Issue 1 May 2020

The Magazine

CORINNE MOSHER Situational awareness: The pattern of criminal predators

TODD VANLANGEN Will competitive shooting increase your combat skills?

MARK HUMAN Knife vs Pistol: The dangerous misconception of distance

PAGE 26 PAGE 17 PAGE 15 Scott Usry Jared Wihongi Tom Buchino

Neil Pollock • Thomas Lojek • Dennis O‘Connor GTI MAGAZINE 2 May 2020 The Magazine

26 Scott Usry 05 Corinne Mosher

11 Todd VanLangen 28 Neil Pollock

30 Thomas Lojek 15 Tom Buchino

17 Jared Wihongi 36 Paolo Simeone

18 Brian Naillon 37 Walter Bizzarri

21 Mark Human 39 Drew D. Dix GTI MAGAZINE 3 May 2020 The Magazine

51 Matthew Macho 41 Daniel Jirasek

44 Dennis O'Connor 54 Mark Browett

57 Ken Witt 48 Brian Bewley

William Fairbairn The Inventor of CQB and modern SWAT Special Feature SOF History Page 58 EDITORIAL 4

EDITORIAL

Top: Training at Government Training The new GTI Magazine... superior examples of Institute in Barnwell South Carolina all aspects of skills and tactics used by Law Enforcement Professionals around the world!

Welcome all...

As President of the This magazine will highlight Government Training superior examples of all Institute, I welcome you all aspects of skills and tactics to the GTI Magazine. used by Law Enforcement Professionals around the It is our intention to educate world. in physical real world skills, tactics and necessary As a civilian, I crave mindsets to perform under expertise like represented to extreme physical and mental help keep my family safe pressures that first and expect that you too will Von Bolin responders see daily. These glean much information skills are needed and used from its pages. President of the Government by professionals and Training Institute civilians alike. Enjoy. CORINNE MOSHER 5

Corinne Mosher Self-Defense: Three techniques that criminals consistently use to subdue or incapacitate a victim!

Most members of the public are more Ambush – to attack by surprise, to fall motivated to capture the next viral video upon, lay a trap for, lie in wait for. then to drop their cell phones and render assistance in an emergency. The criminal has the advantage of choosing the theatre of attack. Just like Combine this with the proliferation of a hunter carefully selects the locations video surveillance in our society and of his deer stands and duck blinds, unfortunately - or fortunately – those criminals do not choose the victim, time that study what “real world” violence or location of attacks at random. There looks like have endless footage of crimes are no “random acts of violence”! There available to them with a few strokes of a is a reason why a certain environment keyboard and a wifi password. or victim profile was selected - that reason is always because doing so Top: Corinne Mosher Having studied this platform of facilitated the crime in some way. evidence-based “real word” violence, particularly where the victim has been a Ambush is accomplished when one or a female, I have identified three number of considerations tip in favor of techniques that criminals consistently the attacker. The most useful of these to use to subdue or incapacitate a victim in the criminal are the element of surprise, order to take what they want. and the limited mobility of the victim, either or both due to environmental The lucky bad guy may only need to use constraints and lack of situational one technique, the truly talented ones awareness by the victim. can use all three. I call them by the acronym A.D.D. which stands for Simply put, the bad guy knows that if Ambush, Distract and Disparity. you can’t see it coming and can’t run from it, he can take what he wants and No random acts of violence

I feel the need for a disclaimer: I am not a criminologist, a police officer, or a detective. I’m just a people-watcher who’s never been the victim of violent crime and wants it to stay that way.

A.D.D. helps me remember what to be on the lookout for, maybe it will help you too. CORINNE MOSHER 6

leave, with limited possibility of him having to Those who are familiar with Col. Jeff fight with you, or getting caught. Cooper’s Color Codes of Awareness know that a person in the White - or lowest level of Being able to recognize areas with inherent awareness - is at a higher risk of being a environmental constraints to mobility is why criminal target than an individual who is we are wary of taking back alleyways, using actively scanning and interacting with their ATM’s booths, getting on elevators with environment. strangers or letting pedestrians approach our vehicle in bumper-to-bumper traffic. And yet, the personal defense archives of the internet are teeming with video surveillance Even the most latent of survival instincts of people who slipped into a dangerously low begin to prickle uncomfortably when a person level of awareness and walked headfirst into perceives they are being trapped. danger.

Environmental traps can be defined by more Our defense to an ambush is, first, to know than simple physical location. A woman who our environment. Come to terms with the fact is attacked while with her children is just as that while you can be literally ANYWHERE constrained by the presence of the children she will not abandon as she would be if her back were up against a wall.

Surprising a victim is the technique of overwhelming them with your time surplus. If you have more time than they do, you have more options.

The gap between hunter and hunted

Since most crimes against persons are contingent on the perpetrator being close enough to make physical contact with the victim, this “time surplus” is most commonly used to close the gap between hunter and hunted in order to deliver the blow designed to stun the victim into passivity. CORINNE MOSHER 7

Left: Corinne Mosher Right: Training Workshop

and face a violent encounter, there are certain conditions that are more favorable to the criminal getting what he wants.

While we may not always have the choice to avoid “high risk” environments, are not always in control of who you are with, the predictably of your movements, or the task you’re performing, you are ALYAYS in control of the amount of scrutiny you apply to those coming in and out of your surroundings.

Distract – to prevent someone from giving full attention to something.

This technique could just as fittingly be called “the diversion” or “the disguise”. The end goal of the distraction is essentially the same as the ambush – to use trickery or traps to close into the personal space of the victim, and is often used in conjunction with ambush tactics.

Game hunters use all the tricks in the book to accomplish this. A hunter will always camouflage his scent and clothing to blend into the background. He’ll coax animals into coming close to him by setting out bait in feeder trays. He’ll even use life-like plastic decoys and electronic game calls to lure the prey in.

It is important to state that not all criminals take the effort to disguise their intentions during an attack. Not all bank CORINNE MOSHER 8

robbers first pretend to be bank Forced Teaming, Charm and Niceness, customers - some come bursting Too Many Details, Typecasting, Load through the front door wearing masks, Sharking, The Unsolicited Promise and waiving guns and shouting for money! Discounting the Word “No”, and lays out a clear defense for each one. Not all home invaders pose as electric company employees, not all rapists first Disparity – Disparity of Force. The play the part of the attentive, charming variable that gives one party a decided stranger. Not all thieves pretend to ask physical advantage over another. for the time or are needing directions to Chipotle. Criminals know that they don’t In self-defense spheres the power to kill belong in the world of good people. The or cripple an opponent is commonly smart ones know how to pretend to be referred to as “Ability”. All three like you and me long enough to disguise elements – Ability, Opportunity and their intentions, and distract us from the Jeopardy –needing to be present for the dangerous situation we don’t even know use of deadly force to be justified. we’re in. Regardless of the means an individual THE BEST resource I can recommend has of protecting themselves in the for learning to identify sophisticated event of attack- whether through empty distraction techniques is the book The hand techniques, or through the use of a Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker. I beg force multiplier like a firearm- at the you, I beg you to read this book. In it, moment that individual is set upon, it is Gavin breaks down these methods: the attacker who as the upper hand and CORINNE MOSHER 9

therefore, the disparity of force. This advantages of weight, speed, size and is true for at least two reasons. strength.

#1 The attacker not only has the This really is the only element that a advantage of whatever physical lucky criminal might need to use in weapon they brought, but also of the order to successfully incapacitate a benefit of knowing when and where victim enough to take what they the attack will occur. want.

This means they will probably be Most self-defense students allot the able to get in the first blow, forcing majority of their training time and the victim to respond to their action budget to learning to physically after already sustaining injuries. overcome an attacker’s Disparity of Force. #2 No one picks a fight with someone they feel can easily fend But, if we are familiar with Ambush them off or quickly turn the tables and Distraction strategies which against them. usually preceded the element of Disparity, we will be able to read So, whether it turns out to be true or warning signs that add up to danger not, it’s safe to say that at the time he and deny them easy prey they were initiates the physical attack, the hoping. “ criminal believes he is in possession of the greater ability to do harm. He knows what he’s got, what he wants, and what he’s prepared to do to get it.

There’s reason why we have weight classes in wrestling and boxing. To speak in generalities: For a man to successfully overpower a woman, he needs nothing more than his

TODD VANLANGEN 11

Todd VanLangen Competition Shooter, Army SOF ret.

Competitive Shooting events will sustain or increase your Combat Shooter skill.

Shooting Competitions vs “Combat nature of combat. The ability to think Training” and which is most applicable and act under the stress of time is very in the “real world” is an age-old translatable to combat, and the more a argument between folks that is damn tactician puts themself in similar near as old as 9mm vs .45, Ford vs situations, the brain will begin to “slow Chevy, etc. I recently came across a down time” (which means your brain heated social media debate on this very will develop muscle memory enabling subject, so when GTI asked me to write you to think more quickly and clearly) an article, I figured…why not stir the giving a clear advantage over the bad pot? guys.

Over the past 24 years, I have been The Anti-Competition crowd will argue fortunate enough to do both and as a that competitions are not tactical and Top: Todd VanLangen Tactician I can without a doubt say that will result in “bad habits” like not Competitive Shooting events will utilizing cover, not changing mags sustain or increase your Combat during a lull in fire, and frankly this is Shooter skill. As we all know, the more all total nonsense. It is true that as a you pull the trigger, be it Dry Fire, Flat competitor, the ability to “game” the Range Live Fire, the more “in tune” match better that his opponents is and accustomed to that firearm you typically what separates top shooters become resulting in a better shooter. from the rest of the pack.

This reason alone should justify the Gaming defined as the ability to find argument, but Competitive Shooting legal loopholes in the rules to enhance has a lot more to offer than only economy of motion by shooting targets becoming a better shooter. The most in an unintended manner leading to valuable skill I gained from Competitive shooting that applied to Combat was the ability to work very quick and smooth in a short amount of time. Whether competing in IDPA, IPSC, PRS, NRL, Multi-Gun, etc., time is always a competitor’s biggest hurdle (next to hitting targets obviously).

