Complacency Kills!

 This is a past post (yes, I'm THAT lazy).  But I wanted to remind you that being armed does not mean you are safe.  It does not mean you will not be attacked.  It only means you have a means of defense.  Being complacent is a state of mind.  Maybe it's arrogance.  Maybe it's over confidence.  But it's always, always foolish.  Complacency kills!  

From a 7/30/2018 post

At approximately 6:30 pm on May 25, 1983, Schaufelberger was assassinated on the grounds of the Central American University in San Salvador.
Lieutenant Commander Schaufelberger was picking up his girlfriend and had established a predictable pattern. Although his vehicle was armored, the air-conditioning was not functional, and he had removed the driver’s side window. There was speculation that the A/C had been sabotaged. As he waited in his car for his girlfriend, three men exited a Volkswagen Microbus and approached his car. One stopped his girlfriend from approaching, one established security for the ambush, and one ran to the driver’s side window. He then shot Schaufelberger in the head four times with a revolver, killing him instantly. The assassination team then got back in their VW and left. RIP Lieutenant Commander Schaufelberger.
The victims of the 2012 Aurora Theater shooting were attending a screening of a highly-anticipated action film at an upscale suburban mall. The victims of the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino were gunned down while attending a work-related Christmas luncheon. In September 2017, congregants in Antioch, TN, found themselves under fire while leaving a church service. In November 2017, eight people enjoying a beautiful fall day on a well-traveled public bike path in New York City were murdered by an Islamic terrorist who ran them over with a truck.
Complacency kills.
Statistically speaking, the majority of concealed carriers will never need to display, much less discharge, their defensive firearms. That is a good thing. This is as it should be. What is not good is how often knowledge of this leads many to complacency. The normalcy bias whispers how uncomfortable concealed carry can be; how we have to change our clothes or actions to prevent printing; how foolishly paranoid we might feel, carrying at mundane events or performing simple chores.
Here are some common sayings:
"I stay out of bad neighborhoods and don't associate with criminals. I'll be fine." "I'm just making a quick stop, I'll be back in five minutes." "I've been there a hundred times, and nothing's ever happened." We get complacent.

In November 2017 there was another senseless act of murder, but with a slightly different twist. In Thornton, CO, a man walked into a Wal-Mart and, by present accounts, randomly gunned down three shoppers in close proximity, then abruptly fled. It soon came to light that many patrons – some of whom were undoubtedly "just making a quick, five-minute stop" – that drew their own firearms at the sound of the gunshots, prepared to defend themselves and others. No one knows if that is the reason the attacker fled, but I imagine those that were armed were grateful.
Don’t be complacent.
I had a track coach in Junior High who used to have us run two miles as a warm-up before practice. We did not run on the track, but around the whole property where the stadium was, on the fence line. He used to tell us, “I know when you’re way at the far corner you’ll be tempted to cut across making your run a little easier. I can’t see you over there but I know you will be tempted. Don’t do it. It’s a little thing, but don’t do it.” I don’t think I can remember any of us cutting our run down in any form.
This is my plea to you. Carry always. Don’t get complacent. Be alert. Have situational awareness. When you are tempted to be lax or not carry or you think “Nothing has ever happened at this place,” don’t get complacent.
I work on a federal installation. We have been in the same Force Protection for a few years now. It would be easy to get lax, to not be vigilant or thorough. That’s when the unthinkable happens.
Be vigilant. Fight complacency. It kills.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

A Realistic and Effective Training Program For You!

 I have developed a plan for my shooting training. Over the years this plan has changed but for the most part it covers the areas I know I need to work in. It looks strange to the onlooker because if I ever get into a civilian firefight, I'm convinced I will be shooting from odd angles and different cover. I'm also convinced I probably won't ever be in a firefight as a civilian, but it is always possible. If you ever defend yourself with a gun, there's a good chance you won't see it coming. You may have only a few seconds to react. What will happen if you're attacked off guard and need to draw and shoot backing away from someone? Or maybe you're against a wall, on the ground, or in a restaurant booth? Having some experience in drawing under these and other circumstances would be wise to practice. One of the best ways to counter this disadvantage is through practice. This practice does not have to be all live fire. Dry firing is also a good training tool. Even if this type of training is not possible for you in terms of time or a place where you can do more than just stand in a lane and shoot at paper. Playing the "what if" game is mentally preparing you for crazy defense scenarios. Dry fire is a very good way to create the muscle memory needed to practice and develop a versatile shooting style. Remember that you will more than likely not shoot the first shot in any fight. The criminal or terrorist will start the fight. One of the best ways to counter the disadvantage of this kind of vulnerability is through practicing the draw stroke from various unconventional positions on a regular basis, both at the range and through dry-fire drills. But even if that’s too time-consuming for you, at the very least you can spend some mental energy on contemplating the different body positions you might end up in when you must draw.  I’m not suggesting you allow your everyday life to be consumed by contemplating every possible “what if” that comes to mind, because you’ll never be able to plan for every contingency. On the other hand, if you spend most of the day sitting down, for example, and your carry gun is in a holster behind your hip that you can’t reach when you’re in a chair, maybe it’s time to think about how you might work around that. Oftentimes, a solution is as simple as changing the direction you face your chair, but it could also mean a complete re-thinking of your carry method and gear. It just depends on your specific situation.  The important point is to at least give a little thought to the “what ifs” to uncover the most obvious flaws in your self-defense plans. There’s always more you can do to become better prepared, but this mental exercise requires very little effort compared to the potential benefits of the “I never thought of that!” moments.

