One of Gumshoe’s boyhood heroes was Wyatt Earp. Not the TV Wyatt Earp mind you, but the gunfighting marshal who survived and thrived after hanging up his firearm and pulling the pin (cop talk for removing the badge).
Wyatt was asked about gun fighting and this is one of his quotes that Gumshoe took to heart as a police officer:
“Fast is fine, but accuracy is final. In a gunfight you have to take your time in a hurry”.
The U.S. Navy SEALs have modified Wyatt’s quote by stating:
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast”.
Some of you kind readers might think that Wyatt and the SEALs are in conflict with these adages, but they are not. They are definitely in complete harmony with one another.
In real life police work street combat, unexpected gunfights (ambush) will happen in a heartbeat and within a blink of an eye. In actual combat warfare, similar circumstances to a much larger degree occur on the battlefield.
Hard and life-threatening tests can come before the lessons are learned by the new street police officer or by the green combat recruit.
What is the solution to this dilemma?
Developing an instinctive muscle memory through repetitive training to react is critical. Violent situations are fluid and never static don’t cha know? You can only rise to the level in which you have been trained. If you take your time to think, you’re already too late my friends.
Gumshoe learned from his years practicing martial arts that developing a “collective calm” can make a difference when the **** hits the fan. The immediate focus will be automatic without panic or confusion. Controlling yourself in chaos is a survival mechanism.
Chinese Military General, strategist, and philosopher Sun Tzu in his book “The Art of War” stated that “every battle is won before it is ever fought”. Inscrutably correct! Gung Ho! Good old General Tzu was indeed simpatico with Marshal Earp, the U.S. Navy SEALs, and Gumshoe.
Well, that’s Gumshoe’s thoughts for now. Always remember to love the ones who love you and try to love the ones who don’t.
Coram Deo!
Featured image Wyatt Earp (1869) courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Absolutely right gumshoe. I remember to this day my time in USMC Boot Camp on the rifle range. Two weeks. One week of Dry Firing and one week live firing with Qualification at the end of the week. It was instilled in us that you squeeze the trigger like you were squeezing your girlfriends t-t. Even trigger pull, carefully. God help you if you went UNQ. I carried those words when I became a police officer and had to qualify my duty weapon and shot gun. Don’t jerk the trigger, Don’t help the round down range. Before the onset of having a 9MM or .45 we had a six shot S&W .38. Not sure where this country is headed but it may be a good idea to practice and remember what I was taught a long time ago.
Thanks again Gumshoe.
Semper Fi
Yes indeed my fellow Jarhead. I enjoyed my two weeks at the rifle range at good old Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina.
Our M14’s had a kick and private Gumshoe busted two pair of prescription glasses because my spot well on the stock was a wee bit too close to the receiver.
Up until that time in my 17 years of life, it was my first experience with a firearm. The Marines made me a qualified rifleman using an iron sight along with a hasty sling from 100 to 500 yards. Wyatt Earp would be proud of the training.
Semper Fi Tom and goodnight Chesty wherever you are!
“The Art of War” was mandatory reading by all Marine Officers per the Commandant’s reading list. All leaders no matter what their profession should read the General’s book. Guidance for sure success!
Thanks Ken for your comment my friend.
One of my favorite books. The lessons not only apply to war of all types and sizes (including the war against street thugs) but also in the business world.