Two to the body and one to the head is guaranteed to stop a threat.
Originally, it was called theMozambique Drill, but the more current name is Failure Drill.
You may have also heard it called the Failure To Stop Drill.
Ever wonder where the Failure Drill came from? Also known as the Failure to Stop Drill, this gunfight tactic is anold-school staple.
Before it was even a drill, it was actual shots fired in a gunfight.
There was a flurry of unrest in Mozambique.
That was in the 1400s and 1500s when Portugal set up trading settlements that evolved into colonies.
By the early 20th century, the scramble to colonize Africa was on.
What these European countries didnt factor in was the determination of the African people.
From the beginning, Africas indigenous people resisted.
Many African countries, including Mozambique, welcomed private military contractors in the early 1960s. One of those soldiers of fortune created the Failure Drill.
Portugal still maintained strong control over Mozambique.
By September 1964, things began to change.
A Primary Actor
So how does a Rhodesian mercenary figure into the story?
According to the author, the two shots to the center of mass are fairly easy. The more surgical third shot takes practice.
Africa has always offered employment opportunities to those with certain skills.
One such soldier of fortune was Mike Rousseau.
Its a port city in southern Mozambique where it can be hot with humidity over 80 percent.
Jeff Cooper created The Modern Technique of the Pistol and the Combat Mindset. After hearing Rousseau’s story, Cooper developed the Failure Drill as a training exercise.
You sweat just standing still.
So, as the story goes, Rousseau was involved in a firefight at the airport.
Rousseau had a pistol.
Two rapid shots to the center of the aggressor’s body will often stop an attack. However, being able to transition to a headshot can be alife-saving skill.
One would figure two slugs to the chest would drop the enemy fighter, but no.
Remember that 9mm ammo circa late 1960s and late 1970s was marginally better than 9mm ammo from WWII.
Semi-automatic pistols in those days relied on FMJ bullets so the pistol would function properly.
The distance to the target in this Failure Drill is just 5 yards: spitting distance. You have to be fast and accurate.
I imagine Rousseau had a moment of shock and then quickly decided to end it with a headshot.
His third shot was low, taking out the fighters neck and spinal cord.
Not exactly a headshot, but the situation was terminated.
As you know, Cooper founded Gunsite Academy and preached his tactical gospel of the modern technique.
Rousseaus exploit turned into the Failure Drill and was included in the Academys curriculum starting in the late 1970s.
Two to the body and one to the head became the mantra.
What the drill emphasizes is shot placement and the ability of the defender to end the deadly encounter quickly.
The most effective way is two easy shots to the attackers center of mass, then assess the target.
I prefer the original name, but whats in a name?
Failure in a gunfight is not an option.
Now you understand the history and background as well as the importance of the Failure Drill.
Two to the body, one to the head.
