Navigating Corners: Essential Techniques for Soldiers and Security Professionals

I am not a professional soldier, but I am an armed guard with a Federal Protective Service contract. In this field, the reality of safety in a gunfight is profoundly different from what you see in movies. To ensure your own and your colleagues' safety, soldiers and security professionals employ various techniques to navigate corners effectively. These methods can be summarized into three main approaches: 'slicing the pie,' 'peeking,' 'popping the corner,' and other specialized techniques such as 'tossing shit.' In this article, we will explore these key tactics and their applications in real-world scenarios.

Techniques for Navigating Corners

Slicing the Pie

One of the most widely used methods is the 'slicing the pie' approach. This technique involves moving slowly around the corner, in small 10-degree increments, to check for any potential threats. Only a small segment of the corner is visible at any given time, ensuring that you remain hidden and not a clear target. This proactive method is particularly useful when immediate danger is unknown. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Position yourself near the corner, maintaining a low profile to minimize visibility. Gradually turn your head and body in 10-degree increments, peeking only a small part of the corner at a time. Communicate with your team or partner, providing real-time updates on what you see. Continue moving until you have assessed the full 360-degree path.

Peeking the Corner

When immediate danger is not present, 'peeking' offers a quick way to gather information without staying hidden. This technique, also known as 'Turkey peeking,' involves leaning slightly out and back to assess the surrounding area. It is a simple and effective method, but it can be quite nerve-racking due to the exposed position. Here’s a brief overview:

Lean out and back to briefly check the area around the corner. Use this technique for quick, low-risk assessments. This can be done with either your head or your weapon.

Popping the Corner

The 'popping the corner' method involves temporarily taking a position on the corner to maintain security while preparing for follow-on actions. This technique is particularly useful in dynamic situations where you need to assess and control a situation simultaneously. Here’s how it works:

Position yourself on the corner with your weapon at ready stance. Assess the immediate area and communicate any findings with your team or partner. Establish a secure position before moving forward or engaging any potential threats.

Additional Considerations and Advanced Techniques

In certain scenarios, more aggressive tactics come into play. One such tactic is the 'Blind Firing,' which is generally frowned upon due to the high risk of friendly fire. However, in desperate situations, this might be the only option. Here are a couple of other specialized techniques:

Running the Rabbit

This technique, particularly effective in hallways, involves one team member popping the corner to identify any threats, followed by the other team member rushing across the danger area with their weapon at the ready. This method ensures that both members are engaged and prepared for any hostile encounters, providing mutual support.

The 'Running the Rabbit' technique can be broken down as follows:

One team member pops the corner to identify any potential threats. The other team member rushes across the danger area, weapon at ready stance. Both members engage any hostiles and move together or set up additional security.

Tossing Shit

This tactic, often used for tactical purposes, involves tossing objects such as nails or small projectiles to provoke an enemy response. While it can provide valuable information, it is crucial to ensure that you are behind decent cover to protect yourself from potential counterattacks. Here are some key points to consider:

Toss an object to provoke an enemy reaction, providing valuable intelligence. Ensure that you are behind a secure cover to avoid exposure. React swiftly to any enemy movements or responses.

Modern Applications and Corner-Shooting Techniques

With advancements in technologies and training methodologies, soldiers and security professionals continue to refine their corner-navigation skills. Modern techniques such as 'Corner Shot' and 'Shoot Around the Corner' are increasingly used in various tactical scenarios. These methods require precise observation and quick decision-making to ensure the safety of all involved.

Closing down a corner safely can be a matter of life and death. By mastering the techniques of 'slicing the pie,' 'peeking,' and 'popping the corner,' as well as understanding the nuances of more advanced tactics, soldiers and security professionals can minimize risks and maximize their operational effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

'Slicing the pie' provides a methodical approach to safely checking corners. 'Peeking' offers a quick and effective way to gather information. 'Popping the corner' maintains security while preparing for follow-on actions. Modern corner-navigation techniques like 'Corner Shot' and 'Shoot Around the Corner' are adaptable to various tactical situations.

By understanding and practicing these essential techniques, you can better equip yourself for navigating dangerous environments and ensuring your safety and the safety of your teammates.