The Cadre Podcast

The Cadre
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The CADRE Podcast brings you insights from former Marine Corps Scout Snipers dedicated to advancing precision rifle training while maintaining and preserving our history. Listeners can expect competition debriefs, technical discussions, standardized training methodologies, and insights into the rich traditions of precision marksmanship. Drawing from their military backgrounds and competitive experience, these instructors bridge tactical heritage with contemporary shooting innovations, ensuring valuable skills and historical knowledge are passed to the next generation. Join us as we build a supportive community that honors our roots while elevating precision rifle shooting through passion, expertise, and continuous improvement.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    How to Set Realistic Expectations Before Your First Competition with Ian Miner | Ep 007

    Join us as we break down the mental side of precision rifle competition and get real about what it takes to step onto the line and grow as a shooter. Phillip Velayo is joined by Jon and Ian Miner for an honest conversation about managing expectations, overcoming the fear of failure, and why ego is the number one thing keeping shooters from ever signing up. We cover the importance of calling your shot, troubleshooting positions in real time, and how local matches are one of the most underrated tools for building consistency and confidence. Whether you're a hunter, competitor, military, or law enforcement — if you've ever talked yourself out of signing up for a match, this episode is for you. TIMESTAMPS  0:00 - Managing Expectations in Competition Shooting  1:03 - Teamwork, Training Efficiency & Content Creation  5:15 - Applying Techniques from Training to Competition  7:15 - Bag Placement, Positions & Real-World Application  15:49 - Why Calling Your Shot Changes Everything  22:57 - Learning from Mistakes & Staying Consistent  31:47 - Team Dynamics, Accountability & the NRL Hunter Pro-Am 44:12 - The Value of Local Matches & Community Building  44:27 - Overcoming Intimidation & Building Confidence  45:35 - Intentional Training & Making Every Round Count  1:04:35 - The Real Purpose of Competition & Personal Growth  1:05:42 - Managing Expectations & Learning from Failure  1:08:27 - Ego, Fear of Failure & Why You Need to Compete Anyway  1:09:09 - The Role of Mentors & Community in Your Development  1:15:53 - Imposter Syndrome at the Firing Line  1:20:57 - Teaching Style, Relatability & Reading the Room  1:25:40 - Building a Strong Instructor Team  1:25:55 - Upcoming CADRE Classes & Training Opportunities  1:26:33 - Final Thoughts & How to Connect With Us TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com Download The Cadre DOPE Card:  https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources 🎯 CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Ian: https://www.instagram.com/unextraordinaryman Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 Precision Through Chaos

    1h 27m

  2. 6D AGO

    Marine Recon Sniper on Precision Rifle, Competition & Bridging the Military-Civilian Gap | Ep 006

    Some guys shoot. Some guys teach. And then there are the rare few who've done both at the highest level and can actually explain why it works. In this episode, Phillip sits down with Caleb — a Marine Recon Sniper instructor who didn't just punch his ticket at the schoolhouse and move on.  He took everything he learned in the military, brought it to the competitive shooting world, and came back a better instructor for it. This one's for the active duty sniper trying to sharpen his craft, the precision shooter who wants to understand the fundamentals at a deeper level, and anyone who's serious about the long game in this community. We get into Caleb's path from infantry to the Recon Sniper Course, what separates a recon sniper from an infantry sniper, and why competitive shooting changed how he thinks about weapon systems, data management, and diagnosing problems under pressure. There's also a real conversation here about the current state of sniper platoons — the inconsistencies, the challenges, and what it actually takes to build capable homegrown instructors from the ground up. No fluff. No gear flexing. Just three guys who've been in the schoolhouse talking honestly about what it takes to get better. 📍 Timestamps 0:02 — Introduction & Technical Difficulties  2:14 — Caleb's Early Career & Switch from Army to Marine Corps  4:05 — Transition to the Recon Sniper Course  15:18 — Teaching at the Schoolhouse — What He Learned  18:56 — Getting Into Competitive Shooting & Building His First Bolt Gun 29:21 — How Competition Made Him a Better Instructor  29:36 — Misconceptions & Hard Truths in the Sniper Community  29:50 — Building Relationships & Supporting the Community  30:17 — Gun Records, Cloud Trackers & the Evolution of Data Management 1:15:26 — The Current State of Sniper Platoons & Precision Weapons  1:17:45 — Building Homegrown Instructors & Training Challenges  1:21:05 — Marksmanship Fundamentals vs. Precision Fundamentals  1:25:40 — Bridging the Military & Civilian Communities  1:29:33 — Final Thoughts & Where the Community Needs to Go 📥 Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources 📅 Train With Us: https://www.thecadretraining.com 🎧 Listen on: Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU  Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 🎯 Connect With The Team: Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317  Follow Caleb: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre_caleb Follow Solo: https://www.instagram.com/matt.solo006 Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos.

