A young couple in the "Q". Photograph by Geo Hand IV
I work in counter human traffic (CHT), running street operations in “the Q,” Albuquerque, New Mexico. Here, the season on traffickers is open all year long, and there is no bag limit. Just don’t step up to the line dry (1).
My current self-preservation posture is best described in my statement to my boss, words to the effect of, “Boss, I’m going to spend some money. I want to put as many things between my fists and my gat (2) as possible on the street.” I said that much to the delight of my boss and our task force founder, as shootouts could prove to be fatal to the longevity of his CHT task force.
My current carry loadout
Dagger: personal protection, Benchmade. This is used for close-in fighting when fisticuffs just won’t answer the mail. It is sharp, sturdy, easy to conceal, and very easy to hold on to. Not effective against crank tweakers (3).
A stun gun: 50,000 volts output, used to temporarily render an opponent incoherent and stupid unless the opponent arrived already stupid, then he will simply remain stupid, the stun gun notwithstanding. Not effective against crank tweakers.
Stun gun seen here mounted upside down to the dash with Velcro strips
A telescoping combat baton: Formerly termed the “NBC stick,” I prefer my own variant, the BBC (Better Be Cool) stick. It provides just a little more standoff than the dagger or stun gun; it issues out a proper ass-whipping. Not effective against crank tweakers.
Telescoping BBC stick, partially deployed.
A whole can of whoop ass: The wicked ickiest pepper spray on the face of the planet. Aerosol spray, hatefully nasty. Provides ~15 feet of standoff. Not effective against crank tweakers.
Pepper spray with Velcro, where it mounts to the dash and is close at hand.
Glock 17, chambered in 9 x 19mm Parabellum, and ~50 rounds. Pretty effective against crank tweakers.
Spikes Tactical ST-15 and ~120 rds of 5.56 x 45mm ammunition. Very effective against crank tweakers.
Truck: Ford F-150 pickup moving at high speed on a calculated collision course. Very, very effective against crank tweakers.
Screaming like a girl. Not really effective against anyone or anything. Mostly an
unintentional reactive irritant on my part. Most crank tweakers are already doing this when encountered.
Patience. I am in no hurry to escalate an altercation and transition begrudgingly from one defense medium to the next. Except for pepper spray, my favorite. I blow through a can of wicked nasty in less than a day sometimes. It’s just way too handy and convenient. I’m actually pretty much an out-of-control ass when I carry it.
Them: “Yo, yo, yo…bro, why you be hangin’ ‘round here? You a cop?”
Me: “Not a cop, but I am doing this. PSHHHHHHHHHHT! (Sound of pepper spray
firing.)” They get a nose-full right away.
I work in counter human traffic (CHT), running street operations in “the Q,” Albuquerque, New Mexico. Here, the season on traffickers is open all year long, and there is no bag limit. Just don’t step up to the line dry (1).
My current self-preservation posture is best described in my statement to my boss, words to the effect of, “Boss, I’m going to spend some money. I want to put as many things between my fists and my gat (2) as possible on the street.” I said that much to the delight of my boss and our task force founder, as shootouts could prove to be fatal to the longevity of his CHT task force.
My current carry loadout
Dagger: personal protection, Benchmade. This is used for close-in fighting when fisticuffs just won’t answer the mail. It is sharp, sturdy, easy to conceal, and very easy to hold on to. Not effective against crank tweakers (3).
A stun gun: 50,000 volts output, used to temporarily render an opponent incoherent and stupid unless the opponent arrived already stupid, then he will simply remain stupid, the stun gun notwithstanding. Not effective against crank tweakers.
Stun gun seen here mounted upside down to the dash with Velcro strips
A telescoping combat baton: Formerly termed the “NBC stick,” I prefer my own variant, the BBC (Better Be Cool) stick. It provides just a little more standoff than the dagger or stun gun; it issues out a proper ass-whipping. Not effective against crank tweakers.
Telescoping BBC stick, partially deployed.
A whole can of whoop ass: The wicked ickiest pepper spray on the face of the planet. Aerosol spray, hatefully nasty. Provides ~15 feet of standoff. Not effective against crank tweakers.
Pepper spray with Velcro, where it mounts to the dash and is close at hand.
Glock 17, chambered in 9 x 19mm Parabellum, and ~50 rounds. Pretty effective against crank tweakers.
Spikes Tactical ST-15 and ~120 rds of 5.56 x 45mm ammunition. Very effective against crank tweakers.
Truck: Ford F-150 pickup moving at high speed on a calculated collision course. Very, very effective against crank tweakers.
Screaming like a girl. Not really effective against anyone or anything. Mostly an
unintentional reactive irritant on my part. Most crank tweakers are already doing this when encountered.
Patience. I am in no hurry to escalate an altercation and transition begrudgingly from one defense medium to the next. Except for pepper spray, my favorite. I blow through a can of wicked nasty in less than a day sometimes. It’s just way too handy and convenient. I’m actually pretty much an out-of-control ass when I carry it.
Them: “Yo, yo, yo…bro, why you be hangin’ ‘round here? You a cop?”
Me: “Not a cop, but I am doing this. PSHHHHHHHHHHT! (Sound of pepper spray
firing.)” They get a nose-full right away.
Them: “I’m sorry, sir, you can’t park here.”
Me: “Yes, I can. PSHHHHHHHHHHT!”
But then there is the ass part. I can be with ye ol’ can-o-pepp:
Them: “Good afternoon, sir.”
Me: “PSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHT!”
Geo sends
Footnotes:
Meaning don’t come to the firing line at a shooting range without any ammunition. Don’t get caught underprepared.
Gat from Gatling gun: a pompous term of respect and admiration for a small arm
Crank tweaker: an unfortunate addict of methamphetamine in the throes of the high.
—
Editor’s Note: Let’s all do Geo a solid. Go out and buy his book and visit his website. I promise it’s all good stuff. — GDM
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.