The stress a shooter puts on themself to do well during competition closely mirrors the chaotic time sensitive TODD VANLANGEN 12

quicker times and overall better finish. It’s Think about it, at matches you get to show up been my experience that the “bad habits” and shoot the different stages (set up by argument is not a realistic threat. Instead, someone else so it’s all foreign to you) and human nature, training experience and when is over you just leave. If you’ve ever common sense will always take over in a been assigned to a tactical unit, you’re aware combat situation. that most times you set up your own training scenarios and tear them down afterwards. For example, it is human nature to hide behind cover for protection if getting shot at. This eats into training time and overall I’ve heard folks say, “Competitive shooters training value is lost since everyone helped aren’t training as they fight when using set up. The moral of the story is, shooting tricked out race guns!”. competitions are in fact a stellar training tool that can and should be utilized by everyone There is some validity to the fact you aren’t assigned to tactical units. Since training funds getting practice with your combat equipment and venues tend to be scarce, Commanders if using guns other than your tactical rigs, but (especially LEO) should advocate for more of who says you must compete using a “hotrod” Advertisment gun? Why not use your work/tactical rig at matches? Why not shoot these matches wearing full kit and weapons you wage war with?

My first Team Sergeant in Special Forces regularly required our ODA team to attend and compete in monthly IDPA and Multi Gun matches. We would show up to Multi-Gun matches wearing BDUs and carrying government issued M4 Carbines, M9 Pistols and whatever shotguns the 18B (Weapons Sergeant) drew from the arms room.

We utilized cover, did tactical magazine reloads and took corners appropriately, all the standard operating procedures we would execute during combat and it elevated our abilities 10-fold. TODD VANLANGEN 13

Left: Todd VanLangen Army SOF Right: Todd VanLangen their officers to attend competitions. I’ve worked with Cops from all corners of the country and their biggest complaint is: “We never get money to train”. My go-to response for this complaint is my spiel about utilizing shooting competitions as training tools.

The ones that adopt shooting sports for supplemental training have positive results that are applicable in real world work situations. A long time ago I heard a quote from a shooting competitor who also happened to be an Operator that stuck with me all these years; “ I would take a Competitive Shooter to Combat before I’d take a Combat Shooter to a competition”.

The ability to shoot fast and accurate is a tangible skill that most in the tactical world struggle to achieve while competitive shooters do it on the regular, so why not glean some of those skills from the competition crowd? As an Operator it can only help you to become better. When you are better, your unit is better which that translates to mission success and everyone coming home alive.

TOM BUCHINO 15

Tom Buchino How to master the tactical fundamentals in SOF and specialized law enforcement

Thomas Lojek: Dear Tom, could you Army Rangers, U.S. Navy SEALs, U.S. give our readers a brief introduction of Air Force Para-Rescue, U.S. Marine yourself and your company? Corps Special Operations and Elite Law Enforcement Officers. CSP’s cadre are Tom Buchino: I am a Sergeant Major, subject matter experts in their specific U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.), with disciplines; all possessing the common over 23 years of active duty services. I goal to provide fundamentally-sound, started Tactical Ranch in 2010 and relevant, best training and services to recruited a cadre of instructors from all our customers. aspects of the SOF arena and specialized law enforcement personnel. Thomas Lojek: Many seasoned Tactical Ranch operates in conjunction instructors are worried about the with Covenant Special Projects, LLC growing number of new and (CSP), a service disabled veteran owned inexperienced instructors who rush into Top: Tom Buchino and operated small business. the market with “tacticool videos” but fundamental bad advice. Do you share Tactical Ranch and CSP are specializing these worries? in elite risk mitigation advisory services and training for U.S. and allied nation Tom Buchino: Yes, there are a lot of governments, local, state, and federal tactical training courses out there, now. agencies, and private customers. CSP’s Some good and some, well… you be the foundation in the U.S. Military Special judge. When I entered the commercial Operations Forces (SOF) community side of military, LE and civilian tactical / provides a unique experience-base and firearms training, I was fortunate to have specific skill-set which serve as a base many years experience of operating for all our programs of instruction. complex training and advisory operations worldwide as part of the Thomas Lojek: In other words, your teaching methods come from real combat experience?

Tom Buchino: Yes, CSP’s cadre combat and trainer experience means you receive training by someone who has actually employed what they are instructing. Our trainers hail from: U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), U.S. TOM BUCHINO 16

Special Forces Regiment. This Thomas Lojek: Can you tell me unit standard operating served as a solid foundation more about your personal procedures (SOP’s). As we and test-bed for developing philosophy of tactical training? progress with our training, we training approaches. Nothing induce differing stressors to like, not speaking the language Tom Buchino: I have a very serve in adding realism thus of an assault team, you are simple but effective philosophy: requiring the student/s to training to execute CQB opns There is no-such-thing as perform in a more challenging that work vs. all the flashy advanced tactics! Only perfect environment. From physical Hollywood TTP’s (techniques, execution of the fundamentals fatigue faced during a stress tactics and procedures). under stress! This is the main shoot to mentally stressing training philosophy of teams during a night patrol. Or There are many awesome Covenant Special Projects and CQB training evolution that tactical instructors out there. Tactical Ranch. intentionally goes astray. Many I have had the privilege of serving with and training It’s all about the fundamentals! It is imperative to ensure alongside, and I learn from all Master the fundamentals and students have a solid baseline of them. And then there are the you are well-trained to master in the fundamentals that they “Youtube Sensations“. They any situation in real combat. can rely on to accomplish the produce great videos, employ You can‘t control all parameters mission when faced with social media to build a brand in the chaos of a real firefight. adversity. We train for battle in and show you in a one-minute But you can control how every course. Battle — in my clip their latest ninja skills. effectively you are in executing experience — is seldom perfect, Great entertainment, I guess. fundamental actions, that have never scripted and ever- But my take on tactical been proven as reliable and changing. If we can replicate applications training is simply effective in real combat. I this in our training, it only based on my experience. ensure my training cadre and serves our students better. Experience in SF, experience in security professionals adhere to working globally, and it. My approach and thankfully Back when I was a Team SGT experience in working with the approach of our trainers at (A-team days), I used to say… cops, soldiers, sailors, airmen CSP’s Tactical Ranch is 100% “You Plan on Paper and and marines. based in the Execute In Dirt.” fundamentals.Whether we are And I know the only way to conducting a patrolling and This simply meant regardless of achieve an excelled level of small unit tactics course or a the best planing and rehearsals, tactical competency is to tactical carbine train up. you can bet the environment stressing and mastering the will change the minute contact fundamentals. When you can We concentrate on developing is initiated. This meant we had perfectly execute the solid fundamentals that to maintain a fundamentally- fundamentals under stress… compliment and/or enhance the based approach to everything Well, than you got something. students prior knowledge and we do. JARED WIHONGI 17

Jared Wihongi The Amalgamation of Combatives with Firearms Training Industry trend 2020: Combining of combatives with firearms tactics in extreme-close quarters, because of the high percentage of shootings that US law enforcement were experiencing at and inside of two meters.

Jared Wihongi

The Amalgamation of Combatives with Firearms Training An industry trend I have taken particular note of in recent years is the combining of combatives with firearms tactics in extreme-close quarters to create CQC training programs that address this often neglected range of combat. I have personally been creating and teaching programs in this area since 2005, and was invited to teach my first international course on this topic in Germany 2006. I started my research and development of these programs during my tenure as a full-time Firearms and Use-of-Force Instructor for the Salt Lake City Police Department, largely because of the high percentage of shootings that US law enforcement were experiencing at and inside of two meters. The course I originally developed was called CQ-FIT (Force Integration Tactics), because of the integration of empty-hands, edged/impact weapons and firearms at extreme close- quarters. As I look at industry trends moving forward into 2020, I see more companies and individuals giving long overdue attention to this kind of training. Admittedly some of this attention is due to Hollywood trends from movies like John Wick, but if that's what it takes to garner attention to this kind of training there's no problem with that, so long as serious practitioners can discern the substance from the fluff. BRIAN NAILLON 18 Brian Naillon Vice President Government Training Institute Corona Crisis and the “new normal”: We will come out stronger than we went in!

With spring upon us I would and fear. If you don’t believe this pandemic has forced us normally be talking about me, just Google “toilet paper to refocus our attention on training courses and events at fights”. The absurdity of this things that actually matter GTI, but as everyone is aware, is beyond words. and take notice to the fact this spring is quite different. that we are surrounded by We have a global pandemic on People reacting like Pavlovian some genuinely amazing our hands and so I wanted to dogs every time the media people. spend a little time discussing rings its bell. We act like some of what is going on. savages over something as The reality is that they did benign as toilet paper. Toilet not just appear; we just finally With this virus we are seeing paper shortages for a virus paid attention long enough to some actions and behaviors that does not involve see them. The truck drivers, that are being slated as “the explosive bowel issues. farmers, grocery store clerks, new normal”. As in “oh well, we doctors, nurses, first just have to get used to it This to me CANNOT become responders and everyday because this is the new “the new normal”. But it is people and businesses all normal”. Which in most cases what we are seeing every day stepping forward to answer is a crock! in our newsfeeds and on the call. Working the front social media and we are lines to ensure our lives I am not saying this in hopes being told to accept it. No though disrupted are not someone will explain “what it Thanks! halted. Every effort is being means”; but simply to explain made by these people to help why I don’t agree with There are however some keep the world moving acceptance of this term as it positives coming to light as forward with little or no pertains to economic downturn, government lockdowns, social distancing, fear and chaotic or self-serving behavior being accepted as part of our lives. I do not wish the current state of affairs to ever become “the new normal”.

While there is a very real issue with this virus; we are living in a media driven frenzy of chaos BRIAN NAILLON 19

Left: Vehicle Assault Training at GTI Right: Tactical Training at GTI

thought to their own safety. Instead of looking at this as time as the “new normal” let’s consider this a “reset”. It has been a “forced pause”. A time for the entire globe to hit the reset button and live at a slower pace.

