We've discussed before the potential second and third order of effects from inattention to details.
Another dramatic example of this happens to be the true story of Sir John Chandos, a legendary knight and hero of the Hundred Years War.
He was born to a noble family of lesser stature in Derbyshire and worked relentlessly to increase his military knowledge and combat skills. He honed his martial arts ability so that his first experience in war was to defeat a French knight in single combat during the Siege of Cambrai in 1339 and to lead a small group to stop an enemy attack.
Chandros continued to show brilliance on the battlefield with his tactical skills and leadership ability. As his reputation and success grew he achieved greater heights to eventually become a Viscount, a Knight Banneret, and to lead the Principality of Aquitaine.
In a successful cross border ambush and raid in which his troops defeated the French army, Chandos tripped over his cloak and fell. The resulting wound to his face was fatal.
One of the most notable knight and warrior of his time dying after tripping on his cape.
Amazing.
Another diabolical conspiracy along with the cloak which killed Chandos are strings. Yes, strings. And cords. And toggles on cords.
We have field reports of negligent discharges from a handgun trying to be re-holstered, but catching one of those toggles on the drawstring cords on a parka inside the trigger guard. As the student unconsciously jammed the handgun back into the holster, the pressure from the toggle on the trigger caused the firearm to discharge hitting the student in the leg.
I witnessed a law-enforcement officer during a class catch his hand on the cord from his hat almost causing a negligent discharge next to his face.
Lessons learned:
Pay attention to details.
Get your gear in order. Organize.
Get and carry spares, repair parts, batteries, Loctite, etc.
Identify hazards. Remove them or at least mitigate them.
Train to conduct all of your firearm and weapon manipulations in a ritualistic manner in which safety is the top priority.
We train to survive the lethal encounter.
Let's not get taken out by the pedestrian accident.
Comments