19 Seconds — Officer Black’s Survival Story
In October of 2024, fellow Trainer Garrett DeMilia and I taught an ASP Instructor Certification (AIC) course in Houston. One of our students was James “Bo” Black, a Texas Tech...
Trainer Talk
19 Seconds — Officer Black’s Survival Story
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Survival Mindset
Survival isn't just a skill, it's a mindset—especially in law enforcement. Officers are trained to operate in high-risk environments, often with little warning. While very few citizens will ever encounter...
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Training Principles vs. Training Techniques
In the context of defensive tactics, a principle is the overarching concept that guides decision-making during a confrontation. A strong tactical principle is timeless and versatile—that is, it’s applicable to...
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Behind the Technique
ASP integrated training is principle-based. Its protocols and elements are centered around reasonableness, which is the standard commonly applied to use of force analysis. At times, however, some instructors struggle...
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Fundamentals of Marksmanship
Marksmanship, quite simply, refers to the skill of accurately shooting a weapon at a target. And like all skills, competency in marksmanship starts with mastering fundamentals of marksmanship, and making...
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The Art of the Demo—Technique Demonstration, the ASP Way
There is an art to the demo, and just like the actual skills we’re presenting, teaching skills are improved through repetition. Just as we expect our officers to train their...
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Power Generation—The Key to Impact Weapon Effectiveness
I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to train officers around the world. And in my travels, I sometimes hear officers say “I don’t carry a baton anymore, because it’s ineffective;...
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“Cease to Exist”
All officers are taught and trained on the critical importance of weapon retention. Clearly, being able to retain the firearm—whether holstered or drawn—is a life-or-death proposition. But what about handcuff retention? In...
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The Expandable Baton —Still an Irreplaceable Tool
Expandable Batons have been used by law enforcement and security agencies for decades, but with advances in technology—and increasingly burdened duty belts or vests—some officers and agencies question whether they...
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Challenge Coins: An exclusive “currency,” steeped in tradition
Military and law enforcement challenge coins are much more than just collectibles or souvenirs; they are tangible symbols of honor, camaraderie, and pride. These small medallions carry immense significance, representing...
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Angle of Advantage: What it is and how to use it
Angle of advantage (AOA) is a defensive tactics principle that increases officer safety, situational awareness, and control. As we teach in ASP training programs, Angle of Advantage dictates that the...
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The Art of a Good Question
To use questions effectively, we must first understand a key principle: HOW you communicate impacts WHAT you communicate—and that “what” is a two-way street. Ask a better question and you...
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Functional Fitness for Law Enforcement Officers
Law enforcement work comes with fitness demands that are unique among professions. An officer may spend hours in a car, but then have to suddenly burst into an all-out run,...
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Dialogue: Why it's the best defensive tactic
In Law Enforcement, fundamentals matter—and the most basic fundamental of all is dialogue. Verbal direction plays a role throughout the use of force continuum, from cooperative subjects to lethal scenarios.
