Draft- Appendix C - TC 19-220 Law Enforcement Weapons Training and Qualification (LEWTAQ).pdf

TC 19-220

Law Enforcement Weapons

Training and Qualifications

MARCH 2019

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Distribution is authorized to U.S. government law enforcement agencies only to protect technical or operational information from automatic dissemination under the International Exchange Program or by other means. This determination was made on 23 October 2018. Other requests for this document must be referred to: Commandant, U.S. Army Military Police School, ATTN: ATSJ-TD, 14030 MSCoE Loop, Suite 1069, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri 65473-8929.

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TC 19-220

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Distribution is authorized to U.S. government law enforcement agencies only to protect technical or operational information from automatic dissemination under the International Exchange Program or by other means. This determination was made on 23 October 2018. Other requests for this document must be referred to: Commandant, U.S. Army Military Police School, ATTN: ATSJ-TD, 14030 MSCoE Loop, Suite 1069, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri 65473-8929.

DESTRUCTION NOTICE: Destroy by any means that will prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document.

TC 19-220 i

Training Circular No. TC 19-220

Headquarters Department of the Army

Washington, DC, 14 March 2019

Law Enforcement Weapons Training and Qualifications

Contents Page

PREFACE.................................................................................................................. viii

PART 1 U.S. ARMY LAW ENFORCEMENT PISTOLS

Chapter 1 U.S. ARMY LAW ENFORCEMENT PISTOL FUNDAMENTALS ............................. 1-1 Equipment.................................................................................................................. 1-1 Stance ........................................................................................................................ 1-2 Grip ............................................................................................................................ 1-3 Sight Picture/Sight Alignment (Aiming) ..................................................................... 1-4 The Draw ................................................................................................................... 1-4 Trigger Control ........................................................................................................... 1-7 Follow-Through .......................................................................................................... 1-8 Breathing ................................................................................................................... 1-8 Weapon Positions ...................................................................................................... 1-8 Loading and Press Check ....................................................................................... 1-11 Safety/Decocking Lever ........................................................................................... 1-12 Unloading................................................................................................................. 1-12 Reloading................................................................................................................. 1-14 Malfunctions ............................................................................................................ 1-17 Postengagement Sequence .................................................................................... 1-18 Support-Side Weapon Manipulation ........................................................................ 1-19

Chapter 2 U.S. ARMY LAW ENFORCEMENT PISTOL QUALIFICATIONS ............................ 2-1 Range General Information—Law Enforcement Day Pistol Qualification ................. 2-1 Law Enforcement Day Pistol Course of Fire ............................................................. 2-3 Law Enforcement Day Pistol Qualification and Standards ........................................ 2-6 Range General Information—Law Enforcement Low-Visibility Pistol Qualification... 2-8 Law Enforcement Low-Visibility Pistol Course of Fire ............................................... 2-9 Law Enforcement Low-Visibility Pistol Qualification and Standards ....................... 2-11 Range General Information—Law Enforcement Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Pistol Qualification .............................................................................. 2-11

Contents ii TC 19-220 14 March 2019

Law Enforcement Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Pistol Course of Fire .......................................................................................................................... 2-12 Law Enforcement Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Pistol Qualification and Standards ......................................................................................................... 2-14

PART 2 U.S. ARMY LAW ENFORCEMENT RIFLES/CARBINES

Chapter 3 U.S. ARMY LAW ENFORCEMENT RIFLE/CARBINE FUNDAMENTALS ............. 3-1 Advantages of the Rifle/Carbine ............................................................................... 3-1 Set-up ........................................................................................................................ 3-2 Stance ....................................................................................................................... 3-5 Grip............................................................................................................................ 3-6 Length of Pull and Buttstock Position ....................................................................... 3-8 Sight Alignment ......................................................................................................... 3-8 Trigger Control ........................................................................................................ 3-10 Weapon Positions ................................................................................................... 3-16 Reloading ................................................................................................................ 3-16 Transitions ............................................................................................................... 3-20 Malfunctions ............................................................................................................ 3-22 Immediate Action .................................................................................................... 3-22 Remedial Action ...................................................................................................... 3-22 Common Malfunctions ............................................................................................ 3-23 Support-Side Weapon Manipulation ....................................................................... 3-24 Postengagement Sequence .................................................................................... 3-25 Scanning ................................................................................................................. 3-25 Asymmetrical Shooting Positions ............................................................................ 3-26

