Military Combat Concepts for Personal Defense

Use of cover is a straightforward individual skill that becomes more complicated in a crowded public space. Planning and training as a team are essential. Photo: author

We’ve all heard it said that some people see the world through “rose-colored glasses.” Although this usually describes someone who is overly optimistic or perhaps not aware of the unpleasantness around them, I think the larger suggestion is valid: none of us can see everything with perfect objectivity because we are looking through lenses that carry the tint of our individual attitudes and experiences. In my case, those lenses are OD Green in color, causing me to first see everything around me as influenced by my military background. This is important, because as someone who has taught soldiers and now teaches armed private citizens, I have to be sharply aware of the vast difference between the two. Context is the key to how much value any training is going to have. Those who are never going to kick a door don’t benefit much from Doorkicker School. Conversely, those who work with carbines strapped across their armored chest rigs won’t find presentation from concealment on their Top Three skill-set list.
Because of this, it really stands out to me when I do run across an idea or concept that bridges this gap and is equally applicable to military combat operations and day-to-day self-defense for the average concealed-carry permit holder. I recently attended a training course that clearly demonstrated such a parallel. Afterward, I was inspired to dust off a couple of old Army manuals and see how their long-ago lessons are still useful to (retired old soldier guy) me today.

1993 copy of FM 100-5, “Operations”. Its most important lesson is about coordinating the actions of all available assets. This is an easily overlooked part of our personal defense training. Photo: author

Force Projection

The class was I.C.E. Training Company’s Two-Person Armed Defense course, and it brought vividly to mind concepts I had first encountered in FM 100-5 Operations, among other military publications.
First is the idea of Force Projection. This is what most people envision – and I would define for simplicity’s sake – as the “activity of war.” A tank maneuvering into position, an artillery piece firing, or the soldier aiming and shooting his rifle. The collective ability of the resources brought to bear in combat are part of Force Projection. In citizen self-defense, this is both how well I operate my pistol and how many others, such as my wife, will be operating pistols alongside me.

Force Protection

The more important concept – and the one that mirrors what was covered in the Two-Person Armed Defense course – is that of Force Protection. In short, this is Army-speak for the things that can be done to prepare for unknown threats or natural disasters on or off the battlefield. Sounds a lot like what you and I, as lawfully armed citizens, might consider prior to a trip to the mall, doesn’t it?
Force Protection recognizes that it is important to account for and manage known risks. Things such as weather and terrain need to be addressed, and they’re important no matter if you’re storming a beachhead or going Christmas shopping at the local mall. The weather influences how you dress, and terrain becomes where you’ll park your car. So the first lesson of Force Protection is to plan ahead. This is likely not news to you if you’re a regular here, but it may be interesting to note that what you do (or should be doing) in the name of personal security is identical in concept to what the Army does to arrive on the battlefield in one piece. In fact, if your planning skills are as disorganized as mine, you can even borrow the military method for not forgetting the important stuff: it’s called METT-T. It stands for Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain and Weather, and Time available. While an imperfect model for our purposes, it can serve if translated like this:
MISSION: Shopping trip to local mall.
ENEMY: Likely present, but strength and configuration unknown.
TROOPS: Myself, armed with a concealed handgun. My wife, also armed.
TERRAIN and WEATHER: Mid-December in Ohio, requires coat. Movement from remote, unsecured parking lot to large, crowded indoor space.
TIME AVAILABLE: Usually not a life-or-death consideration at the local mall, but what the heck. You could, for instance, plan to be done before sundown to avoid a dark parking lot.

Good teamwork requires good individual skills.
Photo: author

Again, not an ideal template, but it can help with some of the relevant considerations. In the above example, there won’t be any kids along for the ride. If there were, the roles of the adult defenders would have to account for them. METT-T is just the earliest stage of planning: establishing the circumstances. The second phase of the plan is the actions taken in the event of an emergency. This is where the military model best fits into the context of private citizen self-defense. It is easy for most of us to focus solely on our individual skills – of course, I need to be able to do those basic “carry and shoot my gun” things. But now, we’re not talking about just me defending just myself. We’re looking at a situation where I am acting in concert with others, in support of a collective defense. The word we’re looking for here is teamwork – and successful teamwork is the result of planning and training.

