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.

  1. 5D AGO

    Not All Ranges Are Equal - Wind, Positional Challenges & The Cadre Range Matrix Explained | Ep 013

    In this episode, Phillip Velayo, Jon Bumpus, and Eric D'Oro of The Cadre introduce a specialized matrix for evaluating precision rifle venues based on positional challenge and wind complexity. By scoring four distinct ranges—Gravestone, Snake River, Mason Valley, and Fruit Stand—the crew demonstrates how varying terrain and environmental factors dictate specific training requirements and gear preparation. The discussion moves beyond simple mechanics to explore the nuances of wind engagement, the limitations of the Gun Number system at long range, and why "meaningful misses" are critical for growth. Whether you are a competitor, hunter, or instructor, this breakdown provides a universal framework for analyzing any range and reverse-engineering the skills needed to master it. Listen to us on:  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com  DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit  Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction | The Cadre Range Assessment Matrix 2:09 - The Framework | Positional Challenge and Wind Complexity Explained 4:31 - Gravestone Range | A Four on Props, Real Wind Variability 9:16 - Wind at Gravestone | Reading Shifts, Angles, and Vegetation 15:52 - How to Prepare | Recoil Management, Kestrel Calibration, and Reactive Calling 28:27 - Snake River, Idaho | Natural Terrain and the Four-Rating Problem 38:55 - Mason Valley | Target Acquisition, Vegetation, and Team Communication 1:00:00 - Fruit Stand | Simple Positions, Complex Wind 1:06:06 - Understanding Wind | Flow, Vertical Dispersion, and Learning Through Misses 1:16:43 - Gun Number Gaps | Spin Drift, the AB App, and Where Students Break Down 1:19:53 - Building Intuition | Why the Cheat Sheet Has Limits 1:21:25 - Teaching Gun Number | Keeping It Simple and Knowing When It Fails 1:31:13 - Upcoming Events | NRL Hunter, Foundation, and Advanced Courses CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:  Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doro  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 Precision Through Chaos

    1h 35m

  2. MAR 27

    Inside a Precision Rifle Foundation Course: Instructor Debrief with The Cadre | Ep 012

    Join Phillip Velayo, Jon Bumpus, Eric D'Oro, and Steve Holland of The Cadre for a full debrief from a two-day foundational precision rifle course in California — breaking down what actually happened in the classroom, on the line, and in the conversations that followed. The crew covers the pivot from a four-day format to two days, what got compressed, and where the pressure points showed up for students. Then it gets into performance: common equipment mistakes new shooters bring to the line, why bipod loading misconceptions persist, and what proper setup actually changes. The conversation shifts into something more useful — the difference between conscious incompetence and the path to unconscious competence, why knowing what you don't know is the most underrated outcome of a foundation course, and how different instructor styles surface breakthroughs that a single voice never could. Whether you're trying to decide if a foundation course is worth it, figuring out what gear actually matters before you show up, or looking to understand what separates structured learning from just burning ammo — this one is worth the listen. Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction | Foundational Course Debrief 2:37 - Condensing the Curriculum | Two Days vs. Three 5:31 - Student Feedback | What They Walked Away With 10:32 - Common Misconceptions | Bipod Loading and Equipment Mistakes 43:46 - Teaching Styles | Why Different Voices Matter 44:15 - Gear Setup | What's Hurting New Shooters Before They Fire a Round 49:40 - Advice for New Shooters | How to Get Out of Your Own Way 1:05:56 - Why We Teach | The Fulfillment Behind the Instruction 1:08:03 - Advanced Course Preview | What's Next 1:14:49 - Managing the Process | Flexibility Over Perfection 1:16:58 - Failing in Front of Students | Why It's Part of the Job 1:22:37 - Closing | Upcoming Training in Cody, Utah, and Brave Lizard CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Steve: https://www.instagram.com/steve_haf Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doro 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 #PrecisionRifle #LongRangeShooting #RifleTraining #NewShooter #PrecisionRifleTraining #TheCadre #BoltAction #PRSShooting #NRLShooting #RifleFundamentals #MarineSniper #LongRangeHunting #ShootingPodcast #RifleClass #PrecisionHunter #RifleGear #ScopeSetup #ProcessOverTalent #precisionthroughchaos  Precision Through Chaos.

    1h 23m

  3. MAR 20

    NRL Hunter Mason Valley: Sustains, Improves, and Hard Lessons | Ep 011

    Join Phillip Velayo, Jon Bumpus, and Eric D'Oro of The Cadre for a post-match debrief from the NRL Hunter Mason Valley match — breaking down what actually happened from the first stage impressions to the moments where the process started leaking. The crew covers the venue itself, what made the stage design stand out, and how conditions compared to last year. Then it gets into performance: equipment changes with the Abel Company cans and Thunder Beast brakes, trigger cam integration, and a full breakdown of sustains and improves from the match. The conversation shifts into something more useful — the difference between subconscious workflow and where conscious thought has to take over, why time management and asking the right questions mid-stage matter more than raw ability, and how teaching others sharpens your own process in ways competition alone can't. Whether you're trying to diagnose where your workflow breaks down under pressure, figuring out how to integrate new gear without disrupting your stage process, or looking to understand what separates composed execution from reactive shooting — this one is worth the listen. Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction | Mason Valley NRL Hunter Debrief 2:13 - Weather & Equipment | Abel Company Cans, Thunder Beast Brakes 6:31 - Match Performance | What Held and What Broke Down 7:28 - Sustains & Improves | An Honest Post-Match Breakdown 13:14 - Teamwork & Communication | Working the Stage as a Unit 13:29 - Target Acquisition | Finding Targets in Dense Terrain 14:46 - Trigger Cam & Position Challenges | What the Camera Revealed 28:23 - Subconscious vs. Conscious Shooting | Where Your Focus Actually Lives 1:14:36 - Wind & Target ID | Reading Conditions in Real Time 1:23:22 - Teaching Under Pressure | What Coaching Does for Your Own Game 1:28:26 - Final Thoughts | Future Matches & What's Next CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doro 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 Precision Through Chaos.

