Soldier of Fortune Magazine The Journal of Professional Adventurers
When we heard that an “Indoor tactical theme park” had opened in Florida, we were curious. We sent writer Fred Seiltgen to check it out. Here’s what he found. ~SKK
by Friedrich Seiltgen
Located in Sanford, Florida, Decision Tactical is billed as an indoor tactical theme park, but it’s more than that. It offers the opportunity to participate in real-life, interactive scenarios while learning lifesaving skills. Throughout their scenario-based training environments, DTAC trainers reinforce situational awareness, the effective use of cover, and the understanding of the difference between cover and concealment in multiple scenarios.
Critics will question the value of training without live firearms, but I don’t. A few years into my law enforcement career, I attended an Instructor Techniques class. During this 80-hour class, we were required to create a presentation on a subject of our choosing. I chose the recent training death of a Nebraska State Trooper who was shot and killed during a Force-On-Force training class. During the training, another Trooper had a court date, left the training, changed back into his uniform, and reconfigured his pistol to fire live ammunition. After finishing his court appearance, he returned and resumed the scenario training. However, he did not convert his pistol back to marking cartridge use. During a scenario, the trooper drew his .45 caliber Glock and shot his training partner in the chest at close range, killing him.
Fast forward to October 2022, when Customs and Border Protection Officers were conducting Force-on-Force scenario training in Dade County, FL. A CBP officer shot another officer in the chest, killing him.
These are just two examples. Throughout the years, several LEOs as well as military personnel have been killed by lethal ammunition during training accidents.
Both of these deaths were the result of “real” firearms being introduced into the sterile area of the scenario training area, and were avoidable had proper safety procedures been followed. Incidents such as these prompted trainers to reevaluate their methods. The use of firearms chambering only blank cartridges has been used, as well as airsoft munitions.
(All photos by Heike Seiltgen)
There are no “Real” firearms used at Decision Tactical. The Non-Projectile pistols used here resemble the Glock model 17 and were initially manufactured as airsoft weapons. Now, with the addition of a proprietary laser system developed by a team of in-house experts, they offer shooters the look, feel, and action of a lethal weapon, combined with the safety of a laser system.
SAFETY ALWAYS
At Decision Tactical, many shooters leave their firearms in their vehicles while training. Before entering the training area, there are lockers available for the storage of personal belongings and lethal firearms. Anyone entering the training area must pass through a metal detector and is closely monitored by trainers and control room personnel.
TRAINING CADRE
As many of the trainers are retired law enforcement personnel, the opportunity to conduct training in a more realistic setting is a significant advantage. Many law enforcement agencies focus solely on completing basic state-mandated training for their officers as quickly as possible so that they can return them to the streets amid personnel shortages. Some law enforcement agencies recognize the importance of this, and Decision Tactical sets aside time specifically for law enforcement training.
The author with Steve Kelley, Director of Law Enforcement and Safety Team Training. (All photos by Heike Seiltgen)
Speaking of training, I was able to sample some of the scenarios myself. One of the Heavy Hitters at Decision Tactical is Steve Kelley, a retired Orlando Police Department officer who oversaw its training section. Steve ran me through the shooting simulator, the mall shooting, and the street shootout. I was a bit rusty and needed to get back up to speed. You can never stop training, or skills will disappear.
THE SHOOTING SIMULATOR
Here you will learn or brush up on the basics. The simulator provides trainees with the opportunity to practice fundamental shooting basics, including grip, stance, and sight picture. Mastery of the basics is your primary goal in any endeavor, and without them, you’ll never reach your full potential. Remember, when it comes to shooting, “Slow is Fast.”
The shooting simulator control panel provides multiple scenarios from target shooting to shoot/no shoot.
FULL IMMERSION
After a scenario training session, the term “Head on a Swivel” will take on a new meaning for shooters. With several experiences to choose from, you’ll learn tactics quickly that will help keep you and your family safe.
COMPETITION COURSE
The Competition Course focuses on pistol-handling skills, stress management, communication, teamwork, and rapid target acquisition. This course does not incorporate tactics; instead, it is centered on speed, accuracy, and precision under pressure.
THE UNDERGROUND
The “Underground” is an immersive training environment featuring three enclosed “cages” designed to simulate forward operating bases. Participants navigate obstacles while engaging targets, aiming to eliminate all threats in the fastest time possible. Each participant is given 90 seconds to clear all targets. Failure results in simulated “explosive annihilation,” adding stress and realism to the experience.
A military-style bar is positioned between the three cages. From this area, customers can watch and cheer on participants as they operate within the underground cages, creating a highly engaging, energetic atmosphere.
STREET SHOOTOUT
Unfortunately, street shootouts have become more commonplace. Whether it’s gang bangers shooting at each other or a confrontation between LEOs and criminals, knowing how to handle such a situation may be the difference between life and death. One minute you’ll be out going for a walk, and the next you’ll be in the middle of a shootout.
IMMERSIVE MALL
The threat of an active shooter grows yearly. The mall shooting scenario will grab your attention. Here you can learn the tactics that can help you survive such an event.
THE GREEN ROOM
In addition to the training cadre here, Decision Tactical tech folks have created a “green room.” This enables controllers to add or modify players or situations within the matrix, ensuring constant variation in their core scenarios. Currently in the works is the Benghazi simulator, where participants will be able to stand on a mock-up of the CIA Annex rooftop in Benghazi, Libya, and experience what Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty were exposed to when their government abandoned them.
DEBRIEF
Throughout their scenario-based training environments, DTAC trainers reinforce situational awareness, the effective use of cover, and the understanding of the difference between cover and concealment. With multiple scenarios available, you’ll be able to train in a variety of situations and respond accordingly using techniques such as de-escalation, less lethal alternatives, or deadly force. After a training session, you’ll be debriefed by a trainer who will provide an honest assessment of the good, the bad, and areas for improvement, along with constructive criticism. All inside an indoor tactical theme park.
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in lone wolf terrorism counterstrategies, firearms, and active shooter response. He writes frequently for Soldier of Fortune.
