Carrying
A good read:
It is now a about fourteen months since, after receiving my second death threat, I started carrying a firearm almost constantly. This experience has taught me a few truths, some merely amusing but others with larger implications.
September 21st, 2010 at 1:36 pm
It is a good read.
No international intrigue for me — I ticked off some trash in court.
Carried in pocket. A good gun but not one I had a sentimental attachment to in case I needed to ditch it. (No friendly cops, no right to carry).
I followed the same rules as when riding:
Be alert.
Get the big picture.
Separate hazards.
Always leave yourself an out.
September 21st, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Thanks for posting this reminder.
In Ranger School, I learned to do something we called a “security halt.” The security halt has application to every day activity, as we move from one location and setting to another. So, I’ll add that tactic to your discussion.
After departing friendly lines, we would halt, get down on a knee, be completely still, look, listen, and adapt to the “Indian country” atmosphere for about 10 minutes. Part of the purpose was to alert to dangers in an area that has not been secured, since the enemy might be out there watching you.
How might this apply to civilian life? Transitions from one setting to another are dangerous. For example, when returning home at night, I slow in front of the house, pull into the driveway slowly and look. I let the motion detector lights activate.
I am going from constant forward driving motion under streetlights with other traffic to a dark area, behind a house, under trees (which offer concealment). I’ll be stopped, with a light on, maybe still in a seat belt, unable to see much outside the windows (eyes having had the interior light shining in them).
I sure appreciate these reminders and recommendations from others.
September 24th, 2010 at 5:03 am
Maybe do what I was instructed to do by arriving officers when I walked into a man-with-a-gun call. Stand still (move slowly and smoothly!), hands on head, turn around, go to knees, go to prone, arms out away from body, and don’t talk until they have you restrained, and then only to respond to questions. Remember, if one cop shoots, they will all shoot!