How are we spending our time, money, and using our resources? Who and what really matters in our lives? How can we improve our current surroundings? What can we change?

Let’s start with ourselves. Now, after this “forced pause” and after the reset button has been pushed, Then what?!

Let’s take something from this, apart from what will have to be rebuilt. Beyond focusing on the negative impact that has been sustained.

If there could be a “new normal” out of all of this; I would like it to be the fact that we are not lost to fear and chaos; social distancing and impersonal lives for the here on after but that great people are in every part of our lives and that we can look past our differences to stand united.

We will get through this and I pray we remember what is really important and if we do; I believe we will come out stronger than we went in.

God bless you all and I look forward to the day, we can shake hands and share a laugh or two over a beer. Keep safe!

MARK HUMAN 21

Mark Human

Lose Your Weapon - Lose Your Life! The In Your Face Truth About Weapon Access And Retention!

02h00 my WhatsApp message Over the years we have adjusted binged. As I woke, I felt for my and refined how we teach and phone next to the bed, and deal with these scenarios. mumbled to my wife “I hope they haven’t started rioting We have learned many lessons again.” A message from an armed over the last 25 years – Below we reaction officer that works for highlight few that have been key one of my clients we provide to maintaining the edge against training for came up on the the bad guys. screen. Good combative concepts and It was worse than the message I most self-defence or personal expected and read, “Hi Mark, I protection programs emphasize have just found a reaction officer and a talk about threat from one of the other precursors. companies stabbed to death next to his vehicle on Main Road. His firearm is missing, Lessons that have been key to maintaining we found one casing so we think he got a shot off.” the edge against the bad guys.

Since returning to South Africa Fast is good, early is better - the in 1998, we have become later you see things the faster accustomed to news of law you have to be. enforcement and security officers disarmed and killed with and for their firearms. We break these down into 4 categories... Dealing with these scenarios quickly became a priority focus ... just an overview and is by no and I dare say an obsession. means a break down of curriculum contents... MARK HUMAN 22

Situational recognition skills emphasise Even with the initial engagement starting specific scenarios or areas, such as responding outside physical contact range a committed to a panic alarm, approaching possible opponent can close range surprisingly quickly. suspects or choke points while driving an With early recognition we are able to link escort. actions to deny contact and allow us opportunity to access our handguns. Autonomic recognition skills mean recognising pre fight indicators such as Frameworks can be expanded and posturing, grooming and verbal tells. compressed like a concertina depending on variables such as pressure, time of Mechanical recognition skills are deliberate recognition, environment, method of attack, actions that indicate weapon access or mandate ... concealment just prior to an actual attack. Telling people to watch the hands is simply For this article we will keep it simple and not enough. These skills need to be specific break down access vs edged weapon and life- such as an elbow cock indicating access along threatening empty hand attacks: the waist line.

In fight recognition skills are physical reference points during the actual confrontation.

An example of this is a blade wielding opponent utilising their check hand (non weapon hand) as a measure for distance, distraction or grabbing.

Recognising changes in range are key to linking and adapting skills and tactics to successfully counter attacks.

Frame works for distance management are great tools but it needs to be emphasised that in practice they are fluid and not written in stone. MARK HUMAN 23

7 Meters and more with early recognition: Stand and deliver or lateral move draw base and fire.

3.5 to 7 meters with early recognition: Lateral movement either movement draw and shoot while moving. In some cases this may mean moving offline in an offline backward arcing trajectory.

0-3 to 5 Meters: This range requires empty hand skills to deal with the attack and draw or create the time and positioning to access your weapon. It is easy to get fixated on your weapon access and get struck, grabbed or stabbed if you ignore the incoming attack. Lets look at two examples. It is obvious that two different skills sets are required to have We use a simple acronym to help Imagine an attacker rushing a positive outcome. It is embed reflexes to deal with these forward (maximum forward obvious that both these situations and avoid initial fixation pressure with his body) at full scenarios require different on weapon access these scenarios. speed with his blade hand held solutions. on his hip (narrow attack) Deal with the attack waiting to stab you the Our job as trainers is to Disrupt the attacker moment he makes contact and understand and articulate Deploy your weapon grabs you with his front hand changes in pressure and link a (delayed timing). range of embedded options to 2. Absolutes apply in specific be able to adapt and triumph contexts but crumble when Now imagine an attacker in under stress. things change up. arms reach not committing into you immediate space but From a training provider As a solo or small teams’ operator/ matching your footwork when perspective this means a little officer, you have to be able to you move forward or backward more than watching You Tube adapt to a broad range of (neutral pressure with his (a useful resource)... scenarios. The Keep it Simple body) while using his blade to Stupid idea is a game of deliver quickly retracted ... but actually spending a percentages and often tries to reverse grip stabs (negative percentage of your time in the force one concept or skill as a pressure-picking and snap field with clients to understand solution to chaotic challenges with cuts) to your face and neck their, mandate, daily grind and a broad range of variables. area (broken timing attacks). the threats they face.

Especially when it gets to edged weapons - a basic change in pressure can destroy what would be considered the panacea of edged weapons defence. In other words, in a world of chaos, oversimplification gets you dead.

The breaking mechanism of branched decision making (the what if then/either or) needs to be addressed constructively as part of structured training. MARK HUMAN 24

3. Combat Sports: Good and bad

Combat sports provide excellent Left: Training with Mark Human Right: Training in South Africa conditioning and attributes but need to be adapted to be congruent with the mentality, intent and skills required to be effective against challenges faced in the field.

It is not uncommon to face a criminal with poor fighting skills in the traditional sense of word but armed with street smarts and killing experience. “They are not bound by your social values and no one told them don’t bring a knife or screw driver to a gun fight. “

4. Adapt your gun handling and targeting mindset for contact range engagements

Simply carrying a firearm does relate to success - it is critical to combat a mindset complacency and a false sense of security just because you have a sidearm strapped to your belt.

Contact range shooting means you will be draw and possibly fire one handed, often with your non gun hand forward of your muzzle to defend against edged weapon attacks or grabs (please do not tell me there is no reason not to have both hands on your handgun while Advertisment you are getting stabbed in the face).

These situations often require adapted draw strokes and shooting from “modern non-traditional” firing positions. Centre of mass shots are not always available and adapted targeting should be practiced during training. If contact range access and retention are a recognised priority for officers, skills to deal with these challenges need to be structured to teach mindset, in fight recognition, physical skills, expanded targeting and adapted firearm safety. Form ATAC Anti Terror Academy follows function - adapt Stod Czech Republic accordingly. Stay safe out there!!! May 16th 2020

May 17th 2020 SCOTT USRY 26

Tactical Training for First Responder Scott Usry: Director of Training GTI Government Training Institute • Patrol members are the true first responder of any agency. These men and women are the backbone of the agency and handle more calls each year than any SWAT team. In the law enforcement the situation like any other one This type of training filled a community, a lot of time and that they were not trained nor void, but little did we know at money is spent on training and equipped to handle. the time, it identified other equipping Tactical or SWAT shortcomings in the way we do Teams. The reason for this is The agencies surrounded the business. obvious, because the members school and held a perimeter of these elite teams have got to while SWAT responded and SWAT team member have to be be the best at what they do, entered the school. precision shooters, so a lot of when they need to do it. time is spent on these guys SWAT’s response was to enter horning their skills. A lot of the There is an old saying among the building and clear the time the SWAT guys will be the the teams that goes “when the rooms one by one until they best shooter in the agency. public needs help they call the found the shooters. Police, but when the Police Not that this is bad, but unless need help they call SWAT”. We now know that this caused these operators are on patrol a delay in locating and they will not be the first person While this saying still holds neutralizing the shooters. on scene of an active situation. true today, the environment that law enforcement is operating in has evolved and Unless SWAT operators are on patrol they will not be became more and more the first person on scene of an active situation. unstable and more dangerous.

Historically, agencies would respond to certain types of The lessons learned that day events and set up a perimeter caused law enforcement Patrol members are the true and wait for SWAT to arrive agencies across the country to first responder of any agency. and resolve the event. This was re-evaluate their training and These men and women are the the norm until the Columbine how they respond to active backbone of the agency and School Shooting. shooter incidents. handle more calls each year On April 20, 1999 the norm in then any SWAT team. For this Law Enforcement changed Active shooter training was reason the patrol division needs forever. At that time, developed and implemented in to be trained and patrol responding agencies handled nearly all agencies, nationwide. division needs to be better SCOTT USRY 27

Patrol members are the true Basic SWAT or Advanced without any out of pocket first responder of any agency. Tactical Patrol Officer training. expense to the agency? These men and women are the backbone of the agency and The goal of this type of What if there was a pot of handle more calls each year training is not to make every money that each agency has then any SWAT team. patrol officer a SWAT member, access to that they might not but rather better enhance their even know about? The easy For this reason the patrol abilities to perform their answer to that is there is. division needs to be trained duties. and equipped to handle the The Asset Trading Program, situations that they are facing The problem with this train of offered by the Government in this ever changing and thought is that most agencies Training Institute, is a one of a evolving environment. have very limited resources kind program that allows and budgets. Agencies want to agencies to take all the old, Advanced firearms and tactics train, but don’t have money in used, out of date, unwanted or should be the new norm for all the budgets to do any seized equipment they have members of your agency; advanced training. saved up over the years and especially the men and women trade it in for cash for new of you patrol division and What to do has always been equipment and/or training. school resource officers as they the question agencies have will be the ones protecting our asked, a lot of time with no This program relieves the children and loved ones. answer. worry about how to afford the training that the patrol I believe that every member of What if there was a way to division needs to be better these divisions should be provide agencies with the trained. allowed to attend some sort of training that they needed NEIL POLLOCK 28 Neil Pollock Public Order Management Academy Effective Communication Principles in Groups for LE

