We’ve all seen the endless talk on social media this week about the issues spinning off the cowardly scumbag’s rampage in Florida. We seem to be spending a lot of time yelling at people who agree with us, on everything from gun control, mental heath and anti-depressants, Trump’s waffling on the 2nd Amendment, to former Deputy Scot Peterson’s refusal to close with and destroy the enemy. While the vomiting of emotion is certainly understandable, especially given that our culture now seems to encourage our belief that others should care what we think, it doesn’t accomplish a damn thing.
The only thing you can control is you. The way we solve this problem, other than letting it burn itself out or waiting for the next big problem to divert our controversy-addicted brains, is for each of us to get our own house in order. I’d suggest, as a starting point, taking two simple steps: get your mind right, and improve your skills.
These are two steps you can take right now, today, that you have complete control over. Not only that, but these are the two areas that directly effect your ability to protect yourself and / or fulfill your oath, and no one else can do them for you.
If you’re not already doing so, take some of that social media time and invest it in dry fire, flow drills, range or shoothouse time, or talking to your wife about what to do if you’re killed. Maybe a little time understanding your own weaknesses, whether physical, mental or emotional, and dealing with them head on, would be in order.
Let the politicians argue, the internet trolls participate in meme on meme violence, and the weak complain that others should be “doing something”. Now is not the time for weakness or navel-gazing. Now is the time to get ready for your turn at bat.
You’re the only one in control of you, so focus on that. We may all be counting on you some day.
Stout Hearts
Chappy
John Chapman is a founding partner of Forge Tactical, a full service training firm that focuses on procedural training for law enforcement and responsibly armed citizens. An instructor at EAG Tactical under the mentorship of BCM Gunfighter Pat Rogers for many years, John has been teaching firearms and tactics since 1994.
In the past, John has worked as a private security contractor, servicing training and physical security contracts in the public and private sector, both domestically and internationally. Mr Chapman is also a former police Lieutenant, and a currently serves as a team leader on a SWAT team in the Midwest.
Gunfighter Moment is a feature brought to you by Bravo Company USA. Bravo Company is home of the Gunfighters, and they bring us a different trainer to offer some words of wisdom.
Well said as always Brother.
“Let the politicians argue, the internet trolls participate in meme on meme violence, and the weak complain that others should be “doing something”. Now is not the time for weakness or navel-gazing. Now is the time to get ready for your turn at bat.”
THIS might be the best thing I’ve read from anyone regarding the last week and a half.
This article made me step back and analyze what I’m doing. Sometimes it’s very easy to get caught up in the perpetual shit storm but I’m thankful that you took the time to remind us – it sure helped me.
Well said!
Word! Well said chap
Amen.
Beyond individual focus, the LE community needs to look at where it failed with a very critical eye.
Those of us in leadership positions or positions of influence need to make sure that our own organizations aren’t replicating the failures of other organizations that have contributed to tragedies like this one. We need to continue to evolve our TTPs to account for emerging trends in this particular contingency mission.
Agencies need to have robust criminal intelligence systems, realistic training, decent equipment and the will and agency culture to use those resources.
As leaders or peer group leaders at your agencies, you have the ability to impact some or all of those elements.
Spot on Mr. Chapman. Thank you.
TLB
Yup. If everyone in the world spent more time worrying about and finding solutions to their own problems, ?rds of the world’s issues would already be solved.
Probably.
Well said bro. This kicked off day 2 while instructing an ifak/active shooter response class within my agency. And then a verified threat at a local school happened a few days after. Officers/agents and civilians all need to have their heads switched on and be mentally prepared. Training, repitions, and mindset. Change yourself and by your actions those around you will follow, be a leader. Don’t let others decide your fate or the fate of those you love.
Mr. Chapman, Thank You for speaking meaningful levity into chaotic trials.
Deputy Peterson WAS attempting to stop the threat. He believed that the shooter was outside, and found the first shooting victim on a sports field. Because he believed the offender was outside, he called for a closed campus & additional police units–which IS the TTP for his department.
To blindly call him a coward based on the liberal media’s reports is asinine. But hey, at least you got free publicity for your company, right?
Thank you for being a “reasoned being” homo sapien in these times of chaos and globalists. Great reminder for us all.