Opinion: The Gear Obsessed Officer

Introducing the EFNS Personality Type:

Now, you might wonder-what's this all about with letters like EFNS? It's a nod to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is a psychological test that categorizes people into 16 personality types based on preferences in four areas: Extraversion vs. Introversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Thinking vs. Feeling, and Judging vs. Perceiving. It's widely used for personal development, team building, and understanding how different personalities operate in various settings-like law enforcement! But, of course, EFNS is our unofficial addition for officers.

Are you a police officer who'smore excited about the latest tactical gadget than your next training session? Do you feel your truestrength lies in upgrading gear rather than improving skills? If it is painted black and has Velcro or MOLLE, are you willing to pay 25% more for it? If so, congratulations-you might be an EFNS: Equipment Focused, Not Skills!

What is EFNS?

The EFNS officer lives by the philosophythat the right gear can solve any problem. Do you need to take down a suspect? No need to brush up on your defensive tactics-justgrab your new high-tech stun baton.No need to practice foundational firearms skills with your super tactical diagonal magnetic level 4 holster.

The EFNS is all about tactical toys and shiny upgrades. The more holsters, the better. The longer the list of accessories, the happier the EFNS becomes. After all, why perfect your skills when you can justbuy something that makes you look the part?"Toys > tactics!" T-shirt wearer.

The Four Key Traits of an EFNS Officer:

1. Extraverted (E)- But only when talking about gear. They might be quiet in briefings,but start a conversation about flashlights with 1,000 lumens, and they won't stop.
2. Focused on Equipment (F)- While others are practicing physical conditioning, EFNS officers are busy adding items to their online shopping cart, convinced that the next tactical vest is their missing link to success.
3. Not Practicing (N)- EFNS officers believe that watching marketing videocounts as training.Watching unboxing videos for new ballistic shields? Close enough.
4. Shopping (S)- You'll never catch an EFNS officer without a new order from their favorite tactical store. They'll spend hours comparing the latest gadgets but may have forgotten the procedures for a basictraffic stop.

EFNS in Action

On the job, the EFNS officer is easy to spot. While other officers focus on situational awareness, EFNS is checking the placement of the new tactical cuff key on their new duty belt. In moments of high tension, they're more likely to reach for a gadget than a strategy. But rest assured, they'll have the fanciest breakaway lapel extender and the most advanced magazine pouch on the market.

How to Train an EFNS Officer?

Well, you don't. You just let themdo what theydo best: gear up! Instead of expecting them to master the art of de-escalation, make surethey're the first in line for new department equipment.

Embrace the EFNS!- Equipment Focused Not Skills

So, if you're an EFNS, own it! You may not be the fastest, smartest, or most skilled officer, but you'll always have the latest, coolest, and most state-of-the-art tools. And isn't that what really matters?

Remember: it's not about how well you practice but how well you accessorize.

*sarcasm off

Lon Bartel
is the principal researcher at VirTra, a leading simulation and training company serving the Military and Law Enforcement sectors. With over 20 years of law enforcement training experience, he focuses on improving officer and trainer performance. Recognized as a firearms and defensive tactics expert by Arizona P.O.S.T., he is also a founding member and lifetime advisor of the Arizona Tactical Officers Association (ATOA). Mr. Bartel has presented at numerous conferences on performance under stress and has published peer-reviewed research on perception-response times and weapon transitions in law enforcement. He holds a Master's in Applied Exercise and Sports Science and a Bachelor's in Exercise Sports Science, and is pursuing a PhD in General Psychology with an emphasis on Performance Psychology. His work integrates physiological and psychological aspects of performance to enhance decision-making in high-stress environments.