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Navy SEAL Lessons Learned From Aurora Colorado

Cowboy

Wait for it.
GOLD Site Supporter
I thought this article might fit well in the preparedness section. :wink:

Sometimes the simplest object can be used for self defense to distract the attacker, much like he mentions high lumens pocket flashlight, it "might" have saved a lot of lives in the theatre shooting. :unsure:

As I continue to read about the terrible tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, I can’t help but think there’s some lessons from my time as a Navy SEAL that I can pass on to the average citizen. So here goes…
Don’t Make Yourself an Easy Target

When at sporting events, concerts, and the movies, choose seats that give you a tactical advantage always. What do I mean? Choose seats that allow good and east vantage points and a hasty exit point. Always stack the odds in your favor. It’s the reason I still combat park (back in to a space) and sit with my back to the wall when I’m eating.
Active Shooter Scenario Advice

Take cover and not concealment. Concealment hides, cover hides AND protects. It’s the difference between hiding behind a movie seat or a concrete wall.
Don’t lie there with your eyes closed and get shot. Think and move. A good decision executed quickly is better than a great one never executed. Violence of action, as we call it in the Spec Ops community, will often change the odds in your favor.
For close quarter combat drills we’d draw a gun with someone over 20 feet away running at us. In most cases you can be on someone before they can draw and take a shot. I’m not advocating running straight at someone but if you have the tactical advantage (jam, re-loading, distraction or the shooter isn’t paying attention) then take the shooter down or get the hell out of there. Deal with the situation with your eyes wide open.
In Aurora, the shooter was severely weighted down with armor and his helmet would have also limited his vision. You can use all this to your advantage.
Flashlight anyone? I have one for daily carry and take it everywhere with me. It’s become another extension of me and has diffused at least two potentially violent confrontations in a non-lethal way. I recommend the Surefire P2X Fury Dual Output LED.
How to use it in this situation?
I would have pulled my high lumens pocket flashlight and blinded this guy. The high powered beam would have taken away his vision for 3-4 seconds, which is an eternity and enough time to flight or fight. There’s also no shame in surviving and getting you and your loved ones out of harm – especially little ones. Be a Hero to your kids and family for surviving, nobody can expect more of you than that. Like we say in Survival Escape Evasion Resistance (SERE) school, “Survive with Honor.”
Concealed Carry

If you’re lucky enough to live in a state like Texas that not only allows concealed carry, but supports the use of deadly force, then train to use it.
Think seriously about whether it’s worth a Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit in states where you’re likely to get screwed by a jury if you use it. Example: I can get a CCW in CA but I’m likely screwed if I shoot somebody. The mostly liberal (I’m a registered independent for the record) jury will be sure to have my ass and it’s why I own a dog that’s trained to bite and protect (another good option). Nothing makes me happier then visualizing PETA pitted against other wild-eyed liberals.
Bottom line is that if you own a gun and have it as daily carry, you’d better rehearse your use scenarios both physically and mentally, and the same with the gun in the home. Mental practice is extremely valuable after you’ve mastered the basics. FYI, shooting paper at the local range will not prepare you for a defensive shooting situation. Rehearsing defensive scenarios is the only thing that will prepare you.
For most of you, the best bet is to buy a good tactical flashlight, there are plenty on the market. Specs: At least 200+ lumens, waterproof, LED, and a 3volt lithium battery. Use and carry your light with you at all times. It’s the best non-lethal and practical option available, in my opinion. You can take it anywhere – including on an airplane – and if it’s a high lumen model it will blind people in broad daylight. I can’t recommend this purchase enough.
Learn From an Expert

There are plenty of former Military and Law Enforcement that have great self-defense skills. Just vet your instructor carefully, ask for references and proof of service. While there are many solid instructors out there, there are also a plethora of wannabe Rex-Kwon-Do types who are self-proclaimed experts and worse – lie about their service.
Alter Your Lifestyle, and it May Save Your Life