Teamwork and Coordination

Not surprisingly, the military excels at teamwork. No battle plan can ever rely on the performance of a lone soldier, and your plan for your family to survive a mass shooting event in the mall food court cannot be predicated on your gun skills alone. Participants need to know where they are in relation to both the threat and each other, what they are doing, and where they are going. This requires planning, training, and practice.

A good next step is to bring individual skills into more realistic complex environments, where good planning and teamwork are most needed. Photo: author

One of the huge lessons of the Two-Person Armed Defense course is that this kind of coordination is easier said than done. Among the most valuable experiences in the course are the live-fire range exercises. The whole idea that “I’ll cover the left and you cover the right” is not difficult to understand, but there are some surprises in store when you actually try it. First off, even though my role might be to “cover the left,” I might be able to see the area designated as the “right,” meaning that when a threat pops up there, my attention will still be drawn to it. It’s pretty unrealistic to assume I’ll ignore a threat just because I said I would. The goal has to be for me to minimize the amount of time I spend focused on that threat and instead return to my job of covering the left. Add in any number of exterior distractions and it’s not hard to see that execution of even the simplest plan requires coordination, training and practice. The opportunity to do this in real time, on the range, is invaluable.

Communication

Another key to success is communication. During an incident, we need to know what’s going on with the other members of our group and to let them know what’s going on with us. The chaotic, fluid nature of something like a spree shooting event makes that very difficult. But that difficulty can be eased by planning. For example, parents can use a known code word that tells their kids to “get behind me” if it looks like things might get ugly. The military swears by the use of such SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) roles, and they are of huge value for streamlining communications.
The military combat context and the citizen self-defense context usually don’t interchange much. After all, the soldier in a danger area has both a high expectation of violence and a coordinated, collective response to it. Military combat training also involves the nearly unlimited resources to work shoulder-to-shoulder as a team of several or a division of thousands. The citizen lacks both the foreknowledge of the fight and the resources to train for it in elaborate detail. But this doesn’t mean that we private citizens can’t absorb the lessons of training as a team for emergency response. We can take the concepts of that training – Force Protection is the conditions under which we plan, and Force Projection is the weapons, skills, and comrades we bring to the fight – and apply them to the everyday reality in which we live.
As a retired soldier, the ideas of METT-T, SOPs, and Force Protection/Force Projection work for me because they’re familiar constructs that I have already absorbed and employed. However, it took my attending the excellent I.C.E. Training Company’s Two-Person Armed Defense course for me to adapt them to my family defensive strategy. I strongly encourage anyone who is already training for emergency preparedness or self-defense to include this must-have course in their plans.

The Right of the People to keep and bear arms is protected both by the U.S. Constitution and by the Constitution of the state of Texas

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Whereas:	The Right of the People to keep and bear arms is protected both by the U.S. Constitution and by the Constitution of the state of Texas; and
Whereas:	This unalienable right clearly includes the right to carry a handgun for self-defense; and
Whereas:	Requiring law-abiding citizens to ask government permission through the permit system before they can exercise their constitutional right to arms is a clear violation of that right; and
Whereas:	Real-life experience and extensive research both clearly demonstrate that restricting the right to bear arms in self-defense only encourages violent crime;
Therefore:	I respectfully urge you as my elected official to publicly support, co-sponsor and vote for the 2017 Texas Constitutional Carry bill. Texas Gun Rights will keep me informed about your votes and actions.

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Best Guns For Seniors

Each of the guns on this list include at least one feature that makes them more user friendly to someone with limited hand strength, no matter if age, disability, or a chronic ailment is to blame. Good news if you fit this description. There are plenty of firearms on the market today that can help you enjoy shooting again!
These features include:

• Ease of trigger pull
• Grip ease
• Ease of loading/chambering
• Light recoil
• Light overall weight

  Ruger LCR

  The Ruger LCR gets high marks for shooters with low hand strength. The LCR stands for “Lightweight Compact Revolver” which would lead you to believe it fits at least a few of our criteria right off the bat. It does.
  The LCR is a double action only revolver with the hammer and firing  concealed within the frame’s handle, which makes cocking the hammer unnecessary, beneficial if you have difficulty cocking a single action revolver. This feature also makes carrying and drawing an LCR easier with no hammer to get hung up on.
  As for recoil, this revolver gives you plenty of options to choose your own recoil threshold. The LCR is available in a number of calibers ranging from .22lr, .22WMR, .38 special, to heavier loads like .357 Magnum, 9mm Luger, and .327 Federal.
  