Chapter 4 U.S. ARMY LAW ENFORCEMENT RIFLE/CARBINE QUALIFICATIONS ............. 4-1 Range General Information—Law Enforcement Day Rifle/Carbine Qualification .... 4-1 Law Enforcement Day Rifle/Carbine Course of Fire ................................................. 4-3 Law Enforcement Day Rifle/Carbine Qualification and Standards ........................... 4-7 Range General Information—Law Enforcement Low-Visibility Rifle/Carbine Qualification .............................................................................................................. 4-8 Law Enforcement Low-Visibility Rifle/Carbine Course of Fire .................................. 4-9 Law Enforcement Low-Visibility Rifle/Carbine Qualification and Standards ........... 4-11 Range General Information—Law Enforcement Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Rifle/Carbine Qualification .................................................................. 4-12 Law Enforcement Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Rifle/Carbine Course of Fire ......................................................................................................... 4-13 Law Enforcement Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Rifle/Carbine Qualification and Standards .................................................................................... 4-16

PART 3 SHOTGUNS

Chapter 5 SHOTGUN FUNDAMENTALS ................................................................................. 5-1 Equipment Considerations ........................................................................................ 5-1 Shotgun Concepts..................................................................................................... 5-2 Shotgun Usage ......................................................................................................... 5-3 Ammunition Selection ............................................................................................... 5-3 Stance ....................................................................................................................... 5-3 Grip............................................................................................................................ 5-4 Sight Alignment ......................................................................................................... 5-4 Trigger Control .......................................................................................................... 5-5 Follow-Through ......................................................................................................... 5-5 Breathing ................................................................................................................... 5-5 Weapon Positions ..................................................................................................... 5-5

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Loading ...................................................................................................................... 5-6 Press Checks ............................................................................................................ 5-6 Safety ......................................................................................................................... 5-6 Unloading................................................................................................................... 5-7 Reloading................................................................................................................... 5-8 Emergency Procedures ............................................................................................. 5-9 Postengagement Sequence ...................................................................................... 5-9 Support-Side Weapon Manipulation ........................................................................ 5-10 Round Selection ...................................................................................................... 5-10

Chapter 6 SHOTGUN QUALIFICATION ................................................................................... 6-1 Range General Information—Shotgun Qualification ................................................. 6-1 Shotgun Course of Fire ............................................................................................. 6-2 Shotgun Qualification And Standards ....................................................................... 6-4

PART 4 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION QUALIFICATIONS

Chapter 7 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION DAYTIME PRACTICAL PISTOL QUALIFICATION ...................................................................................................... 7-1 Range General Information—Criminal Investigation Division Daytime Practical Pistol Qualification ............................................................................................................... 7-1 Criminal Investigation Division Daytime Practical Pistol Course of Fire ................... 7-2 Criminal Investigation Division Daytime Practical Pistol Qualification and Standards .................................................................................................................. 7-5

Chapter 8 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION SUBMACHINE GUN QUALIFICATION ... 8-1 Tactical Considerations ............................................................................................. 8-1 Range General Information—Criminal Investigation Division Submachine Gun Qualification ............................................................................................................... 8-1 Criminal Investigation Division Submachine Gun Course of Fire.............................. 8-2 Criminal Investigation Division Submachine Gun Qualification and Standards ........ 8-5

PART 5 SPECIAL REACTION TEAM QUALIFICATIONS

Chapter 9 SPECIAL REACTION TEAM PISTOL QUALIFICATION ........................................ 9-1 Range General Information—Special Reaction Team Pistol Qualification ............... 9-1 Special Reaction Team Pistol Course of Fire............................................................ 9-2 Special Reaction Team Pistol Qualification and Standards ...................................... 9-7

