Shooter’s Edge
If you knew you'd be fighting for your life tomorrow,
...would you change the way you train today?
INSTRUCTORS LESSON PLAN
UNIT: RANGE INSTRUCTION SUBJECT: EIGHT-HOUR LOW-LIGHT OFFICER
SURVIVAL COURSE INSTRUCTOR LESSON PLAN
OBJECTIVES: To educate and train officers with tactics to survive deadly force in
low light/no light conditions
TEACHING AIDS: Blue guns/ flashlights/ steel targets/Road flares
MATERIALS: Handouts
REFERENCES: SureFire Lowlight Institute/NRA Lowlight training.
PREREQUISITE EXPERIENCE OF THE LEARNERS: Law Enforcement
Officers
I.
PREPARATION (STUDENT MOTIVATION).
More than two out of three officer homicides, and most violent crimes, occur
during the hours of darkness, or in diminished light. Over 70% of all officerinvolved shootings take place in a low-light environment, yet most training takes
place under normal lighting conditions. The conditions these officers were
operating in at the time of their shooting would equate them to being to legally
blind. Even day-shift officers regularly operate in low-light conditions when
searching unlit structures, basements, closets and garages. Past Court case and
law suits dictate that we must train law enforcement officer in real life conditions to
avoid law suits but more importantly so that they survive.
.
KEY POINTS
INSTRUCTORS
WHAT TO SAY OR DO ABOUT KEY POINTS
Lt Ken Farren Amarillo Texas Police Department(Retired)
Owner/Instructor for Shooters Edge
THE EVANS GROUP/Law Enforcement Techinical Specialist
Representing Surefire, Trijicon, and LWRC Rifles
kenfarren@theevansgroup.net Cell 806 681 7089
.
Contributor Surefire Institute & William Murphy
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1
• Understand the need for low-light training
• Understand the primary flashlight applications
• Be able to identify and define the various lighting conditions
• Understand the concept of light as a force option
• Understand the 10 key principles of low-light tactics
• Be able to apply four handheld flashlight techniques

INSTRUCTOR INTRODUCTION

HAND OUT CURRICULUM

LOW-LIGHT MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION
1. Explain Course Objective
2. Explain Training Goals
3. Describe statistics for Officers Killed On Duty
4. Describe Flashlight Applications
5. Explain Principle-Based Learning
6. Describe and demonstrate Ten Principles of Low- Light Tactics (with focus
on 1-7) Discuss Flashlight Techniques (Harries, Rogers/SureFire, Ayoob,
Modified FBI)
7. Discuss Equipment Issues
8. Explain "Must-Have" Tactical Flashlight Features
9. Discuss proper mindset (Hunter vs. Victim)
10. Explain safety and expectations for scenario (or force-on-force, as
appropriate) training.
11. Recap ten principles of low-light tactics (with focus on 1-7)
12. FIVE HANDHELD FLASHLIGHT TECHNIQUES
13. In the classroom and using blue guns and the student's flashlights, first
demonstrate then practice the five most common flashlight techniques
(Harries, Rogers/SureFire, Ayoob, Modified FBI Neck Index).
2
RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT
IN consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in the training and instruction
being offered by ____________________, I, THE RELEASOR, acknowledge, appreciate,
and agree that:
1. This training program involves the use and discharge of firearms, the use of
weapons by class members and instructors. Such weapons will be used in various
training exercises that require movement with loaded weapons in a holster and
upholster condition. I am fully aware of the inherit risk of injury associated with the
activities and equipment involved in such training and instruction, including the
potential for permanent disability and death, and while personal discipline will
minimize the risk, the risk does exist.
2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISK ARISING SAID
TRAINING BY THOSE PERSONS CONDUCTING TRAINING. I HEREBY
RELEASE FROM LIABILITY BELOW AND ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR
MY PARTICIPATION IN SAID TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION.
3. I understand that this training program is physical and mentally intense. I
understand that I must at all times, follow the instructions of any and all training
personnel. If I observe any unusual or unnecessary hazards during my
participation, I will bring such to the attention of the training staff as soon as
practical; and
4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next
of kin _____________________________________________________
FOREVER RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE
SUREFIRE L.L.C.,THE EVANS GROUP OR SHOOTERS EDGE THE OWNERS
AND LESSORS OF THE PREMISES USED TO CONDUCT THE SUBJECT
TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION, THEIR OFFICERS, INSTRUCTORS, AGENTS
AND/OR EMPLOYEES ("RELEASES"), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL
INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR
PROPERTY, WHETHER CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR
OTHERWISE.
5. I understand and agree that this RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION
OF RISK AGREEMENT covers each and every training session and/or simulation
in which I participate or attend.
6. I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND
ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTAND THAT, BY
SIGNING MY NAME BELOW, I FREELY AND KNOWINGLY GIVE UP
IMPORTANT LEGAL RIGHTS.
Date Signed: _____________________________________
RELEASOR'S Signature :_____________________________________( Must be signed
in ink).
3
1998-2008 UNITED STATES LE STATISTICS
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER KILLED OR ASSAULTED (LEOKA)
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm#leoka
See over heads
NIGHT VISION FACTS
The human eye uses both rod cells and cone cells to adjust to the varying degree of light.
A. Cone Cells - Used primarily for high degrees of light. They are located in the
central portion of the retina.
B. Rod Cells - Approximately 1000 times more sensitive to light.
 It perceives only shades of gray.
 Lacks precision for shapes, distance, and depth.
 Images caught in your peripheral vision are not clear.
 As light decreases, the rods takeover the vision from the cones.
 Things that might affect your low light vision are age, smoking,
low levels of vitamin A, and high altitude.
 After eyes adjust to low light, you loose color and depth
perception.
 There will be a small blind spot directly in front of your eyes.
 Remember, it will take between 20 and 40 minutes to obtain your
full night vision.

