Guns – They can ruin your Masculinity!
The tactical culture had flourished over the last few years, I take it because everyone these days has easy access to video cameras and social media platforms, but I think this has caused the lines between reality and the tacticool entertainment world to become very, very blurred…
It takes little these days to be part of the tactical culture; buy a gun (where legal), buy some tactical cloths, buy some tactical accessories, start watching some tacticool social media channels and maybe even take some no-fail tacticool training courses, then after a few months you’re an expert… Where as in the good old days the only option if you wanted this lifestyle was to join the military, preferably the Infantry!
I understand the tactical industry is about selling, its about making money, no different than selling kitchen products and cookery classes or golf clubs and golf lessons. To be honest, working in a kitchen with sharp knives, boiling water, hot surfaces etc. is more dangerous than most tacticool entertainment classes…
From a business perspective the mainstream tactical and gun industry is not about dealing with the reality of violence, its about selling products and providing entertainment in a safe environment. Which, I see no problem with, until people start believing that their play world can transfer into the real world….
This is an example that I use on my close protection and hostile environment courses. I was speaking with someone a few years ago about security issues etc. And this person who was former U.S. Military, law enforcement and a DOD contractor was telling me how he turned down a government job in Abuja, Nigeria because he could not carry a firearm; “Got to have a gun in Africa”! I think he was trying to impress me but I have spent time in Africa, mainly unarmed. I have been out partying in Abuja and worked there providing bomb prevention services to Churches, unarmed! Abuja is a pretty safe city as long as you’re sensible, as with any major city, and is one of the safer places in Nigeria in general.
To put things into context, about the same time Mr. Tacticool Ted was telling me how he would not set foot outside the U.S. without a gun I had someone handing out terrorist attack and bomb prevention booklets to churches in volatile part of Northern Nigeria.
This someone was a young lady I knew, Ms. Jenny, who was a student at the time and a local beauty queen. There have been numerous terrorist attacks in her area, but she was still traveling around distributing the booklets and she was unarmed. I am sure to Mr. Tacticool Ted the distribution of these booklets would have needed an armored convoy with air support but….. Things are different in the real world!
So, in the terms of basic self-confidence, composure and operational procedures who would you say rates the highest; Mr. Tacticool Ted or Ms. Jenny? I think Ms. Jenny wins hands down, job well done way before I expect Mr. Tacticool Ted would have finished writing his kit list! While Mr. Tacticool Ted would be thinking body armor and hollow points I am sure Ms. Jenny was thinking would her nail varnish match her shoes and handbags.
Guns and tactical gear have an application in a hostile environment security program but many people seem hooked to the belief that all there is to self-defense, security and close protection is having a gun. Most places in the world, including of 99% high crime countries, are very restrictive on firearms and as a visitor you are not going to get legal permission to carry or possess a firearm.
It is also a fact that street criminals in high crime areas are very good at what they do. So I would say the majority of “Tacticool Teds” packing heat would end up dead pretty quickly, before their coffee or protein shake break… Fact life: You must be able to defend yourself without total reliance on firearms.
When I am on shooting ranges, including nice air-conditioned indoor ranges in suburban South Florida, and see shooters, including instructors dressed up with plate carries, chest rigs, daggers and drop holsters trying to look as mean as their YouTube heroes, I find it pretty worrisome.
I know for a fact many of these guys never joined the military for whatever reason, I expect most have never been in a bar fight let alone in a high-risk country, but they seem addicted the tactical lifestyle. What are they trying to over compensate for, I am sure Viagra would be cheaper than the thousands of dollars of guns and gear they walk around in. There has to be some chicks that would want to sleep with them….
Maybe they need to take some tips from someone who has operated successfully in a high-risk hostile environments like Ms. Jenny, I think most would be happier! Instead of worrying about the speed of their magazine changes she could teach them to be confident in how to properly apply their makeup… Instead of stressing about a new holster for their new gun she could boost their self-worth by ensuring their high-heels always matched their handbags… Maybe they would become empowered enough that armed with their new skills and wardrobe they could occasionally leave their guns at home….
So, if they are legally available learn to use and include firearms in your security and self-defense plans but also have other options available. I understand for many that tacticool gun addiction is a serious issue but it does nothing but gives you a false confidence and security… And when the guns are not there it can result in extreme anxiety and panic for the addict… The best way to avoid any addiction is education, so learn other options to avoid or deal with hostile situations…!
Stay safe!! 😉
Books on Amazon
Close Protection: Luxury & Hostile Environments
This book is relevant for bodyguards, investigators & those working in hostile environments.
Kindle @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CNSKXJF
Paper Back @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1980900388
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