Chapter 10 SPECIAL REACTION TEAM RIFLE/CARBINE QUALIFICATION........................ 10-1 Range General Information—Special Reation Team Rifle/Carbine Qualification ... 10-1 Special Reaction Team Rifle/Carbine Course of Fire ............................................. 10-2 Special Reaction Team Rifle/Carbine Qualification and Standards ........................ 10-6 Marksman/Observer Qualification ........................................................................... 10-7

Appendix A SUSTAINMENT TRAINING AND DRILLS .............................................................. A-1 Sustainment Training .................................................................................................A-1 Pistol and Rifle/Carbine Drills ....................................................................................A-5 Shotgun Drills ..........................................................................................................A-23

Appendix B USE OF FORCE ....................................................................................................... B-1 Expectations ..............................................................................................................B-1 Fundamentals ............................................................................................................B-1

Appendix C TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS .............................................................................. C-1 Safety ........................................................................................................................ C-1 Physiological and Psychological Responses ........................................................... C-1 Lethal Encounters and Ambushes ........................................................................... C-4 Basic Ballistics .......................................................................................................... C-5 iv TC 19-220 14 March 2019

Suitable Aiming Points .............................................................................................. C-7 Engagement Tactics ................................................................................................. C-7 Use of Cover ............................................................................................................. C-9 Light Source Considerations ................................................................................... C-12 Low-Visibility Range Commands, Signals, and Ratios ........................................... C-15

Appendix D RISK MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................. D-1 Risk Management in Firearms Training .................................................................... D-1 Extra Safety Rule: When in Doubt, Don’t Shoot ....................................................... D-2 Range Safety Versus Operational Safety ................................................................. D-2 Assessment of Hazards and Identification of Controls ............................................. D-2 GLOSSARY ................................................................................................ Glossary-1

REFERENCES ........................................................................................ References-1

Figures

Figure 1-1. Interview stance and aggressive fighting stance......................................................... 1-2 Figure 1-2. Two-handed grip.......................................................................................................... 1-3 Figure 1-3. Attaining the proper grip .............................................................................................. 1-3 Figure 1-4. The draw: Step 1 ......................................................................................................... 1-5 Figure 1-5. The draw: Step 2 ......................................................................................................... 1-5 Figure 1-6. The draw: Step 3 ......................................................................................................... 1-6 Figure 1-7. The draw: Step 4 ......................................................................................................... 1-7 Figure 1-8. Close-in ready position with support arm in a defensive position ............................... 1-9 Figure 1-9. Firing position .............................................................................................................. 1-9 Figure 1-10. Muzzle-down position .............................................................................................. 1-10 Figure 1-11. Muzzle-high and -neutral positions ......................................................................... 1-10 Figure 1-12. Inserting the magazine ............................................................................................ 1-11 Figure 1-13. Fully seating the magazine and racking the slide ................................................... 1-11 Figure 1-14. Press check ............................................................................................................. 1-12 Figure 1-15. Press check, low visibility ........................................................................................ 1-12 Figure 1-16. Removing the magazine and locking the slide to the rear ...................................... 1-13 Figure 1-17. Inspecting the empty chamber ................................................................................ 1-13 Figure 1-18. Left-handed slide lock ............................................................................................. 1-13 Figure 1-19. Side-by-side tactical reload ..................................................................................... 1-15 Figure 1-20. Ejecting the magazine ............................................................................................. 1-16 Figure 1-21. Reholstering the pistol and drawing a new magazine ............................................. 1-16 Figure 1-22. Inserting a new magazine and racking the slide ..................................................... 1-16 Figure 1-23. Tapping the magazine ............................................................................................. 1-17 Figure 1-24. Racking the slide ..................................................................................................... 1-18 Figure 2-1. USALE target............................................................................................................... 2-1 Figure 3-1. S-curve and rubber-band sling for vehicle transportation ........................................... 3-2 Figure 3-2. Optic placement forward on the upper receiver .......................................................... 3-3 Figure 3-3. Offset rifle/carbine light mount..................................................................................... 3-4

