The Cadre Podcast

Failed Sniper School, Came Back Stronger, Eric D'Oro's Story | Ep 015

Join Phillip Velayo and Eric D'Oro of The Cadre for the long version of how Eric actually got here, including the parts that didn't go to plan. Eric walks through growing up in Pennsylvania, joining the Marines at 18 in the shadow of 9/11, failing sniper school, coming back for a second attempt, and breaking his ankle mid-competition before having to drop out. He gets honest about the feedback that broke him, the bureaucracy that pushed him out of the Marine Corps, and the messy transition through college, firearms instruction, and contracting. Whether you're a young Marine wondering if you'd survive the standard, a competitor trying to reframe your last bad match, or someone mid-career-transition, this one is worth the full sit.
Listen to us on:Spotify, https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple, 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/kitDownload The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources
TIMESTAMPS0:00, Introduction, Who Is Eric D'Oro2:15, Growing Up in Pennsylvania, Family and Early Influences8:40, Joining the Marines at 18, Powerlifting, Wrestling, and 9/1115:20, SOI, Reclassing to 0311 and Volunteering for Recon22:10, The Recon Training Injury, Surgery, and the Extended Timeline31:45, Running the Sniper Screener40:30, Walking Into the Platoon, Catching Up to the Standard52:15, First Deployment to Australia, Mistakes and Feedback1:04:50, Leadership, Trust, and Team Dynamics1:18:25, Sniper School, Failure, and the Hazing That Followed1:31:10, The KD Test and What It Did to Him1:42:55, The Second Attempt, Broken Ankle, and Dropping Out1:54:30, Reintegration, Leadership Frustration, and the Decision to Leave2:06:15, Civilian Transition, College, and Firearms Instruction2:14:40, Contracting, Teaching, and Finding the Work That Fits2:20:05, Corey, Brianna, and Building a Support System2:26:30, Health, Stepping Back, and Choosing Competition2:32:45, Teaching With Lived Experience, NRL Hunter, and What's Next2:38:20, Final Thoughts on Resilience, Stubbornness, and the Long Road
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doroFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training
Precision Through Chaos.

Tenacity Firearms: Custom Hunting Rifles Without the Wait | Ep 014

Join Phillip Velayo and Andrew of Tenacity Firearms for a full breakdown of what it actually takes to build a high-end custom hunting rifle, get it in your hands fast, and run it with confidence in the backcountry. The conversation covers Tenacity's no-wait business model, the full component stack behind the Tenacity X, and the philosophy behind building a rifle system around how hunters actually operate in the field.
They walk through every layer of the build: the McMillan Mountain Hunter stock with integrated Arca and Picatinny rails, the Tenacity-branded Defiance Anti-X action, Proof Research and Hell's Canyon Armory barrel options, and TriggerTech's role in a reliable, adjustable trigger system. The discussion gets into cartridge selection strategy, why factory ammo availability matters more than most hunters realize, and how scope mount height influences your ability to run the rifle cleanly under pressure. Phillip draws direct parallels between competition shooting fundamentals and backcountry hunting performance, including what the pre-shot and post-shot process looks like when an animal is in front of you.
Whether you're specing your first custom hunting rifle, tired of waiting two years for a build, or looking for a modular platform that grows with your skill level, this episode gives you a blueprint for what a purpose-built precision hunting rifle should look like.
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
TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | The Cadre x Tenacity Firearms Collaboration2:12 - Custom Rifle Industry | Wait Times, Market Saturation, and the Tenacity Model6:08 - Tenacity X Breakdown | McMillan Stock, Arca Rail, and Modular Design11:47 - Action, Barrel, and Trigger | Defiance, Proof Research, and TriggerTech17:25 - Cartridge Selection | What to Run and Why Factory Ammo Availability Matters22:43 - Scope Mount Height and Modern Technique | Minimizing Rifle Influence45:04 - Competition Shooting for Hunters | Why the Range Makes You Better in the Field53:49 - Troubleshooting and Customer Support | Knowing Your System When It Matters1:04:09 - Future Goals | New Configurations, Price Points, and Product Development
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Tenacity Firearms: https://www.instagram.com/tenacity_firearms/Follow Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_whitney/Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training
Precision Through Chaos.

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/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - 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
TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | The Cadre Range Assessment Matrix2:09 - The Framework | Positional Challenge and Wind Complexity Explained4:31 - Gravestone Range | A Four on Props, Real Wind Variability9:16 - Wind at Gravestone | Reading Shifts, Angles, and Vegetation15:52 - How to Prepare | Recoil Management, Kestrel Calibration, and Reactive Calling28:27 - Snake River, Idaho | Natural Terrain and the Four-Rating Problem38:55 - Mason Valley | Target Acquisition, Vegetation, and Team Communication1:00:00 - Fruit Stand | Simple Positions, Complex Wind1:06:06 - Understanding Wind | Flow, Vertical Dispersion, and Learning Through Misses1:16:43 - Gun Number Gaps | Spin Drift, the AB App, and Where Students Break Down1:19:53 - Building Intuition | Why the Cheat Sheet Has Limits1:21:25 - Teaching Gun Number | Keeping It Simple and Knowing When It Fails1:31:13 - 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

