I apologize in advance for pulling out a horse that has been beaten to death, but I did a search, and could not easily find the information I was looking for.
My agency is doing some training in the next few months. Talk is cheap, but I want to contribute a list of tips to distribute, to stimulate discussion and perhaps serve as a basis for future training.
I am not looking for a rehash of the usual humorous "[your name here]'s Rules of Combat", nor specifics on gun or ammo choices (which are constrained by department policy).
While clearly I am looking at this from the perspective of a LEO, I think much of this information has broad usefulness.
My main talent is overstating the obvious, it seems, but I appreciate any additions and commentary.
After brainstorming last night, my Top Ten list has 27 entries so far:
1. Get to cover;
2. Deploy your long gun;
3. If feasible, wait for backup before contact;
4. Establish fire superiority;
5. Distance is your friend;
6. Run away;
7. Stop the bleeding;
8. Move laterally;
9. Maneuver on the enemy's flank;
10. Watch their hands;
11. Be slow quickly: Find the front sight, and pull the trigger.
12. The radio will not save your life;
13. Get out of the car before the bad guy does;
14. On a contact, make a habit of being in a position of tactical advantage;
15. At night, use light to conceal you and blind the suspect;
16. At night, move after shooting;
17. Avoid crossfire situations;
18. Be conscious of other officers' positions, and stay out of their line of fire;
19. Maintain your equipment and wear your vest;
20. Keep back away from your cover;
21. Slice the pie;
22. If you go a little slower, you're a lot quieter;
23. Try to see people before they see you;
24. Shoot low, skip bullets;
25. Stay away from walls;
26. Get out of the kill zone;
27. Conspicuously identify yourself to backup officers, especially when plainclothes.
My agency is doing some training in the next few months. Talk is cheap, but I want to contribute a list of tips to distribute, to stimulate discussion and perhaps serve as a basis for future training.
I am not looking for a rehash of the usual humorous "[your name here]'s Rules of Combat", nor specifics on gun or ammo choices (which are constrained by department policy).
While clearly I am looking at this from the perspective of a LEO, I think much of this information has broad usefulness.
My main talent is overstating the obvious, it seems, but I appreciate any additions and commentary.
After brainstorming last night, my Top Ten list has 27 entries so far:
1. Get to cover;
2. Deploy your long gun;
3. If feasible, wait for backup before contact;
4. Establish fire superiority;
5. Distance is your friend;
6. Run away;
7. Stop the bleeding;
8. Move laterally;
9. Maneuver on the enemy's flank;
10. Watch their hands;
11. Be slow quickly: Find the front sight, and pull the trigger.
12. The radio will not save your life;
13. Get out of the car before the bad guy does;
14. On a contact, make a habit of being in a position of tactical advantage;
15. At night, use light to conceal you and blind the suspect;
16. At night, move after shooting;
17. Avoid crossfire situations;
18. Be conscious of other officers' positions, and stay out of their line of fire;
19. Maintain your equipment and wear your vest;
20. Keep back away from your cover;
21. Slice the pie;
22. If you go a little slower, you're a lot quieter;
23. Try to see people before they see you;
24. Shoot low, skip bullets;
25. Stay away from walls;
26. Get out of the kill zone;
27. Conspicuously identify yourself to backup officers, especially when plainclothes.