I have noticed a sort of trend in my training classes lately…guys “Over-Thinking” situations and by default of that mentality, putting forth energy toward the WRONG training goals and Under-Training. Let me give you an example. At a recent “Active Shooter” class, the topic came up of shooting from behind cover..granted, a valid training topic…
Category: Tactics
Neutralizing Knife Attacks
In yet another sad addition to the catalog of violent attacks on school campuses, yesterday at Lone Star College near Houston, Texas a deranged individual went on a slashing spree with an exacto knife, wounding fourteen innocent people, two seriously. Thankfully, there were no fatalities. I will not get on a soapbox rant why I…
Promoting The “Helpless Mindset”
I have known for some time that common sense and government rarely, if ever, go hand in hand, but as of late I have been shocked to see the outright and shameless “advertising” campaign if you will, by members of the left in state and federal Govt. promoting what I call the “Helpless Mindset”. Let…
Common Class Training Mistakes
With Spring upon us and the bulk of the Combat/Firearm Training season about to happen, I wanted to throw a few observations out there to help your next session be more productive. I have found that when you experience a class as a Teacher and not as a Student, you notice A LOT more subtle…
The Snap Drill, Revisited
One of the most integral firearm drills the CO can practice is the Snap Drill. Whether with Rifle, Pistol or Shotgun, the Snap Drill solidifies the ability of the CO to get the gun up, either out of the holster or from low ready (with rifle or shotty), and make a solid shot on target,…
EDC Essentials for the CO
Since the texting craze took hold, it seems we have been bombarded with 3 letter acronyms..anything to help us avoid actually spelling out a word. Hell, even I am guilty of this, my favorite one being IMO or IMHO (In My Opinion/In my Honest Opinion for those of you who have not been on Earth…
Casting Shadows
Rifle Combat Lights – Shadowing Comparison of Mount Locations by Mark E. I recently switched up a weapon light, for an AK-47 of mine. In the process, I observed some issues with shadowing. In particular, I did not like the shadows cast by the barrel/muzzle or the front sight assembly. These observations should apply to any rifle with…
Using Reflections
Using Reflections in the Urban Environment A Lesson in Situational Awareness by Mark E. One skill that you can hone easily, and I often do, is the use of REFLECTIONS. They are plentiful in my world – buildings, store front and vehicles – probably in yours, too. I find myself in the urban and industrial…
Practice Makes Permanent
From the Archives, 2015 I first heard this from a Military Drill Instructor while on the firing line a long time ago and it stuck with me. I apply it to just about every area of my life now, but especially FIREARMS TRAINING HABITS. To me, it is the essence of WHY we should…
Drilling for the Changing Times
From the Archives, 2013 The armed civilian, like the LEO, needs to evaluate his Course of Fire and Firearm Drills frequently to make sure they stay current with the times. The best example of this is the increased use of Body Armor by thugs. Looking at history, one could expect your “higher…