A Quick Blurb on the CDI Factor

The best marketing tool that tactical manufacturer's have on their side is the CDI Factor (Chicks Dig It.) This isn't so much because women are actually turned on by your new PVS-14 mount or your cool new FastMag holster, but it the way that it makes a lot guys feel when they strap on new gear. You probably have a guy on your team who's ego seems to expand with his gear. If you would, allow me to break down this phenomenon.

CDI is the mojo that drives most guys to go out and get the flashiest gear they can find because it will make them look "cool." It's amazing what a new IR strobe can do for some guy's self confidence, and if that same IR strobe is seen being worn in the next Hollywood blockbuster it's a done deal.

One year the higher ups got a case of CDI and got my team Benchmade Infidel knives. Don't get me wrong, it is a very nice knife, but for our purpose it just became an expensive letter opener because it has no use in the field. I know that they felt it would be a cool tool that would fit in a specialized team, but what we needed was practicality and not "cool."

Another item that I see being used for the CDI Factor is drop down holsters. These are a great tool when they are used correctly, but look around and see how many guys drop it a little too low. Really, do you have to draw from your knee? Drop downs were designed to be used if your gear set up does not allow for a conventional hip holster. When you drop it down too low, yea it looks more bad ass and you get CDI points, but it inevitably slows down you draw time. I'll take a CDI point reduction for functionality.

Next time you go gear shopping because you have that itch, be sure to take a moment and reflect on your possible purchase. Ask yourself, "Is this item going to make my work life easier, or will it just be used for CDI." If it does both, then great! If not, and it is only serving your CDI fascination, you might want to hold off and let the buzz die down before you go throwing money away.

Don't Misuse Your IR Strobe!

IR strobes are handy when you have to locate friendlies in dark environments. As much benefit as they offer in keeping guns off your buddy, they can also be advantageous for the enemy if used carelessly.

For some of you I know that I am just preaching to the choir, but for those of you who constantly run your IR during an operation, listen up! IR strobes are great unless your nemesis also has a pair of NVGs that he is using, in which case you have provided him with your location. Even if your foe doesn't have night vision capabilities, all he needs is a cell phone camera which can also detect IR light.

I've been to many night training venues with other teams, and it's no surprise when the team that runs their strobes constantly gets taken off guard by a hail of sim rounds. This is because the team that role played as the bad guys could see them patrolling in and set up for them.

The solution to this? Just turn the darn thing off when it is not necessary. This way you avoid compromising yourself and your team. If you are in the middle of a firefight, all bets are off and you should follow your team leader's direction. Just don't think that because the IR strobe is on your person that it needs to be turned on. Use it when it can effect mission success.

IR strobes are a great tool when used conservatively. The last thing you want to do in a combat situation is to give up your ability to surprise the enemy and put your team at risk. Use your equipment when necessary and with your head on a swivel.