Tactical Tip: “NGU”
NGU. These 3 letters can make a critical difference when your life is on the line.
They stand for “Never-Give-Up”. Calling them to mind when you’re rolling to a high-risk call or defending yourself against attack is a quick way to psychologically access the power of your commitment to survive no matter what.
“Coach” Bob Lindsey, one of the nation’s most respected trainers, recommends that you repeat and reinforce N-G-U as part of your daily preparation for the street.
He suggests that in a quiet moment of reflection, as early in your career as possible, you write down: “I will win any encounter and I will return home to ___________.” Insert the name of your spouse, your child, your parents--whoever is a primary motivation for you to stay alive.
“As you leave the protected environment of your home and walk out into the unknown each day, use your departure as a cue” to reinforce your commitment and its shorthand version: N-G-U, Lindsey advises.
“As you leave the protected environment of your home and walk out into the unknown each day, use your departure as a cue” to reinforce your commitment and its shorthand version: N-G-U, Lindsey advises.
“Then,” Lindsay assures, “you will do far better in the reality of the unknown when that reality turns out to include a violent encounter. You won’t have to hesitate when you know what’s happening and what you have to do.”
“Then,” Lindsay assures, “you will do far better in the reality of the unknown when that reality turns out to include a violent encounter. You won’t have to hesitate when you know what’s happening and what you have to do.”
“People who would hurt a police officer are attacking a known symbol of authority, and they know that the person they are attacking is better trained than they are and that the whole world is going to come down on them and they are going to get hurt--and they tell themselves that’s ok.
“Our desire to live has to be greater than their desire to hurt or kill us.”
When Lindsey made these comments during an ASLET training session in Florida this winter, an officer in the audience responded that he has been in dozens of street fights and believes strongly in the motivating power of N-G-U. “I really get started,” he said, “when I taste my own blood.”