There are several vision categories.

Photpic Vision - Daylight or high levels of light. (Best eye function)

Mesopic Vision - Light during dawn, dusk, or a full moon. Rod and cones
work together in this lighting. To achieve the best vision, use scanning
techniques or off center vision.

Scotopic Vision - The cone does not function. Visual acuity is app. 20/200
and the detail is poor. There is a blind spot directly in front of your eyes.
You loose color perception and fine details.
VISION IN LOW-LIGHT CONDITIONS
The ability to see under adverse light conditions varies between individuals. This ability is
also age related. Additionally, the abilities to see under reduced illumination, to see past
oncoming glare, and to adapt from light to dark quickly, all peak during the teenage
years. Other factors affecting our ability to see include: smoking, alcohol, drugs and
medication. Although human vision is capable of very keen visual acuity, standard 20/20
vision is only achievable under relatively high levels of illumination.
4
Vision tests are conducted under moderate to high photopic (bright daylight) conditions.
Central vision, which is 20/20 in photopic conditions, drops to less than the criteria for
legal blindness immediately upon leaving the illumination and entering starlit
conditions.
Starlit illumination is defined as "night sky with less than half moon and no direct artificial
lighting". Starlight is referred to as scotopic by vision experts. Visual disadvantage is
greatest immediately after leaving a well-illuminated area and entering scotopic
conditions. During the first two minutes of scotopic illumination, vision is reduced
from 20/20 to 20/800. This is four times the impairment required to constitute blindness
under photopic conditions. Eyesight of 20/800 is less than 5% of the visual efficiency
present in daylight illumination.
Under scotopic conditions, central vision improves over time. After 12 minutes of dark
adaptation, 20/300 or 15% visual efficiency is obtained. After 30 minutes of dark scotopic
adaptation, the best obtainable vision is 20/180. This level is definitely impaired, and is
only slightly better than legally blind. A moonlit night sky or its equivalent is termed
mesopic illumination. Initial central vision in mesopic illumination is 20/400 or 10% of the
visual efficiency present in photopic conditions that is the equivalent of twice the
handicap necessary to constitute legal blindness.
The visual system is neurologically wired for a small area of clear vision surrounded by
concentric circles of increasing blurred vision. The brain integrates many complex
processes, which fill in ambiguity created by poor peripheral visual acuity. The same
processes come into effect as dim illumination results in ambiguous image formation. The
brain calls upon memory, selective suppression and enhancement in forming visual
perception. Ultimately, it is the brain and not the eyes, which gives the visual perception.
Visual perceptions that officers receive are influenced heavily by their training and
survival instincts combined with specific factors of the immediate situation. It is important
to remember that what we see is determined by the existing light combined with the
perceived expectations of the brain. In a study by Geller and Scoot, of officer
involved shootings nationwide, 25 % involved unarmed suspects.
FIVE PRIMARY FLASHLIGHT APPLICATIONS
SEARCHING
Use the light to investigate the problem or to locate a threat. Use of gun-mounted lights
requires that you either violate Rule Two and search with the muzzle or use something
like a light-colored ceiling or wall to reflect light into the area that you wish to illuminate. A
wiser choice might be to supplement the gun-mounted light with a hand-held one,
perhaps linked to the non-gun-hand wrist with a lanyard
NAVIGATING
Use the light to find the optimum pathway and to avoid obstacles.
THREAT IDENTIFICATION
5
Use the light to determine friend or foe. Whether or not you're fond of working a flashlight
and a firearm simultaneously, you certainly need enough light, ambient or artificial, to
positively identify your threat before you fire
CONTROL
Use the light to control and direct the suspect's movements and to restrict their ability to
receive visual data. Eighty percent (or more depending on the situation) of our sensory
information is received visually - shining a sufficiently powerful light into dark-adapted
eyes will cause the subject to experience momentary blindness and loss of balance. As
such, a properly applied and sufficiently powerful flashlight beam can be considered a
viable non-lethal force option that can be used to facilitate compliance, or to ease the
application of arrest and control techniques.
COMMUNICATION
Use the light to communicate location and direction. Putting the spot of your light on the
area of interest and informing your partner that, "the threat is on my blinking light" is more
informative and precise than pointing in the same direction and saying, "he's over there".
10 KEY PRINCIPLES OF LOW-LIGHT TACTICS
You will learn to LIKE the darkness. We can hide in it and it is our friend." Darrell Mulroy gun advocate
1. READ THE LIGHT AND ADAPT
Upon entering a low-light threat environment, assess the varying levels of light. Is it
completely dark, are parts of the environment partially lit, and most importantly, are you
backlit by a door, window, or other light source? The rule of thumb is: All "dark holes"
(any area too dark to see into) contain threats, and should therefore be treated as such
until proven otherwise. A proper assessment of the prevailing lighting conditions will
dictate whether you use the flashlight intermittently, like a blinking light, or whether you
choose to leave it on constantly to throw up an impenetrable "wall of light".
Examples of Lighting Conditions and Possible Responses:
FRONT LIGHTING: Dominate with light
BACKLIGHTING: Dominate with light, and/or move to the lowest level, and/or control the
light (close the door behind you, turn out the light, etc.)
SIDE LIGHTING: Dominate with light, and/or move to the lowest level, and/or control the
light (close the door to your side; turn out the light, etc.)
2. OPERATE FROM THE LOWEST LEVEL OF LIGHT
As a general rule, moving to the lowest level of light provides more concealment than
operating in areas with higher levels of light. The idea is to reduce a subject/aggressor's
ability to see you while improving your ability to see without being seen. Time in the light
equals time as a target.
3. AVOID OR CONTROL BACKLIGHTING
6
In a low-light environment you are most visible and vulnerable when backlit. Do not stop
in doorways, or allow your partner to make your silhouette an easy target by turning on
his flashlight behind you. One of the most common low-light mistakes is to face a threat
that is located in a dark area while you are standing in front of a more brightly lit area
(having the moon at your back when entering a dark warehouse is enough to make you
"backlit"). How to "equalize" backlighting will be covered under principle #7, Dominate
with Light.
4. SEE FROM THE THREAT'S VIEWPOINT
With practice, a skilled tactician will continuously analyze his position and "sight picture"
from the viewpoint of any possible threats in the environment. For instance, if you go
down that hallway, what picture are you presenting to anyone inside the darkened room
at the end? This concept, combined with an awareness of the light levels around, behind,
and in front of you, will help to dictate the best way to approach a given tactical problem.
5. LIGHT AND MOVE
While the flashlight can give you a tactical advantage, it can also become a liability if you
make it easy for an opponent to locate and/or fix your position. Until you have located the
threat, it is better to use the light in brief flashes, taking care to move to a new position
after every flash. Keeping the flashlight on continuously may make searching easier, as
well as more reassuring, but it also makes you a target while letting the aggressor know
how far you are from his position, what direction you are coming from, and when you will
be there.
