When it comes to outside the waistband holsters (OWB), I'm a big fan of Safariland.  They rugged, well-constructed, and can a take just about any beating you can dish out on them in your training.  I run these on my gun belt when I'm teaching or training myself.  They've never let me down.

I also like Bravo Concealment Holsters.  This is Texas-based company that focuses on producing a great product at affordable prices and caring for their customers.  I like both their OWB and IWB holsters.  They also have accessories and attachments available so that you can customize your rig like you want it.  Click here to check them out.

Mistake 2:  Inadequate Training

The Pitfall:
Many concealed carry holders acquire their permit and weapon but fail to invest in ongoing training and practice. Inadequate training can result in a lack of readiness and proficiency when it matters most.

The Solution:
Regular training and practice are essential. Consider enrolling in good tactical firearms courses from professional instructors.  Make sure you're getting good reps in during dry-fire practice as well as spending time at the range.  If you're looking for ways to spice up your dry-fire sessions, make sure you're subscribed to the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast where we discuss the topic of dry-fire regularly.  You're sure to find some tips on how to make your dry-fire sessions fun and productive without it getting stale.


Mistake 3: Neglecting Situational Awareness

The Pitfall:
Situational awareness is a critical aspect of self-defense. Focusing solely on your firearm can lead to neglecting your surroundings, making you vulnerable to potential threats.

The Solution:
Always stay vigilant and maintain awareness of your environment. Practice the habit of scanning for potential dangers, and be mindful of unusual behavior in your surroundings. The best way to avoid an attack is to see it before it's coming.  Doing Situational Awareness the right way ultimately it comes down to understanding what situational awareness is, what it looks like, and how to do it.  Again, we've talked about situational awareness at length on the podcast and have blogged about it as well.  If you're looking for a concise training block that's packed with the critical information you need to develop this life-saving skill, sign up for our short online course.  It's only $7, but it's sure to fit anyone's budget.  Click here to check it out.


Mistake 4:  Overconfidence

The Pitfall:

Overconfidence can be a grave error in self-defense. A firearm is not a magic talisman.  Assuming that carrying a firearm automatically makes you invulnerable may lead to poor decision-making and unnecessary confrontations.

The Solution:

Don't mistake confidence for competence.  Stay humble and aware of your limitations. Avoid unnecessary risks and prioritize de-escalation and avoidance tactics whenever possible. A firearm should be a last resort, not a first response.  However, if you do have to utilize your firearm as a last resort, your weapons handling skills, accuracy, and mobility capabilities need to there before you need them.  (See Mistake #2.)


Mistake 5:  Not Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities

The Pitfall:
Ignorance of the legal aspects of self-defense can lead to serious consequences. Understanding use of force laws, state-specific self-defense regulations, and when it's appropriate to draw your weapon is crucial.

The Solution:
Study the laws pertaining to self-defense in your area. Consult with legal professionals who specialize in self-defense cases if needed. Knowing the legal boundaries of self-defense can help you avoid legal troubles after an incident.  When it comes to learning the laws about self-defense, I'm a big fan of Andrew Branca from the Law of Self Defense Blog.  

On his blog, you'll find tons of useful information on the laws regarding the use of self-defense that goes beyond just firearms.  If you have questions like, "should these hands be considered lethal weapons," chances are he's covered it.  Make sure you check him out!

Conclusion

As a responsible concealed carry holder, it's vital to be aware of these common mistakes and take steps to avoid them. Choosing the right holster, investing in training, maintaining situational awareness, staying humble, and understanding the legal aspects of self-defense are all crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you. By avoiding these errors, you can better prepare yourself to handle self-defense situations effectively and responsibly.

What are your thoughts about the 5 mistakes I've listed above?  Anything to add?  Drop it in the comments below.




(Affiliate disclaimer.  From time to time, we may share affiliate links to products I use or recommend.  If you make a purchase using these links, it costs you nothing and helps support us.  Thanks!)

When it comes to self-defense, understanding that the first threat you encounter might not be the only one is vital. In the realm of security and personal protection, we refer to this phenomenon as primary and secondary threats.

Primary and Secondary Threats Defined

In the security and self-protection world, primary threats refer to the initial and often overt attacks or dangers that individuals or groups face. These threats could include acts of violence, such as an armed assailant, an explosion, or other violent stimuli, where the immediate danger is clear and present.

However, secondary threats are less obvious and more insidious. These are the concealed dangers that follow the primary threat, often catching individuals off guard and creating additional challenges for those seeking to protect themselves.
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Secondary threats may take various forms, such as

accomplices of the primary attacker, hidden weapons, or a concealed trap meant to ensnare the victim. Ignoring the possibility of secondary threats can result in a false sense of security, leaving individuals vulnerable to unseen dangers.

Understanding the Significance
For those engaged in self-defense and personal security, recognizing the existence of secondary threats is of paramount importance. While the primary threat may be the initial trigger for defensive action, failure to consider secondary threats can lead to dire consequences. This holds true not only for law enforcement and military personnel but also for CCW holders and security-minded citizens.


