fastbolt
Member
I usually don't get involved in these sort of hypothetical/fantasy subjects for a variety of reasons ...
That said, this time I'll offer some comments.
I suspect it may be a bit unrealistic and overly hopeful to think that folks previously uninterested in firearms will somehow morph into SAFE, skilled firearms users in the midst of a chaotic emergency situation of unknown extent and duration.
Having been a LE firearms instructor for a while, I've often observed that it's not always easy to get folks who have received 40-60+ hours of specific firearms instruction in an academy, preceded or followed up by training at their agencies, to always demonstrate everything we might desire in the way of knowledge, skills and abilities when starting out in their new jobs. It takes some time, interest and experience for those things to develop and become ingrained.
Then, there's the whole issue of folks not previously experienced in working together suddenly being expected to understand how to safely and effectively work together and understanding the dynamics of tactics and strategies employed by small groups in dangerous, evolving and stressful situations.
While having access to good hardware and equipment is handy, it's the knowledge (software), mindset and experience that is really helpful ... even critical ... when it comes to thinking about getting folks to the point where they're safely able to properly and efficiently utilize the available hardware.
Someone with the training, knowledge and mindset can probably better utilize any existing or available equipment ... without unnecessarily putting themselves or others at risk ... than someone suddenly thrust into the midst of a highly dangerous situation and handed a weapon, or other equipment which can be inherently dangerous to use.
Also, as an armorer who has seen what can happen with firearms which are only exposed to the daily activities involved when they're carried and used by cops, I'd have a plan for being able to inspect, maintain and repair whatever is being used ... and yes, as a Glock armorer (among other armorer certifications) I've even used up a lot of Glock parts for repair & maintenance. Equipment is still equipment. Maintenance and repair, especially under adverse conditions, is still going to be something that might be prudent to consider.
Just my thoughts.
That said, this time I'll offer some comments.
I suspect it may be a bit unrealistic and overly hopeful to think that folks previously uninterested in firearms will somehow morph into SAFE, skilled firearms users in the midst of a chaotic emergency situation of unknown extent and duration.
Having been a LE firearms instructor for a while, I've often observed that it's not always easy to get folks who have received 40-60+ hours of specific firearms instruction in an academy, preceded or followed up by training at their agencies, to always demonstrate everything we might desire in the way of knowledge, skills and abilities when starting out in their new jobs. It takes some time, interest and experience for those things to develop and become ingrained.
Then, there's the whole issue of folks not previously experienced in working together suddenly being expected to understand how to safely and effectively work together and understanding the dynamics of tactics and strategies employed by small groups in dangerous, evolving and stressful situations.
While having access to good hardware and equipment is handy, it's the knowledge (software), mindset and experience that is really helpful ... even critical ... when it comes to thinking about getting folks to the point where they're safely able to properly and efficiently utilize the available hardware.
Someone with the training, knowledge and mindset can probably better utilize any existing or available equipment ... without unnecessarily putting themselves or others at risk ... than someone suddenly thrust into the midst of a highly dangerous situation and handed a weapon, or other equipment which can be inherently dangerous to use.
Also, as an armorer who has seen what can happen with firearms which are only exposed to the daily activities involved when they're carried and used by cops, I'd have a plan for being able to inspect, maintain and repair whatever is being used ... and yes, as a Glock armorer (among other armorer certifications) I've even used up a lot of Glock parts for repair & maintenance. Equipment is still equipment. Maintenance and repair, especially under adverse conditions, is still going to be something that might be prudent to consider.
Just my thoughts.
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