Post by Admin on Oct 26, 2019 6:52:16 GMT
Simple Reminder: Life Isn't a Game
ChrisNobody and I spoke last night and we decided we'd each write a post and see how it went. I read his on the simplicity of his rifle choice for general purpose use: the Colt AR15A4. The idea of simple, or simplicity, is often ignored and I think there can be some value in going back to basics at times and our asking ourselves, "What do I have here? and "What will it do for me?" Recently back from an imposed vacation at work I had the opportunity to work with a lot of new guys on the street as a fill-in Watch Commander. Working dayshift is considerably different from night shift and, at least for us, the night shift are all veterans out there wanting to hunt. Working a dayshift recently I noted several things with the brand new baby deputies and what I saw strikes me along the same line as what ChrisNobody discussed - simplicity or simple(ness). In my case, I'll attribute the simplicity or simple(ness) to life and mission - be that as a law enforcement officer or non-LEO citizen.
Recently back in Patrol I saw a few things that I'd like to bring up; excuse my lack of eloquence, but here they are:
The baby LEO with so much stuff on his belt he can't go prone to fight or manage his ammunition re-supply.
The baby LEO positioning his Taser in front of his ammunition resupply.
The baby LEO with his body worn camera so high he can't effectively shoulder his rifle or shotgun.
The baby LEO not carrying a knife.
The baby LEO not carrying a backup weapon of any kind.
The baby LEO more interested in having fun with the citizen [be that victim, witness, investigative lead or suspect] than in maintaining officer safety and command presence.
The baby LEO unable to communicate with different sorts of people that occupy his beat area.
The baby LEO that can't write a report or articulate his actions to his first line supervisor.
I won't go into each point on this list, but I think at Warriors we need to remember life is simple - the threat is simple - how we prepare ourselves, manage ourselves, and engage others within our life and surroundings is just that: simple. For the LEO and non-LEO alike, may I humbly ask of you the following:
Can you please arrange your equipment, your personal physique, and your mind so that you are able to fight? The fight is real and we need to remember, as Gabe once said, any contact is a gunfight until proven otherwise.
Can you please remember that non-lethal equipment is not of greater priority than lethal equipment? We must be lethal at heart and in mind and purpose, and if non-lethal is effective than that's a bonus - but just a bonus. Make your lethality sure and simple.
Can you please carry a backup weapon? Primary weapons fail and we need choices. Please note the backup weapon asserts the concept of having a second option readily available. This concept pertains to your mind as well. Equipment aside, please ensure you have "mental backups" to the situations you find yourself in. I find this can be hanging out with good people who think like you and they themselves are a backup to the mission.
Can you please learn to articulate your actions and mindset? If one can't articulate one's actions and mindset I fear that pirate ship will be dry docked. Event in the non-LEO world, one's ability to articulate and explain is critical to being the Gentleman Warrior.
So there it is... a gentle reminder that life and choices are relatively simple. Along with ChrisNobody, I choose at times to look for the simplicity in equipment, life, action and interaction. In line with this, please remember the simple(ness) in these statements:
The threat is real.
There are those out there desirous of killing you and those for whom you care simply because of who you are.
Don't overcomplicate your mind, your response, and your mission.
Be ready - Be sure - Be equipped, but do not be of such a complex nature you forget the mission and get wrapped up in items of inconsequence
Gentlemen, life is simple. Gentlemen, the threats in life are real. And Gentlemen, remember the basics. Life isn't a game.
For what it is worth.
ChrisNobody and I spoke last night and we decided we'd each write a post and see how it went. I read his on the simplicity of his rifle choice for general purpose use: the Colt AR15A4. The idea of simple, or simplicity, is often ignored and I think there can be some value in going back to basics at times and our asking ourselves, "What do I have here? and "What will it do for me?" Recently back from an imposed vacation at work I had the opportunity to work with a lot of new guys on the street as a fill-in Watch Commander. Working dayshift is considerably different from night shift and, at least for us, the night shift are all veterans out there wanting to hunt. Working a dayshift recently I noted several things with the brand new baby deputies and what I saw strikes me along the same line as what ChrisNobody discussed - simplicity or simple(ness). In my case, I'll attribute the simplicity or simple(ness) to life and mission - be that as a law enforcement officer or non-LEO citizen.
Recently back in Patrol I saw a few things that I'd like to bring up; excuse my lack of eloquence, but here they are:
The baby LEO with so much stuff on his belt he can't go prone to fight or manage his ammunition re-supply.
The baby LEO positioning his Taser in front of his ammunition resupply.
The baby LEO with his body worn camera so high he can't effectively shoulder his rifle or shotgun.
The baby LEO not carrying a knife.
The baby LEO not carrying a backup weapon of any kind.
The baby LEO more interested in having fun with the citizen [be that victim, witness, investigative lead or suspect] than in maintaining officer safety and command presence.
The baby LEO unable to communicate with different sorts of people that occupy his beat area.
The baby LEO that can't write a report or articulate his actions to his first line supervisor.
I won't go into each point on this list, but I think at Warriors we need to remember life is simple - the threat is simple - how we prepare ourselves, manage ourselves, and engage others within our life and surroundings is just that: simple. For the LEO and non-LEO alike, may I humbly ask of you the following:
Can you please arrange your equipment, your personal physique, and your mind so that you are able to fight? The fight is real and we need to remember, as Gabe once said, any contact is a gunfight until proven otherwise.
Can you please remember that non-lethal equipment is not of greater priority than lethal equipment? We must be lethal at heart and in mind and purpose, and if non-lethal is effective than that's a bonus - but just a bonus. Make your lethality sure and simple.
Can you please carry a backup weapon? Primary weapons fail and we need choices. Please note the backup weapon asserts the concept of having a second option readily available. This concept pertains to your mind as well. Equipment aside, please ensure you have "mental backups" to the situations you find yourself in. I find this can be hanging out with good people who think like you and they themselves are a backup to the mission.
Can you please learn to articulate your actions and mindset? If one can't articulate one's actions and mindset I fear that pirate ship will be dry docked. Event in the non-LEO world, one's ability to articulate and explain is critical to being the Gentleman Warrior.
So there it is... a gentle reminder that life and choices are relatively simple. Along with ChrisNobody, I choose at times to look for the simplicity in equipment, life, action and interaction. In line with this, please remember the simple(ness) in these statements:
The threat is real.
There are those out there desirous of killing you and those for whom you care simply because of who you are.
Don't overcomplicate your mind, your response, and your mission.
Be ready - Be sure - Be equipped, but do not be of such a complex nature you forget the mission and get wrapped up in items of inconsequence
Gentlemen, life is simple. Gentlemen, the threats in life are real. And Gentlemen, remember the basics. Life isn't a game.
For what it is worth.