Real World Examples...
Let's take a look at a couple of real-world examples to emphasize the significance of primary and secondary threats:

Las Vegas, 2014:

In a seemingly ordinary setting, two officers were seated at CiCi's Pizza, having lunch. According to reports, two armed assailants, a husband and wife later identified as Jared and Amanda Miller, walked in and without provocation, shot both officers at point-blank range, killing them where they sat.

The Millers immediately fled to a nearby Walmart, where Jared fired a shot inside the store, causing panic among the customers. A concealed carry holder drew his weapon and followed Jared Miller, hoping to "get the jump" on him and neutralize the situation. Unfortunately, he didn't notice Amanda Miller nearby. As the armed citizen maneuvered into position to take a shot at Jared Miller, Amanda pulled her firearm and shot and killed the armed citizen from the side. He never saw it coming.

The bottomline: Sometimes the first threat you see isn't the only threat present.

Tallahassee, 2014:

In another tragic incident, a man with a history of violent threats against police set his house on fire and waited in a concealed position outside the structure for police to arrive. The individual's identity and residence had been registered within a law enforcement database due to prior threats.

However, during the 911 call for the fire incident, the dispatcher mistakenly input the neighbor's address who reported the blaze. Consequently, the alert did not activate, leaving the Leon County deputy, who was the initial responder, unaware of the situation. Shortly after the deputy arrived, the gunman ambushed the officer, shooting and killing him from behind.

The bottom line: Sometimes the first threat is a diversion from the real one that's coming.

Preparation for CCW Holders

Sadly, these are just a few examples of the violent dynamics that are primary and secondary threats. While those of us in military and law enforcement are acutely aware of these dangers, concealed carry holders, in particular, should be equally aware as well. Carrying a concealed firearm for self-defense is a significant responsibility, and understanding the concept of primary and secondary threats is essential to making informed decisions in high-stress situations.

The Importance of Comprehensive Training

To effectively protect oneself against primary and secondary threats, it is imperative you invest in comprehensive training. Static range practice and theatrical "scanning" after firing a string of shots won't prepare you for these types of encounters.

You need training that encompasses not only the technical aspects of self-defense but also the development of situational awareness and decision-making skills.

A Path to Enhanced Preparedness

In future articles, we'll share tips to help you cultivate these life-saving skills. If you're eager to develop a real-world skill set that will help you prepare for these types of threats, consider  signing up for our online course, High Threat Pistol Tactics.

This comprehensive training program will develop your situational awareness, understanding of threats, and the practical drills you need to make yourself stronger, faster, and harder to harm. Click here to get started.

How are you incorporating your knowledge of primary and secondary threats into your training?  Drop it in the comments below.

I don't have to tell you that we're living in dark and perilous times. Each time I look at my news feed, it seems as if everything that's great about America is circling down the drain of decadence and social decay. It reminds me of that quote from author G. Michael Hopf:

"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And weak men create hard times."

If we are to escape the hard times that have been handed down to us by these weak men (and women), then the only path forward is the one through which we unlock the inner strength within ourselves and forge our own path to greatness - true greatness. It is the warrior's path. It is long, it is hard, and it is fraught with peril. But, honestly, it's the only viable option open to us now.

In order to navigate life's complexities and overcome its adversities, it's essential to invest in your personal growth. Becoming a scholar and athlete has immense value. The pursuit of knowledge expands our minds, enhances critical thinking, and broadens our understanding of the world.

Consequently, engaging in physical fitness and sports helps build discipline, resilience, and a strong body necessary to overcome life's challenges. By becoming well-rounded individuals, we equip ourselves with the tools needed to thrive in any situation. Is there anything that could be more practical, more needed in this day and age?
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Plato wrote that "the ideal citizen must be a scholar-athlete, a man of thought, and a man of action."
So what are the pillars to becoming this scholar-athlete that Plato spoke of?  For me, it's the following:

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1. Embrace the Warrior Spirit:

Members of the military and law enforcement communities possess a unique responsibility, one that demands strength, courage, and unwavering commitment. The warrior spirit encompasses more than just physical prowess—it is a mindset characterized by discipline, honor, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. By combining the attributes of a scholar and an athlete, individuals in these professions can elevate their performance, enhance critical decision-making abilities, and develop the mental and physical resilience necessary to protect and serve with distinction.

But you don't have to be a soldier or cop to embody these ideals. When it comes down to it, warriors are built to serve the community in which they belong. If you have a family, work a job or own a business, or involved in any type of group that comes together to benefit something greater that the individuals, then you serve a community. Your community needs you to be mentally and physically strong, intelligent, and honorable.

