As some of you know, I am a full time fishing guide as well as a CHL Instructor. I have met various instructors over the years, some real normal ones and some unusual ones. I met another "unusual" one yesterday, he was aclient on another guide's boat. I don't recall his name and wouldn't mention it if I did.
He was from San Antonio, and what got my attention was that he was wearing a Concealed Handgun Association shirt with an instructor patch sewn on. Evidently his friends thought he was a bit goofy too because they outed him about his CHL Badge. Turns out he wears one next to his gun.
It came up because in conversation I mentioned an instructor here in town that wears his CHL around his neck. This guys buddies said he had one too and even wore the badge.
He said he mostly teaches women. Maybe they are impressed by the badge?????
Maybe I am missing the band wagon and should be "showing off" more, it's just not my nature. I guess I could stand to drum up business by being a walking billboard.
How many here wear a CHL Badge?
How many wear shirts with all your credentials sewn on?
edit: I forgot to mention, he said that when he did his renewal in Florence that somebody with DPS told him that 400 instructors were under indictment. Has anybody heard anything like that?
He also said that L-1 takes the passport photos now too. Last I heard they just took one for their files , has this changed?
I asked if he ever came to the Forum and he said he had seen it once or twice but didn't follow it.
Last edited by Seabear on Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
Carry safe and carry when and where you can. I'm just sayin'.
Seabear wrote:I forgot to mention, he said that when he did his renewal in Florence that somebody with DPS told him that 400 instructors were under indictment. Has anybody heard anything like that?
If they were under indictment, wouldn't they be "former CHL instructors"?
Don't own a badge. The DPS instructors in our class do not like them one bit. They feel they could be used as grounds for charges of impersonating a LEO if people think it is a LEO badge. Even if the DPS was not keenly against having one, I would not want one. In the event you really need to prove to someone you are a CHL, then that is what the actual license is for. As for the shirt, that's open to argument. It's advertising. I've seen some that were really good looking and a credit to the instructor. A shirt as you describe in a setting other than a CHL class maybe not so much. I would personally be wondering if a shooter just decided I would be the first to go. Advertising can help or hurt. I have seen the wrap on Crossfires' truck and it is awesome! It makes such a good impression, it brings in business. I've also seen sloppy advertising on a dirty older truck I saw down in Georgetown and it did not make a good impression at all. Professionalism is a no brainer in any business.
Last edited by TexasGal on Tue Oct 16, 2012 2:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
The Only Bodyguard I Can Afford is Me
Texas LTC Instructor Cert
NRA Life Member
Well, I have seen a few "unusual instructors" myself. In fact, some would say that I am a bit unusual... especially the gun-bigots that hate when I say, "You can actually use a Kel-Tec for a Concealed Handgun." That gets a lot of instructors hopping mad.
What bothers me is that DPS does not spend a little more time with instructors. I have one instructor that is local that everyone loves because he simply teaches the test. He has a lot of "Down Time" while students talk with each other and wonder if the instructor will be coming back to the classroom any time soon. If you can't read the test, he will read it to you. If you can't read English, he will simply tell you the answers. Most instructors are starting to see that the only thing DPS really cares about is getting people to sign away their Constitutional Rights to privacy. It is illegal for any criminal justice agency to get that information about you without; 1. probably cause, 2. investigating of a crime, 3. you signing an affidavit that allows them to do a background check on you. (I am a graduate of the Police Academy... and this is what they taught me).
The bottom line is: The State Constitution says you can keep and bear arms. The U.S. Constitution says you can keep and bear arms. The only thing the CHL offers is for you to carry "Concealed" into public.
However, "Unusual" and "Poor" CHL instructors could be the downfall of the program if left unchecked. I, personally, have issues with the Instructor's program simply because I have completed "Instructor's Training Programs" with the Military Non Commissioned Officers Education Services, Texas Department of Health Emergency Medical Services, Texas Commission of Fire Protection, National Rifle Association, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and National Aquatic School. Because of this, I find myself being a little too critical of the Instructor's Program that is presented by DPS.... so bear with me.
The biggest problem I see is that there is no set standard for the program. There are 4 subjects that must be taught. There is no time limit for each, and the instructor has no set curriculum to follow to keep on track. Therefore, many instructors will try to add in 20 years of experience that only helps to "Entertain" the group until the time for the class is up. Others will try to "baffle them with bull" until the time limit is up.
