Training Matters: Why Stopping the Killer Quickly Saves Lives
Recently I attended Ed Monk’s seminar on Active Shooter Threats. While it was a church security team based seminar, the focus on stopping the killer quickly applied to all active shooter incidents and even violent encounters as a whole.
Active killer events unfold in minutes—sometimes seconds. Historical reviews repeatedly show that once the attacker is confronted, interrupted, or challenged, casualties stop escalating. The longer the attacker is free to move and act, the higher the body count climbs. Good consistent training compresses decision making by exposing the student to coordinated drills and scenarios. In turn these drills reduce hesitation and scenario based training improves the ability to plan, which removes confusion and hesitation.
The key to stopping a threat is efficient and effective action.
Training Is the Force Multiplier
You don’t need endless resources to improve outcomes. What you need is purposeful training focused on recognizing threats early, understanding individual roles, and making rapid (lawful) decisions under stress.
Trained individuals respond instead of react. They don’t wait for someone else to act because they understand what right action looks like in the moment. Training doesn’t just increase capability—it reduces chaos.
Equipment Doesn’t Replace Competence
It is not uncommon to see gun owners spend thousands on gear and gadgets, only to scoff at spending a couple of hundred bucks for a high level training course. But equipment without training is useless.
Good training produces adaptability and prepares people to act decisively instead of waiting, hoping, or freezing. This is true whether you are facing an active shooter at church, school or place of business or find yourself the victim of a home invasion or car jacking.
Before you drop another $500+ on the latest and greatest gun at your local gun store, consider investing that money in yourself and take one of our many firearms training classes. You will walk away more informed and better prepared to protect yourself and your family.
