What Keeps You In the Fight?

As we approach the end of 2019, and in turn, the century, I can't help but look back at the countless numbers of law enforcement, emergency response, and military professionals that have lost their lives. I want to preface this by stating I'm not here to differentiate between the modality that caused these deaths but to address one important question... What keeps you in the fight?

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to interview someone I would consider both a mentor to myself and leader in the Law Enforcement community, Mr. Brian Willis. Brian has one very simple but amazingly complex question that he asks of his students and in turn, members of this community: What's Important Now? This question can be used in almost any aspect of One's life. Whether you're a sworn officer, a combat-deployed military member, a first responder, a nurse, a teacher, a student, etc. The concept is clear - What is important... right now.

When I think of this question, I find myself struggling to decide between logical and emotional responses. If I'm in the middle of a fight with a suspect, I find myself thinking, what's more important... the next tactical move or counter? Throwing a straight right or executing a single-leg takedown? Sometimes, if I am being honest with myself, I have zero thoughts of techniques or tactics at all. My mind goes to one place and one place only... my family.

Forget belts and certifications. Forget policies and procedures. Forget the bystander 10-feet away, live-streaming to Facebook? or YouTube?... The only thing that is important to me at that moment is getting home to my wife and my kids. That's it, that's all.

Whether I'm leaving home to go to work or stepping out to run errands, I trust that my training and preparation will physically carry me through any situation I encounter. But the overwhelming thought that now follows me, everywhere I go, is that I am going home to my family. That no matter what happens, I am going to hug my kids and kiss my wife again. They are my rock, they keep me grounded. They are my conscience, of what is right versus what is wrong. They are what keeps me sane when dealing with overwhelming adversity.

There is a lot of talks, a lot of money and effort that goes into training courses, certifications, qualifications, physical and tactical skills, etc. At the end of the day, when it's just you versus someone else, in some cold, dark place, and they want to keep you from going home... what is going to keep you in the fight?