2. Cultivate Intellectual Excellence:

Intellectual growth is a lifelong journey that fuels personal development and empowers individuals to adapt to the ever-changing world. Engaging in continuous learning, reading, and expanding knowledge helps sharpen critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities. Apart from my career as a soldier, I pursued a law degree. My business partner, Alex, left a career in special operations and to attend chiropractic school. (I'll never call him doctor, but I don't mind him popping my back. Just kid'n, Alex.)

Now, I'm not saying that you need a post-graduate degree or even go to college. The point is that you focus on training your mind as well as your body. Critical thinking and problem solving skills have never been in short supply as it is now. That's why on my bookshelf you'll not only find books on shooting and tactics, you'll also find Plato, Nietzsche, and Jung as well.

3. Hone the Body:

I believe physical fitness is crucial for any individual interested in personal security and self-defense. The body and mind are deeply connected.  By nurturing our physical fitness, we enhance our overall well-being. Engaging in vigorous exercise and sports not only promotes physical health but also develops mental toughness, discipline, and resilience. It prepares us to face adversity head-on, both in professional and personal spheres.  It enables us to perform at our best when it matters the most.

We are all at different stages in terms of age and ability. Many of us can't engage in the same type of physical regiment that we did in our twenties. That's not the point. The point is to do something. Lift weights and run if you can. If can't run, go for walks. You are a soul experiencing life through a body. Build it and strengthen it the best you can.

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4. Self-Mastery:

Becoming the best version of yourself requires discipline, commitment, and an unwavering desire for self-mastery. It is a journey marked by continuous improvement, self-reflection, and the willingness to push beyond your comfort zones. Embracing the ideals of a scholar and athlete empowers us to develop a balanced life, one that prioritizes both intellectual and physical growth. It is through this journey that we discover our true potential and unlock the reservoir of untapped capabilities that lie within us. You have it in your power to recreate yourself into the image you hold in your mind. Give it your thought and attention. Create a program that suits you and pursue it fully.

Gents, it's time to step up our game. We can't continue to complain about the current state of affairs in which we find ourselves. It's time to look in the mirror and reflect the image of the scholar-athlete that Plato found was so crucial to the health and viability of any Republic.

Let us focus on improving ourselves - mentally, spiritually, and physically. Let us dedicate ourselves to learning and expanding our knowledge. Let us transcend who we are now by becoming the BEST of who we can be.

It's time to stop being a spectator in life and become it's most zealous participant.

It's time to become the strong men who create good times.

In my last post, I shared 5 Dry-Fire Tips to Improve Your Shooting. The response was so great, I decided to riff on that last post by sharing a few more tips that have come in handy for me. In case you missed  Part 1, you can get spun up by clicking here.

Before we get into the next series of tips, let's remind ourselves why we're dry-firing in the first place. During dry-fire training, we're working to improve our speed, accuracy, and overall proficiency. You can work on all the skills you need to enhance your shooting capabilities during these sessions, except for a few things like recoil and trigger manipulation. Those items we pick up and hone during our live-fire sessions.

Before you begin, always make sure you have checked and re-checked your weapon and magazines to make sure there is no live ammunition present during your training session.

Now, taking what you've incorporated from my last post, add these things:

6. Use Targets to Enhance Visualization
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning. Be intentional about the targets you use during your dry-fire sessions. I find using realistic targets during training better helps with the visualization and observation process.  You can even purchase or download reduced sized targets that will simulate shooting at different distances.  
7. Incorporate Movement Drills
Once your weapons handling skills are on point, you can begin to incorporate movement drills into the mix. For example, you can practice moving to cover while drawing your firearm or practice shooting on the move. This type of training can improve your shooting accuracy and speed in dynamic situations. Do it and you'll be on your way to developing a real-world skill set.
8. Record Your Sessions
Recording your dry-fire training sessions can be a helpful tool for reviewing your technique and tracking your progress. You can use your smartphone or a camera to record your sessions, and then review the footage afterward to see where you need improvement. Look for ways to cut out unnecessary movement and improve your efficiency. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't like what you see at first. We all had to start at the beginning. Keep recording and reviewing the "tape." In time, you'll see the improvement and get excited about your progress. That will help you stay motivated and stay on the path.
9. Practice Under Stress
Practicing your dry-fire skills under stress can help simulate real-life situations and prepare you for high-stress scenarios. For example, you can set a timer for a specific amount of time and practice your skills while the timer is running. This can help you improve your speed and accuracy under pressure. Using a shot timer is something I wish I would've implemented a long time ago. They're extremely useful and simple to incorporate. And you don't need a super-fancy one either. For a long time, I used a free app I downloaded onto my cell phone. It worked great for me.
10. Vary Your Training
Finally, it's essential to vary your dry-fire training to keep it challenging and engaging. You can change up your training routine by using different targets, practicing different skills, or incorporating different movement drills. Just like with physical training, you need to change things up to avoid becoming stagnant and to help push through your plateaus. Don't be afraid to try new things and above all, push your skills to the point of failure. Record and analyze your results. In a short time, you'll be amazed at how far you've come.
So, to wrap up, dry-fire training is an effective way to improve your shooting skills - especially when you're intentional about your practice. Remember to always prioritize safety, and practice regularly to achieve your shooting goals.
What things have you incorporated into your dry-fire training that have been helpful?  Share your knowledge by dropping it in the comments below.
Until next time, stay sharp.

