Personal Protection Outside the Home is a newest NRA firearms
instruction course, which has been available since January, 2007. Training
Counselors and instructors at DR Security & Training were among the
first certified by the NRA for teaching these Student
and Instructor courses. This course is designed to help develop the knowledge, skills,
and attitude essential for avoiding dangerous confrontations, and for the safe,
effective use of a concealed handgun for self-defense outside the home.
Unlike other NRA courses, this course has two levels of
accomplishment associated with it. The two levels include the Basic and the Advanced versions
of the course material. They
differ by a single lesson (Lesson VII), which adds an additional five (5) hours
of instruction over the nine (9) hours which are included in the basic version.
As a result, taking the complete advanced course would include a be a minimum of fourteen (14) hours of
classroom and range instruction.
Two separate certificates are achievable with this course, and
will presented to those students completing either or both versions. The
certificates for the advanced version also differ in that they have
'check boxes', initialed by the instructor, showing which form(s) of concealed-carry
firearm presentation were performed by the student. The three
forms include: 1) Hip Holster, 2) Fanny Pack, and 3) Holster Purse.
In addition, this course is designed to build upon the training
provided in the NRA Personal Protection in the
Home course (PPITH) - which is a pre-requisite, and needs to be demonstrated
by presenting a PPITH student completion certificate, or by passing the PPITH
student test with a minimum score of 70% prior to the start of the course
material.
PPOTH Basic Course Lesson Details
Lesson I (1
hr) - Classroom
Introduction to Concealed Carry Safety and the Defensive Mindset
Responsibility & Ethics
Applying the three basic safety rules outside the home
Rules for storing or using a firearm outside the home
Special safety considerations outside the home
Techniques for storage outside the home
Four levels of awareness
Lesson II (1
hr) - Classroom
Introduction to Self Defense and Concealed Carry
Importance of mental preparation and mindset for carrying and using a
firearm outside the home
Techniques for avoiding life-threatening confrontations
Psychological and physiological changes that may occur during an
attack
Differences between in the home and outside the home use of a firearm
Techniques for controlling and responding to a violent encounter
Emotional, legal and social aftermath of a defensive shooting outside
the home
Lesson III (1
hr) - Classroom
Legal Aspects of Concealed Carry and Self-Defense
Rights and restrictions under the law for carrying a defensive handgun
Key legal provisions and restrictions pertaining to the use of deadly
force
Criminal and civil legal actions that may take place subsequent to a
defensive shooting
Where to find local jurisdiction specific legal information
Lesson IV (1
hr) - Classroom
Carry Modes and Concealment
Various handgun concealed carry modes and benefits/limitations of each
Basic principles of handgun concealment for self-defense outside the
home
Lesson V (1 1/2 hr) -
Range
Presenting the Handgun from Concealment
Techniques for safely presenting a handgun from concealment
Lesson VI (2
hrs) - Range
Presentation, Position and Movement
Presenting a handgun from concealment and shooting targets in center
of mass, to include:
After moving to a high barricade
Engaging two targets
Aimed fire techniques with strong hand only
Point shooting with two hands
Point shooting with strong hand only
Lesson VIII (1/2 hr) -
Classroom
Sport Shooting Activities and Training Opportunities
Organizations, associations, clubs, and businesses that may help hone,
enhance, and expand personal protection skills
Methods and precautions for dry-fire practice, including drawing from
a holster
Lesson IX (1
hr) - Classroom
Course Review and Examination
Programs, history and membership benefits of the NRA
Completion of the NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home written
examination
PPOTH Advanced Course Lesson Details
Lesson VII (5
hrs) - Range (Required to earn 'advanced'
certificate)
Special Shooting Techniques
Advanced presenting of a handgun from concealment and shooting targets
in center of mass, to include:
Hip shooting techniques with strong hand - "speed rock"
Moving rearward, stopping and shooting
Standing to kneeling behind low barricade
Standing to squatting behind low barricade
Moving to low barricade kneeling or squatting
From sitting to standing
Standing, facing 90 degrees to target, turning left to shoot
Standing, facing 90 degrees to target, turning right to shoot
Standing, facing 180 degrees to target, turning left to shoot
Standing, facing 180 degrees to target, turning right to shoot
Engaging at extended range
Under low-light conditions
Completion of this Lesson earns students the 'Advanced' certificate
of completion
Normally conducted in a separate session of training available to
all those holding a 'Basic' completion certificate
Equipment Requirements
Firearm Retention
Strong-side concealed-carry hip
holster (required)
