rhodesian mercenary mike rousseau rhodesian mercenary mike rousseau

The drill was inspired by an incident encountered by Rhodesian mercenary Mike Rousseau during the Mozambican War of Independence (1964 to about 1974). Thank you for your support. [26][34] Other volunteers were expected to pay their own way. The Mozambique drill is performed for both accuracy and time. 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. [30] Some ads described service in Rhodesia as "fun". Sometimes in practice, I will draw my weapon and shoot one shot to the chest . All other white military personnel, other than members of the Selous Scouts unit that had a reputation for atrocities, were given an assurance that they would not be required to leave the military. Portugal said it supported the Mozambique people and designated it an overseas territory in the 1950s in lieu of calling it a colony, but it was still a colony no matter how Portugal presented it. The so-called Mozambique Drill (two shots to the chest, one to the head) was actually developed by accident by Rhodesian mercenary Mike Rousseau during the War of Independence in Mozambique when two pistol shots to the torso failed to bring down an enemy guerrilla. This is a great exercise to work on speed, accuracy and self-defense tactics. Its a handy tool to have in your defensive tool box just in case shots to center mass dont accomplish what they are supposed to do. [14] Rhodesia's security situation deteriorated during the mid-1970s when the nationalists were able to establish bases in Mozambique as Portuguese rule faltered and finally ended in 1975. [46], In addition to the actual volunteers, thousands of South African Police and South African Defence Force (SADF) personnel were deployed to Rhodesia by the South African government to serve in or alongside the Rhodesian Security Forces. Rousseau hit the target on either side of the sternum, usually enough to incapacitate or kill a target outright. Rousseau immediately performed a double tap two shots to the center of the torso. Even better (although much more difficult), make the final shot as youre moving offline. [4] UDI was illegal under British law, and was regarded as such by almost all other countries and the United Nations. |-- Editorials & Other Articles Those who were combat veterans resented being placed under the command of younger and less experienced Rhodesians. Most of the other volunteers were from the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Gun Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. |-- Ask the Administrators After the end of the Frontier War, he went on to create a popular bloodsport competition called the Apex Games. 2023 Springfield Armory. 20 Best Concealed Carry Guns In 2023 (Updated! [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. The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our monthly giveaways! FRELIMO's Marxist underpinnings earned it support from Russia and China. [83] Various approaches were considered to develop legislation to ban recruitment by the Rhodesian Security Forces during the late 1970s, but none eventuated. Kuben Blisk is a South African mercenary Pilot who served in the IMC 's forces as a ranking commander and contracted mercenary. This was because they believed that it was being fought to sustain white rule and prevent communists from taking over the country. Most of its members left Rhodesia after the company was withdrawn from operations to be retrained, though some settled in Rhodesia. (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 . The United Nations General Assembly had adopted a similar motion several days earlier at the behest of several countries in southern Africa. 2003) (Kozinski, J. Click the Go To Forum Thread link below to jump in! |-- Topic Forums [6], 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. You can support the efforts of Jews Can Shoot that Nothing Says Never Again Like an Armed Jew. 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". Get 12 Issues a year of the country's best firearms writing. John McVicar Malloch ICD, was a South African-born Rhodesian bush pilot, gun-runner and sanctions-buster who flew in World War II and in various legal and illegal roles around Africa and the Middle East until the early 1980s. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 09:37. Although the legendary Col. Jeff Cooper is credited with developing the Mozambique Drill, he had a little help. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to use this website. [40] They were recruited by the Rhodesian Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) from a French military base in Djibouti. |-- Political Videos They generally joined the Rhodesian Security Forces individually after seeing advertisements or after being contacted by recruiters. The British, United States and several other governments were unable to prevent their citizens fighting for Rhodesia due to difficulties enforcing the relevant laws. These articles frequently highlighted the experiences of Americans who were fighting in Rhodesia. The drill is also sometimes called the Failure Drill, as the third and final shot is made in response to a situation when the double tap fails to stop an advancing threat. It may be ironic that the Mozambique Drill is a technique used with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau, during the Mozambican War of Independence from 1964 to 1974. [34], American and Australian volunteers who had fought in the Vietnam War were generally well regarded by Rhodesian soldiers, and were often posted to the elite SAS and Selous Scouts. [5] South Africa and Portugal provided Rhodesia with assistance, and it was able to evade the sanctions and covertly trade with many countries. Semi-automatic pistols in those days relied on FMJ bullets so the pistol would function properly. Today, most instructors teach their students to hold the pistol on target after the first two shots. [87] The historian Hugh Patterson noted that the relatively small numbers of volunteers from the UK indicates that "however vocal the support for Rhodesia by some on the political right, very few men were actually willing to put their futures on the line for the Smith [Rhodesian prime minister Ian Smith] regime". He told Cooper the story, and Cooper began to teach what he called the "Mozambique Drill" at Gunsite. Forums | Journals| Store Some years back, Col. Cooper developed what he called the Mozambique Drill for the purposes of dealing with this type of situation. The third shot should be aimed to destroy the brain or brain stem, killing the target and preventing the target from retaliating. During the fighting, he encountered a guerrilla fighter armed with an AK-47 at . It sought to attract more white immigrants to the country, but from 1973 onwards the white population decreased. [4][5][6], According to anecdotal history, the technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau, engaged in the Mozambican War of Independence (19641974). [67] Many of the volunteers were frustrated that they were paid only in Rhodesian dollars, as foreign banks would not process this currency and the Rhodesian government allowed no more than R$1,500 to be converted to other currencies. The pelvis does not move as erratically as the head or shoulders, and should be an easier target than a bobbing and weaving head. Hitting the T-zone is a challenge. Forum Categories This article is featured in 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". [1] From 1962 its government was led by the Rhodesian Front political party. [67], The large group of Frenchmen who enlisted together were used to form 7 Independent Company. Shots to the chest can also slow an attackers advance, even if they dont completely incapacitate him. According to the anecdotal history, the technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau, engaged in the Mozambican War of Independence (1964-1974). 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 . As he turned a corner, he encountered a FRELIMO guerrilla armed with an AK-47. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In a veritable ocean of blood, one otherwise trivial engagement gained lasting notoriety. You may have also heard it called the Failure To Stop Drill. Setup: 1x USPSA Silhouette Target: As you know, Cooper founded Gunsite Academy and preached his tactical gospel of the modern technique. Rousseau immediately performed a double tap two shots to the center of the torso. All too many of the other great tragedies of history - Stalin's atrocities, the killing fields of Cambodia, the Holocaust, to name but a few - were perpetrated by armed troops against unarmed populations. aka Failure Drill. Copyright 2023 Jews Can Shoot. [19][20] In April 1979, 60,000 members of the military and police were on active duty to protect that month's Rhodesian general election. [2] Rousseau was later killed in action in the Rhodesian War. The Mozambique drill was made famous by Jeff Cooper after learning about this incident. Rousseau and his mates were in action clearing the airport in what was then known as Lourenco Marques, the Maputo appellation came later. The story goes that this technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau. 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. McAleese had previously led a group of British mercenaries in Angola, and was posted to the elite Rhodesian Special Air Service (SAS) after completing training. [5][9], The Mozambique Drill is featured in a number of movies, notably Heat and Collateral, both directed by Michael Mann.[10]. Center mass is easier to hit quickly, and in most cases will effectively stop a threat. Get the latest news and reviews from Gundigest.com. [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. Thats why practicing the Mozambique Drill is so important. 