[ExSoldier]

"Say you're in the food court, where is the nearest exit? We really need to be aware of escape avenues just to do basic shopping anymore."

Moving targets, especially those moving laterally to the shooter will tend to draw his eye and thus his fire. Rather than an exit you should be looking for the nearest covered and concealed position and take the fastest and LOWEST route to that position. Then you can start low crawling out of the area.

Here's a brief primer: "Concealment" is any object which will conceal you from direct view. "Cover" is any object that will stop a bullet. Cover can be concealment too, but concealment is NOT necessarily cover. Six inches of packed dirt will stop an 5.56mmx45 round (the round used by our own M16), not an AK round which is 7.62mmx39

Cover could be a roadside curb; a cement lightpole (as long as it covers your vital areas); a mailbox; or a vehicle where the engine block is between you and the shooters. Interior doors are probably NOT good cover. One more thing. Stay away from solid walls in a corridor or from kneeling beside a vehicle door (between the wheelbase) This is because of the odd angles generated by a bullet that riccochets. Instead of behaving like a cue ball and truly bouncing at an angle, a bullet will strike a solid object like a wall or floor and bounce up and move PARALELL to that object about 4-6 inches off the surface. It's only natural to want to 'hug" any large surface for safety. But when the bullets are flying it can be a lethal mistake. The Rangers found this out in the alleys of Mogadishu.

This presupposes that the attack will be a shooting. If it's a suicide bomber, you probably won't detect anything before the blast. If it goes and you are not injured, get on a cell and call the EMT's and cops. Then haul A$$ in case there is another device which is designed to catch the First Responders.

[appalachian_dweller]

Re # 1102

Good tactical advice. I was aware of the difference between cover and concealment, but never thought of the lateral movement drawing your opponents eye and thus his fire. Thanks for that.

[DAVEY CROCKETT]

Thanks much so glad you are here.

[JustPiper]

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