On this episode of The Cadre Podcast, Phillip sits down with The Cadre Lead Instructor and retired Recon Marine Steve Holland. It's been on our list since episode 13. Steve grew up in Riverside, CA, found structure in Boy Scouts, and wrote an eighth-grade paper about becoming a Navy SEAL that won his whole school district. A recruiter pointed him to Force Recon instead. He operated as a sniper for nearly his entire career before he ever went to sniper school, then went through as a senior Staff Sergeant and walked away as high spotter. Whether you're a hunter getting ready for season, a precision shooter working on fundamentals, or thinking about a path into Recon, Steve's story is proof that process beats talent every time. 🎧 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU?si=8cc5f61c6e814f79🎧 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120823 🎯 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com🎒 KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources📋 FREE DOPE CARD: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources ⏱ CHAPTERS0:00 Cold open: "I cannot come home"1:08 Steve Holland, a year in the making2:14 Growing up in Riverside and finding structure in Boy Scouts4:15 The Navy SEAL paper that won the district5:48 Skateboarding and learning not to quit9:33 BB guns, trigger control and the Kentucky turtle pond14:16 9/11 as a high school freshman17:00 Why Force Recon instead of the SEALs19:36 The four-minute mile and a recruiter who didn't lie22:40 Meeting Joelle26:50 Boot camp alongside Solo30:14 SOI, camp guard and the recon screener35:28 The snowboarding injury the week before BRC42:07 Getting through BRC44:39 The MEU platoon and learning from Dan51:15 Capability over qualifications51:55 First deployment: the call from Kuwait54:54 The first IED and a platoon sergeant he'll never forget1:00:38 First contact1:01:40 Lance Corporal to Sergeant in one deployment1:03:30 MARSOC stands up1:05:04 "No cert. Shut up. Sit in the back."1:07:49 Helicopter raids and where "HAF" came from1:11:09 Missing Afghanistan and meeting Bumpus1:14:54 BRC instructor: "crush bodies" mode1:15:57 Instructor vs. teacher1:21:45 The surprise fourth year1:25:27 Sniper school as a senior SSgt: "shut up and color"1:28:00 Teaching classmates the why1:30:24 Qual day: spotting for half the class1:31:41 Hodnett's quick wind: "This is magic"1:33:44 High spotter and the Vortex binos1:36:15 Reserves and standing up the Recon Sniper Course1:40:24 Why the fire service1:41:34 "Question everything"1:42:41 "I know how to find targets"1:45:36 Joining The Cadre1:48:22 Building a following by teaching the why1:53:18 Training local law enforcement1:54:04 His son Hunter joins the Marine Corps1:58:46 Advice to his 13-year-old self2:00:33 Wrap-up and 2027 courses CONNECT WITH THE TEAMPhillip Velayo – https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Jon Bumpus –  https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jonSteve Holland –  https://www.instagram.com/steve_hafThe Cadre –  https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos.

Most hunters don't have unlimited range days or cases of ammo. They have jobs, families, and a few weekends before season opens. In this episode, Phillip Velayo, Jon Bumpus, and Steve Holland break down how the "time-poor hunter" should train when every round and every hour counts. Between the three of them, you're hearing from former Marine Scout Snipers, instructors, and hunters who have taken game at distance with everything from 6.5 Creedmoor to solid copper in California. No theory for theory's sake — just what actually carries over from the range to the field. In this episode, we cover:- The "time-poor hunter" and why bigger calibers don't fix weak fundamentals- ELD-M vs. ELD-X terminal performance — and what happens when you hit heavy bone- Solid copper results at distance, including a 675-yard shot- Is tripod shooting an advanced skill or a foundational one?- Controlled range environments vs. uncontrolled field environments- Glassing and target reference points — the most undertrained hunting skill- Scanning patterns that keep your brain from filling in what isn't there- A structured range plan for limited ammo: zero and trajectory validation in the first 20 rounds- Building breaks through dry fire before live fire drills- Training in cold weather and real-world conditions- Multi-use gear, survival essentials, and why you still carry a hand call Whether you're prepping for your first long-range hunt or trying to get back to your standard after an off-season, this is the framework for making limited training time count. 