“Skills are the real superpower. From shooting under night vision to rendering medical aid, what you know is just as valuable as what you own.”

Episode Summary

In this action-packed episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Sam Houston—military veteran, UAV operator, and night vision specialist with Greenline Tactical and Warrior Poet Society. Sam takes us on a deep dive into his unique career path, starting as a Navy crewman on P3C Orion surveillance aircraft before becoming a key player in civilian and military night vision, UAV operations, and advanced firearms training.

We discuss the evolution of surveillance technology, the exhilarating experience of aerial gunnery courses (including shooting AR-15s from helicopters!), and Sam’s frontline insights into the civilian application of drones. The conversation highlights “freedom training,” why access to tactical skillsets and top-tier gear matters for civilians, and the critical importance of medical preparedness.

Sam also shares night vision gear recommendations, budget tips for getting started, training drills for new owners, and what it’s really like to work as both operator and instructor. Plus: gear picks and why walking the walk with ongoing education is essential for gun owners in 2024.

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Show Sponsors

A special thanks to the team over at Onsite Firearms Training (OFT), who’ve contributed both to our hosts’ personal skills and the show’s valuable content. Interested in taking your firearms abilities to the next level? Check out OFT’s training courses at oftllc.us

Key Takeaways

• Night Vision is Attainable: Modern consumer night vision kits rival or surpass military gear from a decade ago. With a budget of $5K-$7K, civilians can access a solid setup.
• Training Trumps Gear: Whether with firearms or medical supplies, proficiency and regular real-world practice matter more than just owning the latest kit.
• Freedom Training Philosophy: Emphasizes skill-building, not just gear, as core to Second Amendment rights—civilians deserve access to the best training and tactical knowledge.
• Medical Skills Save Lives: Sam and the hosts stress the unexpected but common need for trauma care in everyday life—everyone should seek out at least basic medical courses.
• Aerial Gunnery Course: Greenline Tactical’s helicopter shooting class is an incredible bucket list class that any gun guy would love to take.
• Structural Ops: Team movement and building clearing with friends, using live fire, NODs, and even mission planning, can turn responsible civilians into far more capable Americans.
• Entry-Level NVG Advice: Don’t buy until you’ve trained! Rentals are available for courses so students gain hands-on skills and make informed purchases.
• Drones for Civilians: Practical drone skills have real uses beyond LARPing—from property scouting to search-and-rescue potential.
• Top Gear Picks: Sam's favorite must-have gear isn’t just guns—it’s innovative thermal regulation from Core Performance, quality medical kits, and of course, reliable NOD setups.
• Community Counts: The tactical training world is big, but tight-knit; instructors and alumni often cross paths, and the best trainers are approachable and eager to share knowledge.

Guest Information

Sam Houston

• Instructor at Greenline Tactical and Warrior Poet Society
• Specialist in night vision and unmanned aerial systems
• Instagram: @silentsolutions_
• YouTube
• Greenline Tactical
• Warrior Poet Society

Thanks for listening to The Gun Experiment—where experimentation leads to real world skills!