Training Value Part 1

 Training Value 1

What is training value?  It is the worth of a certain activity of training to the individual or team.  This training has many factors.  Time, cost, difficulty, terms of what the training actually teaches.  In this series we’ll explore the many different training avenues available and talk about their worth.

 

Number 1 is Range time.  We all like to go to the range.  I tell my wife I have to blow things up so that I can do self-therapy.  It is therapy, and a healing balm to my soul.   I love the sights, the smells, the feel of an outdoor shooting range.

Every shooting range is different.  My range doesn’t have a RO (range officer).  It is very low key and there is plenty of room for several people to shoot at the same time.  I can do many different things as far as shooting from many different positions.  I also shoot from various distances concentrating on 5 to 10 feet.

If you go to the range, standing, worrying only about stance, grip, aim, press and you’re expecting to be ready for a defensive shooting or a firefight, you may be deadly mistaken.  Standing and shooting paper or steel is fun, but ineffective.  When I competed, and I use the word “competed” lightly, I would run a course over and over until I got it perfect.  It did not make me a dead shot, it did not make me a dangerous threat to criminals or terrorists, it made me a mediocre competitor.  Quality range time means improving in the reason you carry a gun.  If you carry a gun for defense, you need to train for defense. This is much more than basic marksmanship.  If you have little to no experience shooting basic marksmanship is where you start. But remember that there is more to it all than just marksmanship.

Your range time should be more than just recreational.  Even though it’s ALL recreational to me!   

It takes some preparation to make your time at a range productive.  Here are some ideas to help.

Prepare your range bag a head of time.  Make sure to have personal protection equipment for safety.  Ear and eye protection, gloves if you feel the need.  But include targets and a cleaning kit, plenty of ammo, a timer and record book.  A range bag can be a personal thing.  I include a first aid kit.  A well thought out bag ready to go can save time, money, and make the most of your visit.  I load all magazines and take plenty so I don’t have to use time loading.  I usually take only one gun although lately I’ve been taking a .22 pistol along with a 9mm.  .22 Ammo is cheaper and I have plenty of it.  Focusing on one or two particular areas is better than trying to cover many.     

Decide ahead of time what are going to do.  If you’re limited with time this is especially important.  When I go to the range I limit myself to 50 rounds.  Unless the drills happen to require more.  If I’m limited to 50 rounds I won’t blow through 200 rounds.  I enjoy it all too much.  By limiting my rounds I can take my time and give myself more critical training.  By critical I mean really looking at each firing and critiquing myself for improvement.  Be specific in your planning.  For example:

• Maintaining proper grip.
• Proper sight picture and alignment.
• Maintaining focus on the front sight post.
• Regaining proper site alignment after each shot.
• Proper posture, stance, and arm position.
• Executing proper trigger pull.
• Reloading.
• Strong or weak hand shooting (for pistol shooters).
• Proper cheek weld (for long gun shooters).

Some of these are not extremely important.  Some you may not have trouble with.  Pick skills where you’re weak.

One of the reasons I limit my rounds is it also limits my time.  There is a point where you’ve shot enough and you won’t improve because of fatigue.  I limit my rounds, you can limit your time.

There are many places in this country to shoot.  In door or out door ranges use paper or steel.  Some may have reactive or moving targets.  Some ranges have room for you to move.  A shoot house is a great realistic way to train.  All of these are available in the U.S. but you may be limited to what is in your area.  If you have the room to safely shoot on your property, and it is legal in your area, building your own personal range.  Doing this is usually very versatile.  

Using a shooting range is an important part of training.  It’s as close as you can come to the real deal.  Use it to your advantage as much as you can.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Anti-anti-Mormon Rant

 I am definitely torn.  At the risk of looking like an anti-anti-Mormon, I want to gloat over an incident that has happened in Utah.  I probably talk about these kind of things too much but I need to get it off my chest.  John Dehlin and “Mormon Stories” podcast are finally getting their comeuppance.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has finally had enough of this guy and his attacks.  They are suing for trademarks and copyright infringement.  They tried to work it out with John but as usual, this ex-mo thinks the Church is unreasonable.  In an article by Tad Walch in the Deseret News he said:

The two sides attempted mediation, which began in February. That process ended in March. Dehlin agreed to some changes but refused to make others, according to the lawsuit.

