Over the years I’ve collected a lot of information about the students who’ve attended our classes. One thing I’ve noticed is how most will fall into one, maybe two shooting archetypes I’ve defined.
How To Best Ensure Behavioral Change
The purpose behind training is behavioral change that leads to goal or performance standard achievement. I choose to define shooting archetypes as a pattern of behavior that guides or motivates a student. It is possible to have more than one archetype, but there usually will be a dominant one and others that can be subordinate. These warlike personality traits can help explain or define the student’s motivation, fears and goals. By themselves they are not bad, they are only bad if they prevent continued growth or goal attainment. Which is why I enjoy observing students while they are learning. I’m trying to better understand them, what makes them tick so I can get the very best out of them.
The Role of Time & Focus
I’ve also seen students change over the years. One of my greatest achievements is seeing returning students. I enjoy watching them grow as a shooter. I may see a student start out in one category, but as they develop they morph or flat out change into another. I’ve also seen an almost bi-polar condition where two archetypes are competing for dominance. The experience we undergo will help shape these archetypes. For instance, if your first exposure was more “Marksmen” related, you will typically have that as a dominant force. There is nothing to say these are permanent, in fact I feel they are more a state of flux. I can recall participating in different events when my focus might have drawn out more of a certain archetype. Different from my dominant role.
So here are the five shooting archetypes along with some details to help describe them better.
The Speedster
Usually a new student will start out as a speedster where they measure their performance by how fast they complete the task. The task may not meet the standard, but achievement is based on the time it takes and not the outcome.
Desire: To shoot as fast as possible
Goal: Achieve an arbitrary time standard that has limited application
Motto: Go fast or go home
The Marksman
Usually the student who takes their time learning and wants every shot to be a perfect shot. They often are flustered when forced to rush or perform their task quickly.
Desire: To hit the X-ring no matter the cost
Goal: Shoot the tightest groups at the furthest distances
Motto: Accuracy if final
The Metro
Usually the student who is interested in looking good at all costs. They want to have all the cool gear and toys first, then learn how to use them second.
Desire: To look like they know what they are doing
Goal: Be the first with the newest piece of gear
Motto: Everyone wants to be a gangster until
The Commando
Usually the student who is only interested in the outcome and doesn’t care so much about the tools. It is all about the mission and winning no matter the cost.
Desire: To meet the standard while using the least amount of effort
Goal: Mastery of everything so as not to be the weak link
Motto: Fuck it, we’ll do it live
The Gunfighter
Usually the student who is accurate and fast but competes for tactical realism, even when there is none to be had. They are burdened with statistics and knowledge in an effort to control an uncontrollable event.
Desire: To be tactically sound at everything
Goal: Act in the most statistically advantageous manner
Motto: This is the way
I love teaching and I love learning about how to reach students better. We talk about how important it is to know the different adult learning styles, but have we thought about the archetypes as well? Everyone processes and learns new information in different ways. There is no way to get around hard work or effort, you have to put in the time. Being somewhat more aware of these shooting archetypes might help reach a student who is struggling or provide a pathway towards improvement. There is always more than one way to skin a cat.
