TonyD
One Shot One Maggie's Drawers
I have, on occasion, interjected my opinion on realistic and effective training throughout the years during casual conversations, range session, gun boards, and the like, concerning drills, training techniques, mindset and appropriate weaponry, though not as vehemently as I once used to. It seems as of late, that I find myself in the minority view concerning what constitutes necessary training and what tools are needed to bring to a gunfight. Often, after engaging in such a debate, the popular opinion has me scratching my head and wondering if my skills, training and experience is dated. What cosmic evolution occured that now relegates my knowledge as ineffectual?
Al Gore's advent of the internet has borne a new breed of warrior it seems and 9/11 has also given birth to a plethora of new training facilities that boast the 'new and improved' and 'new tactical solutions' in the area of personal protection training. Although I have not attended any of the more notable schools, I do read the many articles and reviews and I'm not here to denigrate any of them without firsthand knowledge. However, I will caution the prospective student to fully research an institution and make an informed decision as to whether the curriculum suites your specific needs.
So, it's very refreshing to witness testimony that agrees with the principles I've long held. Especially when it comes from some very respected folks in the tactical community. For instance, although I know knothing about Jim Conway, it was very good to see a comment he made on this very board about there being no real advanced techniques, only the basics. The basics, boys and girls, is what you must practice over and over. It may not be flashy and it may not look 'high speed' but this ain't no dance contest. This is about what you will fall back on during a real-life, "Oh, shit!".
I was especially pleased to see more than one article in this months SWAT magazine (as well as previous issues) that reflected the very same pricinples I've learned, advocated and taught over the years. Brent T. Wheat, Four Years and Counting, in reflecting on what he's tried to put forth to the readers summarizes some of his thoughts. Number two on the list was, "Beware of false prophets" and #3 was, "Beware of false prophets, part deux". It basically reiterates what I've said here and in the past. From the article;
"...Instructors and schools pop up like mushrooms after a warm April rain, some loudly spouting "new" and "revolutionary" doctrine that is spread by the internet and the "gun porno" (shooting magazine) industry." Further more, "...Make sure it is truly innovative rather than just feces wrapped in gold foil". And, "...If you study history, you'll see that many of theses ideas are simply recycled concepts that were discredited enough years ago that people have forgotten".
Another outstanding article is by Tim McCord & Kelly McWethy title, "Don't Just Stand There". It's a review of school in Texas that appears to use very practical situations in its curriculum. Pat (Gunner) Rogers is another instructor that I mostly agree with his philosophies.
Bottom line is have a plan. Realize what your true training needs are and seek out that training. Further more, you have to practice that training. I realize that a lot of ranges are restrictive and that's one reason these schools are so attractive. However, it does no good to reinforce bad habits every week at your local club. You will most likely react to a situation in a manner of which you have the most redundancy. Len cited how his instructor at his latest school would shout out immediate action unexpectedly and how the students reactions varied. Bill Davison of Tac Pro Shooting Center, notes how many students revert to old ingrained habits under stress. Bear in mind that this is all during a class where all of your focus is on shooting. Imagine what that will be like in the parking lot of the local Stop & Rob with your wife and kids present.
Just food for thought coming to you from the corner of, "My Opinion Only".
Al Gore's advent of the internet has borne a new breed of warrior it seems and 9/11 has also given birth to a plethora of new training facilities that boast the 'new and improved' and 'new tactical solutions' in the area of personal protection training. Although I have not attended any of the more notable schools, I do read the many articles and reviews and I'm not here to denigrate any of them without firsthand knowledge. However, I will caution the prospective student to fully research an institution and make an informed decision as to whether the curriculum suites your specific needs.
So, it's very refreshing to witness testimony that agrees with the principles I've long held. Especially when it comes from some very respected folks in the tactical community. For instance, although I know knothing about Jim Conway, it was very good to see a comment he made on this very board about there being no real advanced techniques, only the basics. The basics, boys and girls, is what you must practice over and over. It may not be flashy and it may not look 'high speed' but this ain't no dance contest. This is about what you will fall back on during a real-life, "Oh, shit!".
I was especially pleased to see more than one article in this months SWAT magazine (as well as previous issues) that reflected the very same pricinples I've learned, advocated and taught over the years. Brent T. Wheat, Four Years and Counting, in reflecting on what he's tried to put forth to the readers summarizes some of his thoughts. Number two on the list was, "Beware of false prophets" and #3 was, "Beware of false prophets, part deux". It basically reiterates what I've said here and in the past. From the article;
"...Instructors and schools pop up like mushrooms after a warm April rain, some loudly spouting "new" and "revolutionary" doctrine that is spread by the internet and the "gun porno" (shooting magazine) industry." Further more, "...Make sure it is truly innovative rather than just feces wrapped in gold foil". And, "...If you study history, you'll see that many of theses ideas are simply recycled concepts that were discredited enough years ago that people have forgotten".
Another outstanding article is by Tim McCord & Kelly McWethy title, "Don't Just Stand There". It's a review of school in Texas that appears to use very practical situations in its curriculum. Pat (Gunner) Rogers is another instructor that I mostly agree with his philosophies.
Bottom line is have a plan. Realize what your true training needs are and seek out that training. Further more, you have to practice that training. I realize that a lot of ranges are restrictive and that's one reason these schools are so attractive. However, it does no good to reinforce bad habits every week at your local club. You will most likely react to a situation in a manner of which you have the most redundancy. Len cited how his instructor at his latest school would shout out immediate action unexpectedly and how the students reactions varied. Bill Davison of Tac Pro Shooting Center, notes how many students revert to old ingrained habits under stress. Bear in mind that this is all during a class where all of your focus is on shooting. Imagine what that will be like in the parking lot of the local Stop & Rob with your wife and kids present.
Just food for thought coming to you from the corner of, "My Opinion Only".