TRAINING FOR THE NON STANDARD RESPONSE

Training on a square range is always artificial. We all work hard, or should, to develop drills and training protocols based on a realistic look at our mission essential tasks. One area where I have seen a breakdown in reality based learning objectives is round counts for shooting drills.

One effective method we have found of combating "bring the range to the street" is the incorporation of the Non-Standard Response (NSR) into shooting drills. This is one way to avoid developing the habit of firing a set number of rounds then assessing, or only firing on a specific command proceeded by a number. We are trying to train ourselves to shoot until the deadly threat either surrenders or stops effectively engaging us.

If you train to fire two rounds then assess, or fire a failure drill of two to the body and one to the head, that is what you will do under stress. The problems with this in real life should be obvious. Bad guys do not stand still, do not square up to you, and do not just wait to be dispatched. We need to train to shoot until the circumstances dictate we stop shooting.

To incorporate the NSR into your usual range routine, simply substitute the round counts in your drills for the NSR concept. An NSR is anything between 3 and 10 rounds. Mix it up, never firing the same amount of rounds in any two strings in a row. I understand this makes round counts difficult for those organizing shoots, but we shouldn’t be training for the convenience of the range staff, but to the requirements of the mission.

Another variation of the NSR is a Cognitive Drill, where the fighter is presented a target with a number and at least one other variable, ie: different shapes, colors, locations, pictures, etc. Each iteration is called individually. For example, “two, four, UP” would order the shooter to engage the #2 target with an NSR and the #4 target with an NSR. These Cognitive Dills need to be performed under a time limit with a zero miss standard in order to be fully effective. Make the distances and times realistic, and score after each string. Steel with numbers painted works best for these drills with the carbine, especially when placed at different distances and partially obscured.

In conclusion, don’t set yourself up to bring the range to the street by training yourself to deliver known rounds on target. Prepare yourself for success by training to shoot, when absolutely necessary, until the job is done.