Combat Triad

The Combat Triad is the holy trinity of personal defense. It's not just about being armed; it's about being ready, knowledgeable, and morally grounded. Respect each pillar, and you elevate from being just another gun owner to a responsibly-armed citizen.

Mindset

The Inner Warrior

• Foundation of Preparedness: Your mindset is the cornerstone of how you approach any potentially dangerous situation. It's that internal switch that decides between fight or flight.

• Mental Resilience: In high-stress situations, it's easy to freeze up. Having a conditioned mindset ensures you react with clarity and purpose.

• Law & Morality: It's not just about knowing when to act, but also knowing the legal and moral implications of your actions. A clear understanding of the rules of engagement and local laws is vital. Remember, it's about defense, not aggression.

Skillset

Your Arsenal of Abilities

• Training: Holding a weapon isn’t enough. You need to know its ins and outs. This includes maintenance, operation, and even malfunction clearing.

• Versatility: Combat situations are unpredictable. You should be adept in both close-quarters and ranged scenarios. This might involve knowing how to change shooting stances quickly or seeking cover effectively.

• Beyond Firearms: It's not all about guns. Proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, situational awareness, and even first aid might be the difference between life and death.

Toolset

Gear Up Right

• The Right Equipment: This isn't the place for cutting corners. From your firearm to your protective gear, quality and reliability are paramount. Remember, these tools should act as an extension of your body.

• Maintenance: Regular upkeep ensures your equipment performs when needed. Clean and service your weapons, and regularly inspect holsters, belts, and protective gear.

• Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with each piece of your toolkit. Know its strengths, weaknesses, and limits. When the moment comes, you don’t want to second guess your tools.

Jeff Cooper: The Father of Modern Combat Mindset

Pioneer, Philosopher, Protector

• Legacy: Jeff Cooper wasn't just a firearms instructor. He was a philosopher of modern gunfighting. He was a well-known figure in the firearm world. He served as a Marine in World War II and the Korean War. After leaving the service, he founded the Gunsite Academy (formerly the American Pistol Institute) to teach shooting techniques and safety. His teachings have shaped the foundations of self-defense shooting and the ethos of responsible gun ownership.

• Originator of the Combat Triad: Cooper didn’t just talk about shooting; he delved deep into the psyche of a gunfighter. He identified and taught the importance of the Combat Triad - the intertwining principles of Mindset, Skillset, and Toolset.

• Gunslinger Scholar: Cooper founded the Gunsite Academy, providing a platform for his revolutionary combat teachings. His "Modern Technique of the Handgun" is revered and practiced by defense enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.

• Color Codes of Awareness: Beyond the Combat Triad, Cooper developed the Color Codes to depict different levels of awareness – White, Yellow, Orange, and Red. This system educates individuals on how to gauge and adapt to potential threats in their environment.

• Carrying the Torch: Those who understand and appreciate the Combat Triad owe a nod to Cooper every time they train or educate others. His influence is eternal in the world of firearms and self-defense.

Jeff Cooper wasn’t just about pulling the trigger; he was about understanding the why, the when, and the how. He brought intellect to the raw power of firearms, urging every gun owner to think, evaluate, and act with precision. Embracing his teachings isn’t just about being good with a gun—it’s about being wise with it.