Close quarters combat training: using the IDPA system

Infantry Magazine, March-April, 2004 by Jay Shebuski

I propose the U.S. Army Infantry adopt a CQC target template similar to the current IDPA model. The head scoring panel is identical. The upper chest scoring panel is similar, with no change to the heart scoring panel and the lung panel being shortened. Additionally, a pelvis scoring area, 18-inch by 5 inch, is placed just underneath where the waistline would be (Figure 3).

[FIGURE 3 OMITTED]

Scoring shot placement on the proposed CQC target with point values/points down Vickers Count: head shots are 5 pts/-0 pts down, pelvis shots are 5 pts/-0 pts down, upper chest/heart are 3 pts/-1 pts down, and upper chest lung shots are 2 pts/-2 pts down. The remainder of the target area is scored as 1 point/-3. A target must have a minimum of 5 points scored or be penalized as a failure to neutralize the threat. All reactive or steel targets have a score of 5 points/-0. The points down or Vicker's Count scoring method is described in further depth below.

Scoring method

Scoring should be a component of shot placement, engagement time, and penalties. Currently, most infantry small arms refining and qualification is conducted on a PAR time basis.

This means each string of fire will have a preset time limit to shoot the required number of rounds. As long as all shots are fired within the time limit, points scored on the target/targets is all that counts.--IDPA Official Rule Book

As lawman and gun writer Bill Jordan observed, there is no second place winner in a gunfight. The shooter who can accurately place multiple shots on his opponent first, wins. The time difference between winning and losing may be .30 of a second. Smooth is not fast: fast is fast. Par time cannot be the CQC weapons training or qualification standard. I propose that the Infantry utilize an alternative time scoring method for individual CQC weapons training and qualification. This method requires what is commonly referred to as a shot timer to record engagement time.

A shot timer is a handheld computer that records the time it takes a shooter to initially engage a target, the time "splits" between shots and the total time from the start "tone" or first shot to last (i.e. a COF may begin with the first shot fired or the audible tone of the shot time). When using a shot timer, the Vickers Count scoring method should be used.

Vickers Count (for use when shooting speed shoots and scenarios) Vickers Count scoring is based on assessing the shooter a time penalty for every point they drop from the total possible point score (points down). To score Vickers Count simply take the time it took to complete the string of fire (raw time) and ADD five tenths (.50) of a second for each point down from the possible score. Add any applicable penalties and total for your final score. As many shots as desired may be fired but only the best hits as specified by the course description will be scored (Example: If two hits per target are specified in the course description and you fired three shots, ONLY the two highest scoring hits will count for the score).--IDPA Official Rule Book