[4sarge]

Originally Posted by Pami

You're right, Bill... that was kind of the point of my post, actually. In my limited experience, I've found that men catch on much more quickly to the fact that firearms are tools. They can accept much more quickly that they might have to hurt someone to protect themselves or those around them. It's easy to teach them the mindset because they're already half way there.

Some women are fortunate to already have that mindset as well (Annie and Annie Oakley, for example). Many of the women I know do not have that mindset, and they (including me) need the extra step to help them move into that mindset. It should be worked at to "train out" the extraneous thinking ahead and just do what is necessary.

Unfortunately, many (not all) new women shooters need that extra training to get them up to par with the men they're training with. I'm not necessarily saying different training with a different approach, just ... additional training to bridge that gap. Does that make any sense?

I have yet to meet a man who said that guns frighten him. I have yet to meet one that would be afraid to look at guns, much less actually touch one. I have met, talked to, and helped women who can't say the same. It's difficult to take a Fighting Pistol course when you're afraid to even touch the gun in front of you. So how do you "train" to become unafraid of the tool? That is why there's needs to be additional considerations. And I'll reiterate -- not all women need that half step. But some do, and it shouldn't be glossed over.

Pami, I once was approached by an administrator of an Indiana Police Department that had gone from 5 full time officers to almost 50 in just a few years. I could train these officers in many aspects of law enforcement but what he wanted I could not do. He wanted me to mature these officers and that only comes with life and job experiences.

I can instruct in theory, proper techniques, law and or safety but I cannot change a person into something that they are not. The armed forces and police academies place you thru basic training and attempt to break you down then mold you into what they believe a recruit should be but these people are there in an attempt to succeed in a chosen profession and are highly motivated.

As a male department administrator if I even suggested that a woman was less qualified because of her sex then I would be accused (rightfully so) of being sexist and this is not acceptable behavior in today's workplace. If that person were of another race then I would be accused of racism.

I've probably just dug myself a deeper hole but in 2008, women are given equal pay for equal work and I would not expect them to expect less. Maybe, because of the profession I've been blessed with working with strong women but I could never outwardly show preference for women vs a man or vice versa in a job assignment.

I'd suggest constant training, continuing familiarity with the firearm and look to your inner self for strength. I hope that you can accept this response and know that I was not attempting to be glib or a smart a**.


Best of Luck