To Engage OR Not To Engage
That is THE question, isn’t it?
You and you alone are the only one who can answer. You and you alone know your skill level and potential for “courage under fire.”
Act (or don’t) accordingly! REMEMBER — you only have one life. Don’t play hero. There are other options.
Here’s a couple that immediately come to mind…
RUN!
HIDE!
Both are totally acceptable when your life or the life of a loved one is on the line.
If, on the other hand, you elect to engage, here’s a few things to keep in mind.
Know Thy Enemy
There’s a world of difference between drawing down on a knife-wielding thug robbing your local 7-Eleven versus going toe-to-toe with a mass-shooter armed with an AK wreaking havoc at your school, office or favorite place to belly up to the bar.
Consider said difference before you act — but remember, bullets are bullets. They don’t discriminate based on target, locale, or intent.
Cops Can’t Tell a Good Guy From a Bad Guy with a Gun
How do you minimize the risk of being mistaken for a bad guy? DON’T ACT LIKE ONE! Cops are trained to engage those who appear to be an imminent threat.
But in the heat of the moment, law enforcement will find it extremely difficult to distinguish one from the other.
Don’t give them an excuse to shoot the wrong person! If you see or hear cops coming, drop your CCW without a moment’s hesitation!
Raise your hands HIGH over your head in a non-threatening fashion.
Communicate
Tell everyone in close proximity that you “have a concealed carry permit and are not a threat!”
Tell first responders the same thing, and give them your physical/clothing description.
If you can call 911, give them the same descriptive info. This will prevent a misunderstanding with officers or other concealed carriers that might already be on scene.
Play Defense, Not Offense
Don’t go on the hunt for an active shooter. That’s the job of law enforcement. Your job in these situations is simple: 1 ) Get your friends and family to safety; 2) Save your ass! Of course, if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being in direct line of fire…
DEFEND YOURSELF… TAKE COVER…THREAT SCAN…LOOK…LISTEN!!!
Use your eyes and ears to see/hear if there are any secondary shooters, cops on scene, and so forth.
Maxims
Anyone not wearing a law enforcement uniform and carrying a weapon is a potential threat.
If you decide to act — ACT FAST! Try to resolve the situation before officers arrive. That will lessen the likelihood of you being mistaken for the bad guy!
This is Real Life, Not the Movies!
Every event is unique. There are no perfect training scenarios for real life situations.
You’ve taken the time and training to get your CCW permit. Continue to train, advance your skills, and refine your knowledge!
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