In LE we all know the police resources and 19 pandemic has highlighted importance of communicating minimising the need to use that it can be very difficult to with the many different groups force being just two. Both build confidence with the in society that we deal with on a science and accepted best public. daily basis. We are aware for practice shows us that it is far example that some groups can better to work with groups than In the UK the Government has be very expressive in ways that to try and force them to do used text messaging with the uninitiated might see as something. embedded links, but due to all aggressive whilst others will be of the previous advice from extremely passive, sometimes Once we have the trust of the trusted sources being to not not even making eye contact. At groups this should be valued believe unsolicited text individual incidents we try and and nurtured and the liaison messages and links this has build a rapport and use theories officers should not become an proved difficult, the roll out of such as Betaris box to enhance arm of the intelligence event specific Apps has had our communication and build gathering process, although similar issues because people confidence. their role as LE officers will have become wary of sharing always take precedence. their information. Groups will always go to a trusted source for their The method of communicating As LE we need to become a information. Over the past is ever changing and face to trusted source of information 10yrs many people have started face meetings with group/ and whatever method we to move away from traditional community leaders is always decide to use, Facebook, news feeds and now get their going to be the preferred Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. we information from a myriad of option for some groups social need to regularly update with sources via smart phones which media might be a better option. information relevant to that some have said has led to the This also can have many pitfalls demographic so that we build traditional media becoming less with the preferred option that trust so that when we have trusted. Most recently “social changing on a regular basis. important information to give influencers” have started to “do not go to a certain area, a become increasingly the go to Something like Facebook will road is closed…” people source for information. Law be seen by certain demo- understand that we are doing enforcement can mimic this graphics but if this is not your this with honesty and integrity process and its cultural success. target audience there is little and we are the trusted source. point using it and a more When it comes to crowd relevant platform needs to be management the process of found, equally different cultural communication should start groups will sometimes have before an event and continue their own version of what is until after the event has seen as the mainstream social finished. Achieved by having media platforms. Once we have dedicated liaison officers who built these relationship’s we can start to build a relationship need to continue to keep them with protest leaders, this can going to build long term have many advantages; reducing confidence in LE. The Corvid

THOMAS LOJEK 30

Thomas Lojek Tactical Industry: The Big Winner of the Corona Crisis

Despite the Corona Crisis and a Why? Because right now success in this worldwide stock market crash I am very line of work needs a diversified bullish regarding our industry: Tactical company structure, solid finances and Training, Security Industry, Law excellent leader personalities who can Enforcement and all related industries, really manage a crisis and not just the incl. consulting and services. We are upload-button for regular tactical moving into a new phase of growth and badassery on Youtube. There will be opportunities like never seen before. some housecleaning within the industry and that is a good thing. Every industry Why am I so bullish while most people has to go thru this from time to time. are playing the “This the end of the world!“ card? Simple answer: Because Yes, this crisis will hit a few good men, our industry was made to face “end of too. But they will fight their way back, the world“ scenarios. We are talking because that‘s what they are: fighters about an industry that was made to with guts and a mission. And all the Top: Thomas Lojek handle times of extraordinary crisis, to guys who were in the “tactical” business excel in extreme circumstances, and to make a few quick bucks will start to honestly: for everything the common look somewhere else to pay their rent in civilian world cannot manage. the future.

If our industry, founded by special But for real experts, seasoned operations veterans, seasoned law instructors and solid companies, who enforcement personnel, security are able to offer real value and meet experts, and a let‘s name it: by true real-world demand, this crisis comes warriors... if this kind of industry won’t with opportunities. They will excel in be able to manage a worldwide phase of the aftermath of this crisis, because a insecurity, instability, conflict and social new wave of demand will roll in, soon. tension, then what kind of business will be able to do so? We were made for this. Now, this is our hour. Our call to excel.

Of course, the training industry has suffered like never before under the restrictions during the shutdown. But it also means that we maybe (hopefully) get rid of a few bad apples, who sell cheap tactical crap for too much money and mostly to untrained civilians. These companies will be in trouble, soon. THOMAS LOJEK 31

Right now, Europe is the best example of public order management. A very for the need of good modern public experienced instructor in this sector is order management. Neil Pollock and I recommend getting in touch with him, if this topic matters in After the devastating riots in Hamburg, your line of work. Paris and Barcelona there was a growing concern about the role of police and How to secure crucial logistics and Top: Thomas Lojek military units in European societies. supply will be another important aspect for training and contracts. I know a few But now, since the virus outbreak, police good men who are doing it right now and military make sure that societies in over here in Europe. Europe keep functioning. And suddenly we see a significant paradigm shift This part of our industry will not gain a happening: Literally overnight police lot of attention on social media, but and military forces became modern there will be business. heroes. USA: For sensitive transport and convoy The public call for a stronger police and escort operations I recommend getting military will have a positive effect on in touch with Tom Buchino (Tactical police training, especially for the sector Ranch • CSP Protective Services), Texas. THOMAS LOJEK 32

For operations in Europe, you can get in touch with me. In South Africa I recommend reaching out to Mark Human, MultiDimensional Warriors, Muizenberg.

SWAT Teams will continue to play a significant role in law enforcement. And after what we have seen during the Corona Crisis, I am sure that teams have to add training for missions in biological risk areas or during a pandemic outbreak to their training curriculum. Or at least to consider lessons learned. From now on, there will be no excuse for not being prepared for this kind of scenario. Survival and self-defense. GTI Let me close my thoughts Legion is well known for great about the future of our Also, there will be a highly Sniper Courses and under the industry with naming a few specialized demand for evacuation label N.E.S.T. they able to offer trustable sources for good training of VIPs under conditions advanced courses and training tactical training worldwide. of biological threats and for law enforcement units. I These are SME and companies pandemics. This will be a small also recommend getting in that I consider the best of the market but an excellent touch with Todd VanLangen best and ready to take a opportunity for SME who have (USA). leading role within the the expertise. industry after the crisis. Okay, cutbacks in public Border security will be highly budgets will be an issue for the The best training for Special important during the next decade, tactical training industry for a Operation Units in the USA not just for stopping illegal while, but there is a highly awaits you at Government immigration, but also to identify innovative solution to solve Training Institute in Barnwell, and stop public health risks like this dilemma: The GTI Asset South Carolina. Okay, I work a those during the Corona Crisis. Trading Program. lot with GTI, so I am not Another big, big topic: Drones for completely free of bias, but... public order management, crowd If you can trade unwanted take a look at what GTI offers, control and border security. Get in assets and surplus equipment, reach out to the team and be touch with Mark Browett ATP will help you to get the judge. Their regular CQB (Nexusine) to learn more about it. significant discounts for your courses, their modular or new equipment or tactical customized courses for SWAT Once the crisis is over: Civilians training (USA only). and SOF Units are one of a will ask for self-defense and home-defense courses. I see a huge boom coming: From basic pistol to survival training to civilian anti-looting courses. I recommend to check out the courses of GTI Legion, in Barnwell, South Carolina!

Long Range and Precision Rifle Shooting will most likely see a significant uptick in popularity, too. And for the same reason: THOMAS LOJEK 33

kind in the United States, including the option to rent their impressive training facility! Left: Training with Tom Buchino Right: Training with Robert Vaughan Tom Buchino, El Paso in Texas, should also be mentioned here as highly regarded expert in Military Small Unit Tactics. As well as: Robert Vaughan, Shadow Group Tactical Solutions. Brian Bewley (TSI Tactical Solutions International). And Chris “Dutch” Moyer.

Of course, there are more. But these are good sources of tactical training in the United States we trust, because we know them.

Regarding professional tactical training in Europe you should get in touch with Wodan Security (Germany) or Anti Terror Academy (Czech Republic). Both companies offer customized special operations, evacuation missions, mission planning, consulting and tactical training (no training of civilians).

For customized special operations and special operation unit training in Europe I can also recommend: Walter Bizzarri (CEO Universal Wodan Security Germany Shield), Paolo Simeone Tactical (Italy) and Paul Bonnici (Malta). They are all leading industry experts with many years of operational experience.

And speaking of innovation and innovators: It is hard to find somebody else who is so closely connected to the global trends of our industry and the worldwide security business like Instructor Zero. Most people admire him for his shooting skills, but personally I feel a lot of respect for his thinking and his ability to foresee trends and anticipate changes. And that is exactly what we need during these times. His companies offer tactical training as well as security Instructor Zero operations around the world. THOMAS LOJEK 34

Left: SWAT Training at GTI Right: Customized Training GTI

In South Africa, I strongly recommend getting in touch with Mark Human for law enforcement training as well as for local crisis intervention services, to secure supply missions and logistics, or for security related services in the region!

For self-defense, hand-to-hand combat (for law enforcement), and extreme close quarters combat training: Fred Mastro, Tony Blauer, Jared Wihongi, Chad Lyman, Varg Freeborn, Ryan Hoover.

In Europe: Netz Krav, Federico Frassineti. Canada: Nick Drossos

A huge wave of opportunities is coming! Many opportunities will be highly specialized, but that is a general trend in every industry and the tactical industry will not be an exception to it.

Let‘s think in opportunities, we are made for this: To excel against impossible odds!

PAOLO SIMEONE 36

Paolo Simeone What makes a true warrior in 2020? The path of the warrior in modern times.