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. [4][12] The resistance to the Rhodesian regime was dominated by two black nationalist movements, the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU). [81], The British government was opposed to its citizens fighting for Rhodesia. Due to the sanctions against Rhodesia, these ads were generally lodged via front organisations and were vague about the country the volunteers would serve in. At the start signal, draw your weapon and fire two shots to the chest (V1 zone), followed by one shot to the head (V2 zone). This led to a rapid growth in the insurgency which the security forces were unable to contain. [56] The desertion rate among foreigners serving in the SAS was particularly high. All Rights Reserved. Anything less than three seconds is very good. |-- Places They could also be wearing body armor. [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. In many countries it was illegal to serve with the Rhodesian Security Forces. [34][62] Rhodesian recruiters told prospective Australian recruits that the cost of living was much lower in Rhodesia. There was a flurry of unrest in Mozambique. One such soldier of fortune was Mike Rousseau. The need for non-Rhodesians to sustain the country's independence was also considered problematic. [60] The volunteers also received the same pay as white Rhodesians,[43] between $US 4,000 and $US 7,000 annually. page. 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. The Mozambique drill, originally developed by a Rhodesian mercenary, MIke Rousseau, is a standard practice drill for self defense. The two movements espoused Marxist beliefs and were regarded as communists by the Rhodesian government. During the Mozambique War of Independence (1964-1974) mercenary Mike Rousseau was fighting at the airport in Moputo. 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. [105], Modern white supremacist and far-right groups continue to provide a positive portrayal of white rule in Rhodesia. If the target is still advancing and active, apply a third, more surgical shot to the head to shut down the threat. One would figure two slugs to the chest would drop the enemy fighter, but no. [34] The Rhodesian government paid the airfares of volunteers who were unable to afford to travel until 1977. At the start signal, draw from concealment and fire two shots into the V1 zone and one shot into the V2 zone as fast as you can do so without missing either zone. [106], Foreign volunteers in the Rhodesian Security Forces, Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence, February 1980 Southern Rhodesian general election, "Foreign Fighter Problem: What the War in Rhodesia Means for Ukraine", "Fine-mannered, articulate and urbane: the mercenary as deadly romantic", "Security Council resolution 460 (1979) [Southern Rhodesia]", "Rhodesia: Oral Answers to Questions Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16th January 1980", "Many Rhodesian Whites Threaten to Quit Jobs", "Rhodesia's Approach to Counterinsurgency: A Preference for Killing", "Mercenary Activity: United States Neutrality Laws and Enforcement", "The White House and White Africa: Presidential Policy on Rhodesia 1965-79", "The 'New Model' Armies of Africa? [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". So, as the story goes, Rousseau was involved in a firefight at the airport. [31] The ads and other coverage of Rhodesia in Soldier of Fortune led to a "steady stream of volunteers". [84] The FCO advised anyone who sought information about fighting for Rhodesia that doing so was illegal, but did not explain why. The volunteers were often labelled as mercenaries by opponents of the Rhodesian regime, though the Rhodesian government did not regard or pay them as such. As he turned a corner, he bumped into a FRELIMO guerrilla armed with an AK-47. [17] The Army's structure of administrative corps was similar to that of the British Army, and many of its officers had undergone training in the United Kingdom. [44] Opponents of the regime frequently highlighted the issue of 'mercenaries' fighting for Rhodesia, and claimed that they were often mentally unstable and had little regard for civilian casualties. The most effective way is two easy shots to the attackers center of mass, then assess the target. 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. Editors Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Today, with the proliferation of zombies in our culture, it could be called the zombie drill or zombie check, because a head shot is the only way to kill a zombie. What these European countries didnt factor in was the determination of the African people. Id argue that if the two shots at (and hopefully in) the chest of an aggressor fails to convince him to break off his attack, then youd be better to drop your aim to fire the third shot (and perhaps fourth and fifth shots) at the pelvis next. These letters were closely scrutinised, as many of the men who had written them were considered "obviously nuts" by the Rhodesian Army's recruitment officer Major Nick Lamprecht. Titanfall Blisk is working under a new long-term contract with the IMC on the Frontier, providing Combat Intel and Counterinsurgency services. I imagine Rousseau had a moment of shock and then quickly decided to end it with a headshot. [42] Small numbers of black ex-Flechas from Mozambique were also accepted after the end of Portuguese rule in that country; they were paid less than white soldiers. No country ever officially recognised Rhodesia's independence. One such soldier of fortune was Mike Rousseau. Two shots to the chest failed to stop the guy, so Rousseau had to transition point of aim for a head shot. a close quarter tactical method of killing a target with two shots to the chest and one follow up shot to the head. Although he aimed for the fighters ocular cavity, the adrenaline coursing through Rousseaus body caused him to miss. 