He told Cooper the story, and Cooper began to teach what he called the "Mozambique Drill" at Gunsite. 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. In the 1980s, the Los Angeles Police Department began teaching the drill but renamed it the more politically correct Failure Drill. [30] Some ads described service in Rhodesia as "fun". We can either live in a paranoid politically correct world frantically trying not to offend the Hitlers and Mohammeds, and blaming their victims when they kill, or we can be free men and women who have chosen to take the power to defend our rights into our own hands. [47], All foreign volunteers were required to complete basic training upon arrival in Rhodesia, even if they had prior military experience. Those who were combat veterans resented being placed under the command of younger and less experienced Rhodesians. The bottom line: Accurate head shots are hard. However, this drill is mostly concerned with improving your shooting skills rather than learning the nuances of self-defense tactics. [22][27] Men with previous military experience, and especially service in wars, were preferred. In this work she estimated that around 100 Americans served with the Rhodesian Security Forces between 1976 and 1980. I came about after Rhodesian mercenary Mike Rousseau told the story of an encounter he had in combat at an airport. 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. Then, they can make a smooth transition to the third V2 shot if it is necessary. [21], While most of the security forces' personnel were black, the Rhodesian government had a strong preference for whites. [44] Many volunteers were also strongly anti-communist, and wanted to stop the further spread of this ideology in Africa. The third shot should be aimed to destroy the brain or brain stem, killing the target and preventing the target from retaliating. During fighting at the Loureno Marques airport (modern-day Maputo ), Rousseau rounded a corner and encountered a FRELIMO guerrilla, 10 paces away and armed with an AK-47. All rights reserved. The Mozambique Drill, which is also known as the Failure Drill, Failure to Stop drill, the "Djibouti Shooty", or, informally, "two to the chest, one to the head," is a close-quarters shooting technique that supposedly originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau, in the Mozambican War of Independence, hence the name. These organisations provided recruits for the security forces as well as private industry, including farms, mines and timber companies. The British military did not take up a suggestion by the FCO that it warn servicemen against enlisting with the Rhodesian Security Forces on the grounds that serving as a mercenary was not actually illegal. The Walther P38: Godfather of the modern combat handgun He was fighting in the Mozambican War of Independence 1964-1974. Rousseau hit the target on either side of the sternum, usually enough to incapacitate or kill a target outright. It is not the only way to do things, and was never intended to be taken as the one true way.. Failure Drill: A Proven Strategy to Stop an Attacker During a fight, he bumped into a guerrilla soldier armed with an AK-47. 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 . Remember that 9mm ammo circa late 1960s and late 1970s was marginally better than 9mm ammo from WWII. This led to a rapid growth in the insurgency which the security forces were unable to contain. [5] South Africa and Portugal provided Rhodesia with assistance, and it was able to evade the sanctions and covertly trade with many countries. Over the years, this drill has morphed into a variety of other drills and, if you put any two firearms instructors together, youll get a different opinion as to how its to be properly executed. While engaged in fighting at the airport of Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau was armed with only a Browning HP35 pistol. If the target continues to advance despite two well-placed shots to the torso, the shooter follows up with a more precisely aimed (and more difficult to accomplish) head shot. |-- Ask the Administrators One such soldier of fortune was Mike Rousseau. |-- Political Videos 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 modern technique shooting method. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Its editor was a strong supporter of the white Rhodesian cause and wanted to encourage Americans to fight for Rhodesia. Now you understand the history and background as well as the importance of the Failure Drill. 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". 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. Rousseaus exploit turned into the Failure Drill and was included in the Academys curriculum starting in the late 1970s. All Rights Reserved. As the story goes, a Rhodesian named Mike Rousseau was serving as a mercenary in the Mozambican War of Independence. the technique may also be called a triple tap, or failure to stop drill. In many countries it was illegal to serve with the Rhodesian Security Forces. Mozambique Drill - Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core Its a port city in southern Mozambique where it can be hot with humidity over 80 percent. Most of the other volunteers were from the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The Portuguese government banned Rhodesian recruitment in the late 1970s, but was unable to enforce the legislation. [75] The Rhodesian Army only learnt of Lamb's history after his death during an operation in 1976. 