My last 4 hour class for the HTA Rangeday weekend at Ben Franklin Range was Camouflage and Concealment by Trevor from Viking Reconnaissance and Ken from Core Vision. Focusing on the fundamental principles of camouflage, the instructors started by testing our observation skills. Then the development of those skills was fostered through the instruction and discussion of the factors of concealment. From the discussion about theory we transitioned back into some visual examples with a look at modern ghillie solutions as well as hasty ghillie options. The next step was adding vegetation to our gear, utilizing the lessons learned so far. For our final stage of the class, we were dropped off a few hundred yards away from an instructor and were challenged with finding and maneuvering to a line of sight to the instructor/observer (with a spotting scope) without being spotted.
My experience with this topic was limited at best and most of it has come from deer and small game hunting. This class brought together and added to the principles I already knew and organized them in a digestible way. The discussions also helped distinguish between which factors are priority when the observer is human vs animal. I really enjoyed this class and the instructors were great at explaining ideas, giving relevant examples, and answering questions while, at the same time having the humility to say "I don't know" if an oddball question arose. Both were enjoyable to be around and clearly have significant experience with the subject. I walked away with a good amount of notes and ideas that I look forward to revisiting. Overall, I felt like I received an immense amount of information and perspective regardless.
My main critique for this class was partially circumstantial - the material was obviously designed for a longer time slot, and the instructors were hoping that we would be able to go hours longer than scheduled to fit more in, but unfortunately most of us weren't able to stay past the allotted time. Naturally, when time constraints shift, some things felt a bit rushed and there was some improvisation happening for class order/plan.
One of the biggest notes here is that these guys deserve a massive THANK YOU. They stepped up to the plate and filled in a class vacancy that came up unexpectedly. The volunteered and donated their time, energy and resources to contribute to the cause, raise money for deliver fund, and to serve the students who attended. Very blessed to have met these guys and thankful for their contribution.