Avoid opening night and large crowds (e.g. go to Disney World during off-peak) that make easy targets. FYI, most domestic and foreign terrorists want the biggest bang for their buck. They want Yankee stadium sold out and not Padre stadium at 60% capacity. It sucks to live this way sometimes but ask the survivors from Colorado if it’s worth a minor lifestyle change. I say it is, and it’s the main reason I’m watching the Olympics on TV and not attending this year. London is too much of a risk for a variety of reasons that I will not go into on this post.
Don’t Be a Victim

Rehearse emergency scenarios before there’s an emergency, the time to practice is NOT when it’s happening.
The world is a dangerous place these days. Be prepared.
A great book I’d also recommend is, Escape The Wolf by Clinton Emerson.
My condolences to the victims and their families in Aurora Colorado.
-Brandon
Brandon is a former Navy SEAL, and worked as a Special Operations intelligence & security specialist in Iraq during 2006-07. He is also author of the New York Times Best Seller, “The Red Circle”.



Read more: http://sofrep.com/9657/navy-seal-lessons-learned-aurora-colorado-survive/#ixzz21XvAXycf
 

JEV

Mr. Congeniality
GOLD Site Supporter
Thanks, Cowboy. It's a good refresher for some of us, and a wakeup to others. I catch hell from SWMBO all the time for taking tables in restaurants where my back is to the wall and I can see the exit doors. I often make her move places if she sits first, so I can have a tactical advantage if the SHTF. I also avoid gun free businesses whenever possible. A gun in the truck is worthless unless I'm sitting next to it.
 

EastTexFrank

Well-known member
GOLD Site Supporter
Thanks, Cowboy. It's a good refresher for some of us, and a wakeup to others. I catch hell from SWMBO all the time for taking tables in restaurants where my back is to the wall and I can see the exit doors. I often make her move places if she sits first, so I can have a tactical advantage if the SHTF. I also avoid gun free businesses whenever possible. A gun in the truck is worthless unless I'm sitting next to it.

Me too. My wife used to ask why I preferred to sit with my back against a wall in a restaurant. I"d tell her, "Remember Abe Lincoln, Jesse James and Wild Bill Hickok". That means that she's pretty much screwed though and I will miss her. :yum:

Joe knows more about this stuff than I do but I always took it to mean that you had to be aware of what was going on around you ALL the time and know where your exits are.
 

Garmins_Dad

New member
Thanks for posting that up... I printed it and stuck it on the fridge.. I will see how much of it my wife will read.. Im glad to hear im not the only "nut job" as some of my friends put it that requires a view of the door and my back to the wall.. Now only if we could get a carry permit up here in Alberta....
 

FrancSevin

Proudly Deplorable
GOLD Site Supporter
I always sit with my back to the wall at restaraunts. My wife thinks it is because I want to see the pretty women when they come in.

She is likely right and for her comfort, and ease of mind, I will let her naively believe it.

That said, if a pretty girl flashes a gun, I will be ready to act
If she flashes her tits, I will just stare

If she flashes both, I will just have to flip a mental coin before I react.
 
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Garmins_Dad

New member
I always sit with my back tothe wall at restaraunts. My wife thinks it is because I want tosee thepretty women when they come in.

She is likely right and fior her comfort ad ease of mind I will let her naively believe it.

That said, if a pretty girl flashes a gun, I will be ready to act
If she flashes her tits, I will just stare

If she flashes both, I will just have to flip a mental coin before I react.

Very good thought on all of that...
 

muleman

Gone But Not Forgotten
GOLD Site Supporter
I prefer to sit in a booth against the wall if possible. My favorite breakfast place you don't want to sit on the aisle. The old cook lady stashes her piece right by the open door to the kitchen. She would not hesitate to use it and I have seen her settle drunks right down on a Friday night/Saturday morning when they get rowdy.
 
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