Get Off The X

Remnants of the training past still haunt us and result in law enforcement officers being injured or killed each year. The square range concept, standing on a static line when conducting firearms training, is one of those training paradigms that hurt us.

When I started in LE 99% plus of all our training was from 21 feet and longer; we didn't train in low or subdued lighting; use of cover exercises meant shooting from behind 4" X 4" beams, and we only shot from static lines in stationary positions. None of this bore any semblance to what police gunfights were/are really like which tend to be short range violent affairs in low light with both participants moving. Although things have improved over the years, sadly much has stayed the same.

Qualification versus Training

Much of our training scars can be attributed to an over emphasis on qualification during trips to the range instead of training. Qualification can be described as a display of minimum performance standards, whether state or agency. Passing minimum performance measures hardly indicates combat readiness. Both you and your agency short certainly not stop there.

Two Inaccurate Theories on Movement

First Theory - All movement is good and firearms training shouldn't teach you another way to move since you already know how to walk and run.

Second Theory - All movement is bad. Stand your ground and shoot it out.

Both theories are wrong. Not all movement is good and standing on the attack line (the imagined X) can get you killed.

The first theory conflicts with the impact of training and research. We know that some types of movement hold up in force-on-force and are conducive to accurate fire, while others result in trips, falls and misses. Realistic movement has been studied in sports, martial arts and high-speed low drag special operations teams and has been successfully used in combat.

Techniques and tactics developed on wide-open ranges and gyms frequently don't hold up either. Dipping and running to avoid gunfire may work in a big open area but try it in an eight feet by ten feet tenement apartment living room filled with furniture and other debris.

From the Start

Why not incorporate a flanking step (step to the side off line) with your combat draw stroke. In this way you interfere with the suspect's OODA loop (observe, orient, decide and act) causing the suspect to eat up time while reorienting to your movement. An excellent way of controlled movement during the draw-stroke is to turn with your toes moving in the direction you intend to move take two steps in that direction as you draw, then pivot back to the threat with your pistol in a two handed eye-level position.

Further, incorporate either the flanking movement or the turn and step in the reload sequence because if there is ever a time to move it's when you're temporarily unable to return fire.

Two Recommendations

In fighting it is recommended that you avoid two things: don't have a narrow base and don't cross your feet. Noted firearms instructor Ron Avery recommends a platform (we hesitate to call it a stance because that equates to a static position) much like a baseball shortstop. In other words the weight is shifted to the balls of the feet, the feet are shoulder width or slightly wider, the knees are slightly flexed and you are ready to fight or move in any direction. The hips, knees and toes should always be pointed in the direction you are moving. Toes pointed outward can cause your hips to splay, which may result in a sideways rocking motion (not conducive to accurate fire). Stepping flatfooted instead of the recommended rolling motion increases bounce.

Think Tank and Turret

Think about how an Abrams tank moves: the tank tracks are moving but from the turret up movement is minimized. Whether moving forward in a heel toe fashion (known as the Groucho walk); to the rear in a toe heel fashion (moon walk); or in any direction in a step-drag type motion, seek to minimize upper body bounce by isolating lower body motion. Running and gunning is dumb. Inability to control momentum, falls based on trips or lack of balance and poor accuracy result. The idea is to be smooth and controlled in your movement.

Just like the high tech sighting system in a modern tank, getting the pistol up in your line of sight so that the eyes, pistol and target are on the same line increases accuracy substantially. By shooting through the pistol you take advantage of natural eye/hand coordination. Of course, the smaller the target the further the distance, the more you must pay attention to your sights.

Training is the Key

Start out with an empty pistol (with no magazine in that you've checked at least twice or better yet a plastic non-gun training pistol). Don't go for speed from the start but try to be smooth. Over a period of time you can increase your speed but go slow when learning new skills. Try to move off-line while drawing your pistol or reloading (once again empty gun, guys).

Next incorporate airsoft in your training. These low cost training devices can be used in your garage or backyard for excellent training reps. Using targets like cardboard, Birchwood-Casey's Shoot-N-C, milk jugs, water bottles or pop cans you can engage in excellent training and learn new skills training safely. With a modicum of protective gear you can also engage in force-on-force or training with a partner to hone your skills against a living, breathing, moving human being as well.

Finally, incorporate your movement on the range live-fire. Don't violate any safety rules; especially keep your finger off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard and muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Starting with slow speed and controlled movement step off-line while you draw. Learn and practice your lateral movement while shooting as well - diagonals and forward and rearward. Don't be like the cartoon coyote that always gets crushed. Life is a 360 degree environment. Learn to fight and move and get off the X. Make it hard for them to hurt you. Dance like a butterfly; don't sit like a duck.