For years I have attended police related training classes that have been issue specific; tactics, marksmanship, legal issues, hand to hand, etc. Paul
Castle's C.A.R. System is the first class I have been to that is all encompassing, meshing the dynamic environment that we work in into a complete system.
I've been shooting for over
23 years and instructing at my P.D. for the last 6. I have been successful because I have kept an open mind to new ideas. C.A.R. is a new idea. Most of what I have seen over the years has been someone building
off of someone else's ideas. Paul Castle has started from scratch and rethought most of what we know about police combat. I believe that Gaston Glock did the same thing when he designed the Glock pistol, look at
where the Glock stand in the police community today! I was skeptical when I started. I'm sold, C.A.R. works.
Det. Frank J. Fallon
West Hartford Police Department
I HAVE BEEN A POLICE OFFICER SINCE 1982 BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT POLICE DEPARTMENTS. DURING THAT TIME I TRANSITIONED FROM REVOLVERS TO SEMI AUTOMATICS. TRAINING IN THEIR USE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STANDING IN A LINE AND SHOOTING AT STILL TARGETS THAT DON'T SHOOT BACK.
ALTHOUGH TODAY'S TRAINING IS STARTING TO INVOLVE FATS SHOOTING, SIMUNITIONS, OFFICERS ARE STILL STANDING FACING THE THREAT, EXPECTING TO GET SHOT, BECAUSE IT CAN'T HAPPEN TO ME.
AS A FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR THE CAR SYSTEM DEVELOPED BYU PAUL CASTLE IS THE WAY TO GO. IT IS REALISTIC, GIVES THE OFFICER THE CONFIDENCE TO SHOOT AND MOVE AND NOT STAND THERE TAKING SHOTS. CAN'T WAIT TO START TEACHING IT.
WEAPON RETENTION TECHNIQUES THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THIS SYSTEM COVE BASED ON THE BODY'S NATURAL REACTION AND FIGHTON FLIGHT. IF SOMEONE DOES MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO GET MY WEAPON, I AM MORE CONFIDENT I WILL SURVIVE BECAUSE OF THIS TRAINING.
MARK PEAK
SHELTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
SHELTON,CT
The C.A.R. system goes far beyond novelty and idle. It is a system that is built on a foundation of research and experience that totally dispels idle conjecture and commonly believed ``myths."
Paul Castle has developed a system that is based on hard facts derived from research in physiology, various sciences, personal experience and the experience of cops out on the ``road."
The C.A.R. system reinforces training that is already being presented. It exposes weaknesses in other methods of training. And ``evidences it" all not just in the classroom, but out on the line. But the final proof is in Paul Castle's iron clad claim: It means nothing if I show you I can do it. It only matters if you can. And on that score Paul delivers. When you leave his course, you don't just believe in it. You, can do it.
Police Officer Brian Jabloner – N.Y.P.D.
I have taken the three-day introduction course of C.A.R. and the five-day course of C.A.R. I have been a firearms instructor for approximately seven years and by far KNOW that the C.A.R. system definitely works.
After taking just the three-day course, I made it a goal, a personal goal of mine, to force myself to shoot the C.A.R. system. I have noticed in just a short period of my personal training time that I now naturally and automatically go into the C.A.R. system. I know this is, because of the systems foundation of harmonious muscle placement.
I have shot our department's qualification course on several occasions. In total, I shot our Q-course over 15 times. Each time that I shot the Q-course, I scored no lower than 100%. I notice that I feel more realized when I shoot, I have more control of recoil in my Glock 17 9mm, I have much better weapon retention technique, I can move and shoot accurately. The system works, I suggest before anyone down play the system, they sit in the weeklong course.
Officer Rob Strickland
New Haven Police Department
As a police officer that goes on several narcotic raids a week the CAR System has given me and other officers the ability to effectively deal with non complaint persons in confined spaces without reholstering and transferring the firearm to the other hand. The ability to retain the firearm while performing strikes with the non firing hand, elbows, knees in these situations is vastly superior to anything that I have been taught. By placing the firearm into the chest it reduces the chance of it being taken from me and allows shot discharge should it become necessary. By maintaining control of the weapon the chances of unintentional injury is also reduced.
As a firearms instructor the CAR system is the only system that I have seen that addresses the real needs of police officers and not just the marksmanship needs of non threatened competitive shooters on the range.
If the other styles, systems are so good then why do Police Officers miss so often in real life? Not only is the threat not dealt with, but by missing so often it actually endangers the public that we are supposed to help. The CAR System increases the hit ratio of actual real life shooting situation.
Try it, I did and I like it.
