KEYSTONE DYNAMIC SOLUTIONS

3-Day Small Unit Tactics (SUT) Fundamentals — Level 1

Sims / Open Terrain + Overnight Bivy

Instructor: Nate — U.S. Marine Corps Infantry
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Dates: April 9–11, 2027
Check-in: 08:00 | Training start: 09:00
Tuition: $750

Sims / Ammunition

• Recommended Sims ammunition: 300 rounds per student for the course

• Sims may be provided for an additional cost. Request them at least two weeks in advance.

Overview

This is a high-tempo class and Keystone’s baseline course for Small Unit Tactics. The goal is to build a strong foundation in the fundamentals so students are prepared to perform safely and effectively in Level 2, Level 3, and other advanced or scenario-based Keystone training.

The course uses Sims/marking cartridges in open terrain for force-on-force training. It includes an overnight bivy/patrol base, night patrols, and low-light hand-and-arm signal work. Students will also cover stand-to/stand-down and challenge-and-pass procedures to reinforce field discipline.

Lawful Purpose & Conduct

Training is provided for lawful purposes only, including skill development, professional development, and controlled scenario-based training. Keystone Dynamic Solutions does not provide training intended to be used in, or in furtherance of, civil disorder or unlawful acts.

Students must comply with all federal, state, and local laws and follow all safety rules. Students may be removed from training for unsafe behavior or conduct inconsistent with course policies.

At a Glance

• Duration: 3 days with overnight field training

• Training type: Sims / force-on-force; no shoot house

• Training environment: Open terrain only

• Culmination: Student-led patrol movement, react to contact with Sims, consolidate, then 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 for daytime application

• Principles of patrolling:

  • Movement rhythm

  • Spacing

  • Sectors

  • Security halts

  • Accountability

• Patrol formations:

  • File

  • Wedge

  • Line, as applicable

  • Transitions

  • Leader control

• Cover versus concealment in open terrain

• Noise, light, and IR discipline

• Practical movement lanes reinforcing formations, spacing, sectors, and accountability

• React to contact from formations, progressing from crawl to walk

Day 2

• Day 1 review and refresher

• React to contact from formations, progressing from walk to run

• Sims force-on-force lanes reinforcing:

  • Movement to cover

  • Sector assignment

  • Accountability

  • Communication

• Movement to establish an overnight bivy/patrol base

• Patrol base fundamentals:

  • Priorities of work

  • Security posture

  • Control measures

• Defensive positions:

  • Hasty defense fundamentals

  • Sectors

  • Observation

  • Control measures

Night Training

• Stand-to and last-light procedures

• Challenge and pass: classroom instruction, rehearsals, and controlled entry/exit

• Hand-and-arm signals for nighttime application

• Night patrols on out-and-back lanes

• Link-up back to the bivy using challenge and pass

• Overnight security posture and rest plan

Day 3

• Stand-to and first-light procedures

• Stand-down, accountability, reset, and site police

• Patrol base leadership and refinement drills

• Consolidation and reorganization procedures

• Student-led capstone Sims force-on-force:

  • Patrol

  • React to contact

  • Consolidate

  • Transition

  • Instructor-directed problem sets

• Final AARs and individual feedback

Sims / Force-on-Force Standards

• Sterile force-on-force area: No live ammunition, live weapons, or live magazines in the Sims training area during force-on-force blocks.

• Required PPE: Sims-approved head and face protection and gloves. Throat and groin protection are optional.

• Instructor-controlled lanes: Instructors will control boundaries, start/stop procedures, the medical plan, and safety oversight.

Packing List

This is the bare minimum we recommend bringing. Contact us with questions about other gear that may help you and your team during training.

Weapons

• Primary weapon system with magazines — no live ammunition; Sims or airsoft only

• Secondary weapon system with magazines — no live ammunition; Sims or airsoft only

• Sling

• Batteries for lights, optics, and lasers

• Night vision (recommended)

• Thermals (optional)

Gear

• Flashlight with red and white light, plus 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 four pairs)

• Cold-weather gear (seasonal)

• Rain jacket or pants (recommended, not required)

• Main pack

• Day pack

• Poncho/sleeping system

• Tarp in green, brown, or camouflage — no bright colors

• IFAK

• Three water sources, such as CamelBak reservoirs, Nalgene bottles, or canteens

• Gloves

• Day-of-supply chow

Clothing and Personal Items

• Long-sleeve shirt, combat top, or field top

• Hiking, field, or combat-style pants

• Hat or boonie cover

• ID and medical cards

• Watch

• Dark and clear eye protection

Additional Notes

• Ensure all gear is maintained and packed before the course starts.

• Prepare for changing weather and potential changes in training requirements.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for bringing their own food and water. Water will be available on site, but bring adequate provisions to stay nourished and hydrated throughout the course.

Training Eligibility Requirement

Keystone Dynamic Solutions reserves the right to refuse training based on its eligibility criteria. Courses are available exclusively to United States citizens. We do not provide training to non-U.S. citizens, individuals with felony convictions, or individuals with similar disqualifying statuses.

Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and may be subject to background checks. This requirement is intended to maintain the security, integrity, and effectiveness of our training programs.