Gun Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. These volunteers felt that Ian Smith had betrayed white Rhodesians by signing this agreement. We must protect our Second Amendment and we must spread the word that Jews support the right to bear arms. Id argue that if the two shots at (and hopefully in) the chest of an aggressor fails to convince him to break off his attack, then youd be better to drop your aim to fire the third shot (and perhaps fourth and fifth shots) at the pelvis next. Even better (although much more difficult), make the final shot as youre moving offline. The Mozambique Drill is a close-quarter shooting technique in which the shooter fires twice into the torso of a target (known as a double tap to the center of mass), momentarily assesses the hits, then follows them up with a carefully aimed shot to the head of the target. The French troops were being withdrawn from Djibouti upon that country's independence, and French intelligence agents helped facilitate their recruitment by the Rhodesian Army. [92] Many of the Americans wrongly believed that their government opposed their presence in Rhodesia, with articles in Soldier of Fortune and works by the author Robin Moore also claiming this. [39] An exception was a group of almost 200 French military personnel who enlisted together in late 1976. As historians have found it difficult to access Rhodesian records, it is not known exactly how many foreigners volunteered for the Rhodesian Security Forces. You have entered an incorrect email address! Flat nose bullets and hollow points were not in widespread use, so those FMJs from Rousseaus HP35 must have passed right through the fighter. [11], UDI and Rhodesia's racial inequalities led to the outbreak of the Rhodesian Bush War. The drill is also sometimes called the Failure Drill, as the third and final shot is made in response to a situation when the double tap fails to stop an advancing threat. [6], The Rhodesian Front's ideology held that the end of colonial rule in Africa and the development of African nationalism during the 1950s and 1960s had been the result of international communism aided by a policy of appeasement towards African nationalists by the United Kingdom and other western countries. His third shot was low, taking out the fighters neck and spinal cord. The academics Jacob Ware and John Campbell stated in 2022 that people from more than fifteen countries had volunteered to fight for Rhodesia, including "several hundred" Americans. He also noted that the party drew on the ideas and language used by the contemporary radical right movement in the United States to justify UDI. The young African not only failed to fall, but he advanced toward Rousseau with murderous intent. Today, with the proliferation of zombies in our culture, it could be called the zombie drill or zombie check, because a head shot is the only way to kill a zombie. The Rhodesian military also adopted some of the terminology used by Americans in Vietnam, such as referring to guerrillas as 'gooks' and labelling one of their supply lines the 'Ho Chi Minh trail'. Not exactly a headshot, but the situation was terminated. Sorry, an error occurred and we could not sign you up. At the time of UDI, the Rhodesian Army had a strength of over 18,400, including 15,000 reservists, the Rhodesian Air Force had a small but modern fleet of combat aircraft and the paramilitary British South Africa Police included 7,000 full time and 25,000 reserve personnel. The story goes that this technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau. Remember, the Mozambique drill is designed for a defensive situation where the first two shots failed to stop an attacker. The term refers to his encounter with an AK-47 armed guerilla at an airport in Mozambique where he was armed with a Browning Hi-Power. [39][40][41] Sources differ on whether these men were paratroopers or members of the French Foreign Legion. Originally, it was called the Mozambique Drill, but the more current name is Failure Drill. What these European countries didnt factor in was the determination of the African people. [8] The academic Michael Evans has written that "the Fronts world-struggle ideology was based on a conspiratorial interpretation of modern politics that emphasised virulent forms of Anglophobia, anti-communism, anti-internationalism, and anti-liberalism". The ethnographic and historical researcher Henrik Ellert has written that there were 1,500 in 197778. Save my name and email to use for future comments. [104], Few works by historians have been published on the volunteers who served with the Rhodesian Security Forces. The Carter administration considered taking steps to stop Americans serving in Rhodesia, but this did not result in any policy changes. From the beginning, Africas indigenous people resisted. [4][12] The resistance to the Rhodesian regime was dominated by two black nationalist movements, the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU). [15], Foreigners with