Daniel McAloon
Patrolman
New Britain Police Department
Connecticut
I have 28 years of Law Enforcement, having been involved in Firearms Training for almost 18 years. I have been injured in 1983, which ultimately resulted in surgery for back injury.
CAR system would have been a major assistance/prevention for me by SIMPLE RETENTION TECHNIQUE. The person was going for my gun and we went to the ground. My gun was extended, as taught in training extend low ready. I was attempting to put my weapon back in holster.
CAR has taught me to bring weapon up to ``HIGH" which I could have fended off the asshole. Instead, I was more concerned on getting firearm back into the holster.
CAR firearm system will be taught immediately when I return to work with my squad. Survival is more important then Supervisor/Chief opinion on old techniques. Use what we know and build on it; that's what CAR has done.
Sergeant Stephen J. Rebelowski
Waterford Police Department
Waterford, CT
I have been through the CAR training system and it has a very practical usable technique for all officers, large, small, male or female. This system is very natural and can be used with handgun, rifle, shotgun, impact weapons etc.
I am a 16 year veteran and training for 12 years and always looking to improve officers skills. My training objective is to see EVERY officer go home to his family every day and this system will greatly improve this goal.
Officer Rick Arborio PTCM
Firearms Instructor
Willimantic Police Department
22 Meadow Street
Willimantic, CT
I have been through the CAR system twice, the first as an operator, the second as an instructor. The CAR system works. I have used the system extensively in the field, and find it a more natural way to engage a deadly force situation, clear a building or cover a suspect. As a firearms instructor my goal will be to bring the CAR system to every officer on my department.
Matt Tutti
18 years on the job
New Britain, CT
I have been searching for progressive weapons training courses for several years. I received the training bulletin from POST and upon reading the course outline for CAR decided to attend. What I found during my week long training session was a training method which provided me with better weapon retention techniques and superior close quarter combat techniques. The CAR system is the best survival training system I have ever been exposed to.
D/Sgt Keith R Turgeon
Croton City Police Department
Croton, CT
After being through the CAR Instructor course, I found this system to be very beneficial for the law enforcement office.
This system works for all officers no matter what size or gender. Flows very easily with your natural body movement and frankly just makes perfect sense.
I wish this system was developed years ago because it might have saved a lot of lives and not just police officers lives.
Sergeant Todd Hankey
Southern Police Department
I feel that even the oldest dinosaur on the job can learn the CAR system. We spend our whole career learning the interview stance.
CAR is based on a good interview stance. Weapon retention and close quarter shooting in the CAR system can be taught very easily and efficiently. Even to the OLDEST DISGRUNTAL SHOOT Trainer.
Gene Cutrow
Training Officer (21 Years)
Waterbury Police Department
Waterbury, CT
After 22 years in L.E. I have found a system that has captured my complete and total interest. I have been an instructor for over 18 years and CAR is in my opinion the most effective system I have ever trained in. My personal skills increased vastly, especially when shooting the weak hand or reaction side. The key is that it encompasses in its system all the necessary components for officer survival. It's not just a shooting technique rather it is a total offensive/defensive system that affords you the ability to shoot or not to shoot and still capably defend yourself.
Sgt. Ed Perkind
East Hartford Police Department
East Hartford, CT
I feel that the CAR system gives law enforcement the real tool for the tool box. Not the unrealistic training we get from the academy. And then the yearly training just makes the state happy. Your system makes me feel a lot more comfortable in CQB environment. I can move much more naturally and fluid. With any weapon I use. The tracking and shooting from a patrol vehicle are with out a doubt much easier and faster than any other method. The weapon retention is just unbelievable. Every police officer out there that feels he wants to get up to speed and learn what really works and is easy to learn should not be skeptical they should be open minded. I have taken your course and have made leaps and bounds in the way I train and feel. The system should be mandated nationwide period. I will definitely be back to train and learn with you. You are a true hero you are doing this for the right reasons. It has been an honor to take the course and meet you.
Thank you very much.
Ernest J. Iarussi
Town of Carmel Police Department
Mohopac, NY
I have been a police officer for over fifteen years. The CAR system is the best training I have had by FAR. I have been a firearms instructor for several years and I look forward to teaching the CAR System to my 100 officer department. Weapon detention is made simple and effective and there is no system I have found that will beat CAR in CQB. Thank you for taking time to put officer safety first. If anyone has any questions for me about CAR, call me at 860-344-3200
Sergeant Sean Mariartt
Middletown Police Department
Middletown, CT
I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL SHOOTINGS IN MY 25 YEAR CAREER; AND I CAN TESTIFY TO THE FACT THAT WE MISS 80% OF OUR ROUNDS FIRED IN LIVE COMBAT, UTILIZING THE SHOOTING SYSTEMS OF WEAVER/ISOSOLIES. I HAVE SURVIVED BY LUCK. WHILE I'LL TAKE LUCK ANY TIME, I WOULD RATHER MAKE MY OWN LUCK. I AM CONVINCED THAT CAR SYSTM GIVES THE OPERATOR THAT SKILL TO MAKE THAT LUCK.
