The Drill:
This drill is a variation of a technique taken from the USCCA training video series Armed & Ready, featuring Dave Young, Director of ARMA Training. I say variation because, as with most techniques, this one has been adopted and adapted to best suit our individual needs. This week, Beth incorporates her years of personal firearms training experiences and protective needs as a mom into Dave’s training technique to create a dynamic Tactical Tuesday Drill.
The Setup:
You will need:
- Your defensive firearm
- Holster
- Training ammo
- Silhouette target
- Hearing and eye protection
- 15- to 20-pound bag of sand (object to simulate carrying a small child)
- An outdoor range (environment that allows for lateral movement)
- Training partner/instructor
The Skills:
This is an advanced drill that combines several challenging skill elements. On their own, each of the skills necessary to successfully complete this drill require hours on the range to master. They are:
- Drawing from the holster
- Drawing from concealment
- Nonconventional shooting position
- One-handed firing
- Firing while moving
The Details:
Starting position is the 3-yard line, facing a silhouette “threat” target. Your defensive firearm is in its holster. For instructional purposes, we used an OWB holster, but you can also draw from concealment and use an IWB holster. Your support arm will need to be holding an object to mimic carrying a small child. For this purpose, we chose a 15-pound bag of sand. At the audible call of threat, you will immediately rotate your body to the support side. This puts the mass of your body in between your “child” and the threat. With your strong hand, draw your firearm from the holster and instantly press it out toward the target. Simultaneously, begin walking at an angle away from the threat. The key here is getting off the line of attack. Once you are on target, begin firing rounds into the center mass of the threat. Start out by firing three to five rounds as you are stepping away from the target. As you repeat the drill and become comfortable, you can begin to speed things up.
Safety Considerations:
Remember to always follow the four universal safety rules along with any facility-specific rules for your local range. Always wear eye and hearing protection whenever shooting. This is not a beginner drill and should not be attempted by anyone who does not have a firm grasp of the skills listed above. Start slow, and first try the drill dry fire before progressing to live fire. Utilize a training partner and/or instructor to help work through the drill with you. Ensure that the immediate terrain and surrounding environment are free from things you may step or trip on. **Do not use an actual small child to simulate carrying a small child for this drill.**
Closing Thoughts:
This is a great drill that will help pull together a lot of the skills we have been showcasing recently in Tactical Tuesday videos. Scenarios like this one, demonstrated by Kelly and Beth, not only work on your skills, but also engage the brain. They force you to think about the steps you would take in an encounter where your children are present. Training is more than just firing rounds downrange; it is mental preparation. Don’t be caught off-guard. Train for as many possible scenarios as you can think of, and avoid the same old training routine.
Vary your training. Keep it fun. Keep it safe. Above all, keep practicing.