****ing DUchebag whovian, it's time for school.
Mental preparation for the use of deadly force is not the same as "dreaming about an excuse to use our guns". By thinking of scenarios and responses, the responsibly armed person is better able to avoid trouble, when possible; act appropriately, when necessary; and maintain focus, when the shit hits the fan. It can mean the difference between living and dying.
One of the most common, and least understood, phenomena among men and women who carry a weapon for personal protection or duty is "The Dream." In The Dream, the dreamer is faced with a circumstance requiring deadly force: facing an enemy, a suspect, or an assailant who is pointing a weapon at the dreamer. The dreamer has his weapon in hand, and attempts to fire- but no matter how hard the dreamer squeezes the trigger, the weapon will not fire. In some instances, the dreamer will wake up, but in others the dreamer is shot by the enemy or assailant.
Some psychologists believe The Dream is a result of the dreamer's socialization or morality, valuing human life (even that of an enemy or assailant); others believe the failure of the dreamer's weapon to fire is a subconscious self-doubt, in which the individual is not confident of his ability to take the shot when the situation demands.
The Dream can happen once, or repeatedly, but it is commonly remembered intact. Almost universally, The Dream goes away after a first use of deadly force.
