Training: Introduction to home defense (VIDEO)

Considerations for Home Defense

For most of us, home defense and the protection of our family is a primary reason why we chose to own and train with firearms. There is no more intrinsic human right than that of self-defense and the defense of our family. With that in mind, it is of paramount importance that we, as responsible gun owners, be as well trained and prepared as we can be. Home defense planning can seem like a huge and daunting task, but if we break it down into its smaller pieces it is very manageable. Let’s take a brief look at the components of a solid home defense plan.

1. Mindset

This is the foundational part of your plan and will help you dictate and prioritize the steps you take in its formation. You have to decide who (notice I said “who” not “what”) you are willing to protect, how far you are willing to go to protect them and how best to go about it. You have to be clear on your mission so you can train in the skills you will need to succeed in it. Once you hear that “bump in the night” your chance to plan is over, it’s time to act, and I guarantee you that you will act according to your plan. So if you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.

2. Training

We all have limited time and money and with all the training available today it is crucial that we pick classes that enhance skill sets that will help our mission succeed. If your goal is home/personal/family defense the classes you attend should reflect that. Medical training, low light, small team or one-person CQB classes should be at the top of your list, followed closely by legal classes to familiarize you with the deadly force laws in your state and local area. There is little real victory in winning a defensive gunfight only to spend years in jail as a result of being unfamiliar with your local and state laws.

3. Planning and practice

Once you have identified and trained in the skills you chose, it’s time to set up and rehearse your plan. There will be a variety of considerations when setting up your plan such as your living conditions, how many people live with you, the layout of your home, etc. The plan will be dictated by your individual situation and will look different for each person, but the skill sets will be mostly the same. It is crucial that you practice your plan and discuss it with your family. Practice can show you potential problems or oversights that could mean failure in a real-life event. Never be afraid of failures in practice and training, they provide invaluable learning experiences!

4. Equipment selection

Just like your plan, choosing the right gear will be driven by your individual circumstances and your plan. As far as firearm selection goes, you will need to pick a tool that provides the best ballistic effect on a potential target while limiting the potential for collateral damage. Lights and other aftermarket additions will likewise need to enhance your ability to use your tools without adding unnecessary complication or bulk.

Review

As responsible gun owners and law abiding citizens, we probably won’t be the ones choosing when or if we have to use these skills, and indeed we pray that we never need them! Home and personal defense may seem daunting, but it is a completely manageable task. With the correct mindset, training, tools and practice you can provide yourself and your loved ones the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are prepared to handle anything life throws at you.

“Fortune favors the prepared mind”  -Louis Pasteur-

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