🎧 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU?si=8cc5f61c6e814f79🎧 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120823 🎯 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com🎒 KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources📋 FREE DOPE CARD: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources ⏱ TIMESTAMPSTIMESTAMPS00:00 – Cold open: why every piece of gear needs more than one job01:21 – The time-poor hunter: four range trips, 100 rounds02:12 – Using a bigger caliber to cover weak skills (.338 Lapua on whitetail)03:01 – 6.5 Creedmoor on elk at 420 yards03:49 – ELD-M vs. ELD-X: real-world terminal performance05:10 – ELD-M penetration up close and shoulder shots07:25 – Solid copper at distance09:13 – Breaking down a chaotic last-light mule deer shot10:20 – Why four range trips won't build confidence12:47 – A strong foundation brings you back faster14:36 – Steve's year-round sustainment plan17:50 – Garage dry-fire drills with your tripod19:14 – Is tripod shooting an advanced skill or a foundational one?21:56 – Wobble zone management23:41 – Controlled vs. uncontrolled environments24:44 – Shooting through sagebrush and micro-terrain26:48 – "Do you know your knots?": performing without looking28:20 – Engagement speed and reading terrain31:03 – What you should be thinking in the first 30 seconds32:06 – Jon's antelope from a standing tripod34:06 – Limited-ammo training: dry reps, then one live round35:52 – The non-negotiables: zero, chrono, confirm trajectory37:22 – Building breaks and timed drills38:46 – Train in the conditions you'll hunt in40:46 – The most undertrained hunting skill: glassing41:08 – Target reference points: the Frank Church muley44:33 – Scanning right to left45:41 – Gear management, ranging through vegetation, and anchor points49:59 – 7 PRC recoil from field positions52:13 – Rifle weight and knowing your limitations57:02 – Best hunting cartridge: 6.5 PRC vs. 6.5 Creedmoor59:34 – Is PEAK ammunition worth it?1:03:18 – Shot placement and wobble zone1:04:45 – Pack dumps and online critics1:09:10 – Hunting-season pack minimums1:12:04 – Hand calls, rear bags, and emergency food1:14:20 – Why the InReach is always in the pack1:16:49 – What's next: 2027 schedule and Texas courses1:18:34 – Law enforcement curriculum and drone integration1:20:40 – Phil's fall hunts and the Seven Devils team sniper match1:21:52 – Training for sniper matche

Join Phillip Velayo and Todd of Pac Mule Training for a deep dive into the fitness side of hunting and shooting, including everything most guys overlook until the mountain humbles them. Todd walks through his journey from human performance coaching into building specialized training programs for hunters and shooters, and breaks down why movement efficiency, rucking, and base testing matter more than raw strength. He gets into how to structure a 3 to 4 month training plan, how to track progress, how to dial in gear selection and load distribution for rucking, and how physical readiness ties directly into mental confidence and decision making in the field. Whether you're prepping for an NRL Hunter event, gearing up for a backcountry season, or just tired of being the limiting factor on your own hunts, this one is worth the full sit. Listen to us on:Spotify, https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803TRAIN WITH TODD: https://humanpredatorpackmule.com/TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.comDOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kitDownload The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS0:00, Introduction to Todd and Pack Mule Training4:50, Todd's Journey into Human Performance Coaching10:11, The Importance of Base Testing in Fitness14:53, Fitness and Decision Making in the Backcountry20:14, Preparing for NRL Hunter Events24:53, The Role of Mobility and Weight Management30:06, Client Experiences and Training Programs34:58, Collaboration for Comprehensive Hunter Training37:52, Precision Rifle Shooting Mindset40:49, Understanding Capabilities and Limitations46:24, Rifle Setup and Personal Connection51:37, Rucking Training for Hunters1:01:31, Gear Recommendations and Packing Tips CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Todd: https://www.instagram.com/packmuletrainingcoFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.trainingPrecision Through Chaos. #PrecisionRifle #LongRangeShooting #RifleTraining #NewShooter #PrecisionRifleTraining #TheCadre #BoltAction #PRSShooting #NRLShooting #RifleFundamentals #MarineSniper #LongRangeHunting #ShootingPodcast #RifleClass #PrecisionHunter #RifleGear #ScopeSetup #ProcessOverTalent #precisionthroughchaos

