Training Aids - A.I.M.M. Training System

The Advanced Individual Marksmanship and Manipulation (A.I.M.M.) Training System has shooting Challenges that rely on training aids to complete the Challenge. Below you will find additional information on some of the training aids we use, along with product links. It should be noted, we (Intuitive Defense) are not paid, nor do we receive any type of compensation for the provided links and/or recommendations. 

- Shot Timer -

The most common training aid used for almost all A.I.M.M. Training System Challenges is a shot timer. A large majority of Challenges use time as a standard of completion, along with tracking the Challenge time for multiple shooters when playing NOOB or one of the other A.I.M.M. Training System Game Modes. (learn more here)

Now, a dedicated shot timer is not an absolute necessity as long as you have some method of capturing the Challenge time. This can be done using a stop watch or using the timer function on your phone. Neither one of these options will be as accurate in recording time as a shot timer, but they can be cheaper and in most cases, something that you probably already have.

For us, we prefer to use a dedicated shot timer. There are many great options available out there at different price points. Some are very simple and some offer lots of features, but at the end of they day, they are all pretty much designed to do the same thing, track and record time.

We have used a wide range of shot timers and they have all worked well and did what we wanted them to do, but the one that we use the most is our Shooters Global Timer 2 shot timer (pictured above).

There are several reasons we prefer this shot timer. One of those reasons is because it is supported with a mobile app that allows you to wirelessly connect to shot timer. When connected, you can record video of yourself or other shooters running Challenges.

This option has a shot timer overlay displayed on the video showing all the times and other information related to that run. This is a great way to natively give a viewer the visual data pulled directly from the shot timer. Because of this, we use this feature in our Challenge Demonstration Videos which means, we rely on this shot timer for video support purposes, making it more of a necessity rather than a "want'. 

Another reason we prefer to use this shot timer is because of its compact size. It is smaller and has a slim magnetic clip mount which makes it very easy to use and store on your person or gear while on the range running Challenges.

We also like the large display. It is very clean and easy to navigate and the information on the screen is easy to read. The display also has a backlight option which is fantastic for low light/no light use. It is water resistant, which works out well for us here in Louisiana and the buttons on the side of the display are large, tactile, and easy to press, even with gloves.

It has a built-in, USB-C rechargeable battery that has an insane amount of life to it. It will easily last many range sessions without needing a charge. It also has a dry fire function which is a great option when doing training off the range.

All in all, this shot timer has a lot built into it, which might be more than some people need, but for us, it's the ideal solution. It is one of the more expensive shot timers on the market at more than $300.00.

Although we highly recommend this shot timer, it does not mean you need this to run and complete A.I.M.M. Training System Challenges. You can absolutely use the timer function on your phone or use a simpler, cheaper shot timer. 

At this time we do not sell shot timers, but this is the one we have: Shooters Global
Other shot timer options: Optics Planet

- Inert Rounds -

One of the most common training aid found in A.I.M.M. Challenges is inert rounds. These inert (also referred to as "dummy" rounds) cartridges are available in different calibers and are used in place of live ammunition to simulate firearm and/or ammunition malfunctions. Inert rounds do not have a primer, powder, or projectile, making them safe for dry fire (training without live ammunition) or malfunction correction drills.

Not all inert rounds are created equal. Some are entirely made from plastic or polymer, some have a metal case with plastic, polymer, or rubber "projectile" tip (pictured above). Some are all single color, some are multi-color. 

What we have found is, the metal-case inert round with plastic-style tip tents to work best and tends to have the longest life cycle. The all plastic or polymer inert rounds tend to chip and break, especially around the bottom grove (rim) of the casing where the extractor grabs the cartridge and ejects it from the firearm.

If the extractor cannot remove the cartridge and eject it from the firearm, the cartridge becomes stuck in the chamber and sometimes needs to be pushed out using a rod in the barrel. This adds time to training and takes training value away from malfunction drills or other drills where inert rounds are used.

Using the above pictured style of inert rounds, we have not had an issue where the cartridge becomes logged in a firearm due to an inert round failure as a result of damage. We have used these type of metal case inert rounds throughout our career and in A.I.M.M. Challenges thousands of times without issue. For us, the same cannot be said about plastic or polymer inert rounds.

Another consideration is, locating inert rounds on the ground after being ejected. Sometimes this can be a simple task, sometimes not so much, especially if the shooter has been moving. Some inert, single color rounds are a darker color, which can make them more difficult to locate. Multi-color inert rounds, like the ones pictured above, can be easier to located on the ground.

After recovering inert rounds from the ground, it is good practice to ensure they are free from any dirt or debris before use in a firearm again. You do not want to muck up a magazine or create debris buildup in the barrel because of dirty inert rounds. 

At this time we do not sell inert rounds, but this is where we get ours: Metal Case Inert Rounds
7.62x39 caliber option: Metal Case Inert Rounds (AK)

- Cones -

On our shooting range we use smaller traffic cones (pictured below on the left side) to mark yard line distances. Some A.I.M.M. Training System Challenges use smaller cones (pictured below in the center and on the right side) for shooter interaction and/or to mark additional shooting positions.   

There is nothing specific about any of these cones other than their hight. Working left-to-right in the above picture, the orange cone on the left side is 12" tall. This cones is part of our set which we use to make the yard line distances (6 needed). It is also used for the Flip Cone Challenge. 

The orange cone in the center and the green cone on the right are 9" tall. They are part of our cone sets for shooter interaction (pickup and move) and to mark attentional shooting positions (3 of each color needed). These cones are used for Cone Swap Challenge, ZigZag Challenge, and the ZigZagZig Challenge.

Most other cones or colored marking devices would work as a substitute. We would recommend ensuring that you have cones with a similar dimensions as the ones we use because we know it works. We also recommend using orange and green color cones as some of the challenge mention cones by color, it's an easy enough switch over if other colors are used.

At this time we do not sell any cones, but there are similar to the ones we use: Yard Line Cones 
Smaller cones: Shooter Interaction and Additional Shooting Position Cones

- Tape -

There are a few A.I.M.M. Training System Challenges that use tape to for the Challenge. Tape is typically used as a blocking tool for sights or optics.

For the A.I.M.M. Training System Challenges that use tape, any 1"+ wide tape would work as long as it is not clear. We also recommend using a painters and/or masking style tape becuase they typically are less adhesive, making it easier to remove while also not leaving behind sticky residue. 

The main purpose of the tape for some challenges (Pirate Challenge, That's the Point Challenge, and The Imposter Challenge)  is to visually block something from the shooter. It is ment as a temporary visual obstacle so being able to easily and quickly remove it upon completion of the Challenge is important.

At this time we do not sell tape, but this is where we get ours: Multi-Surface Painters Tape