“The church’s demands were just too unreasonable and we walked away,” he said in a statement then.

What a surprise John.  I still maintain that if the Church said, “You know, we’re done.  We’re disbanding the Church.  It will be no more.”  If that happened, John would be screwed.  He’d have to start attacking Catholics or Baptists or something else.  He’d be out of business.  I think the Salt Lake Tribune would survive, but John would be in trouble.

John has maintained many times that he is not anti-Mormon.  Of this I beg to differ. He is extremely anti-Mormon and in my opinion an enemy of the Church.  John is a hack that if he wasn’t anti-Mormon, he’d be out of a job.  He’d have to take that fine education he has and actually do some work.  Not that it isn’t work coming up with the crap he peddles.

When John was excommunicated, he maintained that he was still a Mormon.  I’m not sure he would maintain that now.  I do feel bad for him, he would not let go of his conviction that what he was doing is right.  My view is that his conviction was and is more important than his membership.  I have a hard time understanding this.  I feel I would give up quite a lot for my membership.  I feel his conviction in his testimony was weaker than his conviction that he was spreading the truth.  That’s why I feel sorry for him.  You would also think that he would come to his senses and do whatever it took to receive his membership and blessings back again.  The lure of money and his stubborn “conviction” outweighed his desire for salvation.  Or his testimony of salvation was weak.  I’m not trying to be critical because I think he’s become a bitter snake and has been wooed by the world.  He would not agree with me, but everyone has their opinion.

I know my opinion of those leaving the Church and fighting against it.  Jeremy Rennels, Sam Young, Kate Kelly, John Delin and many others are much more concerned about their “causes” than their own salvation.  That’s ok, they can do that.  But when you demonize the Church and try to tear it down, and drive people from it, that’s when you become an enemy.  I know what many members will say, “Love them back in.”  They have to be willing.  These type of enemies fight against and have animosity for the Church.  I will call them out for what they are, Zarahemna’s, enemies of the Church.  If you are fighting against, want to harm the Church physically, or in any other way, you will have to fight me.  I will stand up for the Church and not back down.  If you only want to tear down, then you are not welcome in the Church.  If you are still a member and are causing havoc in the Church, then begone with you!  Get out and good riddance.  If ever you feel bad about what you are doing and want to change and come back, welcome!  But don’t be surprised if those like me keep a close eye on you.

I don't mention the evangelical Christians and their rhetoric because that is a whole other enemy of the Church.  Mark Driscoll spews more crap than a waste system in a slaughterhouse.  Frankly Mark is just a hack who got kicked out of Seattle and moved to Arizona to peddle more baloney.  But these enemies are a whole other post. Mark tries to be a tough guy, but I don't buy it.  If confronted with a real tough guy, he wouldn't survive.  But like I said, that's my opinion and fodder for another post.

So McConkie Brothers, game on!  Sue the crap out of John Dehlin, this enemy who needs to leave the Church alone but can’t make a living any other way.  He thinks he knows the Church but his years he claims being a “member in good standing” I question.  What kind of devotion made you abandon what I’m sure you proclaimed as true many times in your life.  Sarcastically speaking, I guess you were just brainwashed.  How can anyone take you at your word now when you broke your word concerning your covenants?  You can’t be trusted, John. 

Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see him abandon his “causes” and return to the truth.  But I think he’s convinced he’s right.  How he can believe that when he was so “wrong” about his upbringing in the Church.  But now he’s got it right.  Yea, right!