I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE CAR SYSTEM WOULD HAVE INCREASED MY ACCURACY TO 100% HITS AT THE CLOSE QUARTER DISTANCES I WAS AT – AND BEYOND.
CAR IS A TOTAL CLOSE QUARTERBATTLE SYSTEM – THAT IS NATURAL AND REACTIVE FOR THE BODY. ONCE OR TWICE IN A CAREER YOU WILL FIND A CONCEPT OR SYSTEM THAT IS ADVANTAGEOUS – THIS IS THE ONE. THIS IS A SYSTEM THAT WILL BECOME THE STANDARD IN OUR INDUSTRY. THANKS FOR CARING ENOUGH TO SAVE THE LIVES OF OUR BROTHER AND SISTER OFFICERS.
DET. LT. STEPHEN LEGERE
TACTICAL TEAM COMMANDER
MZIZIDEN POLICE DEPARTMENT
25 YEARS
After attending the C.A.R. two and a half day intro class, I could not wait to attend the full course. I have felt for a long time that weapon retention is very important. Along with deploying rounds in a manor. Now with the knowledge of CAR, I can't wait to get my officers who I know can shoot better upon strengthening the CAR I know that I can get them proficient in a short time to protect themselves better if faced with a deadly situation on the road. So they will get home to their families. As my dad used to say ``Don't knock it till you try it."
Officer Drew S. O'Conner
Firearms Instructor
Rocky Hill Police
I have been a trooper for 19 ¾ years. I have been teaching defensive tactics for 12 years and firearms for 5 years. This is the first firearms class that I have taken that properly ties in firearms training as a defensive tactic. The system is fast and it can be passed on to others very effectively. The tactical and practical skills that are a part of the CAR system in my belief can and do improve on every officers ability to learn, accept and improve on weapon usage in any situation. I can see how this system can and will help improve every police officers ability to survive.
Trooper First Class James Nealy, Jr
After being exposed to the CAR system I realized that the traditional training methods which are being used by law enforcement lack the material survival skills that CAR offers. The CAR system uses your material and instinctive body movements to defend yourself. The CAR System also enables you to reduce a threat in the most effective and precise manner. If the use of deadly force is needed the CAR System will give you precise shot placement under the most strenuous conditions.
This CAR system should be taught to all law enfocements.
Sincerely,
Trooper First Class Michael J. Polansky
Ct.St. Police Firearms Training Unit
In 1985 I was involved in a shooting where an adversary shot at me 3 times with a 357 revolver. I was able to return fire killing the adversary.
In October of 2002 I had the opportunity of attending a CAR Training Session. Had I had the CAR Training when my shooting occurred, I would have reacted differently and the adversary would not
have been able to react the way he did.
I recommend CAR for all Law Enforcement!
Sgt. Jerry Peters
Winsted, CT
In my opinion, The C.A.R. System is more natural to use than the other firing Techniques that have been taught in the past.
It is the ``out of the box" type of thinking that is so obvious, it had been overlooked until Paul put it in writing.
My first opinion was not to accept it, due to someone inventing something now every couple of months. Then, I tried it and kept my mind open, and found it was more accurate, faster and easier than other techniques taught in the past.
Thinking back, I have corrected people in the past that were shooting C.A.R. on their own and forced them to shoot the ``Traditional" ways. Little did I know, they were right all along.
This showed me, It is not the position or title you may have, but what actually works.
Officer Richard S. Ballou
Windsor Police Dept.
I have been a firearms instructor for the last 13 years, S.W.A.T. member and supervisor. Very rarely do we (police officers) come across new applications that are so very useful, the C.A.R. system is this. It is a shooting system that can be used to improve any shooter, from weapon retention to close quarter shooting. I believe the C.A.R. system should be exposed to all new shooters and intergraded to older shooters. It may save their lives.
Chris Manner
Sgt. North Branford Police Dept.
Firearms Inst.
C.A.R. is sensible and REAL. This training system incorporates economy of motion. CAR allows us to use our anatomy in the most efficient way to deal with life threatening situations. Thanks Paul. And keep building the Castle.
