4 Things MGS Learned from No Other Choice Train and Learn

This past Memorial Day weekend, MGS was proud to sponsor the NOC Train and Learn event. While yes, it was an incredible opportunity to promote the school and a way that we could be involved teaching firearms instructors and other firearms professionals, it was much more than that to the attendees. Started by Kevin Dixie, this was the 4th year of Train and Learn and you could immediately see why it was so successful. Before we get to that, however, lets talk about what the event is. 

The No Other Choice Train and Learn event is a unique gathering that brings together firearms trainers, bloggers, YouTubers, writers, and manufacturers from across the country. With a focus on professional development, this event offers a comprehensive platform for firearms professionals to enhance their skills, learn advanced defensive tactics, and acquire valuable business and marketing knowledge. In this blog post, I will delve into the significance of this event and explore the key aspects that make it a must-attend for firearms professionals seeking success in their businesses. 

1. Strengthening Defensive Tactics:

At the core of the No Other Choice Train and Learn event is the opportunity for firearms trainers to enhance their defensive tactics expertise. Through engaging speaker based workshops, hands-on training sessions, and expert-led demonstrations, attendees gain valuable insights into the latest techniques, strategies, and best practices in the field. This allows them to provide a higher caliber of instruction to their clients, ultimately improving overall safety and proficiency.

This year’s instructors were Mike Martin on medical, Tre’Von Barber on pistol, Matt Mallory doing force-on-force training, and Jason Crotteau on rifle. I was able to participate in the trainings and these instructors were top notch—I plan on training with each of them outside of the event soon. 

2. Professional Development:

In addition to refining defensive tactics, the event focuses on the professional development of firearms professionals. Attendees can participate in seminars given by industry leaders, gaining invaluable knowledge on topics such as effective teaching methodologies, psychology in marketing, marketing strategies and sustaining a bulletproof business.

This year’s speakers were Omari Broussard on marketing strategies, Mike Bauer from USCCA on building a bulletproof business, and myself on the psychology in marketing. 

 3. Networking and Collaboration:

The event also serves as a vibrant platform for networking and collaboration among everyone. Attendees have the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and form valuable partnerships. Collaborative initiatives, such as joint training programs or referral networks, can emerge from these connections, enabling trainers to expand their reach and offer enhanced services to their clients. 

On the final day there was a content creation day as well and it was great seeing all of the attendees excitement while creating content around the event. 

 4. Access to Cutting-Edge Resources:

The No Other Choice Train and Learn event attracts industry-leading exhibitors and sponsors, providing attendees with access to cutting-edge resources. From state-of-the-art training equipment like the Mantis system to firearms from Tactical Life and Brownells, and optics from Primary Arms, trainers can explore the latest tools that can enhance their training programs. This exposure to new technologies and resources ensures that trainers stay up to date with advancements in the industry, giving them a competitive edge. 

 So why is it so successful going into its 5th year in 2024?  Sure, the training is second-to-none, but mostly because it is all about putting good out into our industry through the trainers that then goes out into the minds of each student the trainers train. The speech Kevin gave on the last day is what it was all about.  This was not about ego, or the individual, or anything but bettering your fellow human working in the firearms space. Making them more knowledgeable to take that knowledge base to their clients making it a safer, more well rounded environment for firearms training. 

More importantly, this event was to make us all better people, not just for our clients, but also for our families and loved ones. The No Other Choice Train and Learn event stands as a paramount event for firearms trainers seeking continuous professional growth and success. By combining comprehensive training in defensive tactics, professional development opportunities, and business and marketing skills, this event empowers trainers to elevate their expertise and establish thriving training businesses.

Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or just starting out in the field, attending this event promises to be a transformative experience that can propel your career forward and make a lasting impact on your training business. 

Written by: Zeke Stout, MGS Trade School Director