1.  Focus and Concentration: Limit Your Training DurationOne of the most common mistakes in dry-fire training is practicing for too long without a break. For me, I like to limit my sessions to 10-20 minutes. This helps me stay super focused and concentrated on the task at hand. Before I know it, the session is over, and I'm left with the feeling of wanting more. I just cage that little tiger and keep him hungry until the next session. It keeps me motivated and excited to stay on the path.

2.  Get a Proper Grip from the Draw
The draw is one of the most critical aspects of your shooting technique. It's crucial that you get a proper grip on your gun as you draw it from your holster. This will help you maintain control over your weapon as you begin to string your shots together later on during your live-fire sessions. Plus, if you have to adjust your grip after you've drawn it from the holster, that will cost you time when taking your first shot. To get a proper purchase, take your shooting hand and place it as high as you can on the pistol grip. There should be a ripple in the webbing of your hand with no space between it and the beaver tail. Your support hand should wrap nicely around your knuckles of your firing hand with your wrist locked out and thumbs forward. Make sure your thumbs are indexed along the frame of the weapon and not the slide; otherwise, you can induce a malfunction. Make it automatic.

3.  Drive the Gun to Your EyesAs you aim at your target, focus on the front sight and drive the gun to your eyes. This means that you should be bringing the gun up to your line of sight, rather than looking down to find your sights. Just like when you see an object and point at it with your finger, you don't go searching with your eyes for the tip of your finger. The naturally lines up to your eye. Do the same thing with your sights. Pick a small point on the target, then drive the gun to your eye. With practice, your sights will naturally come into alignment as you index towards the target.

4.  Practice Weapon Manipulation Skills

Weapon manipulation skills are essential for any shooter, and dry-fire training provides an excellent opportunity to practice these skills. Practice your draw and presentation, loading, reloading, and clearing malfunctions with your gun to improve your proficiency in these critical areas. That way, when you do go to the range, you can work on building the skills that can't be easily developed during dry-fire practice, like recoil management, trigger manipulation, etc.,.

5. Have a Plan: Choose Specific Skills to Work on
Finally, it's important to have a plan before you begin your dry-fire training session. Instead of randomly practicing different drills, choose one or two specific skills to work on during each session. This will help you to ensure that your time is well spent and that you're making progress towards your goals. It's just like working out at the gym. When you go to the gym, you should have a set plan - whether it's leg day or push-pull splits. You typically have a plan mapped out before you you start your workout. Do the same with your dry-fire training and you'll see faster results.
To wrap it up, dry-fire training is an essential component of your shooting practice, and by following these tips and tricks, you can maximize your training sessions and improve your overall proficiency with your firearm. Remember to always prioritize safety and make dry-fire training in your regular routine.
What tips have you found helpful with your dry-fire practice?  I'd love to hear about your experiences, so drop 'em in the comment below.

​Stay sharp. 

In today's world, being prepared for worst-case scenarios has become more important than ever. With the rising civil unrest, riots, and images of burning cities during the COVID lockdown still fresh in our nation's memory, more Americans than ever are turning to firearms as a means to protect themselves.

Among the choices of firearms available, the various carbine platforms, like the AR-15, have gained immense popularity due to their effectiveness and versatility.

Weapons like the AR-15, the various pistol carbines, and similar platforms, are known for being lightweight, highly accurate, and customizable. These rifles are highly versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, including target shooting, self-defense, and depending upon the caliber, hunting as well.

Carbines like the AR-15, are especially effective as a self-defense weapon due to its ability to fire rapidly and accurately. It has a large capacity magazine, allowing for multiple shots without the need for frequent reloading. This can be critical in high-stress situations where every second counts.

So, to answer my original question, yes. Civilians should own an AR-15 or similar weapon - if they train properly with them.
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And when it comes to training, the name of the game is developing your ability to safely maximize your effectiveness with these systems. To do that, here's some big ticket items you'll want to build into your regiment to ensure you're developing a real-world skill set. Some of these items include:
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1. Fundamentals. One of my favorite quotes comes from retired special operator, Paul Howe, who says being high speed is simply being able to perform the fundamentals upon demand. The fact is, you never outgrow your need to work on your fundamentals to improve your speed and accuracy. Fundamentals include, among other things, stable position, proper aiming techniques, breath and trigger control. If you want to build the skills necessary to make quick and accurate hits, you have to keep working these throughout your shooting career.