Join Phillip Velayo and Eric D'Oro of The Cadre for the long version of how Eric actually got here, including the parts that didn't go to plan. Eric walks through growing up in Pennsylvania, joining the Marines at 18 in the shadow of 9/11, failing sniper school, coming back for a second attempt, and breaking his ankle mid-competition before having to drop out. He gets honest about the feedback that broke him, the bureaucracy that pushed him out of the Marine Corps, and the messy transition through college, firearms instruction, and contracting. Whether you're a young Marine wondering if you'd survive the standard, a competitor trying to reframe your last bad match, or someone mid-career-transition, this one is worth the full sit. Listen to us on:Spotify, https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kitDownload The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS0:00, Introduction, Who Is Eric D'Oro2:15, Growing Up in Pennsylvania, Family and Early Influences8:40, Joining the Marines at 18, Powerlifting, Wrestling, and 9/1115:20, SOI, Reclassing to 0311 and Volunteering for Recon22:10, The Recon Training Injury, Surgery, and the Extended Timeline31:45, Running the Sniper Screener40:30, Walking Into the Platoon, Catching Up to the Standard52:15, First Deployment to Australia, Mistakes and Feedback1:04:50, Leadership, Trust, and Team Dynamics1:18:25, Sniper School, Failure, and the Hazing That Followed1:31:10, The KD Test and What It Did to Him1:42:55, The Second Attempt, Broken Ankle, and Dropping Out1:54:30, Reintegration, Leadership Frustration, and the Decision to Leave2:06:15, Civilian Transition, College, and Firearms Instruction2:14:40, Contracting, Teaching, and Finding the Work That Fits2:20:05, Corey, Brianna, and Building a Support System2:26:30, Health, Stepping Back, and Choosing Competition2:32:45, Teaching With Lived Experience, NRL Hunter, and What's Next2:38:20, Final Thoughts on Resilience, Stubbornness, and the Long Road CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doroFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos.

Join Phillip Velayo and Andrew of Tenacity Firearms for a full breakdown of what it actually takes to build a high-end custom hunting rifle, get it in your hands fast, and run it with confidence in the backcountry. The conversation covers Tenacity's no-wait business model, the full component stack behind the Tenacity X, and the philosophy behind building a rifle system around how hunters actually operate in the field. They walk through every layer of the build: the McMillan Mountain Hunter stock with integrated Arca and Picatinny rails, the Tenacity-branded Defiance Anti-X action, Proof Research and Hell's Canyon Armory barrel options, and TriggerTech's role in a reliable, adjustable trigger system. The discussion gets into cartridge selection strategy, why factory ammo availability matters more than most hunters realize, and how scope mount height influences your ability to run the rifle cleanly under pressure. Phillip draws direct parallels between competition shooting fundamentals and backcountry hunting performance, including what the pre-shot and post-shot process looks like when an animal is in front of you. Whether you're specing your first custom hunting rifle, tired of waiting two years for a build, or looking for a modular platform that grows with your skill level, this episode gives you a blueprint for what a purpose-built precision hunting rifle should look like. Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | The Cadre x Tenacity Firearms Collaboration2:12 - Custom Rifle Industry | Wait Times, Market Saturation, and the Tenacity Model6:08 - Tenacity X Breakdown | McMillan Stock, Arca Rail, and Modular Design11:47 - Action, Barrel, and Trigger | Defiance, Proof Research, and TriggerTech17:25 - Cartridge Selection | What to Run and Why Factory Ammo Availability Matters22:43 - Scope Mount Height and Modern Technique | Minimizing Rifle Influence45:04 - Competition Shooting for Hunters | Why the Range Makes You Better in the Field53:49 - Troubleshooting and Customer Support | Knowing Your System When It Matters1:04:09 - Future Goals | New Configurations, Price Points, and Product Development CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Tenacity Firearms: https://www.instagram.com/tenacity_firearms/Follow Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_whitney/Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos.

