TACTICAL OUTLOOK 2020 - Thomas Lojek
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TACTICAL
Edition - December 2019
OUTLOOK 2020
Instructor Zero
The most
important trends
in 2020
Taran Butler
Mindset of an
effective shooter
Universal Shield
From ancient
warfare to modern
battlefields 2020
Mark Human Wodan Security Tom Buchino
Industry Outlook 2020 Warrior mindset Effective Tactical Better training in
and knife defense Training in 2020 Small Unit Tactics
TACTICAL INDUSTRY OUTLOOK 2020 2
Editorial
Tactical Industry
Outlook 2020
Idea, Concept and Design
Thomas Lojek
Production
Thomas Lojek
Content Consulting
Thomas Lojek Preface by Thomas Lojek ....................................... 03
Editorial Contact; Instructor Zero ....................................................... 04
Thomas Lojek Taran Butler ........................................................... 09
Valenica, Spain
Paolo Simeone ........................................................ 13
thomas.lojek@thomaslojek.com
www.thomaslojek.com Scott Usry ............................................................... 17
© Thomas Lojek
Rich Graham .......................................................... 19
All Rights Reserved.
The copyrights of content, images Mark Human .......................................................... 23
and text, in this magazine are fully
owned by the individual Ralf Kassner ........................................................... 26
contributors.
Tactical Industry Outlook 2020
Dennis O'Connor ................................................... 29
does not contain paid advertising.
Thomas Lojek ........................................................ 30
Permission
This digital magazine can be Jared Wihongi ........................................................ 31
shared in messengers, social
media, and via Email. Universal Shield ..................................................... 32
The usage of this content on third
party websites needs a permission
Brian Naillon .......................................................... 37
in written form.
Paul Bonnici ........................................................... 41
Citing, Copy, Usage, Permission
Third parties need a permission Tom Buchino .......................................................... 43
in written form to cite, use,
distribute, print or copy the Miroslav Pasterčík .................................................. 50
content of this publication. No
selling, no reselling, no comercial Robert Vaughan ...................................................... 51
usage, no commercial distribution
is allowed. The usage in Ken Witt .................................................................. 54
advertising is prohibited or needs
a permission in written form. Neil Pollock ............................................................. 55
Photo Credits:
Varg Freeborn ......................................................... 57
Cover Photo © by Dave Young
Photos GTI Government Trading Federico Frassineti ................................................. 58
Institute: Dave Young
Instagram: Youngbuckdave Netz Krav ................................................................ 60
Photos by Wodan Security: Peter
Busch, Neuss, Germany
The material and information in
this magazine is for general
information purposes only.
THOMAS LOJEK 3
TACTICAL TRAINING
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK 2020
By Thomas Lojek
The future of special operations and tactical Top: Tactical Training at GTI Government
training is now. The year 2020 will be crucial! Training Institute in South Carolina
I asked some of the best SME for their outlook!
Special Operations are the future. In a On the following pages you will find
world of complex threats the highly some of the most lethal and most
trained specialist is the ultimate effective warriors of our times. They
weapon. But if you think, it is all about survived places, conflicts, wars, and
cool tactics in good-looking gear while fights, most people can not even
pointing your assault rifle on moving imagine. And it made them better.
targets, you are dead wrong. Many of them decided to become
Everything from special operations to instructors. It‘s essentially a universal
tactical training is about people. It's tradition in human warfare: The ones
about to bring together the best team who mastered the skills and survived
players, the brightest people, the most the battlefields teach the next
skilled fighters and thinkers. And then, generation of warriors. There is
make them ready for what they do wisdom in it. It happens for a reason.
best: stopping bad guys in every And that‘s why you will read a lot
possible way. about the Warrior Ethos in many of
Yes, reaction time, shooting skills and the following articles. The more
Thomas Lojek being a tough guy in CQB is crucial, advanced skills, gear and technologies
there is no doubt about that. But the become, the more our today‘s warriors
I am a professional writer for more essential edge in modern warfare hunger for the very core of a fighter‘s
than 20 years with some friends in comes from the mind. From the way life: The Code of Honor and the
special operations and also in the our best fighters look at the world, Warrior Ethos.
tactical training industry. Some- process its information, and make The men in this project are good men.
times, I enjoy telling a good story decisions in the blink of an eye. Is They shoulder the task to get up early
about what they do. This new there some alpha male testosterone in the morning to teach other good
Industry Outlook 2020 is one of involved? Yes, sure. Being a leader? men the cutting-edge tactics of giving
these occasions. I hope you enjoy it. Absolutely. Lethal force? Of course. bad guys a hard time. And they get
In 2020, my new thriller novel will But you must also be the guy who has back home late, after the job is done. It
be out. Let‘s keep in touch. You can the back of everybody else in the team, is not an easy life.
follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn and you must be able to understand
and on Instagram. There is so much But they all do it for a reason. Now,
the complex nature of modern threats
to do in 2020! Stay safe! you will have the opportunity to read
while stepping up to take the bad guys about their motives in our exclusive
out of the game. Tactical Industry Outlook 2020.