Back to the roots: What makes a true must be our guideline. We must go warrior? back to the roots. We must be attached to the core values of true On our modern battlefields, more warriors and not too dependent on complex than ever before, we have to the technology of our gear. return to the very core of warfare: A true and deeper understanding of You have always to remember what makes a true and highly efficient yourself: Technology and gear can fail. warrior. And they will fail. It is just a matter of time and your environment. Top: Paolo Simeone In a world so excited about drones, cyberattacks, tactical gear, and gadgets, But what will never fail you is the we have to return to the basics: to the spirit of your soul as a warrior. And as warrior ethos, to what makes a true warriors we have to remember this warrior. Technology is good. But we spirit to lighten the moments of are putting „things“ on the top of the darkness that awaits the ones who pyramid. On the top of the pyramid of fights on the battlefields of our world. warfare has to be the man. The man and his honor, his capabilities and his Your certainty of what you fight for ethics. cannot not fail you. Because if you fight without true beliefs you enter That‘s why we have to come back to the battlefield just as dead as the the true meaning of being a „soldier“. bodies around you, and right before Because we are losing our way. We are the fight even has begun. And it will putting all our efforts in gear, in happen completely disregarding what weaponry, and advanced technology. you wear or carry. Remember that. But our enemies, they are fighting for Always. a cause. Right or wrong, like it or not, they do it very efficiently. And they are Technology and gear won’t make a reckless and dangerous only because warrior out of you. But you can make of their beliefs in what they fight for. one out of yourself. By making up They will die for their beliefs. your own combat mindset all the time and by all yourself. By believing in And that‘s something we are losing in yourself and what you fight for. our western world. Our soldiers are more afraid to die, because there is And you must do that. Because in the nothing to believe in. Not anymore. battle of minds, the one with a And it’s all about money. Even on the stronger combat mindset - even if his battlefield. ideology is dead wrong - will win the fight. The path of the warrior, in its very ancient and universal meaning You can’t allow this to happen. Not in through all epochs and all traditions, 2020. And not beyond. WALTER BIZZARRI 37

Walter Bizzarri

Combining structure and environment in your thinking is essential to become a good operator

Combining structure and environment you. That's why team communication, in your thinking is essential to become a combat mindset, situational awareness, a good operator. I define environment as good coordination, vetted tactics (and the sum of all your surroundings. And even intelligence and surveillance structure as every object that has an before the mission) are so important. effect on how you will operate in this Because they are tools to give you a environment. A desert is an psychological structure in thinking and environment. Rocks, stones and hills are carrying out your operational action structure. A farmhouse is an even when the actual given physical environment. Its rooms, floors, stairs structure of your surroundings is not in and doors are structure. Environment is your favor. That‘s why we are trained where you operate. Structure is what specialists. But it starts with defines the outcome of your operation. understanding that environment and A room in a house can safe your life or structure are one. Especially in your Top: Walter Bizzarri cost your life, depending on your thinking. individual situation within your actual operational environment. I will give you another example why this principle of environment and structure To become a good tactical operator it is matters so much. Every time, while we highly important to understand that at Universal Shield are working on a both, environment and structure, are an new design of a tactical shield we have entity. You can only understand the role to be able to anticipate every single of a structure in your current mission, if possible angle of any kind of threat that you understand its role in the our people could face during a mission. operational environment. The door in Our shield has to give them a protective, front of you can be your personal but still portable and highly adaptable element of surprise that will help you to structure, to survive their operational overwhelm your enemy. Or it can be your personal ticket to hell, if it hides something that you wasn't expecting.

The better you understand your environment, and the more you are aware of what is around you and how it can change within seconds (to your advantage or disadvantage), the better every single element (structure) in your operational environment will work for WALTER BIZZARRI 38

environment. Again, both — structure and environment — are Left: Universal Shield Training Right: Police Training with Universal connected in our personal way to Shield design tactical shields and protective equipment.

This rule even apply when it comes to chose our equipment, weaponry, and protective gear for a mission. Because what you wear becomes a part of your personal structure while you are in the operational environment. It can safe you. It can kill you. Depending on how good you understand what you are carrying and why.

And respecting the core principle of connecting structure and environment in your thinking during your tactical training is one of the key elements in the question of why some people excel as operators and some don't, regardless of hours in training and mental preparation. It is not just about badass tactical awesomeness or secret ninja skills. It is in many aspects first and foremost about to create a training curriculum that allows all participants an ongoing personal growth process where individual operators as well as teams get better and better in constantly connecting their thinking about how a given structure can be used in a current and possibly lethal environment.

Putting this challenge of connecting your thinking about structure vs environment into training scenarios, repeat it to make it congruent with your actions as a team — and then demand that a team can handle it under every (circumstances) — this is what creates good tactical training. And it gives any operator and team leader, a good sense for the fact that both, structure and environment, [email protected] can always change in milliseconds www.universal-shield.com to his team‘s advantage or disadvantage. SOF HISTORY 39 Special Forces History Vietnam 31. Januar 1968 Special Forces SSG Drew D. Dix: Medal of Honor

31 January 1968 – Special machinegun fire from an Forces SSG Drew D. Dix unknown number of Viet Cong. participated in actions in He personally assaulted the Vietnam for which he was later building, killing six Viet Cong, awarded the Medal of Honor: and rescuing two Filipinos. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk The following day SSG. Dix, of his life above and beyond the still on his own volition, call of duty. SSG. assembled a 20-man force and though under intense enemy Dix distinguished himself by fire cleared the Viet Cong out of exceptional heroism while the hotel, theater, and other serving as a unit adviser. Two adjacent buildings within the heavily armed Viet Cong city. battalions attacked the Province capital city of Chau Phu During this portion of the resulting in the complete attack, Army Republic of breakdown and fragmentation Vietnam soldiers inspired by of the defenses of the city. SSG. the heroism and success of SSG. Dix, rallied and Dix, with a patrol of Vietnamese commenced firing upon the soldiers, was recalled to assist in Viet Cong. SSG. Dix captured the defense of Chau Phu. 20 prisoners, including a high Learning that a nurse was ranking Viet Cong official. trapped in a house near the center of the city, SSG. He then attacked enemy troops who had entered the residence Dix organized a relief force, of the Deputy Province Chief successfully rescued the nurse, and was successful in rescuing and returned her to the safety the official's wife and children. of the Tactical Operations SSG. Center. Being informed of other trapped civilians within the city, Dix's personal heroic actions SSG. Dix voluntarily led resulted in 14 confirmed Viet another force to rescue eight Cong killed in action and civilian employees located in a possibly 25 more, the capture of building which was under 20 prisoners, 15 weapons, and heavy mortar and small-arms the rescue of the 14 United fire. SSG. States and free world civilians.

Dix then returned to the center The heroism of SSG. Dix was in Credits: CHAPTER LX (60) of the city. Upon approaching a the highest tradition and The Richard J. Meadows building, he was subjected to reflects great credit upon the Memorial Chapter Special intense automatic rifle and U.S. Army. Forces Association www.gtitraining.org DANIEL JIRASEK 41

Daniel Jirasek Competition Shooter, 3-Gunner

Competitive Shooting: What I wish someone had told me when I was getting started!

I’ll start off with a tiny bit about me, I learned this lesson the hard way because who doesn’t like a bit of back making every mistake myself and story, especially on someone offering without spending too much time on it advise: I started shooting competitively ill just say that hunting sponsorships around 6 years ago. and a jersey early on is a waste of your time and will slow your progress and I have focused mostly on 3 Gun, but development as an actual competitor. dabbled in other formats with a recent jump into The Tactical Games. I have Any sponsorship a company might offer put a lot into it, training and shooting to a newer unaccomplished shooter is whenever I could. I averaged around not a sponsorship worth taking. Your 13-14 major level matches a year for the time and effort are much better spent last several years and snuck in as many on getting better and learning the sport. local or monthly matches as possible. Top: Daniel Jirasek If I were to pick a piece of advice to put In the last 3 years I have been blessed to in second place, it would be to start out achieve consistent top 5 finishes with as if there is not a timer and scores quite a few major match wins. I have don’t matter. I know quite well how been instructing for 2 years, specifically hard this is for the competitive people 3 Gun shooting. And I made a lot of who are drawn to such a demanding mistakes between beginning and sport. It goes against their very nature. reaching that first “W” ... and here are a few of the lessons learned. However, trying to go too fast too soon is what leads to a large number of So what do I wish I had been told back newer shooters getting disqualified in when I was just getting into the sport? one of their first 4-5 matches. Possibly the one thing I would choose above all else would be to focus on learning the sport and achieving some success before hunting sponsorships and a jersey.

Sadly this is the number one thing newer shooters ask me about, “How do I get sponsors?”... and not: “How to shoot better, how to train better, how to keep your guns running when it counts, not what guns ammo and gear are best?“ DANIEL JIRASEK 42

still learn and have fun! One of upgrade and make the the things they are learning is investment in better equipment, what to actually spend their talk to someone who is precious money on when they achieving the success you want are ready to upgrade. to achieve. Its just simply the only way I know to help weed It is daunting to those who feel out the bad advice based on a like they need to be fully set up lack of knowledge and with the best of the best before experience. they hit their first match. Its cost prohibiting for most So, go out and shoot with what people and the process of you have! Pump action 5 shot figuring out what “the best” shotgun? OK! .45 caliber pistol really is can drive an interested with 10 round magazines? potential competitor insane. Alright! Loading shotgun shells out of a drop bag? Fine by me! Getting disqualified or DQ’d is not The online forums and social Just get out there and start fun, but its never done maliciously. media groups are swarming with learning. You will find that there And folks are often pretty good good intending folks who will is little to no judgement from natured about it, sharing their DQ jump in immediately to share those who are farther along, stories to help the person feel better. how this gun or piece of gear because we all started in this DQ’s come from breaking one of the they have is the best! knowing nothing, too. standard safety rules and the shooter is stopped and not allowed to They often fail to mention that I have one last tip for the newer continue for the day, but always they have only had it 2 months competition shooter. I see all the instructed in exactly what happened, and barely shot it or used it and time that newer shooters tend to so they can correct the issue and it actually sucks… oh and when group together and squad away warmly invited back next month. a newbie asks for such advice in from the top competitors. public forums they will get 50 of Obviously breaching safety rules is these exact responses all I know this is partly because bad and therefore the action itself advising different products. they don’t want to look silly or should be what we truly avoid not embarrass themselves in front of just to skip the DQ. The safety rules It’s truly frustrating and I have these competition shooting are in place to protect the shooter, heard this over and over from veterans in their bright jerseys the other competitors and the sport newer competitors in my classes and top dollar guns and gear itself. It takes a few trips around the and the only thing I can tell (color coordinated of course). I block to get comfortable with the them is this: When your ready to know that, because that was my process. And to get to where following these rules is second nature instead of requiring constant caution and direct thought.

Therefore, rushing and trying to go fast early on is simply a bad idea. You haven’t had time to get to that comfortable point and you will simply forget.

