Sharp as a Marble - Because sounding like a broken record is my specialty

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Because sounding like a broken record is my specialty

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The element of surprise is only effective as an offensive tactic. Period. As a defensive tactic, it sucks. Mightily, I might add.

posted @ 3/22/2011 12:55:55 PM

Comments

alan says:

on 3/22/2011 4:03:59 PM

Sometimes the Big Truth needs to be told as often as the Big Lie.

Linoge says:

on 3/22/2011 4:50:29 PM

But... but... but... no one expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Mike Doyle says:

on 3/22/2011 10:14:06 PM

I'm only an occasional lurker, and I have a feeling I'm stumbling into an inside joke. But, if I can play it straight without getting flamed...

As I always understood it, just about all of what we do about the concept of surprise is concentrated on developing our situational awareness so we don't get surprised by the thug - though there is a slight caveat on that. I hate to bring up Cooper, but he observes in PoPD that a very limited form of surprise can be achieved in counterattack, by picking your moment. An example of that appears here, where a Deputy U. S. Marshal beat the drop when his assailant let his attention wander to the DUSM's partner.

That's the only way that you can use the word "surprise" in a defensive context. Not the sort of thing to bet your life on, IMHO, but I don't pretend to be an expert on the subject

Okay, what'd I get wrong? [grin]

Robb Allen says:

on 3/22/2011 10:35:24 PM

Mike,

Primarily, I'm harping on the whole concept that Concealed Carry gives you a 'tactical advantage' due to surprise.

There are PLENTY of advantages to CC. Luring the criminal into attacking you so you can whip out your heater and making him pass out with surprise isn't one of them.

Mike Doyle says:

on 3/23/2011 2:36:55 AM

Got it. It's what I thought you meant. As an aside, I'd SAY I'm surprised [pun not intended, I promise!] that there are people out there stupid enough to believe that surprise is a primary factor in a defensive encounter.

But, I'd be lying. Da IntarTubz are simultaneously the greatest blessing (for giving tnose of us who want do the homework an invaluable research tool) the darkest curse (for those who don't do the homework and get took by every lame-assed mall ninja who ever posted something suicidal).

I think we're on exactly the same page, here...

Mike Doyle says:

on 3/23/2011 2:44:33 AM

Wups

Let that read as "...want to do the homework..." (plus other grammar and syntax errors, for which I apologize - I wanted to check in before bed, and wI'm not at 100%). Sorry

Montieth says:

on 3/26/2011 11:42:12 AM

Ambush?

Hidden defenses?

Minefields?

Robb Allen says:

on 3/26/2011 11:48:38 AM