Gabriel Suarez
The Tactical Advantage: A Definitive Study Of Personal Small-Arms Tactics
For my wife and best friend, Cheryl, who stood by my side (and covered my back) during the worst of times… and during the best of times.
FOREWORD
Put your heart and soul into being expert killers with your weapons. The only good enemy is a dead enemy. Misses do not kill, but a bullet in the heart or a bayonet in the guts does. Let every bullet find its billet-in the body of your foes.
As a full-time professional weapons and tactics writer, instructor, and consultant, I encounter an amazing number of people who profess knowledge and expertise in a field of endeavor that can only be described as being diverse, abstract, at times subjective, and always dangerous. As you might expect, the written material and instructional programs produced by many of these "experts" reflect an alarming lack of cognizance of realworld concerns, things that can only be known by one who has "been there and done it."
Tactical liability hazards can't be understood by just reading a book or two. Nor can written material dealing with them simply be paraphrased from someone else's articles or, worse, merely theorized upon and then subsequently treated as though it were fact. Yet, the vast majority of the written and instructional data we see these days lacks this critical perspective. As a result, it is usually ineffective-and often downright deadly-if used in a real life-and-death situation.
To make matters worse, a frightening number of the techniques and tactics espoused by these people-those with what I call "the firing range mentality"-were not created with a knowledge of criminal and civil liability issues, thus creating a nightmare of legal implications that can destroy you as completely as a bullet between the eyes.
In the pages that follow, author Gabe Suarez treats the subject of tactics with the respect it not only deserves, but demands. For Gabe is one of those who has "been there and done it," not just once, but a number of times. A law-enforcement Medal of Valor winner for his actions under fire, he has served with distinction as a police officer for more than 10 years in not only patrol functions, but in gang-enforcement and SWAT assignments as well.
In addition, he is one of the best combat pistol shots in the country and handles a submachine gun or assault rifle with the grace and ease of Babe Ruth hitting a home run. He is also highly articulate, making him one of the most effective instructors I have ever seen. In short, Gabe is a warrior of stature, deservedly recognized, admired, and respected by those around him. In this, his third book, read what he has to say about tactics thoroughly and carefully, because he knows what he is talking about.
It has been said that the true professional takes his work seriously, not himself too seriously, and that there is more to being a professional than taking money for services rendered. Believe it, because it's true. Professionalism is a state of mind, a personal creed requiring honesty, objectivity, courage, skill, and articulateness. Gabe Suarez has all of these attributes and has, in this book, provided a clear and realistic look at one of the most important elements of survival in a life-and-death environment.
Chuck Taylor, 1998
Prescott, Arizona
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First of all I must thank a special group of gentlemen and warrior-scholars with varied backgrounds who contributed to the completion of this book in many ways. Specifically by name, "The Master's Master" Chuck Taylor, Don Busse, Marc Fleischmann, Dale Fricke, Greg Nordyke, Bruce Parkin, Naish Piazza, and Dave "Top" Teague. A special thanks to Chuck for his technical, tactical, and philosophical advice, as well as for the photographic assistance.
Of course, special thanks must go also to my wife and best friend-the tactical photographer, pistolera, and proofreader extraordinaire-for her immense help and patience in all aspects of this text.
Special mention to my good friends Dean Gamburd and Jeff Mayberry for their help with the photographs.
Finally, to my brothers-in-arms-those operators whom I've stood beside, sweated and bled with, gone through the door with, and seen the elephant with. You know who you are, and you will never be forgotten.
INTRODUCTION
A mysterious fraternity born out of smoke and danger of death.
As the typical student of small arms progresses in his studies, he eventually realizes that winning a fight requires much more than just good shooting or dexterous gunhandling. He realizes that even an ace tactician will die if he puts himself into an nowin situation. He also begins to realize that how he handles a tactical problem has as much effect on his victory (or defeat) as does the quality of his shooting.
The study of avoiding and, if necessary, managing these situations is what makes up the art of tactics. Notice that I did not say the science of tactics. Tactics are not an exact science like mathematics or physics. There is no "if A does this, then B does that" thinking in this art. The art of tactics is a living one that is always changing and adapting to the needs of the situation. It is dependent for success only on the operator's creativity. Just as there are no guarantees in a gunfight, there are also no absolutes to tactics (you will see this again in Chapter 8).
The study of tactics begins with the study of certain principles and guidelines. I must point out, however, that these principles and guidelines do not guarantee success. Instead, they serve only to help minimize your exposure to danger when of Murphy is feeling mischievous.
Some of these concepts were learned from Chuck Taylor at the various courses we taught together. Others, however, were learned through trial and error in the arena where losers die and the only trophy is the right to keep breathing. These concepts were developed from the deadly life-ending mistakes of many of my police comrades… and some, from living through many of my own "lucky" mistakes. These were all extremely poignant and valuable lessons learned in the world's toughest school where much of the tuition was paid for with the blood of heroes. In studying these concepts, we attempt to ensure that the next "mishap" happens only to the bad guys, instead of to one of us!
Realize also that the concepts described for dealing with a particular tactical problem (for example, a corner) also apply to any other obstacle that creates the same tactical effect, such as furniture or a bend in a trail.
The result is, in my opinion, the most complete study of tactical principles ever written. But you must be the final judge of that when the last word has been read.
This book is for everyone interested in the subject of personal security, regardless of occupation. It will be of value to the lone homeowner who wants to find the best way to check out that frightening and suspicious noise from across a dark house on a warm summer night. It is for the police officer and his partner who will be searching a building together, and alone, in response to a silent burglary alarm, at O'dark thirty. It is also for the tactical operative, weighed down by his assault gear, who will be conducting a covert movement to contact with his team during an early-morning raid. I have been in all those pairs of boots many times and know well the needs of each situation.
I will discuss the principles and guidelines that facilitate tactical problem solving, as well as the various architectural features found in many urban dwellings and the best ways to "clear" them, whether you are alone or accompanied by one or two other shooters. I will examine the low-light environment and how to use the available ambient and artificial light to your advantage. Other topics include tactical communications, mindset, the handling of captured hostiles, and the weapons most suitable for the task of searching a dwelling.