants

Our Modern Urban Combat (MUC) Urban Survival course presents the unforgiving game of angles; a course where pistol/rifle skills graduate into something far more important: advanced tactics.

In defensive scenarios, it’s likely you’ll have to setup and run your rifle/carbine indoors and in other close-quarters environments. As a result, the focus of this course is to become familiar with appropriate techniques to be able to effectively run a carbine through “tight” spaces while utilising angles and clearance methods to your advantage.

The course will include numerous live-fire drills, dealing with split-second decisions, methods of room clearing, and which firearm accessories best suit the CQB environment. *This course may rely on venue availability.

Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • ≥ 100 rounds of rifle ammunition (200 rounds recommended)
  • Rifle optic (red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Additional rifle magazines with suitable mag pouches
  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Shooting gloves
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Suitable shoes/ boots

Kit Recommendations

  • Backup rifle sighting system 
  • Battle belt
  • Plate carrier
  • Camping Chair
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen

MUC: SMALL TEAM TACTICS

LEVEL IV+ COURSE

Duration: 6 hours

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: 8 participants

Our Urban Combat Small Team Tactics course takes urban survival even further; teaching next level TTPs that furnish the operator/s will the tools and know-how to master team integration and force multiplication.

Team coordination, weapons manipulation and dynamic entry techniques sit at the forefront of our MUC Level III+ course.

Modules include numerous team dry & live-fire drills, continued split-second decision making – against multiple threats – methods of team entry and team dynamics, dedicated sectors of fire, use of pyrotechnics, team roles & responsibilities and night time urban operations. *This course may rely on venue availability.

Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • ≥ 100 rounds of rifle ammunition (200 rounds recommended)
  • Rifle optic (red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Additional rifle magazines with suitable mag pouches
  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Shooting gloves
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Suitable shoes/ boots

Kit Recommendations

  • Backup rifle sighting system 
  • Battle belt
  • Plate carrier
  • Weapon mounted light (pressure pad operated is preferred)
  • Camping Chair
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen

VEHICLE ENGAGEMENT TACTICS

LEVEL IV COURSE

Duration: 6 hours

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: 8 participants

An immersive team course that places a heavy emphasis on vehicle operations and live fire engagements.  This course was developed based on extensive experience that stems from military combat operations and VIP/PSD operations around the globe.

In most cases, vehicles will be your primary method of transportation, and having a structured and well rehearsed plan to fight in and around vehicles is detrimental to survivability should things take a turn for the worse. VET provides cutting edge vehicle tactics to enhance your operational readiness and survivability. 

The course kicks off with an introduction into tactical vehicle operations, and then runs through a structured course syllabus which includes weapons manipulation in tight spaces, communications and team convoy movement, engaging from and around vehicles, shooting into and out of windshields, high threat vehicle embus/debus and cross-deck drills, fortification tips & tricks, and various evasion tactics and anti-ambush drills.

Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • ≥ 100 rounds of rifle ammunition (200 rounds recommended)
  • Rifle optic (red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Additional rifle magazines with suitable mag pouches
  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Pistol with suitable holster & spare magazines
  • ≥ 50 rounds of pistol ammunition
  • Shooting gloves
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Suitable shoes/ boots

Kit Recommendations

  • Backup rifle sighting system
  • Rifle barricade stop  
  • Battle belt
  • Plate carrier
  • Camping Chair
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen

TACTICAL VEHICLE OPERATIONS: CONVOYS & COMMS

LEVEL IV+ COURSE

Duration: 6 hours

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: 12 participants

You undoubtedly know how to drive and handle your vehicle during day-to-day tasks, but what about traveling in a team with multiple vehicles, in areas of heightened risk, or during periods of unrest?  How do you get from point A to point B without a split callsign or separation within your convoy? What are the principles, tricks and techniques that can make your travel safer and more efficient, mitigating risk and ensuring a more successful arrival?  These are commonly asked questions amongst those who prepare for uncertain times. This course is the answer.

Stemmed from real-world operational experience and small team vehicle operations through combat zones, permissive and non-permissive environments and high risk areas, we have designed this course to transfer valuable skills & lessons that we have learned, over to you.

