Tactics: the last word: don't be too Gung-Ho

Guns Magazine, Nov, 2005 by Clint Smith

Over the last six months, I have tried to logically cover most of the structural issues in the application of tactics. It is easy to see that many of these issues are not black and white in application, but in fact a smoky grey based on environment and reality. I'll close the series with a cross section of information detailing what goes wrong when tactics are applied based on following thousands of people though tactical simulators and applying them myself on occasion.

Alignment Plane

There is a physical plane that should be considered when applying tactics either in the vertical or horizontal that works on the premise that no part of the moving gun platform (you) should break the plane being cleared before the correct time. As an illustration, a right-handed shooter should keep the plane in mind, so that no part of the gun platform enters the plane before another. If, while moving to clear a vertical corner, the foot of the gun platform breaks the plane first, the shooter, in projecting his foot into the area being cleared before he is in fact ready to clear the corner, creates a life-threatening problem.

In layman's terms the muzzle or body part exposed "leads" into the area being cleared giving your opponent time to prepare for the arrival of a target--you. This alignment plane of eye, muzzle and body should keep 99 percent of the body behind available cover and allow the eye behind the weapon's muzzle to roll into the area to confirm the area is clear or engage the target as may be required.

Stepping In

I am not exactly sure where this comes from. but after many years I think the enemy may be the one-dimensional target-range drill. The problem: When visual contact is made with the target the shooter often steps more deeply into the threat area than is required to make the shot, hence making them more of a target to the threat.

A couple of points. Most folks want to square up with the target because they shoot that way on the range in training. Targets at oblique angles often seem to cause more trouble for shooters than the straight-on ones do. I also think when we are in trouble the inclination is to step in and go for it, most often because we are not programmed in training to understand the threat can--and will--shoot back. A standard verbal response from me is, "How much of the target can you see?" The student answers, "All of him." Then from me comes, "How much of you can the target see?" The student answers, "All of me ... #@&*!" "Duly noted."

Threats shoot you because they see you. They see you because you let them. I know I can be shot, but should I help the threat?

Eyes Off

This is what I call the rowboat and the battleship mode. As you are clearing, you let your battleship eyes overload your rowboat muzzle. By rolling the head in peeking or otherwise while the muzzle is off the aforementioned eye and muzzle plane, your eyes find the threat and your muzzle is not in a place to support your newfound threat with gunfire. Trust me, the relationship of your muzzle and your eye is an issue that can cost you your life if applied incorrectly.

Keep your eyes positioned so that you are looking over the top of the weapon, lowering the muzzle as required so as to not lead into doorways or comers, or so you can see under furniture or to get visual acquisition of the threat's hands, all of which are good ideas. You want your eyes to find the threat and your muzzle to be in a place to support you with gunfire if required. You know you are going to die--probably not today--and if today is the day, then make the threat come though your muzzle to get to you.

A concept revolving around Architecture and Billiards is a primary training track I teach. Look at the architecture of what you are clearing. The offset walls do not match, the depths of the walls in a room do not match. All these things could mean offsets, and offsets mean potential places for threats to hide. I am leery of these. Architecturally, I should have no issues in my own home because I live there and I should have addressed ways to clear them prior to a potential fight.

Billiards is a game of balls that evolves around the concept that whoever has the best angle places the most balls in the pockets. A simple game--whoever has the most balls in the pockets wins. Play the angles to get the best access to the threat while making yourself the least likely target possible.

M&M

Maximize the distance to the threat. Another simple truth: The more distance I have, the more time I have to respond. Are there exceptions? Yes, and they are all dangerous. Distance creates time and the potential for better or more marksmanship as may be required.

Minimize yourself as a target. Carry a gun and two would be better. Carry spare ammunition, the more the better. Carry a flashlight and two would be better. If you think there is going to be a fight--leave.

And remember you do not learn tactics to apply them. You learn tactics in case you have to apply them. And that is logical.