Does This Supplement (or Replace) Your Pistol?

By Adam Scepaniak

While a CCW pistol is a staple of many people’s EDC setup, you are not always allowed to carry those everywhere you go. So, what if you find yourself in need of some sort of defensive tool in this situation? Preferably, this would be something easy to employ that would not constitute being a weapon in these non-permissive environments?

During a recent visit to Where Our Families Train (W.O.F.T.) in Florida, I met with Philip Toppino — the founder and owner — who suggested a simple solution. W.O.F.T. is a bit of a “Tactical Theme Park” with a reputation for real-life scenario safety and instruction. I found the school to be utterly world-class.

One of the school’s marquee courses is on the effective use of a flashlight for self-defense. You might be initially skeptical (and I was, too). When Toppino first offered up the idea that an innocent-looking pocket flashlight could be my self-defense, I will admit it took some convincing to change my mind.

I ask that you keep an open mind as I elaborate on the concepts that Toppino shared during my two visits to W.O.F.T.

Why You Need a Flashlight

Some people may argue against carrying a flashlight in your pocket for self-defense, particularly if they have a weaponlight on their CCW. While a weaponlight might be a useful tool, it’s not a replacement for a separate handheld flashlight. For example, you don’t want to pull your gun out in a parking lot simply to find a dropped key. Also, remember, we are considering non-permissive environments.

Likewise, you don’t automatically point your pistol at someone who is approaching you in the dark. There is a high probability that they are not a criminal, and you should not put an innocent person in danger.

These are just a few glaring examples of why a flashlight separate from your firearm is important.

W.O.F.T. teaches that a major reason why flashlights are desirable for self-defense is that they can be taken virtually anywhere: airports, medical facilities, schools, etc. All the places that you could think of where a firearm is not allowed, a flashlight most likely can be present.

As a utility tool, people do not perceive it as a weapon. Therefore, you can always have it with you.

Shatter the OODA Loop

Flashlights are fantastic for breaking someone’s OODA loop. An acronym made famous by fighter pilots, the OODA loop is the thought process of seeing a threat and deciding how to act. You will need to:

• Observe — Firstly, you need to see a threat that is coming or imminent.
• Orient — Second, you need to face the problem and situate yourself to it.
• Decide — Next, you need to decide how to deal with this problem.
• Act — Finally, you must take action.

With a flashlight, you can disrupt an attacker’s OODA loop.

Most criminals simply want the element of surprise. If you see someone approaching you that might be a threat, you could simply retrieve a flashlight from your pocket, flash it in their direction and continue walking away. The bad guy’s OODA loop has been successfully disrupted, or you just simply flashed a light at a non-attacker.

If they did plan on ambushing you, you’ve removed their veil of surprise and non-verbally told them “I see you.” You’ve immediately become a more difficult target.

Own Your Self-Defense

If someone is still aggressively approaching you and they get inside your “bubble” and make a move on you, that means they are within your striking distance, too. You can pummel this assailant with the end of your flashlight while it’s still on.

Hitting the attacker with your flashlight may be damaging and disorientating. Hopefully, this is enough to attract the attention of others who might be able to help you. Additionally, your attacker has just realized you’re not worth it to steal from; you’re a hard target.

As Toppino teaches at W.O.F.T., a flashlight is one of many tools we have at our disposal. You also have your voice (screaming), your eyes (being aware of your surroundings), your hands (pummel, punch, fight back), and of course, potentially knives, firearms, pepper spray, tasers, and many other defensive tools.

It is important to take your safety on a day-to-day basis seriously because police can be minutes or longer away when you may just have seconds to defend yourself. Be sure to watch for pre-fight indicators like a balled-up fist and an aggressive facial expression. Take up space, be loud, break someone’s OODA loop, startle them, disorientate them, maintain your distance from threats, and leave scenarios entirely that seem too dangerous.

Stay out of transitional spaces if you can avoid them, get your head and eyes out of your phone when you’re in public, and learn to be OK not going to your vehicle if threatening people are by it.

A flashlight is not an ultimate arbiter of self-defense — an end-all, be all — but it can be a great supplement to your EDC handgun. It could even temporarily replace your Hellcat if you are traveling and can’t have it with you.

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