Law Enforcement RDS Instructor Training

RDS Instructor Course

This three-day intensive RDS Instructor Course prepares law enforcement professionals to master red dot sight (RDS) pistols and implement effective agency-level training programs. With 9–10 hours of live-fire instruction daily, students refine accuracy, understand RDS performance, and develop instructor-level skills. Certification is earned through successful completion of qualification standards and teach-backs.

RDS Instructor course was just that. A higher level course designed to develop the individual as an instructor. From day one, officers were coaching shooters on the points of performance that were discussed and demonstrated by Bobby, the lead instructor. Bobby delivered information and drills across all experience levels with a vested interest in bettering shooters as instructors. Excellent course.
Police badge of Sioux City, Iowa, representing law enforcement and public safety efforts.
G. Fannen
Student

Training Overview

The Grey Group Red Dot Sight (RDS) Handgun Instructor Course is an intensive, performance-driven program designed to develop competent, capable firearms instructors who can effectively implement red dot pistol programs within their agencies.

This is not a basic shooting course and not a participation-based certification.

Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in performance, instructional ability, and diagnostic capability. Through structured instructor development, teach-back requirements, and measurable qualification standards, this course ensures graduates are prepared to train others—not just shoot.

Participants will leave with the ability to confidently integrate RDS-equipped pistols into real-world law enforcement environments while maintaining accountability to performance standards.

What Makes This Course Different

Most RDS courses emphasize shooter performance alone. This course is built to develop instructors. Grey Group’s program integrates low-light application while focusing on three core pillars: instructor development, teach-back validation, and qualification standards. Students are trained to teach—not just perform—with an emphasis on communication, demonstration, and corrective coaching. Participants are required to lead portions of training, demonstrating their ability to manage students and apply instructional methods in real time. Performance is measured throughout the course, and students must meet defined standards to complete certification. This structure ensures graduates leave with proven instructional capability—not just shooting faster. 

Core Training Topics

Required Equipment

  • Red Dot Sight (RDS) Pistol Fundamentals and Marksmanship
  • RDS Presentation, Sight Acquisition, and Recoil Management
  • Instructor-Level Shooter Diagnostics and Corrective Training Methods
  • RDS Zeroing Procedures and Mechanical Offset Application
  • Low Light RDS Shooting Applications and Performance
  • Movement, Use of Cover, and Multiple Target Engagement
  • Firearms Instructor Development and Teaching Methodology
  • Instructor Teach-Backs and Student Evaluation Techniques
  • RDS equipped pistol (mounted)
  • RDS capable holster, duty belt, magazines, vest
  • 1000 rounds pistol ammunition, 50 rounds duty (Zero)
  • Sight adjustment tool for students specific RDS
  • Handheld flashlight and weapon mounted light
  • Hat, eye protection, hearing protection
  • Long sleeve shirt recommended
  • Grey Group doesn't provide ammo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

This course is designed for law enforcement and experienced shooters who are currently instructing or preparing to instruct. While a formal instructor certification is recommended, students must already possess strong firearm handling skills and prior training experience.

Yes. Students who successfully complete the course, including qualification standards and instructor teach-backs, will receive a certificate of completion recognizing their ability to instruct RDS-equipped pistol training.

This is a performance-based course. Students must meet defined shooting and instructional standards to successfully complete the program, with an emphasis on demonstrated capability—not attendance. Multiple opportunities are provided to pass the qualification. Students who do not meet the required standards will receive a certificate of attendance rather than instructor certification.

Yes. Grey Group offers hosting opportunities for agencies that can provide a suitable range, classroom space, and logistical support. Learn more about hosting requirements and how to bring this course to your location here: https://greygroupsecurity.com/host-grey-group/.

A teach-back requires students to instruct portions of the course to other participants using a combination of EDIP (Explain, Demonstrate, Imitate, Practice) and EDGE (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) training methods. This process ensures students can effectively communicate concepts, demonstrate techniques, and coach others in real time—developing the critical instructional skills required of a professional firearms instructor.

Yes. The course is designed to prepare instructors to build, implement, and sustain RDS training programs within their agency.