“They Ain’t Us”: A Lesson in Humility and Purpose for Firearms Instructors

“They Ain’t Us”: A Lesson in Humility and Purpose for Firearms Instructors

By Jeff Young

Three words—short, sharp, and packed with meaning: “They ain’t us.” Master instructor Aqil Qadir has dropped this phrase often over the years, and it’s become a cornerstone of how I approach firearms training. On the surface, it sounds straightforward, maybe even blunt. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a profound reminder of what it means to teach, learn, and grow as part of the firearms community.

At its core, “They ain’t us” is a call to humility and intentionality. It challenges us as instructors to step outside our own perspectives and meet our students—and even our peers—where they are. Let’s break it down.

Our Students Ain’t Us

As instructors, firearms training is our world. We obsess over gear, refine our techniques, and chase incremental gains in performance. For us, shooting isn’t just a skill; it’s a passion, a pursuit of excellence. But for most students? It’s different. They’re not here to shave milliseconds off their draw or debate the merits of red dots versus iron sights. They want to feel safer, more confident, and capable of protecting themselves or their loved ones. Their goals and motivations aren’t ours—and that’s okay.

Effective teaching starts with recognizing this gap. If we assume our students share our priorities, we risk pushing our preferences onto them, potentially overwhelming or alienating them. Instead, we need to listen, adapt, and guide them toward choices that fit their needs. Our job isn’t to mold them into mini-versions of ourselves; it’s to empower them with the skills and confidence to meet their own goals.

Our Peers Ain’t Us, Either

The phrase doesn’t just apply to students—it’s a reminder for how we interact with fellow instructors and skilled shooters, too. Each of us brings a unique perspective to the table, shaped by our experiences, preferences, and contexts. Some swear by traditional iron sights; others are all-in on optics. Some favor specific platforms or training methods, backed by a well-reasoned “why.”

Aqil’s words remind us that we don’t need to pick fights or prove our way is the only way. The strength of our community lies in respectful, constructive dialogue. Instead of getting stuck in emotional debates or dogmatic camps, we should embrace thoughtful discussions that broaden our understanding and elevate our collective knowledge. After all, while instructors might focus on the nuances of performance, most students just want reliable, practical skills. Both perspectives matter, and neither is “better”—just different.

Teaching with Intention

“They ain’t us” is a challenge to teach with purpose. Our legacy as instructors won’t be defined by how many students adopt our gear or mimic our techniques. It’ll be measured by how well we equip them to make informed, responsible decisions for themselves. We honor the giants who came before us—not by clinging to their exact methods, but by building on their lessons and evolving our approach to serve our students better.

This mindset demands humility. It asks us to set aside our egos and focus on what truly matters: helping each student find their own path to confidence and competence. Whether they’re a beginner seeking basic proficiency or a seasoned shooter chasing peak performance, our role is to meet them where they are and guide them forward.

The Power of Three Words

Aqil’s phrase is deceptively simple, but it carries a weighty truth. “They ain’t us” reminds us to stay grounded, to respect the differences between ourselves, our students, and our peers, and to teach with clarity and purpose. It’s a call to build a stronger, more inclusive firearms community—one that values diverse perspectives and empowers every individual to grow.

At Lone Pine Tactical, we’re committed to living out this principle. We train with intention, always striving to understand and serve the unique needs of those we teach. Because in the end, it’s not about us—it’s about helping others stand taller, safer, and more confident in their own right.

They ain’t us. And that’s exactly why our work matters.

Want to train with us? Visit Lone Pine Tactical to learn more about our courses and how we can help you meet your firearms training goals.