    1h 2m

  3. JAN 31

    Precision Rifle Competition Tips: Zero Angles, Factory Ammo & Performance Training | Ep 005

    Join us as we break down what it takes to compete at the highest level and dive deep into separating performance shooters from advanced riflemen. Phillip Velayo and special guest Will Ormes explore the critical distinctions between advanced and performance competition classes, covering essential topics from equipment selection to competition mindset. We discuss common gear mistakes, the truth about zeroing distances, BC truing myths, and why factory ammo might be your best friend as a developing shooter. Then we shift gears to discuss training philosophy: What does it really mean to be "performance ready"? We explore systematic practice techniques, the importance of filming yourself for analysis, and why sticking with one bullet combination builds better intuition than chasing ballistic solver solutions. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 2:23 - Advice for New Shooters and Research Importance 7:27 - Discussion on Performance Competition and Instructor Qualifications 7:42 - Practice Techniques and Personal Insights 8:01 - Filming and Self-Analysis in Shooting 8:22 - Adapting Techniques and Learning from Others 8:40 - Misinformation and Gear Considerations 8:57 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans 9:11 - Zeroing at 200 Yards and High-Level Competition 11:01 - Trueing BC and Understanding Ballistics 11:16 - Choosing the Right Equipment and Ammunition 1:34:27 - The Importance of Reloading and Maintaining Equipment 1:34:44 - Advanced Techniques and Personal Experiences 1:44:52 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com 🎯 CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Follow Will: https://www.instagram.com/covertnoob5 Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 Precision Through Chaos

    1h 46m

  4. JAN 28

    New Gear, Course Philosophy, and What Defines Advanced Shooting with Steve Holland | Ep 004

    Join us as we break down the latest innovations from SHOT Show 2025 and dive deep into what separates foundational shooters from advanced precision riflemen. Steve shares his first-time SHOT Show experience, covering game-changing gear from Proof Armory, Manners folding rifles, Vortex's new rangefinding binos, and Leupold's impressive spotter scope. Then we shift gears to discuss training philosophy: What does it really mean to be "advanced"? We explore the systematic approach to precision shooting, the importance of making fundamentals subconscious, and why having a process matters more than having the latest gear.   Timestamps: 0:00 - SHOT Show Review and Initial Impressions  1:50 - Long Range Shooting and New Products (Proof Armory rifle)  4:55 - Folding Rifles and Hunting Applications (Manners system)  8:25 - Pistol Red Dots and Thermal Imaging  9:36 - Vortex Products and Rangefinding Binoculars  14:19 - Leupold Spotter and Advanced Shooting Techniques  19:31 - Foundation and Advanced Shooting Courses Defined  23:49 - Advanced Course Expectations and Metrics  1:13:53 - Hunter's Perspective and Tripod Shooting  1:14:12 - One-on-One Coaching Challenges  1:15:18 - Importance of Controlled Information Delivery  1:15:56 - Upcoming Classes and Events (California & Utah)  1:17:35 - Developments at Brave Lizard Facility  1:19:51 - Class Dates and Shooting Capabilities (March 22-27)  1:22:45 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources  CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Steve: https://www.instagram.com/steve_haf Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training   Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803   Precision Through Chaos

