12/05/2022
GROUND COMBATIVE’S
Part 1
Author Andy Nightingale
For many of us Training is usually a standardised program, whether it is Military, Law Enforcement or a Civilian defence program. This usually consists, as it should, of Safety, and shooting from the standing positions. It takes time to master the Weaver, Chapman, Isosceles, and Modern Isosceles stance positions, but It’s not until we embark on an advance course that we start to delve into the world of unorthodox methods of shooting, especially if your signed up to a civilian course.
There are many different ways in which you can fight from the ground, but it’s very important that you do it right and right the first time during a contact. That’s where training comes in. I’ve tried and used many different types of ground Combative’s, as shown by many respectable instructors, but I have taken to a mixture of several as I find that they are not only easier for me to perform, but they are also more comfortable for me with the way I fight. I’m not saying that those tactics I have discarded are bad or wrong, it’s just that I am more comfortable with the ones I have chosen.
It’s up to you what program you sign up to, if you have the choice that is, however you may not have that luxury if you are Military or LEO. If you don’t have the choice then there are no rules that suggest that you can’t indulge in some extra curriculum in your spare time. If you do, and want to use them in everyday carry, make sure that you can use these tactics on duty. Some departments insist on their training only. However so long as it’s legal, while off duty, survival comes first.
I want to share with you some of the methods that I find work easy for me and that I feel most comfortable with. These are not the be all and end all, so I would suggest trying other methods and find out what works for you and sign onto a reputable training course. My reasons for the tactics I have chosen include Safety, simplicity, minimalistic movement, aggression and dynamic presence.
As with all tactics that we train in, Safety is paramount. Of course when we are fighting for our lives or protecting the innocent, then we tend to forget some of, if not all, the safety rules, especially when the adrenaline starts to pump. It’s easy for the instructors to bang on about keeping the environment safe, but when this could be your last sunset, it somehow doesn’t seem to register and be your number one priority. The only way we can make a positive effort in keeping our surroundings, others and ourselves safe is to ingrain it into us by frequent training.
SAFETY
If your reading this article then I presume you already have some kind of shooting background. So I won’t delve too deep into all the safety rules except remind you of the four universal rules of safe gun handling as put together by the late great Geoff Copper.
Treat all guns as though they are loaded.
Never point a gun at anything that you are not willing to shoot.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond.
With this in mind there are a few extra concerns that we must take note of when fighting from the ground. We will look at those as we come to them.
For training purposes we need to look at the different types of weapons that we can use. During demonstrations and for the first couple of run through with my students I will opt for an inert training gun. This is usually in the form of a rubber training weapon. Such quality guns from ASP or Blue Guns are a great and safe way to learn new skills and develop new ideas. Of course they don’t replace the realism and feel of your firearm, but they don’t cost as much either. The other opinions are simunitions. There are a few different types of simunition training guns on the market so a little research in what suits you, your training program and environment will be time worth spent. Basically a simunition weapon will fire a simulated round, either paint or chalk, that will leave a mark on your opponent without pe*******on or injuries. However with this said, all persons in the training area must wear the appropriate personal safety equipment as recommended by the simunitions manufacturers and all safety precautions must be followed.
Another great training weapon, especially when it comes to force on force training, is Airsoft. Airsoft training weapons have been around for a while now and have proved themselves in the professional training arena. Powered by gas (or electric) these guns fire a plastic pellet, or BB, and so long as you wear the appropriate safety equipment this is as real as it gets without risking your, or anybody else’s life.
FUNDAMENTALS
The 7 fundamentals still apply to fighting from the ground as they do when in any standing position.
Stance: although we won’t be in a solid standing position, we still need to have as much as a solid platform to shoot from as possible. Being on the ground can be very uncomfortable and at times challenging. Chances are that you would have had some ground instruction and I’m guessing that this is the ever common prone position. Laying flat on the ground on your front with your head towards the target. Nothing wrong with that. But if we look as to why you would be shooting from the ground, it would more than likely that you have stumbled or even been knocked to the ground. Either way the chances are that you will be on the deck and on your back. This position is known a Supine position.
Grip: just because we are on the ground and in an unfamiliar position, this doesn’t change how we grip or control the weapon. We still have to maintain a strong hold on the weapon, to be able to keep it within our grasp and to manage recoil effectively.
Sight alignment: this doesn’t change either. We still need to make sure that we align the sights correctly as we would do in any other position. If we didn’t then how can we expect the rounds to find our intended point of aim on the target.
Sight picture: yep you guessed it this doesn’t change either. Being aware of our target, what is around and beyond it, correct sight alignment, sights super imposed on the point of aim, before, during, and after the shot all play their part.
