Absolutely!KBCraig wrote:Our LEOs can attest that more time is spent on NVDR than anything else. It also takes much more time and practice than learning to draw and shoot, even under pressure.
I believe good "verbal aikido" skills make you a better shooter under pressure, because you learn to controll your emotions and not get rattled.
That said, I think NVDR should only be brought up in CHL class as a thinking point, a reminder, and a pointer to get some more training. You can't teach it, nor test it, in 8 hours.
One point I'd make if I were teaching: once you fill you hand, your options are severely limited. You're immediately one handed, and that limits your options immensely. You can shoot, or you can run, but you can't let the BG within grabbing range. Open hand options are out. So are other options, like pepper spray. If the BG doesn't stop at the sight of your gun, you're probably going to have to shoot him.
Point being: be prepared to draw, but if you're not justified in shooting him, or if things aren't escalating quickly in that direction, don't draw.
Kevin
I also totally agree that it takes more than the time alotted to instruct, and more importantly instill a mindset in conflict resolution procedures...It almost has to be custom to each individual for it to take root and develop...
I actually strive to become a student of conflict resolution...Which in turn has made me a stronger person...Not necessarily a weak or retreative type personality, but one that is confident, yet guarded enough to know what the best course of action is in many types of general situations...And have a backup plan just in case...
The key is to also never assume you know everything or see everything for what it is either...