    1h 28m

  5. JAN 23

    The Cadre Q&A Part 2: Bag Riders, Barrel Break-In & Beginner Mistakes | Ep 003

    Your questions answered: bag riders vs. light downward pressure, carbon vs. steel barrels, moving targets, barrel break-in, and the biggest mistakes we made when we started. Plus our take on the PRS/NRL drama and why fundamentals will always beat gear upgrades. In this Q&A episode, we dig into the questions you've been asking on Instagram and break down the technical details that actually matter. We cover input pressures and touch points, why your reticle might be jumping irregularly, the truth about carbon barrels, and whether weapon-mounted rangefinders are worth it. Jon shares a game-changing demonstration on the bridge technique, and we get honest about the mistakes we made early on—so you don't have to repeat them. Whether you're just getting into precision rifle shooting or you're looking to tighten up your fundamentals, this one's packed with practical advice you can apply at the range tomorrow. TIMESTAMPS:  0:00 - Intro & Podcast Feedback  2:12 - Input Pressures: Bag Riders vs. Light Downward Pressure  5:32 - Touch Points & Ergonomics  7:10 - Recoil Management & Shooting Position  10:42 - Rifle Setup & Buttstock Placement  13:54 - PRS & NRL Drama: Our Take  15:29 - Standing & Kneeling Positions  16:34 - What New Shooters Should Focus On  28:23 - Carbon vs. Stainless Steel Barrels 31:32 - Weapon-Mounted Rangefinders vs. Binos  43:01 - Fundamentals of Marksmanship  44:57 - Barrel Break-In & Cleaning Techniques  55:00 - Recording Videos for YouTube  59:59 - Approaching Moving Targets in Competition  1:04:32 - Building Your First Custom Rifle  1:15:51 - Rifle Customization & Reloading  1:19:58 - Mistakes We Made in Long-Range Shooting  1:33:39 - Sniper School Experiences  1:45:46 - Advice for New Shooters & SHOT Show Preview TRAIN WITH US:  https://www.thecadretraining.com 🎯 CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:  Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317  Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon  Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doro  Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Listen to us on:  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU  Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 Systems beat styles. Fundamentals beat trends. Keep your face on the gun. #longrange #precisionrifle #scoutsniper #sniper #precisionriflepodcast #precisionthroughchaos #thecadre

    2h 7m

  6. JAN 18

    The Cadre Q&A: Match Prep, Wind Calls, and Why Your Rifle Setup is Holding You Back | Ep 002

    Phil and Jon answer YOUR questions in this jam-packed Q&A episode covering everything from attending your first PRS match to the eternal chassis vs. stock debate. IN THIS EPISODE: First Match Survival Guide - What you actually need to bring (hint: it's less than you think), managing expectations, and why focusing on your process matters more than your score Wind Reading Demystified - Stop overthinking it. Phil breaks down the 4-step process every shooter needs and why "hard dope is king" Top 3 Student Struggles - What new shooters consistently get wrong in classes (rifle setup, recoil management, and trigger control)  Chassis vs. Stock- The honest pros and cons of each, why KRG Whiskey 3 is Phil and Jon’s go-to, and when stocks actually win Barrel Length & Competition - How to choose the right setup for PRS, NRL Hunter, and hunting applications 🔭 Tripod Recommendations - The "buy once, cry once" options that are actually worth your money TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & Tech Struggles  5:12 - Tips for Your First PRS Match  24:50 - Barrel Length for Different Applications 29:10 - Top 5 Matches We're Shooting This Year  34:29 - Teaching Kids Precision Shooting  41:43 - Wind Reading Secrets (Stop Overthinking!)  52:12 - Top 3 Things Students Struggle With  1:08:01 - Best Tripods for Starting Out  1:15:22 - Chassis vs. Stock: The Complete Breakdown   EQUIPMENT MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Garmin 901 & Vectronix rangefinders The Cadre Dope Card (coming soon!) Really Right Stuff TFCT-34 Two Vets Recon tripod KRG Whiskey 3 Pro chassis McMillan Mountain Tracker stock   TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com   🎯 CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon Follow Matt: https://www.instagram.com/matt.solo006 Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training

    1h 44m

  7. 04/02/2025

    Who is The Cadre | Ep 001

    Join former Marine Corps Scout Snipers and Instructors, Phillip Velayo, John Bumpus, and Matt Solowynsky as they introduce The Cadre podcast and their mission to transform precision rifle training. Learn their why for building a community that serves both beginners and top competitors through standardized, high-quality instruction.   Find out more info about us at www.thecadretraining.com

    1h 42m
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The CADRE Podcast brings you insights from former Marine Corps Scout Snipers dedicated to advancing precision rifle training while maintaining and preserving our history. Listeners can expect competition debriefs, technical discussions, standardized training methodologies, and insights into the rich traditions of precision marksmanship. Drawing from their military backgrounds and competitive experience, these instructors bridge tactical heritage with contemporary shooting innovations, ensuring valuable skills and historical knowledge are passed to the next generation. Join us as we build a supportive community that honors our roots while elevating precision rifle shooting through passion, expertise, and continuous improvement.

Information

  • Creator
    The Cadre
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Cadre Podcast

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