On August 4, 2010, my life and shooting changed forever with the loss of my arm and leg in Afghanistan. During my recovery, shooting has always been a huge benefit physically and personally. Even as my pistol work improved and I learned to shoot a rifle from a bench, standing and shooting a long gun remained elusive. In early 2013, an associate from the VA introduced me to a fellow veteran who had a “great idea” for guys just like me.

SIG SAUER Brace

Alex was the creator of the Brace; when I first picked it up my life changed. What is now the “SIG Brace” was attached to a 5.56 AR pistol. As I strapped it on and dry fired for the first time, it was like taking my first steps again! When the first few rounds left the barrel I knew this was the start of something great.

Since it was new and I was the first one-armed guy to use it, I had to find the best way to approach the grip, stance, sighting (positions and systems) and balance. Work at this I did, and before I realized it, I was building the skills I could later use to shoot a long gun standing again.

With my stance slightly bladed, the pistol slightly canted, adding a sling made it an accurate tool with one hand out to 100 yards repeatedly. Surprisingly the best sighting systems were either simple iron sights or a low-profile optic like the SIG SAUER Romeo 4. After experimenting with offsets and other options, it seemed they never had the consistency and accuracy of those basics. As with all sight-ing options it has to be natural; by holding the pistol at a 20-30 degree cant, the consistency was achieved.

As the Brace popularity grew from the first AR pistols, other manufacturers began outfitting a variety of platforms. The offerings of different calibers and size systems improved my skills at every turn. Products like the SIG SAU-ER MPX, Kris Vector, IWI micro UZI CZ Scorpion and Quarter Circle 10 9mm platforms are options for those with less upper body strength.

As with any instructional tool, having options is a huge benefit. These products provided variety in size, weight, balance and sight plane to give injured shooters the best tools possible. As the shooters’ skills improve, they can advance to the next level and calibers including 5.56, .300BO and even 7.62×39. But back then, there was still a resource missing—a .22LR.

Filling the Gap

With another great teammate we found just the platform at Mossberg. They produce a .22 pistol and a .22 rifle which both resemble an AR. As a joint effort, we fashioned a buffer tube from the rifle to accept the brace. This one of a kind pistol has become a fantastic tool for helping to develop the strength and skills in partial Quadriplegic and Paraplegic veteran students to use pistols and rifles independently.

The magic begins once we are able to put our students in a comfortable stance and manipulate their arms up into a shooting position without a firearm. Once they can demonstrate the strength and dexterity, we place the pistol in their hand to have them raise the pistol to the shooting position without employing the brace. This provides them the ability to find the sights independently and feel the brace on their forearm.

Learning to Shoot Again

For the one-armed shooter without a sling, the strong arm is extended straight out so the brace falls naturally on the forearm, and the sights fall into the line of sight. If the shooter has a functioning support arm, that hand or prosthetic is placed on the magazine well. The support arm is extended straight out, and the pistol is pushed into it for the start of a consistent stable platform.

Next, we employ a two-point sling to push against and create more points of contact for stability. This also naturally brings the brace in place on the shooter’s forearm. The sling is attached to the top of the brace at the rear and forward of the magazine well on the pistol. The sling is routed over the shooter’s strong shoulder, across the back and under the support arm. The support arm position remains the same and sets the stopping point for the sling. For those without a support arm, the sling is adjusted to a length according to whether the shooter has a support arm. This puts a flex in the strong elbow for more strength; the sling gives him the stability he would be missing otherwise. The strong elbow is flexed down for comfort and endurance. After repeated dry fire repetitions, adjust the brace to the shooter’s forearm.

The brace is adjusted to be snug at the strap but not tight when the shooter is in position. With the brace and sling adjust-ed, we now have five points of contact for the shooter with two arms and four for the shooter with one hand. These points of contact are the forward and rear sling points, the pistol grip, the brace and the shoulders. Now we are ready for the first shots. As with every other platform, we progress with distance, drills and caliber. I have and will always enjoy the freedom and accuracy the brace gives me out to 100 yards.

New Designs

Over the years, the brace has evolved in several different designs, including an adjustable version. The most recent design from SIG SAU-ER offers every advancement I have sought over the years. This version offers a lower profile attachment from the traditional buffer tube, a slim yet very stable brace, a swivel mount and the ability to fold it along side of the pistol. This brace is designed for the SIG MPX, MCX and Rattler Pistols at this time.