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. Live The Armory Life. If a few hundred Jewish fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto could hold off the Wehrmacht for almost a month with only a handful of weapons, six million Jews armed with rifles could not so easily have been herded into cattle cars." In this work she estimated that around 100 Americans served with the Rhodesian Security Forces between 1976 and 1980. Rousseau told his harrowing story to Jeff Cooper, who thought that it made a darn good defensive shooting drill. The bullet hit the base of his attackers neck, severed the spinal cord, and stopped the fight. 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. [5], The Mozambique Drill is intended to ensure that the target is immediately stopped, by first placing two shots into the larger, easier-to-hit mass of the upper body, then, if the target is still active, following with a third, more precisely aimed and difficult head shot. MOZAMBIQUE DRILL.. Rhodesian Mike Rousseau was serving as a mercenary in the Mozambican War of Independence. The drill was inspired by an incident encountered by Rhodesian mercenary Mike Rousseau during the Mozambican War of Independence (1964 to about 1974). Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! certified instructor prior to handling any firearm and be sure to read your owners manual. Remember, the Mozambique drill is designed for a defensive situation where the first two shots failed to stop an attacker. The Portuguese used WWII vintage pistols in their two decades long colonial wars in Angola and Mozambique (some claim the gun Rhodesian mercenary Mike Rousseau used in the original Mozambique . Important Notices: By participating on this discussion Relying on instinct and training, Rousseau delivered a double tap to the combatants chest with his Browning Hi Power pistol and, Upon hearing the story of Rousseaus encounter, Cooper incorporated a three-shot drill into his training at the famous, . You can also take two steps to the side to get offline of the attack before making the final head shot. 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. Accurate hits will beat fast misses every single time. The more we all know, the better organized and stronger the shooting and hunting community will be. Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from Handgun Training for Personal Protection. As he turned a corner, he encountered a FRELIMO guerrilla armed with an AK-47. During fighting at the. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Big Forums Most police officers cannot do it in less than five seconds without a miss. He finished the job with a headshot. In 2021 White wrote that the numbers of foreign volunteers may have been small, and the ex-Rhodesian generals she had interviewed "scoffed at me when I asked if there were fifteen hundred foreigners in the Rhodesian Army". These men were often directed to wear Rhodesian uniforms, and the South African government falsely claimed that some had volunteered for the Rhodesian Security Forces. Shooting Skills: The Mozambique-Failure Drill, Light Em Up: Home Defense Lasers and Lights. 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. A par time for this drill should be four seconds. Modern zombie culture has also appropriated the Mozambique Drill. [23], The expansion of the security forces, increasing battle casualties and a decline in the white population due to high rates of emigration led to serious shortages of white personnel that greatly hindered the Rhodesian war effort. Mike Rousseau was a white Rhodesian mercenary engaged in combat against FRELIMO guerillas in and around the Mozambique capital of Maputo. During a fight, he bumped into a guerrilla soldier armed with an AK-47. The volunteers frequently received a hostile response from Rhodesians in the units they were posted to, and many ended their contracts early as a result. The story goes that this technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau. However, here we are more concerned with your shooting than tactics, because the subtle nuances of the proper tactics can vary from situation to situation. Southern Rhodesia was a self-governing British colony located in southern Africa whose economy and government was dominated by the small white minority of its population.