the things worth believing in

My buddy Paul has a new post up on his blog Tactical Arnis. It talks about the importance of striking an object vs “air strikes” in martial arts training.

Just like boxers, kick boxers, or MMA’ers, TacArnis students train to hit and/or be hit. We have to condition our joints, our muscles, and our nervous systems in order to give and take a hit. Unlike boxers, kick boxers, or MMA’ers though, TacArnis students practice with weapons as well as empty hand.

Whether it’s hitting an opponents weapon as a block or striking vital areas in order to stop a ‘bad guy’ (or guys or guys and gals…) swinging sticks in patterns in the air is totally different from the impact, drag, and reverberation of really hitting something. Even the ‘middle ground’ of using light contact striking with a live partner won’t condition the body for throwing a committed strike with a stick anymore than slap boxing prepares boxers for contact.

Paul and yours truly can be seen doing some striking training in this YouTube video:

No need to buy any fancy equipment. An old tire works just fine. Paul did most of the striking because by this point in our workout, yours truly had opened up miltiple blisters on both hands, a sign that I haven’t done this sort of training in a while.

I subscribe to the philosophy that if someone can’t manage to find the time to train 8 hrs a day, the next best thing he can do is focus on 1 thing a day to make himself better than he was the day before.

Keep in mind that you can’t be doing the exact same thing everyday as if you are on auto-pilot. You should be broadening your horizons by looking for new experiences or by pushing yourself to exceed your last attempt.

These are some of the things I do to keep myself from feeling that I’m slacking off when I cant spend as much time as I would like on training. If I can do at least one of these things every day I feel like I accomplished something. Everybody’s list can be different depending on their focus and goals. As well as their time, budget and motivation.

1. Exercise: Beyond the obvious health and functional benefits, exercise provides you with a sense of confidence and well-being that bleeds over into all other aspects of your life. It is not an “instant fix”, you have to stick to it day after day, but if you keep at it you will start to notice the gradual changes in your fitness and appearance. Its a strong motivator to keep at it.

2. Dry-Fire Training: I cant always get out to the live fire range and don’t have the ability to spend as much money on ammunition as I would like, but there is always dry practice. Draws, reloads, movement, malfunction clearing can all be done dry just about anytime and anywhere. Just remember to follow all safety precautions and practice “perfectly”.

3. Martial Arts: Since I’ve been moved back to the midnight shift I have been slacking a bit on this one. I have been an off and on practiconer since my early teens. I was going two nights a week to a boxing/MMA class and hope to get back to it after the holiday craziness. If chosen well you can kill two birds with one stone by getting your physical conditioning in here. Boxing/MMA has a larger fitness and conditioning component than some of the classic arts.

4. Read: Read a book or trade magazine on your chosen profession or pursuit. Educate yourself on the latest developments. I read various books and magazines on law enforcement, fitness, technology, history, philosophy and others. This is not just picking up a comic book or novel, thats entertainment reading. Read as if it were “homework”, but homework that you enjoy.

5. Live Fire: I get out to the range or the field to do some live fire training (in addition to department training) whenever the opportunity arises.

6. Hunting: I only hunt big game in my part of the country, but I try to get out a few days every season. Hunting, if looked at as training (no booze or partying for me..Im a purist) combines many traits;

• Discipline: getting out in all weather and hours and staying out there.
• Meditation: there is an aspect of introspection that comes with sitting by yourself in the woods for long hours.
• Fitness: if you stalk hunt you have to move over some rough terrain carrying a load. Dragging your quarry is hard work as well
• Marksmanship: shooting here is “for a purpose” vs. training
• The Kill: This may be a sensitive issue, but the kill, if approached as a “necessity” and something done with respect and not enjoyment or pleasure; can be a reassurance that you can “pull the trigger” if the necessity is forced upon you. Killing big game is…well…killing. It bleeds, it makes noise, it tries to escape. It’s never been a pleasure for me to kill a deer, but I am a hunter and a meat eater. I feel remorse after a kill but temper it with the knowledge that I at least have come to grips with what it means to be an omnivore. Some people chow down on a quarter pounder then preach that eating venison is somehow wrong. My venison at least had a chance. Many famous soldiers and law enforcement officers who have survived shootings credit their hunting experiences.

7. Write: I have found that blogging and posting to forums helps me to clairfy my thoughts. It forces me to put down in words what it is I think and believe. If you write about your “calling” it can be a powerful tool to see exactly what it is you do and do not know.

8. Watch Video: One of the wonders of our modern age is the wealth of visual knowledge available to us. You can find instructional video everywhere, including the internet. Be selective in what you feed into your brain, not all knowledge is created equal. Be aware of everything thats out there but remember that some of it is going to be “out there”.

