GENERAL TRAINING QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need a firearms license (PAL) to attend a course?
A: For most firearms courses, yes — a valid PAL/RPAL is required. However, some locations allow unlicensed participants under a range guest waiver. Check your course page or email us to confirm.

Q: Can civilians attend your training, or is it just for military/law enforcement?
A: Our courses are open to any responsible civilian with safe gun-handling experience. You do not need a tactical background to attend Gunfighter, Nightfighter, or Stop the Bleed®.

Q: Are OFFSPECWAR courses beginner-friendly?
A: Yes — especially Gunfighter Essentials and Stop the Bleed. You’ll need basic familiarity with your firearm, but we’ll build the rest from the ground up.

Q: What’s the minimum age to attend a course?
A: Participants must be 18+ unless otherwise noted. Minors may be allowed in some medical-only courses with parental consent — contact us directly for approval.

GEAR & EQUIPMENT

Q: Do I need to bring my own firearm?
A: Yes. All participants must bring their own functional firearm that meets course requirements. Rentals are not currently available.

Q: What kind of holster or sling should I bring?
A: Holsters must be Outside the Waistband (OWB), rigid (not fabric), and no SERPA-style or index finger actuated retention systems. For rifles, a two-point sling is recommended.

Q: What’s in the required medical kit?
A: You’ll need a tourniquet, pressure bandage, wound-packing gauze, and gloves. Our IFAKs meet course standards and are available at offspecwar.ca/shop.

Q: What kind of ammo should I bring?
A: Quality factory or reliable reloads. Each course specifies a round count (e.g., 600 rounds for Gunfighter Handgun). Always bring at least 20% extra.

LOCATION & LOGISTICS

Q: Where are your courses held?
A: We currently run courses throughout British Columbia. Locations and dates are listed on each course page. If you’d like us to host a course at your range, contact us to determine what’s needed to make that happen.

Q: What time should I arrive?
A: Full course details are provided through Joining Instructions prior to the course date. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to stage gear, complete paperwork, and attend the safety briefing.

Q: Will the course run in bad weather?
A: Yes — rain, snow, or shine. Dress appropriately for the environment. Only extreme weather (lightning, wildfire risk, etc.) will postpone a course.

Q: Are lunch or facilities provided?
A: Students are responsible for their own food, hydration, and gear. Most venues have outhouse or portable toilet access.

REGISTRATION & REFUNDS

Q: How do I register for a course?
A: You can book directly on our Training course pages — select your course and date, and complete checkout online.

Q: What’s your refund and cancellation policy?
A: Training courses and services are non-refundable. Accommodations can be made for extenuating circumstances, when arrangements are discussed prior to registration, and under limited exceptions No-shows forfeit the booking.

Q: What happens if OFFSPECWAR cancels the course?
A: If we cancel due to weather, instructor illness, or insufficient signups, you’ll be offered a full refund or credit as preferred.

MEDICAL TRAINING

Q: What is Stop the Bleed®, and is it included in all courses?
A: Stop the Bleed® is a internationally recognized trauma care certification. It’s embedded in Gunfighter Essentials, and also offered as a standalone course.

Q: Do I need prior medical training?
A: Not at all. Our medical modules are beginner-friendly, hands-on, and focused on real-world application.

SPECIALTY COURSES (NIGHTFIGHTER, LIGHTFIGHTER, ETC.)

Q: Do I need night vision for the Nightfighter course?
A: Sort of — Nightfighter assumes the use of helmet-mounted NVG and/or weapon-mounted white light. Rental NVG may be available through our partners—contact us for info.

Q: What’s required for Lightfighter fieldcraft courses?
A: A daypack, compass, layered outdoor clothing, basic bush gear, and hydration are essential. A cursory gear list is provided on the course page, and a detailed kit list is provided in joining instructions prior to the course date.