Toledo, Ohio, United States
DECISION TARGET SYSTEM - Tactical DRY FIRE TRAINING FAQ
1. What is the Decision Target System?
The Decision Target System is a video based self defense simulator. The DTS is a tactical firearms training tool designed for armed citizens, and concealed weapon carriers. It features live actors portraying armed threats, victims, and bystanders in realistic self defense situations. The DVD version of the DTS simulator is intended for dry fire training in the home, or for instruction and training in the classroom.
2. How does the DTS simulator work?
The simulator uses video depictions of self defense situations. It features dozens of realistic scenarios, including: home invasion, assaults, armed robbery, road rage, active shooter, and shoot/don’t shoot. The scenarios are presented in a random sequence with a 5 second pause between each one. Each scenario is different and unrelated, requiring the user to respond as required, by the situation depicted in the scenario. The Dry Fire Training version of the DTS Simulator is easy to use with a DVD player, and a big screen TV or Projector.
3. Do the Simulator Threats Respond to my actions?
The simulator threats do not respond to your actions. In real life, no one can predict an outcome. The DTS is about YOUR reactions, not the threats. DTS threats behave in different ways in different scenarios. You must react and respond to whatever the simulated threat is doing, just like you would in real life. You can hope for the best, but you should train for the worst. In reality, you can’t count on a threat stopping at your command, or going down after you fire a shot. The purpose of the DTS is not to stroke the ego, or create unrealistic overconfidence.
4. Does the simulator keep score?
The Decision Target System is not a game, and it does not generate scores. The focus of the DTS is your reactions, your judgment, and your decisions in realistic self-defense scenarios. However, you can evaluate your performance in a scenario by how well you avoid what we call a “FATAL ERROR” (Video: Avoiding the Fatal Error)
· Fatal Error number 1: Taking incoming fire while you are not moving, or, not behind cover.
· Fatal Error number 2: Shooting, at anyone who is not a legally justifiable threat.
· Fatal Error number 3: Drawing your weapon, and pointing it, at anyone who is not a legally justifiable threat.
· Fatal Error number 4: Any unsuccessful attempt to draw your weapon.
· Fatal Error number 5: Missing with all shots attempted, on any attacking threats.
One FATAL ERROR is enough to rate your performance as a failure, for that scenario. In a real life encounter, any one of these fatal errors would likely result in an undesirable outcome. In real life, the only score that matters is that you avoid being a victim by doing the right thing, the right way, and returning alive and well to your family.
5. What is dry fire training?
Dry fire training is safely practicing the use and operation of a firearm without live ammunition. It is widely recognized as a highly effective way to train and develop skill with firearms.
The most important part of dry fire training is a strict adherence to safety rules and procedures. Before using the DTS for dry fire practice, be sure to view and understand this safety video: (Video: Dry Fire Training Safety Rules)
6. How do I train with the DTS simulator?
You train with the Decision Target System simulator by reacting to what is developing on the screen in front of you. You should react just as you would if the scenario was actually happening to you.
You get the chance to see how well your knowledge, skills, and reactions hold up in the realism of the simulator. You will learn the value of moving, and using cover. Also, you learn when you should draw your weapon, and when you shouldn’t. Armed citizens, who have tried the DTS tell us it’s a sobering eye opener. (Video: How to train with the Decision Target System)
7. Do I need a special kind of weapon to train with the simulator?
The Decision Target System is intended for home use with non-lethal, designated training weapons such as SIRT laser pistols. However, many armed citizens do use their carry weapons for dry fire training. Responsible users follow strict safety procedures to prevent any chance of a negligent discharge while dry fire training. (Video: Training weapons for use with the DTS Simulator)
8. How can I tell if I hit the target?
Many non lethal, or designated dry fire training weapons feature laser units that fire a laser pulse when the trigger is pulled, and can indicate the point of impact with a red dot on the display screen.
For those using a real firearm, laser cartridges are available that function the same way. These laser cartridges are inserted into the chamber of the firearm, and emit a red laser pulse with each trigger pull. They come in all popular calibers.
9. Why do I need the DTS simulator?
As an armed citizen who carries a loaded weapon in public, you need to train for real life situations, not just the range. In real life you won’t be facing stationary paper targets. You’ll be facing threats that are far more complicated and dangerous.
Real threats move at amazing speed, and are unpredictable, deceptive, and aggressive. In real life, you have only a fraction of a second to react to what a threat is already doing. You won’t have the luxury of time to think about how you will react. You will have to react instinctively and properly for the situation you find yourself in.
The Decision Target System simulator is designed to let you preview a wide variety of self defense scenarios. You can train, make mistakes and learn from them in the simulator without consequences. Making a mistake in real life could result in your being dead, injured, or in prison. You can’t train for this at most live fire ranges. (Video: Engaging threats in the DTS Simulator)
10. What if I’m not comfortable firing at human images?
You are not alone. Normal human beings are not comfortable with using lethal force against other human beings. As armed citizens, we carry weapons to give ourselves a fighting chance to survive a sudden, and life threatening assault. That threat is most likely going to come in the form of another human being. We need to be prepared for that. If someone is threatening imminent death or great bodily injury to you, or your loved ones, how will you respond? We need to answer that question before we face it for real.
11. How do I know if I am training the right way?
- A. Study and consult with experienced, qualified experts to ensure you are training properly. Find a training class with a good instructor. If you have questions about certain DTS™ scenarios, show them to your instructor and get their perspective on the scenario.
- B. Know and incorporate your State’s self defense laws into your training. Every state has specific requirements for the use of lethal force in self defense. You should know, and follow these laws as you train.
- C. When you seek additional training, look for a class that covers the legal aspects of self defense, as well as tactical aspects such as, weapons handling and accuracy, movement, and use of cover. Always be sure to employ proper techniques and information when training with the Decision Target System™.
12. How do I contact you if I have questions?
Email: jfw@decisiontargets.com
Phone: 419-654-1038
Always Train Safely!
Before using the Decision Target System Simulator, review and understand the Safety and instruction videos included with the DVD version of the simulator. (Dry Fire Safety Rules, Training Firearms, and Practice Area Setup)