9. Learn new skills: You never know when a skill could prove useful in a “tactical application”. One of the faults I see in “martial artists”, “gun nuts” and armchair warriors is that their knowledge base is somewhat narrow. Everything boils down to martial arts, guns and Samurai philosophy. Learn many skills; learn how to fix a car, how to tie climbing knots, first aid, how to replace a computer hard-drive, how to do basic household repairs, grill a steak, build a fire, do a magic trick, gut a deer, set-up a wireless computer network, the list is as long as you wish to make it. I subscribe to Robert A. Heinlein’s philosophy:

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

10. Compete: Most of my competitions of late have been 5K-10K races, but in the past I have tried my hand at shooting competitions, SWAT round-ups, climbing competitions, etc. While I have placed in a few, the aim isnt so much to win as to feel “in the game”. Competition is as much for the mind as it is for the body. Probably even more so. Most physical improvements are found through day-in day-out training.

But that doesn’t mean that you should do stupid things. This video clip has been passing through the gun blog-discussion board world like wildfire lately.

The safety violations are too numerous to list, but the one that stuck out most in my mind was the “room clearing” segment where one person was firing directly in front of a team member as he was moving to enter the next room.

This training group calls themslves American Defense Enterprises, and the following is their promotional video.

Now my momma taught me that if I didn’t have anything nice to say I shouldn’t say anything at all, so I will not make this a “jump on the bandwagon” post. But please…if you are considering taking some weapons training, do your homework.

This is a question for my brothers/sisters in blue. What is your opinion on photographers and their influence on the job?

More and more I am seeing stories on the net and in the news about cops and security guards confronting and arresting people taking photos/video of officers and things like buildings, bridges, airports, etc.

Some officers have been confiscating cameras or deleting photographs/videos themselves or they have been forcing/threatening civilians into deleting their own footage.

I know that in the post 9/11 age we have all heard that taking pictures of infrastructure is one of the signs of terrorist target selection, both as intelligence gathering and as a security probe to gauge police response, but that does not mean that the right to take pictures in a public place has changed. We use the rationale that we (LEO’s) can take photos or use as evidence that which we can see in “plain view” as long as we are viewing it from a place where we can legally stand; how can we then try to arrest a “civilian” for doing the same?

Now…granted. Some people with cameras in your face are simply trying to be assholes; implying that you are doing something wrong and that they now have your picture, they will have your badge, give it to the media, send it to the mayor etc. Believe you me I understand how that can piss you off. But, if you are in fact doing what you are supposed to be doing, let them film, as long as they are not physically interfering or escalating an encounter that is.

Then there are the “prove a point” photographers who say that they are simply “exercising their rights”. Which while true (they do have the right), this can also be code for “I’m out to get cops in trouble and I’m hoping to make an example out of YOU.” They are looking to get that next bit of “viral video” they hope gets a million hits on YouTube and a spot on MSNBC…don’t fall for it. This is in the same vein as these “right to carry” handgun types who walk around with a gun exposed waiting for someone to call the police on them. They are hoping for you to get yourself jammed up and put your job in jeopardy. You fight these people by knowing the law, knowing your departments policy and by knowing that you are doing whats right. Like this officer did.

This officer kept his cool, was educated about what these “open carry” types are trying to do and obviously thought about what his response would be if and when he ran into one. He didn’t fall for any of the photographers attempts to bait him no matter how hard “Jeremy” tried to be a dick. You would be wise learn from his example.

I also understand that there are some states that have laws stating that people cannot be filmed without their consent. If that is the case than I suggest that you get clarification from your department and/or your local DA regarding how exactly that applies to your job. In some cases this law only applies to audio recording. Rarely does it cover someone snapping still pictures. A poor understanding of law and a knee jerk reaction to someone baiting you is a recipe for a “jam up”. Figure out what you can do in a given situation BEFORE you find yourself in it whenever possible.

Along these lines, Miami Beach PD has recently implemented a department policy regarding interaction with camera wielders. Here’s an excerpt.

A. The Department recognizes that the taking of photographs and/or videos by private citizens and media personnel is permitted within areas open to general public access and occupancy.

B. A civilian may video record or photograph a police employee’s activities as long as they:

1. Remain at a reasonable distance;

2. Do not interfere with the employee’s duties and responsibilities;

3. Do not create a safety concern for the employee, person detained, or other persons.

X. Prohibited Actions

A. Employees shall not order or participate in the destruction of portable video and photo recording devices.

B. Employees shall not order or participate in the erasure, deletion or destruction of digital, analog or film evidence.

C. Employees shall not impede a person’s right to photograph or video record an event unless that person’s actions:

1. Endanger the safety of the public, employees, or property;

2. Interfere with an active crime scene; or

3. Create a reasonable safety concern.

XI. Statutory Limitations and Liability

A. Pursuant to federal statute, 42 USC Section 2000aa-6, it is unlawful for a sworn officer or employee, in connection with an investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense, to search for or seize the work product of a media photographer/videographer, unless:

1. There is reason to believe that the immediate seizure of such materials is necessary to prevent the death of, or serious bodily injury to, a human being; or

2. There is probable cause to believe that the person possessing such materials has committed or is committing the criminal offense to which the materials relate.

a. A search or seizure of the work product is prohibited when the offense is merely the withholding of such material.

B. Sworn officers and employees may be held personally liable in an action for civil damages for violation of federal statute, 42 USC Section 2000aa-6.

So before you are the next cop being made an example of on the nightly news, it may be a good idea to see if your dept will issue a similar policy. At the very least think about what YOU will do the next time you see a person pull into a parking lot across the street from your car stop and begin setting up a video camera.