6. INTERMITTENT USE OF LIGHT AT RANDOM HEIGHTS
Unless the threat is contained and/or neutralized, holding the flashlight in front of center
of mass is the least recommended technique. Experience from actual gunfights and
force-on-force training shows that when given the opportunity aggressors will shoot at the
light. Activating the light away from centerline, at intermittent and irregular intervals, while
alternating the light position from low to high, will confuse your opponent while making it
harder for them to determine your position.
From the perspective of an aggressor/threat hiding in the building you are searching, it is
easy to follow your progress and to guess your position if you search with your light in
constant-on mode, but it is much harder and often disorientating due to the stroboscopic
effect to follow your progress if you use random, intermittent lighting. As the searcher,
would you rather be predictable and easy to track, or disorientating and difficult to locate?
7. DOMINATE WITH LIGHT
In most cases, constant light should only be used in two situations: (1) when you are
backlit and cannot move to a less backlit position (such as when entering the front door of
a building with a streetlight at your back), and (2) when your subject has been located
and is not an immediate threat (i.e. not in a position to fire on you).
In the first instance "dominating" with constant light will reduce your silhouette to anyone
hiding within the doorway. "But," you ask, "Won't my light give me away?" The answer of
course, is yes. But conducting a building search is an exercise in compromise; a perfect
solution is not always possible, so you do the best you can to increase your odds of
success. If you leave your light off, your silhouette is still clearly visible to anyone inside.
7
By flooding the doorway and the room beyond with light, you take away your opponent's
ability to see while increasing your own. In situations where you are not backlit and
therefore not visible, intermittent lighting is the better choice. Once the aggressor has
been located, and is determined not to be an immediate threat, keep the light on and in
his eyes. Turning the light off at this point only gives the aggressor the ability to move to
another position, thereby forcing you to begin the search again. Once the threat is
located, dominate with light and "pin" the suspect in position.
Many agencies train their officers to keep the light directed at the suspect's hands so they
can see a potential weapon. Unfortunately, this practice allows the suspect to regain his
vision. Using a sufficiently powerful light with a good quality beam, an officer can place
the center spot of the beam directly in the suspect's eyes while still having more than
enough light to see the suspect's hands.
"When you're in the dark, stay in the dark. When you're in the light, light up the dark.
8. ALIGN THREE THINGS
When searching for or engaging a known deadly-force threat, your weapon, flashlight and
eyes should be aligned to the same point of focus. If you locate the threat with your eyes
and flashlight, but have your weapon down and out of the fight, there will be no time bring
all three together if the threat engages you. This does not suggest that you should always
keep your weapon presented in a firing position while searching. Let the threat level and
agency protocol determine how you present your weapon. But if you are searching for a
threat that has already demonstrated intent to respond with lethal force, you should be
prepared to instantly defend yourself.
Students under duress during force-on-force training have often been observed to
incorrectly corner with either their weapon or head first. The officer who "leads" with his
weapon while cornering or "slicing the pie" (e.g. holds his gun around a comer without
being able to see what it is pointed at) is telegraphing his position to anyone on the other
side of the comer (fig. 1). The officer who leads with his head (e.g. peaks his head
around a comer while his weapon is not in a useable position) has the problem of not
being able to immediately fire if faced with a threat.
(fig. 2).
Telegraphing (fig. 1)
Out of the Fight (fig. 2)
8
Ready to Respond (fig.3)
For these reasons it is recommended that eyes, weapon, and flashlight be aligned in the
same general direction when searching for a threat that is known to be dangerous and
likely to be encountered (fig. 3). However, the final determination for how you present and
carry your weapon should be determined by your agency protocol.
9. CARRY MORE THAN ONE LIGHT
Flashlights are mechanical devices and even the best can fail. This concept is no
different than carrying a back-up weapon: if you need one, carry two.
Tactical Trinity: 1 is none,2 is one, 3 is key.
1. Primary light……… If it goes you are with out a light.
2. Back Up light…………..If one goes out a least you have one.
3. Weapons mounted light……Can be supported with both hands or another light.
10. BREATHE AND RELAX
Under stress human beings tend to hyperventilate, while this response may have been
appropriate when our ancestors had to fend off the attacks of wild beasts, it is counter
productive in a modem threat environment. Breath control is the key to remaining calm, in
control and aware. Make a point of checking your breath regularly in a threat
environment; if your breath is out of control, you are out of control. Tactical brearthing.
In force-on-force training or an actual high-risk situation, you will tense up and you will
hyperventilate unless you train yourself to do regular breath checks. Training yourself to
check your breath before entering a threat area and during a confrontation should be as
natural and common sense as regularly checking your six. Proper breathing is easy:
breathe deeply and slowly - in through the nose, out through the mouth. Breathe into the
lower abdomen, filling the lower lungs first. Avoid high, shallow breathing from the upper
lungs.
Placement of flashlight on duty belt discuss
FIVE HANDHELD FLASHLIGHT TECHNIQUES
There are more than five handheld flashlight techniques but the ones presented here are
the most common. Flashlight techniques can be divided into two categories: "hands
together" or "hands-apart", with each category offering distinct advantages and
disadvantages. The hands-together techniques allow for a two-handed firing grip but
sacrifice flexibility in application for incremental gains in stability. Hands-apart techniques
give the operator greater options when shooting around cover and when moving laterally
while firing, but offer no support for the firing hand.
Hands-together techniques require that the light be held in front of center-of-mass. This
fact is not an issue when conducting routine searches or when the subject is not an
immediate threat or has already been contained. However, when engaging an active
(firing) threat in dark conditions where you would not normally be visible to the threat, it is
probable that the threat will fire at your light (and therefore your center of mass) if given
the opportunity
9
Both hands-together and hands-apart techniques have their place and both should be
practiced accordingly in as realistic conditions as possible.
HARRIES TECHNIQUE
@ 2003 SureFire L.L.C.
Named after the late Michael Harries, a pioneer of modem practical combat shooting, the
Harries Technique is one of the most popular of the hands-together techniques. The
Harries was originally developed for use with large-bodied flashlights, but works equally
well with today's smaller tactical lights.
To employ the Harries Technique, the flashlight is held in an ice pick grip while thrusting
the handgun forward, then crossing the light under the gun arm and placing the backs of
the hands against each other to create stabilizing isometric tension. For large flashlights,
the body of the flashlight may be rested on the shooting hand's forearm. The thumb or
finger operates the on/off switch, whether it is a tailcap pushbutton or a body-mounted
button. This technique works well for shooters who prefer a Weaver or modified Weaver
(Chapman) position.
Pros
 Works well with small or large flashlights.