When you train concentrate on the dangerous things.  Understanding and finding real cover can be lifesaving.  Bullets will go through all but the solid things.  Car doors, furniture, counters are some things that will not stop a bullet.  A vehicle engine blocks, solid brick walls, and trees will stop a bullet.  But you must be able to access this quickly and move to it.

Reloading is also a vulnerable time. Practice using dummy rounds off range.  Always keep your gun up and in the line of sight when you reload.

Also, off range you can practice drawing from concealment.  However, you carry, practice until it is natural, and muscle memory takes over.  It doesn’t take long to develop this, but it must be practiced over and over.  If you take 15 minutes a day this will come naturally.

Practice drawing from concealment, moving while shooting, and engaging multiple targets.

 

These are just a few ideas that most of us can work on.  The problem with writing this post is the word “personal.”  Your training is very individual and personal.  There are a few ways to approach this.  You can record yourself shooting and then critically review the recording to see your problems and to correct them.  But then you would have to have enough training to recognize the problems.  Most people should go to a competent instructor.  This is what I recommend as you go to a training session.

Before training: review fundamental concepts, practice movements dry, prepare and write down questions for your instructor, ensure all your equipment functions correctly.

During training: take detailed notes, record video if allowed, ask for clarification, focus on understanding principles taught.

After training: review your notes within a day of your training, practice skills dry before live fire, incorporate anything new into your current training, plan follow-up training if needed.

With these ideas you should be able to find drills that fit what you want to train on.

I will let you know what I do generally on a weekly basis.

 

1.      10 minutes on fundamentals (20 rounds)

2.      25 minutes on what I feel I need work in (30 rounds)

3.      20-30 minutes working what I just worked on.  This could be anything.  I would use this time to implement what I just worked on in drills.  I do this from a variety of stances, on the ground, on my side, on my back, 2 foot from target to 20 ft, around barriers, etc. (20 rounds)

All of this is preceded by dry fire throughout the week.

Sometimes I work on number 2 longer.  Often the round count will be adjusted.  I try to keep my rounds down to 50 per session.  I’ll shoot more because I like it.  So, it would be easy to blow through 150 rounds and still want more.  By limiting my rounds, I use the rounds for training rather than recreation.

 Developing our training is very important if we are to be competent and effective as a shooter.  Competing is a good way to keep skills sharp.  But always know that competition is not defense shooting.  Practice as much as you can to be skilled at arms.  It can mean the difference between life or death.

 

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Moving Toward the Gunfire

Several years ago, I was in an unnamed city.  As my wife and I walked down a busy sidewalk going into stores and shops we heard gunfire.  Others heard it and said, “That’s just construction going on down there.”  I said, “That is small caliber gunfire!”  I have heard this type of gunfire for over 40 years.  I know what it sounds like.  I told my wife to go in the opposite direction toward our car.  She knows not to argue.  I gave her the keys and she e-gressed toward our parking lot down the street and around the corner.  I started walking toward the sound. As I got closer the gunfire stopped.  I met many scared people running away from the short gun fight that just occurred between some criminal and two policemen.  When I peeked around the corner, I saw two LEO’s standing over a handcuffed criminal and I heard sirens in the distance.  Probably EMS.  Once I saw the threat on the ground with what looked like a shoulder wound, I turned around and texted my wife, “It’s over, do you want to finish shopping?”  She didn’t.

I am not a law enforcement officer.  But I am convinced I could outshoot the average LEO on a range.  I don’t know what I would have done had the firefight continued, but I had to see it to assess whether I could do any good or not.  I know what you’re thinking, “What if the LEO’s think you’re with the bad guy?”  I wouldn’t even draw my weapon if I didn’t think I had a better angle on the skumbag.  There’s something in me where I can’t keep away from gunfire.  Thank goodness it’s usually at a shooting range.  I’m like a moth to a light.  My wife does not appreciate my tendencies.  Luckily, it rarely happens.  I am not, nor ever have been, any type of hero.  I’m not looking to “save” the world or anyone else.  If I felt there was a threat to my wife on that street, I would have retreated with her.  As for myself, I won’t put myself in harms-way if it is at all possible.  When I shoot, I want it to be from cover. I also don’t want to do the LEO’s job.  But if I can make their job easier or possibly make it so they go home to their families tonight, I will.  It’s something that is in me.  My father taught it to me, and his before him.  These great men knew the danger being WWI and WWII veterans.  I’m confident around gunfire.  It doesn’t rattle me or scare me.  I want to help anyone I can. 

Having told this unhumble story, I want to repeat my thoughts on what I call the “OP Rockwell Philosophy” or “OPR” philosophy. 