far right beliefs were often sympathetic to the Rhodesian cause during the war. Handgun Training for Personal Protection. Fighting at the airport at Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau rounded a corner and encountered a FRELIMO guerrilla, armed with an AK-47 assault rifle, at 10 paces (~7.5 . Rousseauarmed onyl with a pistolturned a corner and encountered an enemy soldier carrying an AK-47. The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our monthly giveaways! [66] The difficult conditions contributed to high desertion rates. Rousseau told his harrowing story to Jeff Cooper, who thought that it made a darn good defensive shooting drill. Rousseaus exploit turned into the Failure Drill and was included in the Academys curriculum starting in the late 1970s. (snip) Rousseau related the story to an acquaintance, small arms expert Jeff Cooper, founder of the Gunsite Academy shooting school, who incorporated the "Mozambique Drill" into his . [72], The Rhodesian Army regarded the volunteers as disloyal and undisciplined. [5][9], The Mozambique Drill is featured in a number of movies, notably Heat and Collateral, both directed by Michael Mann.[10]. In the 1980s, the Los Angeles Police Department began teaching the drill but renamed it the more politically correct Failure Drill. [83] Various approaches were considered to develop legislation to ban recruitment by the Rhodesian Security Forces during the late 1970s, but none eventuated. The drill was inspired by an incident encountered by Rhodesian mercenary Mike Rousseau during the Mozambican War of Independence (1964 to about 1974). Live The Armory Life. After a quick assessment of the situation, Rousseau tried for a shot to the mans central nervous system. [62] Those who failed this training had to leave the country, with their airfare home being paid by the Rhodesian government. Rousseau was carrying his Browning HP35 pistol when he turned a corner and found himself face-to-face with a guerilla armed with an AK-47. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 09:37. [61] These pay rates were lower than those in some other armies; for instance, they were around half the levels in the United States Army and between 50 and 60 per cent of the Australian Army's pay scale. [85], In 1977 the British government provided a tentative response to an American proposal that the United Nations Security Council adopt a resolution requiring UN members to prevent their citizens from serving in the Rhodesian military. Dont be surprised to hear the drill referred to as the Zombie Drill or Zombie Check. You sweat just standing still. Editors Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. However, here we are more concerned with your shooting than tactics, because the subtle nuances of the proper tactics can vary from situation to situation. the technique may also be called a triple tap, or failure to stop drill. Some years back, Col. Cooper developed what he called the Mozambique Drill for the purposes of dealing with this type of situation. Southern Rhodesia was a self-governing British colony located in southern Africa whose economy and government was dominated by the small white minority of its population. [74], The Canadian spree killer Mathew Lamb was able to join the Rhodesian Army in 1974 after being released from a mental institution. The most effective way is two easy shots to the attackers center of mass, then assess the target. [58], Foreign volunteers who were accepted were required to swear an oath of loyalty to Rhodesia, and the Rhodesian government considered them to be members of the security forces rather than mercenaries. If a few hundred Jewish fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto could hold off the Wehrmacht for almost a month with only a handful of weapons, six million Jews armed with rifles could not so easily have been herded into cattle cars." FRELIMO attacked targets in typical guerrilla-style warfare and, like other small insurgent forces, they made full use of hit and run tactics, their knowledge of the terrain, and used the monsoon season to their advantage. They generally served alongside Rhodesian personnel in a large number of units, though a group of Frenchmen served together in a separate unit. [7] Fighting at the airport at Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau rounded a corner and encountered an enemy combatant, armed with an AK-47 assault rifle, at 10 paces (7.5m (25ft)). [67], The large group of Frenchmen who enlisted together were used to form 7 Independent Company. All rights reserved. |-- Political Videos Due to the sanctions against Rhodesia, these ads were generally lodged via front organisations and were vague about the country the volunteers would serve in. Taken aback by the failure of his double tap to stop the threat, Rousseau took a moment, leveled his pistol at the charging mans face, and fired a third round. [34] Foreign volunteers were also offered land if they settled in Rhodesia after completing