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Figure 3-4. Shadow caused by light being placed to the rear of the rifle/carbine rails .................. 3-5 Figure 3-5. Fighting stance with the rifle/carbine ........................................................................... 3-6 Figure 3-6. Left-handed firer using the firing index finger to ride and disengage the safety .......... 3-7 Figure 3-7. Rifle/carbine in the work space .................................................................................. 3-11 Figure 3-8. Checking the magazine ............................................................................................. 3-11 Figure 3-9. Loading the magazine ............................................................................................... 3-12 Figure 3-10. Allowing the bolt to go forward ................................................................................. 3-12 Figure 3-11. Preferred press check .............................................................................................. 3-13 Figure 3-12. Alternate press check .............................................................................................. 3-13 Figure 3-13. Lock the bolt to the rear, and inspect the chamber ................................................. 3-14 Figure 3-14. Rapid reloading, right-handed ................................................................................. 3-17 Figure 3-15. Rapid reloading, left-handed .................................................................................... 3-17 Figure 3-16. The parallel method, right-handed ........................................................................... 3-18 Figure 3-17. The parallel method, left-handed ............................................................................. 3-19 Figure 3-18. The L-method, right-handed .................................................................................... 3-19 Figure 3-19. The L-method, left-handed ...................................................................................... 3-20 Figure 3-20. Palm-in method ........................................................................................................ 3-21 Figure 3-21. Palm-out method ...................................................................................................... 3-21 Figure 3-22. Immediate action ...................................................................................................... 3-22 Figure 3-23. Clearing a double feed ............................................................................................. 3-23 Figure 3-24. Clearing a stuck case .............................................................................................. 3-24 Figure 3-25. Rollover prone position ............................................................................................ 3-26 Figure 3-26. Double-knee prone or rollover prone position with available cover ......................... 3-27 Figure 3-27. Reverse rollover prone position ............................................................................... 3-27 Figure 3-28. Double-knee prone position ..................................................................................... 3-27 Figure 3-29. Small-boat unit prone position ................................................................................. 3-28 Figure 3-30. Small-boat unit prone position from above .............................................................. 3-28 Figure 3-31. Double-knee kneeling position, upright and sitting on heels ................................... 3-29 Figure 3-32. Stretch kneeling position .......................................................................................... 3-29 Figure 3-33. Junkyard position ..................................................................................................... 3-29 Figure 3-34. Conventional shooting position ................................................................................ 3-30 Figure 3-35. Fetal position, right-handed ..................................................................................... 3-30 Figure 4-1. USALE target ............................................................................................................... 4-1 Figure 5-1. Shotgun stance ............................................................................................................ 5-4 Figure 5-2. Press check ................................................................................................................. 5-6 Figure 5-3. Clearing the weapon .................................................................................................... 5-7 Figure 6-1. USALE target ............................................................................................................... 6-1 Figure 7-1. USALE target ............................................................................................................... 7-1 Figure 8-1. Type E silhouette target ............................................................................................... 8-1 vi TC 19-220 14 March 2019

