What I Learned from 14 Months of Mindset Training
Last year, one of our team members completed some in depth training on his own time, a testament to our team’s level of commitment to continued training. James also joined us for our recent training this year, where his aptitude was immediately noticeable throughout. The following is a recount of his specialized training.
Last year I completed a 14-month training program through a private tactical training facility in North Texas. The instructor refers to it as a mindset training facility, and after going through the full program, I understand why.
I had looked into several different places beforehand. I wasn’t looking for a standard class. I wanted something that would be challenging and push me—something that would test my limits and help me grow. When I came across this particular facility, it stood out. It wasn’t just the curriculum, it was the testimonials. The people who had trained there came from every walk of life—active military, law enforcement, civilians—and they all had strong things to say about what they’d learned. That caught my attention. It’s what pulled me in.
From the start, it was different. This place didn’t operate on a “pay your fee and you’re in” model. The process started with two vetting phone calls. They weren’t just trying to collect information; they were evaluating how you communicated, what your tone was like, how you handled questions. The intent was to get to know you, but also to feel out your mindset—your temperament, your attitude, and how you respond under pressure.
A few days after those calls, I was invited to attend six classes. That was the first phase. The instructor used those six classes to evaluate each student and decide whether you’d continue on to full membership, or whether your time would end there. There’s only one instructor, and the classes are small—usually just two to six students. Each class is four hours long, and every minute matters.
The way he taught was different from anything I’d experienced before. He built concepts in layers, always explaining the why behind the what. It wasn’t just about how to shoot or how to move, it was about understanding the reason behind every decision and action.
We trained across several platforms—pistol, AR platform, precision rifle, and night pistol. The training leaned toward an operator-style skill set. Our stances were athletic and aggressive, designed for a more dynamic style of shooting. We trained to shoot on the move, from behind cover, from the ground (both prone and flat on your back), to engage multiple targets, and to shoot instinctively. There were a lot of other tactical elements that I won’t get into here, but these were the fundamentals the instructor built everything else on.
Even though the tactical aspect was valuable, that wasn’t the main focus. In the instructor’s view, anyone can be taught how to manipulate a weapon. The real goal was something else: to bring students to a place where they could remain calm under pressure and make solid decisions in a chaotic environment.
That was the true focus of the training—mindset.
The instructor applied both mental and physical stress at a high level, forcing us to step outside of our comfort zones and stay there. Throughout the courses, we had to show clear processing and communicate effectively while working in a 360-degree environment. That carried over to every weapon platform we used. The principles were always the same.
At first, I struggled. I had trouble keeping my stress under control. I wasn’t calm. My reactions weren’t always sharp, and sometimes my decisions suffered because of that. But as the classes went on, I started to develop better self-awareness. I could feel myself adapting. I learned how to manage the pressure, and eventually, I was able to operate under high stress without losing control.
One thing that stood out about this facility was how every class began. There were no detailed briefings. No step-by-step outlines of what we’d be doing. All we knew going in was the weapon platform we’d be working with. The rest was unknown. That forced us to adapt in real time. And if the instructor ever sensed that we were starting to get comfortable with the environment or the structure, he’d change it up. The pressure would increase, the tempo would shift, and we’d be thrown back into that space where we had to think on our feet.
At the end of every class, there was always a self-evaluation. That was intentional. There wasn’t any hype or high-fives. It was a quiet, honest reflection on how we did—what went well, where we fell short, what we learned about ourselves. Those evaluations weren’t about perfection. They were about awareness. And that kind of humility goes a long way in helping you grow.
Over the course of 14 months, I learned a lot—not just about shooting, but about myself. I learned how I respond under pressure, and I became more in tune with my stress levels. My communication improved. My ability to stay aware and grounded in chaotic situations got better. And yes, I became a more confident shooter. But more than that, I became a more focused individual.
The training didn’t just change me in a tactical sense. It changed how I approach day-to-day life. I handle challenges differently now. I carry myself differently. And I think more clearly in the moments that matter most.
James Herrera
Core Team Member, Commissioned Security Officer
Blacklands Security Group, LLC
