Gear and Guts

I have recently been doing some research on the famous FBI/Miami shootout. In 1986, an FBI team cornered and killed two Florida bank robbers. In the same shootout, two FBI agents were killed and others were wounded; it was an expensive victory for the Bureau. Various books and internet articles have been written about the incident, not the least of which is “FBI Miami Firefight”, by FBI agent Ed Mireles, one of the participants. What I find interesting is all of the after-action critiques that have surfaced since then.

In some circles, criticism was immediately aimed at the particular 9mm ammunition issued to some of the agents. However, my sources tell me that the issued 9mm ammo performed just the way that the FBI had specified in its order. Of course, others immediately declared that the outcome would have been entirely different if the agents were armed with guns in 10mm. After issuing the 10mm, the bureau then went to .40 S&W and are currently back on 9mm. Make of that what you will.

At the time of the gunfight, only certain agents were authorized to carry semi-automatic pistols while others carried double-action revolvers. As a result of this gunfight, at least in part, the bureau soon began to issue semi-automatics to all of their agents.

In the aftermath of such an event, it is natural to go back and give a good, hard look at the equipment that is issued. I get that. However, too often that examination turns into the temptation to blame that gear and equipment. Those who would blame the equipment are overlooking the fact that Agent Ed Mireles ended that fight with a pump-action shotgun and a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver, guns that were already considered old-fashioned and outdated. 

Mireles, seriously wounded in one arm, figured out how to cycle his pump shotgun with one hand, a technique that was probably not taught in the agency’s academy. When the shotgun went dry, he simply got up, walked over to the suspects’ car and shot them with his revolver.

Now, I don’t know Ed Mireles and can’t speak for what was going through his mind during this time. I can only develop an opinion based upon an external examination of his actions. To me, his actions speak of a man who had decided that this mess had gone on long enough and it was time to put a stop to it by whatever means was necessary.

The lesson for us is that while the best quality defensive equipment is a good thing it is only one part of the equation. Equally as important is the ability and willingness to use that equipment for its intended purposes under the most trying circumstances. Gear and Guts … you need them both.