We’ll see how this lawsuit ends.  In the mean time, the ex mos may continue to reap the whirlwind.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Terrorism: Suicide Bombers Profile

From 2015 Post.  Some things never change!

 In 1989 I went to a course on terrorism.  At the time it was not a mandatory class but 3 years later it was mandatory for being deployed.  When I asked a friend I know who is in the Air Force serving in very close to the same jobs and involvement that I did in the military, he sent me this handout he received in the same course that I took in 1989.  I=m sure the course content has changed a great deal since >89.

 

Perhaps because of this country=s lack of direct experience with suicide bombings, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released a statement claiming there is Ano specific profile for those who have engaged in suicide/homicide bombings.@

In contrast, Israel, which has experienced over 300 such bombings since 1993, with 242 of them occurring since 2000, has developed some guidelines and profiles that highlight the general characteristics of a suicide bomber.  These include:

32% have at least a high school education and more than 25% have some college background. 

Suicide bombers participate in months of indoctrination training. When ready for the mission, they are in a Ahypnotic state@ believing that the mission will open heaven=s gates. 

A majority of suicide/homicide bombers are unmarried. Some have spouses and children. 

Most are male between 17B23 years of age; however, women, children and older men have been recruited for suicide bombing missions. 

The first known suicide bombing by a woman (January 2002) was carried out by Wafa Idris, a 27-year-old divorcee who volunteered as a paramedic. More recently, Reem Raiyshi, a 22-year-old mother of two, perpetrated an attack at a border crossing between Israel and the Gaza strip. The media have reported recent attacks by Chechen rebels, whose suicide bombings have mostly been carried out by women. It is generally believed that the Chechen women were not acting on religious fanaticism, but rather avenging the deaths of friends or relatives in the conflict with Russia.

Approximately a quarter of suicide bombers are between 24B48 years old. There are also reports of attacks carried out by children and by older individuals, although exact numbers are uncertain.

 

General Demeanor

Certain behavioral characteristics of a suicide bomber have been identified. These include:

The appearance of being nervous. They may seem preoccupied or have a blank stare. 

Focused intent and vigilance. Such an acute focus may result in no response to verbal or other contact. 

An awkward attempt to blend in. Behavior will seem odd or overtly out of place. 

Avoidance behaviors toward authority. If security is present, suicide bomber tries to be inconspicuous. 

May be praying fervently to him/herself. This gives the appearance of talking or whispering to someone. Keep in mind that many people talk to themselves, thus this behavior in and of itself has little meaning. Further, either of these behaviors could be confused with speaking on a cell phone headset. 

Behavior may be consistent with that of a person without any future. For example, giving away things of value, buying a one-way ticket, or being unconcerned about receiving change for a purchase. In addition: 

Profuse sweating that is out of synch with weather conditions. 

Walking deliberately toward a specific object or target, often pushing their way through a crowd or around barriers. May show a high degree of focus or intent, especially if the target is in sight. 

Lack of mobility of the lower torso may cause upper body stiffness. This is due to the bomb device that is strapped to the body. The increased use of backpacks may reduce or eliminate this element. 

In order to disguise the appearance, a beard may have been recently shaved or the hair cut short. There is a noticeable difference in the skin color of the recently shaved area. 

To smell better when going to paradise, the suicide bomber may use herbal- or floral-scented water. 

General Appearance

As the event draws near, the suicide bomber needs to prepare to deliver the device. There are certain clues in appearance, such as clothing, that could foretell of an impending attack. The suspect might be purchasing, wearing or carrying such items as:

Clothing that does not match the weather. For example, wearing a heavy coat on a warm day. 

Clothing that is excessively loose, giving the appearance that the head is out of proportion with the body. The loose clothing is used to conceal explosives worn close to the body. 

The suicide bomber may carry a backpack, bag, briefcase or luggage. 

The detonating switch is often held in a clenched fist. Backup devices might also be used, including a timer, pager, cellular phone or booby-trap switch. An accomplice or supervisor can remotely detonate the bomb if the attacker is detained or killed, or if the attack is otherwise aborted. 