  At a weight of just under 1LB for most models, this gun is light enough for most users. Combine these features with the Ruger name and reputation and you have a very strong candidate for many senior or disabled shooters.
  

  Beretta Bobcat 21 A (.25 ACP)

  The Beretta Bobcat is another compact and lightweight entry for seniors who may have difficulty racking a slide or holding a heavy handgun steady on target. Designed to serve as a lightweight pocket gun, the Bobcat naturally solves many of the issues facing seniors.
  The unique tip-up barrel allows for easy loading, allowing those who may have difficulty working a slide to chamber a round in a semi-auto pistol. Being a Beretta, the sights, construction, and ergonomics are top-notch.
  Obviously, the weapon is extremely small and lightweight. The Bobcat is very popular in the rimfire version, yet we recommend the .25ACP version. Some shooters report lower reliability in the .22lr version, citing jams, misfires, stovepipes, etc.
  

  If you plan to carry this gun for self-defense, you need absolute reliability. The .25 ACP is certainly on the low end of the recoil spectrum anyway, so firing the gun is still low-impact enough for most shooters struggling with arthritis and other conditions
  

  Ruger 10/22

  
  For those looking for a highly accurate and user-friendly target rifle, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention this classic plinkster.
  When it comes to accuracy, ease of use, and trigger-pull, the Ruger 10-22 is spot on. Very little strength is needed to work the bolt to chamber a round. From there, the shooter can enjoy a magazine’s worth of smooth, light recoil shooting. This can save conserve effort and strength when compared to a bolt-action rifle.
  This Ruger comes standard with a 10-round magazine that’s easy to remove and replace. If you’d like even more shots between reloads, there are plenty of high capacity options available.
  

  Like most .22lr long guns, the Ruger is lightweight in comparison to most high-powered rifles. The sights are straightforward, clean and classic.
  

  Smith and Wesson M&P – 9mm

  The M&P series is well-known for delivering a high bang-for-the-buck factor. For those with arthritis and or other issues that may affect their grip strength, the M&P also offers adjustable back straps to better fit your hand.
  In addition, the trigger pull for M&P performance models is roughly 4.5LBs, light enough to suit shooters with strength or joint issues.  Racking the slide on the M&P is also requires relatively easy.
  
  If you have the arm strength to hold a full-sized semiautomatic pistol, then it’s worth taking a look into the M&P series. If weight is an issue, keep in mind that you don’t have to keep the magazine at full capacity (17 rounds).
  

  Rossi Circuit Judge

  
  For those who feel most comfortable with a single action revolver, on account of strength or dexterity issues, yet who also prefer a rifle or carbine for target shooting, the Rossi Circuit judge is the best of both worlds.
  In fact, the Rossi can even be used for sporting clays and/or bird hunting applications. It’s perhaps the only revolver style shotgun with a long barrel on the market…
  While the Circuit Judge is available with .22LR/22WMR interchangeable cylinders — great for those who can only handle minimal recoil — we recommend the .45LC/.410GA version for it’s variability. In addition, the recoil produced by the .45 LC through this carbine is pretty negligible.
  

  Overall, this gun is a great option on account of its single-action features which add up to a lot of builtin safety and simplicity
  

  Bersa Thunder 380

  The Bersa Thunder is a very popular gun for a laundry list of reasons. This gun is small, high quality, easy to operate, and last but not least inexpensive.
  For under $300, this gun seems to find its way into the hands of shooters who really like holding a Wather PPK, but don’t want to pay for privilege. Many of those who’ve shot these guns side by side say the same thing: the Bersa is significantly lighter in weight, yet somehow produces a lighter recoil.
  If you’re in the market for an easy-to-use, easy-to-shoot carry gun, the Bersa is an excellent value. Its lighter weight, easy to rack slide, and light recoil make it a strong contender.
  