Breathing: this is somewhat different but still important. When shooting in the standing position we find it relatively easy to control our breathing. In the prone position, especially if you are loaded up with heavy kit, breathing can be somewhat restrictive. I’ll cover this problem later.
Trigger control: is one of the most important parts of shooting and must be mastered no matter what position you find yourself in. Good trigger control will ensure good results.
Follow through: as with the rest of the fundamentals follow through is important to ensure accuracy and cadence when shooting.
Fundamentals are, for the lack of a better phrase, the bread and butter of marksmanship, and should in no way be compromised for anything else.
STANCE (Prone)
If you find yourself fighting from the ground it will be either by choice or by situation. If you have taken the choice to fight from the ground then it is most likely that you are in a prone position, laying face down with your head towards the target. Prone position is taught at many shooting schools and is very simple to do. There are a couple of safety procedures that must be taken into consideration when adopting the prone position. This differs slightly from the traditional stance and draw that are taught in class. However it might come to the point that you may not of had a chance to draw your weapon until you are physically on the ground.
If you choose to go prone, then it’s important that you draw the handgun from the holster before you go to ground. This will ensure muzzle safety at all times. As you go to ground make sure that the muzzle of the weapon stays in front of you and does not sweep your weak arm and hand, or any other body part for that matter, as you steady yourself into position. Keep the weapons muzzle orientated towards the target at all times. A common mistake is to have the muzzle pointing at the ground as you work yourself into position. As you can appreciate, if the gun was negligently discharged, you may get a face, and anything else in the way, full of splash. Not nice and avoidable. Once in position it is safe to assess and shoot.
When in the prone position, the way in which we manage recoil is compromised. We need to bring the sights up to the eyes and to do this we need to raise the weapon which forces us to use the elbows for support. With the elbows on the ground there is increased movement of the weapon and arms during recoil due to the lack of support. To overcome this problem raise your weak side knee. This will force you to roll to the strong side. Lay your head onto your bicep and bring the weapons sights into line with your eyes. Although your weapon is now being fired on its side, not that that matters, you will now find that you have a much more stable platform to shoot from. It will also keep your profile lower than it would be if you were laid flat on your stomach. Raising the weak side knee also aids in breathing control. Being on your side eases the pressure on your chest meaning that breathing becomes a lot easier to control, especially if you have exerted yourself or are wearing a chest rig or armour
DRAWING
The safest way to adopt the prone position is to already have your weapon drawn and ready for use. However, if you find yourself in a situation that forces you to draw your weapon once you are on the ground then things change dramatically from the way you know and have trained for in the standing position. There is a very real threat that you can discharge the weapon during the draw, thus injuring oneself or others in the process. Again this is from the prone position, laying flat on your stomach with your head facing the target. Drawing the weapon from the holster whilst laying flat causes many problems, mainly there is not much room for manoeuvre. More often than not the weapon is forced out to the side, causing unnecessary muzzle sweep, or simply planted into the ground. To combat this common problem simply roll onto your weak side with your weak hand placed firmly onto your strong side shoulder. This will ensure that your weak arm and hand stay well away from the weapons muzzle during the draw. With your strong hand, grasp the weapons grip as you would normally and draw the weapon. As you do it’s very important to maintain eye contact with your intended target. This will serve two tings, firstly you will be able to remain in visual contact with the target at all times, and secondly you will be protecting your face from any splash should the weapon be negligently discharged. You can now press out to the target making sure that the weapon passes under the weak arm and hand.
To re-holster, simply reverse the drawing procedure. Again make sure that you do not follow the muzzle back to the holster with your eyes. However it is a far better, and safer, option to recover from the prone position and put your weapon back into its holster once in the standing position.
POSITION MOVEMENT
To shoot towards your strong side, simply maintain the draw position and fire. To shoot towards the weak side, it’s very important to pass the muzzle of the weapon underneath the weak side arm and hand as you roll onto your strong side. Once on your strong side present the weapon to the target with a two handed grip, head on bicep, assess and shoot if need be.
If your target is moving, or has moved position, you need to reorientate your firing position. Prone position is one of the most stable platforms to shoot from but unfortunately mobility is sacrificed for stability. You must orientate your position by using your hips as a pivotal point. Use your legs and feet to spin yourself around into position. It may look a little messy but it works.
The prone position, although challenging, is not to be disregarded in your training programs. It works and works well but only if you practice and make perfect. In part 2 I will look at the Supine position and how to overcome some of the problems found when shooting from this position.
Stay safe.
