Good Enough
One of the most beneficial soft skills one can develop is to complete a task well enough that it may ensure mission success. Whether it’s finishing a work project, going to the gym, or even doing laundry, when it comes to completing a task, how much effort is too much, and how much is not enough? We, as humans, are predisposed to expect a certain level of quality based on the task at hand. [...]
Training Rule #2 and Don’t Shoots
Someone once said - know the rules well enough so that you can know when to break them. However, there are some rules we should not break. Gunsite's Four Safety Rules can be on signs like this all over the facility. With that said, let us discuss the [...]
STREET LEVEL | Morale Building: No Programs, Please!
Somewhere in the basement there’s a cigar box contain-ing military medals and commendations. The only mementos of that period on display in my home are the lone surviving photo of my best friend, killed on the DMZ in 1966, and a wooden boat paddle bearing a small plaque from 1st [...]
Managing Expectations
When learning any skill, it is incumbent upon you as an apprentice to also manage your expectations regarding how much and how long it will take to achieve the desired skill level. Before learning a new skill, whether a language, a musical instrument, sailing, golf, or tennis, one must first [...]
Is “Tactical” Overworked?
Is there anyone besides me who thinks we may have reached the point where “tactical” as a description of what we wear, carry and how we work is perhaps becoming just a bit overused? Or, in some cases, misused? Make no mistake of where I’m coming from. In addition to [...]
CARS AND CRASHES | In ‘N Out
I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of cops dying. I hate seeing updates via ODMP.com (Officer Down Memorial Page) every time a cop is killed. In the last decade, I’ve been to 22 funerals. The lion’s share of these has been in the last 7 years, [...]
Principles of Protection
Why reinvent the wheel when formal training in elite protective services began even before the introduction of the praetorian guard into the Roman Empire? The principles of protection are the same today as during the 2nd century, to prevent your protectee from harm by way of injury or death and [...]
STREET LEVEL | Looking Versus Seeing: The Art Of Perception
You’d never tag Amy Herman as a law enforcement trainer. Tall, chic and sophisticated, you might guess she’s an expert on fi ne art, working for a major gallery or perhaps a Manhattan corporate attorney. Actually, she’s all three. Ms. Herman has a master’s in art history and a law [...]
Hands On!
The consummate professional does everything possible to avoid a violent physical altercation. Adopting an appropriate mindset and applying good situational awareness are integral aspects of being prepared. However, applying even the most diligent of proactive measures does not guarantee that you will prevent or avoid an undesired event. Failing an [...]
Predictable Patterns
Kidnapping is big business overseas, both inside and outside the continental United States. As a result, predictability is one of the most dangerous behavior characteristics you can exhibit, especially abroad. Customarily, beginning their attack at the airport, dedicated kidnappers will run surveillance outside your hotel, motel, or homestay and along [...]
STREET LEVEL | Straight Talk On Supervision & Leadership
Recap. “Punishment” is only one of several aspects of discipline — frequently and wrongfully employed. “Context” is important. A violation, appearing clear-cut, may deserve mitigation, exoneration or even commendation. “Ink” should never dictate the level of discipline imposed. “Bad press” or departmental embarrassment decides far too many disciplinary actions. The [...]