  Charter Arms .38 Special

  When it comes to self defense weapons that are safe, straightforward, and easy to shoot, it’s hard to beat the good old fashioned snub-nose revolver.
  Obviously, these snub nosed specials aren’t for long distance target shooting, or even mid-range. They can be a lot of fun to shoot, however.
  There are many great options out there produced by some of the most reputable names like Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Colt. For some reason, lots of older shooters tend to prefer the Charter Arms version. It’s got a big comfy rubber grip, minimal recoil, and can fire in single or double-action mode, all for around $300.
  If a lightweight revolver is on your list, test drive a Charter 2″ snubbie.

SHOOTING HANDGUNS

California: Bullet Button Guns Must be Purchased and Received by Dec 31st

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Recently the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms sent out a notice to California firearms dealers with information regarding the recently passed “assault weapon” legislation, SB 880 and AB 1135. Persons who are wanting to acquire a firearm equipped with a “bullet button” or that will be considered an “assault weapon” under the new laws, must be processed and received by December 31^st, 2016. With California’s 10 day waiting period, the DROS process must be started no later than December 21^st. Given that unforeseen circumstances do arise, it is recommended that you plan accordingly.
Waiting for Additional Answers from DOJ
With the passage of Prop 63 and the recently passed package of gun control bills, many Californian’s are concerned about what is to come once these laws are implemented. Rest assured that your NRA is doing everything possible to continue the fight both legislatively and legally. Further, know that the California Department of Justice, who is tasked with implementation, still needs to promulgate rules. These rules could provide additional hurdles that may require further legislative and legal action on behalf of gun owners.  
The NRA remains committed to the fight for our rights in California.  With anti-gun politicians holding legislative majorities and often being directed by elitist billionaires who oppose the right to keep and bear arms, this is an uphill battle.  Know that we will continue to work tirelessly to defend your rights in California and across the Nation.
Recently, the NRA and CRPA hosted several webinars on the recently passed package of bills in addition to Prop 63. If you missed these important Webinars – do not worry!  Each webinar can be viewed by clicking on the links below.
SB 1235 – The Ammunition Bill
AB 1135 & SB 880 – Assault Weapons and AB 857: Ghost Guns
SB 1446, AB 1695 & AB 1511: False Reporting/Lending Bills
Newsom/Proposition 63
Lending Firearms in California 

NRA Applauds the Pre-Filing of Texas Senate Bill 16

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Legislation As Introduced Would Eliminate License to Carry Fees

Your NRA-ILA applauds Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and state Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) for prioritizing and pre-filing legislation for the 85th regular session to address License To Carry (LTC) fees in Texas.  ​Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston), chair of the Senate State Affairs Committee, will co-author the bill with Sen. Nichols.   
This is important legislation for the 2017 Texas Legislative Session -- License To Carry (LTC) fees in the Lone Star State are some of the highest in the nation.  No hard-working, law-abiding Texan should be priced out of the ability to exercise his or her right to self-defense. 
Sen. Nichols pre-filed the measure today and it has been assigned a coveted low bill number, Senate Bill 16, indicating its priority status for Lt. Gov. Patrick.  An original License To Carry in Texas currently costs $140 -- a fee which has not changed since the state's Right To Carry law took effect 20 years ago, despite advances in technology and the passage of several laws streamlining the application process.  
SB 16 will allow honest citizens at all income levels to have equal access to this vital personal protection option.   Please thank Lt. Gov. Patrick for making this issue a priority for the upcoming session and Sen. Nichols  and Sen. Huffman for working to pass it.  Your NRA-ILA will keep you posted on the bill's progress once the Texas Legislature convenes on January 10, 2017.

CALL TO ACTION: Oath Keepers Pledge to Protect Electors from Terrorist Death Threats

OFFER OF PROTECTION TO ELECTORS:  Oath Keepers is hereby issuing a standing offer of volunteer protection to any of the Electoral College Electors who may feel threatened or in danger from leftist radicals attempting to coerce them into changing their vote as Electors.  Any Elector who wants our assistance may contact us at:  electors@oathkeepers.org