The Mingle's 2026 Projected 10th anniversary STEEL CHALLENGE Schedule
Scroll to the bottom of the page for photos of the awesome Cohutta Pines range.
Please make note that each block/range will already have a medical protocol, primary and secondary medical responders, and transport vehicles in place.
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Arrive 8:00am, enter through the open gate and wait for us to open the parking areas. Parking helpers will be in place. We will also have 2 trucks available to take your gear and place it on the ranges for you (they will also drive it back to your parking lot at the end of the day)! We still advise a gear cart.
8:45am-9:15am Admin on RANGE 2 (if no rain)
There will be a $20 per day, per person range fee. Please bring $40 CASH on Saturday morning. We will collect this at registration.
9:15am Opening statements on RANGE 4
9:45am Report to your training block
9:45am - 12:45pm 3 hour training block
12:45pm-2:00pm LUNCH served on RANGE 2 (if no rain)
Sandwiches: ham or turkey on buns, chips, dessert, and drinks. If you have food restrictions, please bring your own lunch. Thank you.
2:15pm Report to your training block
2:15pm - 5:15pm 3 hour training block
5:30pm-6:00pm The Mingle's Day 1 closing statements and announcements on RANGE 4
Day 1 can run as late as 6:30pm
Sunday, May 17th, 2026:
Arrive 8:30am, enter through the open gate and wait for us to open the parking areas. Parking helpers will be in place. We will also have 2 trucks available to take your gear and place it on the ranges for you (they will also drive it back to your parking lot at the end of the day)! We still advise a gear cart.
9:00am-9:30am Admin and opening statements on RANGE 4
9:45am Report to your training block
9:45am - 12:45pm 3 hour training block
THE MINGLING BEGINS at 1:00pm. Lunch served on RANGE 2 (if no rain)
Networking, door prizes, firearm giveaway, SWAG bags and MORE on RANGE 4
LUNCH TBD: If you have food restrictions, please bring your own lunch. Thank you.
Interviewing will be going on for designated Mingle guests at the clubhouse down the hill
2:30pm Door prizes, firearm giveaway, etc RANGE 4
4:00pm - 4:30pm The Mingle's 2025 closing statements and announcements on RANGE 4
10TH ANNIVERSARY STEEL CHALLENGE WEEKEND
3 Hour Training Block with Brian Hill on RANGE 4
Topic:Decisions, Movement, and Tools Every action we take in personal protection incurs three components: time, information, and processing. Throughout this block, we will employ a progressive training protocol utilizing both dry and live scenarios, featuring the Complete Combatant’s Mixed Six. This exercise will enable the shooter to experience the delicate balance between these three components. The standard version focuses on hand positions and tool cycling. Phase 2 will emphasize fundamental movements such as turning, advancing, retreating, and laterally moving. Phase 3 will incorporate the utilization of movement and cover to the previous series. Our steel challenge will be a timed race to the center, emphasizing drawing from cover and engaging multiple targets, culminating in a dual popper.
3 hour live fire block
Round Count 200
Ending each block with a "Race to the Popper" STEEL CHALLENGE
Head Assistant Instructor/ Primary Medical =
"The Mingle Challenge Cards"
LOW READY start or DRAW FROM HOLSTER start
5 Shots 5 Yards 5 Seconds
5 rounds needed
All 5 shots must be in the FACE of the card (NEW RULE: breaking the line/edges DO COUNT)
We learned this awesome drill from Tom Givens of Rangemaster.
This is a very challenging drill to score 100% on during class. SO GREAT JOB! We will sign and date your The Mingle Challenge Card!
3 Hour Training Block with Adam Winch RANGE 1
Topic: Dynamic Encounters, Self and Others These 3 hours will be moving and shaking, mimicking movements of target and one handed shooting. Details to come
3 hour live fire block
Round Count 250
Ending each block with a "Encounters" STEEL CHALLENGE
Assistant Instructor/Primary Medical =
Vicki Farnam in the CLUBHOUSE & Range Time at the HK Shoot with Gedde Wilson, Howard Marbury and Shannon Pable on RANGE 3: 3 Hour Training Block Combined
Topic: OFF Body Carry IN your life FOR your Life. What You Have Never Been Told Before Come and hear what you may not have heard before:that off-body carry, when you think of it as FlexCCarry®Solutions, gives you answers which may just fit into your life.Or perhaps into the life of someone you know who wants to carry but can’t figure out how because a traditional belt holster won’t work.
Learn how to choose a daily go bag (DGB).There will be over 40 to examine.Learn how to set it up.Learn how it functions. Learn how to draw and re-holster.Learn that speed is relative, efficiency is essential.Learn about Being Victorious!