The flexibility of these platforms suits a great many students regardless of their physical challenges. The addition of the variety of braces, sighting options, slings and the addition of a Quick Clip create many options for our students. The Quick Clip provides shooters (especially the one-armed shooter) with a stable point to improve loading, movement and malfunction clearing. The options for mounting are either the front rail or pistol grip, without impairing the shooter or the operation of the pistol. The attachment affixes to a pin mounted on either the belt or a vest to secure it to the shooter and is released with the press of a button.

These drills and options have now established a foundation/stance, strength, grip, trigger control, sighting skills and balance for our shooters. Once the shooters have mastered the pistol caliber braced guns, they are ready for a traditional pistol. Using these same fundamentals, the shooters can apply them with the same approach to learning new pistol skills. Later we return to the rifle calibers to prepare our students for a traditional rifle. We employ the sling in the very same fashion and establish a “Cheek Weld” position which is directly in line with the braced approach.

Training Success

The training evolution the brace brings for me and our students brings continuity to braced guns, traditional pistols, rifles and shotguns throughout training. The SIG Brace continues to bring me and our students this success.

By Rick Cicero

A Tool for Overcoming Physical and Mental Disabilities

Impetus for Learn to Shoot Again Program

In August 2010, I lost my right arm and leg from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Six months later, after learning to walk again, a trip to the range with my Dad rekindled my love of shooting. Over the next several years via trial and error and with guidance from other shooting professionals in the military and police, I developed new shooting techniques to work within my physical “limitations.” I was my own worst student. I knew what a proper stance and all the fundamentals should look like, I found myself shooting well, yet I would look down and see that my stance and grip were not what would traditionally be correct. That’s when I finally came to the realization that I had to learn to shoot again using different techniques to suit my abilities.

Advancements in technology, including the SIG SAUER Brace, have been instrumental in honing my skills. Each new success is built on previous successes. After attending an Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Family Day event, I became involved in supporting such activities. This organization created associations with other accomplished shooters such as Trevor Baucom and Chris Fleming, also injured veterans. The true success of that day was when I began taking fellow wounded veterans to the range, which was the impetus for what is now the Learn to Shoot Again program—LTSA.

Immediately following SHOT Show 2016, we assembled a team of combat veterans—most of whom sustained and recovered from major injuries including paralysis, loss of limbs and spinal injuries that would have sidelined most. With the support of the NRA and HAVA, the entire team became certified NRA Instructors. Additionally, SIG SAUER Academy has been instrumental in advancing the skills of the LTSA instructors by offering advanced pistol instructor and advanced carbine instructor courses. One of the main focuses of LTSA training is not only to perform, but to perform to the highest standards of the able-bodied shooter without any special considerations and in all environments. All of which lead to the most important benefits: teamwork, espirit de corps, return to a known work ethic, visual success and HAPPINESS!

LTSA has established monthly classes in Florida. Additionally, we work diligently to travel the country and bring the classes to those who will benefit from them the most. Our class format develops shooter skills to compete in pistol, carbine, 2 and 3 gun, and most recently long range.

The positive feedback within the veteran community and firearms industry has been nothing short of amazing. The industry stepped up immediately with optics provided by Leupold and SIG SAUER and rifles provided by Savage. When Kestrel offered to help, they provided directed training, products, shooting opportunities and fundraising; all of which was far beyond our expectations.

Beyond Expectations

This past April, we conducted the first full Long Range Class at the Peacemaker National Training Facility, where Katie Godfrey was a remarkable asset. Kestrel sent her with knowledge, rifles, ammo and Kestrel devices. Katie conducted her full classroom presentation followed by days on the range using the Kestrels to maximize every shot.

A unique challenge was offered to every student—those who hit a three-shot group on a Kestrel zero target at 400 yards would be given one. Even with stiff winds, every student completed the challenge and left with a Kestrel. All of these students now use the devices regularly to compete and or hunt; two of the students have become LTSA instructors.

Kestrel further surprised us by making HAVA/LTSA the benefactor of the Kestrel Challenge Precision Rifle Series (PRS) match at Peacemaker in August. Not only did Kestrel donate product, time and money, they coordinated with other industry support. Ruger donated two rifles, Leupold and Vortex donated scopes, Hornady donated ammo, and the list goes on. The funds raised from that event and match supported multiple classes for our veterans.

