Low Level Scenarios/Firearm's Training

[Mully]

Looking for an opinion,

Our training department wants to start transitioning to using airsoft/simunitions for firearm's training using live role players. To do this we would have two officers come in for training and one would be "the target" and one would be our student. Are we going to condition our officers to go down when they are struck with projectiles? Any suggestions on options we can give our "target" so that we don't condition him to go down when hit.

Also curious if anyone is doing this type of training and how they are conducting it.

[justken2u]

Ken Murray here ... First, as in class, I want to caution you about using "students" as role players. Role player behaviors must be extremely well scripted and should not just be "you be the good guy, and I'll be the bad guy." Using another officer is fine if you are doing drills, but ONLY if you are doing drills. And ultimately the role player actions will depend on the types of drills that are being undertaken. Second, role players should never go down unless directed by the exercise controller to go down, and only after an adequate number of rounds (there is no set number - officers must respond to the situation, not to a prescribed number of rounds) to avoid such conditioning. This is a pretty complicated question which on surface appears to be a simple question. Feel free to call me if you want to discuss it further.

[Mully]

Basically we are taking our low-light shoot that we conduct indoors and using our airsoft equipment instead of live rounds. Our "targets" will display certain threats (i.e. gun or knife) and officers will have to draw and fire a certain amount of rounds.

[justken2u]

That should be fine as long as your "targets" are given specific and tightly controlled behaviors ... NO AD LIBBING!!! Further, in order to avoid the conditioned effect you are concerned about, it is a simple thing to put a radio on your target. Those $30 Radio Shack radios will be fine. Put an ear piece into their ear, and direct them when to go down from behind the student. Role Player actions should be slow and deliberate. Do you have a copy of Training at the Speed of Life? Much of this is described there in greater detail.

[KO'Donnell]

I would add that if your using officers as role players, depending on the size of the department, the officers role player should also go through the scenario. This will allow them the desired "officer" responce behaivor.