Aligns the flashlight beam automatically with the weapon's muzzle.

Enables a two-handed support of the handgun.

Less fatiguing for extended use with a heavy flashlight, as the light can rest on the
shooting hand's forearm.

Ergonomically compatible with the Weaver stance
Cons
 Displacement of the beam from point-of-aim during firing.

Proximity of hands increases the chance of a sympathetic contraction and/or
"hand confusion" - either of which could result in an accidental discharge.

Chance of muzzle sweeping the flashlight hand or forearm during employment.
10

Can lead to self-blinding when a right-handed shooter attempts to navigate a
comer or wall on his right side.

Light is located at the shooter's center of mass.

Poor ergonomics for anything but the Weaver stance
ROGERS/SUREFIRE
@ 2003 SureFire L.L.C
Developed by former FBI agent, Bill Rogers, and later refined for use with SureFire's
patented grip ring-equipped CombatLights@, this technique allows the shooter to
maintain a close approximation of a normal two-handed firing grip.
The flashlight is held between the first and second fingers of the non-firing hand in a
"syringe grip" with the tail cap pushbutton resting against the palm/base of thumb. The
flashlight is then brought together with the weapon hand and the two unused fingers of
the light hand wrap around the gripping fingers of the weapon hand as in a normal two
hand firing grip. To activate the light, pressure is exerted to depress the tail cap
pushbutton against the palm/base of thumb.
Pros

Allows for rapid deployment when carried in a CombatLight@ holster.

Aligns the beam automatically with the weapon's muzzle.

Allows for two-handed support of the pistol.

Closely approximates a normal two-handed firing grip.
Cons
 Only works with small, pushbutton tailcap-equipped flashlights.

Displacement of the beam from point-of-aim during firing.

Proximity of hands increases the chance of a sympathetic contraction and/or
"hand confusion" - either of which could result in an accidental discharge.

Weapon can bang into the flashlight during a hasty execution.
11

Difficult to use with an injured hand or arm.

Trying to align the flashlight beam with the target can alter the alignment of
weapon with the target.

Light is located at the shooter's center of mass.
AYOOB TECHNIQUE
@ 2003 SureFire L.L.C
Developed by shooting instructor Massad Ayoob, the Ayoob Technique is a hands
together method for side-switch type flashlights that utilizes isometric tension to stabilize
the gun and light. The technique is best used for fast and dirty close-range situations and
many users find that it is not the best method for shooting at assailants beyond a few
feet.
To employ the Ayoob Technique, grasp the flashlight in a sword grip with the thumb or
any finger on the side-mounted on/off switch, then thrust both the light and the gun out to
approximate an isosceles position, with both thumbs touching. The thumb of the flashlight
hand is pressed against the thumb of the weapon hand, creating isometric tension that
steadies the weapon.
Pros
 Requires less training than other methods.

Aligns the beam automatically with the weapon's muzzle.
Cons
 Limited only to side-switch flashlights.

Alignment of the beam and barrel displaces during firing.

Fatiguing for extended use, especially with heavier flashlights.