Another big pointer I would like to have received is: You don‘t need all the fancy guns and gear to start... or even to continue for quite awhile. I have watched so many beginning competitors shoot for months with guns and gear that’s nothing like what the standard might be for a top 3 gun set up and guess what, they DANIEL JIRASEK 43

reason, years ago! I know it’s also questions (no not a crime), than you sometimes just out of fear that they will ever could staying in a group of all slow down the squad or get in the way. newer shooters. This seems like a no Throw those ideas away! You have just brainer and quite obvious but its as much a right to be there and shoot surprising how frequently I see this not as the guy who eventually walks with only not being done but intentionally the top trophy! avoided.

In truth the competition shooting Ok, that’s what I got for anyone just community is 99% incredibly getting into the wonderful and welcoming, accommodating and challenging sport of competition mentoring of newer competitors. And shooting. I am always happy to that’s due to the incredibly high caliber personally offer any help to any newer of people in this sport. competitors, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Facebook at Daniel The real reason I am suggesting that Jirasek — 3 Gun or Instagram at newer shooters purposely squad and 3gun_daniel. shoot with the more experienced and successful competitors is simple and Get out to a local match and check it true. That’s how you get better the out. Every match I know of allows fastest. spectators free of charge, just take eye and ear protection. You can learn a lot Overcome those inhibitions and jump just from watching and possibly make in there with those guys and gals and some connections with local you will learn more in one match competitors which can be of further watching them, and yes, even asking help.

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Dennis O'Connor Government Training Institute

It is imperative that officers prepare themselves as best as possible, both physically and mentally, for critical incidents

Most individuals who decide to enter system, central nervous system, muscles, into a Law Enforcement career must arteries (pathways for oxygen enriched prepare for and pass a physical fitness blood) and critical organs such as our test to be considered for a position as a heart, lungs and brain. When the police officer. human body is exposed to a critical incident, we as individuals begin to Once selected for the position, recruits exhibit Sympathetic Nervous enter into some type of formal police System (SNS) response to danger. training center where they are physically and mentally challenged, What is SNS, how does it affect our educated and trained. performance in a combat type situation? It is during the career as a police officer, that some let physical fitness become a Top: Dennis O'Connor thing of the past or find little time in Once exposed to a critical incident, the their busy schedules to accommodate human body reacts to the threat with physical fitness. tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, rapid heart rate, major blood flow to major Why is physical fitness important? muscles with decreased blood flow to appendages and a surge of adrenaline How does it support what we do as a (also known as the fight or flight police officer? response). Law Enforcement can be at times physically demanding and it is not All of these physical changes can be uncommon for officers to find detrimental to an individual if not themselves in high stress situations and prepared. at times in the midst of potentially deadly encounters.

A physical fitness regimen designed to tax the cardiovascular system and muscles that support the skeletal system assists in reducing the traumatic effects on the human body in a life threatening situation.

The human body is complex in many ways; it is comprised of the skeletal DENNIS O'CONNOR 45

How does and individual prepare for arteries, veins and capillaries, a portion life threatening situations? can become dormant restricting blood flow. Most police agencies provide training in various related areas of law enforcement Poor diet can also result in arterial but usually do not require maintenance blockages which further restricts of physical fitness throughout one’s efficient delivery of adequate blood flow. career. Our lungs are the key part of our respiratory system. Oxygen is taken in, If an individual lives a sedentary transferred into the blood while carbon lifestyle, has bad eating habits and fails dioxide is removed from the blood and to condition the body to perform, this exhaled. individual becomes more of a risk during the onset of a critical Conditioning our lungs with aerobic incident because of the increased tax on exercise is essential to the utilization of that individual’s body which limits their the lungs at full capacity. capacity to react in an ideal manner. With aerobic exercise, we can increase The human heart is the only muscle in our VO2 max which is the amount of the body that works on its own and is oxygen a person can utilize under responsible for receiving and disbursing extreme duress. The more oxygen a oxygen enriched blood to the body and person can utilize the more they limit brain. Without exercise, the pathways for those negative physical impacts of the delivering that oxygen enriched blood- flight or fight response. DENNIS O'CONNOR 46

What type of exercise or how performance, movement and reduce their recovery time and much does and individual flexibility. As for strength and increase resilience from an need? conditioning, a routine injury. targeting all muscle groups two times a week is sufficient. According to the Mayo Clinic: In today’s complex and For most healthy adults, the challenging world, sound Also aerobic activity can be Department of Health and scenario assessment and included in strength and Human Services recommends prioritization are essential conditioning by adjusting the these exercise guidelines: components of any officer’s amount of weight and role. Aerobic activity. Get at least increasing the repetitions.

150 minutes of moderate Officers can prepare themselves Law enforcement officers today aerobic activity or 75 minutes to perform well in critical must be able to demonstrate of vigorous aerobic activity a incidents through training their sound decision making skills in week, or a combination of bodies and minds to handle the midst of complex scenario stress responses. moderate and vigorous activity. assessment. To effectively perform in a critical incident Physical fitness, while In law enforcement, strength our bodies need to be sometimes overlooked in one's training as well as aerobic physically fit to endure the busy life is a key component of training is essential in order for physical impact that will occur, this training and has the individuals to perform well so that our responses and potential to make a significant without undue stress on their judgments are fluid, clear, difference in an individual’s bodies. concise and without delay. performance and recovery from a critical incident. With proper aerobic training It is imperative that officers we condition our lungs, heart prepare themselves as best as and pathways to maximum possible, both physically and efficiency allowing the oxygen mentally to ensure that in enriched blood to travel critical incidents they are assets through the body unrestricted, to their teams and do not which is critically necessary for become a liability because of muscular performance and poor decision making due to mental decision making. their inability to cope with a stressful situation. Strength training as an additional component to an Further, in the unfortunate exercise regimen allows for circumstance that an officer is muscle development and injured in an encounter, better growth which is vital to physical physical fitness can help to

BRIAN BEWLEY 48

Brian Bewley Cowboy Breaching TSI ’s Tactical Explosives Training Program

early 2003 and energetics has In mid September 2017, a “Why do you need an been a specialty program: Special Forces engineer explosives program?” student was killed and 7 Explosive Breaching, Home injured during a formal “Why do you need an Made Explosives (HME) and training event at Fort Bragg explosives program?” is a Improvised Explosive Devices while using explosives. question that I receive with (IEDs) are a few of the more frequency from those who live common courses. Training in explosives is within earshot of our demo deadly serious and the student range, but it is a question that Since 2014 however, the to instructor ration of 1:2 I enjoy responding to… interest in civilian tactical helps ensure all aspects of training began to overshadow safety are adhered to… “Because we can!” TSI’s contract training with Remember rule #1. DoD, so Tactical Training For those of us who have International, LLC (TTI) was RECONDO’S LEAD THE served at the tip of the spear, established as a division WAY! the application of energetics within TSI to service the within a tactical situation is commercial/civilian training One of TTIs core training required to help solve a sector. courses is the RECONDO problem… breaching a Course. RECONDO is a 21 stronghold, collapsing a cave, TTI offered training in the use day brutal leadership course removing an obstacle, the list of energetics to a select group based upon the US military’s of tasks can go on and on. of personnel in early 2017 and RECONDO curriculum of that course has led to our yester-year. How then, does the use of annual Explosive Handlers explosives work within the course which normally has a RECONDOs are provided commercial tactical training waiting list for attendance. with basic military demolitions realm for qualified civilians, instruction to include the use local law enforcement or our TTI’s training of qualified and manufacture of field military members? In our civilians and local law expedients such as Claymores experience, it meets the enforcement in the use of and shape charges. Students requirements a very small explosives requires everyone learn to attack steel beams, target audience and can also to live and breath rule #1: pipe and plate, rail-road track, help solve a problem… breaching a stronghold, Expose the minimum number collapsing a cave, removing an of people to the minimum obstacle, etc. quantity of explosives for the minimum period of time. This Rule #1: provides the maximum protection possible to people Tactical Solutions and property. International, Inc. (TSI) has been conducting tactical There is no room for safety training for USSOCOM since issues in explosives training. BRIAN BEWLEY 49

lumber, concrete, cratering as rear of the formation as we targeted with demo, was well as the various firing systems: moved silently through the successfully destroyed. non-electric, electric and rugged Wyoming terrain that For our RECONDO training, the NONEL. Throughout the course mirrored the mountainous application of energetics the students conduct multiple environment that our troops are provides the realism and tactical live-fire exercises such as currently operating in on the need to meet our training ambushes and raids where the other side of the world. objectives. Again, remember use of explosives is required; rule #1… Claymores on ambush initiation, During that movement, I was shape charges on specific targets quickly taken back to my former WHY DO YOU NEED AN during a raid, door charges to life on an ODA, moving to a EXPLOSIVES PROGRAM? gain entry into structures, etc. target in some far-away land…it was real. The hit was textbook Adding explosives and After 21 days of training, the perfect! pyrotechnics to augment your RECONDO is confident in the tactical training programs will safe application of his energetic As the team began movement off provide the realism and often devices or materials. of the objective, the demo team needed stress inoculation that is lit their multi-charge time required for todays warfighters Our RECONDO students fuse…”Fire in the hole! Fire in and defenders of freedom. recently participated in a the hole! Fire in the hole!” The Getting the explosives support Unconventional Warfare (UW) demo team had prepared a 10 can be a bit challenging, but if exercise similar to Robin Sage, minute burn which gave us you have the need the challenge where they infiltrated into an ample time to move down the is worth it. area, linked up with a resistance valley away from the target. force, developed rapport, trained First you will require ATF the resistance into a capable Just like clockwork, at 10 licensing. There are different guerrilla group and led them on minutes, the seven pounds of types of licenses so make sure a Direct Action mission against a Helix and Dyno AP formed into that you know what you are notional enemy radar installation specialty cutting charges, applying for. Initially, we applied within their Area of Operations. illuminated the night sky and for and received an Explosive sent shock waves bouncing off Users License thinking that was After a detailed mission brief the canyon walls. I now had a all we needed. and rehearsals, the combined hard-on! The following day the force began last light movement instructor cadre conducted a We soon found out however, that toward their objective. As one of BDA on the target, and not at all to support some of the training the evaluators, I pulled up the surprising, everything that was for DoD, we were required to BRIAN BEWLEY 50

manufacture HME and mix binary We don’t give legal advice, but if you explosives and that required a would like to pick our brains, please Manufacturers license. feel free to contact us at anytime. And always, remember Rule #1. Storage is another issue. You are required to have secure storage for both explosives and caps (ie. 2 separate bunkers) and depending upon the quantity of explosives that you are storing, there is a minimum distance requirement from your bunker to any major lines of communication.

