Reaction Time

[howdy]

I found this video in my files and it is a good review of reaction time.

[Paladin]

Reaction time is a vital subject. There is certainly a lot in the video to unpack.

I like how the video discusses OODA loop and reaction time. Shoot/No-shoot training is a vital subject to all of us that carry a gun.

I can think of no better discussion on the subject than Paul Howe:



You actually need to train not only your pistol speed/marksmanship but also your "Observe Orient and Decide". The easiest way to do this is to play movies and dryfire when a badguy threat presents himself.

On the livefire range Paul Howe uses photorealistic targets with and without weapons/badges.

That said the truth is that some of the reaction speed they show is not indicative of actual law enforcement training. In Texas, for LEOs, Armed Security, and LTCs the shortest qualification stage of fire for 1 shot is 2 seconds. As the video demonstrates this standard is completely unrealistic. And that is live fire against a target that you know you are going to shoot. It is not the LEO's fault their training is inadequate for the real world. If a LEO knows their training is inadequate and over-reacts then you have a realistic view of what is actually happening.

CSAT standards are far more realistic. 1 second from the ready. Rogers School standards are 0.5 seconds from the ready. I've trained to the Rogers standard and I had very little issue raising my "air pistol" to do an imaginary shot in time in the video.

Police officers are supposed to be wearing body armor and proper tactics are to use cover and concealment which is not mentioned in the video.

I'd be curious of a legal review of the statements in the video, because I don't think the justification for making a pre-decision to shoot would hold up in court.

The biggest challenge is furtive movement where the suspect pulls out a cellphone after pulling out a pistol the previous times. I can forgive an officer for confusion in that scenario and I think the video is effective in demonstrating that that sort of confusion is a legitimate factor in real world shootings.

[puma guy]

Reaction is seldom fast enough to beat action. I recently watched virtual 360 simulations at a TCOPA conference in September and no one fired in time. I had an NRA shirt on and he asked if there were any gun guys looking right at me. I have done simulations and wanted others to participate. He then said "Gun Gals?" and a lady spoke up. She did very well on the plate shooting but like I said she could never react in time. Nor could the next person who had a simulated agitated driver in a pickup. Our Citizens Police Academy training included letting participants see if they could beat the "actor" and no one could. Even with weapon at the ready the instructor beat everyone who tried to shoot first when he drew and fired. Once he even shot over his shoulder once.

[Paladin]

Reaction is seldom fast enough to beat action. I recently watched virtual 360 simulations at a TCOPA conference in September and no one fired in time. I had an NRA shirt on and he asked if there were any gun guys looking right at me. I have done simulations and wanted others to participate. He then said "Gun Gals?" and a lady spoke up. She did very well on the plate shooting but like I said she could never react in time. Nor could the next person who had a simulated agitated driver in a pickup. Our Citizens Police Academy training included letting participants see if they could beat the "actor" and no one could. Even with weapon at the ready the instructor beat everyone who tried to shoot first when he drew and fired. Once he even shot over his shoulder once.

For most people it's a matter of tactics. Standing still out in the open and trying to outdraw your opponent is a loosing tactic. Using cover is much better. Using movement is second best. Speed and surprise is a winning tactic.

Bill Rogers isn't a young guy. He has half second hits from the ready. There is really no excuse not to train your "ready" drills:

Rogers Introduction to Reactive Shooting

[Rafe]

My reaction times are faster now than when I was 18 years old.

Oh. Wait.

This topic is from six days ago.

Never mind...

(I don't want to get on-topic or anything, but thanks for the Paul Howe video, in particular.)

[C-dub]

My reaction times are faster now than when I was 18 years old.

Oh. Wait.

This topic is from six days ago.

Never mind...

(I don't want to get on-topic or anything, but thanks for the Paul Howe video, in particular.)