Examining Terrorist Tactics: The Motorcycle Suicide Bomber

By Hammerhead

A recent terrorist attack in Pakistan where a bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up at a Police Checkpoint Killing 11 and wounding over 30 shows us the great lengths these barbarians are willing to go to kill innocent people.

At the height of the Iraq War, VBIEDS were used daily, mostly in small to medium sized cars and trucks where more powerful explosives could be used, commonly unexploded American and British Artillery Ordnance. But the tactic used in this attack, where the terrorist is wearing a loaded down explosives vest and is mobile on a small motorbike, allowing him to zip past small barriers and roadblocks, presents Police and Military with a distinct challenge. Of course in the Middle Eastern Countries and throughout Asia and Europe, the use of motorbikes and scooters for transportation has always been popular, thus the ability to single out a suicide bomber would be almost impossible until the bomber had breached a perimeter and was in the kill zone.

The only real defense against “mobile bombers” like this (or VBIEDS in general) is the “Concentric Ring Defense” where a series of 360 degree circular security zones are established starting up to 1/4 to 1/8 mile, or further, from the target building. These zones are built with ONLY vehicle traffic in mind, (foot traffic is directed through its own concentric zone) placing staggered concrete barricades to both slow down traffic and offer a type of blast cover for security personnel.

With the frequency of terror attacks increasing here in the U.S., armed civilians must be ready for anything and everything the enemy might throw at us. Let’s look at integrating this scenario into our firearms training.

It is important to note also that in firearms training, the ability for the LEO or civilian to be able to make solid hits on a moving target BEFORE the target closes distance is crucial, especially when that targets intention is to blow himself up and inflict mass casualties. There are many ways to practice this skill for the civilian, the most obvious of course is a range that offers moving target courses and equipment.

But if you do not have this available to you, and you have the means and the property, the enterprising civilian can do the following:

• Off-Road R/C Car with a 3 to 4 ft. Fiberglass Pole attached with one or several balloons attached on the end

A variation of this drill is used extensively to teach novice to experienced hunters both how to shoot responsibly at moving game and to stop a charging animal, like a wild boar, bear or something bigger like African Cape Buffalo.

Obviously, safety is paramount. Designate a “lane” or general area for the car to operate in, that way the driver does not get too creative, and likewise the shooter does not “follow” the target and end up shooting somebody. We simply drew a huge + Sign on the ground with marking paint with the shooter always being positioned at the 6 o’clock. If you have the material and personnel resources, you can use more than one car obviously, just maintain your safety protocol!

Learning to train with MOVING targets is something you should really try to integrate into your everyday firearms training. Never think of moving target training as just a “niche” drill, it is reality on the street. Consider the most recent attack on the Philadelphia Police Officer, this amazingly brave and tough as nails officer was able to hit a moving target while being both wounded in the arm and shooting one handed. As I have said before, we should always look at REAL LIFE for our training goals, not fantasy gunfight training as some promote.

Stay Alert, Stay Armed, Keep your Training Realistic and Practical and Stay Dangerous!