Proximity of hands increases the chance of a sympathetic contraction and/or
"hand confusion" either of which could result in an accidental discharge.

Flashlight tends to bang into weapon during hasty execution.

Adjusting the flashlight beam with the target can alter the alignment of the weapon
with target.

Light is located at the shooter's center of mass.
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MODIFIED FBI TECHNIQUE
@ 2003 SureFire L.L.C
With
this technique the flashlight is held in a sword or
ice pick grip with the arm extended well away from the body and the gun hand. Often the
technique involves extending the arm upward with the flashlight held slightly in front of
body so as not to illuminate the user.
Possibly the oldest formally taught flashlight-and-gun technique, the FBI Technique was
originally emphasized as a way to prevent the user's flashlight from "marking" his exact
position. By moving the light away from the user's body, an assailant who shot at the light
would be less likely to hit the agent.
Many advocates of hands-together techniques view the FBI technique as outmoded.
However, this technique has proven to be very effective for room clearing and dynamic,
close quarter’s engagements, as it allows the light to be activated away from the body at
varying heights without changing the position of the weapon in the opposite hand.
Pros
 Works with both small and large flashlights.
 Eliminates displacement of either the beam or the firing grip upon firing.
 Allows searching with the flashlight without aligning the muzzle with the beam,
a consideration for anyone who might encounter a "no-shoot" during a search.
 Peripheral light can be used to illuminate the front and rear sights. Minimizes
exposure during room clearing or firing around obstacles. Less likely to draw fire to
center-of-mass.
 Easy transition to and from the traditional "flashlight on shoulder" technique
commonly used during interviews.
 Can be used with shoulder-fired weapons.
 Easy to use when applying the principle of Intermittent Use of Light at Random
Heights.
 Works well for ambidextrous shooting.
Cons
 Limits the user to shooting one-handed.
 Difficult to maintain alignment of the beam on the threat.
 Can be fatiguing for extended use, especially with heavier flashlights. Hard to use
with an injured hand or arm.
 Instant alignment of the flashlight beam with the target requires extensive practice.
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NECK-INDEX TECHNIQUE
@ 2003 SureFire L.L.C
Modified for use with smaller tactical flashlights by SureFire Institute founding instructors,
Ken Good and Dave Maynard, the Neck-Index Technique was first named, and described
in print by gun writer, Brian Puckett, as a variation of the flashlight-on shoulder technique
used with larger "police style" flashlights.
With this hands-apart technique the flashlight is held in an ice pick grip indexed against
the jaw/neck juncture just below the ear, so that it moves in conjunction with the user's
head, with minimal blocking of peripheral vision. For SureFire flashlights the thumb is
placed on the tailcap switch, or if using old-style flashlights, a finger is positioned on the
body-mounted switch. For larger flashlights the flashlight body can be rested on the
shoulder and indexed against the base of the neck. With either small or large flashlights,
the weapon is held in any position desired, out of contact with flashlight hand or arm.
An ancillary benefit of the Neck Index Technique is that it utilizes the same basic position
as is commonly used when interviewing a suspect-light rested on the shoulder ready for
use as an emergency control tool if the suspect suddenly becomes combative. By
employing a similar position, the Neck Index Technique allows an ergonomic, tactical and
even psychological benefit. The Neck Index Technique offers an increased ability to take
cover and shoot bilaterally from around comers when compared to hands-together
techniques.
Pros











Works with small or large flashlights regardless of switch configuration.
Allows simultaneous illumination of the sights and the target.
Easy to use ambidextrously.
Easy transition to and from the FBI Technique.
Supports an aligned body position for movement in any direction.
Eliminates the displacement of either the beam or the firing grip upon firing.
Flashlight and firing hand are separated reducing the risk of a sympathetic
contraction of the hands.
Allows searching with the flashlight without aligning the muzzle with the beam, a
consideration for anyone who might encounter a "no-shoot" during a search.
Allows alignment of the beam with the target without effecting weapon alignment.
Flashlight is naturally positioned for use as a striking tool.
Usable with injured hand/arm, as it duplicates the natural "flipper position" of a
wounded limb.
Cons
 Limits the user to shooting one-handed.
 Can create excess reflection of light off the rear of the weapon.
14

