EPISODE 11

GET OFF THE X!

Feb 15, 2018 | Podcast

dr vivian

Ambush is a term that we tend to overuse to mean any attack that catches us off guard. We are going to define the term ambush and, more importantly, define the counter-tactics to apply if you are ambushed. The important thing to realize is that the sooner you identify an imminent or in-progress ambush, the sooner you are able to effectively respond to it. So we have to make sure we aren’t getting too wrapped in the semantics here, it only matters if your counter-tactics apply. We’re going to look at a handful of civilian case studies and discuss what those ambush tactics and counter-tactics look like so you might be able to pick up on them if they are ever happening to you.

Special thanks to John at Active Self Protection for helping us out with some examples—be sure to check out his videos and commentary in the links below!

Opening Story

Links to Active Self Protection, thanks John!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zpA2IZNTRY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYIGWVdCZGM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRhzk8SYm-M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLmoERgcTx8

Clear and Present Danger

Gift of Fear 

Like what we’re doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. 

Intro music credit Bensound.com

CLICK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE NOW ON YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! PLEASE GO CHECK THEM OUT

Recent Episodes

Guardians and Warriors: What type of Cop are you?

Guardians and Warriors: What type of Cop are you?

Let’s talk through common policing archetypes—Guardian, Warrior, Enforcer, Crime Fighter, Cynic, Power Seeker, and Pragmatist—not as fixed identities, but as adaptive responses to situational demands. The central argument is simple but challenging: effective policing requires the ability to shift modes deliberately. Leaders must know when to assert force, when to prioritize consent, and when to lean on others to stay grounded. This episode is a call for self-awareness, professional maturity, and dynamic leadership—not slogans, costumes, or rigid identities.

Don’t stand in front of cars! And other Pet Peeves

Don’t stand in front of cars! And other Pet Peeves

Mike talks about tensions such as balancing officer safety with legal justification, the false tradeoff between sound tactics and the pursuit of a “perfect” plan, and how communication quirks can undermine clarity under stress. The discussion also covers practical issues in arresting and searching people, along with how over-technical language or “sounding like a nerd” can erode rapport, credibility, and command presence in the field.

0 Comments