2. Economy of motion. Speaking of making quick hits, one of the easiest ways you can learn to make faster shots, is by eliminating unnecessary movement. This includes not only the way you present the weapon to the target, but also in how your transition between different shooting positions. For instance, moving efficiently from the standing to kneeling position, or making smooth magazine changes while reloading. Some of these adjustments may appear minor. It may only save you a second or two, but the seconds add up.


3. Target acquisition and engagement: Another important skill to master is the ability to quickly acquire and engage the target. This is especially true when dealing with multiple threats. Learning how to scan your sector, avoiding target fixation, as well as proper shot placement are just some of the skills you need to learn to be successful.


4. Moving and shooting: In a self-defense situation, it's unlikely that you'll be standing still. That's why learning how to shoot while moving forward, backward, and laterally, while maintaining accuracy is so important. Working on proper footwork, particularly during your dry-fire sessions will go a long way to preparing you to tackle more advanced training like close quarters battle (CQB).


5. Maintenance. In our classes, I've seen more malfunctions caused by improper maintenance than anything else. It's not the shooters fault. Most people simply are not taught how to properly clean, lube, and care for their weapons. And while no one is born knowing this stuff, it is the responsibility of the shooter to learn how to it. In the military, we have a concept known as pre-combat checks. This means, each soldier checks their weapons and gear to make sure everything is functioning properly before stepping off on a mission. For me, making sure my firearm is maintained and functioning properly is an implied task before I teach a class or step out the door with my everyday carry (EDC).

So, there you have it. Start adding these things in your regimen and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes in your performance.

If you're looking to level up your training with some fun dudes with professional experience, check out the dates below. Come out and train with us!​
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Until then, stay sharp!

A shopping trip to the mall is just another shopping trip....until it's not.  Everywhere we go, we carry with us the danger of being attacked. It can be hard to imagine, but yes, one moment you are happy, enjoying life and the next you are being attacked by someone or something. It can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone.

Such was the case involving four young victims who were gunned down in an ambush-style attack after returning from a shopping tip.

The investigation is on-going and the details sparse, but here's what we know according to the reports:
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It all began as four young men were walking back to their neighborhood in Philadelphia, after returning from a shopping trip from a nearby mall. Surveillance video showed at least two suspects getting out of a parked minivan with guns drawn. The attackers advanced quickly and aggressively - opening upon the the victims.

According to reports, as many as 50 shots were fired at the scene. The attackers ran back to their vehicle and ran over some of the victims as they fled made their getaway. Investigators say that two victims, aged 18 and 19-years-old, died at the scene.

The attack has all the hallmarks of an ambush: concealment, surprise, lack of provocation, and violence of action. I've talked about this extensively at our training events and on the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast.
The motive for the attack is unknown at this time, but drugs are suspected. Regardless of the motive, there are some lessons we can all take away.

1. It happens fast. Ambushes are quick, brutal, and lethal. Even if you're paying attention to your surroundings, they can be difficult to detect before it's too late. That's why they're so effective. With any ambush, the attacker chooses the location and the timing of the attack. This suddenness of the collapses your reactionary gap, putting you at a severe disadvantage because you're behind time. Let me explain what I mean by that.
There are three "timings" to any attack:

- Behind time,

- Equal time, and

- Ahead of time

In any engagement, your goal is to at least equal, then surpass the timing of your opponent, so that you are ahead of time. Timing is not just about speed (although, it can be a factor,). It's about tempo. By manipulating the timing of the attack, you can reset and control the tempo of the engagement, thus dominating the combat.

So, how do you do that? Mastering the principle of timing comes in two parts. You have to understand it intellectually, but experience it kinesthetically. And while I can't teach you the kinesthetic part through an email or blog post, we do cover this in our High Threat Pistol Tactics Course, Military CQC courses, as and other classes. However, I do go more in-depth about it in our podcast episode entitled, How Your Martial Arts Instructor Can Get You Killed. Click here if you want to listen to it and familiarize yourself with the principles on an intellectual level.

2. Collateral casualties. Just because you're not the intended victim of the attack doesn't mean you won't become a victim. According to the reports, there were a total of 50 rounds fired at the scene in the middle of a dense urban neighborhood. Some of those rounds hit the intended victims, but most of them did not. So, where do you think those rounds went? Amazingly, there are no reports that any innocent by-standers were hit. And while that's nothing short of miraculous, I can tell you first-hand that's not always the case. I remember the last shooting I worked involved a police shoot-out with a barricaded suspect. The suspect fired several shots at the police. One of the rounds struck an officer, but a few of those rounds struck a nearby apartment with the occupants were inside.

3. Improvised weapons. Sometimes, other weapons get introduced into a gunfight. In this instance, the van the shooters were driving was used to run over some of the victims as the attackers made their getaway. Once hostilities commence, everything is in play - even vehicles. That means, we need to develop what I call having an "eye for the terrain." That means scanning the environment ahead of time to notice avenues of approach, key terrain, cover and concealment, and other factors that can be used to our advantage.