Can draw fire to the shooter's head if used improperly.
EQUIPMENT ISSUES
The flashlight, like any other tool, requires familiarization before it can be used effectively
under stressful conditions. The flashlight should be carried on the officers person in a
position that allows it to be easily and immediately accessed, and the officer should
practice drawing weapon and flashlight together. If possible it should always be carried
on the non gun side. It is highly recommended that a small lithium battery powered
flashlight be worn on the duty belt as a back-up to the officer's duty rechargeable light in
the event that the main light becomes drained or malfunctions when needed most.
THE TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT: THREE MUST-HAVE FEATURES
(1) Defect-Free, High-Output Beam: Bright, smooth light is the goal. The beam must be
free from dark rings and spots that would give an adversary the opportunity to see
through your beam. Flashlights equipped with a "focus able beam" are typically plagued
with spots and rings in the beam because the focusing feature is actually "de-focusing"
the light. A spot-free beam requires a flashlight that has been pre-focused (i.e. not
adjustable). The beam should also be bright enough to momentarily blind and unbalance
the person you are using it on.
By directing the beam of a sufficiently powerful flashlight into the dark-adapted eyes of a
hostile subject, you can momentarily overwhelm the subject's vision, giving you a few
critical seconds to gain control. Because most of our sensory information is obtained
visually; momentarily depriving the subject of his ability to see can have a powerful
physiological and psychological effect. Most subjects, when faced with an overpoweringly
bright light, will reflexively jerk their heads away from the light, momentarily unbalancing
themselves and making them more susceptible to voice commands and/or control
techniques.
(2) Tailcap Momentary Switch: After beam quality and output, the most important
feature in a tactical flashlight is the ability to control it in the dark in a high stress situation.
When you most need your flashlight it is likely that you will be suffering from the effects of
adrenaline overload, which includes a loss of dexterity and a reduced ability to focus on
anything other than the immediate threat. For this reason a tactical flashlight must be
designed so that the switch is easy to find in the dark and will come on when you need it,
as well as off when your light might make you a target. The typical barrel mounted click
switch is hard to find and operate under duress and in the dark, and once you have found
it you run the risk of locking it in the on position when you need it to be off.
A momentary pushbutton switch located on the tailcap of the flashlight is much easier to
find and manipulate under stress, as the thumb naturally falls on the tailcap as part of the
process of upholstering the light. Remove your thumb and the switch automatically
returns to the OFF position, eliminating the chance that your light will inadvertently
remain on when you need it off. Of course, for administrative tasks it is convenient to
have a constant-on switch. Flashlights are available from several manufacturers that
have either a tail cap momentary switch and a separate constant-on switch-the
recommended configuration for a tactical flashlight-or that combine a momentary and
constant-on switch into one tailcap mounted switch.
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If you decide to purchase a flashlight that has both constant-on and momentary functions
in the tail cap-mounted switch, it is recommended that you opt for a model that requires
strong pressure to activate the constant-on mode, so that you are less likely to
inadvertently activate the constant-on setting when you want to operate the light
momentarily. In a properly designed tactical flashlight the momentary and constant-on
switches are separate for a reason: to keep you alive.
(3) Reliable Power Source: The last feature required in a tactical flashlight is a reliable
high-energy power source. For purely tactical applications, flashlights driven by
disposable lithium batteries are recommended. Lithium batteries produce more power
than alkaline or rechargeable-relative to their size and are small enough that it is
convenient to carry a spare set in your pocket. Also, lithium batteries have a ten-year
storage life, unlike rechargeable, which self-discharge over time, and may not be ready
when needed.
Rechargeable flashlights are useful for everyday tasks and can be more economical to
use, but they are bulky, self-discharge, and due to the nature of most rechargeable
batteries, give only a few minutes of diminishing light before they are too weak to
function. Since most departments issue rechargeable flashlights, it is recommended that
the officer's back-up light be lithium powered. Certainly, alkaline batteries should never
be used for tactical applications, as they are bulky, self-discharge relatively quickly, and
underpowered in comparison to either disposable lithium batteries or high-quality
rechargeable batteries.
OODALOOP
For the purpose of explanation, the stages are described sequentially but actually occur
simultaneously in an infinite loop. As you orient you continue to observe. As you decide
you continue to orient and re-observe. As you initiate action you continue to observe
reorient and make new decisions.
Realistic training allows us to accelerate our "cycle time" and develops the neural
pathways needed to operate smoothly under duress and in chaotic situations.
Observation
Look & listen: Threats, no-shoots, lighting conditions, obstacles, cover, concealment,
distance, angles.
Orientation
Where am I relative to everything observed? What are my options?
Decision
Choose a course of action consciously or subconsciously.
Action
Implement the decision. Start the cycle again.
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Note: The OODA Loop is presented to assist students in becoming effective decision
makers under stressful conditions. Use the OODA Loop concept as a self-critiquing tool
following scenario-based or force-on-force training to identify areas for improvement.
LOW LIGHT LOOP
L.I.E.
Locate
½ second burst of light to locate a potential threat
Identify
1 second burst of light to determine whether or not the potential threat you located needs
to be shot
Engage
Pulling the trigger and reassess.
After each of these steps you MOVE so as not to be in the same location as the light or
the muzzle flash (Muzzle flash is also a target indicator)
LEGAL PRECEDENTS
POPOW V. CITY OF MARGATE 476 F. SUPP 1237 (1979)
Brief states that a "complete failure to train" by the agency occurred because the training
given was too basic. Specifically moving targets and photographic and simulation training
did not occur. This decision mainly focused on deadly force decision-making or
"shoot/don't shoot" scenario training.
ZUCHEL V. CITY OF DENVER 997 F. 2D 730 (10TH CIR. 1993)
The' 10th Circuit Court upheld a jury verdict that the City of Denver, Colorado, was
deliberately indifferent to the rights of its citizens because of the inadequate deadly force
training provided to its police officers.
RUSSO V. CITY OF CINCINNATI 953 F. 2D 1038 (6TH CIR. 1992)
The Court rejected the notion "that a municipality may shield itself from liability for failure
to train its police officers in a given area simply by offering a course nominally covering
the subject, regardless of how substandard the content and quality of that training is."
HARRIS V. CITY OF CANTON SUPREME COURT DECISION 489 U.S. 378,109 S. CT.
1197, 103 L. ED. 2D 412 (1989)
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"Officers must be provided with training that is "adequate to the task(s) that may have to
be performed".
RANGE EXERCISES
DISCLAIMER
This class is designed to assist students and instructors with information learned during
this training course. Students must follow proper instruction. All of the techniques taught
during this exercise should be practiced without live ammunition prior to range utilization
under proper supervision. The live-fire drills that follow are presented for use by
experienced law enforcement or students for the purpose low-light firearms training. This
course is not a firearms manipulation or marksmanship course.
Reduced Light Operations
During times of low light, officers must rely on several things:
A. THEIR OWN NIGHT VISION
 Officers can learn to increase their night vision by rapidly blinking their
eyes, while rolling their eyes in a circle.
 Protecting their night vision by limiting the use of their flash lights.
B. ARTIFICIAL LIGHT (FLASHLIGHTS)
 Shooting with a flashlight is difficult at best.
 Flashlight have increased in quality and intensity in the past 10 years.
 Flashlight criteria
a. The light should have a minimum of 65 lumens.
b. The switch should be able to operate the light momentarily as well as
continually.
c. The light should be able to be precision focused with a superior
reflector.
d. The light should be as small as possible and still have a high lumens
e. There shouldn't be any dead spots in the beam.
f. The light should be rugged. Police officers tend to use the light as a
baton, door knocker, and window smasher.
C. BACK LIGHTING
 Street lights
 Lights from buildings
 Automobile lights
 Other lighting
LOW LIGHT SHOOTING TECHNIQUES
Instinctive or point shooting
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Learn and practice instinctive or point shooting. The low light reduces the ability to see or
utilize your sight picture. Point shooting is the act of firing the weapon accurately without
utilizing a sight picture.
Point shooting still relies upon sound firearms fundamentals. You must remember that
position, balance, grip and a smooth trigger pull are critical in point shooting.
B.
A.
CLASSROOM
Muzzle Flash
For distances that are five yards or more, an officer can utilize the muzzle flash as a light
source. The first round MAY be fired instinctively in darkness, but subsequent rounds are
fired with the limited sight pictures from the flash lighting. Some officers find this method
very usable, while others are very sensitive to the bright flash of the gun fire and do not
like it.
Hood Shooting
This is a controversial method for very low light shooting and mainly for semi-automatic
weapons. With the weapon pointed at the adversary the officer can focus on the dark
outline of the weapon. The shooter does not try to obtain a sight picture. He puts the back
hood of the weapon in the middle of the target and shoots.
INSTRUCTORS NOTE: This method will cause the rounds to impact low. The shooters
need to put the hood higher on the target than normal.
UTILIZING THE FLASHLIGHT
Flashlight Use
As with any police tool, the flashlight has advantages and disadvantages. Officers need
to learn these and use them to their advantage.
ADVANTAGES
1. The use of a high quality flashlight will allow officers to see better. They can
illuminate the inside of cars on traffic stops, building searches and suspects.
2. Flash lights allow officers to illuminate intended targets.
3. Flashlights can be used to blind suspects and give them a tactical edge.
4. Officers can use the flashlights to form a shield of light.
DISADVANTAGES
1. No matter what technique is used, the using officer is illuminated to some degree.
2. The coordination required to operate a flashlight and operate the weapon reduces
accuracy.
3. Most officers will fire the weapon one handed and this could reduce accuracy as
much as 50% over two handed shooting.
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4. During actual shootings, officers will have to search for the target with the
flashlight. This CAN illuminate the officers while they do so.
Officers should be reminded that if possible they should use the existing light during
these times of danger. Officers should learn that ability to see at night is most effective
when the eyes are focused using the sides rather than the center of the pupil.
SAFETY RULES
Extreme care must be used at all times while handling firearms. The following safety
rules, when applied, will greatly reduce the chance of mishap, negligent discharge, injury,
or death.
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SAFETY RULES
1.
TREAT ALL GUNS AS IF LOADED
2.
NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT
WILLING TO SHOOT
3.
KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS
ARE ON THE TARGET
4.
BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND
Over 7 students run 2 relays use Coach/student Night range rules
Day Light Range Drills
(Unless indicated all drills at 7 to 5 yard line)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Harries dry gun
Rogers/SureFire, dry gun
Neck-Index and dry gun
Modified FBI. dry gun



