Distancing and reaction time continuum

[Brian LaMaster]

The distancing and reaction time continuum.

For the most part, we would all like to believe that we will act or react in an appropriate amount of time in a situation. Truth of the matter is, will you really react the way you think you will?! Many of us have heard that we are most likely to be confronted within twenty-one feet. My understanding that one of the reasons this saying started was due to the distances at which law enforcement encounters occur. Truth of the matter is that we are most likely to be attacked within ten feet. If I am attacked by someone who is twenty-one feet away, I believe that it is a good day for me!

The purpose of this article is to hopefully get you to understand just how much time you do or do not have to react. Personally, I do not feel this has been put into proper perspective by a lot of instructor’s. This information is in my opinion critical to your survival because you need to know how much time you do or do not have to react in a situation and that your current firearms training (if any) may not be enough to keep you alive in a situation.

Now, if you have been around for very long in the gun community you have probably heard of the Tueller drill. This drill may also be somewhat responsible for the saying of you are likely to be attacked within twenty-one feet. Okay, it is safe to say based upon the Tueller drill findings that most people can cover twenty-one feet of ground in about one and a half seconds to two seconds. And that you can probably successfully react by drawing and shoot the attacker who is twenty-one feet away and is advancing towards you. So, if you are ten feet away from an attacker who is holding a knife, how much time do you have to react to the threat if they make the first move? Well, first of all you must understand the reaction time continuum. On the average, reaction times can vary from .4 seconds to .8 seconds. This means you have very little time to perceive their movement and react to it. Alright, you have about three-fourths of a second to react to someone who is moving towards you at ten feet away. If your reaction time is one half to three-fourths of a second, that leaves you with little or no time to react!

More distance equals more reaction time. When you are close to an attacker and you move laterally, how much more distance are you really creating? Not as much as you might think! How much distance you create depends upon the method of footwork you are using to move. If an attacker makes the first move and you are able to react and you move laterally, more than likely you are not really creating much distance away from the attacker in order to survive! In our training and research we have experienced some not so good news.

First of all, our numbers are from our training exercises and are only being presented for you to begin the process of researching things yourself. In our research we used people who have not trained in drawing and firing their gun from concealment. The purpose of this is because a large percentage of people who have CCW or CHL permits do not train as often as they should. One of the advantages our participants had was that they knew the other person was going to move. We did our best at not trying to anticipate their movement. We conducted each test several times to see if we got similar results. I will try to summarize the results.

We started with the attacker at twenty-one feet away and the person who was the defender was able to respond by drawing and firing shots at the attacker. This was of no surprise to us. However, the defender still got cut and even knocked down because they did not move off the line of attack. From there we started the knife wielding attacker out at ten feet. The attacker made the first move and within one second the attacker was on the victim and had cut him at least once. After that, we had the defender move laterally by sidestepping. About one-half second into the attacker’s movement the defender started his lateral movement. On the average, the defender was only able to cover about four feet of ground. Moving laterally does not created distance away from the attacker fast enough in order to survive especially when using the sidestepping method of footwork. In some instances the defender drew their gun only after being cut multiple times by the attacker. Now, when we placed someone who has trained extensively in drawing and firing from concealment combined with unarmed combat tactics, we found that one is more likely to have more positive results.

Starting at the ten foot mark while remaining still, the more experienced person was able to successfully draw their gun and get at least one shot off. Again, they experienced multiple cuts and were knocked down as a result of not moving. When moving laterally the defender used cross-stepping method of footwork which kept the defender ahead of the attacker and out of reach for the most part. The defender was able to create about ten feet of ground before finally getting cut. I might ad that for the most part the defender only received cuts on his free side arm since he was drawing and shooting one handed! All of this happened in just a little over one and one-half seconds and it took that long only because the defender was able to create so much distance by cross-stepping.

Moving the threat even closer, we started the attacker at five feet out. Needless to say, the inexperienced defender didn’t have a chance to even go for his gun. Not once did the defender get his gun out! You might want to read that again. He didn’t have a chance to move laterally either. At this close distance you are pretty much toast if you think that you are going to get your gun out and use it when the attacker makes the first move. So, after several attempts failed by the rookie, we placed the experienced individual in the same situation. Well, at times he was successful at getting the gun out of the holster, but did not get to fire any shots. Again, he knew the attack was coming. One of the things that gave him the advantage was the attacker’s cues. This is where knowing the attacker’s rituals comes in handy. We never did tell him that defender was picking up on them and what they were. However, everyone does them! So, you had better learn them! The experienced defender really didn’t have any time to move laterally either without being cut several times.

