Wood, Paul
Beyond the Square Range: Developing Team-Based Firearms Training

This two-hour presentation explores training concepts designed to strengthen tactical firearms programs through team-based, practical range exercises. Participants will examine training methods that emphasize communication, muzzle discipline, and situational awareness - three critical elements for safely managing dynamic firearms training environments. The session will illustrate practical range exercises instructors can use to develop these skills while reinforcing safety, coordination, and instructor oversight during team-based training evolutions.

The presentation will also examine key factors that influence the selection of operational tactics and techniques, including mission requirements, environment, equipment, agency policy, and the capabilities of personnel. Understanding these variables helps instructors design training that supports operational decision-making rather than simply teaching isolated shooting skills. Drawing on extensive law enforcement training experience, this session provides practical ideas instructors can incorporate into their training programs to improve instructor capability and tactical training effectiveness. Attendees will leave with concepts for designing realistic, structured training that reinforces safe gun handling, effective communication, and sound tactical judgment in team-based firearms environments. This session is designed for tactical firearms instructors, training supervisors, and command staff responsible for overseeing tactical team firearms training programs.

Paul Wood - Bio
Paul Wood retired from Fort Collins Police Services in 2026 after a distinguished 33-year law enforcement career, including 24 years as a sergeant. During his career, he served for more than 30 years as a police firearms instructor and was the agency's Firearms Training Unit Coordinator (Rangemaster) from 2006 until his retirement. Paul is a certified instructor in handgun, rifle, and shotgun and holds certifications as a tactical shooting instructor, live-fire shoot-house instructor, and rangemaster. He is a Colorado POST Full-Skills Firearms Instructor and has been an NRA Law Enforcement Certified Instructor across multiple disciplines since 2000. Throughout his career, he served on 20 use-of-force review panels as the subject matter expert in firearms for officer-involved shootings and other critical incidents. He also has extensive experience designing, managing, and operating both indoor and outdoor firearms training facilities. Paul is a Charter Member and Staff Instructor for the National Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association (NLEFIA). He has taught instructor-level firearms courses across the United States and Canada.