In this episode, Phillip Velayo, Jon Bumpus, and Eric D'Oro of The Cadre introduce a specialized matrix for evaluating precision rifle venues based on positional challenge and wind complexity. By scoring four distinct ranges—Gravestone, Snake River, Mason Valley, and Fruit Stand—the crew demonstrates how varying terrain and environmental factors dictate specific training requirements and gear preparation. The discussion moves beyond simple mechanics to explore the nuances of wind engagement, the limitations of the Gun Number system at long range, and why "meaningful misses" are critical for growth. Whether you are a competitor, hunter, or instructor, this breakdown provides a universal framework for analyzing any range and reverse-engineering the skills needed to master it. Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | The Cadre Range Assessment Matrix2:09 - The Framework | Positional Challenge and Wind Complexity Explained4:31 - Gravestone Range | A Four on Props, Real Wind Variability9:16 - Wind at Gravestone | Reading Shifts, Angles, and Vegetation15:52 - How to Prepare | Recoil Management, Kestrel Calibration, and Reactive Calling28:27 - Snake River, Idaho | Natural Terrain and the Four-Rating Problem38:55 - Mason Valley | Target Acquisition, Vegetation, and Team Communication1:00:00 - Fruit Stand | Simple Positions, Complex Wind1:06:06 - Understanding Wind | Flow, Vertical Dispersion, and Learning Through Misses1:16:43 - Gun Number Gaps | Spin Drift, the AB App, and Where Students Break Down1:19:53 - Building Intuition | Why the Cheat Sheet Has Limits1:21:25 - Teaching Gun Number | Keeping It Simple and Knowing When It Fails1:31:13 - Upcoming Events | NRL Hunter, Foundation, and Advanced Courses CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doro Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos

Join Phillip Velayo, Jon Bumpus, Eric D'Oro, and Steve Holland of The Cadre for a full debrief from a two-day foundational precision rifle course in California — breaking down what actually happened in the classroom, on the line, and in the conversations that followed. The crew covers the pivot from a four-day format to two days, what got compressed, and where the pressure points showed up for students. Then it gets into performance: common equipment mistakes new shooters bring to the line, why bipod loading misconceptions persist, and what proper setup actually changes. The conversation shifts into something more useful — the difference between conscious incompetence and the path to unconscious competence, why knowing what you don't know is the most underrated outcome of a foundation course, and how different instructor styles surface breakthroughs that a single voice never could. Whether you're trying to decide if a foundation course is worth it, figuring out what gear actually matters before you show up, or looking to understand what separates structured learning from just burning ammo — this one is worth the listen. Listen to us on:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US:https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT:https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card:https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | Foundational Course Debrief2:37 - Condensing the Curriculum | Two Days vs. Three5:31 - Student Feedback | What They Walked Away With10:32 - Common Misconceptions | Bipod Loading and Equipment Mistakes43:46 - Teaching Styles | Why Different Voices Matter44:15 - Gear Setup | What's Hurting New Shooters Before They Fire a Round49:40 - Advice for New Shooters | How to Get Out of Your Own Way1:05:56 - Why We Teach | The Fulfillment Behind the Instruction1:08:03 - Advanced Course Preview | What's Next1:14:49 - Managing the Process | Flexibility Over Perfection1:16:58 - Failing in Front of Students | Why It's Part of the Job1:22:37 - Closing | Upcoming Training in Cody, Utah, and Brave Lizard CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Steve: https://www.instagram.com/steve_hafFollow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doroFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jonFollow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training #PrecisionRifle #LongRangeShooting #RifleTraining #NewShooter #PrecisionRifleTraining #TheCadre #BoltAction #PRSShooting #NRLShooting #RifleFundamentals #MarineSniper #LongRangeHunting #ShootingPodcast #RifleClass #PrecisionHunter #RifleGear #ScopeSetup #ProcessOverTalent #precisionthroughchaos  Precision Through Chaos.

