Georgia POST Annual Firearms Requalification's Requirements - UPDATE

GA POST has updated the requirement for the course of fire for the annual firearms requalification's.

The new MINIMUM requirements are as follows:

• Using the approved SQT-A1 target (8 and 10 ring scoring required)
• 30 rounds of ammo
• Rounds fired under time (max 2 seconds per round, additional time can be added for movements and reloads)
• Rounds fired from the 15-, 7-, and 3-yard lines (round should be spread somewhat evenly)
• Rounds fired from the Holster, High-ready, and Low-ready
• Achieve an 80% score to pass   

The most notable difference is the elimination of the 25 yard line requirement where peace officers were required to fire 4 rounds while using cover. These four rounds can now be folded into any yard line at the discretion of the Department. Another less noticeable change is the dual target requirement. Nothing in the above minimum requirements states the requirement of two targets. The rule also states that after these minimum standards are met agencies can add other elements such as moving targets, more rounds, distances and multiple targets at their discretion.

The objective of this change was to give the agencies control of their firearms training. Instead of saying you will use this course and these elements as a one course fits all approach. Now agencies can fold in tools and other elements that are specific to their environment.

POST did point out that the agency need to be prepared to defend their course of fire if future litigation arises. With that in mind, we know that shootings are not static, they are dynamic and happen in a split second. Your agencies training needs to reflect this. We have all seen it, peace officers struggling to get their guns out, not knowing to to operate their firearm, address a malfunction and so on. It will be up to the Instructors to address these issues but not at the sacrifice of standards. Everyone reading this needs more firearms training. We need to be training on the edge of our abilities and identify that this is a perishable skill.

Remember your pistol will get you to your rifle, just make sure you know how to use that....