The appearance of excessive weight. Many bombs will be packed with shrapnel such as ball bearings, nuts, bolts, screws, nails or other small metal objects that are dispersed into the crowd upon detonation. These comprise the bomber=s primary Akill@ mechanism.

 

 

I share this for your education.  I seem to constantly talk about situational awareness, but it is so important in the world we live in. Be aware. 

 

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Gun Safety and Tennessee Teaching Gun Safety In Schools

 Gun safety training for kids should be at the top of everyone’s list.  You may ask, “Burn, my wife doesn’t like guns and doesn’t want one in the house.  Why would our kids need to learn gun safety?”

Not having guns in the house but teaching gun safety anyway is more important than a house full of guns and kids.  With no guns in the house the mystery of guns is very high.  In my house we taught kids gun safety and taught them to shoot at age 8, whether they were interested or not.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen an 8 year who would not want to shoot a gun!  But for us, I wanted our kids to be very familiar with guns to where they could be safe and not wonder what it feels like to shoot a gun.  Every time my kids expressed curiosity, I brought out a gun.  I taught them strict rules and enforced them. I reminded them until they were committed to memory.  I would ask questions like I do when I teach a class. “Why do we have Rule 2 (Never let the muzzle cover [point at] anything you are not willing to destroy)?”  “Because of rule 1 (All guns are always loaded.)”   The reason I did this was to tattoo these rules, and the reasons for the 4 rules, in their brains.  Occasionally I would throw a pistol or rifle on the bed and say to them, “Make it safe!”  They learned safety and there was no mystery in guns.  If every child in America knew gun safety rules and kept them, there would be a lot less accidents.  In my experience with adults, usually rule 3 and 2 are broken more often than the rest.

Why are these 4 rules different from other organizations’ rules? Because of Jeff Cooper, legendary instructor and founder of API, American Pistol Institute now known as Gunsite Academy. I will explain.

Gunsite’s rules are different but very similar to other organizations rules because Col. Cooper wanted a simple, standardized set of rules.  Having a universal set of safety rules gives us the advantage of better communication in training.  When everyone follows the same rules when referring to those rules it becomes simple. Everyone instantly knows what Rule 2 is.  This makes for lots of clarity in training. Everyone speaks the same language.

These are the rules:

Rule 1:

All guns are always loaded.

Some like to say, “treat guns as if, they are loaded.”  This is too ambiguous.  If all guns are always loaded, you will treat a gun accordingly even if you have cleared the weapon. It discourages bad behavior.

Rule 2:

Never let the muzzle cover (point at) anything you are not willing to destroy.

This rule is broken often with inexperienced people.  Pistols are harder to control than rifles but with deliberate attention, it can be achieved.

Rule 3.

Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard, until sights are on target.

Contrary to what TV and movies teach, guns don’t go off by themselves.  Someone (or something) must pull or press the trigger.  That’s the definition of a trigger.  If you never touch the trigger, the gun will not be discharged (Unless you’re Alex Baldwin, of course!).

Rule 4.

Know your target and what’s behind your target.

If you know what you’re shooting at and are willing to destroy it, then put your sights on the target and press the trigger.  Also, most people are not really sure what cover is.  Or in other words, what will stop a bullet.  Most items: walls, doors, appliances, cabinets, vehicle doors, tabletops, furniture, beds, won’t stop a bullet.  Hiding behind a car door like TV cops will get you killed.  The bad news is that there isn’t much in your house that will reliably stop a random bullet. However, brick, concrete, and cinder blocks effectively stop most common calibers. But each bullet takes out chunks, so it can only protect you for so long. Trees are highly effective.  A full water heater can effectively stop at least handgun rounds. The best place to take cover behind a car is behind the engine block and wheel. Bullets easily penetrate other areas of the car.

