Like most firearms instructors, I used to downplay the probability that my students would find themselves in the middle of a terrorist attack. After all, we train for the most likely defensive scenarios, not the least likely.
However, since the 9/11 attack, I have secretly harbored the fear that terrorists would eventually bring their “ground game” to our shores. They only need a sufficient number of committed jihadists. Given the discovery of “sleeper cells” even in places like Minnesota, recruiting suicide attackers will not be that difficult.
More than ten years ago, I wrote a piece in which I hypothesized a series of simultaneous, coordinated attacks on multiple “soft” targets like schools, sports stadiums, and malls. And these attacks would not be limited to major cities like New York or San Francisco, because maximum terror would be achieved by hitting targets in America’s “backyard”—shopping facilities in city, suburban, and even rural areas in multiple states across the nation. It would devastate the American psyche. People would suddenly realize that nowhere is beyond the reach of the terrorists, which is exactly what the terrorists want.
And the jihadists wouldn’t need expensive, high tech weapons like “suitcase” nukes to do it, or even full-auto firearms as in Paris. They could create massive casualties (and chaos) equipped with everyday rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
Additionally, such an attack could seriously cripple the American economy. Even if only a small percentage of people suddenly feel afraid to go to the local mall, the financial consequences could be catastrophic.
Naturally, you and I worry less about economic damage than we do about protecting ourselves and our families. My point is that the economic damage such an attack could cause is what makes it more attractive to terrorists.
As a result, while I used to say “if” when discussing the potential for a multi-state terrorist attack on American soil, I now say “when.” And while the odds of any one of us being in the middle of such an attack are slim, it’s always better to be prepared.
Like most of our readers, you are probably already armed most of the time. But what else can we really do? Well, for starters, we can avoid engaging in denial. Remind ourselves that, yes, it CAN happen in our cities/towns.
Become even more aware of your surroundings than you usually are. Whether driving or walking, is there something that just doesn’t look right? If so, inform the authorities. Don’t tell yourself: “It’s nothing. I’m just being paranoid.” Make the call.
When you find yourself in any area with limited escape routes, make sure you know where they are…before you need them. The Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting taught all of us what can happen if we become basically “fish in a barrel.”
Finally, remember that the “typical” mentally deranged mass public shooter is a disaffected loner, who will often fold at the first sign of resistance. But in a terrorist attack, you will likely be confronting not one but multiple radical jihadists who are highly trained, disciplined, and heavily armed. The Paris attacks illustrated this clearly.
As a result, even if you are a military veteran with serious combat experience, you’ll probably be outnumbered, and you won’t be carrying your military rifle either. Whatever your background, remember these realities and, as much as possible within your own capabilities, train to survive.
“Black Friday” is coming…hopefully, without incident. But…
*****
Be in control of your environment by actively viewing your surroundings. Improve your situational awareness is just six easy steps with this FREE guide:
