I saw a video the other day. It was a security camera of a pharmacy attempted robbery. A armed security guard was behind a desk when two armed assailants burst in. The security guard drew his weapon and started to shoot the attackers who had their weapons already out. They had the “drop” on him yet he still managed to get off the first shot. He put down effective fire, wounded one robber, and drove them away.
It is really difficult to beat a drawn gun but this guard did. How did he do it? That is what I’d like to explore.
Situational Awareness
I know it seems like I talk about this like it’s magic. It isn’t but it can usually give you an edge. Being aware will not stop an attacker. If he’s determined, he doesn’t care if you are looking right at him as a perceived threat. In some situations, criminals may select another target if you are aware, but it is not infallible. As I watched the video I was amazed how fast everything happened. But because the guard was paying attention he was able to respond. In a combat situation, seconds make a difference. Awareness can give you those few precious seconds that you may need. The bad guys left as fast as they came with wounds and fear to keep them running.
Hesitation
When guard sees the threat, he responds and doesn’t hesitate at all. Not only was this guard aware, he was smart enough to evaluate, get through his OODA loop quickly, and react with the only thing presented to him. I’m convinced that he would have been killed had he not shot first. (OODA Loop is explained in post, Developing Situational Awareness Part 2 (200th Post), 3/5/2015) He clearly had thought about using a weapon to defend himself. I’m sure that he thought about it many times and developed a mindset that he may have to shoot someone someday. His lack of hesitation shows that. When you accept that it may happen, learn the signs that it is happening, and make reasonable preparations on how to respond...the chances of a happy outcome increase dramatically.
I think that the attackers response, running away as fast as possible, shows their lack of real planning or a mindset. I guess they thought we’ll walk in there and just get what we want and walk out. They were not ready for violence. You should be. Someone with the resolve and skill to use a weapon will scare untrained, unprepared attackers. If they were too stupid or mean to leave, they probably would have been killed or at the least shot.
Moving
This guard got off the ”X” pretty fast and just kept moving. He became a moving target. He didn’t move fast or far, but the line of fire had to change and change often for the bad guys. He made them adjust when all he had to do was shoot toward the doorway they came in.
Using sights-Aiming
The guard pulled his two-handed grip up to his line of sight and fired. I’ve read, and heard, that doing this simple thing of aiming in a combat situation won’t happen. This is coming from people who are guessing, and don’t really know.
Follow through
When the few second firefight was over, the guard puts himself in a position to monitor the corridor and show as little of himself as possible. It was over, but he didn’t know that.
Being out numbered and out gunned didn’t make a difference to this guard. It’s interesting. One 50 something guard with the correct training, awareness, and mindset took on 3 idiots and had his way them. One dropped his gun and even left his shoes!
This is a great example of what to train for, and how to defend yourself.
Awareness, No hesitation, Movement, Aim, Follow through.
Learn it, live it, love it.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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