    1h 30m

  4. MAR 19

    From Addiction to Precision Shooting: Sam Carlson's Journey & Suppressor Industry Insights | Ep 009

    Join us for an in-depth conversation with Sam Carlson from Thunder Beast Arms as we explore the critical role suppressors play in precision rifle shooting. Sam shares his personal journey from Army tanker to competitive shooter to working at one of the industry's most respected suppressor manufacturers, plus his experience running the Cheyenne Precision Rifle Hoe Down. We discuss the health implications of overpressure in competition shooting, how to choose the right suppressor for your application, the balance between suppressors and muzzle brakes for target acquisition, and what makes a great match director. Sam also breaks down his advice for new shooters, the importance of proper equipment selection, and why community matters in this sport. Whether you're considering your first suppressor purchase, looking to understand the health benefits of running a can, or interested in match directing — this conversation delivers practical insights from someone who's lived it. Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction | Sam Carlson from Thunder Beast Arms 2:46 - Sam's Journey into Precision Shooting | From Army Tanker to Competitor 3:03 - Early Match Experiences & Equipment Evolution | Learning the Hard Way 3:20 - Upgrading Gear & Finding What Works | Optics, Chassis & Reloading 3:37 - Transition to Thunder Beast | From Competitor to Industry Professional 3:53 - The Growing Role of Suppressors in Precision Shooting 4:12 - Health & Performance | Overpressure Risks Every Competitor Should Know 4:27 - The Future of Suppressors | Market Demand & Innovation 4:42 - Choosing Your First Suppressor | Research, Testing & Customer Service 5:02 - Sam's Personal Insights | Community, Collaboration & Future Goals 5:19 - What Makes a Great Match Director | Course Design & Fairness 5:42 - Cheyenne Precision Rifle Hoe Down | Building an Inclusive Match 1:21:51 - Match Structure & Community | Loaner Rifles & Supporting New Shooters 1:29:43 - Challenges & Adaptations | Wind Calls, Positioning & Growth Mindset 1:30:30 - Advice for New Shooters | Patience, Positivity & Learning from Experience 1:33:54 - Final Thoughts | Contact Info, Barrel Burner App & Thunder Beast Support CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Sam Carlson: https://www.instagram.com/dadthesam 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 Precision Through Chaos

    1h 37m

  5. MAR 7

    Stay in Your Process: Ian Miner on Match Flow, Local Competition, and the Ego Problem | Ep 010

    Join us for an in-depth conversation with Ian Miner, precision rifle instructor and former Marine Scout Sniper, as we break down what actually happens when you step off the firing line at local match. Ian shares his experience at the Three Forks event — competing alongside neighbors and friends — and what that environment revealed about his process, his ego, and his rifle game. We discuss the mental and tactical differences between local matches and major competitions, how match flow breaks down when you start competing against people you know, the hunting vs. competition mindset split, and how to find the right training class for your goals. Ian also breaks down his experience running a Tikka rifle received as a community gift, the value of knowing your range and your people, and what match directors do that makes or breaks the experience for new competitors. Whether you're prepping for your first local match, trying to diagnose where your process falls apart mid-stage, or wondering how hunting instincts translate to the competition line — this conversation delivers real talk from someone who's lived both worlds. Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction | Ian Miner Post-Match Debrief 2:20 - The Three Forks Event | Community, Neighbors & a Relaxed Atmosphere 3:33 - Why Local Matches Work | Less Intimidating, More Valuable 6:49 - Match Flow & the Ego Problem | When Competition Mode Kills Your Process 14:09 - The Tikka Gift | Rifle Setup & Community Support in Action 21:22 - Hunting vs. Competition | Intuition, Wind Reads & Target Engagement 22:14 - Training & Class Selection | Finding the Right Fit for Your Goals 52:19 - Final Thoughts | Future Matches, Teaching & What's Next CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Ian: https://www.instagram.com/unextraordinaryman Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos

    53 min

  6. FEB 18

    NRL Hunter Pro Am After Action Review - Tips for New Precision Rifle Competitors | Ep 008

    NRL Hunter Idaho Pro Am 2026 | Complete Match Review & Lessons Learned Join us for a complete after-action review of the NRL Hunter Pro Am in Idaho — one of the best precision rifle matches in the western region. Phillip Velayo and Jon break down their first team match experience, covering what worked, what didn't, and why this event is perfect for shooters at any level. We discuss team dynamics, effective communication under pressure, load development consistency, and the importance of adapting your plan in real time. Whether you're a veteran looking to get back into competition, a hunter considering your first match, or a competitor wanting to improve your performance — this honest debrief will give you actionable insights to level up your game. TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com DOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/kit Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - NRL Hunter Pro Am 2026 After Action Review 2:44 - Team Dynamics, Communication & Why Shooting With a Partner Matters 5:43 - Inspiring Veterans to Get Back Into Shooting & Community Building 8:05 - Three Sustains and Three Improves | Our Match Debrief Framework 12:28 - Challenges and Lessons Learned | Trust Your Instincts & Adapt 19:11 - Match Feedback & Suggestions for Match Directors 20:10 - Overall Satisfaction, Future Plans & Proper Gear Planning 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 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 9m

  7. FEB 13

    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

  8. FEB 11

    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
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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
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Cadre Podcast

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