Firearms Training for Close Protection
If you plan on working internationally in the close protection or security industry you will be expected to some degree to know how to handle firearms.
Now, to get things straight to start with, what most people, especially Americans, don’t realize is that most non-government close protection jobs are unarmed due to the legal restrictions on firearms in most countries. Part of your threat assessment for any assignment needs to include the laws on the use of force and what if any weapons are legal in the locations you are going to be working in. Being caught with an illegal weapon, especially a firearm will get you thrown in jail very quickly, no matter how important you think you are!
So, what do you need to know about firearms if you are looking to work internationally in the close protection and security industry? well the first and most important thing is knowing how to use firearms safely. To become proficient with firearms, like everything else takes practice and time, you’re not going to become and expert after a few hours’ tuition.
Many firearms related accidents happen because those handing the firearms are not complying with the basic firearms safety rules of keep the firearms pointed in a safe direction and keeping their fingers off the guns trigger. If you ensure you always follow these two safety rules, you will be acting more responsibly than many others who are working with and carrying firearms. Remember, if you’re the one holding and in control of a firearm that accidentally discharges and injures or kills someone you will be held responsible.
A thorough understanding of firearms and range safety is essential before you even start any basic shooting with live ammunition. Here is a more complete list of firearms safety rules and considerations.
WEAPON SAFETY DEPENDS ON
KNOWING YOUR WEAPON, CONFIDENCE, ALERTNESS
Safety considerations for firearms must always be followed
Always keep firearms pointed in a safe direction, especially when loading and unloading.
Keep your finger off the trigger until the weapon is pointed at your target.
If the action or slide on the weapon is closed, always treat the gun as if loaded and carry out the unload drills.
Always show that a firearm is unloaded to a person before you hand it to them.
When someone hands you a firearm, always check the chamber and make sure it is unloaded.
Never take a person’s word for whether a firearm is loaded or unloaded, always check!
Never point a firearm at anyone just for fun or play games with firearms.
Always know what is behind your target and have a good backstop.
Only fire-controlled shots. You can rapid fire but make sure you are hitting your target.
Always practice tactical drills with unloaded firearms until you’re confident and competent enough to use live ammunition.
Always unload firearms before dry-fire tactical training.
Only use dummy ammunition or blank-firing firearms for demonstrations or dry-fire drills.
Never mix blank, dummy, and live rounds.
Always check that the gun is unloaded before cleaning.
Never tamper with ammunition, and only use reloads from reliable sources.
Never use damaged rounds, and always dispose of them safely.
Keep guns and ammunition in secure storage when not in use.
If you do not know how to operate or are having problems operating a firearm, get professional help.
Never used drugs or alcohol when using firearms.
Always check and comply with local firearms law
Read this full article/chapter in the book “Close Protection & Firearms” at the below links!
Books on Amazon
Close Protection & Firearms
The Application of Firearms in Close Protection & Armed Security
Kindle @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B19S3HPQ
Paper Back @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1HXV5XK