INSTRUCTOR ZERO 4
Instructor Zero: My Outlook for 2020
The cognitive challenges in a new area of tactical training
“Virtual range scars“ and intellectual bias something, it takes that infor-
mation in and creates its own
form counterproductive pattern in your reality. There are those out
training and your shooting habits! there who watch shooting
videos. Those same people
In today’s information age, globe. Meanwhile, new techno- then think they are trained,
emboldened by the modern logies, give us access to highly simply because of what they
internet, the line between what specialized information. We have seen. Or, they just feel
makes sense and what is utter should truly be grateful for better by what they have seen.
nonsense can be thin. This is this. This is the modern,
especially true for the tactical exciting world we are living in. This visual stimulus gives them
training industry. an adrenaline rush because it
However, on the other hand, seems exciting and it seems
On one hand, we are living in a we face a very dangerous and like it may have some logic.
very blessed time: internet, counterproductive phenome- The brain takes this visual
YouTube, and social media non that I call “The cognitive stimulus, accompanied by the
have spread the importance of bubble of YouTube.“ What I physiological response to the
our profession around the mean is, if the brain watches stimulus, and makes its own
INSTRUCTOR ZERO 5
reality, simply because of what a dangerous bias. This can be
was just seen. especially true in today’s climate
of information overload when we
The immediate and on demand are trying to evaluate certain
access to this stimulus creates techniques, while simultaneously,
the illusion of being able to wading through the overflow of
perform what the brain has just too much information.
processed due to the accessible
visual stimulus. People are Especially, if you live and work in
creating a false sense of the echo chamber of such a
professionalism and security highly specialized profession
when they take this information such as tactical training or
in and then turn it into their firearms. Any information can be
own reality, whether consciously good and bad at the same time.
or subconsciously.
We must learn how to handle this
The end-result is “virtual range constant flow of information
scars“ sneaking silently into while at the same time, being able
your thinking as intellectual bias to recognize when bias and bad
or, as a counterproductive habits are overtaking what really
pattern in your own shooting makes sense. That will be a huge
habits. This one day may result challenge for our industry. It is
in very dangerous outcomes for very easy to take the opinion of
those who act overconfident. It “The internet is bad“, “YouTube
may also be just plain wrong, sucks“, and so on. We must
simply because their brain has recognize this reaction is narrow-
consumed information out of minded, especially, for a complex
Instructor Zero context and created its own profession like tactical training,
reality. firearms, or close protection.
Do not fool yourself, it’s not just We must master the information,
“kids with a keyboard“ syn- not become enslaved by it.
drome. It can even happen to Understanding this concept will
seasoned professionals because make a huge difference in how
it is very easy to overlook a small and what we train, for a very long
error in your thought process or time.
INSTRUCTOR ZERO 6
In the security business, if you shoot faster than your brain can process information, it could
mean serious trouble for you. Mechanics, shooting, and tactics are applied based on context.
That leads me to another point information in a highly
that must be considered based effective way has an advantage
on where we, as an industry, over a shooter who is three
stand today. If our industry times faster.
really wants to deliver on what
it is promising, then we must Instructors must understand,
instill into the general that the human brain, not the
populations mindset that all mechanics, is the key. We must
information, all training, and of course master the
all drills, are solely based on fundamentals. However,
context and context alone. fundamentals only give us the
certainty to act appropriately in
You can train your mind and a constantly changing or
body to shoot incredibly fast. challenging environment.
On the range and in Fundamentals are the road
competition, this is beneficial. map, but your brain is the
However, as a professional in driver. The driver has to
the security business, if you
shoot faster than your brain
can process information, it Instructors must understand, that the human
could mean serious trouble for
you. Mechanics, shooting, and brain, not the mechanics, is the key.
tactics are applied based on
context. The key to discovering
what makes sense in your understand the road he has
personal training regimen will taken. Driving Rally Dakar is
come only after you have different than driving New
evaluated your environment, York rush hour. In both
purpose, and desired outcome. environments, a driver can fail
The context is everything. and die. The same can happen
to law enforcement and
In an active shooter situation, a military operators if they do
person who can process not understand the very
chaotic and random specific parameters applicable
INSTRUCTOR ZERO 7
to their given situation in a completely different than in a this to train good people to
certain environment. The fun and “Hey, Bro!“ step up against bad guys and
brain must be your ultimate environment of the shooting dangerous threats? We are not
advantage, not the trigger. range, on Sunday. Instructors a competitive shooter, where
must educate their students only one person can win the
Remember, it can only be to about this gap of what they championship.
your advantage if you train think they do and what really
your brain to understand, awaits them should they have If I think that a team or a
learn, and process information to draw their gun. It also student could learn a specific
while countering various means, we should always teach skill better in the presence of
environments and conditions. the simple fact: “If we return another instructor, I will
Although practicing on a home without drawing our always pass them on to the one
shooting range is good, it does guns, we have done our jobs who can best serve their needs.
not necessarily prepare you for right. “ Why not? If you think you can
real world situations. cover all aspects of such a
So, in this age of information highly complex task like
Instructors must be fully in a highly connected world, firearms training, CQB, or
transparent with this gap and what could be the ultimate tactical training, then you are
explain to students on the advantage for instructors? The delusional. There is no
range, the differences between very simple answer is, we need universal ninja, there is no
what students think they do to learn from each other. There universal answer.
while being with us, and what is so much “My Tactical Kung
really awaits them in the real Fu is better than your Tactical The very nature of what we do
world. If you are threatened Kung Fu“ going on in the as instructors in tactical and
with the real possibility of industry. We must ask firearms training, obligates us
imminent death, you will act ourselves, why? Are we not in to be constantly learning.
