Sign up for BFA-sponsored tactical carbine classes coming in July

Two tactical carbine classes sponsored by Buckeye Firearms Association are scheduled this summer, focused on the use of AR-style modern sporting rifles (MSRs). The first course is designed for those with no official hands-on MSR training, and the second is for MSR owners with good working knowledge.

2026 Tactical Carbine Phase 1: July 18

Only 24 spots are available for this beginner training, scheduled 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18 at E.A.S.T. Group, 2535 Wilson Road, Fredericktown, Ohio (VIEW ON MAP).

This is an introductory class for those who have purchased an AR or AK platform but have had no official hands-on training for operating this firearm safely and effectively. Participants will leave this training with a thorough working knowledge of their firearm system and its capabilities.

Good basic knowledge of safe rifle handling skills (muzzle awareness, trigger finger discipline, etc.) is a must and students must be able to demonstrate that they are able to hear and follow given instructions.

Topics will include the following:

• Disassembly, assembly, and nomenclature
• Proper techniques for zeroing your sights (iron or optic)
• Loading and unloading procedures
• Shooting positions: standing, kneeling, prone
• Shooting drills that will get you quickly on target
• Cleaning and maintenance

Course tuition is $225 per person and includes instruction, targets, and range access.

For more information and to register, visit our Phase 1 sign-up page.

2026 Tactical Carbine Phase 2: July 19

This course, also at E.A.S.T. Group, is structured for those with a good working knowledge of the AR/M4 platform. Successful completion of Tactical Carbine Phase 1 is STRONGLY recommended.

Only 24 spots are available for this one, as well, with classes scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19.

Participants will leave this class being able to run their carbine in a confident and proficient manner and will understand the capabilities of this platform. They will be expected to have a zeroed rifle when they arrive.

Topics will include the following:

• Loading, reloading, malfunctions
• Shooting positions - supported/unsupported
• Multiple target engagement
• Efficient and safe movement with your rifle
• Working around barricades
• Transitioning from rifle to pistol when needed

Course tuition is $225 per person and includes instruction, targets, and range access.

For more information and to register, visit our Phase 2 sign-up page.

About the Instructors

Chief Instructor Sylvester (Sly) Pocius

E.A.S.T. Group’s Chief Instructor, Sylvester (Sly) Pocius, is a Retired Marine Corps Staff NCO with operational, strategic, and tactical experience from multiple overseas deployments. Assigned as a Primary Marksmanship and CQB instructor, Sly's responsibilities included Pre-Deployment and In-Theater training of Marine units in the tactical areas of Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Precision Rifle, Close Quarter Combat, Mountain and Desert Survival, Rappelling, and Fast Roping.

Sly’s private contracting duties included the Drug Eradication Task Force in Afghanistan and he was responsible for training the Afghan National Police in Weapons Handling, Team Tactics, Building Clearing, and Raid Techniques.

Sly served in a Diplomatic Protection Detail in Iraq, where his primary responsibility was the day-to-day security and monitoring of the movements of US Ambassadors and visiting US Dignitaries. His secondary duties included keeping the security teams proficient in their Weapons Handling Skills, Building Clearing Procedures, and Hostage Rescue Techniques.

Sly is currently Chief of Operations and Chief Instructor at E.A.S.T. Group, a state-of-the-art firearms training facility in central Ohio.

Lead Instructor Jeff Baker

E.A.S.T. Group’s Lead Instructor, Jeff Baker, has been in law enforcement since 1996. During his LE career, Jeff has been a Swift Water Rescue Technician and Instructor, a Field Training Officer, a Boating Education Instructor, a Fitness Tester, and a Lieutenant Field Supervisor. He moved into supervision/management a number of years ago and his current duties include supervising security measures for his department’s headquarters.

Jeff greatly enjoys teaching new and experienced students the importance of obtaining quality training and engaging in consistent and proper practice.

Jeff's current claim to fame is that he owns the rights to the term describing the rapid, defensive movement demonstrated by Sly in all of his trainings, which is affectionately referred to as "The Sly Slide."

Instructor and EMT Jason Bostic

E.A.S.T. Group’s Medical sector is handled by Jason Bostic, who is a 22-year Firefighter/EMT with vast medical experience gleaned from providing both inner-city and rural EMS, trauma care, and rescue task force element.

Jason began his career in 1998 attending OPOTA in Toledo, Ohio, rounded off his public safety coursework in Fire Science and EMS, and he currently works for a fire department in Central Ohio.

Jason is a perpetual student of the trade beginning his firearms training at E.A.S.T. Group several years ago and making the transition from student to instructor in 2020.

In addition to his other duties, Jason handles technology consulting and marketing for the E.A.S.T. Group facility.

About the venue

E.A.S.T. (Environmental Assessment and Solutions Training) Group

E.A.S.T. Group was established by a group of professionals with a specific mission in mind: to assist individuals and organizations with the resources needed to map out a realistic training program and provide solutions to operate in today's ever- changing environment.

Its cadre of instructors have the knowledge and experience gained from decades of working within the security realms both here and abroad which allows our students to immerse themselves in real world, up-to-date exercises.

Training methodology is unique due to personal experiences, which is why their company mantra, “Bullets are Inbound,” is the basis for all their training. This mindset allows for a vast mixture of “Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures” to tailor a training solution that meets the needs of their clientele.

E.A.S.T. Group's training facility is structured to allow students to engage in realistic training situations based on how our mind and bodies naturally react when put under stress. This awareness training helps to enable armed civilians to use their body's natural responses to their advantage instead of having it be used against them.

For more information, visit E.A.S.T. Group's website at eastgrouptraining.com.