Tables

Table 1-1. Common pistol malfunctions ...................................................................................... 1-17 Table 2-1. LE day pistol qualification ............................................................................................. 2-7 Table 2-2. LE day pistol qualification standards ............................................................................ 2-7 Table 2-3. LE low-visibility pistol qualification and standards ...................................................... 2-11 Table 2-4. LE CBRN pistol qualification and standards ............................................................... 2-15 Table 3-1. Sample 25/300-meter, 50/200-meter, and 100-meter zero chart ............................... 3-14 Table 4-1. LE day rifle/carbine qualification ................................................................................... 4-7 Table 4-2. LE day rifle/carbine qualification standards .................................................................. 4-8 Table 4-3. LE low-visibility rifle/carbine qualification and standards............................................ 4-11 Table 4-4. LE CBRN rifle/carbine qualification and standards .................................................... 4-16 Table 6-1. Shotgun qualification and standards ............................................................................ 6-4 Table 7-1. CID daytime practical pistol qualification ...................................................................... 7-5 Table 7-2. CID daytime practical pistol qualification standards ..................................................... 7-6 Table 8-1. Submachine gun qualification....................................................................................... 8-6 Table 8-2. Submachine gun qualification standards ...................................................................... 8-6 Table 9-1. SRT pistol qualification table ........................................................................................ 9-7 Table 9-2. SRT pistol qualification standards ................................................................................ 9-8 Table 10-1. SRT rifle/carbine qualification table .......................................................................... 10-6 Table 10-2. SRT rifle/carbine qualification standards .................................................................. 10-7 Table A-1. LE pistol sustainment training ...................................................................................... A-1 Table A-2. LE rifle/carbine sustainment training ............................................................................ A-3 Table A-3. Trigger reset drill .......................................................................................................... A-6 Table A-4. Single-shot drill ............................................................................................................. A-7 Table A-5. Controlled-pairs drill (static and moving) ...................................................................... A-7 Table A-6. Immediate-action and rapid-reload drill ........................................................................ A-8 Table A-7. Close-in ready drill........................................................................................................ A-9 Table A-8. Failure drill (static and moving) .................................................................................. A-10 Table A-9. Pivots (left, right, and rear) ......................................................................................... A-11 Table A-10. One-handed firing drill (strong and support) ............................................................ A-12 Table A-11. Transition drill ........................................................................................................... A-12 Table A-12. Bill drill ...................................................................................................................... A-13 Table A-13. Multiple-targets and box drill .................................................................................... A-14 Table A-14. Multiple-shot drill ...................................................................................................... A-14 Table A-15. Standing-to-kneeling drill .......................................................................................... A-15 Table A-16. Standing/reload/two kneeling/reload/two prone drill ................................................ A-16 Table A-17. Barricade drill ........................................................................................................... A-16 Table A-18. Three little kittens drill .............................................................................................. A-17 Table A-19. Trifection drill ............................................................................................................ A-18 Table A-20. El Prez drill ............................................................................................................... A-19

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Table A-21. F.A.S.T. drill ..............................................................................................................A-20 Table A-22. Half-half drill ..............................................................................................................A-21 Table A-23. Kneeling-barricade drill .............................................................................................A-21 Table A-24. Triple-threat drill ........................................................................................................A-22 Table A-25. Empty shotgun-loading drill ......................................................................................A-23 Table A-26. One reload, one drill .................................................................................................A-24 Table A-27. Shoot one, load one rapid-reload drill .......................................................................A-24 Table A-28. Rolling-thunder drill ...................................................................................................A-25 Table A-29. Select ammunition drill..............................................................................................A-25 Table A-30. Advanced select ammunition drill .............................................................................A-25 Table A-31. Advanced select ammunition drill 2 ..........................................................................A-26 Table A-32. Shotgun transition drill ..............................................................................................A-27 Table B-1. Caliber penetration ...................................................................................................... C-6 Table D-1. Sample hazards and controls ...................................................................................... D-3 viii TC 19-220 14 March 2019

Preface

This publication was developed for use during all Army law enforcement (LE) weapons training and qualifications. Due to changing Army policy, all training and range requirements were removed from past field manuals. This publication consolidates all LE weapons qualifications into one publication.

The United States Army Law Enforcement (USALE) Pistol Qualification Standards were implemented on 1 October 2017. Previous qualification standards for pistols are no longer applicable. The training material included in this product is subject to change based on new LE tactics, techniques, and procedures and criminal methodologies used to defeat these tactics, techniques, and procedures. Each LE entity must coordinate with its respective staff judge advocate about the rules for use of force on each installation.

Organizations should reference Department of the Army DA Pamphlet (Pam) 350-38, (with a Chapter 8 discussion on sustainment training and an appendix D discussion on operational loads) to ensure that ammunition is resourced. Two separate DA Pams 350-38 exist; one is accessible on Army Knowledge Online through the Army Training Support Center, and one is accessible through the Total Ammunition Management Information System (TAMIS) at https://tamis.army.mil/. The DA Pam 350-38 is the authorized document used to resource your organization. Ensure that unit ammunition managers use DA Pam 350-38 to check resourcing against the DA-approved authorization.

