Focus on Needed Training

Following on last week’s theme of relevant training, here we will further define the training needs of armed citizens. 

The economy is bad, as anyone who thinks rather than feels realizes.  People have far less disposable income across the board compared to pre-Covid and pre-Biden administration.  When disposable income is not there, few people actively train in firearms and self-defense. 

Still, there are quite a few alternate means for training in the relevant skills that cost little or no money.  As the economy, hopefully, improves and people get back to training classes, money and time is still better spent on realistic and relevant training.  Thus, once again, what is truly relevant to the armed citizen?  This is a thought process conducted numerous times on this blog over the years.  At this point in the Year of Our Lord 2024, here are my suggestions:

Mindset

The top priority for all preparedness and self-defense remains the mindset of the individual.  Building this mindset is accomplished through many avenues, most of which cost nothing.  Situational awareness is part of this mindset, but not the whole thing.  Acceptance that violence can touch you, personally, is the beginning and foundation of mindset.  Develop your awareness when in public places and read the right books and articles on this topic.

Medical Skills

Before proceeding towards skills with weaponry, the individual is better served with gaining some basic training on emergency medicine.  I highly recommend taking a one or two-day TCCC/TECC type class if time and funds allow.  Short of this, however, take a Stop the Bleed class which costs little if anything.  Similarly, CPR classes are often offered in most communities for little or no money.  Having an up-to-date CPR and Stop the Bleed class goes a long way towards preparing the individual for emergency medical situations that can arise from violence, or more likely, from accidents and the like. 

Knowledge of Self-Defense Law

Before entering the fold of concealed carry, the individual must do a comprehensive dive into use-of-force law.  Self-defense must be governed by the law codes of the United States, some of which are state specific.  Having no understanding of these laws sets the individual up for prosecution and imprisonment for faulty or inappropriate use of force.  Training in use of force law is primarily an academic endeavor.  Start by reading the leading books on the topic, published by attorney Andrew Branca and noted expert Massad Ayoob. 

Hand and Less-Lethal Skills

I tend to put both open hand “combatives” skills and less-lethal tools in the same category.  Having at least a rudimentary skillset in hand-to-hand fighting is important, and knowing how and when to apply a less lethal tool such as OC spray is a must.  The majority of assaults every year in the United States constitute “Simple Assault” as opposed to “Deadly Assault.” 

Only deadly assault warrants a lethal response with a firearm, so the majority of assaults most likely faced by the citizen are not appropriately dealt with through lethal force.  Having the skills needed to deal with simple assault is important. 

Criminal Interaction Skills

I would roll the skills of communication, avoidance, de-escalation, and the Managing Unknown Contacts paradigm all into this category.  If you spend any amount of time around other people in public places, you will eventually interact with nefarious characters.  Being able to manage the encroachment of possible threats is an essential skill.  Being able to clearly and concisely communicate with enraged people to de-escalate violence is also of great importance. 

Handgun Skills

The handgun remains the primary tool of personal protection in contemporary America.  A basic, yet consistent, baseline of skill is in order.  Being able to draw a gun, efficiently, from concealment to accurate hits is the core of the skillset that should be routinely practiced.  Being able to safely move with and handle the gun around other people is also paramount.  An understanding of using cover and shooting from compromised positions is also important.  Additionally, an understanding of timing and opportunity during violence is advantageous. 

These six categories are, I believe, the most essential for the armed citizen in contemporary America.  Additional tactical skills, the use of long guns, the use of edged weapons, enhanced survivalist skills, etc…, are all potentially important, but supplemental and less pressing than the six skills categories addressed here pertaining to the armed citizen.

Live fire practice is essential. To buy the ammo I use for practice, go to:

https://www.ammoman.com/9mm-blazer-brass-124-grain-fmj-5201-1000