INSTRUCTOR ZERO 8
I see myself as a part-time More openness, more “Come or your money. No Medal of
instructor, but full-time learner. over here, let‘s see what we Honor or a higher ranking in
I can‘t stop learning. If you have, and let‘s get things Call of Duty awaits you,
stop learning in this profession, done!“. This attitude would be thereafter.
then you are either dead, will a big step forward for our
be soon, or you simply don‘t industry. No instructor has a It is important that we get this
care about your job anymore. If secret ninja box. However, all information out into the minds
that is the case, then honestly, true instructors share a passion of the public audience. Because
you should quit. for learning. We should share we are dealing with too much
this passion to get better every false information about the
Constantly learning is the most day, because in the end, we truth of our profession. That
crucial ability we need to have create better students who false information harms our
and maintain in our profession. come back to ask for our reputation collectively as an
You stop learning, and you will services or recommend what industry.
die. This death can be we do, and that will grow our
figurative, meaning industry in general. We should be very clear in
professionally, or personally. It 2020: No advanced tactics in
can also be literal through the I would like to close my social media! No courses like
hands of a bad guy who fights outlook with some thoughts “hostages rescue” for civilians,
you in a manner you didn't about best practices and ethics. no asymmetric team tactics for
understand in the moment, Like all industries, we have civilians. We can teach CQB to
because you got lazy. some bad apples, and we all civilians, yes, but if we want to
know it. These companies offer truly be honest, real, and
The truth about our profession services without background serious on what we are doing,
is very simple: Get back home checks. They teach civilians we should teach them only
in one piece! That‘s it. Then, as advanced CQB tactics when individual CQB tactics related
instructors, we must teach there is no need for civilians to with home defense and
others to come back home in learn room entries, team tactics, eventually, introduce strategies
one piece. That’s the meaning or hostage rescue, because to include our family.
of our profession, plain and simply put, they will likely
simple. If an operator returns never need and or use it. This will help us to create a
to his family, we have done our cleaner and more serious
job. In order to be successful, it If a civilian gets into trouble, it business environment where
requires constant learning. Not will most likely happen on the we can prosper in what we
only for the operators we train, street, around his car, or in his want to stand for: Security and
but also for us, as instructors. own house. Sorry to crush responsibility in a world that
The responsibility we shoulder some dreams, but if you are a wants to make a big step
is too high to become lazy or civilian in a defensive situation, forward to becoming safer and
ignorant. know that there will be no better while being less afraid of
team, no good-looking room- certain elements who threaten
Because the risks and the entry, no rescue tactics. To put our people because they don‘t
responsibilities are so high, I it bluntly, you will have to deal share our values of taking care
would like to see more with a rough and unexpected of others and living a
cooperation between outbreak of chaotic violence honorable way of life.
instructors worldwide. that may, cost your life, your car,
TARAN BUTLER 9
Taran Butler
The core principles that make great shooters
The man who made John Wick a legend tells you the truth!
Taran Tactical Innovations
My life-long passion to shoot and to
learn continues in 2020!
It seems that the industry,
especially in social media,
never gets tired to fight over
the different branches of our
firearms professions. Many
deny the real-world value of
competition shooting, because
it does not take place in the
immediate context of a military
or law enforcement situation.
But this fairly short-sighted.
And I will explain to you why.
The very core of every single
profession related to firearms
is the perfect manipulation and
handling of a firearm. You can
train in the most realistic
tactical environment, if you fail
in the perfect handling and
manipulation of your weapon
you will fail on your mission
later, no matter how tactical
you feel and think about
yourself.
And I can assure you this,
because I trained some of the
best guys in the military. And
they never hesitate to seek out
to gain knowledge from an
external source, as long as they
were able to learn something.
Everybody is in a box. Lessons
learned and routines can make
you inflexible or short-sighted.
TARAN BUTLER 10
Bottom: Taran and James Cameron Right: Taran teams-up with the Punisher
That's why the best of the best
constantly seek out to learn
from different sources, even
from uncommon ones. And
this is where we come in: the
guys who aren't military
operators, but have a way with
weapons.
For a better understanding, I
will give you a brief
retrospective of my career. It is
necessary to get the full picture
of what I would like to explain
here.
I got into competition shooting
sports in late 1994. Soon, I won
my very first match. I came in
7th on about 118 people, with a
Glock 45. I went on to get a
Glock 22 .40 caliber, then a
Glock 24, long, 6 inch. I got a
Grandmaster Card in little over
a year, I am a seven time
Grandmaster.
That was pretty awesome for
me at this time, I was pretty
happy. I shot pistol for a while.
Then a bunch of area matches.
All the fun stuff. Then I got
into 3-gun. That was when
things really took of amazing.
Then I ended up, going to the
3-gun nationals. And winning
those, I went on a 5 or 6 years
winning streak.
Around this time, I met a lot of
military guys. That lead to them
coming to train at my place. I
did a few military classes, here
and there. Law enforcement,
too. And what I have learned in
the whole thing is that the best
guys in the military world were
hiring the best 3-gunners and
pistol shooters out there.TARAN BUTLER 11
It is all about how to manipulate your weapons well. The context depends on your profession, but
the core principle of a great shooter is to reach a maximum in effective weapon handling.
Guys like Michael Voigt, Rob world and different military
Leatham, Todd Jarrett, Robert guys, they were always eager to
Vogel, Dave Sevigny. The man seek out to learn from every
that really pioneered a lot of it available source about how to
was Jerry Barnhart, who wrote manipulate a weapon well.
the book for West Point on
tactical training. There are top competition
shooters, who make a lot of
And the military hired these money to teach military and
men for training, because they law enforcement. And this
wanted to learn how to works well for both sides for a
manipulate a weapon well. And reason. Because at the end, it is
when 3-gunners came into it, all about how to manipulate
the whole process became even your weapons well. The context
more interesting for the maybe is different or changes,
military. depending on your profession,
but the core principle of a
We trained in several military
places. I did not as much as my
other fellow guys in the The core principle of a great shooter is to reach
industry did then, because
when I started to do the show a maximum in effective weapon handling.
“Top Shot“, it leads to all kind
of different projects to build
my career bigger. And then, I great shooter is to reach a
ended up in the world of maximum in effective weapon
Hollywood, starting with John handling. And if you keep this
Wick, the biggest thing that in mind the never-ending
happened to me. arguments about who shoots
better or more tactical becomes
And now, I have been flooded quite pointless, because what
with non-stop movie projects. we do is fundamental and
But talking with several every other branch carries
military groups around the these fundamentals into theTARAN BUTLER 12
Left: Keanu Reeves at Taran Tactical Right: A day at Taran Tactical
context of its own profession,
after the training. And this makes
sense. Because there is no “one
fits all“-solution in what we do,
but a constant learning process
and an imperative to stay open-
minded.
