LA COOPERACIÓN TÉCNICA EN FAVOR DEL DESARROLLO

Additional Stressors

Anyone who has been in a gunfight will vouch that such activities are loud. People have various reactions when exposed to sudden increases in noise levels. The average person has difficulty in concentrating, and most everyone takes a little longer to focus and function.

For some time I have believed that repeated exposure reduces the impact of high noise levels. I first came up with this theory by visiting a United States Air Force base. While taking a tour of the maintenance area, most everyone in the tour group flinched when testing of a jet engine started nearby. Even though we had been issued hearing protection, the affect was still uncomfortable. The only people who didn’t flinch were the airmen working in the area – they went about their jobs as usual. While I personally felt like the vibrations had disconnected every rib bone from my spine, all of the airmen smiled, concentrated on detailed tasks and basically went about their business. These airmen spent their days in such an environment and were acclimated to it.

Later, I asked about their level of hearing protection and was informed it was identical to what we guests had been issued. “You get used to it,” was the response I received after further questioning.

If these airmen can function, given that level of noise, then it should be easy for a Shootist to do the same during battle if given enough prior exposure. The problem becomes one of simulating the noise of combat.

Shooting at a public range is one method of noise acclimation. If the range is busy, there will be dozens, if not hundreds, of weapons being discharged. Even with proper hearing protection, the environment will provide some level of exposure.

Another method I have grown fond of over the years is using firecrackers. These little noisemakers are not legal everywhere, so you should check the law in your area.

A string of common firecrackers, thrown in front of a shooter running a drill can have some interesting results. If the shooter is prone, the effect is even greater. Of course, physical safety is paramount, but the stimulus can be effective.

Smoke is also common on the battlefield. Weapons, fires, explosions and smoke grenades all generate smoke. Smoke has an interesting effect on some people. The drifting clouds are a visual distraction at best. I have seen some operators completely ignore smoke while others seem to slow down significantly. Like most things, smoke can be a double-edged sword – it can hinder or help the Shootist. What’s important for training is exposure.

Smoke, or a reasonable facsimile, can be generated several different ways. For example, while you are at the fireworks stand, purchase some smoke bombs. They are smaller and less effective than military smoke grenades, but two or three of the little pyrotechny will help to simulate the smoke effect of a fire fight.

The most realistic method is to use an actual smoke grenade. A boating supply store will typically sell what is the equivalent of a military issue device. Boaters use them for signaling. They are expensive, costing between $40-60 each.

While on the subject of smoke grenades, every shooter should carry one or two of these if expecting trouble. Unless the threat is equipped with FLIR capabilities (Forward Looking Infrared), smoke can be a great ally. Again, this is not a book on tactics, but smoke can be used to break contact, provide cover for crossing an open area, and countless other applications. Since the times of Neanderthal man, building a fire has been another tried and true method – given the right conditions and materials. Typically, greener fuel generates more smoke. If the wind is right and you won’t start a forest fire, this may be a reasonable alternative. Again, safety should be the first priority.

When I was younger and thought I was immortal, my young friends and I used to set up bottle rockets and fireworks-based mortars aimed at the shooters. Everyone had on body armor and heavy clothing, so why not? There are several issues with this from a safety perspective, not the least of which is the guy who has to light the fuses and then scramble out of the line of fire. Another problem which became apparent at one location was the ignition of a building behind the shooters.

These projectiles possess a surprisingly inaccurate trajectory. For this, and other obvious reasons, I can’t recommend using projectile fireworks as a training tool. I will note, however, that some recreational rockets and mortars have the same effect as flash-bang grenades on shooters. Watch those muzzles as stunned people do crazy stuff with rifles. You just never know what a threat might use as a distraction.

There are numerous sources on the internet that show examples of how to build your own smoke-generating devices. I have never tried any of these because their construction and usage seem dangerous - the concept of chemical burns being in the forefront of my mind, not to mention difficulties with ATF or other governmental agencies with some of the blueprints. I can’t endorse or vouch for any of these internet chemistry lessons.

Some military instructors induce stress by constantly yelling and badgering recruits. While this practice is typically toned down on the firing range and has been somewhat modified in later years, there can be no doubt that this tactic elevates stress due to increased noise levels. Air horns can be used to generate noise as well, but with hearing protection in place, the affect is limited. Sneaking up on a fully armed man running a drill and letting loose with an air horn in his ear isn’t wise. Again, watch those muzzles.

One of the biggest challenges for any type of instructor is to induce stressors that simulate a real fight. Obviously, the goal here is that; if someone can become acclimated to combat before actually being shot at, the chances of survival increase. Exercises must test skills and push you to the next level without injury.

Tip: Choose your shooting buddy wisely – safety is always the first priority with equipment, drills, targets, and co-workers.