Posted: 5/9/2008 8:33:26 PM EDT
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Many of us civilians (and I refer to non LEOs as civilians) have some technical skill with our weapons, but we have never been under fire. From my reading I get the idea that the military does not expect much from a soldier the first time he is under fire. One of the smarter-sounding combat leaders said that is takes several times to tell how someone will react to fire, because the first time is greatly influenced by (dare I say it) a massive adrenaline dump. So maybe we hobbyists would not be as effective fighters as we think. Does anyone have any experience along these lines that could shed some light on this? |
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While that theory has some merit...experience does allow one to react more appropriately than might be possible during a "first event" it is not a guarantee. Many a person has reacted cooly calmly and correctly when offered unexpected violence, and for many of these people it was the first and likely the only violent incident they will have to contend with in life. A persons personality and outlook on life is a big factor. People who grow up dependent on others, be it parents, friends or .gov to look out for them will never develop self reliance and will usually have problems when confronted with a life altering or life threatening experience. People who are independent and self reliant usually are hardwired to react to the unexpected in a quicker and more rational fashion....they have had real world practice in dealing with the headaches, heartaches and curveballs life dishes up. Experience in combat can be a factor, personality and lifelong experience can be an equally big factor. |
That makes sense. Never thought of it from that angle. Rarely do I read about a self-defense shoot-out where the victim completely freezes. It appears sometimes when there is a victim who is not as effective as needed, it's probably one who buys a gun and never has range time, runs scenarios or other mental practice. |
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