If you’re interested in firearms training, you’ve probably heard about the Combined Firearms Course (CFC). This unique course, offered by select firearms training providers across Europe, gives you the chance to train with multiple firearms platforms in an intensive, structured format. Typically spanning three days, the Combined Firearms Course introduces you to various firearms, helping you decide which platform suits you best as you start your firearms journey.
Combined Firearms Course: What Is It, and Is It Worth Taking?
If you’re interested in firearms training, you’ve probably heard about the Combined Firearms Course (CFC). This unique course, offered by select firearms training providers across Europe, gives you the chance to train with multiple firearms platforms in an intensive, structured format. Typically spanning three days, the Combined Firearms Course introduces you to various firearms, helping you decide which platform suits you best as you start your firearms journey.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some experience, the Combined Firearms Course is designed to give you a strong foundation in safe firearms handling, accuracy, and technique. In this article, I’ll share the history, evolution, and current structure of CFC at BZ Academy, and explain why it could be the perfect next step for your firearms training journey.
Origins of the Combined Firearms Course
The idea for the Combined Firearms Course began in 2015 when I was contracted as afirearms instructor and uk representative at the European Security Academy (ESA). Back then, ESA offered two separate courses: Tactical Pistol and Tactical Rifle, each focusing on a single platform. While these courses allowed students to refine their skills with a specific firearm, there wasn’t an option for new shooters to experience multiple platforms within a single course.
In early 2015, I decided to organize a unique course for my clients that would cover the basics of several firearms over three days. This first Combined Firearms Course introduced participants to the Glock pistol, AR-15 rifle, AK-47, MP5, and B&T APC. The course was a hit, giving new shooters hands-on experience with different firearms and helping them make more informed decisions about which platform to pursue.
Encouraged by this success, I developed the concept further, and in November 2015, organized another CFC session with an expanded curriculum. This time, I included action-packed scenarios like CQB (Close Quarters Battle) using FX Simunition, situational “Shoot/No Shoot” drills under stress, and dynamic drills. It was ambitious—maybe even overwhelming for a beginner—but participants loved the high-energy experience and exposure to so many elements of tactical training .
Pictures from first-ever Combined Firearms Course Fundamentals from November 2015.
Full Gallery from the first Combined Firearms Course is available in our Gallery HERE.
Bringing CFC to the European Security Academy
Seeing the positive response to these initial courses, I knew the Combined Firearms Course could bring a lot of value to students if it became a regular part of ESA’s program. After discussing the idea with ESA’s management, they agreed to add the CFC as a permanent course, and it quickly became one of the Academy’s most popular offerings. The success of the Combined Firearms Course at ESA even inspired other training companies to introduce similar multi-platform courses.
How the Combined Firearms Course Has Evolved
After a few sessions, I realized that while advanced CQB drills and FX Simunition simulations were exciting, they didn’t necessarily fit the needs of beginner shooters. So, we refined the course by focusing on the core skills that would make new shooters confident and safe. By removing some of the more advanced drills, the CFC has evolved to be a more practical and focused introduction to multiple firearms platforms.
What to Expect from the Combined Firearms Course at BZ Academy
When I left ESA in 2019 to start BZ Academy, I brought the Combined Firearms Course concept with me. Since then, I’ve fine-tuned it to prioritize safety and solid fundamentals, so that by the end of the course, you feel confident handling each platform.
Here’s how the Combined Firearms Course is structured at BZ Academy:
Day 1: Glock Pistol Training
Your first day in the Combined Firearms Course begins with introductions and an overview of the course. We’ll cover safety protocols thoroughly, so you know exactly what to expect and how to handle each situation on the range. Safety is our top priority, and we make sure that everyone is fully comfortable with these standards before moving on to firearms handling.
We’ll start with the basics of the Glock pistol. You’ll learn essential skills like loading, unloading, and performing safety checks. After practicing these procedures, you’ll move on to live-fire drills, focusing on accuracy and fundamentals, including stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through. Our instructors provide personalized feedback, helping you build your confidence with the Glock and setting a strong foundation for the next two days.
Day 2: AR-15 Rifle and Glock Review
On the second day, you’ll dive into the AR-15 platform while also reviewing your Glock training from Day 1. We’ll start with an in-depth look at the AR-15, covering everything from loading and unloading to sling management and proper shooting stance.
Once you’ve practiced these skills with dry runs, we’ll move on to live-fire drills. Our instructors will guide you through each step, offering feedback on your stance, grip, and overall technique. Before wrapping up Day 2, we’ll spend some additional time with the Glock, reinforcing the skills you learned on Day 1.
Day 3: AK-47 Training and Intermediate Drills
The final day of the Combined Firearms Course is dedicated to the AK-47 platform. Since you’ll already be familiar with the fundamentals of rifle shooting, we’ll focus on the specific handling characteristics of the AK-47, covering everything from reloading to stance adjustments.
