What’s missing from some situational awareness conversations

This video demonstrates two techniques for shooting with iron sights in a Close Quarters Battle (CQB) context. The instructor explains the trade-offs between looking through the larger aperture versus looking over the rear sight, highlighting improved situational awareness with the latter. He also touches on the necessity of aiming high due to height over bore offset at CQB distances.

This video emphasizes critical techniques for operating in close-quarters environments with a partner. It details how to maintain safe firearm handling, specifically focusing on muzzle awareness and positioning relative to a teammate. The instruction highlights the importance of controlled movement, communication, and trigger discipline to prevent friendly fire incidents while maximizing combat effectiveness.

This video demonstrates an alternative iron sight shooting technique for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) distances. The instructor explains how looking over the rear sight and focusing on the front sight post can improve situational awareness. While this method may cause shots to land high, it compensates for the height over bore offset common in CQB scenarios, especially when compared to red dot sights.

This video analyzes the tragic incident involving Chicago Police Officer Ariana Preston, focusing on tactical decision-making and police training deficiencies. Instructor Mike argues that traditional police academy training, emphasizing immediate response, failed Officer Preston by not adequately preparing her for off-duty encounters where de-escalation and tactical retreat might be more appropriate. He introduces concepts like 'play possum' and the 'See-Pause-Play Possum' response as crucial, yet often untaught, survival strategies for officers in outnumbered or compromised situations.

This video segment focuses on the concept of 'visual anchoring' in pistol shooting. The instructor emphasizes achieving an intense focus on the target, making peripheral details in the 'A zone' non-existent. This allows the shooter to process the situation, determine the necessity of a shot, and then prioritize speed and accuracy in delivering the bullet to the target.

This video analyzes a Dallas PD response to a shots-fired incident. It highlights officers' bravery in running towards danger but critiques their marksmanship, emphasizing the need for deliberate, accurate shots over rapid, ineffective fire. Key takeaways include the importance of situational awareness, effective radio communication (WIM acronym), avoiding dangerous vehicle positioning, and the critical need for immediate medical readiness.

This video provides expert guidance from Instructor Mike on how an Illinois concealed carrier should comply with police during a traffic stop. It details maintaining officer safety, proper disclosure of a concealed firearm, and presenting identification and permits from a lanyard to avoid sudden movements. The instructor emphasizes proactive communication and adherence to safety protocols taught in his courses.

Instructor Mike, identified as a Firearms Instructor, provides expert guidance on secure firearm storage within a vehicle. He strongly advocates for carrying the firearm on your person as the most secure method, with shoulder holsters presented as a viable alternative. The video explicitly discourages several common but unsafe storage locations, including between seats, sun visors, door pockets, near the steering column, center consoles, and glove boxes, highlighting the risks associated with each.

This video from Instructor Mike critiques an off-duty officer's poor tactical choices while working a side job. Key takeaways include the dangers of wearing a hoodie that obstructs peripheral vision and the risks associated with using earbuds that diminish auditory awareness. Instructor Mike emphasizes the importance of maintaining situational awareness even when off-duty or in a secondary role.

This video demonstrates a traffic stop scenario involving Instructor Mike and a Chicago police officer. It highlights the importance of maintaining visible hands during an interaction and provides a practical example of how to communicate effectively with law enforcement. The officer issues a warning for a missing license plate, emphasizing the need for proper vehicle documentation.