The greatest value of that match was to have two of our students compete and learn to be Range officers that weekend. Both Justin and Tyler have overcome significant limb and internal injuries that would have stopped most veterans. However, both of these men raised the standard by completing the match, assisting with the fundraiser and working as Range Officers for the match. Nothing can put words to the expressions on fellow shooters’ faces when they see these men in shorts and realize the injuries that no one noticed.

The secondary benefit from that match was the number of shooters who approached us throughout the day and thanked us, not for our service, but for motivating them. We have learned the unique aspect of providing a perspective to the able-bodied shooter that they often forget: it is about the team and not the individual.

Conducting training for our veterans exposes students and staff to so much more. We have encountered and overcome different physical personal challenges I would have never expected. Each student is unique in his or her own way and identical in so many others. We all come from the military whether it is the student with one leg and only two fingers on one hand, the legally blind man who can see through a very narrow field of vision or the man who comes to class in a wheelchair.

Sasquatch, a Defined Success

The success that counts the most for me is confidence and happiness in life. The particular student who comes to mind sustained a gunshot wound in combat and has significant challenges. Unlike most, he completed his tour and was discharged without a full retirement and wanted to go on as a civilian. Unfortunately, his challenges caused him severe pain and loss of consistent ability to hold a regular job. He fell into a depression like so many and expressed to me how he felt a failure.

After attending some of our classes he became a dedicated student in every way. When he told me how much our classes improved his outlook, daily habits and overall quality of life, I was left speechless. We all have demons, and this is the best medicine for so many. Who would have thought that? In true military form we all have nicknames; his is “Sasquatch” (his profile in a shadow is priceless!). He is the great giant of our team. He was among the students in the April Long Range Class and a coach at the Long Range Class just last month. He has competed in several matches and attended the NRA Instructor course. Just last week, he put those skills to work at the HAVA Family Day in San Antonio and the three day class for our veterans in that same area.

As the “Director” of LTSA, it is not a title of management, but a title of responsibility. For students and teammates like the Squatch, the resources, tasks and organization are all worth it. The trust we have in our instructors is exceptional because they are exceptional people. Often the visual prosthetic device or chair gains attention, while others are overlooked. Sasquatch raises that bar and has volunteered to be a leader. Many of us lead in the military, but so many fail to lead in the civilian world. Sasquatch has stepped up and is the remarkable example of this program for so many to follow.

LTSA Tool Box

We create tools to maintain every aspect of our lives—the LTSA tool box is no different. As firearms have advanced over the last several years, we have taken advantage of those that are most practical. We strive to train our students with readily available items that can give them the skills to be as confident and safe as other shooters.

The first tool to provide a significant benefit was the “SIG SAUER Brace,” proving to give stability to the one-armed or impaired shooter to build long-gun skills for stance, grip, sling, balance and flexibility for various platforms and calibers from a .22 to a .300BO.

The advent of ambidextrous pistols like the new SIG SAUER P320, Smith & Wesson M&P, Glocks and more are making one-handed shooting much more accessible—even for those with only a left hand or with great impairment to their right hand. Every advantage our students have helps to overcome their challenges.

Within our long range program, the benefits of left-handed bolt rifles create an option that is efficient and nothing short of a blessing. We have Savage and Remington to thank for such rifles. Even a vertical fore grip on a rifle is a huge benefit to those with prosthetic arms or limited abilities; their control improves drastically.

The Quick Clip provides multiple benefits for those with upper extremity impairments to safely change magazines, clear malfunctions or just walk while maintaining their balance. It also maintains the rifle in a safe orientation for wheelchair users while in motion. And even those with all of their appendages but who have balance issues can maintain control while walking with free arm swing.

Several other manufacturers have supported us by providing unique adaptations to firearms for better access, ergonomics and control.

As our industry develops these unique tools, our community realizes what is already available to expand their abilities. The greatest honor LTSA has is to continue to serve our country and communities through one of the best commonalities our veterans have.

Our Program is Growing

Over the last three years LTSA has trained over 300 students in classes from Florida to California and New Hampshire. We are offering classes for pistol, carbine, shotgun and even long distance rifle to 900 yards and beyond. In 2019 we will be teaching in Arizona, Florida, Maryland, West Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and more. We will also be at events like HAVA Family Days and shooting matches around the country to Coach, RO, Compete and Inspire our veteran community to get out and join us! If you are interested in attending such a class or know a veteran who could benefit from our classes please call Rick Cicero at 434-294-5883 or email at LTSA@honoredveterans.org.