P.C. Mark Wellwood
PEEL Regional Police
Tactical & Rescue Unit
I believe that this system of Firearms Training should be taught and re-enforced at every level of law enforcement. The system is easy to understand because it utilizes your natural body position any movements. It caters to the individual operators natural stability, point of focus, and muscle placement in a firing position. Weapon retention becomes second nature and I believe is unparallel. When considering this system, keep an open mind. It works! This system can and will save our life!
Agent Michael Dobler
South Windsor Police Department
During this course three things kept returning to me as a Training Point and as a Survival Point.
One: The C.A.R. (Center Axis Re-Lock) is simple as a trainer this is one of the best ways to train Police Officers. For a Police Officer to use a technique it must be simple. We do not have, in my opinion, the time to teach the new officers complicated techniques and give them time to practice them.
Two: Natural, this technique uses natural movement that to me will save time so they can practice the on the range. Even in defensive tactics natural movements do not have to taught only practiced.
Three: It works: As a trainer it is important something works before you try it teach it.
To the people of Claymore Inc. I thank-you for giving us the opportunity to gain the knowledge of the C.A.R. system.
To Paul Castle I thank-you for your time and also I welcome you to the Brotherhood of Law Enforcement of Arkansas.
Charles Duboise Training Supervisor
Heber Springs Police Department
1001 West Main St.
Heber Springs, Arkansas72543
Paul:
Thought you would like to record that one of our officers successfully defended himself using the pistol punch with his M-26 Taser.
Officers, both armed with M-26 tasers, were dealing with non-compliant suspect when KB deployed darts but the cartridge failed to shock. The suspect rushed the officer who quickly pistol punched him in the mouth. This knocked the 6'0, 230# suspect to the ground and KJ deployed his taser successfully to get the suspect to comply. KB said the man was definitely high on drugs and violent. They had to shock him four times to get control.
I asked KB if using that technique was a direct result of the training he had received at the range and he said yes. I asked if its use was effective and he said yes. I asked if he had "to think about it much before he used it," and he said, "No, I just kind of did it. It didn't take much. He went right down."
Another one for the good guys.
Jeff, Akron
My name is Deputy James Andrzyczak I work for the Duval County Sheriff's Office in south Texas. I had the pleasure to train with Paul Castle one of the moves he taught us is "The pistol punch" which I believed saved my life.
Working down here most of the traffic on road is drugs and illegal immigrants. The problems with this is that all the stops can go from bad to worse a lot quicker then most. I always work nights and my back up can be anywhere from 5min. to 45min. on a good night.
I was on patrol one night when stopped to help out a broken down motorist. upon my approach the return on the plate came back expired I made contact with driver and asked if he needed help he told me he did not speak English I then asked the passenger if he did he stated "no". I asked for a license in Spanish nobody had one.
I looked in the car and noticed a felony ring (just the door key and ignition key)knowing that that is a one sign of drug running or illegal immigrant traffic I called for back up. I was told that someone is on the way. That is when the driver took off running west and the passenger ran east. I chased the driver and caught him when he tried to climb a fence the driver was 5'10 230 lbs I'm 6' 150 lbs he turned around and tried to punch me and tried to get something from his pocket I drew my weapon and I pistol punched him in his forehead knocking him to the ground.
It took longer to get him back to my car then it did to do anything else. His rap sheet said he was a deported criminal alien for assault on a peace officer. When he was booked in he told the booking officer he would have killed me because he was not going back to jail or Mexico I owe Paul my life and I try to teach all the rookies I can about that move.
That is just one small thing he taught us. If anyone has a chance to take a class with him do it. It was the best training I have ever had and I would recommend him to anybody.
James Andrzyczak. Deputy, Duval Co S.O. Texas
Thanks for the update Paul. Keep getting the message out there. Those of us who are "in the business" know the value of training and the advantage of the CAR system. FYI.....We did a SWAT Op. about a month ago with a barricaded subject. He had steel plates covering his windows with shot holes at his house. Typical Billy Badass. We did a two team dynamic entry and were able to apprehend him before he could react and grab his weapons that were in close proximity. As the arrest officers moved in to secure him, he could not resist an attempt to kick me in the nuts while providing cover. After avoiding the blow, I was able to deliver pistol punch to his chest with my M16 (short barrel -- collapsed stock) The arrest team then introduced his face to the ground in an abrupt manner. At booking he discovered a quarter size black & blue near his sternum courtesy of my flash suppressor. Mind you I had no intention of firing as he presented no weapon, nor was he trying to disarm me. However, at debriefing, the guys were commenting on the strike as I had just instructed the technique at our last training session. It worked. Thanks again and be safe.
Len Popolizio