Then, the local requirements come into play…do you have adequate range space to utilize explosives? Are there any state licensing requirements such Brian Bewley (the Cowboy Breacher) is as a Blasters Certificate needed? a retired SF CWO, who served with 1st & 7th SFG(A)s, USMILGRP El Sal and Having the ability to train with and use SFUWO in Key West. Upon his explosives has really assisted our retirement, he served as an Advisor to training programs. If you have an the UAE Special Operations Command interest in setting up an energetics and a Security Manager in both program for your facility, investigate Baghdad and Yemen. Brian and his wife your local, state and federal laws. S. Jessica established Tactical Solutions International, Inc. in early 2003.

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ATP Talk Matthew Macho and Thomas Lojek How to turn your unwanted assets into new equipment or training. And a shocking story about how one irrational decision cost the American taxpayer $65,000.

When I started to work with services without spending a officers to a Basic Sniper GTI on this magazine I had a nickel. Vendors get to deliver class in exchange for gym brief conversation with on the merchandise they equipment that they traded Matthew about the Asset provide. The ATP thrives, in two years ago. I’m also in Trading Program. Some equipping first responders the middle of a deal right interesting aspects came up with the proper training and now where we are taking in 4 and we decided to make it a tools they need to keep our vehicles in exchange for full interview a few days later. world a safe place to live. tasers. Last month we took tasers in on trade for an Thomas: Matthew, could you Thomas: How long has the agency that wanted some give our readers a brief program been around? steel targets. The list goes on introduction what the ATP is and on. and how it works? Matthew: Well, Government Training Institute has been Thomas: Sounds nearly too Matthew: The ATP allows law around since 2003. The ATP good to be true….what’s the enforcement agencies the was originally birthed a little catch? opportunity to trade-in over a couple years ago to unused/seized assets, in essentially provide superior Matthew: No catch. It doesn’t exchange for training or new training, without it cutting cost anything for an agency equipment, based on their into the budget for agencies. or vendor to begin utilizing preference. Depending on It has since then morphed this powerful tool. In fact, if the quality of the assets, an into partnering with vendors there is a company that an agency can really extend their throughout the country to agency requests product dollars with the program as a provide new equipment. That from, and let’s say they aren’t funding option list of vendors is constantly one of our partners, we take growing and we are now it upon ourselves to approach Thomas: Sounds like a no- affiliating with some of the whoever the agency is brainer. Especially in time of biggest names in the inquiring about, and sign shrinking budgets and industry. them up as a vendor. growing concerns of public spending. Thomas: What kind of assets Thomas: Isn’t there any form do you accept for a trade-in? of innovator’s dilemma? Do Matthew: It is. Once agencies you ever face any kind of understand what we can do Matthew: Just about anything policy motivated resistance for them, they really that is marketable actually. from time to time, or just appreciate the opportunity. It We have taken in items from individual decision-makers is a win-win for everybody. It mini-excavators to nik kits who are afraid to turn in is actually a win-win-win. and everything in between. agency assets? Agencies can buy products or The other day we sent two ATP ASSET TRADING PROGRAM 52

Matthew: Every transaction is his team to use towards any of the monitored, documented, and strictly courses that GTI offers. The final step reported to all state-side agencies who to move forward with this transaction need to know about it. We take our was to get approval from Command. responsibility very serious. But the agency decided to destroy all the equipment that they originally had We train Police Officers, SWAT teams us assess, instead of trading it in for Top: Matthew Macho and the US military. Every single one over $65,000 in training. of our transactions is transparent for the agencies we have to report to, fully Thomas: Why? secure, and 100% in-line with the law. Matthew: From my understanding they But with that said, yes, from time to didn’t want just anybody to take time, we also face decisions from possession of their assets for liability agencies that are hard to understand. purposes. I assured them, that our Especially, when command reject reselling process is confined to law transactions that could save their enforcement, but it didn’t seem to agency a lot of money. matter.

Thomas: Could you give us an Thomas: Unbelievable. example? Matthew: And there is not even any Matthew: We had a case earlier this restriction by law, on the specific items year, where an irrational decision cost they had selected to trade. the American taxpayer $65,000. Thomas: Could you tell us what kind Thomas: Wow. That is a significant of items we are talking about? amount of money. Matthew: Sorry, but I don’t want to Matthew: Yes. And it belongs to the give away too much information about hard working Americans who pay for it it. I will say it is a common item that we through their taxes. That‘s what makes take in all the time. I might not like the it even more frustrating. decision, but I have to respect it. Trust is the most important currency in what Thomas: What happened? we do.

Matthew: A Training Sergeant was It’s important to let our readers know interested in sending his 30-man squad about some of the challenges and to Government Training Institute (GTI), struggles that we face during the for Hostage Rescue Tactics. Fortunately decision-making process. State-side for his sake, he had enough value of agencies cost every single American the items that he was trading in, to do hard earned tax money and I think we this without cutting into the have the right to talk about it. budget. After assessing all the equipment, along with multiple However, we treat our customers with conversations with the agency, ATP great respect, even if they don‘t want to valued the items at $45,220.00. work with ATP or make decisions we cannot understand. There are a lot of However, GTI has taken the Asset great leaders in law enforcement who Trading Program a step further, as they support us, and that makes us proud. are willing to offer 1.5 times the We will continue to do what we can to proposed value for training credit. This provide the best training and essentially gave the Training Sergeant equipment for officers that their assets the opportunity to use $67,830.00 for can buy.

MARK BROWETT 54 Mark Browett Head of UAS at Nexusnine The Future Development of UAVs within the Security Industry

for a human to be risked. expanded. UAVs can cover a Indeed, in the immediate greater area in a shorter time aftermath of the nerve agent scale compared to a foot patrol poisoning of two members of whilst being less intimidating. the public in Salisbury in 2018, Coming from a policing UAVs were used to survey and The higher perspective that the background, and with five years’ photograph the scene to UAV affords undoubtedly experience in operating UAV’s ... permit officers to be better improves the efficiency of informed of the situation patrolling and enhances the ... I’ve witnessed the development inside the cordoned area security and safety of ALL and expansion of the use of UAVs before entry. people in a sensitive border in the security sector. area. Not only could they UAVs can also assist with secure borders but also be a I’ve seen first-hand how these communications during a lifeline for people desperately versatile and efficient systems have Public Order situation; firstly, trying to cross borders illegally matured to become useful in in urban environments, UAVs – using thermal imaging and assisting with Law Enforcement, could act as secure rebroadcast daylight TV sensors to good Border Security and Public Order assets and, secondly, they can effect. Management. gather critical real-time intelligence without sending Whilst aircraft and helicopters It’s clear that public opinion officers into the immediate are the traditional ‘3rd regarding UAV’s has held back area, potentially escalating a dimension’ tools for border their wider adoption and tense situation. recce task, they come at a employment by the security sector. significant cost; for example, a Border security using UAVs is twin- engine helicopter costs There are concerns that these already an established role, but in excess of £1000 per flight useful tools will be used by it is an area where the role of hour in spares, fuel and routine enforcement agencies for the UAVs could be further maintenance alone, plus the wrong reasons or, more importantly, be used for the right reasons but be more intrusive than Advertisment necessary.

The development of UAVs is extremely important to the security sector as the technology could provide a significant increase in public safety. UAVs have a reputation for conducting “Dull, Dirty and Dangerous” work.

For example, a sensor can be mounted on a UAV and manoeuvred into a suspected CBRN incident removing the need www.gtitraining.org MARK BROWETT 55

price of crews and support staff. UAVs Whilst undeniably effective in getting could be used either to maintain the the message across, this use of UAVs border, or, potentially, as the ‘tripwire’ was met with criticism. Part of the which detects activity that is deserving problem, no doubt, was a reaction to of the (expensive) launch of a manned the public showing of the footage – in airborne asset. some respect ‘naming and shaming’ people via the all-seeing eye of the The technology is already available to UAV. do all of these things safely, professionally and responsibly. However, the bigger societal issue is Recently in the UK, A police service that of the invasion of privacy a UAV used a UAV in order to point out when, can represent. Oddly, we seem where and how people were ignoring accepting of the role of manned aircraft the orders put in place in order to in the skies. control the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps it’s the thought that UAVs will, Officers attended a popular tourist in some dystopian future, be above attraction and recorded footage of everyone’s house all day every day – people moving outside, despite the and that precious notion of personal restrictions in place. The footage was privacy is removed. Regardless of the then used on social media to point out reality, it’s clear (often encouraged by where people were ignoring the mass media) that the general public government orders, risking spreading remain uneasy with routine the virus further and ultimately risking deployment of UAVs, regardless of the lives. intent behind it.

