Use of Deadly Force Chapter 5

Sheep, Wolf, or Sheepdog?

In his book “On Combat”, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman cuts to the heart of the following question.

Are you a Sheep, Wolf, or Sheepdog?

According to Grossman, in our society most people are sheep. They have no capacity for violence. They are kind, gentle, and basically healthy productive citizens who would only hurt someone by accident or under extreme provocation. Often, one problem sheep have, they don’t want to believe that evil is present in their world. They are sheep because the live in a state of denial.

A wolf on the other hand has no empathy toward his fellow citizen and will feed on the sheep without mercy. He has the capacity to exhibit violence, often in an extreme manner. The wolf often has aggressive sociopath tendencies.

Wolves or sociopaths have little to no conscience and will lie, cheat, steal, and manipulate others for their own benefit. They know exactly what they are doing, yet they just don’t care. It’s just not their way of thinking. Those who naive enough, will be brainwashed and controlled into doing exactly what they what want, which is the only time a sociopath is truly happy.

A sheepdog has a deep love for his fellow citizens. He protects his flock and fearlessly confronts the wolf. The sheepdog has just as ferocious capacity for violence as the wolf, but uses that capacity only against wolves. To the sheep, the sheepdog from the outside looks very similar to the wolf. They are powerful, have fangs, and the capacity for violence. Because of the sheepdogs appearance, the sheep don’t really like the sheepdog. The shear presence of the sheepdog reminds them of the dangers lurking among the trees. The majority of the sheep would feel more comfortable if the sheepdog removed his fangs, painted himself white, went “Baa” and blended in with the other sheep. Yet, when the wolf begins to prey on the flock they will desperately try to hide behind the sheepdog for protection. The sheep want to pretend the wolf will never come, but the sheepdog lives for that day.

“There was research conducted a few years ago with individuals convicted of violent crimes. These cons were in prison for serious, predatory acts of violence: assaults, murders and killing law enforcement officers. The vast majority said that they specifically targeted victims by body language: slumped walk, passive behavior and lack of awareness. They chose their victims like big African cats, they select one out of the herd that is least able to protect itself.”


If you decide to carry a firearm for your protection you must be a willing sheepdog. You must not alarm the sheep. You must blend in with the sheep yet be willing to exhibit a ferocious and violent behavior when the wolf attacks. If you are unable to or hesitate to attack the wolf when he attacks, you will fall like the defenseless sheep. Even trained police officers and military are sometimes unwilling to use deadly force when that response is necessary.

You must be prepared to use your firearm if you carry a gun.

People sometimes think or say, “I’ll just flash the gun and scare the bad guy away.” In almost all states, they consider “flashing or brandishing” a gun to be a crime. More importantly, the “wolf” now knows that you have a gun. He could take it from you and use it against you and others. Remember, the wolf is a psychopath and is crazy enough to try. You must be ready to deliver accurate, lethal fire under appropriate conditions.

Another consideration should be, how your use of deadly force will affect the people you love. They need to be a part of this discussion. You might carry the gun, but they will carry the burden with you if you ever have to kill in self-defense. Be settled in your mind that you are prepared to use deadly force as it is Legally allowed where you live. Consider these factors before you go forward with your self-defense plans. Make informed and intelligent decisions that you can live with. If you do carry, you must not hesitate.  We all know that “He who hesitates is lost.” This is especially true in a defensive deadly force engagement. Be mentally and spiritually prepared to protect yourself and the people you love. Then, get a defensive firearm and plenty of good training.

Next Article: Chapter 6 – Options for Personal Protection

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