their service with the security forces. [7] The party believed that Rhodesia needed to take a stand against the perceived communist threat to protect western civilisation in Africa. If you can successfully perform the drill in under five seconds, youre doing better than most law enforcement officers. The Portuguese forces collaborated with Rhodesia which had experience from the Bush War in the early 1960s to create special forces teams to deal with FRELIMO. [64] The RLI was a key element of Rhodesia's strategic reserve, and was frequently deployed against guerrilla forces. [18] As the war continued, additional army and police units were raised and the periods of active service reservists were required to undertake was increased. [32][33], The Rhodesian Security Forces' recruitment staff responded to people who wrote letters of inquiry after reading the advertisements. Now you understand the history and background as well as the importance of the Failure Drill. White notes that this was "not because of how they were paid for fighting but because of why they were fighting", with it being argued that the volunteers had involved themselves in a war that was not theirs. Seeing that the fighter was still advancing, Rousseau attempted a head shot that hit the guerrilla through the base of his neck, severing the spinal cord. Rousseau then lowered his weapon to the ready position. As you know, Cooper founded Gunsite Academy and preached his tactical gospel of the modern technique. Copyright 2023 Jews Can Shoot. Big Forums |-- General Discussion: Presidency You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to use this website. Rousseau hit an . [66], Under the terms of the 1979 Lancaster House Agreement that ended the war the British government resumed control over Rhodesia in December 1979, with the country temporarily reverting to the colony of Southern Rhodesia until elections could be held. It is not the only way to do things, and was never intended to be taken as the one true way.. Fighting at the airport at Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau rounded a corner and encountered a FRELIMO guerrilla, armed with an AK-47 assault rifle, at 10 paces. Its a port city in southern Mozambique where it can be hot with humidity over 80 percent. Seeing that the guerrilla was still advancing, Rousseau made an attempt at a head shot that hit the guerrilla through the base of his neck, severing the spinal cord. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'democraticunderground_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_2',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-democraticunderground_com-medrectangle-1-0');report this ad Felons can be high on adrenalin or drugs to the point that they do not recognize or respond to pain. Rousseau had a pistol. [62] He had previously attempted to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces, but was rejected. [35] Organisations representing veterans were another method used to contact potential recruits. This led to a rapid growth in the insurgency which the security forces were unable to contain. [23] In 1979, the military historian John Keegan noted that foreigners made up between a quarter and a third of the strength of the RLI. At least thats what Ive been told. [36] Neil Grant gave a lower figure in 2015, stating that over 10 per cent of the unit were foreign volunteers. The need for non-Rhodesians to sustain the country's independence was also considered problematic. Thankfully, the shot hit the attackers throat, severing his spinal cord and eliminating the threat. |-- Places They observed that the volunteers "failed in their efforts to protect the white regime, but not before they supported and contributed to a conflict that lasted fifteen years and claimed tens of thousands of lives". [101] Robin Moore included profiles of twelve volunteers as part of a non-fiction book he wrote in 1976 that argued that the Rhodesian government was not racist and sanctions against it should be lifted. While engaged in fighting at the airport of Lourenco Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau was armed with only a Browning HP35 pistol. [44] Opponents of the regime frequently highlighted the issue of 'mercenaries' fighting for Rhodesia, and claimed that they were often mentally unstable and had little regard for civilian casualties. Seeing that the guerrilla was still advancing, Rousseau made an attempt at a head shot that hit the guerrilla through the base of his neck, severing the spinal cord. Those who were combat veterans resented being placed under the command of younger and less experienced Rhodesians. He turned a corner and came face-to-face about 10 paces with a FRELIMO guerrilla armed with an AK-47. Seeing that the fighter was still advancing, Rousseau attempted a head shot that hit the guerrilla through the base of his neck, severing the spinal cord. By September 1964, things began to change. a close quarter tactical method of killing a target with two shots to the chest and one follow up shot to the head. The. The ZANU was supported by China and the ZAPU by the Soviet Union, both of which were communist countries. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the Africa has always offered employment opportunities to those with certain skills. The scope of these sanctions was increased over time, and included restrictions on support for its military. It is estimated that between 800 and 2,000 foreign volunteers enlisted, with the exact number not being known. [22], From the mid-1970s the Rhodesian government began placing advertisements seeking volunteers in the international media. FRELIMO was the dominant political party in Mozambique fighting for independence from Portugal. Center mass is easier to hit quickly, and in most cases will effectively stop a threat. Rousseau fired two quick shots that struck the enemy soldier in the chest, but failed to stop him. Mike Rousseau was a white Rhodesian mercenary engaged in combat against FRELIMO guerillas in and around the Mozambique capital of Maputo. aka Failure Drill. To guarantee instant incapacitation by impacting the brain and central nervous system, the head shot must be delivered to the area between eyebrows and upper lip, otherwise, various bony areas of the skull could deflect the bullet. [103] Stephen Jeffreys' 1980 play 'The Jubilee Too' included a British volunteer who had returned from Rhodesia as one of its characters. LLC. [102] He also wrote the novel Crippled Eagles which was based on the experiences of American volunteers. In a veritable ocean of blood, one otherwise trivial engagement gained lasting notoriety. They generally joined the Rhodesian Security Forces individually after seeing advertisements or after being contacted by recruiters. [66], The volunteers typically found conditions in Rhodesia to be tough, and those who had joined up due to a belief that they would enjoy a good lifestyle were rapidly disappointed. Mike Rousseau was a white Rhodesian mercenary engaged in combat against FRELIMO guerillas in and around the Mozambique capital of Maputo. Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators. : The British Military Advisory and Training Team and the Creation of the Zimbabwe National Army", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Foreign_volunteers_in_the_Rhodesian_Security_Forces&oldid=1135864497, The historians Peter Godwin and Ian Hancock have written that foreign volunteers represented only a "tiny minority" of the Rhodesian military in 1972, with 90 per cent of recruits being Rhodesians and most of the remainder. [79] Both the main nationalist groups believed that the volunteers' presence indicated that western governments supported the Rhodesian regime. Although speed is definitely one of the goals of the Mozambique Drill, it isnt nearly as important as accuracy. You can also take two steps to the side to get offline of the attack before making the final head shot. Transitioning between targets can take some getting used to, especially for shooters still trying to get some experience under their belts. He has trained with some of the countrys finest firearm instructors in handguns, rifles/carbines, shotguns and long-range shooting. [2] Rousseau was later killed in action in the Rhodesian War. These articles frequently highlighted the experiences of Americans who were fighting in Rhodesia. views and opinions of Springfield Armory. While engaged in fighting at the airport of Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo),. It is commonly known as a" Mozambique Drill" because it comes from a story told to Cooper from Rhodesian Mike Rousseau, a mercenary during the Mozambican War of Independence. Although in most situations, the two perfectly placed shots to the chest should disable an attacker, there are several reasons they could fail. Rumored to have begun with Rhodesian mercenary Mike Rousseau and adopted into coursework at Gunsight Academy, the Mozambique Drill is intended to drop an advancing threat immediately. Rousseau hit the target on either side of the sternum, usually enough to incapacitate or kill a target outright. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Cooper_%28colonel%29. At the start signal, draw from concealment and fire two shots into the V1 zone and one shot into the V2 zone as fast as you can do so without missing either zone. The Guardian reported in 1979 that "his presence is a source of embarrassment to the regime which has always insisted that it does not want foreign mercenaries". [8] The historian Donal Lowry has endorsed Evans' views, noting also that "the Rhodesia Front sought to combine the notion that Rhodesia embodied the best of true Britishness, the notion that white Rhodesians were the sort of people who once made the Great" of Britain, while turning to America as the only remaining champion of the Free World. Relying on instinct and training, Rousseau delivered a double tap to the combatants chest with his Browning Hi Power pistol