The Ultimate Decision
Part 5- Understanding Fear, Be Aware and Be Prepared

 

Since the day we were born we have been exposed to risk, hazards and the dangers of everyday life.  These risks, hazards and dangers have created FEARS in all of us. Many of these fears are do to our values, upbringing and experiences. As concealed weapon carriers we must be prepared to make the Ultimate Decision at any time but Be Aware, the FEARS we have may interfere with being Prepared to make that decision.

BE AWARE

We all make decisions on an everyday basis that have a measure of risk and hazards. When we get out of bed in the morning we are taking a risk. When we eat we are taking a risk. When we get in a vehicle we are taking a risk at a very high level. Each decision we make exposes us to hazards. If you are driving you may encounter debris in the road or a drunk driver. When you take the risk of getting up in the morning you take the risk of falling in the shower or the risk of burning yourself with a cup of coffee. These are all acceptable risks and most of the time the hazards are recognized and avoided. When you strap on your pistol you are taking a risk that you may have to use it. The risks of carrying a concealed weapon far out way the hazards of being in a crime ridden area. The risk will always be there but many of the hazards we might encounter can be mitigated therefore eliminating some fear. Being aware of our fears will give us a better understanding of what risks we are willing to take and what hazards we can mitigate.

FEAR

Fear is broken down into two categories:

·         Irrational Fear is a fear that does not have a factual background. The fear of snakes is such a fear. There are few snakes that are dangerous but many people are frightened by any snake. The fear of guns is another irrational fear. In most societies guns are feared and the people with guns are feared. The gun control organizations in the United States have tried to instill the fear of guns into everyone. These fears are instilled by describing risks and hazards that do not really exist.

·         Rational Fear is a fear that is instantly recognized as a risk to your safety or to your life. A Cobra curled up around your feet when you wake in the morning would be a rational fear. A 357 revolver pointed at your face would be a rational fear. Both examples involve snakes and guns but only a rational fear can be described as a threat.

As a person who carries a concealed weapon how do you prepare for these risks, hazards and Fears? Training and education is the answer. The education of a new gun owner is a great example. Most new shooters start with an irrational fear of guns. Guns are viewed as risky, dangerous. The media has done an excellent job of describing the hazards of guns; accidental shootings, kids gaining access, death squads in foreign countries and the hazards of the dreaded assault rifle. This onslaught of misinformation has created irrational fears, a fear with no facts to back it up. Education is the cure for irrational fears. A week working with snakes in a zoo would educate most anyone on the risks of snakes and the hazards in handling snakes. A 4 hour gun safety class can pretty much describe the risks of gun ownership and what hazards to look out for and can go a long way to eliminating the fear.

PREPARE

Education can eliminate irrational fears and training can help prepare someone to deal with a rational fear. Once you understand what the dangers are you will understand what roll fear has. Fear can be mitigated by training at a high level of stress. If one of your rational fears is being assaulted in your neighborhood by multiple gang members you should educate yourself on that hazard to avoid such an encounter yet prepare by training at an extremely high level of stress for that exact encounter. Preparation in equipment and tactics are important but mental preparation is essential if you are going to be successful during the Fog of Conflict.

The risks and hazards of life will never go away but they can be mitigated to an acceptable level. Irrational fears will always exist but education can eliminate most of them. Rational Fears are a factor in our violent society but training can prepare you to act in a decisive manner with an attitude to prevail at all cost.

It is up to you.  BE AWARE and BE PREPARED!

About the Author:

Any comments or questions can be directed to the author at DAN@carryconcealed.net Dan Battreall International Training and Consulting specializes in training US and international high-risk organizations in the art of leadership, human factors and decision making. Dan has also been on the training staff at Mission Centered Solutions, Franktown Co. since 2000. MCS works with high-risk organizations in creating Operational Synergy by developing skills in leadership, decision making under stress and rapid teambuilding. Dan lives with his wife of 36 years in a remote area of the Sierra Nevada in California.