42 Most Important Ideas in Defensive Shooting: Part III

This installment of The 42 Most Important Ideas In Defensive Shooting deals with those things that describe or develop your ability to perceive the presence of a threat — one which may require the use of lethal force to resolve. Unfortunately, this is an area that seems to be woefully unexplored in the defensive shooting world and therefore contains a great deal of confusion and misinformation. What are some of the terms that are commonly used, and what do they really mean?

Situational Awareness: one of the most misunderstood and applied terms in the lexicon of self defense, situational awareness is simply the sum total of what you know, consciously or unconsciously, about your immediate environment at any given point in time. Contrary to popular belief, your actual mental awareness cannot be increased at will; what your senses take in is hard-wired. You can, however, change your behavior to better apply the awareness you do have. For instance, controlling distractions (those things that by their nature demand more of your conscious attention) frees a larger portion of your senses to focus on other — perhaps more important — things in your environment, increasing your situational awareness. Controlling distractions and allocating your available attention to important things in your environment is key to building a high level of situational awareness. The most important things to keep in mind about situational awareness are that it isn’t magic, and it doesn’t give you an impenetrable shield of invincibility — and in fact makes training in dealing with surprise attacks even more important. (For a more thorough discussion, please see my article “The Myth Of Situational Awareness”.)

OODA Loop: The name given to Colonel John Boyd’s (USAF) decision-making process presented in his 1959 Aerial Attack Study for the Air Force. Often cited in the defensive shooting world as a “technique” to help you “think faster” than your opponent in a fight, is instead a system for pre-planning possible attack/response sequences that can be utilized during an incident. The problem with most presentations of the OODA process as a defensive tool is that they both over-simplify the sequence (it’s not a “loop”) and imply that it’s something you do consciously during a fight. In reality, the OODA process is a tool to be used to anticipate the kinds of attacks you might face; what the characteristics of those attacks are; what your ideal response might be; and then train in those situations so that your responses to a given stimulus can be automated. OODA describes not how you should respond to an attack, but instead how your training and practice should be structured to allow you to respond efficiently. An important part of the OODA process is frequent practice in conditions that are as close to reality as you can make them, while still allowing you sufficient repetitions to ingrain the stimulus/response patterns. If you hear phrases such as “getting inside your opponent’s OODA loop” or “forcing him to reset his OODA”, you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t understand both the power and limitations of Boyd’s work!

Color Codes of Awareness: often attributed to Jeff Cooper, the legendary founder of the Gunsite training center, this idea is said to have its origins in military doctrine. The concept seems simple enough: there are four (some argue five) levels of awareness in which people can find themselves, ranging from white (unaware) to red (ready to fight or engaged in a fight, depending on whose definition you trust.) They’re variously touted as helpful to managing your situational awareness (see above) and guiding your reactions to an emerging threat. The problem is that they describe finite states of existence that really don’t mean anything in daily life. In addition, they prescribe readiness postures or response functions that may not be appropriate for the situation at hand. Human beings, in responding to anything (including a threat) don’t proceed smoothly through such states; we respond to stimuli that our senses pick up and filter what we see/hear through our experience and training. As with situational awareness, you can’t be aware
of everything all the time (“Condition Yellow”); you allocate your attention or awareness based on your perception of the importance of what you’re seeing. There is no special state in which you can live that will magically keep you safe by anticipating all possible threats, and rather than “living in Condition Yellow” it’s better to understand how to manage distractions, what distractions are acceptable in what environments, and how to recognize and respond in an intuitive way to threats which present themselves.

Simulation: an approximation of a real scene or incident in a controlled environment. Simulation is an extremely valuable learning and training tool, and one which isn’t used often enough in the defensive shooting world. Simulation can be physical (a “shoot house” or room setup on a range) or mental (visualization, whether on the range or with your eyes closed while lounging on your couch.) Simulations allow you to pre-plan your possible responses in specific situations (see “OODA Loop” above) and/or test those responses under conditions that approximate those of an actual incident. Physical simulations can involve props, such as the room setup, or role players who portray attackers or even innocents. Simulations should strive to be as real as possible, not just authentic; a room setup with real doors, furniture, carpets, pictures on the walls and a martini on the coffee table may be very authentic, in the sense that it’s just like someone’s living room. It may not be very real for you if that living room doesn’t look or isn’t arranged anything like the one in your house! The best value in simulation comes from making it both specific and real from the participant’s standpoint.

