blkdragon1212
03-26-2010, 06:40 AM
I know I have a tendency to focus on the physical side of self-defense. No matter what that is, it could be empty hand, or attempting to master firearms skills.
This is particularly true when teaching, but every now and then I get the feeling I have forgotten something. It dawned on me again, just this morning while cleaning out the back of Dept. I.D. holder.
It was a card that I got from one of the many Police Survival classes I have attended over the years. These cards are given out a lot at these classes, and like many attendees drop them in their briefcases, or slide them to a section of their wallets where they are often forgotten.
Today, I read them again. I mean really read them, it was almost Like the first time, I mean really read them. This card had writing on the front, and back. While it is geared to law enforcement, I think the wisdom can be useful to all who carry a firearm for protection. I will put them down as they are written. You can change the wording to fit cop carry, or civilian carry.
Positive Self-Talk
"I will survive on any high-risk call."
"I have succeeded on dangerous calls before."
"I know the tactics I need."
"I am skilled with my firearm."
"I can stay focused on what I have to do."
"I have options for controlling the problem."
"I can take each call step by step, without rushing."
"I can decide not to be afraid."
"I can breathe deeply to control stress anytime I become tense."
"I can defeat any threat against me."
"I can use deadly force to save my life, or the life of someone else."
"I can survive and keep going, no matter what, even If I am hit."
These are good mental prep for a possible armed confrontation, or a confrontation that could possibly get out of hand. The back side of he card had some serious wisdom too.
Getting through the first night after a critical incident.
1) Implement calming techniques.
2) Watch your beverage selection.
3) Start talking it out.
4) Ignore the media.
5) Use "routine" to your advantage.
Again, these were developed from the lessons learned from military/police armed confrontations. Some you can apply, others may not fit. When we train, train others, we should avoid overlooking our prep/post confrontation awareness.
The battle you prepare to win may never be fought, however in truth the battle not prepared for, and fought will surely end in defeat.
Scott
This is particularly true when teaching, but every now and then I get the feeling I have forgotten something. It dawned on me again, just this morning while cleaning out the back of Dept. I.D. holder.
It was a card that I got from one of the many Police Survival classes I have attended over the years. These cards are given out a lot at these classes, and like many attendees drop them in their briefcases, or slide them to a section of their wallets where they are often forgotten.
Today, I read them again. I mean really read them, it was almost Like the first time, I mean really read them. This card had writing on the front, and back. While it is geared to law enforcement, I think the wisdom can be useful to all who carry a firearm for protection. I will put them down as they are written. You can change the wording to fit cop carry, or civilian carry.
Positive Self-Talk
"I will survive on any high-risk call."
"I have succeeded on dangerous calls before."
"I know the tactics I need."
"I am skilled with my firearm."
"I can stay focused on what I have to do."
"I have options for controlling the problem."
"I can take each call step by step, without rushing."
"I can decide not to be afraid."
"I can breathe deeply to control stress anytime I become tense."
"I can defeat any threat against me."
"I can use deadly force to save my life, or the life of someone else."
"I can survive and keep going, no matter what, even If I am hit."
These are good mental prep for a possible armed confrontation, or a confrontation that could possibly get out of hand. The back side of he card had some serious wisdom too.
Getting through the first night after a critical incident.
1) Implement calming techniques.
2) Watch your beverage selection.
3) Start talking it out.
4) Ignore the media.
5) Use "routine" to your advantage.
Again, these were developed from the lessons learned from military/police armed confrontations. Some you can apply, others may not fit. When we train, train others, we should avoid overlooking our prep/post confrontation awareness.
The battle you prepare to win may never be fought, however in truth the battle not prepared for, and fought will surely end in defeat.
Scott