As an active LEO (Law Enforcement Officer), I go through mandatory training and qualification courses such as first aid and pistol/patrol rife qualification. I even see these types of requirements in civilian life, for example, at gun clubs that require shooters to go through training before allowing them to use the range or parts of it. For example, my local range has a holster qualification requirement and without it you are not allowed to use the range. While I understand the concept of these yearly “quals” as they definitely reduce liability, I am not a big fan of people solely relying on them. I do support yearly quals, but I think we could do so much more and that is why I want to talk about qualification vs ability.
Qualification by definition is the process of qualifying for an achievement or an credential attesting to that achieve. This basically means a prerequisite MINIMUM standard must be demonstrated and that will allow the test subject to be considered qualified. For example, a new gun owner takes a “basic handgun shooting” course on the weekend and receives a course certificate advising they have met the standard for the course.
What does this actually mean? Does it make the person a better shooter? No, they just now have a piece of paper that says someone saw them demonstrate the minimum requirements for that course. I don’t like that, especially for someone who requires the skills in a professional situation such as military or police officers. Why? Well, if you train for minimum standards you are going to get minimum results. You don’t want minimums when your life or someone else’s life relies on it.
Well what about ability? It is defined as a competence in an activity or occupation because of skill, training, aptitude, or experience. In simple terms, it means the individual is PROFICIENT at the activity. This is someone who has spent time at the range or in the gym, they have taken courses, and have experience behind the weapon. In a sense, this person is demonstrating expertise. When your life or someone else’s life depends on it, you want ability.
Before you get upset with me, I’m not discrediting your qualification nor am I saying they are useless. On the contrary, I believe qualifications are important and must be held. But as a gun owner, shooter, military personnel or LEO, you must push yourself to go further than the minimum required level of skill needed for qualification. Learn, Train, Demonstrate, rinse and repeat.
Ben