Active Mental Rehearsal Technique

“Mental rehearsal” is a well-known technique in professional sports, where athletes visualize their actions to improve their performance. However, in covert operations, operatives take this technique a step further by utilizing it in real-time, moments before engaging or responding to certain situations.

This advanced method, known as the Active Mental Rehearsal Technique (AMRT), allows the operative to rapidly evaluate and adjust their approach to ensure maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and safety – it’s seeing it then doing it.

          The Active Mental Rehearsal Technique

AMRT is a cognitive tool that involves visualizing a situation or action moments before it happens. This mental simulation serves to mentally ‘trial run’ the upcoming scenario, allowing the operative to optimize, identify and correct potential mistakes before committing to the action.

Pre-engagement Visualization

The first step in the AMRT is to play out the immediate scenario in your head. This involves vividly imagining each step of your plan, from start to finish. Visualization is a potent cognitive tool that can simulate real experiences. Like a film director, you mentally ‘direct’ your plan, ensuring that every detail is accounted for.

Identify and Address Flaws

As you run through your mental simulation, pay close attention to any potential flaws or mistakes that may arise. This could be anything from a missed step to an unexpected obstacle or reaction from a target or bystander. It’s crucial to identify these hitches before they occur in real life, allowing you to adjust your plan accordingly.

Seek Better Approaches

Beyond simply identifying potential mistakes, AMRT also provides an opportunity to seek more efficient or effective approaches to the situation. As you mentally play out the scenario, consider alternative strategies or actions that could lead to a better outcome. This active search for optimization ensures that your plan isn’t just adequate, but is the best possible course of action in the given circumstances.

          AMRT in Close Quarters Combat

Close Quarters Combat (CQC) is a situation where an operative’s reaction time and decision-making skills are put to the ultimate test. In these scenarios, every millisecond counts, making Active Mental Rehearsal particularly beneficial.

Applying AMRT For Close Quarters Combatives:

Visualize the Opponent’s Moves

In CQC, the ability to anticipate your opponent’s moves is invaluable. Use AMRT to visualize potential moves your opponent might make. This could include punches, kicks, or other maneuvers. By mentally rehearsing these possibilities, you can prepare your reactions and counter-moves ahead of time.

Consider Your Environment

The environment plays a crucial role in CQC. It’s important to mentally incorporate any environmental elements into your rehearsal. This could include obstacles that could be used for cover, items that could be used as improvised weapons, or paths for retreat. Visualizing how you can utilize your environment to your advantage can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat.

Dynamic Adjustment

In CQC, situations can change rapidly. Your opponent may not react as you expect, or an unforeseen factor may come into play. AMRT allows you to quickly adjust your plan in response to these changes. By running a quick mental simulation of the new scenario, you can adapt and respond effectively.

Confidence and Calmness

Lastly, AMRT can help boost your confidence and maintain calmness during CQC. By mentally rehearsing the combat, you reassure yourself that you’re prepared for what’s to come. This can help reduce anxiety and fear, allowing you to stay focused and perform at your best.

          AMRT in Urban Movements

Navigating a busy urban environment while attempting to pursue, escape or evade poses its own unique set of challenges. The constant flux of people, vehicles, and environmental factors can make these situations complex and unpredictable.

Applying AMRT When Maneuvering Through Urban Environments:

Scenario Analysis

Before stepping into a busy street, visualize the path you intend to take. Pay particular attention to potential choke points, escape routes, and places where you can blend into the crowd or disappear quickly if needed. Visualize yourself moving through these paths, noting any potential obstacles or challenges.

Anticipate Threats

As you mentally rehearse your route, consider any threats you may encounter. This could include individuals following you, security cameras, police presence, or unexpected roadblocks. By mentally preparing for these possibilities, you’ll be better equipped to react quickly and appropriately.

Crowd Navigation

Navigating through a crowd can be challenging. Use AMRT to visualize how you’ll move through the crowd while drawing minimal attention to yourself. Consider factors such as matching the pace of the crowd, avoiding abrupt movements, and maintaining a non-threatening demeanor.

Plan B

Always have a backup plan. If your primary route becomes compromised, you need to have an alternative path in mind. Use AMRT to visualize multiple escape routes, considering the pros and cons of each. This way, you can quickly switch to Plan B if necessary.

Blend and Adapt

One of the keys to successful escape and evasion in a busy urban environment is the ability to blend in and adapt quickly to changing situations. AMRT can help you mentally rehearse blending in techniques, such as changing your appearance, mimicking local behaviors, or using local transportation.

          Enacting Active Mental Rehearsal

The real power of AMRT lies in its ability to be used in real-time, moments before action. This rapid mental rehearsal might seem daunting, but with practice, it becomes second nature. This is the method to implement AMRT in the field:

The Active Mental Rehearsal Technique is a powerful tool for covert operatives and civilians alike. It allows for real-time analysis and adjustment of plans, ensuring maximum efficiency and safety. By incorporating AMRT into your repertoire, you’ll be better prepared to handle any situation, no matter how challenging.