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. [71] There were concerns that many of the volunteers were motivated more by a desire to fight in a war than a commitment to Rhodesia. [60] The volunteers also received the same pay as white Rhodesians,[43] between $US 4,000 and $US 7,000 annually. Some years back, Col. Cooper developed what he called the Mozambique Drill for the purposes of dealing with this type of situation. While engaged in fighting at the airport of Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau was armed with only a Browning HP35 pistol. Britain and the United Nations Security Council imposed wide-ranging trade and other sanctions on Rhodesia with the objective of forcing it to return to its previous status. 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. The sanctions it imposed following UDI banned efforts to entice British citizens to live or work in Rhodesia. The shots should be fired as fast as you are able, however they shouldnt be so fast that you miss your intended target. So why not just send the first shot to the head? You sweat just standing still. The Rhodesian government actively recruited white personnel from other countries from the mid-1970s to address manpower shortages in the Rhodesian Security Forces during the Rhodesian Bush War. [35] Organisations representing veterans were another method used to contact potential recruits. Two to the body, one to the head, is guaranteed to leave them dead.. This is a drill created during the Mozambique War of Independence, when a Rhodesian Mercenary (Mike Rousseau) had an up-close encounter with an opponent wielding an AK-47. No matter the reason, the third shot should stop the attacker in his tracks. FRELIMOs Marxist underpinnings earned it support from Russia and China. [93], The legality of volunteering for the Rhodesian Security Forces varied between other countries. [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. Mozambique Drill | Military Wiki | Fandom A former police ofcer and serviceman with the U.S. Army, Richard A. Mann is one of the most well-respected rearms authorities writing on the subject today. 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. [77] Rhodesia attempted to counter the "mercenary" claim by processing the volunteers through the Department of Immigration and framing them as prospective Rhodesian citizens, though few ever applied for citizenship. Forums | Journals| Store Although two shots to the vitals of an attacker will stop a threat cold in most situations, it doesnt work 100 percent of the time. Two to the body and one to the head is guaranteed to stop a threat. 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. [22] The army units manned by full time personnel, which included a high proportion of white regular and conscripted soldiers, were the most powerful element of the security forces and formed a strategic reserve that responded to the guerrilla activities. [57] By the end of the war there were around 6,000 SADF personnel in Rhodesia. Portugal had ruled Mozambique for . Even better (although much more difficult), make the final shot as youre moving offline. Rhodesian Mike Rousseau was serving as a mercenary in the Mozambican War of Independence. [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. The story goes that this technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau. "All too many of the other great tragedies of historyStalins atrocities, the killing fields of Cambodia, the Holocaust, to name but a fewwere perpetrated by armed troops against unarmed populations. Rousseau had a pistol. this do in honour of dead mercenaries - Democratic Underground (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 . [34] Foreign volunteers were also offered land if they settled in Rhodesia after completing their service with the security forces. The JEWS CAN SHOOT trademarks are owned and controlled by Doris Wise Montrose. For simple evaluation purposes, position a target with a V1 and V2 zone 5 yards to your front. .22 LR Self-Defense Ammo Testing - Gunpowder Magazine |-- Topic Forums [86] The United States government did little to slow the flow of volunteers to Rhodesia. He named it after the country where the incident occurred, dubbing his drill the Mozambique Drill., Practical Variations to the Mozambique Drill, El Presidente Drill Assessing Your Shooting Skills, The Best Self Defense Ammo Ballistic Testing. 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. Dont be surprised to hear the drill referred to as the Zombie Drill or Zombie Check. 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'. FRELIMO was the dominant political party in Mozambique fighting for independence from Portugal. Got a message for Democratic Underground? [105], Modern white supremacist and far-right groups continue to provide a positive portrayal of white rule in Rhodesia. By 1979 the Rhodesian government was facing defeat and the war was costing 2,000 lives each month. This is a great exercise to work on speed, accuracy and self-defense tactics. 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. Rousseau then lowered his weapon to the ready position. The reality of the war confronted Rousseau at the airport in Loureno Marques, which has been called Maputo since 1976. Click This proposal was quickly dismissed as the Rhodesians did not see how they could arm or use large numbers of non-English speakers. [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. [64] The RLI was a key element of Rhodesia's strategic reserve, and was frequently deployed against guerrilla forces. |-- Editorials & Other Articles The Mozambique drill, originally developed by a Rhodesian mercenary, MIke Rousseau, is a standard practice drill for self defense. 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. [63], After completing training, many of the volunteers were assigned to the all-white Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI) and particularly its 3 Commando sub-unit. The Rhodesian government attempted several strategies to address these shortages. Today, most instructors teach their students to hold the pistol on target after the first two shots. Check out the most recent activity on High Ground Media, LLC! Semi-automatic pistols in those days relied on FMJ bullets so the pistol would function properly. A forum community dedicated to Springfield Armory XD and XD-M series firearm owners and enthusiasts. 