One thing that a lot of people tend to forget is that you are most likely to be attacked in lowlight conditions. So, for that very reason we conducted several exercises in the dark just after sunset when your eyes are adjusting to the lighting conditions. Let me tell you that things change greatly and if you do not train in these conditions, then you are fooling yourself that you have even the slightest chance to survive. Not to mention, that you are probably not going to be able to hit your target if you are able to draw and shoot.

Alright, as you can imagine, the results were not good. Keep in mind that the participants were previously “focusing on drawing their gun.” With that in mind, we switched things up a little and told the experienced person to respond with unarmed combatives first and then draw his gun if he was able. Even in the low lighting conditions the experienced person in unarmed combatives was able to successfully respond against the attacker who was holding a knife and was five feet away. We found that you need to move first and react to the knife attack with an unarmed move and then draw your gun if that is the thing to do. After several exercises our results were more pleasing when responding with unarmed combatives than going straight for your gun. Very few times did the defender get cut where he may not have be able to draw and shoot, or remain in the fight. If you are able to deliver a counter strike to the knife attack that slows the attacker down even for one second, that will buy you more time to attempt to draw your gun or create more distance in order to do so.

In short, responding with unarmed combatives will keep you in the fight longer than by going straight for your gun. Going straight for your gun most of the time is not going to be a wise idea. And, if you move laterally or other directions with a step-n-drag method of footwork, you will not create enough distance to survive!

There are directions of movement you can utilize that will take you away from the danger allowing you more time to react, draw and fire. In addition, there are other methods of footwork that will allow you to traverse ground much quicker! We will discuss both of those topics at a later time.

When facing an attacker that has you at gunpoint at close distances, things don’t really look any better! In fact, at close distances you are simply going to be exchanging bullets if you use the sidestepping method of footwork and two handed shooting stances such as the Isosceles and Weaver. Exchanging bullets is not a good idea in my book! In order to survive a situation where an attacker has a gun drawn on you, you need to do one of two things. Become a small fast moving target creating as much distance as you can. Or, move in on the attacker past the muzzle of his gun and disarm him or draw your gun as you move in. And of course, there are good and bad ways to do this. If you want some ideas of good ways to do this, you might be interested in the following article.

http://www.modernwarriortalk.com/for...read.php?t=210

[ptbeast]

[quote=Brian LaMaster;392]The distancing and reaction time continuum.


In short, responding with unarmed combatives will keep you in the fight longer than by going straight for your gun. Going straight for your gun most of the time is not going to be a wise idea. And, if you move laterally or other directions with a step-n-drag method of footwork, you will not create enough distance to survive!


In my opinion, this if a vital, and often overlooked fact. In many situations the handgun should not be the first option. This is rarely incorporated into training. Cudos for doing so.

Another point that you mentioned briefly, but I believe to be the key factor, is learning what I call tactical awareness. In-other-words, learning to identify the threat before getting in harms way. Doing this well can avoid many encounters all together. Even if you are not able to avoid the encounter, knowing the signals that someone makes before attacking gains valuable time to be able to react (or better yet act) to the situation.

Thanks for sharing the results of your training sessions. Combine those with the information that I posted about FBI analysis of law enforcement fatalities and it seems clear that "target shooting" type training simply does not prepare us for real world threats.

Dave

[Brian LaMaster]

Combine those with the information that I posted about FBI analysis of law enforcement fatalities and it seems clear that "target shooting" type training simply does not prepare us for real world threats.

You are exactly correct! My question is... how many people are unprepared because of the their "firearms" training?!

[Warthog]

Because of my disability, my weak left leg has left me unable to reliably step as nimbly as you do.

How do you propose I try and move?

When I played high school and college football, I could easily do what you are doing, we did it in drills every day. I can't remember what they called it but the coach would stand in front of us with a ball and move it around and we would react by moving in that direction by crossing our feet like you show yourself doing in your video. I was really good at it too. I remained good and nimble until my 38th year of life. That was when I was involved in a very bad auto accident at work.

Unfortunately, like a lot of things since my accident, I have had to learn new ways to move. Most of them are not nearly as fast/quick in the way they open up distance between me and an attacker. I have tried things like incorporating my cane as a weapon as well as my gun. I am currently looking for a cane that is well suited to this that is also comfortable to use all day. I am open to suggestions here as well, FYI, I am not good with hooked canes and prefer the ones that have a more flat top type grip.

Knowing that I am weak with my left leg means I train it the hardest. I try to keep it as strong as possible and I also try to know what to do when it gives way under me. This is nerve damage and not muscle problems so it makes it a bit harder to control. So I try and plan for it instead.

I train for the worst and hope for the best. I also try to keep it as real as I can but I am also at either my home or a regular range. This really limits the reality factor due to insurance and liability issues.

