WARRIOR TACTICS MINDSET
By Jack Philbin
Some of my thoughts after 20+ years of working the streets as a cop. What deters violence in a very heated situation? In my opinion, it’s typical a combination of deescalating with your words, but showing a clear willingness to escalate with your eyes. And demonstrating how comfortable and relaxed you are in that moment of tension.
When you can show that you prefer de-escalation but are comfortable and willing to “go all the way” with someone, most of the time it will deescalate. If not, indeed be willing to “go all the way.” The idea of only using counter violence as a “last resort” is a misnomer in my opinion. The reality is, you are countering their violence, they get to choose. Your choice is to be willing and ready in a red-hot second, for whatever needs to happen. Even if that means dying in that moment.
Something else I was thinking about today. I see many cops with maybe three years or so on the force, who work hard to be “tactically squared away.” On the surface, they appear to be warriors. They have done research and spent money to have the best equipment. They have a quality rifle, expensive optic, and the most powerful flashlight. They even perhaps attend lots of tactical training and have developed competence. But the thing to examine is their motivation.
Often unconsciously, they are in the “bargaining phase” of developing as a warrior. They are unaware of their motivation, but what is driving their actions is the hope that a face-to-face, up close and personal fight for survival can be avoided. In and of itself, working to avoid a 50/50 fight, or avoiding a situation where you are at a tactical disadvantage is a good thing! But a true warrior accepts that this is possible and is mentally prepared for this.
A true warrior is prepared to “go all the way” in a fight. He understands that gaining an advantage is great, but he is mentally ready for whatever happens. He is prepared mentally for whatever situation he is presented with. That is what separates warriors from those who develop their skills with a hope to avoid a real fight. It’s not that trying to have an advantage and avoid a life-threatening situation is bad, it’s good! But at some point, a warrior must reconcile that he may be in a knock down, dirty fight for survival, and make peace with that.
When you can show that you prefer de-escalation but are comfortable and willing to “go all the way” with someone, most of the time it will deescalate. If not, indeed be willing to “go all the way.” The idea of only using counter violence as a “last resort” is a misnomer in my opinion. The reality is, you are countering their violence, they get to choose. Your choice is to be willing and ready in a red-hot second, for whatever needs to happen. Even if that means dying in that moment.
Something else I was thinking about today. I see many cops with maybe three years or so on the force, who work hard to be “tactically squared away.” On the surface, they appear to be warriors. They have done research and spent money to have the best equipment. They have a quality rifle, expensive optic, and the most powerful flashlight. They even perhaps attend lots of tactical training and have developed competence. But the thing to examine is their motivation.
Often unconsciously, they are in the “bargaining phase” of developing as a warrior. They are unaware of their motivation, but what is driving their actions is the hope that a face-to-face, up close and personal fight for survival can be avoided. In and of itself, working to avoid a 50/50 fight, or avoiding a situation where you are at a tactical disadvantage is a good thing! But a true warrior accepts that this is possible and is mentally prepared for this.
A true warrior is prepared to “go all the way” in a fight. He understands that gaining an advantage is great, but he is mentally ready for whatever happens. He is prepared mentally for whatever situation he is presented with. That is what separates warriors from those who develop their skills with a hope to avoid a real fight. It’s not that trying to have an advantage and avoid a life-threatening situation is bad, it’s good! But at some point, a warrior must reconcile that he may be in a knock down, dirty fight for survival, and make peace with that.
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