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1. Gas Station Tactics
This has been a topic before, but I had an experience on Sunday that really reinforces the lesson.
About 1130 I pulled into the BP on Old Bridge road in Lakeridge. It was a gorgeous day and a lot of people were out and about and the station was very busy. Normally I drive around the entire station looking for potential problem people, but there was a pump empty and I jumped right on it because I didn't want to wait in a line.
I did my usual vehicle exit checks and went to the pump. Once I got the hose into the vehicle I put my pepper spray in my left hand and start looking around. About then I thought, "You know, I didn't clear the backside of the building when I pulled in. I wonder if...." I no sooner had that thought when a scruffily clad young man appeared from around the building and walking like he was going to pass in the front of my truck. He suddenly changed direction and started trotting toward me, saying, "Sir! Sir!"
Without thinking, my right hand came up, I shouted "STOP!" and my pepper spray came up to a retention position on my left side.
(Still taken from video of encounter.)
He stopped about fifteen feet away from me and said, "Sir! Sir!" again. I stayed focused on his hands and said, "Go away! I can't help you!" while clicking the safety on my Sabre Red. (That always gets their attention.) He looked confused so I hit him with a max volume, "NO!". He then turned and went back behind the station.
With him out of sight I finished filling the truck and informed the attendant that he had a problem outside and that he should call the police to have the guy removed from the property and then left.
Good show, right? Well, I never checked behind me for a #2 once the encounter had started. Situational Awareness: The Struggle is Real. Remember, gas stations are "transitional spaces"...NO ONE hangs out there for any longer than absolutely necessary. If there are people doing that, MOVE ON! (Like I would have had I done my usual check.)
2. The Training Year Kicks off!
The year starts off with Mas Ayoob at the Springfield Holiday Inn Express
6-7 February
for his "
Armed Citizens Rules of Engagement
" program. Mas has been the industry leader on this topic for decades. If you are serious about carrying a weapon for self-protection and you want to learn about preparing for the "after", this class is essential.
"This two-day, 20-hour immersion course in rules of engagement for armed law-abiding private citizens, emphasizing legal issues, tactical issues, and aftermath management. Topics will include interacting with suspects, witnesses, responding police officers...threat recognition and mind-set...management of social and psychological aftermath after having had to use lethal force in defense of self or others...and preparing beforehand for legal repercussions and minimizing exposure to them. Situations in the home, at the place of business, or "on the street" will all be covered. Cost is $400."
Please inform your friends of this opportunity! The course is 80% full.
Active Response Training
On 13-14 February, I'm hosting the estimable Greg Ellifritz of Active Response Training for his Tactical First Aid and System Collapse course followed by his very relevant "Basic Knife Skills for Concealed Carry" on Valentine's Day. (What could be more romantic?) Both of these classes will be presented at Elite Shooting Sports in Manassas, a very convenient venue for NOVA. Cost for each class is $175. (If you only take one class this year, make it Greg's 1st aid class. Get a GOOD kit or three, and keep them handy. The ability to stop massive bleeding is a skill that has applicability across our entire lives, not just the range.)
(THE WEBSITE WORKS NOW!)
Register here for
Tactical First Aid
Register here for
Basic Knife Skills for Concealed Carry
Rangemaster Instructor Course
Tom and Lynne Givens of Rangemaster will be back in Culpeper 27-29 May to present their Firearms Instructor Development Course. If you have any interest at all in becoming an instructor, or want to understand how Tom came to design his very successful civilian program, well, you'll find this course very illuminating. Register here:
Firearms Instructor Development Course Registration
3. FPF Training Courses
My concealed carry courses are scheduled to start up again in March...but watch this space!
4. Some Good Reads!
A) Timing is Everything....Lesson: Picking the time for a violent counter attack during a robbery is crucial. Remember, they are amped up and their attention will necessarily move from terrorizing their victims to getting paid. That's your window of opportunity.
B) What to do when the cops show up....Under cover officers are frequently mistakenly engaged by responding law enforcement. This article provides some good ideas on how to avoid that bad outcome happening to an armed citizen.)
Happy New Year!
See you on the range!
John
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