I think that it is great that you folks have the facilities that you do and can train "real" but how about those of us that don't? Besides the occasional class and/or return trip to a facility, are there options for folks like us?

Is this forum a place to even ask these questions or should I realize that this is for those of you who can train properly?
I am being serious as I don't want to step on toes and would like to at least continue reading and asking an occasional question.

I am well aware of what I should be doing and that is what I want to be doing but there aren't any places for me to do it nearby.

How can "Joe Citizen" or, someone with physical difficulties and who is "Joe Citizen" still train hard, train often and train real?

[Brian LaMaster]

Training realistically is also based upon your particular situation. So, you may have to move differently than those of us who do not have physical limitations. Without having “limitations” personally, it is difficult to know how to tell you to move. And, each body is different in how it moves although most of us appear to be moving the “same” way.

Quite honestly, we have not had the time to fully explore and concentrate on programs that are for those with physical challenges. It is on our project plan, and I have no idea when we will be able to get to it. We do try and base our training on the average Joe’s physical condition. There really isn’t a lot that we teach that you may not be able to adapt to through your personal training time.

Yes, this is a place to ask such questions. Stepping on toes… well, unfortunately, that is impossible to avoid in the real world. But as long as it is done in the proper format, or in “good taste”, then it is acceptable. We step on toes everyday with our training philosophies. It is not that we intend to, but sometimes that is just what has to happen in order to get people to see the light about the reality of things in a fight.

Having a place to train realistically is most definitely an issue. That is why we are working on creating such a place. And, finding something near you to practice realistically, well, that is about a snow balls chance.

[Warthog]

Thanks Brian. I guess the answers remain the same everywhere I ask them.

"We would like to do that someday but..."

"You can tell best what you are able to do."

"Good luck finding a place near you. As for what you can try to do within the limitations at your range, I can't help you."

So, I guess I will give you the same answer I always give as well. Thank you.
When you get around to those of us who aren't the Spec Ops retirees looking to stay sharp, let me know.
Sadly, the options open to me, like Front Site and Thunder Ranch, both of which have a class for those with disabilities, are not the type of training that I think is realistic enough to keep me alive. I think they are more pandering tot he folks that have a bit of extra dough in their pocket who want to go somewhere and shoot select-fire weapons for a weekend and call themselves ready for action. I can do that anytime I want to as I have many friends with this type of weapon. Fun? Sure it is. Realistic? Not in the least. Expensive? YOU BETCHA!

I am not afraid to drive to Richmond a week or two every quarter to train as an alumnus if you open up the range to them as you talked of at the 1500. I would think of that as well worth my time and money. I would also continue my training with further courses at your facility, if they were available to me. It is my intent to stay alive in a situation if at all possible and training makes this a lot more likely.

[Brian LaMaster]

Warthog,

I know, I hate saying that we do not offer that type of training at this point because I know there is a need. However, it is very difficult to try and provide training for everyone who has physical challenges because not all challenges are the same. Bodies do not work "exactly" the same even when there are no physical limitations. The only thing we can do with people who have no limitations is modify the technique slightly to their abilities.

When it comes to physical limitations, I do not know which way your hips, knees, feet, etc. move easiest because I am not you or anyone else. I can only tell you what my body does.

I do think that we can teach you the same tactics, you might just have to adjust your movement to be able to move the way that we are teaching. Quite honestly, I am not 100% sure that a "special" course would be needed for a lot of people. They would just move how they can move in the same direction that we are moving. Their movement may be slower, but at least they are moving!

[Mad Duck]

Warthog,

Really we all have some type of limits, I mean that in once we get past our prime, we are not as nimble, or quick as we once were, injuries etc add to that.
I would you suggest that you attempt to train just like everybody else does, & when you find something you can't do, look for a way for yourself to do it.

As Clint Eastwood said "A man has to know his limits"

Find them & work with what you have. When you take a class from someone else, be up front about any limitations to the Instructor, & the good ones will work with you.

[5shot]

On Friday's, at the local range that I visit from time to time, (Sam's out by Boeing), a group uses the "open" side of the range where they draw, move and shoot - one at a time - and under the direction of the groups leader.

Perhaps, your local range offers something like that.

Then there's airsoft which you can use at home (if it's legal in your area), in your garage or in your home.

If you're married, best to check with the misses before you shoot up your living room.

You can make up situations and respond as best you can to them.

You can practice moving/drawing/and shooting. You could do FOF with others. And you also can "shoot" up tons of ammo (bb's) for not much money.

You can shoot at aerials (pop cans tossed up in the air), and even hit them after a bit of practice.

Here's info on how you can make up a cheap BB trap for use at home: www.pointshooting.com/airsoft.htm

Could be that there is an airsoft group close to where you live that has weekly sessions where they meet and hone their shooting skills.