John Farnam - Force on Force
More lessons from scenario-based training.
At yet another Airsoft, scenario-based training session in Chicago, IL last weekend, we had several local police officers join us.
Here are some comments:
During potentially dangerous encounters, that involve confronting a suspect at gunpoint, the best strategy is almost always for you to persuade the suspect to run away, rather than attempting to hold him for police. For the sake of your own safety, disengaging and separating from such threats, as quickly as possible, usually represents the best tactic. Conversely, attempting to hold VCAs, at gunpoint, while waiting for uniformed police to arrive is precarious, extremely dangerous, and tenders few benefits. The foregoing applies to off-duty police, as well as non-police.
When tempted to insert yourself into a dangerous situation, in which you are not otherwise involved, think twice! When going in too fast, and too soon, in an attempt to take control "before things get out of hand," you will often discover you're in over your head before you know it. Uniformed officers has radios and backup. You have neither! There is surely a time and place for overt aggressiveness, but, when by yourself, it is all too easy to paint yourself into a corner. Be extremely cautious with irreversible commitments!
When interacting with strangers, particularly potential panhandlers, there is usually no cause to be cold and non-communicative. You can smile and say "hello." However, be ever-prepared to disengage immediately. Do not answer questions nor allow yourself to be drawn in a conversation. For sure, do not respond to uppish challenges. In order to get a reaction from you, panhandlers will often cast about for "hot-buttons" sexual, racial, territorial, religious, et al. Don't fall for it! Politely dismiss them as you move on.
For one, I'm extremely poor at "multi-tasking," but we have to train ourselves to stay in motion as we talk, as we gesture, as we investigate.
Standing on the "X" too long plays into the plans of those who mean you harm.
Don't mumble! Soft-spoken mumblers and routinely selected for victimization by VCAs. Confused, indecisive, hesitant mumbling always projects weakness and confusion of purpose. Speak clearly, and in complete, coherent, English sentences!
Finally, don't spend a lot of time standing in the open. Always be aware of nearby objects that represent good cover, and have a plan to move toward them when necessary. When the situation starts getting dicey, get moving toward cover. Get something between you and the threat.
More lessons from scenario-based training.
At yet another Airsoft, scenario-based training session in Chicago, IL last weekend, we had several local police officers join us.
Here are some comments:
During potentially dangerous encounters, that involve confronting a suspect at gunpoint, the best strategy is almost always for you to persuade the suspect to run away, rather than attempting to hold him for police. For the sake of your own safety, disengaging and separating from such threats, as quickly as possible, usually represents the best tactic. Conversely, attempting to hold VCAs, at gunpoint, while waiting for uniformed police to arrive is precarious, extremely dangerous, and tenders few benefits. The foregoing applies to off-duty police, as well as non-police.
When tempted to insert yourself into a dangerous situation, in which you are not otherwise involved, think twice! When going in too fast, and too soon, in an attempt to take control "before things get out of hand," you will often discover you're in over your head before you know it. Uniformed officers has radios and backup. You have neither! There is surely a time and place for overt aggressiveness, but, when by yourself, it is all too easy to paint yourself into a corner. Be extremely cautious with irreversible commitments!
When interacting with strangers, particularly potential panhandlers, there is usually no cause to be cold and non-communicative. You can smile and say "hello." However, be ever-prepared to disengage immediately. Do not answer questions nor allow yourself to be drawn in a conversation. For sure, do not respond to uppish challenges. In order to get a reaction from you, panhandlers will often cast about for "hot-buttons" sexual, racial, territorial, religious, et al. Don't fall for it! Politely dismiss them as you move on.
For one, I'm extremely poor at "multi-tasking," but we have to train ourselves to stay in motion as we talk, as we gesture, as we investigate.
Standing on the "X" too long plays into the plans of those who mean you harm.
Don't mumble! Soft-spoken mumblers and routinely selected for victimization by VCAs. Confused, indecisive, hesitant mumbling always projects weakness and confusion of purpose. Speak clearly, and in complete, coherent, English sentences!
Finally, don't spend a lot of time standing in the open. Always be aware of nearby objects that represent good cover, and have a plan to move toward them when necessary. When the situation starts getting dicey, get moving toward cover. Get something between you and the threat.
Steve
