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Skill Set: Personal Protection
By Tiger McKee
Personal protection is an individual responsibility. Although a lot of people don't want to hear this, it applies to everyone. If you are an armed citizen you have to realize that the police will probably arrive after the violence at your home is over. Law enforcement officers need to recognize that the training and practice they receive from their department is probably not enough to prepare them for fight with a violent suspect on a dark deserted road.
I can't tell you how many times I've heard citizens ask why they should get training when they have "been shooting all their life." Protecting yourself and your family is a big responsibility, and there is a world of difference between shooting and fighting. And even if you do get training, you still need to consider the other members of your family? If you are on the ground getting kicked in the head, it would be a good idea for another member of your family to be able to assist you. If a problem occurs in your home, you need emergency procedures in place for everyone in the house, especially kids. At some point in time you'll need to teach your kids that there are really bad people out there, and explain to them what they need to do in a time of trouble. And then, you need to practice with them so they know exactly how to react.
For those of you who are in law enforcement these same things apply. There are more and more reports of officers' homes' being attacked. It's your responsibility to prepare for that possibility. On the street, remember that every situation there is a possibility of trouble. So don't be lulled into a sense of false security because you had training in the academy, and you qualify one or two times a year. Qualification courses don't prepare you for a fight, they satisfy your department's liability issues. Unless your department has an active and aggressive training program you'll have to spend your own time and money to get the necessary training to be able to fight effectively. Then remember you'll have to practice to actually learn those skills.
Regardless of who you are, staying aware of your environment is the key to avoiding trouble, or winning the fight. Awareness allows the armed citizen to spot something that looks wrong, then leave that area before you become involved in a violent situation. For the armed professional being aware of your environment provides you with the necessary information to formulate a response in advance. No matter what the situation, always have a plan A, B, C, and plan X for the unexpected. Winning a fight, whether it's through avoidance, escape, or responding with overwhelming force, is all about thinking.
As our country suffers more economic hardship, which seems to be the direction we're heading, violent crime is going to rise. I might be wrong, but it's better to expect it and be ready, as opposed to needing to fight without being prepared.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama, author of The Book of Two Guns, a staff member of several firearms/tactical publications, and an adjunct instructor for the F.B.I. (256) 582-4777 www.shootrite.org
