KEYSTONE DYNAMICS SOLUTIONS
3-Day Small Unit Tactics (SUT) Fundamentals — Level 1 (Sims / Open Terrain + Overnight Bivy)
Instructors: Topher & Nate
Location: Sky Pirate Range — Richmond, Virginia
Dates: May 30th–31st
Check-in: 08:00 | Training Start: 09:00
Tuition: $600
Sims / Ammo
• Recommended Sims ammunition: 300 rounds per student for the course
• Sims can be provided for an additional cost need to know Two Weeks in Advance.
OVERVIEW
This is a high-tempo class and Keystone’s baseline for Small Unit Tactics. Our goal is to develop a very strong foundation in the fundamentals so that when students return for Level 2, Level 3, or any other course Keystone has to offer, they have the understanding and skill set needed to perform safely and effectively in higher-level training and scenario-based evolutions.
This course is conducted using Sims/marking cartridges (Force-on-Force) in open terrain. Night 1 includes an overnight bivy/patrol base, followed by night patrols and low-light hand & arm signal work. We also cover stand-to/stand-down and challenge & pass procedures to reinforce field discipline.
LAWFUL PURPOSE & CONDUCT
Training is provided for lawful purposes only (skill development, professional development, and controlled scenario-based training). Keystone Dynamics Solutions does not provide training intended to be used in, or in furtherance of, any civil disorder or unlawful act. Students must comply with all federal, state, and local laws, follow all safety rules, and may be removed from training at any time for unsafe behavior or conduct inconsistent with course policies.
AT A GLANCE
• Duration: 2 days + overnight (Night 1)
• Training type: Sims / Force-on-Force (no shoot house)
• Training environment: Open terrain only
• Culmination: Student-led patrol movement → react to contact (Sims) → consolidate → transition to hasty defense or instructor-directed break contact/reset
TRAINING CONTENT
Day 1
• Course introduction, safety brief, expectations, and training framework
• Hand and arm signals (day application)
• Principles of patrolling
- movement rhythm
- spacing
- sectors
- security halts
-
accountability
• Patrol formations - file
- wedge
- line as applicable
- transitions
-
leader control
• Cover vs. concealment (open terrain application)
• Noise, light, and IR discipline (signature management)
• Practical movement lanes reinforcing formations, spacing, sectors, and accountability
• React to contact from formations (crawl / walk progression)
Day 2
• Day 1 review and refresher
• React to contact from formations (walk / run progression)
• Sims Force-on-Force lanes reinforcing:
- movement to cover
- sector assignment
- accountability
-
communication
• Movement to establish overnight bivy / patrol base
• Patrol base fundamentals - priorities of work
- security posture
-
control measures
• Defensive positions - hasty defense fundamentals
- sectors
- observation
- control measures
Night 2
• Stand-to (last light procedures)
• Challenge and pass (class + rehearsals, controlled entry / exit)
• Hand and arm signals (night application)
• Night patrols (out-and-back lanes)
• Link-up back to bivy using challenge and pass
• Overnight security posture / rest plan
Day 3
• Stand-to (first light procedures)
• Stand-down, accountability, reset, and site police
• Patrol base leadership and refinement drills
• Consolidation and reorganization procedures
• Capstone Sims Force-on-Force (student-led)
- patrol
- react to contact
- consolidate
- transition
-
instructor-directed problem sets
• Final AARs and individual feedback
SIMS / FORCE-ON-FORCE STANDARDS
• Sterile FoF area: No live ammo, live weapons, or live magazines in the Sims training area during FoF blocks
• PPE required: Sims-approved head/face, throat, and groin protection (optional) and gloves.
• Instructor-controlled lanes: boundaries, start/stop procedures, medical plan, and safety oversight
PACKING LIST — This is the bare minimum we recommend bringing. You can ask questions on other gear you wish to bring that might aid you and your team in success.
Weapon
• Primary weapon system with magazines (No Ammo, Only Sims Or Air Soft)
• Secondary weapon system with magazines (No Ammo Only Sims Or Air Soft)
• Sling
• Batteries for lights, optics, lasers
• Night vision (recommended)
• Thermals (optional)
Gear
• Flashlight with red and white light (with batteries)
• Hygiene gear (including sunblock and Chapstick)
• Black ink pens
• Highlighter
• Map pens
• Alcohol pens
• Write in the rain note-taking gear and a regular notebook for class notes
• Chest rig loadout
• Plate carrier
• Knife
• GPS (recommended, not required)
• Extra top and bottoms for changing as needed
• Extra socks (minimum 4 pairs)
• Cold weather gear (seasonal)
• Rain jacket or pants (recommended, not required)
• Main pack
• Day pack
• Poncho / Sleeping system
• Tarp (Green, Brown, Camo - NO BRIGHT COLORS)
• IFAK
• 3 water sources (Camelbacks, Nalgene bottles, canteens)
• Gloves
• DOS (Day of Supply) chow
Body
• Long sleeve shirt, combat tops, or field tops
• Pants (hiking, field, or combat style)
• Hat or boonie cover
• ID and Medical cards
• Watch
• Eye protection (dark and clear)
Additional Notes
• Ensure all gear is properly maintained and packed before the start of the course.
• Prepare for varying weather conditions and potential changes in training requirements.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students are responsible for bringing their own food and water to the course. While we will have water available on site, please ensure you have adequate provisions to stay nourished and hydrated throughout the training.
TRAINING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT
Keystone Dynamics Solutions reserves the right to refuse training to individuals based on specific eligibility criteria. Our training courses are exclusively available to United States citizens. We do not provide training to non-U.S. citizens, individuals with felony convictions, or those with similar disqualifying statuses.
To ensure compliance with this policy, all applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and may be subject to background checks. This requirement is in place to maintain the security, integrity, and effectiveness of our training programs.