Cases like these should encourage us to look at our personal training regiments. Today, most of the training out there is geared to prepare you for a fast draw at close range - like you're in in shootout at the O.K. Coral. You know what I men - squared up to the target at six paces, etc. I get it, most of our training time we get is spent on a flat range where the options are limited. But there are opportunities out there that will teach you how to react to contact - dynamically. Avail yourself of those opportunities.

I hope this gives you a couple of things to think about. Sometimes, just expanding your thoughts on a topic are a worthwhile exercise in and of itself.

So, let me know what you think. Drop a comment below and let me know what you would add to the list. Is there anything you're doing now in your training to hone your skills. I'd love to hear about it.

Until then, stay sharp...
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We're wrapping up our 3-part series on CQB Essentials.

I've gotten some great responses from you guys during this series, so let's jump in and finish strong!
Recall, the 3 principles of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) are:

• Speed,
• Surprise, and
• Violence of Action

Today, we're taking on the third principle, Violence of Action. If you need to get spun up on the first two installments of the series, I've posted them on the website. You can access parts 1 and 2, by clicking these links: How to Dominate in Close Quarters and CQB Essentials Part 2: The Element of Surprise, respectively.

Now, let's go!

Violence of action is the principle by which we neutralize the threat as soon as possible. If I were sum up the concept in one word, it would be dominance. We must dominate the enemy both

physically and psychologically to prevent them from defending their position or mounting a counter-attack against us. When it comes to Violence of Action, overwhelming force is the name of the game.
Picture it this way. You're watching a UFC or boxing match. You see one of the fighters launch a brutal salvo of punches into his opponent with the speed and ferocity of a machine gun. You can literally hear his fists smash into the other dude's head as he shreds him into a bloody pulp. The beaten fighter buckles under the unrelenting storm of punches, unable to fight back or protect himself.

Eventually, the referee steps in to stop the fight before someone gets seriously hurt. The fight is over. Pitted against such overwhelming force, the other guy never had a chance. And that, my friends, is classic violence of action.

Can we apply that to CQB? You bet.

If our goal is to overwhelm and dominate the enemy, there's a number of ways we can get that done.
From a military or law enforcement perspective, we can begin by:

• using demolitions to breach the door
• tossing a flash-bang into the room
• blasting holes or using a vehicle to ram open additional entry points into the wall

And that's just the beginning! Follow it up with a highly trained team flooding the room with guns and that's violence of action par excellence.

But what about in a civilian context? Does violence of action apply to a security-minded citizen? Yup.
If you have to clear your house or enter a shopping mall to retrieve a loved one during an active shooter event, violence of action is especially critical. And while you may not have breaching assets or demolitions handy, you can still establish violence of action.

Utilizing fast, aggressive maneuver and fire superiority may be all you have. But if you do it right, it may be all you need. Anything that allows you to gain and maintain dominance over the enemy is what we're looking for.

It's all related...

The principles of speed, surprise, and violence of action all have a synergistic relationship to the others. Gaining the element of surprise will help you with speed. Moving with speed will help you sustain violence of action. Speed and violence of action can help you gain the element of surprise. They all work together.
But just like with speed and surprise, there are common mistakes shooters make when implementing violence of action. I could do a deep dive on each of these, but since this is an overview, I'll focus on these three:


MISTAKE #1: FAILURE TO COMMIT
You've heard me talk before about the dangers of the fatal funnel. Typically, the fatal funnel is a doorway or threshold you must pass through in order to advance on the threat. These funnels or choke points are where you are most vulnerable, so you have to pass through them quickly - and therein lies the problem.
It can be counter-intuitive to move into a danger zone where a bad guy that you can't see is armed and waiting for you. 

Because of that, new shooters will often freeze inside the threshold without properly advancing into the room. This causes a number of problems. One, it makes you a static target at the focal point. Two, it blocks other members of the team from making entry to help you out.

The results? You lose your violence of action.

The remedy is simple. When it's time to go, go. Move through the threshold in a controlled, but aggressive manner in order to dominate the space. Commit to move, then to move to your corners of domination and cover your sectors. See it through.

​MISTAKE #2: INADEQUATE WEAPON SKILLS

When training CQB, especially if you're new to it, the stress, fatigue, and cognitive overload can take it's toll on other tasks - like weapon handling skills. You must maintain discipline by :

• keeping the muzzle of your weapon oriented in the proper direction,
• avoiding "flagging" your buddies or friendlies in the area, and
• keeping your finger off the trigger and the weapon on safe until you're ready to engage the appropriate target

The whole point is we want to neutralize the bad guys, not our team mates, ourselves, or other friendlies. Your weapon handling skills need to be on point.

While on the subject of weapons handling, let's talk about malfunctions.  When jams or malfunctions occur on the flat range they are simple and easy to correct. But when they occur during a close quarters engagement, it can be catastrophic. You and your team need a plan of action for how you will handle these a malfunction should it occur. Make it part of your standard operating procedures (SOP), so that everyone is on the same page. The same goes if you're working alone. Have a plan and work it into your training.
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MISTAKE #3: TARGETING
The third error we commonly see is targeting, which has two components: target discrimination and shot placement.