The Association (TCHA) has put out some PPT programs that are somewhat standardized. However, if you followed the PowerPoint to the letter, you would be teaching a 20 hour class. That PowerPoint program is designed so that instructors can subtract as they desire and add what they want. With that, we are back to the fact that there is not a lot of standardization in the program. This means that a student in El Paso will not have the same training as someone in Houston (although there will be some standards covered...just not in the same manner). To add to this is the fact that these PPT can be a distraction. Any decent instructor training program will teach you to avoid lengthy, confusing, and over-produced presentations. What you get with a class that is one big PPT program is a lot of sleepy, bored, and uninterested students.
I designed a "Modular" program with "Pop Quizzes". I give the pop quiz at the beginning of each hour. 10 questions over the topic to follow for that next hour. No pass/fail. Then we discuss the pop quiz and review the material. The pop quiz takes about 5 minutes. The review takes about 10 minutes. Then I go over the module; 35 minutes. The pop quiz gives me time to review and prepare for the next hour. The review allows for "Class Participation". Then the didactic is limited to 35 minutes. Then comes the 10 minute break. Students see me handing out the pop quiz on the hour and are compelled to sit and read... or get left behind. If I need visuals, I print them up in a handout.
I intentionally designed my Instructors Manual so that there are no videos, projectors, electronics, or posters. This was purposely done so that I could add these in if I wanted to... but took into account that modern electronics will fail when you need them the most. During the writing of a detailed curriculum for my course, I realized that I might want to market it. Therefore, I needed to make it work for everyone. I designed it so that an instructor could simply print up a packet (Appendices from the Manual) for each student (about $3 to $5) and give to each student. The Handout allows for each student to have the material in front of them, take notes, and prepare for the final exam. It also gives them something to take home. Lastly, it includes all of the information that is presented in the CHL-16 that you can get online; therefore, you don't have to order any CHL-16's for your students.
I designed this Instructor's Manual so that the instructor will have a set standard for setting up, presenting, and ending the program in a standardized routine. I modeled it after the U.S. Army NCOES programs and the National Rifle Association's training program. Two years in the making, I think I have it fairly well ready to mass produce. I have let some instructors review it and they feel that it is well worth the concept.
Maybe I will try to market it later this year.......
I try to use some videos that are approved by DPS, but only if available. I never bank on having them for the class simply because I cannot trust that the electronics will work when I need them.
The Second Amendment is not about your Right to Keep and Bear Arms... it is about your Responsibility to the Security of a "Free State"!
Seabear wrote:As some of you know, I am a full time fishing guide as well as a CHL Instructor. I have met various instructors over the years, some real normal ones and some unusual ones. I met another "unusual" one yesterday, he was aclient on another guide's boat. I don't recall his name and wouldn't mention it if I did.
He was from San Antonio, and what got my attention was that he was wearing a Concealed Handgun Association shirt with an instructor patch sewn on. Evidently his friends thought he was a bit goofy too because they outed him about his CHL Badge. Turns out he wears one next to his gun.
It came up because in conversation I mentioned an instructor here in town that wears his CHL around his neck. This guys buddies said he had one too and even wore the badge.
He said he mostly teaches women. Maybe they are impressed by the badge?????
Maybe I am missing the band wagon and should be "showing off" more, it's just not my nature. I guess I could stand to drum up business by being a walking billboard.
How many here wear a CHL Badge?
How many wear shirts with all your credentials sewn on?
Badges: We don't need not stinking Badges!!!
Actually, I carry a badge next to my pistola. It is not a CHL Badge though (it is a commissioned firefighter's badge). I did invest in a CHL badge because I thought it was a neat novelty item. To be honest, I really don't know where I put it. I might need to dig it up and look at it again. Don't see anything wrong with buying one. They are kinda neato. However, I warn my students about them. Concealed means "Concealed". Having a T-Shirt or badge that says, "Gun is concealed and it is RIGHT HERE" (arrow pointing to it) is kind of silly.
As for advertising on a T-Shirt... I do that. Gotta get your clients where ever you can. Just be more alert than normal. As for some nut shooting you first??? I would not worry about that because these kind of nuts rarely stop to read anything before acting. However, if you gotta pretty CHL Badge, that might draw attention for the first volley of rounds.
The Second Amendment is not about your Right to Keep and Bear Arms... it is about your Responsibility to the Security of a "Free State"!
TexasGal wrote:Don't own a badge. The DPS instructors in our class do not like them one bit. They feel they could be used as grounds for charges of impersonating a LEO if people think it is a LEO badge. Even if the DPS was not keenly against having one, I would not want one. In the event you really need to prove to someone you are a CHL, then that is what the actual license is for. As for the shirt, that's open to argument. It's advertising. I've seen some that were really good looking and a credit to the instructor. A shirt as you describe in a setting other than a CHL class maybe not so much. I would personally be wondering if a shooter just decided I would be the first to go. Advertising can help or hurt. I have seen the wrap on Crossfires' truck and it is awesome! It makes such a good impression, it brings in business. I've also seen sloppy advertising on a dirty older truck I saw down in Georgetown and it did not make a good impression at all. Professionalism is a no brainer in any business.
