Combat Mindset

[jrhunden]

I am very interested in the mental aspect of preparing for combat, you have spoken on mental imagery and visualization as it relates to shooting in another thread, but not specific to combat situations.

The way I see it, different mental states are required for different skills. Optimum state for precision shooting requires a low pulse, and very little movement in muscles. Optimum state for hand-to-hand fighting requires a high level of aggression, and a rather high pulse. How should we balance our mind to optimize performance in combat, so that we are able to shoot, fight, target discriminate and solve complex problems simultaneously at a high level?

Did you do any specific mental training in preparation for combat operations as an operator? For example the use of mental “triggers”, aggression training, or other mental techniques, to activate “condition red” when entering specific situations? Should one have different mental drills prior to moving out on patrol, than when stacking up on a door?

[Mac1]

I did not do any "specific" mental training in preparation for combat operations while an Operator.
Ferocity and being able to compartmentalize the pressures of a gunfight are not traits one is born with. These, along with proper combat mindset are conditioned through high stress training, OJT (on the job training) or learned vicariously.
That is my opinion.