Our Convoy Procedures & Team Communications course (Tactical Vehicle Operations) covers various aspects of planning, electronic navigation, pre-travel and post-travel, roles & responsibilities, team communication & vehicle spacing, mounted driving skills and reactions to different types of possible attacks/ambush, various cross-decking drills and also tips and tricks on vehicle selection and preparation. If you are a prepared or concerned citizen with like-minded team members and a family to take care of, then we highly recommend this course.

Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • ≥ 100 rounds of rifle ammunition
  • Rifle optic (red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Additional rifle magazines with suitable mag pouches
  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Pistol with suitable holster & spare magazines
  • ≥ 50 rounds of pistol ammunition
  • Shooting gloves
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Suitable shoes/ boots
  • Suitable Vehicle (SUV/Pickup preferred – one between two)

Kit Recommendations

  • Backup rifle sighting system
  • Rifle barricade stop  
  • Battle belt
  • Plate carrier
  • Camping Chair
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen
  • Vehicle recovery kit

TEAM MEDICS: IFAK SERIES [2 DAY]

Duration: 6 hours (per day)

Cost: kindly send us a Whatsapp on 078 156-2435 to make an enquiry

Group Size Limitations: None

Reportedly, almost 90% of combat-related deaths occur before the casualty in question reaches a medical treatment facility. Our aim through this course is to transfer skills that will increase your chances of identifying injuries and treating casualties with preventable causes of death, keeping them alive long enough to reach a surgical facility.

Learn how to properly apply a tourniquet, pack a wound, use a pressure dressing, and much, much more. We bring you our years of experience on the battlefield, so that you may prepare against active shooter situations, home invasions and violent attack scenarios that are often rife across South Africa.

The course is covered over two days (not necessarily consecutive), and includes life-saving skills and techniques such as casualty assessment, care under fire, treating massive external haemorrhage and penetrating chest injuries, tactical field care, IFAK contents, and more. The 2-day course comes highly recommended and is not to be missed.

Kit Requirements

  • Water and snacks
  • Notepad & Pen

Kit Recommendations

  • IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit)
  • Camping Chair
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen


Additional Kit Requirements

  • Licensed semi-automatic rifle or carbine
  • Rifle optic (red dot, holographic sight or low powered variable optic)
  • Ammunition [enquire on quantity per course]
  • Additional rifle magazines with suitable mag pouches
  • Rifle sling [two-point preferred]
  • Shooting gloves
  • *Weapon mounted light (Night Fighter courses only)
  • *Pistol with suitable holster [Carbine Tactics & MUC courses only]
  • Eyes & ears (and other relevant protection)
  • Hydration pack/water and snacks
  • Hat or cap & sunscreen
  • Suitable outdoor shooting attire
  • Sturdy belt
  • Suitable shoes/ boots

Kit Recommendations

  • Backup rifle sighting system [intermediate & advanced courses]
  • Battle belt (if already owned)
  • Plate carrier (if already owned)


Interested in a private booking? Please complete the expression of interest form below or get in touch through our contacts page. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Dark Earth Tactical
Average rating:  
 6 reviews
 by Daniel Blom
Dark Earth Tactical

Carbine 1&2 exceeded my expectations by far. The knowledge that Matt has and attention to detail is exceptional. From start to finish everything is handled in a professional manner and Matt ensures that all the participants understand and know what to do at all times. I would recommend these courses to anyone that wants to improve on their skills and knowledge of carbine riffles. Can’t wait to do Carbine 3!!!

 by Mike Lima
Next level training!

Matt is a fantastic facilitator that lives what he teaches.

His detailed approach is based on real world experience and qualification, which is translated into a usable and understandable format that the likes of prepared citizens can use in day to day situations.

Highly recommended & looking forward to the next course.
Thank you again Matt for all the time and extra-mile effort!

 by Paul Blaine
Most knowledgeable yet

This training is extremely thorough leaving nothing out. Incredibly knowledgeable man. Looking forward to the next session.

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