AAR at Reddit.com (Low Power Variable Optics - LPVO)
Review originally posted at Reddit.com
Green Ops LPVO Course Review
I had the pleasure of taking the Low Powered Variable Optic (LPVO) course with Green Ops u/GreenOpsAcutal for their first run of the class in July. This was my second class with Green Ops, you can find my previous review on the Defensive Handgun 1 here on r/VAGuns as well. Also, as full disclosure they do give a discount on future classes for writing a review, but i do genuinely feel this a unique and excellent course.
When: July 17th, 2021 (9 Hours)
Where: Rixeyville, VA (outside Culpeper)
What: LPVO Course
Ability Requirement: Moderate to Advanced
Pre-Requisite: Make sure your optic is zero'ed before class and it helps to be using the same ammo.
Equipment: Rifle with LPVO, sling, bipod, 300 rounds, Shooting Mat(or towel/blanket), shooting bag, Mags, Lunch with drinks and cooler, sunscreen, eyes, ears, Chair, Range Finder if you have one. Equipment to hold mags - belt/chest rig/PC.
BLUF: Fantastic class in utilizing the LPVO and introduction to shooting a carbine at farther distances. As with any Green Ops class the instructors are the best part.
Overall Rating: 10/10
Before I start, let me say that this was during their very first time running the class so it may have changed. Chris Alvarez designed the class from the ground up and he did an amazing job with the design and flow. Additionally, the other instructors are Max Delo and Jose Gordon (who is the feature guest on Episode 1 of Modern Samurai Project) and with any Green Ops course, the instructors are the best part. There is not only a wealth of information but all 3 have different personality types so there is sure to be an instructor for you and with any Green Ops course you will work with and receive feedback from all 3 during all/most drills for a variety of performance improvement.
The next best part outside of instructors was the range. This was not held out their usual quarry. It was held at a private range that is out to at least 1200 yards, but we mostly engaged to 600 yards. There's very few places you can find instructors with access to a range like this. This alone is worth taking advantage of.
Highlight of the course: the final live fire drill culminating moving, shooting, and communicating with a teammate in the area of about a football field and engaging out to 400 yards. This was a truly unique and advanced experience and is the highlight of the course. You can see the video in their post here and the video doesn't do it justice of when you're in the moment: https://www.reddit.com/r/VAGuns/comments/pgso3d/green_ops_is_running_our_lpvo_course_again_on/
Also be sure to check out their Instagram for other pics and videos "@GreenOpsInc"
A quick breakdown of course structure:
Lecture: Safety brief, emergency protocol, history of the LPVO, basics of zero, basics of hold adn windage, and DOPE.
Checking zero individually at 50 and 100 yards
Checking zero again on various ranging targets
Simultaneous with checking zero was a target ID drill, when your zero was good, you could go over to the woods and try to identify hidden objects.
Engaging multiple targets at distance
Engaging multiple targets at distance using barriers
Partner drill on barrier cover and movement
2 man team 3 D exercise
AAR
Constructive feedback: The time spend on lecture was good, instructors were worried it was too long but i enjoyed it. I also enjoyed all the exercises, the only thing i would change is the format for confirming zero at 50 and 100 and then again on multiple targets took a little long. Maybe split up instructors and have multiple shooters engaging at once.
I would definitely enjoy taking this class a second time, there are so many skills and values to learn here and the instructors and facility are top notch.
Big thanks to Chris and the Green Ops team.