I still train military and law
enforcement units. None of this
goes out to my social media
channels, because I am simply
not allow to reveal this kind of
information. But it is still a part
of my business,
I enjoy it, and it is a honor to me.
And I will continue to do it, even
when Hollywood takes 70% or
80% of my time, now.
Keanu Reeves is constantly at my
place, because John Wick 4 is
coming soon, and a new Matrix
movie. Guns and Roses are
stopping by. Cast member of the
Mission Impossible movies. A lot
of great people, a lot of fun stuff.
Also, the Vegas SWAT, Anaheim
SWAT, LAPD SWAT, all the local
ones, just a never-ending group
of great people coming by all the
time.
So, 2020 will be a interesting
year. Stay open-minded... and
never stop learning!PAOLO SIMEONE 13
Paolo Simeone
Tactical Industry Outlook 2020: What will matter next year? From ISIS, over
tactical instructor networking, to warrior ethics. Read my personal outlook, now!
I expect a rise in activities of civil war around their now lost tactics. Of course, this has to
terrorist groups in 2020. „Caliphate“. And these men are happen in a highly controlled
Especially in Africa and the available on „the free market of environment and very
Middle East, as well as in Asia. international terrorism“ to responsible, but we need a
Many local terror groups have teach other groups, e.g. local more efficient networking than
announced their loyalty to uprising movements in Central in the past. Our best subject
ISIS, recently. These things Africa, how to carry out matter experts have to form
happen in the shadows, far sophisticated attacks and networks and let information
away from the public eye and advanced guerrilla warfare and experience flow in our own
media. tactics. That‘s very dangerous. connected and controlled
learning environments.
ISIS is far from defeated. This And this is the reason why we,
notorious terrorist group won’t as western tactical trainers, The big military entities of our
die that easily, even if the need to update our own world are doing this all the
public opinion and our media training and tactical toolset as time: they share intelligence,
have started to believe it. They soon as possible. This new they share lesson learned
are wrong. Instead, ISIS is phase of evolution in the world databases, training updates,
changing itself into a terror of international terrorism will and so on. And we, as tactical
franchise company. It has
changed from a local group to
a global ideology. Now, they
exist to sell and to unify a We have to connect our trustable sources
general hatred against the
western way of life. And they
and trainers as efficiently as possible!
deliver the tools to fight it.
be a strong reminder for our training instructors in the
What makes the new ISIS so tactical industry, and all its private market, have to mimic
dangerous: They have a lot of instructors, that we have to this strategy of the big military
experience in modern warfare. connect better. players, because at the end we
The members of ISIS who face the same opponents:
have survived their defeat in We have to connect our terrorists, organized crime, and
Iraq and Syria are skilled trustable sources and trainers foreign mercenaries who are
fighter, now. They have gained as efficiently as possible to willing to kill. Our ability to
a lot of experience during the share our experience and connect and to share crucialPAOLO SIMEONE 14
Top: Paolo Simeone in a briefing during a
tactical training workshop
training instructors in the in tough operations in the these things anymore, because
private market have to mimic more complex than ever war of regulations and legal issues.
this strategy of the big military zones of our modern world. Also, for pure reasons of ethics
players, because at the end we That also means, that our and „best practices“ we have to
face the same opponents: industry is clearly divided into keep these two worlds apart.
Some in our industry are
crossing the line: They are
Our ability to connect and to share posting in social media
crucial experience and tactical advanced tactics just for the
information will be the key in 2020. sake of likes, fame, or sales.
terrorists, organized crime, and two parts: Advanced tactics for
foreign mercenaries who are customers coming from
willing to kill. Our ability to military entities or law
connect and to share crucial enforcement. And „non-
experience and tactical tactical“ defense courses for
information will be the key. civilians, like basic pistol
The key for our profession as workshops and self-defense.
instructors in the civilian We are not allow to mix up
market. And the key to survivePAOLO SIMEONE 15
Right: Paolo Simeone with
Universal Shield
Top: Paolo Simeone
They are putting our guys in
danger. CQB, SOF training,
and advanced combat tactics
don't belong in the public.
Not for a meaningless social
media fame, nor for making a
bunch of bloody money. It
doesn't even make any sense!
There is no need for tactics in
the civilian market. Civilians
need self-defense, that‘s it.
Advanced tactics should keep
in the hands of military and
law enforcement.
So, there will be basically two
worlds for our industry in 2020
and beyond, always depending
on what kind of customers ask
for our services.
Follow Paolo on Facebook!PAOLO SIMEONE 16
Paolo Simeone
What makes a true
warrior in 2020?
The path of the warrior in modern times.
Back to the roots: What makes a true must be our guideline. We must go
warrior? back to the roots. We must be
attached to the core values of true
On our modern battlefields, more warriors and not too dependent on
complex than ever before, we have to the technology of our gear.
return to the very core of warfare: A
true and deeper understanding of You have always to remember
what makes a true and highly efficient yourself: Technology and gear can fail.
warrior. And they will fail. It is just a matter of
time and your environment.