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/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - 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
TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | Foundational Course Debrief2:37 - Condensing the Curriculum | Two Days vs. Three5:31 - Student Feedback | What They Walked Away With10:32 - Common Misconceptions | Bipod Loading and Equipment Mistakes43:46 - Teaching Styles | Why Different Voices Matter44:15 - Gear Setup | What's Hurting New Shooters Before They Fire a Round49:40 - Advice for New Shooters | How to Get Out of Your Own Way1:05:56 - Why We Teach | The Fulfillment Behind the Instruction1:08:03 - Advanced Course Preview | What's Next1:14:49 - Managing the Process | Flexibility Over Perfection1:16:58 - Failing in Front of Students | Why It's Part of the Job1:22:37 - Closing | Upcoming Training in Cody, Utah, and Brave Lizard
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Steve: https://www.instagram.com/steve_hafFollow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doroFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jonFollow 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.

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/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803
TRAIN WITH US:https://www.thecadretraining.comDOWNLOAD OUR EQUIPMENT KIT:https://www.thecadretraining.com/kitDownload The Cadre DOPE Card:https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources
TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | Mason Valley NRL Hunter Debrief2:13 - Weather & Equipment | Abel Company Cans, Thunder Beast Brakes6:31 - Match Performance | What Held and What Broke Down7:28 - Sustains & Improves | An Honest Post-Match Breakdown13:14 - Teamwork & Communication | Working the Stage as a Unit13:29 - Target Acquisition | Finding Targets in Dense Terrain14:46 - Trigger Cam & Position Challenges | What the Camera Revealed28:23 - Subconscious vs. Conscious Shooting | Where Your Focus Actually Lives1:14:36 - Wind & Target ID | Reading Conditions in Real Time1:23:22 - Teaching Under Pressure | What Coaching Does for Your Own Game1:28:26 - Final Thoughts | Future Matches & What's Next
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doroFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jonFollow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training
Precision Through Chaos.

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/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - 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
TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | Sam Carlson from Thunder Beast Arms2:46 - Sam's Journey into Precision Shooting | From Army Tanker to Competitor3:03 - Early Match Experiences & Equipment Evolution | Learning the Hard Way3:20 - Upgrading Gear & Finding What Works | Optics, Chassis & Reloading3:37 - Transition to Thunder Beast | From Competitor to Industry Professional3:53 - The Growing Role of Suppressors in Precision Shooting4:12 - Health & Performance | Overpressure Risks Every Competitor Should Know4:27 - The Future of Suppressors | Market Demand & Innovation4:42 - Choosing Your First Suppressor | Research, Testing & Customer Service5:02 - Sam's Personal Insights | Community, Collaboration & Future Goals5:19 - What Makes a Great Match Director | Course Design & Fairness5:42 - Cheyenne Precision Rifle Hoe Down | Building an Inclusive Match1:21:51 - Match Structure & Community | Loaner Rifles & Supporting New Shooters1:29:43 - Challenges & Adaptations | Wind Calls, Positioning & Growth Mindset1:30:30 - Advice for New Shooters | Patience, Positivity & Learning from Experience1:33:54 - Final Thoughts | Contact Info, Barrel Burner App & Thunder Beast Support
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Sam Carlson: https://www.instagram.com/dadthesamFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jonFollow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training
Precision Through Chaos

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/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - 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
TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction | Ian Miner Post-Match Debrief2:20 - The Three Forks Event | Community, Neighbors & a Relaxed Atmosphere3:33 - Why Local Matches Work | Less Intimidating, More Valuable6:49 - Match Flow & the Ego Problem | When Competition Mode Kills Your Process14:09 - The Tikka Gift | Rifle Setup & Community Support in Action21:22 - Hunting vs. Competition | Intuition, Wind Reads & Target Engagement22:14 - Training & Class Selection | Finding the Right Fit for Your Goals52:19 - Final Thoughts | Future Matches, Teaching & What's Next
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Ian: https://www.instagram.com/unextraordinarymanFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training
Precision Through Chaos

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 LearnedJoin 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
TIMESTAMPS0:00 - NRL Hunter Pro Am 2026 After Action Review2:44 - Team Dynamics, Communication & Why Shooting With a Partner Matters5:43 - Inspiring Veterans to Get Back Into Shooting & Community Building8:05 - Three Sustains and Three Improves | Our Match Debrief Framework12:28 - Challenges and Lessons Learned | Trust Your Instincts & Adapt19:11 - Match Feedback & Suggestions for Match Directors20:10 - Overall Satisfaction, Future Plans & Proper Gear Planning
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jonFollow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training
Listen to us on:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803
Precision Through Chaos

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-Am44:12 - 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/unextraordinarymanFollow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jonFollow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training
Listen to us on:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OUApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803
Precision Through Chaos

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.
📍 Timestamps0:02 — 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_calebFollow Solo: https://www.instagram.com/matt.solo006Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training
Precision Through Chaos.