Reality-Based Training: often abbreviated “RBT”, reality-based training is a term that very few people in the defensive shooting world seem to agree on! Kenneth Murray, often referred to as “the father of reality-based training”, says that RBT is “realistic simulation training”. RBT is generally held to be scenario-based, in that it is scripted to resemble an actual situation (as opposed to a specific location) and generally includes role-players as part of the scenario. When role players are involved, specialized training ammunition (known generically as “Simunitions”, though that term is a trademark for a specific brand of ammo) in modified firearms is used to reduce the risk of injury to participants; Airsoft guns have also been used for this purpose. While most people consider reality-based training to refer specifically to sessions involving role players using any less-than-lethal firearms, an emerging school of thought holds that the term reality-based training is also applicable to visualized scenarios not involving role players or dedicated training weapons. Proper RBT sessions must be closely scripted, use trained role players, and finish with a thorough debrief about lessons learned. They tend to be time-consuming and expensive to put on.

Force On Force: while often used interchangeably with the term reality-based training, force-on-force (“FOF”) refers specifically to scenarios using role players as aggressors. The term comes from the use of force (be it weapons or martial arts) by both antagonist and protagonist — in other words, both attacker and defender are allowed to use controlled force against each other. FOF, properly done, is a form of RBT. When FOF scenarios are run using firearms, less-than-lethal ammo (such as Simunitions) or Airsoft are used to reduce the risk to all participants.

The post 42 Most Important Ideas in Defensive Shooting: Part III appeared first on Personal Defense Network.