Stacks of paper are surprisingly good at stopping bullets. Example is: 9mm round, 7 inches of paper.  .50 BMG round, 3,187 sheets, about 7 reams of paper.

So, act accordingly. The sequence of the Four Rules isn’t arbitrary; it’s a deliberate progression that builds a layered approach to safety.

In Tennessee they have taken gun safety for children a step further.  They passed a law in 2024 requiring gun safety training in schools.  It started this year.  Since firearms are so prevalent in their state, they decided to take responsible action and use knowledge over trying to go against the Constitution and take away citizens’ rights.  It will succeed, I predict.  All states should follow Tennessee, but they probably won’t.  It’s amazing that no other state has done this.  They are quick to ban things but very short-sighted on educating children.  There is power in education but obviously law makers need more education themselves!

Please learn and live the safety rules of gun handling and shooting.  Teach them to everyone.  Stop negligent discharges and accidents.  Education and keeping rules will make the difference.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

The Miracle of Paracord

 Shortly before World War II, Wallace Carothers of DuPont invented a “synthetic silk”, a polyamide they named Nylon. Its invention made a new kind of large-scale, mobile airborne warfare possible, and the paratroopers were born. Previously, parachutes were made from silk, something that was in very short supply due to the natural method of its production – the humble silkworm. This new, synthetic silk transformed warfare by making it possible to mass produce parachutes and its companion product, parachute cord.

Dropped behind enemy lines, the paratrooper needed versatile, functional, reliable and, as much as possible, lightweight tools. Soldiers found diverse and inventive uses for their parachute cord. Once on the ground, paratroopers often cut the paracord from their chute and took it with them for future use. They had been trained on ways that parachute cord or “paracord” could be used in both survival situations and for making improvised repairs.

After World War II, the U.S. military adopted paracord for use throughout the Army as a multi-use tool with numerous applications. Today, it is still part of the U.S. military’s standard equipment and is used in many practical applications, like securing gear to backpacks and trucks, shelter building and various other improvised solutions.

As man has always used various types of cords for survival — in building, measuring, hunting, travelling (sailing, wagons), etc. –- it is perhaps unsurprising that even today, paracord continues to play an important part in man’s everyday life.

It is extraordinary how many uses you can get from this amazingly strong and durable cord. Suffice it to say that NASA is a bit particular with what they choose to send into space, where every gram of weight is considered and re-considered in terms of its necessity and utility. NASA believed in the worth of paracord and made it an accessory for their astronauts’ missions. In fact, during space shuttle mission STS-82 in 1997, it was even used to make an improvised repair to the Hubble space telescope.     

Paracord was also used to secure small items to prevent them from loss.

The paracord is useful in outdoor applications because it will not rot away or mildew adding to its reliability.

Hikers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts sometimes use “survival bracelets” made of several feet of paracord which is woven into a compact and wearable form. Such bracelets are meant to be unraveled when one needs rope for whatever purpose –securing cargo, lashing together poles, fixing broken straps or belts, assisting with water rescues, controlling bleeding with a tourniquet, etc.

Paracord is light weight and compact making it easy to carry.  The 550 cord was used in several ways.  The inner strands of the cord could be removed to be used is sewing applications and used as fishing line in a survival

situation.

Paracord 550, so named because it has a breaking strength of 550 pounds, was used in the suspension lines of military parachutes.  

After 9/11/01, members deployed to the middle east would – and do – wear a military paracord bracelet as a symbol of remembrance for colleagues who were taken prisoner of war or missing in action.  

Of course, it still is used by the military, but survivalists and outdoor enthusiast also rely on this versatile cord. From first aid uses like making a tourniquet, tying a splint or sling, to hanging tools from your belt, neck or pack. You can make a towline, tie up a boat, canoe, or skiff, or unravel it and use the inner strands for fishing line. String it up to make a clothesline, or to haul your food stores off the ground away from bears. Make traps, or snares, securely tie a tarp between trees. Tie people together on a trail or mountain to make sure they stay together, and to help prevent dangerous falls. Use it for dental floss or sewing thread, and to fix or repair articles of clothing.

