Do You Have A Plan?
By Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
Most people discuss plans for a number of subjects. A plan for winning that round ball game on Saturday. A plan to run a business. A plan for dinner.
What about a plan in case of an emergency? OK; you probably have a hurricane plan and kit (if you don’t you should). You may have a plan in the event of a fire. Do you have a plan for a home invasion?
Sure; it’s not going to happen to you. That only happens to other people. Right?!
The government has a plan of response for an active shooting event in a public facility. Would it not be sensible, rational to have a plan of response should there be a breach of your castle walls?
In the military, there are all types of plans. Generally referred to Standard Operating Procedure. A laundry list of things you need to know and do if things are going well; and what to do if things are messed up.
SERE training is a course that provides the attendees with challenges. The attendees are presented with situations and from those situations, a game plan is developed on how to respond.
SERE stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape. Four really good topics to know if your home security is breached. The purpose of the military’s SERE program is to train service members on what to do if they find themselves in a bad place.
However; could a similar mindset and a plan protect you and your family if you find yourself in a bad place?
That first letter, S – Survival is important. You need to survive. To do that you must have a plan, a plan of preparation, a plan of possibilities and a plan of action.
The “E” is for Evasion. Your plan should have routes to avoid confrontation. Whether in the home, a restaurant or at work. Where are the back exits to allow you to get family, co-workers and friend safely away from the action.
Resistance. Don’t think you’ll go all “Rambo” in a confrontation with a bad guy. That’s just movie roll playing. In a bad situation, the other guy(s) are NOT going to fight fair. It’s not going to be a bar brawl. It will be raw violence. Knowing when to resist and how will determine the success of your survival.
And finally, Escape. Talk with any instructor on dealing with a criminal element and the primary focus is to escape the situation. Find a distraction, find a pain point, find a weakness and exploit it. Use that distraction, pain or weakness to get away.
So, what does all that mean for the average guy, or gal, heading off to work, school or the grocery store? It’s the planning!
If you are not thinking about what could happen and working out scenarios in your head about how to deal with them; you come to the plate already having a strike against you. (Yeah, that’s a sports analogy, we trust you all got it.)
You have to plan to have an understanding of what might occur and how you address the various possible events.
Training is a key part of Saddle River Range. We offer a number of classes to help you consider and plan for bad situations. Victim Proofing Women, Firearm Self-Defense, Defensive Shooting, Tactical Carry are just a few of our offerings.
Come visit. Talk with an instructor, share with them your concerns. If there is a class on that subject; sign up. If it’s a unique concern; sign up for private or semi-private lessons with a family member or friend.
Remember that defensive shooting is a perishable skill. If you have not participated in a training class within the last six months; pick up the phone and schedule something now.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe,
www.saddleriverspring.com
© Copyright 2022 Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
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