TRENDING Position SUL Revisited
Incorrect application of Position SUL. Support hand is covering the pistol, which will delay or obstruct achieving a solid two-hand grip.
Incorrect application of Position SUL. Support hand is
Muzzle down & fl ared: While
SUL requires the pistol to be down, the muzzle is fl ared out- ward about 12-15 degrees. This keeps the muzzle line off the user’s toes. Trigger finger straight: This
the thumb sweeps the safety off as pistol comes up. Here are the important factors for train- ers to analyze for a shooter’s position. Thumbs form a square: When observed
from the front, the shooter’s thumbs and index fi ngers form a square shape—in- dicating the muzzle is near vertical. If the thumbs are pointed up, forming a pyra- mid, the pistol is situated diagonally. Support shoulder slightly lower: With the support side somewhat below the domi- nant side, the muzzle indexes to straight down. The hands may need to move closer to the belt line to take strain off the wrists. Support fi ngers spread: Starting with a sep-
aration between the support side fi ngers allows them to more naturally fall into the ‘valleys’ of the dominant side fi ngers when the pistol is presented. Elbows tucked: Having the elbows against
the shooter’s body is more relaxed and per- mits the wrists to fl ex into a muzzle down position. Elbows splayed out tends to bring the pistol slanting and increases the chance of striking an elbow when going through a door.
may sound redundant, but keeping the fi nger off the trigger is a key safety component. When should Position SUL be employed? This is another often misinterpreted factor. According to Direct Action Group, SUL is used in three fundamental situa- tions: First, when you are in tran- sit and not when you are the cover man. In a team environment, op- erators often move in a stack confi guration. The fi rst operator in that formation may pres- ent his/her weapon, but it is imperative the others orient their pistol safely. Second, when offi cers or other friendly
Incorrect application or Position SUL. Pistol is partially presented and held at armpit level— negating any weapon retention benefit and increasing the potential for muzzle rotation when presented.
persons are crossing into your sector of fi re or arc of coverage. When holding a part of a room or covering a suspect, other offi cers may move into your area of responsibility. Going to SUL keeps your muzzle off back- up personnel or teammates. Third, during domination of crowds.
There will be situations where offi cers are holding a perimeter, controlling occupants, or similar tasks that require the pistol to be in hand, but not pointed at persons. SUL is a ‘non-offensive’ position that can mitigate citizen complaints or negative media com- mentary. At the same time, it provides a quick presentation if needed and good weapons retention. As a former Ranger captain
told Max Joseph, “We fi nd Posi- tion SUL to be invaluable because when required, it displays a posi- tion of restraint rather than a posi- tion of menace.” The same concept can apply to holding a perimeter at a crime scene or related law en- forcement tasks. With most any activity based
Presenting from Position SUL. Notice how the open fingers of the support hand start to fill in between the ridges of the dominant hand fingers as the pistol comes up.
58 LAW and ORDER I June 2016
lesson, it is a sound idea to revisit the basic drill to ensure we have not varied from the core skill set. Through time, it can be easy to erode away from fundamentals as
new tasks are added. In some situations, the fundamental drill was not taught correctly in the fi rst place. Instructors and trainees need to know the ‘Hows and Whys.’ Going back to the basics gets shooters back on track and demonstrates simplicity of those core skills.
Ron Yanor is retired after a 25-year law enforcement career. He spent 19 years on a 22-operator multi- directional tactical unit. Since 1999, he has been a contract trainer and currently operates Adamax Tactical Academy in Illinois. He is also on the staff of Tactical Energetic Entry Systems.
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As the pistol comes up from Position SUL, the open fingers of the support hand start to fill in between the ridges of the dominant hand fingers as the pistol comes up. Here the presentation is about one-third complete as the muzzle comes forward and rotates up.
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