03/09/10

Rules of Engagement

The following rules are extracted from a list by "Drill Sergeant Joe B. Fricks" that was published in Field and Stream that list was longer and you may wish to click on the link to take a look at it. I have included here some of the rules that I think are the most important based on my experience in training and combat missions with fighter pilots rather than soldiers.

These rules are for civilians and assume that you have: 1. Purchased a suitably large caliber handgun that you can comfortably handle and fire safely. 2. Spent many hours at your local range becoming proficient, accurate and safe in the operation of your weapon, including clearing jams and malfunctions. 3. Have completed and passed the required instruction and testing in your state and have received your license to carry a concealed handgun. 4. Continue to spend time at your range to maintain your proficiency and accuracy.

Here are the Rules:

Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

Have a back-up plan, because the first one won't work. "No battle plan ever survives 10 seconds past first contact with an enemy."

Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammunition is cheap – life is expensive.

When seconds count, the police are only minutes away. Get them and EMS rolling ASAP, they're good for taking after action reports, hauling away dead thugs, etc. They're on your side (unless you screw up) but they can't get there fast enough.

Stretch the rules. (CHEAT.) Always win. There are no medals for second place.

Move away from your attacker and use cover. Distance is your friend. (Bulletproof cover and diagonal or lateral movement are preferred.)

Flank your adversary when possible. Protect your flanks.

Watch their hands. Hands kill. Smiles, frowns and other facial expressions don't (In God we trust. Everyone else keep your hands where I can see them.)

Decide NOW to always be aggressive ENOUGH, quickly ENOUGH.

The FASTER you finish the fight, the less shot you will get.

Regardless of whether justified of not, you will feel sad about killing another human being. It is better to be sad than to be room temperature.

The only thing you EVER say afterwards is, "He said he was going to kill me. I believed him. I'm sorry, Officer, but I'm very upset now. I can't say anything more. Please speak with my attorney."
 

* * * * *