Top: Paolo Simeone In a world so excited about drones,
cyberattacks, tactical gear, and gadgets, But what will never fail you is the
we have to return to the basics: to the spirit of your soul as warriors. And as
warrior ethos, to what makes a warrior warriors we have to remember this
in its core. Technology is good. But we spirit to lighten the moments of
are putting „things“ on the top of the darkness that awaits the ones who
pyramid. On the top of the pyramid of fights on the battlefields of our world.
true warfare has to be the man. The
man and his honor, his capabilities Your certainty of what you fight for
and his ethics. cannot not fail you. Because if you
fight without true bliefes you enter
That‘s why we have to come back to the battlefield just as dead as the
the true meaning of being a „soldier“. bodies around you, and right before
Because we are losing our way. We are the fight even has begun. And it will
putting all our efforts in gear, in happen completely disregarding what
weaponry, and advanced technology. you wear or carry. Remember that.
But our enemies, they are fighting for Always.
a cause. Write or wrong, like it or not,
they do it very efficiently. And they are Technology and gear won’t make a
reckless and dangerous only because worrior out of you. But you can make
of their beliefs in what they fight for. one out of yourself. By making up
They will die for their beliefs. your own combat mindset all the time
and by all yourself. By believe in
And that‘s something we are losing in yourself and what you fight for.
our western world. Our soldiers are
more afraid to die, because there is And you must do that. Because in the
nothing to believe in. Not anymore. battle of minds, the one with a
And it´s all about money. Even on the stronger combat mindset - even if his
battlefield. ideology is dead wrong - will win the
fight.
The path of the warrior, in its very
ancient and universal meaning You can´t allow this to happen. Not in
through all epochs and all traditions, 2020. And not beyond.SCOTT USRY 17
Tactical Training for First Responder
Scott Usry: Director of Training GTI Government Training Institute • Patrol members
are the true first responder of any agency. These men and women are the backbone of
the agency and handle more calls each year then any SWAT team.
In the law enforcement the situation like any other one This type of training filled a
community, a lot of time and that they were not trained nor void, but little did we know at
money is spent on training and equipped to handle. the time, it identified other
equipping Tactical or SWAT shortcomings in the way we do
Teams. The reason for this is The agencies surrounded the business.
obvious, because the members school and held a perimeter
of these elite teams have got to while SWAT responded and SWAT team member have to be
be the best at what they do, entered the school. precision shooters, so a lot of
when they need to do it. time is spent on these guys
SWAT’s response was to enter horning their skills. A lot of the
There is an old saying among the building and clear the time the SWAT guys will be the
the teams that goes “when the rooms one by one until they best shooter in the agency.
public needs help they call the found the shooters.
Police, but when the Police Not that this is bad, but unless
need help they call SWAT”. We now know that this caused these operators are on patrol
a delay in locating and they will not be the first person
While this saying still holds neutralizing the shooters. on scene of an active situation.
true today, the environment
that law enforcement is
operating in has evolved and Unless SWAT operators are on patrol they will not be
became more and more
unstable and more dangerous.
the first person on scene of an active situation.
Historically, agencies would
respond to certain types of The lessons learned that day
events and set up a perimeter caused law enforcement Patrol members are the true
and wait for SWAT to arrive agencies across the country to first responder of any agency.
and resolve the event. This was re-evaluate their training and These men and women are the
the norm until the Columbine how they respond to active backbone of the agency and
School Shooting. shooter incidents. handle more calls each year
On April 20, 1999 the norm in then any SWAT team. For this
Law Enforcement changed Active shooter training was reason the patrol division needs
forever. At that time, developed and implemented in to be trained and patrol
responding agencies handled nearly all agencies, nationwide. division needs to be betterSCOTT USRY 18
Patrol members are the true Basic SWAT or Advanced without any out of pocket
first responder of any agency. Tactical Patrol Officer training. expense to the agency?
These men and women are the
backbone of the agency and The goal of this type of What if there was a pot of
handle more calls each year training is not to make every money that each agency has
then any SWAT team. patrol officer a SWAT member, access to that they might not
but rather better enhance their even know about? The easy
For this reason the patrol abilities to perform their answer to that is there is.
division needs to be trained duties.
and equipped to handle the The Asset Trading Program,
situations that they are facing The problem with this train of offered by the Government
in this ever changing and thought is that most agencies Training Institute, is a one of a
evolving environment. have very limited resources kind program that allows
and budgets. Agencies want to agencies to take all the old,
Advanced firearms and tactics train, but don’t have money in used, out of date, unwanted or
should be the new norm for all the budgets to do any seized equipment they have
members of your agency; advanced training. saved up over the years and
especially the men and women trade it in for cash for new
of you patrol division and What to do has always been equipment and/or training.
school resource officers as they the question agencies have
will be the ones protecting our asked, a lot of time with no This program relieves the
children and loved ones. answer. worry about how to afford the
training that the patrol
I believe that every member of What if there was a way to division needs to be better
these divisions should be provide agencies with the trained.
allowed to attend some sort of training that they neededRICH GRAHAM 19
Rich
Graham
Full Spectrum Warrior USA
Former Navy SEAL about
quick thinking and reaction
skills behind the firearm !
When I work with shooters there are Many significant problems can develop
two main things I focus in on: if you are breeding a culture of shooters
who cannot think or react while they’re
1. Building the individual’s ability to shooting.
move effectively from behind the
firearm, and... Therefore, one of our big goals at FSW
has been to set up a variety of training
2. Developing the shooter’s ability to scenarios and drills within our training
critically think under stress. programs to develop cognitive thinking
under stress.
By focusing in on these two specific
things, people become more well- By setting up mental obstacles, the
rounded shooters, thinkers, and movers individual is forced to slow down to a
behind their weapon. Instead of just pace that’s slower than they are used to
Top: Rich Graham
being able to pull the trigger and hit a shooting at, but at a pace more
target more often, my students know appropriate to their ability to process
where and how to move and why they the information they are receiving.
should do so in different times
throughout different scenarios. In doing so, shooters receive, analyze,
and process the data to make specific
Many times the shooting world’s focus is judgement calls or decisions to best
in on shooting fundamentals: the actual engage a target. Where this becomes
aspect of shooting the gun. Through this significantly important is an active-
mindset, we have developed many shooter situation where those
shooters to be extremely fast at responding need to process info quickly
performing magazine changes while and respond effectively rather than just
engaging multiple targets. bursting in guns blazing.