What Exactly is Paracord

The military-grade cord is Mil-C-504h type III. While there are other types of paracord commercially available, the Mil-C-504h is the only military-approved one. The outer layer is a braided sleeve that today comes in many colors. Inside that outer layer are 7 – 9 fine strands that are each made up of at 2-3 intertwined fibers. 

 

A standard military paracord bracelet is made by weaving a 10 – 12-foot single strand and using a uniform button for a clasp. The idea is that each service member wears a bracelet that has been made by someone else, and the bracelets are only removed when everyone is safely back to base. 

 

Type	Min. Strength	Inner Strands	Common Use
Type I	95 lbs	1-2	Decorative, light-duty
Type II	400 lbs	4-7	General purpose
Type III (550)	550 lbs	7-9	Military, survival, outdoor
Type IV	750 lbs	11+	Heavy-duty applications

 

The military 550 cord consists of the sheath is rated at about 300-pounds, and each of the 7 strands made up of two strings each for a rating of 35 pounds.

I love this stuff.  After I was introduced to paracord in jump school I’ve used it for everything.  It’s a very good addition to your EDC (everyday carry) and the many applications you can find for it.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Church Violence and Threat Indicators

 Violence and shootings in Church’s are on the increase.

In a report from the Family Research Council, an evangelical nonprofit and activist group, they identified 1,384 incidents of hostility against U.S. churches between January 2018 and December 2024.

The group recorded 50 incidents in 2018, 83 in 2019, 55 in 2020 and 98 in 2021. 

The report then found a dramatic rise in incidents beginning in 2022 when there were 198 recorded instances, followed by 485 in 2023 and 415 in 2024. 

There was then a dip last year, although 415 incidents were still reported, affecting a total of 383 churches across 43 states, according to the group.

 

In 2014, the FBI published “A Study of the Pre-Attack Behaviors of Active Shooters in the United States.” The study examines 63 active shooting incidents in the US between 2000 and 2013, in an attempt to identify “those who may be on a pathway to deadly violence.”

In the FBI study, the 63 active shooters were not readily identifiable by demographics. 

• The vast majority (94%) were male. 
• 57% were single (relationship status) at the time of the attack. 
• About one-third had an adult criminal record. 
• Nearly two-thirds had a history of abusive behavior. 

Of those active shooters included in the FBI study, 73% had a known connection to the site of the attack. In cases where the amount of time spent planning and preparing for the attack could be determined, 46% spent a week or longer. 

According to the FBI study, active shooters experienced multiple stressors in the year prior to the attack. The top stressors reported included: 

• Mental health (62%). 
• Financial strain (49%). 
• Job-related stressors (35%).
• Conflict with friends/peers (29%). 
• Marital problems (27%). 
• Abuse of drugs/alcohol (22%). 

Of the active shooters in the FBI study, 25% had a diagnosis of mental illness prior to the incident.  

Most active shooters in the FBI study displayed multiple concerning behaviors observed by others. The most frequent included: 

• Behaviors connected to mental health issues (62%). 
• Interpersonal interactions (57%). 
• Leaking information (56%). 
• Quality of thinking or communication (54%). 
• Work performance (46%). 
• Threats/confrontations (35%). 
• Anger (33%). 
• Physical aggressiveness (33%). 

More than half of the active shooters in the FBI study who had a specific target made threats or had a prior confrontation. Those threats and confrontations were almost always (95% of the time) in person, and rarely in writing or electronically. Although none of these observances were reported to law enforcement, 51% leaked an intent to commit violence. 

In the FBI study, most active shooters seemed to be acting on a grievance of some kind. Even those with no identifiable grievance demonstrated at least two concerning behaviors that were observed by others. The most common grievances were: 

• Adverse interpersonal action (33%). 
• Adverse employment action (18%). 
• Other, e.g., general hatred of others (10%). 

