TRAINING TIP TUESDAY: ADDING FAILURE: 3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
Let’s talk tools. That’s really what a firearm is… regardless of its intended use. They are implements that we use to affect an outcome we can’t accomplish using our organic capacities. That means that if you are using a pistol or rifle to punch holes in paper to relax on the weekend, it’s just as much a tool to you as it is to a professional.
I bring this up because we tend to look at tools differently. Very few people go to their local hardware store and buy a drill based solely on how it “feels in their hand.” Many things go into decision making but likely the most important consideration is reliability. No one wants to buy a drill that they can’t count on, regardless of the gimmick additions someone has made to the simple concept (often to attract buyers).
I call these additions: “Inlets for failure.”
Of course, not all innovations deserve to be referred to in this way. Some add value to the end goal, or lower the effort required for the user to deliver that outcome. These are good and are likely worth the investment in risk. A good example of this is adding an optic to your rifle or pistol. It’s inarguable that the optic will add complexity to the gun. Iron sights don’t require diodes or batteries, nor are they wired together to deliver an aiming solution. They DO require a lot more brain function than we give them credit for though, which is where the red dot optic begins to move from liability toward asset.
So, we can add things to our simple tools, we just need to make sure they add value without bringing with them a greater component of failure risk. As an example, a long battery life in an optic is a great thing, because it removes the probability that the shooter will encounter a “dead” optic when they need the firearm to perform.
Tip within a tip: Many professionals change the batteries of all their equipment once a year on their birthday. Even though Aimpoint optics will last a multiple of that amount of time, it’s very cheap insurance.
A long battery life that requires the optic to constantly alter its powered state (on or off) is less of a good thing. I see this as an inlet for failure. Every exchange is an opportunity for the optic to fail to power up and achieve production of the dot (reticle).
As tool consumers we are faced with an enormous and growing number of things to attract our attention. Some of these will be valuable, some will present the problems I’ve described above. We have to ask ourselves a few questions to protect ourselves from “the good idea fairy.”
1st: Is this addition necessary? I often see things on the front of a rifle that probably don’t serve a real purpose. That space/weight/complexity isn’t without cost. If it isn’t necessary to the outcome consider not adding it to your “failure risk profile.”
2nd: Is it reliable? If it is necessary, will it be there when I need it the most? There are many tools out there that “look” the part. Remember that a broken hammer is not just a faulty tool, it’s a brand-new problem that requires capacity and resources to solve… in addition to what you were intending to do with it to begin with. It’s a cascade of problems away from the intended outcome.
3rd: Does it work for me? We’re all a little different and our needs are just as divergent. Make sure that “great tool” is great for you. Misaligning user and implement is probably the greatest inlet for failure. If the interface doesn’t work, the equipment is just in your way.
Search your gear. Measure it for its likelihood to introduce a weak spot in your system. Root out the inlets for failure.
Until next time: Train smart.
Author Bio
Duane “Buck” Buckner
After spending 25 years in the USCG, Duane “Buck” Buckner is now the U.S. Director of Training for Aimpoint. The Aimpoint Training Division conducts training courses for military and law enforcement agencies up to the Federal level as well as for the prepared civilian. Buck is widely known for his emphasis on brain psychology as it relates to combat and survival.
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