The philosophy basically is that there are 3 types of people. They are described as Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs. The sheep are mostly people that you know and see. They are good, productive members of society who would not hurt anyone or anything. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a sheep. Then there are wolves. Wolves are evil, selfish near-humans intent on taking what they want. They are not interested in who they hurt in this process. They are a large minority and many are locked up. Then there are sheepdogs. Sheepdogs care about the sheep even though sometimes the sheep don’t appreciate them. The sheepdogs want the sheep to be safe and to be rid of the wolves. I’ve read so many writers who don’t believe that sheepdogs exist. They think that those who believe themselves to be sheepdogs are camo wearing wanna-bes. I’m sure some Rambo camo wearers do exist. (After all, my favorite color is camo) But I know enough people who, when confronted with violence, go toward it.  They have trained and had experience of warding off violence.  Many are in law enforcement and the military already.  But many were, or lean toward, these sheepdog traits.  I’m not bringing this up to recruit, but to let some closet sheepdogs know that we are out there.  We are everywhere.  One of the problems of those who would subvert our freedoms is that we are there, and they know we are there.  President Biden said we cannot fight F-15’s and tanks.  He is mistaken.  What happened in Viet Nam and Afghanistan?  The former President does not understand.  I believe one of the reasons the Japanese did not invade the U.S. is there is a sheepdog behind every blade of grass.  Now more than ever.

Sheepdogs defend the weak and fight against evil. Sheepdogs in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should also defend the church.  I’m not saying pick up a weapon and stand a post but fight against those that would disparage and destroy the church.  As of now, I don’t think we need to worry about someone attacking the Church physically.  But there are those Zarahemna’s out there.  They are ex members who have “intimate knowledge” of what it’s like to be an oppressed member of this Church.  They are usually the same as most exmos I’ve seen since the 70’s.  The Tanner’s, the Dehlin’s, the Kelly’s.  They all have an axe to grind and think they can get their whining way by pulling, oh sorry, “saving” those trying to get out of the Church.  I wonder what they would do if the Church went away?  They would stop making all the money they make from fighting against the Church.  Then they would have to get real jobs.  As you can see, I’m not very charitable to these lowlifes.  I have a hard time dealing with people who leave the church but can’t leave the church alone.  Or those who are more enamored with their cause than the truth.  It’s easy to be an exmo.  Just whine and the woke of the world will follow.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about those who honestly leave the Church and move on with their lives.  I’m talking about those activists who don’t believe anymore but are so offended by those who do.

How can these warriors defend the Church?  One way is here online.  I’m not suggesting that we fight podcasts and all the drivel that comes from exmos, I’m suggesting that we refute their baloney.  There are plenty of lies and twisted history out there that we can correct.  Telling the truth is how we can support the Church and fight the detractors.  Some of these people think their experience in the Church gives them license to destroy.  Or others feel their education is the thing that will bring the Church down.  They don’t understand that “no unhallowed hand” can destroy this work.

I also think that the OPR philosophy applies to fathers and heads of homes.  The Family: A Proclamation To The World reminds us that we have a responsibility to protect our family.  I’m sure there are some out there that believe law enforcement will protect their family.  I have a couple problems with that.  One, it is not the police department’s responsibility to protect your family.  Someone even took that question to the Supreme Court.  They ruled it’s not the obligation of LEO’s to protect every person in their jurisdiction.  How would they do that?  I know that they would if they could, but they can’t.  Two, It is our responsibility.  So, if you think that flimsy lock on your front door is going to stop a home intrusion, I think you would be surprised.

Protecting covers many things. Spiritual and emotional protection is extremely important. What about physical protection? A home with locks is a start. But that is very little. Teaching your children to protect themselves with situational awareness is a big part of this too. If you don’t actually have physical protection for your family, then you’re fooling yourself that they will be safe. I’m not trying to scare anyone, but the reality is that we are all vulnerable. I know that guns are not for everyone. But it should be a consideration. If you feel this route is what will work for you, don’t buy a gun and shoot it twice a year. Be serious and get training and go out and practice.

We have all seen the devastation that seems to be increasing from active killer events. We are not safe at:

home: home invasions
school: schools are very vulnerable
work: workplace violence is increasing even on military bases
or church: these shootings are on the rise.

A way to fight this is preparedness.  With training we can change the odds of survival.  We can harden our targets.  Our home does not need to be a fortress but there are ways that we can harden that target.

Schools are finally getting the picture.  They are drastically changing how they protect the kids they teach.  It took many years.  Columbine was their wake-up call and that was in 1999 in the middle of an assault rifle ban.

Many workplaces are starting to understand and put policies and programs in place to mitigate workplace violence. 

Being active in your own protection and that of your family must be recognized as a responsibility that is personal and needed.  Don’t give in to the normalcy bias of “It will never happen to me.”  It doesn’t until it does.

The bible even gives us direction in this.

1 Timothy 5:8
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

We need to defend our liberty. Crime and terrorism take away that liberty. Sometimes laws and politicians do too.

Orrin Porter Rockwell philosophy is being vigilant and trained.

Find a way to defend our freedom and our families. Fathers protect your families. Don’t forget to include defending the Church if need be.
All of us need to be reminded occasionally. 

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn