Squad Tactics Class Review – Eric
This marked my third consecutive year attending the Squad Tactics Class, and there’s a reason I keep coming back: it’s where everything from HEAT 1 and HEAT 2 comes together. This course lets you apply what you’ve learned in realistic force-on-force scenarios that push both your physical and mental limits.
Preparation and Sustainment
This year’s class introduced a major change. Instead of the traditional single mission per day followed by lunch and re-supply at the cabin (with second mission in the afternoon), we were informed to expect multiple missions per day and to spend entire days in the field. That shift forced everyone to rethink their kit and sustainment strategy.
Held in September, temperatures ranged from the 50s in the morning to the upper 80s by afternoon. Water management became a key focus for me, I wanted to avoid re-supply from the cadre. I carried roughly a gallon split between two canteens and a bladder, along with enough calories for a full day (or, in real-world terms, a 24-hour sustainment load).
Field Execution
The first day followed the familiar format: whiteboard instruction in the cabin, followed by rehearsals in the field. We focused on establishing a base of fire, suppressing enemy positions, and sending in a flanking element.
Our first mission, led by Max, consisted of two four-man squads making initial contact. I was part of the flanking element (third team). AirSim, of course, has its limitations, range and accuracy being key factors. When your support-by-fire team can’t deliver enough accurate BBs, your flanking team pays the price. This pattern repeated throughout the weekend: effective suppression was essential for the flanking team’s success.
Increasing Tempo
From Days 2 through 4, the pace ramped up dramatically with 11 missions in four days. Engagements were shorter and more intense, lasting 20–30 minutes each. Every fight felt like a CrossFit workout: sprints, burpees, lunges, crawling, all while wearing full kit and often an assault pack. The undulating terrain added to the challenge. Fitness and endurance weren’t optional; they were essential to staying effective under load.
Leadership Experience
For the first time, I had the opportunity to serve as Squad Leader twice. Both experiences were invaluable. The first mission required developing a terrain model and briefing my squad. The second mission was more comprehensive. I received the task the night before, allowing me to prepare a full operations order. I spent that evening refining the plan until 11 p.m.
Leadership, I learned, is demanding. It often cuts into personal downtime and adds layers of mental fatigue on top of physical exhaustion. Success depends heavily on your team leaders’ ability to make sound decisions and maintain awareness of the battlefield. The “fog of war” becomes real when communication or visibility breaks down. Experienced team leads can carry mission intent forward even without direct oversight, while inexperienced ones may lose control of their team or focus too narrowly on personal engagement.
The lessons in both victories and mistakes were some of the most valuable leadership training I’ve experienced.
Final Thoughts
Squad Tactics remains one of the most valuable courses offered. It’s where you apply theory under stress, test your gear and endurance, and measure your readiness for sustained operations. You don’t have to complete HEAT 1 and HEAT 2 beforehand, but doing so greatly enhances your experience and performance.
If you’re offered the chance to lead, whether as a team leader or squad leader take it. Push beyond your comfort zone, embrace the mistakes, and learn from them. It’s far better to make those errors now, when BBs are flying, than later when the stakes are real.
MVT is currently planning on scheduling the Squad Tactics Class in September 2026. If there is enough interest (we need 13 students for the class) we may also schedule one in the spring. You are welcome to write to me expressing interest in either option.
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