I agree 100%. I edited my post several times to tone down my original thoughts since some might have been in violation of Forum Rules. LOL
I remember seeing pics of Crossfire's truck and I loved it! I have thought of doing something similar with my truck , however I am not that creative.
I really felt like with the badge and the attitude, this guy "thought" he was somebody. Like you I could see the shirt being ok if done nicely and looking professional. It seemed a little out of place for someone coming from San Antonio to fish in Corpus to be wearing an instructor shirt not to mention long pants. It isn't exactly cool down here yet.
Also wearing a full size gun all day while on a private charter is just a little too much also IMHO. I personally arrive at the marina armed, however put my weapon away in a gear bag usually before my customers arrive. I don't think a flapping shirt tail while running 45+ mph and exsposing my pistola would make customers very comfortable.
Carry safe and carry when and where you can. I'm just sayin'.
Seabear wrote:... It seemed a little out of place for someone coming from San Antonio to fish in Corpus to be wearing an instructor shirt not to mention long pants. It isn't exactly cool down here yet.
It might scare the fish away if they get a flash of my pasty white legs! That's why I wear long pants!
Seabear wrote: I don't think a flapping shirt tail while running 45+ mph and exsposing my pistola would make customers very comfortable.
Though, you could always tell them that you're protecting them from Somali pirates!
NRA-Life member, NRA Instructor, NRA RSO, TSRA member,
Vietnam (AF) Veteran -- Amateur Extra class amateur radio operator: N5WD
Email: CHL@centurylink.net
Seabear wrote:... It seemed a little out of place for someone coming from San Antonio to fish in Corpus to be wearing an instructor shirt not to mention long pants. It isn't exactly cool down here yet.
It might scare the fish away if they get a flash of my pasty white legs! That's why I wear long pants!
Seabear wrote: I don't think a flapping shirt tail while running 45+ mph and exsposing my pistola would make customers very comfortable.
Though, you could always tell them that you're protecting them from Somali pirates!
I went kayaking one time and took my Glock 30 (.45cal) and three extra mags for the trip. At one point, I hit a rock and went right over. After trying to right myself, I realized that the "Excess Lead Weights" made it necessary to pull out and move to the side. It also reminded me that lead weights should be more for scuba in salt water too!!!
The Second Amendment is not about your Right to Keep and Bear Arms... it is about your Responsibility to the Security of a "Free State"!
There is a place close to here, Lone Star Hand Gun, (don't know the people), I've seen their truck, it's well done. I think I've seen the guy in a nice understated tab shirt, again, well done.
There is a small business philosophy, that anytime you are out you should be selling your product, which is, in the case of a CHL instructor, yourself.
Now....if I were doing this...I'd make me a bunch of shirts that said SewTexas CHL Training (that would be weird, but we're imagining) under that maybe a line with my name and then under that INSTRUCTOR or something along those lines. and I would where them anytime I might meet potential clients.
and I wouldn't where no stupid badge...those things make you look like an amatuer
~Tracy
Gun control is what you talk about when you don't want to talk about the truth ~ Colion Noir
I have been out of pocket for a few days, and just saw this. Thanks for the compliments on the truck! Yes, it does work. The wrap on the truck has paid for itself many times over.
We also wear our Crossfire shirts just about everywhere we can. Even when traveling. And today is the first time I have ever had any trouble. We are sitting in the terminal at Salt Lake City waiting to board a plane after having just renewed our Utah CFP Instructors permits.
TSA apparently not having a happy day here. Got rude comments at the first check, and ignored it. But, when I went through the scanner, the TSA guy says "Turn around and let me see your shirt!" OK.... then "Why would you choose to wear something like that to an airport?" (Really? Am I a threat because I have a scary picture of a gun on my shirt? ) I said, "It's my business. We choose to advertise everywhere we go. Please give the big guy behind me a hard time too."
So, of course, Marty gets the full treatment. Cause, besides the scary t-shirt, he also has a scary mustache! And a CPAP machine for sleep apnea! Oh dear lord, we have met the criteria for terrorists!
End result - just so ya know... the SLC airport is completely safe - from us.
One more thing on the CHL badge issue - it is a Class B Misdemeanor in Utah to display any badge that resembles a law enforcement badge. They drilled that in pretty well. No CHL badges!
I don't know if a CHL badge is enough evidence, in Texas,to get you charged with impersonating a LEO, but I don't want to take any chances.
) I said, "It's my business. We choose to advertise everywhere we go. Please give the big guy behind me a hard time too."