“That rifle on the wall of the labourer’s cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there.” -George Orwell Hear this. When the 2nd Amendment was written, those who put their quills to paper, wet with ink and purpose, did so having just witnessed the […]
Op-Ed
Watch: Getting Pulled Over with a Gun in the Car
“I have been getting a lot of questions about how I carry my handgun when I am on the road. I use a steering column holster for easy access to my firearm. It gives me a convenient and secure place to put my pistol, And it’ll give you the ability to draw it quickly in […]
There are Bosses, There are Leaders: Lessons from SWAT & Fire Service
The performance of any institution relies on the executions of the personnel who make up the population of internal customers also known as the workers or employees of the institution. Their output, their production, quality of work, job satisfaction, dedication, commitment, reliability, punctuality, sacrifice, (you get it), is what brings success or failure to the […]
Sheepdogs for Lambs: Meaningful Action in Schools
Tragic recent events have restarted a debate in Washington about what politicians should do to protect school children. Politicians call for “meaningful action” to prevent killings. I strongly agree, we need meaningful action. As I listened to the news reports, I realized that there is nothing that politicians can do to prevent school shootings, but […]
Watch: What does it take to become a Delta operator?
While covering a story recently, I had the opportunity to tour some facilities with a number of current and former elite operators hailing from various military branches and government agencies. Although these men may have different abbreviations on their identification cards, the community of people with their unique skill set and level of expertise is […]
Slashing versus stabbing, knife tactics and their relevance
In combat marksmanship, shot placement is incredibly important and more often than not it is the determining factor in lethality. No matter the caliber of bullet or model of firearm, the location on the body where the round strikes determine how much damage is done with the exception of scenario-modifying circumstances. It is the same […]
Watch: Weapons Access in Vehicles
So you carry a concealed pistol whenever you leave the comfort of your home to protect yourself and your family. Generally most concealed carry holders who’ve attended a professional training course were taught how to draw and employ your pistol. The one tactic that is hard to teach (often not taught) at a course is […]
Why Traditional Martial Arts Are Not Designed for Modern Self-Defense
I have studied traditional martial arts for the last 42 years; I started training in 1974. Unfortunately, however, I found them to be ineffective most of the time once I started my professional security and law enforcement career in 1988. Please do not misunderstand my position; I love and still teach traditional martial arts every […]
The Future of Special Operations
It is 2025, a decade after the first female soldiers were allowed to attend the Army’s premier leadership school (Ranger School). Since then, there has been a full integration of women across all facets of the military, including special operations. There were some growing pains. In 2018, two of the joint-chiefs actually resigned in protest […]
That’s What She Said: Close range self-defense
Long before I was a member of the team here at SOFREP, I was a Crate Club member. I love gear. I love outdoorsy gear, shooting gear, fitness gear, and all the fun extras that our team puts together for our members. You’ve heard from the guys. Now it’s time to get the female perspective. […]