Recently, Jesse, Nick, and I conducted our "Anatomy of Structures" course with our Defensive Elements training company in Muncie, Indiana. This course serves as an introduction to Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and focuses on two-man structure clearance. For most participants, it was their first experience beyond the flat range. This brought to light several common "training scars" associated with flat range practice. Today, I want to share some of these insights to help you better prepare for more dynamic and realistic training environments.

The Groucho Walk: A Mobility and Visibility Issue

One prevalent issue we observed was the "Groucho walk." This occurs when students adopt an exaggerated crouched stance while moving with their firearms. Such a stance is not only unnecessary but also counterproductive. As adults, our natural gait is upright, which optimizes mobility and energy efficiency. The Groucho walk, on the other hand, leads to rapid fatigue, diminished peripheral vision, and restricted breathing. These factors can severely hinder performance in high-stress situations. Therefore, training to move naturally and upright with your firearm is crucial, as well as maintaining a heads-up stance to preserve your field of vision and physical stamina.

Mechanical Offset: Precision at Close Quarters

Another critical aspect often overlooked in flat-range training is mechanical offset. Many students are accustomed to shooting at longer distances and may not appreciate the importance of understanding their rifle's offset at close range. In a CQB scenario, precision is paramount, especially when engaging targets within 10 yards. Misunderstanding your offset can lead to inaccurate shots, which are unacceptable at close quarters where you might not have the luxury of time to correct errors. Practice shooting at various close distances to familiarize yourself with your offset, ensuring you can place accurate shots quickly and efficiently.

Safety Manipulation: Preventing Unintentional Discharges

Safety manipulation is another area where flat-range habits can lead to dangerous practices. Some instructors advocate for keeping the rifle on fire as soon as it is shouldered for speed. However, this approach increases the risk of unintentional discharges. Our training emphasizes the importance of target identification and a deliberate safety protocol: identify the target, assess the threat, aim, and then disengage the safety before firing. Studies conducted at Alliance indicate that students who keep their rifles on safe until ready to shoot are 80% less likely to engage non-threats. This additional layer of security is vital for preventing tragic mistakes.

Professionalism Over Speed

The flat range often prioritizes speed and accuracy, measured by shot timers. While proficiency and speed are important, they must be balanced with professionalism and situational awareness. In real-world scenarios, you must account for the presence of non-threats and work seamlessly with a partner. Rushing or prioritizing speed can lead to dangerous situations, such as muzzling a partner or shooting the wrong target. Training should focus on disciplined, deliberate actions that prioritize safety and accuracy over speed.

Conclusion: Train Beyond the Flat Range

The lessons learned from our "Anatomy of Structures" course highlight the importance of moving beyond the flat range to train in more realistic environments. Understanding and correcting these training scars are crucial for effective CQB performance.

To truly prepare for real-world scenarios, seek out training opportunities that challenge you to operate in three-dimensional spaces and under realistic conditions. Programs like our Defensive Elements courses, Alliance Police Training, and others offer invaluable experiences that can't be replicated on the flat range. By addressing these common issues and refining your skills in dynamic environments, you'll be better prepared for the complexities of real-world engagements.

Remember, the goal is not just to shoot accurately on a static range but to effectively navigate and engage in a dynamic, unpredictable environment. Train hard, stay safe, and always strive for professionalism over speed.