Things of that nature are beneficial, but Here in America, in an active-shooter
one area I feel is personally lacking is situation we have seen a rise in armed-
the individual’s ability to critically think citizens attempting to help or work
under stress. alongside law enforcement officers.
Most of these settings are highly
The downside to this is we have a populated areas with a lot of moving
bunch of really fast and accurate parts involved. I have worked with law
shooters who lack the ability to process enforcement agencies and private
information as fast as they are able to citizens around our country to develop
deliver rounds down range. the two main training focuses: theRICH GRAHAM 20
Left: Training with Universal Shield Right: Rich Graham
Here in America, in an active-
shooter situation we have seen
a rise in armed-citizens
attempting to help or work
alongside law enforcement
officers. Most of these settings
are highly populated areas with
a lot of moving parts involved.
I have worked with law
enforcement agencies and
private citizens around our
country to develop the two
main training focuses: the
ability to critically think under
stress and the ability to move
your body behind the firearm.
The ability to assess the
situation and make proper
judgement calls first before
engaging is critical to avoid
putting someone in a position
where they shoot first and then
realize “Oh man, I shot the
wrong target!”
The ability to move your body
behind the gun allows those
responding to situations to
move in and around crowds,
through buildings or debris, or
simply to move to find better
cover from the target while
moving into better positioning
to take down the target.
In my classes, once we have
developed a foundation for
students to work on, we then
transition into developing their
ability to move better and
faster.
For almost ten years now, my
business partner Greg
Mihovich and I have been
working on a program we call
the “Combat Mobility System”.RICH GRAHAM 21
This program works to arm a access the opponent for
stationary shooter with the skills weaknesses in his movement or
necessary to properly move with fighting style. As you can imagine
their firearm from position to someone glued into one position
position working angles to without the ability to assess and
reduce the chance of injury from analyze information wouldn’t last
contact with the ground or other long. Sure they could still use
objects they might use for cover their fists to fight but their ability
or concealment. to do so effectively would be
minimal.
The best example of this is to
think about how a boxer or Transition this scenario to
mixed martial artist fights. One shooting. If we took a stationary
of the first things they learn to shooter and blindfolded them,
do when they begin training most high-level shooters with
isn’t how to punch or strike but good fundamentals and accuracy
how to move their body. could probably still hit paper.
Footwork and movement are However, just like the fighter in
fundamental and key. Trainers the ring, the shooter lacks the
really hammer this home ability to think under stress, the
because it is the foundation for receive and analyze new info, and
success. We do not see this to move his or her body in and
much in the firearms world, but around the target. Technical skill
instead see a lot of people will never overcome one’s ability
shooting stationary and focused to think and move his or her
in on the fundamentals of firing body in any situation.
the weapon, becoming accurate,
Rich Graham and so on. What is significantly This brings me to a saying we
lacking is the ability for that have here in the States. There’s a
individual to move and think on gun control joke that goes like
their feet. this: “I left my firearm out on the
front porch for a week and it
Imagine how long a fighter didn’t shoot anybody. Guns don’t
would last if we sent him into kill people; people kill people
the ring with his feet glued into with guns.” There is truth to that,
position, without the ability to but also truth to the fact that theRICH GRAHAM 22
Images: Rich Graham
firearm is only as good as the
person who is behind it.
A Samurai’s sword is sharp,
and it can cut, but the
difference is, the Samurai
sword is only as effective is the
person who is wielding it.
It takes finesse rather than just
a baseline knowledge of how to
point a gun and pull a trigger.
The Samurai is a warrior and
his success comes from his
fitness mobility, technical
skillsets, and critical thinking
under stress.
My goal is to develop strong-
moving and critically thinking
warriors who can perceive and
react to a variety situations.
At Full Spectrum Warrior we
train the body and the mind to
be just as effective or more
than the weapons we are
implementing. Rich GrahamMARK HUMAN 23
Mark Human
The Warrior Mind in 2020
What are the challenges of the
modern-day training environment?
The Warrior Mind in 2020 In our age of games, gear and
technology many people coming into
Developing the right work ethic, skill, the industry and have not been exposed
attitude, physical mental resilience. to true physical violence.
Although the majority of my time is It is also important for combatants to
spent developing and presenting prepare them for the cost (physical,
training, I believe that spending time in emotional and moral) of engaging
the field with clients to understand their enemies in combat.
context is important to ensure that the
skill sets, we present in our training What about rules for the “good guys”?
curriculums are fully congruent with The rules of engagement for regular
their actual working environment. forces (private and state) are influenced
and liable to military and or civilian
Top: Mark Human
One of the challenges in training people mandates (Law), and held up to the
in the modern combat environment is scrutiny of the world by politically
an attitude of “tick the box” or the „I backed media agendas.
been there and done that“ attitude.
Professional private military entities,
There are always the core crew groups private security and private law
that are dedicated to continued training enforcement are important role players
throughout their careers but for many in this equation.
they will not put time and money into
training unless it is a requirement to Often, they are governed by higher
work. moral, ethical and performance criteria
than entities of the state.
It always baffles me when I meet people
working in some of the most dangerous
environments that they do not spend
time to invest in acquiring new skills or
maintaining existing ones.
Along with recognition skills it is
critical to foster what I call a
“Responsible Warrior Mind supported
by physical and mental resilience.”