The proponent for TC 19-220 is the United States Army Military Police School (USAMPS). Users of this publication are encouraged to send comments and recommendations for its improvement. Comments should be keyed to the specific page, paragraph, and line of text in which the change is recommended. Justification should be provided for each comment to ensure understanding and a complete evaluation of requests. Submit an electronic DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) or comments and recommendations in DA Form 2028 format by e-mail to <usarmy.leonardwood.mpschl.mbx.dotitedd@mail.mil>, subject: TC 19-220.

Unless stated otherwise, the contents of this manual apply to military police, DA civilian police, and security guards.

Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and pronouns do not refer exclusively to men.

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14 March 2019 TC 19-220 1-1

PART 1

U.S. Army Law Enforcement Pistols Part 1 of TC 19-220 contains two chapters. Chapter 1 covers fundamental equipment and best practices for employment. Chapter 2 contains the LE pistol qualifications that took effect in fiscal year 2018. The LE pistol sustainment training stations can be found in appendix A, and is trained and fired before executing the USALE pistol qualifications to develop the skills required to employ the pistol in a lethal-force encounter.

Appendix A also contains drills that can be used to exercise the fundamentals to be further developed. See tables A-3 through A-24, pages A-6 through A-22. Refer to TC 3-23.35 for additional information on pistol fundaments.

Chapter 1

U.S. Army Law Enforcement Pistol Fundamentals

EQUIPMENT

1-1. The way in which you carry your equipment (weapon) is vital and could be the deciding factor in winning or losing a fight. No matter what system to which you are bound, it should revolve around the placement of the pistol. Properly placing the pistol allows quick access when needed and protection when not needed.

HOLSTERS

1-2. A belt holster that is concealed or on a duty belt should be worn on the strong side and placed near the trouser seam. It may be placed slightly forward, on, or rearward of the seam depending on the shooter’s accessibility and comfort.

1-3. A drop-and-offset holster is a setup that is attached to the belt and uses a slight drop in the holster mount (distances vary, usually 1 to 1.5 inches) that slightly offsets the holster away from the body. These setups are widely used and preferred, as they place the pistol in a more natural area and make it easier to draw. Additionally, they clear most armor (concealable outer vests, plate carriers) for an unencumbered draw without adding leg straps and weights to the legs.

1-4. Drop-leg holsters should be low enough that the gear on a vest or belt does not disturb the shooter’s ability to draw the pistol without excess movement of the hand (up or down) to establish the proper grip.

Placement of the holster varies from shooter to shooter, but the grip of the pistol should be no lower than the shooter’s palm and no higher than the shooter’s wrist.

1-5. If the holster is mounted to a tactical vest, it should be in an area where the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction at all times and is easy for the shooter to grasp. Normally, the holster is on the support side at a 45-degree tilt, down and to the side.

Chapter 1

1-2 TC 19-220 14 March 2019

MAGAZINE POUCHES

1-6. Vertical magazine pouches are recommended for speed and security and should be placed where the rounds are facing down and toward the strong hand on the support side. The magazine pouch should be placed slightly forward, on, or rearward of the trouser seam, depending on shooter accessibility and comfort.

1-7. Horizontal placement is popular for most body types; however, it is not recommended because of the amount of time needed to draw the magazine compared to vertical placement. The proper placement is with the strong side rounds facing up and toward the strong side.

1-8. Because of advancements in equipment over the last few years, there are more open-top pouches available on the market. They should be considered when purchasing equipment because of the speed they allow and amount of retention they offer.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1-9. Other equipment such as radios, cuffs, oleoresin capsicum, and batons may be needed. These items should be placed on the belt in the order of importance. Belt keepers must be used to secure the duty belt to the trouser belt. This requires tucking in the uniform jacket. Proper placement of the keepers enhances LE personnel safety and eases the drawing of items from the belt.

STANCE

1-10. Like a fighter, position yourself with your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders directed toward the threat to maximize the protection offered by your body armor and give you the stability needed for a fight. Spread your feet about a shoulder-width apart—about as wide as your natural step. Step slightly forward, roughly 2 to 8 inches, with your support foot to obtain a stable and balanced position. Your knees should be slightly flexed and not locked to allow freedom of movement and unrestricted blood flow. Your hips should be squared to your target, in the closed position, and your buttocks should be pushed out slightly.