Target discrimination means that the bad guys get shot and the good guys don't. CQB is fast and confusing when you're first starting out. Remember what I said in the first installment in this series about speed. You can only move as fast as your eyes can process the room. Move with controlled speed and controlled aggression, so that you'll have time to differentiate between friendlies and enemies in the room.

The second part of targeting is shot placement. In CQB, the enemy must be incapacitated immediately. Shots that wound, but do not immediately incapacitate aren't much better than missing the target completely. Why? Because even if you inflict a mortal wound, if the threat is not immediately incapacitated he can still pull the trigger and kill you with his dying breath. To insure immediate incapacitation the threat, you must make well-placed head shots.

The challenge is many of us have been taught to aim center mass of the target. Head shots aren't something we're accustomed to doing on the move. And while chest shots that that enter the heart and lungs are normally fatal, it may take several seconds for the threat to expire. Again, that's enough time for him to return effective fire on you. Besides, the threat could be wearing body armor. Yet another reason why head shots are necessary.

To gain immediate incapacitation, aim for the area approximately in the center of the face, below the middle of the forehead, but above the upper lip. That will "turn off the lights."

But why the head? Can't we achieve incapacitation with a shot to the spinal column? Yes, a hit to the spinal column (anywhere below the jaw and the top of the sternum) can get it done, but that's a very narrow target. If you're off by even a few centimeters, you may leave him with enough gas in the tank to deliver a fatal shot to you. Train yourself to make well-placed head shots and you avoid the problem altogether.

Now, having said that, there is another way to approach the issue of shot placement.  I know of some units that don't train their personnel to take head shots per se.  Instead, they prefer the to teach "shoot the threat center mass and continue shooting until the threat is down" approach.  Personally, I'm good with that too.

So, there you have it, the Essentials of CQB. In this series we've discussed the three principles of CQB, which are speed, surprise, and violence of action. We discussed each element, its best practices and common mistakes. And we've only scratched the surface! There's a lot I didn't cover, like footwork, mechanical offset when aiming, etc.,. We'll talk about that in future.

I hope you enjoyed this series and found the information useful.  Now it's your turn.  Drop a comment below and share your thoughts and insights.

As always, if you have questions or topics you'd like me to cover in the newsletter or on the podcast, send it.

Until next time, stay sharp.

We're continuing our series on how to hone your skills in Close Quarter Battle (CQB). If you missed the first installment, it's posted on our our website. Click here first if you need to get caught up.
Recall, that we define CQB as a kinetic fight - typically involving the use of firearms - at close range. While many equate CQB with room clearing, that is not always the case. We also discussed that there are three principles of CQB, which are speed, surprise, and violence of action.
As we mentioned previously, speed is a form of security. Speed makes you a harder target acquire and it helps you set and control the tempo of the battle. That said, it comes with a caveat. There is such a thing as moving too fast.
Remember, you can only move as fast as your eyes can process the room. You need visual acuity to identify threats, make shots with precision, and other tasks to prevail. You can't do that if everything is a blur. So, you have to find the balance between moving fast enough, but not too fast. In short, you need to move in a controlled hurry.
Now that we have reviewed the salient concepts from before, let's move on to the next principle: SURPRISE.

Surprise is the means by which we gain an advantage over the enemy by catching them unaware and unprepared. Our goal is to catch the enemy "off guard" - to deny them the ability to mount a proper defense or counter-attack to our actions. We want to get as close as we can to the enemy and put ourselves in an advantageous position to engage the enemy before they become aware of us.
You can easily see how speed can help us achieve the element of surprise, but it's not enough. It does no good to move fast if the threat can hear you coming a mile away. That's why moving stealthily and utilizing noise and light discipline are also crucial. So how do we do that? Here's a quick checklist to incorporate into your training:
STEALTH

• Minimize your gear: Stealthy movement requires a level of nimbleness, mental focus, and physical energy. Too much gear can tire you out and slow you down, so if you don't need it, don't carry it. Don't get me wrong, what you want to take and what you need to take don't always align. There were times I had to carry gear I didn't want to carry (because it was heavy), but it was mission essential, so guess what? I carried it. The point is, weight is a factor to that impacts performance. Think about your goals and objectives and plan your load-out accordingly.

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• Optimize your gear: This is related to noise discipline, but also related to stealth, so I'll cover it here. When it comes to moving stealthily, all bets are off if the enemy hears you coming. Loose gear that rattles, flops around, or falls out of your kit makes noise. Noise can give away your position. Make sure any loose items are strapped or tied down. On another note, make sure you configure your gear in a way that maximizes freedom of movement. Constricted movement can wear you out and hamper your ability to move stealthily as well.