Self Defense Tip: How To Prevent Being Raped…
CLICK HERE

New Products

BEST Seller Products
Stun Master 20 Million Volt BAD ASS Metal Stun Baton/Flashlight - As with all stun devices the Stun Master Stun Baton offers an extremely effective means of subduing an individual in a humane and non-lethal way. The effec... Stun Master 20 Million Volt BAD ASS Metal Stun Baton/Flashlight	Pepper Spray Disguised as Lipstick - Girls don't ever feel afraid or not in control again. If you feel uncomfortable or afraid when a man approaches you calmly reach into your purse or pocket pull out what looks like yo... Pepper Spray Disguised as Lipstick
Stun Cane with Flashlight 1 Million Volts - Stun Cane with Flashlight 1 Million Volts! This ZAP Stun Walking Cane is a great self-defense device for the elderly or for anyone who needs support while walking. DEMO VIDEO Stun Cane with Flashlight 1 Million Volts	ZAP Blast Knuckles Extreme 950K Volt Stun Gun - The ZAP� Blast Knuckles Extreme � 950 000 Volt is a shocking high voltage stun gun that provides you with an easy way to protect yourself while on the go. DEMO VIDEO ZAP Blast Knuckles Extreme 950K Volt Stun Gun
Streetwise Sting Ring 18 Million Volts Stun Gun - Introducing our newest design in personal protection the Sting Ring. This revolutionary model separates itself from all other stun guns on the market today and is destined... Streetwise Sting Ring 18 Million Volts Stun Gun	Streetwise 18 Million Volt Stun Gun Sting Ring w/Key Ring - ON SALE: 25% OFF! With this power stun gun attached to your keys you will not have to be concerned about it getting lost in the bottom of your purse or wasting va... Streetwise 18 Million Volt Stun Gun Sting Ring w/Key Ring
MultiGuard 80 Million Volt Stun Gun Alarm and Flashlight w/Built In Charger - Stand your ground with the 80 Million Volt MultiGuard Stun Gun Alarm and Flashlight with Built in Charger. Easily concealable and virtually unde... MultiGuard 80 Million Volt Stun Gun Alarm and Flashlight w/Built In Charger	Streetwise USB Secure 22 Million Volt Keychain Stun Gun - ON SALE: 25% OFF! Protection is now as close as your keys...First we revolutionized the stun gun industry by introducing the original Streetwise S.M.A.C.K. (Stun M... Streetwise USB Secure 22 Million Volt Keychain Stun Gun
18 Million Volt Talon Stun Gun And Flashlight - Stand your ground with the Talon 18 Million volt Stun Gun. Fits comfortably and seamlessly in the hand the Talon delivers super powered stun protection.The Talon's trigger i... 18 Million Volt Talon Stun Gun And Flashlight	Streetwise TRIPLE Sting Ring 28 Million Volt Stun Gun - ON SALE: 25% OFF! We are proud to introduce the latest in our evolving line of unique and powerful stun guns. Two years ago we introduced our patented Sting Ring Stun... Streetwise TRIPLE Sting Ring 28 Million Volt Stun Gun
Streetwise Black Jack 21 Million Volt Stun Gun Black - For well over 25 years Streetwise Security Products has been the world's leading brand of innovative self-defense and security products.The innovation continues with t... Streetwise Black Jack 21 Million Volt Stun Gun Black	Streetwise Barbarian 9 Million Volt Stun Baton Flashlight - In ancient times barbarians were known for being uncivilized brutal and fierce warriors.�The Barbarian" is the perfect name for our newest stun baton. If Conan ... Streetwise Barbarian 9 Million Volt Stun Baton Flashlight
iKeyp PRO Smart Storage Safe w/Expandable Wing Installation - The iKeyp Pro is a smartphone-enabled personal safe that provides peace of mind by bringing security technology and easy access together. It takes only second... iKeyp PRO Smart Storage Safe w/Expandable Wing Installation	Police Force 21 Inch Expandable Steel Baton - Around the world police officers and security guards are switching from bulky night sticks to this more compact telescopic steel baton.This Police Force 21 Inch Expandable st... Police Force 21 Inch Expandable Steel Baton
Streetwise Dark Knight Expandable Steel Baton - With the newly designed Dark Knight Expandable Metal Baton you can go out into any dark night with confidence.Like a knight from the dark ages protecting innocent people from... Streetwise Dark Knight Expandable Steel Baton	Jolt Attacker Compact Keychain 77 Million Volt Stun Gun - ON SALE: $2 OFF! A keychain stun gun comes in handy to stop the attackers. It's easy to carry; with a simple push-button release switch it can be quickly and easil... Jolt Attacker Compact Keychain 77 Million Volt Stun Gun
Pulse Blowout Bundle w/2 FREE Cartridges + Any Holster - ON SALE: $50 OFF!*LIMITED SUPPLY* Normally the Pulse includes 2 cartridges with any purchase but when you order the TASER Pulse Blowout Bundle you'll get an addit... Pulse Blowout Bundle w/2 FREE Cartridges + Any Holster	JPX4 4 Shot LE Defender Pepper Gun Black w/Level 2 Holster - The JPX is the perfect carry weapon for these Gun Free Zones. It is not a firearm and considered a pepper spray dispenser or OC delivery system. Why would you ta... JPX4 4 Shot LE Defender Pepper Gun Black w/Level 2 Holster
WildFire 1.4% MC 1/2 oz Halo Pepper Spray - When you are shopping around for self defense products you may notice that there are a few items with the name wildfire pepper spray. This product comes from a family of peppers... WildFire 1.4% MC 1/2 oz Halo Pepper Spray	Safety Technology Barking Dog Alarm - The Barking Dog Alarm is ideal for your home office store business or any place that would benefit from having a security dog. Except you don't have to feed water walk it or take... Safety Technology Barking Dog Alarm
SABRE Aim and Fire Pepper Gel With Trigger and Grip Deployment - Stay safe with SABRE. Boasting the same police-strength protection as law enforcement SABRE RED is the most popular formulation carried by police worldwide ... SABRE Aim and Fire Pepper Gel With Trigger and Grip Deployment	iSting Personal Protection Pen - Introducing the iSting Personal Protection Pen. Every year approximately 3 million people become victims of a violent assault. The iSting helps you fight back. The small self defense device... iSting Personal Protection Pen
JPX4 C2 With Laser - The JPX4 Compact 2 is a brand new product offered to the public and Law Enforcement by Piexon AG. This is the only product that can fire 4 separate shots of pepper spray at 590 FPS from the nozzle up t... JPX4 C2 With Laser

Subscribe To Our Mailing List For New Product Information & Product Sale Discounts!

First Name:

Email:

We respect your email privacy

 

Be assured that your shopping experience is completely safe. The order site is secured using a Thawte SSL Web Server Certificate which encrypts all data to and from the site. However, if you prefer to pay with check or money order, just choose the off-line option when you check out.