Of 50 active shooters in the study with an identifiable grievance, nearly half of them experienced a triggering event. 

The seemingly random nature of active shooter events is what makes them especially terrifying. In the FBI study, only one-third of the active shooters victimized only random members of the public, while two-thirds arrived at the site of the attack with a specific person or people in mind.

Here is how to fight this.  There are warning signs of potentially violent individuals

Unexplained increase in absenteeism; may include vague physical complaints

Noticeable decrease in attention to appearance and hygiene

Depression or withdrawal

Resistance and overreaction to changes in policy and procedures

Repeated violations of Church norms and standards

Increase in severe mood swings

Noticeably unstable, emotional responses

Explosive outbursts of anger or rage without provocation

Suicidal ideation; comments about “putting things in order”

Behavior typical of paranoia, such as statements like “Everybody is against me”

Increasing talk of problems at home

Escalation of domestic problems at Sunday services

Talk of severe financial problems

Talk of previous incidents of violence

Empathy with individuals committing violence

Increase in unsolicited comments about firearms, other dangerous weapons, and violent crimes

 

This is another list of things to look for from the State Department

Behavioral Red Flags

• Unusual Behavior: Individuals displaying erratic or unusual behavior, such as extreme agitation, aggression, or withdrawal, should be monitored closely.
• Fixation on Violence: A preoccupation with violence, weapons, or violent events can be a significant red flag. This may include verbal statements, written communications, or social media posts.
• Threatening Language: Direct or indirect threats against individuals or the church community should always be taken seriously. This includes verbal threats, notes, or online messages.
• Isolation: Individuals who isolate themselves from the community, especially after being an active participant, may be experiencing personal crises that could escalate.

Physical Indicators

• Unusual Dress or Carrying Items: Be alert to individuals wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (e.g., heavy coats in summer) or carrying large bags or packages that could conceal weapons.
• Signs of Distress: Visible signs of distress, such as shaking, sweating, or extreme nervousness, may indicate someone is in crisis or planning harmful actions.

Contextual Clues

• Changes in Attendance: Sudden changes in attendance patterns, such as an individual who starts attending more frequently or abruptly stops, can signal underlying issues.
• Conflict with Congregants: Ongoing conflicts with other members of the congregation that are not resolved can escalate into more serious situations.

Response

Developing a Reporting System

• Encourage congregants to report any suspicious behavior or threats immediately. Provide clear instructions on how to report concerns and who to contact.
• “Having a clear and accessible reporting system is crucial for early intervention,” says security expert Mary Johnson.

Train Congregants and Staff

• Conduct regular training sessions on recognizing and responding to potential threats. Ensure everyone knows the warning signs and understands the importance of vigilance.
• Role-playing scenarios can be an effective way to practice response strategies.

Establish Clear Protocols

• Develop and communicate clear protocols for addressing reported threats. This should include immediate actions to take, such as notifying security personnel and contacting law enforcement if necessary.
• Ensure that all staff and volunteers are familiar with these protocols and can act swiftly when needed.

Foster a Culture of Awareness

• Promote a culture of awareness and vigilance within the congregation. Encourage open communication and regular discussions about safety and security.
• Emphasize that safety is a collective responsibility and that everyone plays a role in maintaining a secure environment.

Recognizing and addressing potential threats at church is a vital aspect of church security. By understanding the warning signs, promoting vigilance, and fostering a culture of awareness, you can create a safer environment for all.  

Learn body language and keep high situational awareness. Stay in yellow until you see some of these indicators then go to orange. When the behavior changes or you see indicators of other things, go back to yellow. (See “Situational Awareness Day 2019” 9/19/2019 for Coopers Color Codes)
These are especially important to learn for those who serve in Bishoprics or those who are on the stand through meetings. Being up on the stand is a vantage point where you can see most of the congregation. If this applies to you learn these indicators and more. If possible, get trained in situational awareness and threat indicators.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn