After the adversary has been rendered safe with the closecontact technique, you should put distance between you and your adversary in the event of a failure to stop. You do this by executing the step-back technique. However, one step back is generally not enough because your adversary will simply step forward and fill the void that you created. And if you extend the pistol in a standard firing position, you have just placed the muzzle in his very grasp. If you have the room, step to the rear with the firing-side leg as the firing hand finds the pistol and then step back again with the support-side leg, reestablishing the firing platform, as you present your pistol and fire. A second series of steps after the shots have been fired and during the target assessment phase will create more distance in the event of a failure to stop.
The only tactically sound solution is to use the Los Angeles Police Department's close-contact position.
After the immediate problem has been neutralized, stepping back to gain distance is a good idea.
The third critical distance is when the adversary is just outside of arm's reachor one step away from contact.
As the fight begins, your opponent must take a step forward to press the assault, so you can use the distance to step back, creating enough distance to…
… be able to shoot from a conventional position.
After the threat has been neutralized, lower the pistol out of your line of sight to determine if more gunfire is needed.
It is a good idea to include a second set of steps to the side or rear to gain even more distance. You'll need it if a failure to stop occurs.
The classic speed rock scenario: close proximity to the adversary and no room to move back at all!
After the execution of the speed rock, don't just stand there! Begin to create distance in the only direction available, probably to the side.
Then take another step, just in case the fight is not over. Notice that the pistol is immediately placed in a two-handed Weaver ready position as soon as stand-off distance is achieved. Notice also that the weapon is kept oriented on the threat as the operator moves clear.
The interval of the confrontation and your ability to extend that interval will determine your response to an assault. When the distance between you and your adversary extends beyond his arm's reach, the speed rock or close-contact position is generally ineffective, and the step-back technique is usually recommended. However, the solution you select will be based on your perception of this interval. Theorists who've never faced death or seen their opponents' muzzle flash often attempt to discount close-quarters defenses. They seem to forget that each particular problem has its own specific solution. If you want to be successful (i.e., keep breathing), you must make your solution fit the problem. Don't make the mistake of trying to force one technique to fit every circumstance, because you will fail.
If you need to drive a nail, get a hammer; if you need to turn a nut, get a wrench. Similarly, if you need a speed rock, don't try to make a step back fit the problem-or worse yet, just ignore the necessity of a close-quarters defense. The price of failure in close combat is too high.
FIFTEEN
OUTDOOR TACTICS AND
MOVING THROUGH
OPEN AREAS
I heard the bullets whistle: and believe me, there is something charming in the sound.
So far we've discussed situations involving indoor confrontations. Only in extremely unusual circumstances will an urban businessman or homeowner have reason to pursue an adversary outside his "castle" once the adversary has fled. Neither will there be any urgency to go check and clear yards or external perimeters. If you are inside and your adversary is outside, your best solution is to call the police and barricade yourself behind cover.
The story changes, however, for the police officer. A police officer has to go and search for these people. Similarly, the rural citizen is not likely to call out the troops for every little suspicious sound in the back 40. There are times when you must go and hunt under the open sky and check things out for yourself. This is not a study of military squad tactics. Although some concepts have come from that discipline, the tactics described here are designed for the lone operator and the small two- or threeman team.
Tactics for moving through and searching outdoor open areas are very similar to those used indoors. The only real differences are that the distances involved are longer and the spaces are bigger. Additionally, the problem is not contained within four walls. Subsequently, outdoor problems are somewhat more difficult to solve because there are more potential danger areas than there are inside a structure.
Outdoor, long-range activities may require more flexible weapons than those favored for indoor scenarios.
The low ready position, demonstrated here by four-weapon combat master Don Busse, is favored for a balance of visibility and reaction speed.
Submachine gun students learn long-range engagement techniques with a weapon intended for close quarters.
Using cover as concealment or simply using concealment is mandatory. You might be able to observe an entire area from your hidden position of cover. Remember, you are looking for target indicators. Initially, look for places where it is likely that an adversary might be hiding. You will be moving toward those areas to clear them. Before you move from your covered position, select the covered position you will be moving to next. Such a move must be designed to gain you some type of an advantage. Seek either an enhanced zone of fire or a better look into the area you are checking. Do not abandon your position out of impatience.
Visually scan along a varying vertical axis or from close to far and back. This will allow you to examine the same spot from more than a single angle. Such a visual search will enhance the possibility of seeing something you missed during previous passes of the same area. Look slowly and carefully; don't just pass your eyes over the area haphazardly.
Avoid silhouetting yourself or giving off a shadow. Be aware of the light source and stay out of it. This may not be possible, but you must try nevertheless. If there is a light illuminating the area, stay below it and out of the light wash. During the day, stay off fences and rooflines that will place the sky or other light surface behind you. Additionally, do not pause in front of lightcolored walls. Such things make your outline stand out like, well, a target.
When operating outdoors, stay below the visual horizon and do not "skyline" yourself on rooftops or ridgelines. Additionally, avoid backgrounds that contrast sharply with the clothing worn. (Photo courtesy of Chuck Taylor.)
Be careful about such reflective outside surfaces as windows. Such surfaces may be useful in locating an adversary, but they may just as easily be used by him to locate you.
Keep low when you move from point to point. You should be able to shoot on the move as soon as you leave cover. Stealth is still your greatest asset. Don't run unless you are already under fire. It is very difficult to assess potential danger areas while running. Also, if you decide to change directions or if you must shoot while moving, you cannot readily do either one at a dead run.