We train how to fight, but how often do you think about what you won’t do during a deadly force encounter?
Escape should always be your first consideration. Consider this scenario: You are at the mall with your family and you hear shots being fired. What would you do? If you immediately pull your gun so you will be ready to engage should you be forced to, you could be confused for the attacker. Someone might engage you while you are looking for the bad guy.
When the shooting starts, your first thought should be to gather as much information as quickly as you can. You may have only fractions of a second, or you may be in a position to really scope things out. But remember, the first element of the OODA loop is “OBSERVE.” Gather information, formulate a plan and then act on the plan. Yes, you may be forced to do those things in very short order, but you still have to do them. So think about what you are not going to do during a deadly encounter. You have more options than just reaching for your gun.
If Your Only Tool Is a Hammer…
Your gun is not your only option in a fight. It is your last option. Think ahead and think about what you can do before you are forced to reach for your gun.
