NCJ Number
94042
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1984) Pages: 13-21
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article describes some of the changes and innovations in techniques and equipment recently incorporated into the FBI firearms training program.
Abstract
Instructors at the FBI's Firearms Training Unit (FTU) discovered that the classic 7-yard hip shooting position was neither as quick nor as accurate as previously thought. The FBI has subsequently adopted the Weaver position, which requires the shooter to use two hands and bring the weapon to eye level. It incorporates a reinforced hand position, an unlocked elbow to control recoil, and a dropping back of the strong foot and shoulder. FBI statistics indicate that the largest single group of police officers killed are shot at a distance of 0 to 5 feet from the subject. Therefore, for short range shooting (under 7 yards), FTU has adopted the combat hip shooting position, which allows for fast shooting and weapon retention. For prone position shooting, FTU recommends the rollover prone position, which allows more opportunity to take cover. Weaknesses in training that the FTU has corrected are in the areas of reloading the weapon, judgmental and reactive shooting, shooting until the opponent is no longer a threat, using service ammunition in practice, and adjustable target shooting. The FBI has further added new targets to its obstacle course and instituted complex laser equipment that allows for a level of simulation previously unavailable. Finally, two new ranges have been constructed at the Quantico, Va., training facility. Two notes are included.