Drilling For Function is a one-day class examining psychomotor skill acquisition, curriculum design, and instructional methodology to help firefighters and instructors build more effective training systems. The focus is not simply on teaching technique, but on developing repeatable systems and algorithms that improve performance on the fireground.

Participants will explore skill acquisition from both technical and cultural perspectives, creating a systematic and professional approach to training at the individual, company, multi-company, and departmental levels. The class breaks down complex fireground skills into simple, usable models that can be quickly implemented within any organization.

The discussion also examines the physiology and psychology behind skills performed in high-stress environments, including limited perception, stress response, and diminishing fine motor skills. In addition, the class addresses common cultural misconceptions surrounding drilling, training, and education in the American fire service.

Designed for firefighters involved in training and leadership roles, this class provides practical insight into lesson planning, program development, and instructional techniques that help departments better transfer knowledge, experience, and skill to the next generation of firefighters. The goal is not to train for success on the drill field alone, but to prepare firefighters for real-world performance on the fireground.

Students will earn Indiana Instructor CE hours.