THE PODCAST
Elevating the conversation about all things tactical.
Information Security
We are just starting to comprehend the impact of information protection and cyber security on tactical reality. It turns out that you don’t have to be a level 9 hacker – you just have to manage your risk and actively work on your security. Self-awareness and layers will help you a lot.
Officer Isaac checks in for Field Training
In an earlier episode, we had our buddy Isaac on the show who was getting ready to start the police academy. Isaac graduated the academy and is now a sworn officer in the middle of field training. He’s going to talk to us about active shooter training and a shift in his thinking, away from gadgets and gear towards training and mindset and he’ll tell us about some dumb rookie mistakes he’s made. What challenges was he not expecting? What wasn’t on the brochure?
Reconciling Lethal Force
A police officer on the east coast was fired for failing to shoot a suicidal person with a gun. We talk about applying critical thinking to discussions like this, because it’s important that we consider the arguments of both sides to such a debate. We’re going to talk about context in use of force, how lawsuits and litigation fit in to these sorts of discussions, and reconciling the fact that sometimes cops have to kill otherwise good people.
Q&A with Massad Ayoob
The courts make the final judgement on use of force–but they rely heavily on the expert testimony of legends like Massad Ayoob. Mas is a champion shooter and long-time teacher in matters related to self-defense, police doctrine, and use of force. He joined Mike on the podcast to answer some questions from the audience. Check out this episode to hear it from an expert and 45-year veteran in the industry.
Annette Evans: “Every girl should learn how to shoot!”
Annette is a competitive shooter, private firearms instructor, attorney, author, blogger, and she was gracious enough to join Mike on the podcast for an interview. If you are just getting into shooting as a private citizen, listening to her talk about learning a new skill is worth your time. She and I talk about her progression from casual shooting to serious self-defense, and the value of steeping yourself in the competition shooting sports. She tells us what to look for in shooting instructors, some thoughts on carrying a concealed handgun, and ways to practice shooting at home “without the noise and recoil.” (Hint: It has something to do with her book, The Dry Fire Primer!)
Communicating During a Crisis
We’re going to talk about some principles to get it right whether you use radios professionally in public safety, aviation, or the military–or if you are a citizen trying to get that 911 call out in a hurry. Ideas to think about: “Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.” Don’t be “that guy” on the radio when you click that button. “Push to talk, not to think.” Finally, think about how communication strategies are also leadership strategies. Clear out some of that fog and friction, and bring calm to the chaos.
Get off the X!
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.
Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast
“Slow is smooth, Smooth is Fast,” is one of those ideas that started out with strong roots and grew into something barely recognizable. The emotional response that we experience under stress bypasses our ability to make rational decisions. This phrase is best applied to our cognitive ability to take control of feeling overwhelmed. It’s a useful training tool, but it really doesn’t have anything to do with “acting slow,” it’s about slowing our mind down enough to make sense of what’s happening around us.
Fedex 705
A Fedex employee facing termination attempted to hijack Fedex Flight 705 and crash it into the headquarters. Armed with a hammer and a spear gun, he launched a surprise attack against the crew of three shortly after takeoff. This is one of many chilling examples of how workplace violence can turn really bad really fast. We discuss some of the warning signs and pre-assault indicators, strategies for intervening in a close-quarters attack, and some of the reasons checklists are such a big deal for pilots.
Good Shoots, Bad Shoots, and Snowmobiles
In this episode, we discuss two controversial police shootings (Philando Castile and Daniel Shaver) and the binary terms that people tend to use to describe these sorts of incidents: Justified, or not. Murder, or self-defense. Good shoot, or Bad Shoot. Sometimes, it’s somewhere in between.
Should cops transport wounded Officers to the hospital in a police car, or wait for an ambulance?
“It depends.” We explore the risks and benefits of a hasty transport instead of waiting for the medical professionals trained for this sort of thing. There are risks and benefits to this practice but it can be a life saving decision. Learn key considerations and other ways you can compress the timeline to definitive trauma care.
Can’t is Not in Her Vocabulary: American Paralympic Shooter McKenna Geer
McKenna Geer is a US Paralympic competitive shooter who brought home a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio games and also competed in Tokyo in 2020. McKenna talks about her upbringing and how her parents helped her become a national level competitor in spite of the disability she was born with, and talks us through coaching, training, and mindset.
Gunfighting 101 for law enforcement: Summary of the 2019 Florida UPS Truck Shooting
In 2019 there was a big shootout between cops and some armed robbery suspects who carjacked and kidnapped a UPS driver in Florida. Both suspects were killed, as well as the UPS driver and another motorist. Mike and Jim talk about gunfighting principles for cops, and how important it is to have discipline, team cohesion, and a plan when bullets start flying.
Most Gear is a Rip Off: A systematic approach to buying and testing equipment
Most Gear is a Rip Off: A systematic approach to buying and testing equipment. Mike and Jim work through some fundamentals on buying gear in a thoughtful way from a new pocket knife to a new stealth fighter. How to build a requirement, get funding, find a vendor, test a prototype, and manage the widget through its lifecycle.
Do You Feel In Charge? Training a Working Dog
Do You Feel In Charge? Training a Working Dog. Jim and Mike talk about what it means to work with a service dog, what distinguishes them from pets, how to select them, train them, and employ them. Mike also talks about different training methods and how some of them work in different ways.
The principles of dog training go outside of just employing a dog in a working environment. A dog who follows simple commands will help keep your dog, and your family safe and happy.
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