Add scan left, right, behind, before re-holstering dry gun
Add magazine changes without re-holstering flashlight. dry gun
Add transition from strong to weak hand No light After they build
confidence Add Flash light from bottom of hand
Live Fire Day Light Drills
(Instructor should encourage Scan on each course of fire)
1. Harries X3
2. Rogers/SureFire, X3
3. Neck-Index and X3
4. Modified FBI. X3
Purpose: Develop coordinated flashlight/weapon manipulation skills.
Considerations: For competent shooters only. The goal is to build skill not speed.
CQB, Anchor or Gregg Position Close contact double tap
Demo
Neck index draw fire 2 rds Use barricades as cover if available.
Purpose: Develop ability to shoot around both left and right hand corners with minimal
exposure.
LATERAL DISPLACEMENT (Shoot & Move)
Draw, move right illuminate fire 2 rds lights off X3
Repeat to left. X3
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Purpose: Develop coordinated flashlight/weapon manipulation skills while moving.
Principle applied: Light and move.
VERTICAL DISPLACEMENT (Low Cover Drill)
Drop to kneeling position, draw, illuminate, fire 2 rds. scan X3
Wait for command to stand
Stand weapon towards threat scan again
Purpose: Develop smooth vertical transition.
Principle applied: Intermittent use of light at random heights.
CQB, Anchor or Gregg Position double tap 3 yard line
Demo
Neck index draw fire 2 rds Use barricades as cover if available.
Purpose: Develop ability to shoot around both left and right hand corners with minimal
exposure.
Last Day Light Drill
Steel Drill
FIVE LEVELS OF FOCUS
With five targets staggered at increasing distance intervals and numbered one to five with
one being closest, range master calls random number to initiate students to fire 1RD for
each target. No Lights
Purposes to compare accuracy between day light and low light shooting. Develop
marksmanship at varying distances with no lights.
Low light Drills
Steel Drill
FIVE LEVELS OF FOCUS With
With five targets staggered at increasing distance intervals and numbered one to five with
one being closest, range master calls random number to initiate students to illuminate
using required flashlight technique and fire 1 Rd on correspondingly numbered target.
Purpose: Develop coordinated flashlight/weapon manipulation skills. Develop
marksmanship at varying distances while using flashlight
Repost clean targets (Unless indicated all drills at 7 rd line)
ALTERNATE SIDE BARRICADES AS COVER if available WITH FLASHLIGHT
At 15 yard line On Command Left or Right Draw use left or right side of Barricade
Illuminate Fire 2 rds x3 each side
Repeat with Transition from strong hand to offhand left and right
Repeat with weapons light strong hand to offhand left and right
Purpose: Develop ability to shoot around both left and right hand corners with minimal
exposure while employing flashlight
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Aggress/Regress with Flash Lights DEMO
At 15 yard line have student at the ready move toward threat target firing at slow pace
using flashlight. (Use 2 relays with Coach/student if more than 10 shooters)
Student will begin to shoot on the command MOVE, stop on command STOP and back
up on the command BACK. Shooter must Scan while moving for partner
Purpose: Develop stable shooting platform. Develop coordinated flashlight/weapon
manipulation skills
Low Light Range Drills