1-11. Wrists should be locked, shoulders slightly rolled forward and relaxed, arms fully extended but not locked, and ears are forward of the shoulders. Do not lean forward too much; that can put you off balance.

The shoulders absorb the recoil. The head position should be straight up, and the pistol brought to the head;

do not bend the neck or head to find the sights, as this causes strain.

1-12. Both eyes should be open to pick up the front sight. The trigger finger is placed along the slide, outside and above the trigger guard, until ready to engage a threat or target. The shooter should use both hands on the pistol as much as possible. Placing both hands on the weapon helps LE personnel stabilize the weapon while firing. See figure 1-1. The photographs on the left and in the middle pertain to the interview stance, and the photograph on the right pertains to the aggressive fighting stance.

Figure 1-1. Interview stance and aggressive fighting stance

U.S. Army Law Enforcement Pistol Fundamentals

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GRIP

1-13. Making a V between the index finger and thumb of the firing hand helps form the grip on the weapon.

Place this grip as high on the receiver as possible. The index finger, or trigger finger, is placed outside the trigger guard until you are ready to engage target. The other three fingers are then wrapped around the pistol grip. The thumbs of both the firing and support hands point toward the target, with the firing thumb stacked on the support thumb. See figure 1-2. For most individuals, the firing thumb rests on top of the slide stop, preventing the slide from locking to the rear when the pistol is empty. To avoid this problem, the firing thumb should be moved away from the slide and placed on top of the support thumb.

Figure 1-2. Two-handed grip

1-14. For the pistol, ensure that the heel of the support hand is even with the heel of the firing hand by placing the support heel in the gap between the fingertips and the meaty portion of the thumb. This strengthens the weakest portion of the one-handed grip by stabilizing the firing hand. The fingers of the support hand should be curled around the pistol grip, over the top of the firing hand fingers, and the knuckle of the index finger should be in contact with the bottom of the trigger guard. This increases shooter stability and helps control recoil to keep the weapon on target. If the weapon is gripped too tightly (making the hands shake), let off slightly to obtain a proper grip. Grip the weapon slightly tighter with the support hand to allow the trigger finger to relax for better trigger control. The amount of pressure used on the firing hand should be roughly 40 percent of the relaxed grip. If you feel like you are squeezing the pistol, there is too much pressure.

1-15. Another way to assume the grip is to place the strong hand on the pistol the same way, but point your support hand thumb at the target, with the hand open and fingers together. Wrap the support-hand fingers around the strong-hand fingers so that they are resting on top of the pistol grip. See figure 1-3. With the support hand, apply more of the grip in a vice or clapping motion. The grip should be relaxed and should not be so tight that your fingertips change color.

Figure 1-3. Attaining the proper grip

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SIGHT PICTURE/SIGHT ALIGNMENT (AIMING)

1-16. Iron sights on a pistol are machined with colored dots or lines added for low visibility. When possible, use the edges of the sights instead of the dots or lines to properly align for a shot. When looking at the front sight, your focus should be on the top middle edge. Align the front sight in the center of the rear sight, with even spacing along the left and right edges, and make sure that it is even horizontally across the rear sight and front sight. The front sight should be clear and your eyes focused on it.

1-17. In low visibility or with a background that does not allow you to see the fine edges of the sights, you may use the dots or lines for alignment, but keep in mind that this is not as accurate. Training should be conducted during the day in normal and dim light to allow the shooter to experience any difference in using the iron sights or the dots or lines.

1-18. Keep in mind that the refinement of the sight picture depends on the distance to the target, size of the target, and time allowed to shoot. In other words, a threat that presents a good center mass aiming point at 5 meters requires far less refinement of the sight picture than a partially obscured target, a target that is far away, or a target that requires a precise hit.

THE DRAW

1-19. Presentation is the desired result of clearing the pistol from the holster and pointing it at the threat in a smooth, safe manner. Presentation is taught in a four-step building-block sequence to allow the shooter to be sure of each step and its execution, thus enabling him to draw the pistol and engage the threat in the most efficient manner. Once the four-step process is understood, the shooter should work toward drawing the pistol as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The intent is to present the pistol as quickly as possible and take your time on the trigger. The only exception to this is that when the pistol is worn concealed, an extra step must be taken to get the article of clothing out of the way. To reholster, the steps are completed in reverse order.

