“Relaxing Too Soon,” one of Pierce Brooks’ “Ten Deadly Sins”
When defending yourself from an attacker (with apparently lethal intentions), you won’t know (in fact, you will probably never know) if this particular VCA is “goal-oriented,” or not!
Many VCAs are mostly bluff. At the first indication they may get hurt when pressing their attack, they quickly lose interest and go find something else to do. This, of course, represents the best outcome (from the standpoint of all parties involved)
But, a “goal-oriented” attacker (for reasons known only to him) will relentlessly press his assault/attack, despite being injured in the process, until he is completely disabled/deaminated and thus rendered unable to do further harm.
Fairbairn/Sykes talked about ‘All-in Fighting.” The phrase applies to both sides!
Since we’re unable to look into the mind of the VCA, we must adopt the mindset and practice to exercise “all in fighting,” lest we allow the attacker to call the shots, take control, and ultimately murder us.
Of course, when additional shooting appears unnecessary, the law requires that we stop shooting, as well as other actions designed and intended to harm the VCA.
When gunfire is involved, how many carefully-aimed shots will be required to disable/deanimate this VCA?
We don’t get to know that, but carrying a spare magazine, or two (or speed-loaders, strips for your revolver, or a second gun) is only common sense.
Lethal encounters are rarely “clean,” nor “predictable”
Questions with no answer:
>How “goal oriented” is this VCA(s)?
>How many rounds will this VCA(s) absorb before he/they voluntarily relent?
> Is this VCA(s) in an “altered mental state,” due to drugs, mental illness, etc?
> Is this VCA even aware that he is sustaining/has sustained fatal trauma?
> How do I know for sure when it is “all over?”
When facing deadly harm at the hands of a VCA, we need to ask ourselves one question:
“What can I do to keep from getting hurt?”
Then, make a decision and do what you have to do!
/John
