Brief AAR and the Case for Ambidexterity (and having left-handers in your group) by DVM

The following course review and, more importantly, training notes, were generously written by DVM from the Fighting Carbine Course last weekend. As I teach in class, you never, ever get that so-called perfect shot in combat. Ever. As a competent combatant you must have the ability to adapt to any environment and any situation. Because we default to that which we have committed to the subconscious under duress, ambidextrous weapons manipulation should be a cornerstone of any training program once the fundamentals have been mastered. -NCS


Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still a fugitive from Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men, helpers in the war, armed with bows, using both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows with the bow. They were of Benjamin, Saul’s brethren.
Throughout recorded history warfighters have emerged who were ambidextrous. I wrote “emerged” because I believe combat ambidexterity is an acquired skill. This past weekend at NC Scout’s Fighting Carbine class (goodness, a real honor to attend) we ran some strong-side/weak-side carbine drills. This kind of hands-on practice is a motivation to develop (or refine) those valuable skills. Do you need to work on this skill? We learned there are times when your cover/concealment allows only a certain type of shot. The utility of classes like this is you can get taught correctly one good time and then return home to practice said drills (switching your carbine from one shoulder to the other, for example). The ambidextrous drills were a small part of a huge weekend of training. Whatever your level of training you can always learn something new! Even if you think you have mastered the basics, I believe you will agree that many warfighting skills are “perishable”and must be practiced with some frequency. What an awesome class it was. Some of the greatest folks in the nation gathered on the hottest two days of the summer to sharpen fighting skills.
We also had time to fellowship, share meals together, and discuss all kinds of topics (gear, tactics, state of the nation). Everyone stayed cool, and we had zero heat-related issues. Huge bonus: Had you attended this past weekend you would have met four AP staff members! I was as surprised as anyone to see them all together. It was extremely encouraging to spend the weekend training with them. Anyway, we had two lefties in the class, and it was awesome to watch them. I am still amazed to see born left-handers perform in tactical classes. Think of the challenges they have in running the right-handed shooting equipment that’s out there! They are a huge advantage to have on a fire team.
Listen, if you have never run a live-fire two-man drill with a left-hander you are in for a tactical treat. Got any left-handers in your group? Got a group? I see that there are many training opportunities listed from now until December (see Brushbeater’s website, upper right corner of the screen). Don’t put it off. I sense we are in a time of increased urgency. Do I need to mention the importance of November? To my training brethren: God bless you all!! It was a real privilege to meet you and train with you…what a great time we had. I hope to see you again soon.
DVM
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About the Author: NC Scout

NC Scout is the nom de guerre of a former Infantry Scout and Sergeant in one of the Army’s best Reconnaissance Units. He has combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He teaches a series of courses focusing on small unit skills rarely if ever taught anywhere else in the prepping and survival field, including his RTO Course which focuses on small unit communications. In his free time he is an avid hunter, bushcrafter, writer, long range shooter, prepper, amateur radio operator and Libertarian activist. He can be contacted at [email protected] or via his blog at brushbeater.wordpress.com .

6 Comments

  1. AmbGun July 15, 2020 at 09:42

    The Ambidextral Gunfighter. Free booklet. Video series. Why. How. What’s required of the equipment.

    • NC Scout July 15, 2020 at 09:49

      Shoot me an email, if you don’t mind.

  2. 1chota July 15, 2020 at 13:14

    when I attended the M-16 Instructors’ Class that was run by the USMC Scout/Sniper School at Quantico for the U.S. Border Patrol I was teamed with a lefty. when we ran the tactical drills we had a decided advantage having a strong point both left and right. reflexes to threats were quick. I had never contemplated that before.
    Makes working the brush in a tactical situation much better.

  3. johnyMac July 15, 2020 at 15:07

    Great time for sure DVM. I am glad to have had the 1:1 time with you.

    73 & God Bless Brother

  4. Mad Casa July 15, 2020 at 19:00

    As a lefty, I can appreciate the ability to naturally cover the right. AR and AK haven’t given me trouble to operate. I do have to do more weapons manipulation with the right hand though.

  5. Anonymous July 23, 2020 at 22:35

    4.5

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