After getting comfortable with the basics, you’ll move on to intermediate drills, like shooting from kneeling positions and using barricades for cover. By the end of the course, you’ll have hands-on experience with the Glock, AR-15, and AK-47, and you’ll be able to operate each safely and with confidence.
Is the Combined Firearms Course Right for You?
The Combined Firearms Course at BZ Academy is ideal for beginners as well as those with some experience who want to expand their skill set. By the end of the course, you’ll know how to handle and operate each of the three platforms confidently and accurately, with a focus on safety and technique.
What’s Next? CFC Level 2 in 2025
Due to popular demand, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Combined Firearms Course Level 2, starting in June 2025. This advanced course will include intermediate and tactical drills, such as shooting on the move, movement-based shooting, malfunction drills, barricade work, and transitioning between firearms. If you’re a graduate of CFC Level 1, this course will be the perfect next step, helping you take your skills to the next level with confidence and precision.
Watch what's coming in Combined Firearms Course Level 2
The Combined Firearms Course at BZ Academy offers a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation in firearms training. You’ll gain hands-on experience across multiple platforms and learn the core principles of safe, effective shooting. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on prior experience, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to firearms training.
This course is one of the shooting courses designed by BZ Academy to teach civilians and armed professionals the fundamentals of marksmanship. The CFC Fundamentals course is designed to improve weapon handling skills for those who wish to use the AR15 carbine or AK47 as their main shooting platform and the Glock 17/19 as a secondary weapon system. This tactical shooting course is designed to teach our students how to operate modern weapons systems in a safe environment. You will practice skills that will reduce your reaction time, allow you to shoot faster with a higher degree of accuracy, and increase your confidence with your pistol and carbine. This course content is 90% practical training time to prepare students to handle firearms safely in various tactical situations. Please read below what we are going to cover in this course.
Welcome to the Combined Firearms Course Fundamentals at BZ Academy, where we provide a comprehensive and dynamic training experience for individuals eager to master the essentials of firearm operation. Our course covers a diverse range of topics to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to handle Glock, AR15, and AK47 platforms confidently. Here's an overview of the key topics that will be covered during the course:
At BZ Academy, we have developed our unique teaching methodology, honed over a decade of experience instructing civilians, security personnel, and Law Enforcement. Our primary focus is the safety of everyone involved and the steady progress of our clients.
To ensure our training is simple, effective, and easy to follow for adult learners, we break each exercise or drill into three essential steps, addressing the most important questions:
The What? We begin by clearly explaining what we are going to teach. This involves a detailed, easy-to-understand description of the skill or technique, accompanied by a visual demonstration. This helps students grasp the concept both intellectually and visually before attempting it themselves.
The Why? Next, we explain why this particular skill or technique is important. We focus on its value and relevance, helping students understand how it can benefit them as shooters and why it's worth mastering.
The How? In this step, we break down how to perform the technique, outlining its key components and important details. The instructor will demonstrate both dry (without live ammunition) and live fire examples, ensuring students can see exactly how the technique is executed and understand it fully before attempting it themselves.
Practice Time Before moving to live fire, we allow students to practice each new skill or technique "dry," without live ammunition. This ensures everyone feels comfortable and confident before progressing. Once students are ready, we move on to live-fire exercises. Throughout both stages, our instructors provide personalized feedback and tips for improvement, helping students refine their skills.
questions and Answers After each exercise, we take the time to discuss the drill, encouraging feedback and addressing any comments. If students have questions related to the technique, the instructor will answer them, ensuring complete understanding before moving on to the next lesson.
Our methodology prioritizes safety, clarity, and progression, ensuring every student learns effectively while building confidence and skill.
Plan to arrive one day before the course begins to allow for smooth travel and rest.
We will pick you up from Wroclaw Airport based on the arrival times of other participants, with the latest pick-up being around 18:00 on the day before the course starts. If your flight lands after 18:00, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the hotel (via rental car, taxi, or train).
Pick-up time will be confirmed by email once all participant flight schedules are received.
Departure Information:
On the last day of the course, we will drop you off at Wroclaw Airport by 18:00.
If your return flight is scheduled for the next day (early morning), you should arrange overnight accommodation in Wroclaw. We can drop you off at your hotel instead of the airport.
If your return flight is earlier than 18:00 on the last day, we’ll assist you in arranging transport to ensure you reach the airport on time.
Flight Recommendations:
If you're flying from the uk, we recommend using Wizz Air or Ryanair, as both airlines offer direct flights to Wroclaw from major uk airports.
For travelers from other countries, please check your flight options. Be ready for pick-up at Wroclaw Airport by 18:00 the day before the course begins.
If your flight arrives early in the day and you prefer not to wait for the late pick-up, you can take a train from Wroclaw’s main train station to Lubań Śląski, where the hotel is located. The train journey takes about 2 hours and costs approximately 7 EUR.
