The Black Crown Dispatch - Issue 3

Welcome to The Black Crown Dispatch. This newsletter is designed for all of you who value discipline, focus, and relentless self-improvement.

Training with the Elite: Raising Our Standards with US Special Mission Operators

Last month, Zero Sig embarked on an intensive training immersion with some of the best in the business – operators from U.S. Military Special Mission Units and elite Federal and State police forces. This wasn’t just a routine training program. We were challenged to meet the rigorous standards of experienced operators and veteran law enforcement officers, pushing our skillset and leadership to new heights.

During the training phase, I was designated as the detachment commander responsible for interior combat operations, mission planning, vehicle assault, and capture operations. My role involved calling out flow routes when assaulting structures and fully understanding the mission's intent to execute it effectively. I took responsibility not only for my team’s safety but also for adapting on target to achieve the commander’s objectives in hostile, fast-evolving situations.

This required rapid decision-making, balancing real-time threat assessments with mission success objectives to ensure 100% effectiveness. Repeating these scenarios under pressure pushed me to the point of mental exhaustion. The After Action Reviews (AAR) with seasoned combat operators provided crucial, detailed feedback, allowing me to refine and strengthen the systems I developed.

The standards I held myself to daily were as high as those they expected. For Zero Sig, these benchmarks aren’t just boxes to check; they represent a continuous journey to internalize, understand, and expand our methods, tactics, and operational approach—challenging us to manipulate real-world constraints efficiently under extreme stress.

Throughout the program, we honed our core capabilities: shoot, move, communicate, and medicate. We trained to integrate seamlessly with U.S. Military Special Mission Units and Federal Police for high-risk offender apprehension and High-Value Insurgent (HVI) degradation. This wasn't just about isolated skills but developing a complete mission mindset that drives every Zero Sig training module we deliver.

Our team underwent specialized training in methods of entry – from covert to explosive, with everything in between. We explored vehicle interdiction techniques and adapted to various environmental contexts, enhancing our adaptability. Additionally, we developed proficiency with experimental breaching charges for different structures, allowing us to craft customized solutions based on mission and threat analysis.

This experience elevated the entire Zero Sig team and reinforced our mission to deliver top-tier training for the military, law enforcement, and government professionals who rely on our expertise. Moving forward, we’re bringing these advanced tactics and standards back to our programs, ensuring each participant gains real-world, mission-driven skills. This training has set a new bar – and Zero Sig is ready to meet it. Stay tuned as we roll out new advanced modules that bring you closer to the intensity and precision we just lived.

-CL

Training Tip of the Month: Solidify Your Shooting Fundamentals

Mindset matters, everyone I have talked to in passing calls it weak hand. Stop that. It is your support hand, and it should be trained to that standard. We all look at a pistol and synonymously call it a hand-gun, which it is. How often do you train your support side? We all know what the fundamentals of marksmanship are, so train those on your support hand and understand your limitations and capabilities, document them just like a fitness journal, and look to improve.

No matter your skill level, a return to fundamentals can sharpen your edge. Take time to focus on grip, sight alignment, and controlled breathing. This is the baseline on which all advanced skills are built. Our upcoming courses will incorporate these principles as part of our mission preparation pipeline.

We’re starting a seven-part series of the Fundamentals of Marksmanship and how our team priorities them. We look forward to your feedback because open discourse in the community will allow us to grow and achieve a better understanding, together.

Behind the Scenes: Experimental Breaching & Entry Tactics

One of the most exciting parts of our recent training was experimenting with breaching charges designed for exterior breaches. This kind of innovation and breadth of freedom not only kept us on our toes, but showed us the limitations our own military experiences impose on us. Using these charges, and understanding their effects, documenting them, and retesting through our calculations taught us how to adapt breaching techniques to unpredictable conditions, and create courses of action for how we would assault on target. Will have more to say on this in future newsletters.

Ready for More? Subscribe Now for Next Month’s Update

Next month, we’ll break down more insights from our training immersion. If you’re looking to elevate your own skillset, now’s the time to subscribe. We're just getting started.

Have a question?  Drop us a note and we’ll do our best to address it in an upcoming issue.

If you found value in this, share it with anyone who would benefit from our community.

 Stay Zeroed

The Zero Sig Team