The Drill:
Many of us have been trained to scan and assess between courses of fire. The intended benefit or skill that you’re trying to build is to get in the habit of looking for potential threats and breaking your tunnel vision. The course of fire you choose to shoot can be varied, but our focus here is effective scanning and assessing. Far too often, we cheat ourselves when it comes to non-shooting skills because we see them as being of less importance. The reality is that scumbags tend to run in groups of two or more, so you need to train yourself to widen your focus and always be on the lookout for additional threats. Situational awareness is vital.
The Setup:
This is a fun drill to run with a friend or training partner. It can be run on an indoor or outdoor range and adheres to most established ranges rules because there is no requirement to draw or fire rapidly. You simply need a shooter, target(s), and someone to stand behind and at approximately a 45-degree angle from the shooter. You can use props, such as the purple fuzzy antenna that Beth is wearing in the video, or simply hold up a hand like Steve.
The Details:
Start by facing downrange with your firearm at the low ready. Target shape, size and distance can vary and be adapted to your individual skill level. Now have your friend, spouse or training partner stand behind you and off to one side (at an approximately 45-degree angle). The important thing here is that you should not be able to see your training partner in your peripheral vision when looking downrange.
Next, engage and fire 2-3 rounds on your target. After each firing sequence, the firearm should come to the high-ready positon while you scan and assess your surroundings. This is when your training partner will raise his or her hand, hold up a couple fingers and step to one side or the other.
It is important to keep the muzzle of your firearm downrange throughout this entire process. Your finger must be off the trigger and outside the trigger guard. Turn your head and really look over each shoulder, actively searching for more “threats.” Take in the things that are around you and hone in on what your training partner is doing.
Once you have gone through this sequence three times, stop and talk to your training partner. Discuss the things he/she was doing during your scan and assess. See if you picked up on them. If not, run the drill again and slow down your scan and assess.
Safety Considerations:
As always, be sure to follow the four universal safety laws. It is extremely important that your firearm is always pointing downrange. Ensure that your muzzle does not turn with your head as you look over each shoulder during your scan and assess. Your finger must be off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until your sights are on target and you are ready to fire.
Closing Thoughts:
Slow down and take your time while performing the scan and assess. Far too often, shooters simply go through the motions and fail to see their surroundings. In a violent encounter, your body will want to focus on the area of your threat, creating tunnel vision. Adding a scan and assess between strings of fire will help combat this and train your brain to maintain situational awareness.
Vary your training. Keep it fun. Keep it safe. And keep practicing.