1.15 minute block
Dry practice only
Gloria Krauklis will assist
You will want to take notes
15 minute break between classes in this total 3 hour block
HK SHOOT: Top Shot and PRIZES!The HK SHOOT is the 2nd half of this 3 hour block. You will be using the ammo and the HKs provided for you in the block but you will your need eyes and ears.
Topic: This stage named "Double Jeopardy" is designed to highlight these unique qualities in an expedient, novel, and competitive format. Aside from the instant gratification and feedback of shooting steel, there is a unique challenge in applying the appropriate level of care when shooting different size steel targets at different distances. This stage will also introduce Hit Factor scoring and be run thru PRACTISCORE, the registration link for TM26 registered students.
Primary Instructor: Gedde Wilson
Co-Instructors: Howie Marbury and Shannon Pable
Primary Medical: Howie Marbury
1.30 minute live fire block
HK Shoot (low ready and bench/table starts ONLY)
HK LOVES The Mingle and supports The Complete Combatant's efforts...so much so that they have donated HKs (iron sights and pistol mounted optics) for you to shoot during this block.
Opportunity to shoot ONE HK for this block or a HANDFUL
STEEL CHALLENGE. Winners of each block will receive the HK Shoot's TOP SHOT award
We provide course of fire
HK will provide the ammo for this block. THANK YOU!!
GEAR LIST: Below is a list of everything you will need for all 3 LIVE FIRE training blocks COMBINED
LOCAL GUESTS, YOU WILL NEED TO BRING A CHAIR. IF YOU HAVE ROOM FOR ADDITIONAL CHAIRS THEN PLEASE BRING THEM FOR OUR OUT OF TOWN GUESTS.
NON-LOCAL GUESTS, if you are flying in then please let me know and we will have a chair available for you!
You will want to take notes during the classroom presentation. Be prepared.
There will be a $20 per day, per person range fee. Please bring $40 CASH on Saturday morning. We will collect this at registration.
CLICK HERE for information on having your AMMO DELIVERED TO YOU AT THE MINGLE!
500 rounds of ammo.
We will provide lunch BOTH DAYS, SNACKS and BOTTLED WATER ON THE RANGE. Please bring your own lunch/beverages if you have any dietary restrictions.
Pistol w/holster that will not collapse when drawn (strong side, inside, outside waistband or appendix is fine)
Both IRON sights and RED DOT sights are welcome
Holsters that collapse (leather, soft, etc.) when drawn will NOT be allowed on our range. NO SERPA HOLSTERS will be allowed on our range. Please make note that if you show up with any of the above, we will ask you to CHANGE so you can comply with our range rules. If you do not have a back up gun then you can CHANGE to a HK VP9 and use a strong side Kydex holster that we will provide free of charge. Ammo not included
NO SERPA HOLSTERS or collapsible LEATHER holsters. THIS IS WHY!
Concealment garment is encouraged but not required.
At least two spare magazines (the more the merrier)
Don't forget your LockedIn GripLiquid Shooting Sports Chalk.
Magazine pouch/carrier
A sturdy belt for the holster and magazine pouches (try your gear on prior to class)
"Back up” gun if you got it. If not, we will have a HK VP9 waiting for you to use
Proper OUTDOOR weather attire
A LARGE plastic bag to use as a barrier between your range gear and the ground (this is a life savor if the ground is wet). Consider bringing 2 bags so one can cover up your gear if raining
REMEMBER, we are happy to reserve a VP9 with a Holosun pistol optic and holster for you to shoot all weekend for FREE. CLICK HEREfor details.
More to Know:
NO GUN HANDLING! Arrive with your firearm bagged/cased OR holstered. Each Coach will get you set up for their block. DO NOTHING until asked. If you handle your firearm at ANY TIME other than in a training session, on the line with your Coach, you will be asked to "empty, show clear and holster up". You will not be able to participate in any live fire classes from that point on. You will be invited to stay in your class, watch and learn. If you see anyone break this rule, please tell Brian or Shelley immediately and we will address. Thank you.
You will sign 2/3 waivers and fill out a registration form on Saturday morning.
There will be a $20 per day, per person range fee. Please bring $40 CASH on Saturday morning. We will collect this at registration.
Please make sure the GEAR LIST is complete
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU USE A CART TO TOTE YOUR GEAR AROUND!
We will have a Medical Protocol IN PLACE for each range/classroom. We will provide "need to know" information the morning of Day 1 and review again the morning of Day 2.
This is a rain or shine event so be prepared.
Photos and videos will be taken.
DO NOT contact the instructor with questions regarding their block. All questions will go through Shelley Hill.
