Serving as a Tactical Instructor: A Personal Perspective on Duty, Learning, and Adapting to Changing Threats

Serving as a Tactical Instructor: A Personal Perspective on Duty, Learning, and Adapting to Changing Threats

As an Israeli, I have been part of the country's security framework for many years, beginning with my enlistment in the army as a soldier in a combat unit and later as a commander. I have also served as a fighter as a reserve soldier and as a tactical instructor in numerous projects, and today, I work with army and police units in Krav Maga training programs focused on arrest and control.

The situation in Israel today is unlike any other time in our history. We face external conflicts and threats from neighboring countries, a resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe and the United States, and a fragile and divided internal situation. As a country whose right to exist is not self-evident, the obligation to serve it comes with the right to live in it.

Serving in the army is a privilege and a duty that I take seriously. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, being a soldier in the Israeli army is an experience that leaves a lasting impact. From the team camaraderie to the paradox between the light-hearted moments within the team and the complexity of the tasks at hand, serving in the army is something that will always leave its mark.

Being part of a team that's focused solely on a common goal, you get a sense of belonging and a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood that I don't think you can find anywhere else." - Sergeant Major Bryan Battaglia, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

During my service in the military, I held several positions, including being a combatant and a team leader in an special infantry unit that dealt with ambushes and arrests. I also transitioned to a tactical unit in the air force and worked with many units as a tactical instructor.

The main transition from being a combatant to a instructor is the need to analyze the threat and create a training system that is suitable for the team's abilities and mission requirements.

As a fighter and instructor, I have always placed a strong emphasis on continued learning and constant training to adapt to a changing threat landscape. The challenge in security settings is that the learning is always in retrospect on past mistakes, and it is essential to stay up to date with the latest techniques and protocols.

As a tactical instructor, I understand that the reality in any security environment changes constantly and rapidly. Threats evolve, and the strategies and tactics to counter them must keep pace. Today's world is more exposed to lies and deception than ever before. Unfortunately, many instructors exaggerate their credentials and experience or sell security courses without relevant work backgrounds. In this field, the difference between martial arts and tactical combatives and self-defense is significant. Incorrect training with techniques learned from watching edited YouTube videos or learning from instructors who lack the operational stress background and understanding can lead to disastrous outcomes.

The threats facing law enforcement and military today are drastically different from those just a few years ago. The rise of social media, exposure to violent content, and immigration have all created new and unique challenges. Terrorist organizations have adapted to the changing landscape, and confrontations with high-motivation attackers wielding simple weapons like knives, acid, or improvised explosive devices require new training protocols.

As a tactical instructor, one must possess the ability to provide comprehensive guidance that caters to the diverse needs of the unit. The foundational principles of tactical instruction rest upon advanced marksmanship, close-quarter combat, team movement in both open and built-up areas, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance. The instructor must impart these skills as building blocks, leading up to mission analysis and the development of a workable model.

It is critical for the instructor to ensure that the teams comprehend the nature of the task, the operational tension, and the dynamic environment from the onset. The instructor's primary focus should be on equipping the teams with physical and mental tools, while simultaneously empowering them with the capabilities required to provide solutions and security in the execution of the mission.

In the words of General H. R. McMaster, a decorated US Army officer, and former National Security Advisor, "Experience is the best teacher, but a tactical instructor who has experienced the challenges of the battlefield can help shorten the learning curve for young officers and soldiers." This quote underscores the importance of real-life experience in tactical instruction, which can significantly benefit students, particularly those who are new to the battlefield.

Therefore, a tactical instructor should possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical expertise, which can be invaluable in molding young officers and soldiers into effective combat leaders.

As the world becomes increasingly complex and unpredictable, we must stay up to date with the latest techniques and protocols, seek out training from experienced and reputable instructors, and recognize the need for ongoing education and adaptation. Serving as a soldier or tactical instructor is not just a job, but a way of life that requires a deep sense of duty and commitment to the safety and security of ourselves, our communities, and our nations