THE SMS PRINCIPLE in armed personal protection

The SMS (Sensitivity/Mindset/Skills) principle on the topic of knife defense, which Stephan Geillinger presented on SPARTANAT, was partially commented on very enthusiastically. SMS is not only used for defending against a knife attacker with bare hands. The principle can also be adapted to a defender armed with a firearm, knows Stephan Geillinger, and should also be applied in this context.

Sensitivity

Sensitization (Sensitivity) means to train your "danger radar". The personal protector would be ineffective if, despite recognizing risks, does not avoid danger. Perhaps they are capable of handling the situation, have a good mindset (knowledge of their own strength, will, and fighting spirit) and good skills (good level of training) to dominate difficult situations.

Does the client have these qualities? Normally, they probably do not, otherwise they would likely not need a personal protector. Therefore, a trained personal protector has a well-developed "danger radar". They consciously use this to avoid dangers, know escape routes and safe places. They may be in contact with reinforcement forces that can be called in or met with. But unfortunately, clients who need a personal protector only hire the one directly next to the client, making it impossible for multiple personal protectors to react, as there are simply none available.

So, the only alternative is tactical evasion or a safe retreat. But even the most experienced personal protector may not always be able to evade with the protected person, there is not always another way, or it may be blocked by another attacker. So what to do if fleeing is not an option? I could simply say to myself, "The attacker doesn't want anything from me, I am not risking my life for the money the client pays me, I will leave the field to the attacker." Not only would I have failed in my profession, but I would also be committing the crime of failure to provide assistance. And the assistance I must provide in such a case, given my guarantor status, is much greater than that required of an uninvolved third party, for whom a call to the police would likely suffice.

As I mentioned in the previous post, it is practically impossible to draw a weapon when a knife attacker is closer than 7m. I could now limit myself to my skills in unarmed self-defense, which is already very risky, but I would lose contact with the protected person. They often tend to choose the safest option for them, fleeing, or freeze in shock (paralysis), making them vulnerable. But if the protected person runs into the arms of another perpetrator, or if they are lost due to the circumstances, I will have a lot to explain afterwards. Therefore, I position myself between the protected person and the attacker when I recognize the attack. The protected person should be fixed to the personal protector.

What is the ideal way to do this? I use my weak hand to place the hand of the protected person in front of my chest, creating additional contact between my back and the torso of the protected person. If I still have time to draw my weapon, then I do so. "Damn, it's not loaded!" (In personal protection, a weapon should never be just for show!) Now what? Who knows how to load a pistol with one hand? Letting go of the protected person for that is not a good option. Setting the bolt against the trouser leg and sliding it down generates enough friction resistance on the fabric for the bolt to be operated. The same can be done at the holster or belt buckle with the rear sight.

Skills

Skills should be trained (Skills) before attempting them for the first time in an emergency. How do I create time to draw my weapon? If the infrastructure allows, I kick a chair in front of the attacker's legs or throw something at them that buys me time. So, once I have drawn and loaded my weapon, it is not yet over. Either I need to get out of the danger zone or barricade myself and wait for help. For example, if I barricade myself behind a wall that ends on my left, I cannot act with my right from this cover without unnecessarily exposing myself and the protected person. So, a weapon hand change is necessary. How do I do that while keeping the protected person close? I trap the arm of the protected person with my own arm, switch the weapon to that side, and grab the other hand of the protected person with the now free hand, mirroring the whole action. Not only do these skills require a lot of practice, but also shooting with both hands. This does not mean firing a weapon with both hands, but being able to operate it safely with the right and left hands, both in a stable stance and in evasive movement!

Mindset

If I were to find myself in such a situation and had to use a firearm (am I really ready to fire it? = mindset), these three shooting rules from Jeff Cooper would be crucial: in the previous post, I already mentioned "Know your target and what is in front and behind it." Collateral damage caused by the self-defense acting executive protection agents is their responsibility! The other important rules from Cooper in such a situation are "The finger goes to the trigger only immediately before the intended shot" and "the muzzle points at nothing that should not be hit." One more personal reminder: Once I have decided to shoot, and I have done so, there is no turning back, I cannot stop or redirect the projectile! If a shot is necessary, which is justified by self-defense due to a potentially deadly attack, aim at the leg. Specifically, at the chest area. Under stress, everyone will target the biggest visible target as the aim point, and that is usually the torso. A shot to a real leg will easily miss and may hit an innocent bystander...we have already been through what happens then...

Also, no executive protection agent should use normal ammunition (FMJ). In this case, it would be so-called offensive ammunition, which is supposed to have the greatest penetration power possible. It may be advantageous in war, but fortunately we are not at war. To spare the surroundings and achieve the greatest stopping power (shock), so-called defensive ammunition (deformation bullets) should be used. These penetrate the target medium, mushroom inside it, and generally do not exit the target medium. I will not be able to shoot without the appropriate mindset. I must be aware that all other alternatives for defense are not promising, and shooting is the only realistic method of self-defense that saves me and my protection person. These tactical considerations must result in a decision within split seconds, whereas the justice system has months to legally evaluate these decisions afterwards. Ideally, I will not have to shoot, the attacker will be kept in check by the firearm or will flee. If I am not sure in this area, I will evade, with the firearm in one hand and the protection person in the other, until I reach a safe zone. That's the theoretical training. Shooting already poses considerable challenges to many (including professional firearm carriers). Shooting with one hand and the protection person in the other hand is a whole different league that needs to be extensively and properly trained.

You can improve your firearm handling skills with me and my colleagues. You can find relevant courses (Attention: Executive protection shooting courses require a special permit or qualification in Germany) on our website and on social media.

HERE is the link to the first part: THE SMS PRINCIPLE. DEFENSE AGAINST KNIFE ATTACKS.

Until then, Yours truly, Stephan Geillinger

(Master Instructor Krav Maga Defcon, State-certified Instructor for Defensive Shooting)

KRAVMAGA HOCHRHEIN online

SICHERHEITSAGENTUR GEILLINGER online