“When the flag flies” (As Col. Cooper would say), will you be ready? The old photo of a young SWAT Captain, after the successful capture of a murderer, is a grand example. A young woman was brutally beaten and left in a pond to drown. A day or so later, a tip was received as to where the miscreant was located. There was not time to get the “special teams” gathered. Rather, it was grab who you had and rely on your training and experience. We did not need to develop a plan, but modify a plan based upon those experiences and training. As a result, this murderer was captured with no injury or loss of life. (He later died in prison after his murder conviction.)
You may have to face a situation in your life. Will you be prepared? Will it happen at home, on the road, in the mall, at work, on the street? We don’t know. If we did, we would opt to not be there!
When did you last read Principles of Personal Defense? Have you had your family (re)-read it? Have you discussed the Color Code with friends and family? Do you practice what this system advocates?
It is more than just range time with your favorite blaster(s). The mental preparedness comes first. Then, when “it” happens to you, your response may be swift and successful. It is Spring and the midwest suffers tornadoes. You don’t plan your reaction when the tornado sirens blare. You must have a general plan in mind. Put away the iPad, iPhone, Android, etc. and ponder what you would do in a home invasion. How do you react to an armed robbery at the local fuel and coffee stop? How about a street crime? As you plan a generic response, it will be fruitful in other situations. We must rely on what we learned in our Mind Set lecture. As Col. Cooper wrote in the Preface to Principles of Personal Defense:
“Stories such as this come to my attention with such frequency that it would take a whole directory to list them. They establish beyond any question that the principles we have taught over the decades, and still continue to teach at Gunsite, are valid beyond any contradiction. Our work here is conducted in order to keep the victims of aggression alive, and the knowledge that it succeeds is our reward.”
We just completed a double 350 Pistol running simultaneous with a 250 Pistol and an Extreme Long Range Rifle (XLR) course. Needless to say, it was a full and busy week. (They were also finishing chip and sealing the Ranch Roads.) The great Gunsite Staff and Instructors worked hard and made it happen seamlessly. Thanks to all of them as well as the Gunsite Family.
May continues to be busy with two (2) weeks with two (2) 250 Pistol courses, a Defensive 3 Gun, Citizen Response to Active Shooter, a 250 at the fabulous Colonial Shooting Academy in Richmond VA, Shotgun, Ladies’ Pistol and more.
The 499 Advanced Special Pistol is only offered few times a year. There is still room in the May 22-26 class. Do you want to be challenged farther and faster, with more simulators (night and day) and more force-on-force? This is your opportunity to push yourself. Dave Hartman, Cory Trapp and Lew Gosnell will test you to the limit.
A special 1911 Armorer’s Course is happening the week of May 8-12 in our classroom. There are a few seats remaining in this course. Look to the website for details.
Also, for those Glock aficionados, our friend Chris Edwards with Glock is returning for a one day Armorer’s Course on May 13. The registration for this is through Glock: https://www.glocktraining.com/RegWizard.aspx?classid=104991
June is also busy with more double 250 Pistol courses, another 350 Intermediate Pistol, a two day introductory pistol course at C2 Tactical in Phoenix, 223 Carbine and a Pistol Range Day. If you are considering, don’t wait as these classes are filling quickly.
Finally as to classes, the Youth 250 Pistol Class July 17-21 is approaching. Watching these 12-17 year old young American’s learn responsible gun handling, marksmanship and mindset is one of our best weeks of the year. The Youth 250 Pistol Class is $1000. (Make it Summer Camp and stay in our campground! https://www.gunsite.com/about-us/gunsite-campground/) Better yet, come and take a 250 Pistol or Team Tactics for Two Course running concurrent. You and your Young American won’t regret it.
As we are busier and busier, we require your applications to be submitted electronically. This allows us to be more efficient in the office with fewer staff and help keep costs down. So, when you register, complete the form electronically. Remember to update your CCW, etc. every two (2) years. You can now also make tuition payments on-line from the website.
Needless to say, Gunsite is running full speed with more to come. Please let us know how we can help support your (next) trip to Gunsite.
DVC,
Ken
Sheriff Ken Campbell (Ret.)
Chief Operating Officer
Gunsite Academy, Inc.
