A.P.A.C.I.

The APACI acronym (pronounced Apache ) is an individual tool that which I created to support and guide the individual during close quarters engagement. Since the CQB environment is swift and lethal – on all of its forms and shapes – The APACI is there to aid the individual in the ability to facilitate & comprehend extreme situations in extreme environments.

Based on five constant elements, that are present in any type of close quarters engagement,  the APACI acts as a vital foundation for a successful utilization of pre-planned tactics – and its proper application in the field.

What makes this acronym relevant, is that it is human behavior compliant. Which means that its application in the field will not result in mental conflicts or hesitation, as those five elements are present within our human behavior.

A – Awareness, the ability to be aware in any given time is crucial for getting the real resolution of the environment and the nature of the ‘situation’ itself. Awareness is not only being able to see, smell or hear (which we are always taught to do in CQB) – but also to understand. Understanding comes after we process. Awareness is that important link between gathering evidence to its final processing, especially with high heart rate, adrenalin, dopamine as well as maximum brain stimulus. From experience, it is easy to be aware. It is a challenge to remain aware. Why is awareness so important? In CQB the individual goes through a constant OODA loop, whether intentionally or not it does not matter – the individual is fed with an enormous mass of information, which in return stimulates all of his senses (see PTSD for example).  Awareness is there to ensure that the individual remains proactive rather than reactive; from the moment he spots the next obstacles to the very moment he takes a tactical decision. A great example for awareness is that in active shooter scenarios, the majority of first responders are ignoring valuable intel given by victims as they pursue the threat.