and, Upon hearing the story of Rousseaus encounter, Cooper incorporated a three-shot drill into his training at the famous, . Remember that 9mm ammo circa late 1960s and late 1970s was marginally better than 9mm ammo from WWII. [9] It took pains to not be seen as racially or politically extreme, and the party's rhetoric was focused on the need to combat the perceived communist threat rather than the goal of sustaining racial superiority. ), Shoulder Holster: 8 Pro Up-Top Carry Options (2023). The third shot should be aimed to destroy the brain or brain stem, killing the target and preventing the target from retaliating. Rousseau immediately performed a "double tap" maneuver, a controlled shooting technique in which the shooter makes two quick shots at the target's torso. In 2021 White wrote that the numbers of foreign volunteers may have been small, and the ex-Rhodesian generals she had interviewed "scoffed at me when I asked if there were fifteen hundred foreigners in the Rhodesian Army". When a double-tap to the chest failed to stop the aggressor, a third shot to the head ended the threat and created the Mozambique Drill. A British deserter from the Rhodesian military claimed in 1976 that 2,000 of the 6,000 regular soldiers in the Rhodesian Army were British and another 100 Americans. Mike Rousseau was a trained soldier so he instinctively presented his handgun and shot the guerilla twice in the chest, launching both rounds in quick succession. Engaged in a firefight at an airport in Lourenco Marques, Rousseau encountered a guerilla fighter armed with an AK-47. Mike Rousseau was a white Rhodesian mercenary engaged in combat against FRELIMO guerillas in and around the Mozambique capital of Maputo. European colonial powers like Belgium and Portugal fought to defend their interests, but the rebels had little to lose and everything to gain. [16], The Rhodesian Security Forces were considerably expanded over the war. No country ever officially recognised Rhodesia's independence. Easter Lessons by bmt | Mar 29, 2016 | Towsley on Tactical blog Get 12 Issues a year of the country's best firearms writing. [88], The United States' Neutrality Act of 1794 prohibits American citizens from enlisting with foreign militaries or working as mercenaries for other governments. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! [70], Ware and Campbell wrote in 2022 that the foreign volunteers had little influence on the war, and the pressure from western governments on the Rhodesian government to agree to a transition to majority rule was of greater importance. Semi-automatic pistols in those days relied on FMJ bullets so the pistol would function properly. [28] This magazine had been established that year to promote mercenary opportunities, and provided a positive portrayal of the lifestyle available to mercenaries. It is not known how many Vietnam veterans fought in Rhodesia. [34], American and Australian volunteers who had fought in the Vietnam War were generally well regarded by Rhodesian soldiers, and were often posted to the elite SAS and Selous Scouts. However, in a dynamic situation, the fraction of a second it takes to assess the threat could put your life in danger. [22][24], Another strategy used to address white manpower shortages was seeking white volunteers from outside the country, which the Rhodesian government began doing in 1973. Thats why practicing the Mozambique Drill is so important. Rousseau immediately brought up his Browning . If any of your three shots land outside the V zones, you have failed the drill. [2][3] Accordingly, the government issued Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) from the United Kingdom in November 1965, with the colony becoming Rhodesia. These two additions to the drill could make a world of difference in a real-life self-defense situation. 2023 Springfield Armory. Portugal said it supported the Mozambique people and designated it an overseas territory in the 1950s in lieu of calling it a colony, but it was still a colony no matter how Portugal presented it. While engaged in fighting at the airport of Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau was armed with only a Browning HP35 pistol. That was in the 1400s and 1500s when Portugal set up trading settlements that evolved into colonies. Today, most instructors teach their students to hold the pistol on target after the first two shots. Engaged in a firefight at an airport in Lourenco Marques, Rousseau encountered a guerilla fighter armed with an AK-47. The articles in Soldier of Fortune reflected Rhodesian government propaganda, as they claimed that the country was a western democracy, the war was being fought against communism and did not discuss the oppression of Rhodesia's black majority. |-- Latest Breaking News [22][27] Men with previous military experience, and especially service in wars, were preferred. In many countries it was illegal to serve with the Rhodesian Security Forces. [7] The historian Luise White noted in 2004 that "the