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It is inevitable that UAV The expanding use of UAVs Now, the public even use them capability will be developed will allow the security services to protect their own property. further. It makes sense to to perform their tasks more The majority of people accept harness the flexibility of UAVs efficiently, more accurately, and that if you are doing nothing for use in the broad security more safely – provided that, of wrong then there is no need to sector. course, the right platform and worry. provider is selected for each Sensible and professional use case – as per my point I believe that if we advance of UAVs will enhance many regarding requirements above. UAV use respectfully and areas within security – and this transparently, whilst educating is a key point. Somewhat The issues holding UAV use the public, we will quickly be analogous to the start of the back are the stubbornness of in the same position as CCTV, ‘dot com’ bubble, the market public opinion and the which is widely used, accepted has become rapidly flooded resistance to change within the and plays a significant role in with companies offering UAV security sector. all sectors of the security services, and not always where It is so important that services. Moreover, UAVs could they are optimal or even respectable, professional and be seen as an extension of needed. knowledgeable UAV operators current CCTV systems, are the ones moving these temporarily filling gaps in Again, much like dot com, developments forward. coverage as well as providing many of these companies are an elevated perspective when incapable of delivering all of Communication with the required. what they promise. Such industry and the general companies rely upon the public is also key. Time, effort Once a sound relationship has inexperience of the customer and money needs to be been nurtured with those to sell their wares. invested to emphasize and currently sceptical of the use promote the benefits of UAVs. of UAVs, and there’s a more Key to preventing falling prey general recognition of the to the ‘snake oil salesmen’ is to Social media, personal usefulness they offer, they will construct a comprehensive set communication and press inevitably become a common of requirements before going coverage should all be used to element in the tool-box of the to the market – and ensuring spread the word that UAVs can security services. that the responses to any be a ‘force for good’. tender are comprehensive and Consequently, we will be safer evidence based. This approach I liken the use of UAVs to on our streets and there will be permits a meaningful CCTV when it was first rolled more opportunities for the assessment when the system/ out. There was more negative UAV community to develop capability is delivered, to press than positive regarding technology to serve the public ensure you got what you cameras being placed good. wanted and what you paid for. throughout the community. KEN WITT 57 Ken Witt Tactical Instructor GTI Government Training Institute An accredited set of Any tactical training must begin not always equate to the with an accredited set of afore- mentioned criteria. standards for training standards for training and Equally important is the issue performance. of tactical leadership training. In the United States, as well as around much of the globe, law The absence in this country of a This is another area where enforcement will continue to face national standard for tactical rank and tenure are not a many of the same issues in 2020 units means agencies should guarantee that a leader is that have challenged it throughout look to state governments such prepared to efficiently plan the previous decade: reducing part as California’s Commission on and execute a tactical one crimes against person and Police Officer Standards and operation, let alone for the property, active shooters, domestic Training for guidance. rigors of critical decision and foreign terrorist threats, hate making in a dynamic high- crimes, human trafficking, crowd Credible organizations such as stress environment. management, training, staffing, the National Tactical Officers budgets, and public scrutiny. Association also provide vetted Finally, new tactical guidelines for tactical training methodologies should be Each law enforcement agency’s and policies. It is these sought out and evaluated, approach to these critical issues standards that identify the core even if they only serve to must be reassessed through competencies which drive validate existing doctrine. historical experience, data, and individual and team training. professional insight. Otherwise the team’s training will become inbred and lose It is essential that team training its effective edge. This approach must also be is entrusted to a vetted cadre of outward looking and include the instructors based on their The arbiter of tactical success experiences of outside agencies education, training, and is regular, meaningful, and and well-regarded public safety experience not rank or time on realistic training. think tanks. This provides the the team. Rank and tenure do opportunity to either validate existing tactics, techniques and procedures or evaluate new methodologies.

Yet, the fact remains that the deployment of tactical units carries with it one of the greatest liability concerns – in both human and monetary terms – facing any agency. For this reason, agencies must adequately prepare their tactical teams for success. Additionally, this commitment to tactical preparedness must be extended to active shooter training for all field officers. SOF HISTORY 58

William Fairbairn The Inventor of CQB and modern SWAT One man changed the way we fight

The Father of SWAT and CQB Early Twentieth Century Shanghai

William Ewart Fairbairn had over 600 Shanghai in the early twentieth confirmed street fights to his name in century was one of the toughest Shanghai as a member of the places on the planet for police to work Shanghai Municipal Police (SMP) in. The city was ruled by gangs and spanning a thirty-year period. money flowed in and out of the city due to the Opium trade, other By the time he was commissioned by business ventures and Shanghai was the British Commandos in 1940 he just a popular destination for ships in Top: William Fairbairn had many knife wounds all over his those days due to its favorable body from the various fights he had location. been in. He helped train modern day commandos in close quarters combat Shanghai was so popular that the techniques. term Shanghaied, to be coerced or forced to work onboard a ship as a By the time the war ended he had sailor, was named after the city been the recipient of one of the because so many ships went there. highest decorations issued by the USA. Then and today Shanghai is an economic hub with an incredible Fairbairn was born in 1885 in England amount of money passing through it and little did his parents know at the just like in the early twentieth century. time what a name their son would make for himself. As you can imagine, where there is money there is opportunity and vice. William always had an adventurous Those days you could find whatever spirit and at the tender age of 16 he the heart or flesh desired. persuaded a Royal Marine Recruitment Officer to forge his Competition between dangerous paperwork for him to join the Royal gangs was always a factor. This was the Marines even though he was world Fairbairn was about to enter, underaged. but as they say, smooth sailing never made for good sailors. To become the He was trained and shipped out to a best he had to learn in the worst place Royal Marines Station in Korea in on the planet. 1903 where he already gained some experience in Eastern Martial Arts. Fairbairn Tames Shanghai

Fairbairn had a reputation that he Fairbairn arrived in Shanghai and it could look after himself so it was no did not take long before his sense of surprise that his next assignment integrity and his fighting ability would be in an international hotspot, almost cost him his life. He came which had quite the reputation. upon a gang in the Brothel District SOF HISTORY 59

China was already not that way to engage targets when good. This caused constant you have very little reaction conflict between Chinese and time, especially when your life Japanese citizens as well as to is at stake. Basically, it’s like the other problems the SMP pointing your finger. had to contend with. Thus, Fairbairn and the One night as Fairbairn members of the SMP went patrolled the docks he found from being an ineffective a ship with about 150 Chinese police force without real men and women tied with power against the gangs to a their hands behind their force which did not run away backs on board. asked the and actively engaged the Japanese Officer what was criminal elements of Shanghai going to happen to them to by means of the techniques which the officer replied that taught to them. Fairbairn and instead of running away as so they would be executed. eventually lead his own very many of the SMP did he chose to Fairbairn asked the officer to successful anti-riot squad in stay and fight and was almost killed, release them. At first the Shanghai. despite his fighting ability. Japanese Officer refused, but

when Fairbairn promised him World War Two The story goes that when he that if he ever found him on eventually woke up in his hospital the streets he would make him Because of how effective his bed he saw an advert which read pay, he promptly released the fighting techniques were and “Professor Oakada, jujitsu and bone prisoners. because he had published his setting”. As soon as he was released own books on the technique from hospital he looked up the Except for hand-to-hand by the time the second world professor and was taught Jujitsu. fighting Fairbairn also war arrived the British needed

developed the point shooting somebody to teach their Fairbairn began developing his own technique. Point shooting or Commandos and the OSS fighting style he called Defendu. instinctive shooting is a methods of self-defense and This fighting style borrowed from method where after many silent killing and the person various martial arts, but was hours of practice the shooter they chose was none other developed to stay alive on the streets becomes accustomed to his than William Fairbairn. of Shanghai and in any other place pistol as an extension of his where street fighting was at the body. This is known as Fairbairn was recruited to the order of the day. Therefore, Defendu proprioception and is the best British Military with the was about gutter fighting. You use whatever you can to repel your attacker, immobilize your attacker and stay alive. New Courses Soon... Fairbairn began testing his fighting style on the streets of Shanghai and it is said that in his career he was involved in over 600 street fights. His body would carry the signs of Shanghai for the rest of his life. It is said that he even had scars on the palms of his hands. When he saw his fighting style was effective he taught it to every member of the SMP.

His reputation as somebody with integrity you do not mess with became widely known. Closer to the www.gtitraining.org war relations between Japan and SOF HISTORY 60 codename “Dangerous Dan”. of Defendu was Ian Fleming. similar to the Karate Knife hand. He and his fellow instructor All training was done at the Another blow is the chin jab where Eric Sykes went about training top-secret Commando training you angle your hand backward, Royal Commandos and the facility in Scotland. spreading the fingers and slamming special forces of other allied the underside of the opponent’s countries in his techniques. Apparently the six-week silent chin with your palm base. Then killing part of his course was there is the Tiger Claw is highly One of the people he trained so bad-ass that it included one effective when facing a frontal was Raymond Westerling who week where students were attack. This blow is carried out by fought behind enemy lines in taught how to kill a sentry with curling the fingers as if holding a Burma and Indonesia, and he only a stick. Defendu includes shot-put and striking with a straight trained Rex Applegate who in surprise strikes that are very piston-like motion. His techniques turn trained other allies in the easy to perform. Examples also included numerous kicks aimed art of close quarters combat. include the blow where the at the lower body. Another famous practitioner edge of the hand is used, With decent funding, he and Sykes also developed the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, which up to today features in the badge of the British Royal Marines. The knife was slim and had sharp cutting edges on both sides. It was made for thrusting, but could also cut very well if sharpened to specifications. It was produced by the Wilkinson Sword Company and is also known as a stiletto.

After the allies won world war two the US was so impressed with Fairbairn’s contributions that under with the recommendation of “Wild Bill” Donovan himself Fairbairn was awarded the US Legion of Merit. So after the war Fairbairn left for Singapore to train the city’s special anti-riot squad and thereafter he moved to Cyprus to train the country’s SWAT force. He was still involved in close-quarters combat training and by the time he passed away this man not only developed the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, but also the bullet-proof vest, the smatchet and helped develop various other knives, batons, etc.

William Fairbairn passed away quietly in 1960 in England at the age of 75 and will not only be remembered as the man who revolutionized close-quarters combat, but also as a man with an unwavering moral compass and as a gentleman. It is said that in his whole career Fairbairn never swore or said bad things about other www.gtitraining.org people. EDITORIAL 61

Editorial

Concept and Idea Thomas Lojek Editor in Chief Thomas Lojek Managing Editor Brian Naillon ATP Account Matthew Macho GTI President Von Bolin Photos GTI Dave Young Director Training Scott Usry Account Europe Thomas Lojek Contact ATP [email protected]

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