A direct bus from Wroclaw Airport to the main train station costs about 2 EUR.
This is a popular and convenient option for students arriving early in Wroclaw.
The Combined Firearms Course (CFC) Intermediate Level 2 is designed for those who have successfully completed the CFC Fundamentals course and are looking to advance their firearms skills. This course focuses on enhancing proficiency with both pistol and rifle (AR-15 or AK-47). Participants will learn to handle malfunctions, engage multiple targets, shoot in various directions, and shoot while on the move. The course also covers the use of cover and transitioning between two weapon systems. CFC L2 is highly recommended for all CFC Fundamentals graduates, ensuring significant skill development and progression.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED IN THE COMBINED FIREARMS INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2 COURSE
Revision on firearms safety, and weapon manipulation
Warm Up Drills
Emergency reloads with/without movement
Malfunction clearance (failure to fire/failure to extract/failure to eject/double feed)
Engaging multiple targets
Shooting in different directions
Move/Stop/Shoot
Shooting on the move
Barricades, and how to use them
Rifle shoulder switch drills
The transition between firearms and the recovery stage
Summary drills
Maintenance of the weapons (cleaning and disassembly )
At BZ Academy, we have developed our own unique teaching methodology, refined over a decade of experience instructing civilians, security personnel, and Law Enforcement. Our primary focus is the safety of everyone involved and the steady progress of our clients.
To ensure our training is simple, effective, and easy to follow for adult learners, we break each exercise or drill into three essential steps, addressing the most important questions:
The What? We begin by clearly explaining what we are going to teach. This involves a detailed, easy-to-understand description of the skill or technique, accompanied by a visual demonstration. This helps students grasp the concept both intellectually and visually before attempting it themselves.
The Why? Next, we explain why this particular skill or technique is important. We focus on its value and relevance, helping students understand how it can benefit them as shooters and why it's worth mastering.
The How? In this step, we break down how to perform the technique, outlining its key components and important details. The instructor will demonstrate both dry (without live ammunition) and live fire examples, ensuring students can see exactly how the technique is executed and understand it fully before attempting it themselves.
Practice Time Before moving to live fire, we allow students to practice each new skill or technique "dry," without live ammunition. This ensures everyone feels comfortable and confident before progressing. Once students are ready, we move on to live-fire exercises. Throughout both stages, our instructors provide personalized feedback and tips for improvement, helping students refine their skills.
questions and Answers After each exercise, we take the time to discuss the drill, encouraging feedback and addressing any comments. If students have questions related to the technique, the instructor will answer them, ensuring complete understanding before moving on to the next lesson.
Our methodology prioritizes safety, clarity, and progression, ensuring every student learns effectively while building confidence and skill.
WEAPONS: GLOCK 17, GLOCK19, M-4/AR15 or AK Platform
AMMUNITION: 9mm – 250 rds. 5,56mm or 7.62mm 320 rounds. Depends on group skills and progress.
SKILL PERQUISITES: This course is designed for graduates of the CFC Fundamentals course who have a solid grasp of firearms basics. Participants should already be able to safely and confidently perform fundamental skills, such as weapon handling, aiming, and basic shooting techniques. The focus of this course is on building and refining these skills, so prior knowledge and proficiency are required.
WHAT TO BRING (Mandatory)?: Tactical or outdoor pants with loops to facilitate a 40mm wide belt, 40mm wide tactical belt, and tactical gloves.
This Course is run by SIG SAUER Academy (USA) Certified instructor
Airport Pick-up time in Poland will be at Wroclaw Airport.
Your destination airport is WROCLAW - Poland. You should arrive one day before the course starts. We'll drop you at the airport around 18.00 on the last day of the course. If your flight is the next day in the morning you should arrange accommodation in WROCLAW - we'll drop you there.
If your return flight is earlier than 18.00 we'll help you to get to the airport so that you won't miss the flight.
If you are flying from the uk we recommend the following airlines: WIZZAIR and RYANAIR. Both airlines fly to WROCLAW from major uk Airports. You can also look for an alternative. If you are flying from another country please check your flight details and be ready for a pick up around 18.00 from Wroclaw Airport one day before the course starts. (Pick-up times vary and it may be up to 18.00 - depending on the landing time of the other participants - we'll inform you by email. If you land after 18.00 then you need to organize your transport to the Hotel - you may hire a car or take a taxi, or train)
If your flight arrives early and you do not want to wait for the late pick up you can use the train to get to Luban Slaski from Wroclaw main train station and check in to the hotel early. The trip takes 2 hours and costs about 7EURO. A direct bus from Wroclaw Airport to the MAIN TRAIN STATION in WROCLAW costs around 2 EURO.
This is a recommended solution and it's used often by our students who arrive early in the morning in Wroclaw.