I posted my first run at the 10-8 drill back in early July.

I tried another round with it today. This time with my father to call out the stages. I did a little better both speed and accuracy wise. I need to work on the one hand reload with my belt holster. It’s much easier with a thigh rig. I also noted that I rode the slide stop a couple of times and wound up with the slide forward on an empty mag, the most obvious one here can be seen on the last stage. That’s where it’s good to have your malfunction drills down to an unconscious competence level.

Disclaimer: This is my first attempt at rifle painting. I did my research on “how to” for most of a year before I decided to take the leap. Take my advice here as a starting point and do your own research before attempting it yourself.

Spray painting the AR/M16 rifle is not something very radical or new. Soldiers have been doing it for a while now when their chain of command allows it. Painting of course is primarily intended to camouflage the weapon. In addition the coat of paint protects the rifle and for the hobbyist/general owner it gives you a way to individualize your gun and it’s just plain fun.

The first step is choosing a color scheme and buying your paints. I went with Krylon spray paint from the local hardware store. Krylon is NOT permanent and it will wear off over time. There are other high end paints out there like Duracoat and Aluma-Hyde which are permanent/semi-permanent. Those paints typically require more effort and care in application, some even require you to bake the finish on in your oven. The advantage of Krylon (IMO) is that it’s more forgiving for newb’s  like me and it provides the option of removing/changing the color scheme when you tire of it.

I selected a dark green, a khaki/light green, brown and black to mimic the good ole’ woodland camouflage from my days back in uniform.

Once you have your paints and supplies the next thing you need to do is prepare your rifle. I removed the bolt/carrier, made sure the dust cover was closed and put a magazine in the mag-well. I then taped over the areas I didn’t want painted; the front sight post well, the rear apertures, the glass/controls for my EoTech and I plugged the muzzle with a wad of painters tape.

Next you want to remove any trace of oil, lubricant or body oils from the weapon. Put on some rubber gloves and blast the entire weapon with some brake cleaner then let dry.

Once the weapon was bone dry I laid on a base coat of dark green paint over the entire gun. You will want to work with light passes from multiple angles so that you evenly coat all the nooks and crannies (mine reminded me of an “Army Men” plastic gun when coated). Too much paint will pool and run and take longer to dry (I learned that lesson on parts of my gun).  Again…let dry.

Now is when you can get creative. By laying various items like leaves (plastic ones), netting, or taped on shapes, you can mask off areas while you apply stripes, blotches and bursts of other colored paints. I used some mesh laundry bag.

From here on out I really don’t have any step-by-step for you. You just keep working on your pattern till you are happy. I did everything from light dustings of color to sticking the mesh on still wet areas of paint and hitting it with another color. The results are below.

While it’s not quite the result I fantasized about (nothing ever seems to come out that way anyways), I’m content with the end product. One thing I could have done and may still do is give the gun a finishing coat of clear matte spray to kill any shine.

As I stated earlier, this will wear off, but that can even add to the camouflage. When it gets extremely worn you can touch-up the paint job or do an entire repaint.

So, if painting your rifle is something you have been thinking about doing but have been too nervous to try, give it a shot. The worst that can happen with Krylon is that you will have to spend some time scrubbing it off with solvent if you screw up.

Image via Wikipedia

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B 15th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Holtzwihr France, January 26, 1945.

Entered service at: Dallas, Texas. Birth: Hunt County, near Kingston, Texas, G.O. No. 65, August 9, 1944.

Citation: Second Lt. Murphy commanded Company B, which was attacked by six tanks and waves of infantry. 2d Lt. Murphy ordered his men to withdraw to a prepared position in a woods, while he remained forward at his command post and continued to give fire directions to the artillery by telephone. Behind him, to his right, one of our tank destroyers received a direct hit and began to burn. Its crew withdrew to the woods. 2d Lt. Murphy continued to direct artillery fire, which killed large numbers of the advancing enemy infantry. With the enemy tanks abreast of his position, 2d Lt. Murphy climbed on the burning tank destroyer, which was in danger of blowing up at any moment, and employed its .50 caliber machine gun against the enemy. He was alone and exposed to German fire from three sides, but his deadly fire killed dozens of Germans and caused their infantry attack to waver. The enemy tanks, losing infantry support, began to fall back. For an hour the Germans tried every available weapon to eliminate 2d Lt. Murphy, but he continued to hold his position and wiped out a squad that was trying to creep up unnoticed on his right flank. Germans reached as close as 10 yards, only to be mowed down by his fire. He received a leg wound, but ignored it and continued his single-handed fight until his ammunition was exhausted. He then made his way back to his company, refused medical attention, and organized the company in a counterattack, which forced the Germans to withdraw. His directing of artillery fire wiped out many of the enemy; he killed or wounded about 50. 2d Lt. Murphy’s indomitable courage and his refusal to give an inch of ground saved his company from possible encirclement and destruction, and enabled it to hold the woods which had been the enemy’s objective.

Lethal Weapon 1. Man… that was one of my all time favorites back in the day.