STEP 1: GRIP

1-20. Attaining the proper grip is vital. Any variations from the grip attained in Step 1 could cause the shooter to fire from an improper grip, with less control and accuracy, or could cause the shooter to have to regrip the pistol, increasing the time it takes to get accurate shots on the threat. While gripping, two things happen simultaneously.

1-21. The strong hand is moved to a final firing position on the holstered pistol, and the retention device is released. The support hand moves to a position between the belt buckle and chest in preparation for the two-handed grip. See figure 1-4.

Note: With a self-locking system, ensure that LE personnel properly grip the pistol and use the thumb to disengage the retention instead of gripping the self-locking system hood to open it and then gripping the pistol. The trigger finger is straight and outside the holster, and the strong elbow is pointed straight and to the rear.

1-22. At times, you may want to incorporate movement into the draw. Movement makes you harder to hit, punch, or kick and allows you time to gain the advantage. If movement is necessary, it should be done along with Step 1.

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Figure 1-4. The draw: Step 1

STEP 2: PULL AND ROTATE

1-23. Step 2, pull and rotate, allows the shooter to place the pistol in a position to engage the target once the weapon is cleared from the holster. It also puts the pistol close to the same position that is used for retention, the close-in ready position.

1-24. Pull the pistol from the holster until the muzzle clears the holster, and continue to pull up until it reaches about the chest area. Rotate the muzzle toward the threat, dropping the strong elbow, and locking the strong wrist, with the weapon placed near the pectoral muscle. The weapon and forearm should be parallel to the ground.

1-25. Keep the trigger finger off the trigger, and place it along the pistol receiver. Keep the support hand in the same position it was in Step 1. See figure 1-5.

Figure 1-5. The draw: Step 2

1-26. If the pistol has a manual safety, perform a safety sweep as soon as possible during Step 2, in case the manual safety is inadvertently engaged during the draw or the local standard operating procedure (SOP) dictates the use of the manual safety. Do not disengage the manual safety until the pistol is parallel to the

1-6 TC 19-220 14 March 2019 ground and do not disengage the manual safety with the support hand. In reality, the pistol may be needed to defend yourself once it clears the holster and is rotated parallel to the ground (shooting from retention). Any training that dictates the manual safety (if used) be swept after the pistol is presented or disengaged with the support hand is negligent in its intent. Earlier safety sweeps should be taught only in rare circumstances in which a shooter absolutely cannot reach the manual safety with the firing thumb due to hand size.

STEP 3: PLACE HANDS TOGETHER

1-27. The strong hand pushes the pistol up toward the center of the chest and joins the support hand to attain the two-handed firing grip. The two-handed grip is established high in the center of the chest for several reasons. First, establishing the grip at the center of chest allows small improvements to the grip as the pistol is being pressed to full presentation so that the grip is set at full presentation and no other changes are needed.

Second, establishing the grip higher at the chest allows the pistol to come into the line of vision earlier in Step 4, allowing sight alignment/sight picture to be achieved as early as possible. The two-handed grip should be established with the fingers—not the support palm—first. Establishing the two-handed grip with the support fingers first helps vise the pistol as it is being presented. If the grip is established with the support palm first, the same vising of the grip cannot occur and the shooter can often “milk” (reestablish) the grip between shots.

1-28. The trigger finger remains straight and along the pistol receiver. See figure 1-6.

Figure 1-6. The draw: Step 3

STEP 4: PRESS TO THE THREAT

1-29. The shooter now presses the pistol out to full presentation. The pistol should be presented in a straight line toward the threat from the center chest. The earlier the pistol comes to the line of vision, the better. Up to this point, the focus has been on the threat—specifically, the exact place the rounds are intended to go when firing. Now, your focus begins to switch to the pistol as it comes into your line of sight. The first thing the eyes typically focus on is the rear of the pistol. As you begin to focus on the pistol, move your focus to the front sight and begin aligning the sights on the intended point of aim.