This encompasses instilling pride,
identity, purpose and a sense of urgency.MARK HUMAN 24
Top: Mark Human demonstrates combat
tactics around a vehicle
Below: Mark Human edged weapon workshop
This means the good guys Because: “Dithering gets you
better know the game, be dead!”
skilled and get to know their
enemy. There are third/fourth
underlying factors to decisive
The enemy you face does not action.
play by the rules!
A person’s value and belief
What happens when training fails system underpinned with their
to address “The Responsible understanding of the
Warrior Mind” as part of their consequences for their specific
curriculum? actions can often be a stronger
“breaking” or “accelerating”
To act decisively without mechanisms to decisive action
hesitation requires speedy than poor or well-honed
decision-making, linked with physical skills.
the immediate appropriate
response. These too need to addressed in
the training environment and
To achieve this, it is obvious be congruent with action and
that one requires well pattern recognition skills.
developed “pattern” recognition
skills and have the right How can this be addressed in the Put these factors together the right
physical and equipment training environment? way and you will come up with the
familiarity skills linked with the best training solution for your
appropriate options for 1. Create context about value customers.
response in context to any given of tasks goals and objectives
situation 2. Clarify mandates It is a challenge for us as instructors as
3. Redefine and reset the it will be for our customers.
It is prudent to ask oneself, why parameters of their value
then do well equipped, well and belief system. But this it what it takes to be prepared
trained individuals dither even 4. Clarify consequences (legal/ for the threats of 2020 and facing a
though they have the above moral justification) of action/ rising global aggression level.
requirements in place? inaction.MARK HUMAN 25
Mark Human
Modern combat has been depersonalised by technology, gaming and gadgets. Edged weapons
work brings back the emotional driving forces that need to be managed to fight for your life!
Why do you place a large nothing more terrifying for
emphasis on edged weapons someone in the field trying
training? their academy taught
technique in the field while
Edged weapons demonstrate they are fighting for their life
how low tech in an age that and their mind is going “this
relies on gadgets and shit just does not work!”
technology applied with intent
and skill can be both a useful In modern conflict, combat has
tool for professionals but a been depersonalised by
formidable threat in the wrong technology, gaming and
hands. gadgets.
The knife threat is not going to Edged weapons work brings
go away. And if the “good guys” back the emotional driving
leave it out of their box of skills forces that need to be managed
they fail, both to understand to fight for your life and
the threat as well as loose a
valuable force multiplier in an
anormal or a plan B scenario.
Edged weapon training is a powerful
“To know your enemy” means tool for developing mental resilience!
for people who do not grow up
in blade cultures can benefit
from training that works on possibly take a life at bad
physical skills as well as breath distance.
understanding the mindset of
edged weapon attackers in I believe even if edged weapon
different arenas. skills directly utilised in
combat that edged weapon
Training needs to address training is a powerful tool for
actual threats faced in the field developing mental resilience, a
environment. It’s easy to teach culture of training and a
„feel good“ crap but there is fighting spirit.WODAN SECURITY 26 Wodan Security Tactical Industry Outlook 2020 Ralf Kassner: What will be important in 2020? The short answer is: things will definitely not be getting any better. Political Situation: there are currently 16 wars and, with the Ukraine conflict, that includes one in Europe. Add to that the 25 limited wars and 173 violent crises worldwide. According to the Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research’s ‘Conflict Barometer 2018’ the perception of the security situation was never as uneasy as at present. The number of returning foreign fighters from IS via Turkey and other routes into Europe is additionally exacerbating the ever present threat from terrorism. What does that mean for us? The effects in Europe of the influx of large numbers of migrants, many unregistered,
WODAN SECURITY 27
Left: Tactical Training during Wodan Right: Ralf Kassner and Team Wodan
Security IBC 4 Security
are well-known: a new form of
violence has emerged, not only
for law enforcement and other
security authorities, but also
for normal civilians.
The reaction from the Police is
an increase in tactical
equipment, not only from the
specialist units but also from
the support units (e.g. USK,
BFE) with new level IV
ballistic vests, armored
vehicles, helmets and
specialized weapon systems.
Increasingly the Police
specialist units are training in
military style tactics and there
is call for more robust units.
Should close protection
operators also change their
equipment and tactics? The
answer is a clear Yes! If there
have been no significant
changes over the last few years,
because everything always
went as planned. then make it
a consideration for 2020!
You need to be at least as well-
trained and prepared as a
potential enemy. That is the
expectation of not only your
client, but also of your team
and it should be your own
personal standard.
At our training events and at
the IBC, I see more and more
professional equipment being
used, including level IV
ballistic vests, professional
medic packs and much more.
We are very pleased about this
as it indicates the right attitude
to the profession.WODAN SECURITY 28
IBC 5 will take place in But the decisive element is not various scenarios in our 2020
September 2020 with equipment... rather the mind- training in CQB etc.
set... that gives you the edge.
new training scenarios. For 2020, we are planning:
Always prepare yourself
thoroughly for your operat- A CQB course in April, in
ions. Expect the worst and Johannesburg, including 2
prepare yourself exactly for days knife training with Mark
that. Train alone, train with Human, and 2 days VC QB.
your team, continual In May, we are planning a 4-
repetition of the basics, keep day Hostile Environment
yourself updated, maintain Training for those operating in
contact with other good crisis areas and conflict zones,
instructors, develop contacts including car shooting, vehicle
in other countries, share drills, live fire with specialized
information. Where possible weapons, Medic and
access intelligence sources, Checkpoint Scenarios.
assess them and make the
correct decisions for your Additionally, we plan to offer a
team. SIA CP Level 3 and FPOS
Ralf Kassner course for those who require
What are we doing, what are the certification. Once again,
we offering in 2020? the IBC will take place in
Founder and CEO of Wodan
Security (Germany), a former September with a variety of
As a result of the increase in topics planned including
GSG9 SOF unit member,
knife attacks in Germany, at Protective Surveillance, Early
and Germany’s leading
the last International Detection of Attacks, Medic in
expert in tactical training.
