Close-Quarter Combat (CQC) Training​
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Progressive Training for Confined, High-Pressure Environments
Close-Quarter Combat (CQC) is an advanced training discipline focused on operating safely and effectively in confined environments where distance, time, visibility, movement, and available space may be limited.
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At Majeed Guns & Firearms School, our CQC program progresses from fundamental handgun skills through increasingly advanced equipment and scenario-based training.
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This is not a beginner pistol class. Students advance through defined levels based on experience, demonstrated safety, firearm proficiency, judgment, and instructor approval.
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What CQC Training Develops
Close-quarter training places greater demands on the student than conventional static range shooting. Depending on the level, training can address firearm handling, movement, situational awareness, communication, equipment management, confined-space considerations, low-light conditions, decision-making, and scenario-based problem solving.
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The objective is to develop a shooter who can maintain control, awareness, safety, and sound judgment as the training environment becomes increasingly complex.
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CQC LEVEL I — HANDGUN FOUNDATIONS
Build the Foundation
Level I establishes the skills necessary for progression into the CQC program.
Training emphasizes safe handgun handling, fundamental marksmanship, firearm manipulation, equipment familiarity, controlled movement, communication, situational awareness, and decision-making.
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Students may train with common duty-size or compact semi-automatic pistols from manufacturers such as Glock, SIG Sauer, Heckler & Koch, Smith & Wesson, Walther, Beretta, and comparable platforms, provided the firearm is suitable for the course.
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Level I Equipment
Semi-automatic pistol • Quality holster • Sturdy belt • Magazine carriers • Eye protection • Hearing protection • Appropriate footwear and clothing
A battle/duty belt can be introduced at this level so students learn how to properly organize and work with their equipment.
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CQC LEVEL II — CARBINE & MULTI-PLATFORM TRAINING
Expand Your Capabilities
After demonstrating proficiency at Level I, students can progress to training involving a suitable carbine or rifle platform in addition to their handgun.
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Level II places additional emphasis on managing equipment, working with different firearm platforms, movement, communication, supported positions, environmental considerations, and increasingly complex exercises.
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Depending upon the program and applicable law, training platforms can include common semi-automatic sporting or defensive carbines and pistol-caliber carbines appropriate for the course.
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Level II Equipment
Pistol • Appropriate carbine/rifle • Sling • Battle/duty belt • Pistol holster • Magazine carriers • Eye/ear protection • Appropriate clothing and footwear
Students may also begin incorporating handheld or firearm-mounted illumination equipment where appropriate for the particular course.
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CQC LEVEL III — ADVANCED EQUIPMENT & PROTECTIVE GEAR
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Train With the Equipment You Actually Wear
At the advanced level, equipment itself becomes part of the training challenge.
Students may train while wearing body armor or a ballistic vest/plate carrier, battle belt, ballistic helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, and other instructor-approved equipment.
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Wearing protective equipment changes mobility, comfort, equipment accessibility, fatigue, and situational awareness. Learning how your equipment affects you is an important component of advanced training.
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Level III Equipment
Pistol • Carbine/rifle • Sling • Battle belt • Holster • Magazine carriers • Ballistic vest/plate carrier • Ballistic helmet • Eye/ear protection • Appropriate illumination equipment
Protective equipment must be appropriate for the course and inspected or approved by the instructor where required.
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CQC LEVEL IV — SHOTGUN & MULTI-PLATFORM FAMILIARIZATION
Shotguns present different handling, capacity, recoil, loading, and equipment considerations than pistols and carbines.
For qualified students, advanced programs can incorporate appropriate pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns alongside previously developed handgun and long-gun skills.
Common training platforms may include appropriate models from Benelli, Beretta, Mossberg, Remington, and comparable manufacturers.
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Level IV Equipment
Depending upon the specific course:
Pistol • Carbine/rifle • Shotgun • Sling where appropriate • Battle belt • Holster • Ammunition carriers • Ballistic vest/plate carrier • Ballistic helmet • Eye/ear protection • Instructor-approved accessories
Students aren't expected to carry every platform simultaneously. Equipment requirements are determined by the specific training block.
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CQC LEVEL V — ADVANCED SCENARIO & FORCE-ON-FORCE
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Put the Skills Together
The highest level moves beyond predictable drills into controlled scenario-based training.
Students may be required to observe, communicate, process information, manage equipment, recognize changing circumstances, and make appropriate decisions while experiencing controlled pressure.
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Advanced scenarios may utilize inert training firearms, dedicated simulation systems, protective equipment, role players, and other non-live-fire training tools where appropriate.
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The goal isn't simply speed.
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It's demonstrating judgment, discipline, awareness, communication, and control while solving increasingly complicated problems.
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Ballistic Equipment & CQC
Advanced students often ask whether they need body armor and a ballistic helmet.
Not necessarily at the beginning.
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We intentionally introduce equipment progressively.
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A Level I student doesn't need to arrive looking like a fully equipped tactical operator. First, the student needs to demonstrate the fundamentals.
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As the student advances, the equipment package can evolve:
LEVEL I: Handgun + conventional range equipment
LEVEL II: Handgun + carbine + battle belt
LEVEL III: Handgun + carbine + battle belt + body armor/plate carrier + ballistic helmet
LEVEL IV: Multi-platform training, including appropriate shotgun programs
LEVEL V: Full instructor-approved equipment appropriate to advanced scenario training
This progression allows students to understand why they are carrying each piece of equipment instead of simply purchasing equipment because it looks tactical.
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We Can Help You Understand Your Equipment
There is no universal CQC equipment package.
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A handgun, holster, rifle, sling, battle belt, body armor, helmet, optic, hearing protection, and other equipment should work together as a system.
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Our instructors can help students understand appropriate equipment considerations for their course and identify unnecessary or incompatible equipment before training begins.
You do not need to purchase everything before your first class.
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Who Is This Training For?
Our CQC program can accommodate appropriately qualified experienced civilian shooters, firearms instructors, security professionals, competitive shooters, organizational safety personnel, and responsible firearm owners seeking advanced training.
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Beginners interested in eventually reaching the advanced program can start with foundational instruction and build toward the necessary proficiency.
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Advancement Is Earned
Purchasing a plate carrier and rifle doesn't make someone an advanced shooter.
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Students advance by demonstrating safe firearm handling, consistency, judgment, maturity, equipment competence, and the prerequisite skills required for the next level.
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An instructor may require additional training before progression.
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That's what makes a progressive CQC program meaningful.
From Handgun Fundamentals to Full CQC Training
LEVEL I — Handgun CQC Foundations
LEVEL II — Carbine & Multi-Platform Training
LEVEL III — Ballistic Equipment & Advanced CQC
LEVEL IV — Shotgun & Multi-Platform Training
LEVEL V — Advanced Scenario / Force-on-Force
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Majeed Guns & Firearms School
Close-Quarter Combat Training
Branford, Connecticut
(203) 887-8368
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Start with the fundamentals. Earn your way through the levels.
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Pistol • Carbine • Shotgun • Battle Belt • Body Armor • Ballistic Helmet • Low-Light Equipment • Scenario Training • Force-on-Force
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Advanced CQC courses require prerequisite experience and instructor approval. Firearms and equipment requirements vary by course. All training is subject to applicable law, range requirements, safety protocols, and instructor approval. Ballistic equipment is supplemental protective equipment and does not eliminate the risks associated with firearms training.