figure most sources cite is 1,500 foreign soldiers, of whom perhaps 400 were American", though the Rhodesian Army put the number at 1,000 including 100 Americans. Of course, we have to be careful of adhering to dogma, no matter where it comes from. [46], In addition to the actual volunteers, thousands of South African Police and South African Defence Force (SADF) personnel were deployed to Rhodesia by the South African government to serve in or alongside the Rhodesian Security Forces. [34][62] Rhodesian recruiters told prospective Australian recruits that the cost of living was much lower in Rhodesia. The Mozambique Drill[1] is a close-quarter shooting technique in which the shooter fires twice into the torso of a target (known as a double tap to the center of mass), momentarily assesses the hits, then follows them up with a carefully aimed shot to the head of the target. The most common motivation was opposition to governments led by black people, but other volunteers were motivated by anti-communism or a desire for adventure. The Mozambique Drill,[1] also known as the Failure Drill, or Failure to Stop drill and, informally, as "two to the body, one to the head,"[2][3] is a close-quarters shooting technique that requires the shooter to fire twice into the torso of a target (known as a double tap or hammered pair to the center of mass), and follow up with a more difficult head shot that, if properly placed, will instantaneously stop the target if the previous shots failed to do so. Rousseau immediately brought up his Browning HP35 pistol and fired two bullets into the target's upper chest, usually enough to incapacitate or kill outright. Home In the late 1960s and early 1970s, much of Africa burned. While engaged in fighting at the airport of Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau was armed with only a Browning HP35 pistol. The Rhodesian Front's ideology held that the end of colonial rule in Africa and the development of African nationalism during the 1950s and 1960s had been the result of international communism aided by a policy of appeasement towards African nationalists by the United Kingdom and other western countries. The story goes that this technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau. FRELIMO's Marxist underpinnings earned it support from Russia and China. As the story goes, a Rhodesian named Mike Rousseau was serving as a mercenary in the Mozambican War of Independence. [29] Advertisements were also placed in other American magazines, including Shotgun News and Shooting Times. Judge turns down New Jerseys request for stay in NSSF lawsuit, MSU professor illustrates problem with gun control advocates, 71-year-old Philadelphia man shoots back at armed robbers, sends them fleeing, Texas congressman faces censure over gun control support, MO lawmaker believes he can get GOP support on gun control, Bump stocks back on store shelves in three states, Colorado Democrats introduce assault weapon ban, Bill reintroduced to abolish the Tiahrt Amendments, Nebraska Constitutional Carry bill overcomes filibuster threat, appears poised for passage, Former D.A. |-- General Discussion here to send us a message. Engaged in a firefight at an airport in Lourenco Marques, Rousseau encountered a guerilla fighter armed with an AK-47. The United Nations General Assembly had adopted a similar motion several days earlier at the behest of several countries in southern Africa. If you start slinging your lead outside of the V1 or V2 zones, slow it down. [89] This law can only be enforced within the United States, meaning that American citizens who enlisted to fight for Rhodesia while overseas could not be prosecuted. He is the author of numerous gun books, including 9MM Guide to America's Most Popular Caliber, a #1 New Release on Amazon. [16], Despite its need for foreign volunteers, the Rhodesian government was uncomfortable with them. 20 Best Concealed Carry Guns In 2023 (Updated! dissenting.). Robert A. Sadowski has written about firearms and hunting for more than fifteen years. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. The concept of the Mozambique Drill is to ensure a threat is stopped even if the initial center mass shots fail to get the job done. Its much harder than you may think. |-- Archives Hearing this story, Cooper later incorporated this three-shot drill into his program of instruction as a way to end a fight that cannot be immediately stopped with bullets fired into the chest. [38], Most of the foreigners who volunteered to fight for Rhodesia did so individually. [59] They enlisted for a period of three years, which was the same as white Rhodesians who joined up on a full-time basis. How rude! Get free updates when we add new tips, articles and more! Soldier of Fortune ran large numbers of articles on foreigners in the Rhodesian Security Forces during the Bush War; each edition published between 1975 and 1980 included at least one article on the subject.
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