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​NOISE/LIGHT DISCIPLINE

• Noise discipline: Apart from securing your gear properly, you can also add to the silence by keeping verbal communication to a minimum. Utilize the use of hand/arms signals and other forms of non-verbal methods to communicate with members of your team. You'll need to rehearse these in advance, but with a little practice, you'll be amazed at how well you can communicate without the use of your voice. That said, once hostilities commence and things go loud, then by all means, get loud.

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• Light discipline: In low-light conditions, a tactical light source is handy to illuminate and see your environment. We have a simple rule for the use of lights: If you don't need the light, don't use the light. And if you do need to use it, use it quickly and sparingly.

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Thinking through what we've discussed so far, you may get the impression that the only way to achieve the element of surprise only comes by shocking or startling the opponent.
But what happens if the "cat's out of the bag?" What do you do if the enemy knows you're coming? Can we still achieve the element of surprise?
Well, that's a great question. First of all, let's be real. It's not an ideal situation if the enemy knows you're coming, but all is not lost.
Let's remember the purpose of achieving the element of surprise in the first place. We want to get the upper hand by catching the enemy unaware of our attack. Startling the enemy is a great way to catch them off guard, but it's not the only way.
For instance, we can deceive or distract the enemy as to the timing and the location of the attack. Examples of this would be delaying our entry into a room; conducting a feint attack; or by drawing their attention away by the use of some other diversion. By causing confusion, creating cognitive overload, or just getting the enemy to lower their guard for a moment, we may be able to create an opportunity to regain the element of surprise. To quote Sun Tzu, in chaos, there is opportunity.
To recap, surprise the second element of CQB that helps us to gain an advantage over the enemy by catching them unaware of our presence, thus making it more difficult to defend against an attack. Stealth, utilizing noise and light discipline can help us surprise the enemy as to our presence, but causing confusion through the use of deception and distraction tactics may be necessary as well.
In the next segment, we're taking on the third element of CQB - violence of action. Make sure to look for that in your inbox soon.
I hope you're enjoying this series on CQB. If you are, drop it in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights on it.
Stay sharp,
Mark

Today, we're going to start our series off on the fundamentals of Close Quarter Battle (CQB).

CQB is the physical confrontation between two or more combatants. As the name implies, these fights take place in close proximity - typically at ranges of 100 meters or less (yes, you read that right) - involving the use of firearms; edged and impact weapons; improvised weapons; or even hand-to-hand combat.

While most discussions surrounding the topic of CQB centers on room clearing, which is the systematic method of neutralizing a threat or group of threats room by room to secure a structure, the subject is much broader than that.
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Rooms in a structure can open up into long hallways, corridors, even streets or alley ways ranging out to 100 meters or more. The potential for distances to open up from immediate to longer ranges can impact our load-out choices, so it's important not to pigeon hole ourselves into thinking that CQB is just "room clearing."
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CQB is as old as antiquity. Ancient epics like the Iliad, are replete with gory accounts of warriors clashing in close quarter combat, stabbing their opponents in the face with their spears or crushing the skulls of their enemies with large rocks. It was brutal and bloody back then and it can be just as brutal and bloody now.And while the art of war has changed in the modern era with the advent of the firearm, the fundamental principles of CQB remain the same. So whether you're a soldier engaged in urban operations, a police officer arriving on the scene of an active shooter, of a private citizen defending yourself during a home invasion, a proper understanding of these principles are essential in helping you prevail in a real world scenario.
In a nutshell, the three principles of Close Quarters Battle are:
- Speed,
- Surprise, and
- Violence of action
These principles are simple enough to list off, but that doesn't mean it's easy to master. Each of these principles merits its own study. Therefore, let's begin with the principle of speed.
If you've come out to train at a live event with us, you've heard us repeat the mantra, security: first, last, and always. That means maintaining awareness and control of your surroundings in a 360-degree radius is essential to your success at each stage of the engagement.
Speed can be its own form of security at times. The faster you move, the harder it is for the threat to acquire you as a target. Speed is the means by which you can set the pace and control the tempo of the engagement. We want to be in control of the action and force the threat to react to what we're doing, not the other way around.
That said, it's important not to confuse the speed with haste. When learning CQB for the first time, it's common for people to enter the room at a virtual sprint. That's because the person doesn't want get caught in the threshold of the doorway or "fatal funnel" where they are most vulnerable.
And while it'a true that moving too slowly through the doorway can be deadly, so can be when moving too fast.
You see, to properly secure the corners and dead spaces of a room, you can only move as fast as your eyes can process surrounding space. If you move faster than your eyes can process, you won't be able to identify (much less discriminate) and engage the threats as they present. In the end, any advantage you gained through speed will be negated, leaving you vulnerable.
So, move with controlled speed, and not in a haphazard manner.
I hope that's given you a little something to think about. In the upcoming installments, we'll pick up on the principles of surprise and violence of action.

In the meantime, what comments or insight would you add to the topic of speed when it comes to CQB?  Leave it in the comments below.