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. After a quick assessment of the situation, Rousseau tried for a shot to the mans central nervous system. Forum Categories Thank you for your support. Damn the Terrs: American warriors fighting for Rhodesia After the end of the Frontier War, he went on to create a popular bloodsport competition called the Apex Games. It was also unclear whether serving in the Rhodesian military was illegal under laws that prohibited service in foreign militaries as the British did not recognise Rhodesia's independence. As he turned a corner, he bumped into a FRELIMO guerrilla armed with an AK-47. Alex Kozinski, Chief Judge, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Hitting the T-zone is a challenge. [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. Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators. Engaged in a firefight at an airport in Lourenco Marques, Rousseau encountered a guerilla fighter armed with an AK-47. page. As he turned a corner, he encountered a FRELIMO guerrilla armed with an AK-47. Urban Dictionary: Mozambiqued Jack Malloch - Wikipedia The Mozambique Drill brings together low-round count that challenges a shooter's speed, accuracy, and fundamentals. Most of the mercenary soldiers carried FN FAL or HK G3 rifles. Failure in a gunfight is not an option. While engaged in fighting at the airport of Lourenco Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau was armed with only a Browning HP35 pistol. This unit performed poorly and committed atrocities that included raping women during operations. There arent a lot of guarantees in a gunfight, but the Failure Drill just might be your best defense in time of need, particularly if you are facing an opponent wearing body armor. Although the legendary Col. Jeff Cooper is credited with developing the Mozambique Drill, he had a little help. This was because they believed that it was being fought to sustain white rule and prevent communists from taking over the country. They generally served alongside Rhodesian personnel in a large number of units, though a group of Frenchmen served together in a separate unit. [62][76], The nationalist groups that were fighting the Rhodesian regime and many progressive groups worldwide considered the volunteers to be mercenaries. Engaged in a firefight at an airport in Lourenco Marques, Rousseau encountered a guerilla fighter armed with an AK-47. Frankly, I dont know of many shooters who maintain the level of skill to pull this off consistently at 3-5 yards. Mike Rousseau was a white Rhodesian mercenary engaged in combat against FRELIMO guerillas in and around the Mozambique capital of Maputo. According to the anecdotal history, the technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau, engaged in the Mozambican War of Independence (1964-1974). 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. [2] Rousseau was later killed in action in the Rhodesian War. The British, United States and several other governments were unable to prevent their citizens fighting for Rhodesia due to difficulties enforcing the relevant laws. How rude! [69], Despite the Rhodesian government's claim that it did not recruit mercenaries, the British mercenary Peter McAleese was accepted into the Rhodesian Army during 1976. [11], UDI and Rhodesia's racial inequalities led to the outbreak of the Rhodesian Bush War. If a few hundred Jewish fighter in the Warsaw Ghetto could hold off the Wehrmacht for almost a month with only a handful weapons, six million Jews armed with rifles could not so easily have been herded into cattle cars. [34] The Rhodesian government paid the airfares of volunteers who were unable to afford to travel until 1977. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! The Rhodesians' brutal counterinsurgency tactics also proved counter-productive. dissenting.). [40] They were recruited by the Rhodesian Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) from a French military base in Djibouti. 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. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, much of Africa burned. [62] Those who failed this training had to leave the country, with their airfare home being paid by the Rhodesian government. Most of its members left Rhodesia after the company was withdrawn from operations to be retrained, though some settled in Rhodesia. Throwback Thursday The Mozambique Drill - The Mag Life An accurate shot to the T-zone (the area between the eyebrows and upper lip, also called the ocular cavity) damages the brain and central nervous system and secures instant incapacitation of the target. [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". [60] Foreign volunteers who openly expressed extreme racial views were deported. Accurate hits will beat fast misses every single time. Thats why practicing the Mozambique Drill is so important. 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. Rounding a corner Rousseau found himself unexpectedly face to face with a FRELIMO guerilla armed with an AK47 at a range of about ten paces. Due to factors such as body armor, the bolstering effect of drugs, or failure to hit vital organs, the body shots may not be immediately effective, necessitating the third shot. Rhodesian Mike Rousseau was serving as a mercenary in the Mozambican War of Independence. Two to the body, one to the head. The new Prime Minister Robert Mugabe directed shortly after the election that "mercenaries" be dismissed as they were among the "irregular features of the present Army" and were "not needed". [34], In addition to using advertisements, Rhodesian recruitment teams, including some led by Lamprecht, visited several countries.