Join Phillip Velayo, Jon Bumpus, and Eric D'Oro of The Cadre for a post-match debrief from the NRL Hunter Mason Valley match — breaking down what actually happened from the first stage impressions to the moments where the process started leaking. The crew covers the venue itself, what made the stage design stand out, and how conditions compared to last year. Then it gets into performance: equipment changes with the Abel Company cans and Thunder Beast brakes, trigger cam integration, and a full breakdown of sustains and improves from the match. The conversation shifts into something more useful — the difference between subconscious workflow and where conscious thought has to take over, why time management and asking the right questions mid-stage matter more than raw ability, and how teaching others sharpens your own process in ways competition alone can't. Whether you're trying to diagnose where your workflow breaks down under pressure, figuring out how to integrate new gear without disrupting your stage process, or looking to understand what separates composed execution from reactive shooting — this one is worth the listen. Listen to us on:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US:https://www.thecadretraining.comDOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT:https://www.thecadretraining.com/kitDownload The Cadre DOPE Card:https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | Mason Valley NRL Hunter Debrief2:13 - Weather & Equipment | Abel Company Cans, Thunder Beast Brakes6:31 - Match Performance | What Held and What Broke Down7:28 - Sustains & Improves | An Honest Post-Match Breakdown13:14 - Teamwork & Communication | Working the Stage as a Unit13:29 - Target Acquisition | Finding Targets in Dense Terrain14:46 - Trigger Cam & Position Challenges | What the Camera Revealed28:23 - Subconscious vs. Conscious Shooting | Where Your Focus Actually Lives1:14:36 - Wind & Target ID | Reading Conditions in Real Time1:23:22 - Teaching Under Pressure | What Coaching Does for Your Own Game1:28:26 - Final Thoughts | Future Matches & What's Next CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doroFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jonFollow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Sam Carlson from Thunder Beast Arms as we explore the critical role suppressors play in precision rifle shooting. Sam shares his personal journey from Army tanker to competitive shooter to working at one of the industry's most respected suppressor manufacturers, plus his experience running the Cheyenne Precision Rifle Hoe Down. We discuss the health implications of overpressure in competition shooting, how to choose the right suppressor for your application, the balance between suppressors and muzzle brakes for target acquisition, and what makes a great match director. Sam also breaks down his advice for new shooters, the importance of proper equipment selection, and why community matters in this sport. Whether you're considering your first suppressor purchase, looking to understand the health benefits of running a can, or interested in match directing — this conversation delivers practical insights from someone who's lived it. Listen to us on:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US:https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT:https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card:https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | Sam Carlson from Thunder Beast Arms2:46 - Sam's Journey into Precision Shooting | From Army Tanker to Competitor3:03 - Early Match Experiences & Equipment Evolution | Learning the Hard Way3:20 - Upgrading Gear & Finding What Works | Optics, Chassis & Reloading3:37 - Transition to Thunder Beast | From Competitor to Industry Professional3:53 - The Growing Role of Suppressors in Precision Shooting4:12 - Health & Performance | Overpressure Risks Every Competitor Should Know4:27 - The Future of Suppressors | Market Demand & Innovation4:42 - Choosing Your First Suppressor | Research, Testing & Customer Service5:02 - Sam's Personal Insights | Community, Collaboration & Future Goals5:19 - What Makes a Great Match Director | Course Design & Fairness5:42 - Cheyenne Precision Rifle Hoe Down | Building an Inclusive Match1:21:51 - Match Structure & Community | Loaner Rifles & Supporting New Shooters1:29:43 - Challenges & Adaptations | Wind Calls, Positioning & Growth Mindset1:30:30 - Advice for New Shooters | Patience, Positivity & Learning from Experience1:33:54 - Final Thoughts | Contact Info, Barrel Burner App & Thunder Beast Support CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Sam Carlson: https://www.instagram.com/dadthesamFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jonFollow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Ian Miner, precision rifle instructor and former Marine Scout Sniper, as we break down what actually happens when you step off the firing line at local match. Ian shares his experience at the Three Forks event — competing alongside neighbors and friends — and what that environment revealed about his process, his ego, and his rifle game. We discuss the mental and tactical differences between local matches and major competitions, how match flow breaks down when you start competing against people you know, the hunting vs. competition mindset split, and how to find the right training class for your goals. Ian also breaks down his experience running a Tikka rifle received as a community gift, the value of knowing your range and your people, and what match directors do that makes or breaks the experience for new competitors. Whether you're prepping for your first local match, trying to diagnose where your process falls apart mid-stage, or wondering how hunting instincts translate to the competition line — this conversation delivers real talk from someone who's lived both worlds. Listen to us on:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US:https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT:https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card:https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | Ian Miner Post-Match Debrief2:20 - The Three Forks Event | Community, Neighbors & a Relaxed Atmosphere3:33 - Why Local Matches Work | Less Intimidating, More Valuable6:49 - Match Flow & the Ego Problem | When Competition Mode Kills Your Process14:09 - The Tikka Gift | Rifle Setup & Community Support in Action21:22 - Hunting vs. Competition | Intuition, Wind Reads & Target Engagement22:14 - Training & Class Selection | Finding the Right Fit for Your Goals52:19 - Final Thoughts | Future Matches, Teaching & What's Next CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Ian: https://www.instagram.com/unextraordinarymanFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos