[jagusafr]

One suggestion, with the caveat that I agree with 95% of your post: If we’re “training like we fight”, shouldn’t there be the occasional drill WITHOUT ear protection? The fog of war/personal protection includes the noise and fury of responding to live, loud weapons fire. Should there be a balance between safety and realism?

Colonel, USAF (ret)

[Black_Rifle_Gunsmith]

Respectfully, I disagree. I wouldn’t risk blowing my ear drums out at the range, ever. Especially considering it’s going to ruin my auditory situational awareness if it’s ever needed. — Fires NCO/JFO, ret. (with Tinnitus)

[mad_as_he$$]

I have been in three events where guns were discharged in confined space(s). One in a house, one in a vehicle and one in a store. They were all very loud and disorienting. That said I also have tinnitus from shooting most 22lr as a kid, but also hunting with long guns. I would protect my hearing if I had it to do over again; but one needs to be aware how loud a pistol shot will be in your own home. Oh and there is now way you can communicate to another person with a whisper after a shot in an enclosed space.

[Yo-Yo]

One suggestion, with the caveat that I agree with 95% of your post: If we’re “training like we fight”, shouldn’t there be the occasional drill WITHOUT ear protection? The fog of war/personal protection includes the noise and fury of responding to live, loud weapons fire. Should there be a balance between safety and realism?

Colonel, USAF (ret)

No, sir, never train without proper hearing and eye protection.

We also don't perform the occasional drill of standing downrange and having gunfire whizzing past us, just to orient ourselves to the feeling of being under fire.

The training benefits do not outweigh the safety risks.