Bodyguard Conference (IBC) difficult conditions, such as
Wodan Security’s
International Bodyguard one of our main themes was lack of space or darkness, and
defense against knife attacks SF Shooting Drill and much
Conference is one of the
most regarded tactical with or without weapons more.
taught by the outstanding
training events in Europe.
trainer Marc Human. We will Our training is exclusively for
integrate this experience in professionals.DENNIS O'CONNOR 29
Dennis O'Connor
Government Training Institute
Year 2020: Physical fitness, range
training scars, fundamentals, and
about becoming a great tactician.
What I think needs to be communicated the goal. Any instructor who under-
in 2020: Physical fitness is paramount, stands these steps and where they lead
especially how it relates to performance to, will be ready to do a great job in
and decision-making. 2020.
Understanding sustainment training vs Also, I want to mention PTSD / Suicide
attending training is also very among law enforcement. Its is real. And
important. And of course: Range it is important. We have to make
training scars. Your physical fitness can everybody to understand that the job is
be excellent, your training perfectly not just wearing uniforms and carry
adjusted, but if you leave with training firearms. The job is people. People who
scars, you will be in trouble when it work under tremendous stressful
counts the most. All training, no matter conditions. Who put their own lives into
how realistic, isn't real combat. If we the line. And who see the worst of what
Top: Dennis O'Connor
perform habits from a training humans can do or be. If you think, that
environment in a real combat situation this kind of work keeps people without
it could (and mostly will) end up fatal. scars... physical, emotional, spiritual
scars... you are wrong.
Instructors really have to look into these
habits and let their students leave the I ask everybody to be more open, more
training without them. These first three conscious, about what it means to carry
aspects combined should be the main that burden. Without judgement. Just
fundamental of any good training in listen sometimes, lend a hand, or take
2020. the signs serious. We can‘t let alone our
best men who save us from the worst
The next aspect is a bit more about every day. Be aware and be a friend.
teaching the mind and a general
understanding of what we do. A good
training should always end in mastering
the “Why” and in a fundamental
understanding. That’s what we train for.
It also means to balance “tactical theory
vs vetted theory“ (and put it into action).
And finally, if you put all these pieces
together, you will get the right answer
for “What will matter in 2020?“: Its all
about becoming a great tactician. That’sTHOMAS LOJEK 30
TACTICAL TRAINING IS
THE SILICON VALLEY
OF MODERN WARFARE!
The tactical training industry can become the Top: Photo by Dave Young • GTI
Silicon Valley of modern warfare and counter-
terrorism. A source of excellence, innovation,
and a success where bigger players fail!
The tactical training industry can be and bureaucratic hurdles of a military
for modern warfare and counter- organisation or LE will be often
terrorism what Silicon Valley is for counter-productive. That‘s why small
the technology business. Let me tactical training companies have to
explain: In technology we have huge compete where they can beat the big
powerful players like Apple, players: innovation, creativity, trying
Microsoft, Oracle. They have deep out new things, bringing in experience
pockets, can invest vast amounts of that not always match the operational
money. They win big contracts, run rule book, and giving great SME the
global missions, and have all the freedom to rewrite the rules (if
media attention. There is a similar necessary). If a tactical training
pattern in the tactical training company understands that it has to be
industry: Huge global players with a small but smart startup business in
global power, tons of money, and the Silicon Valley of modern warfare,
impressive capabilities. Small tactical it will excel. Because there is demand.
training companies will never be There is growth. But it also means,
Thomas Lojek able to compete with military that these smaller companies have to
powerhouses like the Rangers or the act like Silicon Valley start-ups, too:
Navy SEALs training program, nor aggressive marketing, effective
will they ever have their networking, constant innovation,
technological edge. But: The small unique selling points, compete for the
tactical training companies, if they best in the industry. This part may
know what they do, can be for the sucks, and can be quite a challenge,
military/LE market what Silicon but this is what it takes. Look at
Valley is for technology: A source of yourself as a Silicon Valley-like source
flexibility and innovation. If you have of innovation: agile, smart, aggressive.
to think outside the box, the rules And deliver the edge! You will excel!
Article by Thomas Lojek • Photo by Dave Young • GTIJARED WIHONGI 31
Jared Wihongi
The Amalgamation of Combatives with Firearms Training
Industry trend 2020: Combining of combatives with firearms tactics in
extreme-close quarters, because of the high percentage of shootings that
US law enforcement were experiencing at and inside of two meters.
Jared Wihongi
The Amalgamation of Combatives
with Firearms Training
An industry trend I have taken
particular note of in recent years is
the combining of combatives with
firearms tactics in extreme-close
quarters to create CQC training
programs that address this often
neglected range of combat.
I have personally been creating and
teaching programs in this area since
2005, and was invited to teach my
first international course on this
topic in Germany 2006. I
started my research and
development of these programs
during my tenure as a full-time
Firearms and Use-of-Force Instructor
for the Salt Lake City Police
Department, largely because of the
high percentage of shootings that US
law enforcement were experiencing
at and inside of two meters.
The course I originally developed
was called CQ-FIT (Force Integration
Tactics), because of the integration of
empty-hands, edged/ impact weapons
and firearms at extreme close-
quarters.
As I look at industry trends moving
forward into 2020, I see more
companies and individuals giving
long overdue attention to this kind of
training.
Admittedly some of this attention is
due to Hollywood trends from movies
like John Wick, but if that's what it
takes to garner attention to this kind
of training there's no problem with
that, so long as serious practitioners
can discern the substance from the
fluff.You can also read