Close contact, two to the body ( 3 yard line flashlight technique Neck index (3
yard line) Scan X3

On Command 2 shots to body move right 2 shots to pelvic (7 yard line Using
flashlight technique of choice, scan X3 Repeat to left X3

2 shot to Head standing go to knelling two shots center mass on command
“up scan stand up 2 shot center mass scan ” (7 yard line Using flashlight
technique of choice draw from holster, X3

Pivots left and right (7 yard line (All shooters will face to right then left), each
shooter using flashlight technique of choice will pivot to left and fire 2rs rds center
mass. Scan X3 May be done as group if have proven safe

Shooting while moving laterally left and right (7 yard line 1 at a time each
shooter will move laterally engaging 5 targets at least 2 rds to each target
flashlight technique of choice
JUSTIFICATION SHOOTING or LOW LIGHT FIREARMS QUALIFICATION COURSE
No Light Shooting

2 rounds center mass 7 yard line, utilizing the Muzzle flash in total darkness. X3

2 rounds center mass, 7 yard line utilizing the Hood Method in total darkness. X3
Repost Clean targets

5 yard line1 shooter at a time Blind them 6 rds center mass no lights

5 yard line 1 shooter at a time Blind them recover using flashlight technique of
choice or weapons light 6 rds center mass no lights
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Optional
LOW LIGHT FIREARMS QUALIFICATION COURSE
15 YARD LINE
FLASH LIGHTS/WEAPONS LIGHT
6 Rounds fired in 45 Seconds
Fired from the standing or kneeling position
On command, the shooter will draw their weapon, and fire 6 rounds from the standing or
kneeling position within 45 seconds.
10 YARD LINE FLASH LIGHTS/ WEAPONS LIGHT
12 Rounds fired two rounds at a time from the standing two handed position.
On command, the shooter will draw their weapon and fire two (2) rounds in six (6)
seconds. The semi-automatics will not de-cock or re-cock their weapons. Shooters will
remain on target. On command, the shooters will fire two (2) more rounds in three (3)
seconds. Shooters will repeat this on the range officers command until they have fired a
total of twelve (12) rounds.
7 YARD LINE EXISTING LIGHTS ONLY
12 Rounds fired in 20 seconds
Fired from the standing, two handed position.
On command, the shooter will draw and fire twelve (12) shots from the 7 yard line in
twenty (20) seconds. This will be one continuous string of fire.
5 YARD LINE EXISTING LIGHTS or Weapons light
12 Rounds fired in 30 seconds Fired from the standing one handed position
On command, the shooter will draw their weapon, and fire six (6) rounds with their left
hand without support, switch to their right hand, and fire six (6) rounds with their right
hand without support, in thirty (30 seconds.
3 YARD LINE EXISTING LIGHTS ONLY/Flash light or weapons light
8 Rounds fired two (2) rounds at a time, from the Anchor Point or Greg position
On command, the shooter will draw and fire two (2) rounds from the Anchor Point, or
Greg position. On command, the shooter will holster, and repeat the above drill until all 8
rounds are fired.
Scoring the IALEFI Q target. The two inner rings will count as five (5) points. The head
ring will only be counted during head shot exercises. Any other time, it will count as the
white area. The white bowling pin area will be counted as three (3) points. The gray area
of the target will be counted as one point.
Shooters must have 70% or 175 points to pass.
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LOW-LIGHT TACTICS TEST
Name: _____________________________
Agency:______________________________
_
Date: ___________________________________
_
Course Instructor: _______________________________
_
Match the applicable Principles to the correct descriptions:
A.______ Apply this principle to maximize your
ability to observe and operate without being observed.
(Hint: Time in the light equals time as a target.)
B._______ Applying this principle will help you to control
tunnel vision and auditory exclusion.
1. Read the light and adapt
2. Operate from the lowest
level of light
3. Avoid or control
backlighting
4. See from the threat's
viewpoint
C._______ This principle can be used to predict the most likely
hiding place’s of a threat.
5. Light and move
D._______ Applying this principle while searching will make it
harder for an opponent to establish your position.
6.
Intermittent use of
light at random heights
E.______ Upon entering a low-light situation you should apply
this principle to determine the best tactical approach.
7. Dominate with light
8. Align three things
F._______ Application of this principle will allow you to equalize
backlighting and/or control a suspect.
9. Carry more than one light
10. Breathe and relax
What are the five Primary Flashlight Applications?
1. _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
© Copyright 2003 SureFire L.L.C.
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