[91] The American volunteers were generally regarded in the United States as mercenaries. Due to the sanctions against Rhodesia, these ads were generally lodged via front organisations and were vague about the country the volunteers would serve in. [104], Few works by historians have been published on the volunteers who served with the Rhodesian Security Forces. here to send us a message. [7] Fighting at the airport at Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau rounded a corner and encountered an enemy combatant, armed with an AK-47 assault rifle, at 10 paces (7.5m (25ft)). How rude! The Guardian reported in 1979 that "his presence is a source of embarrassment to the regime which has always insisted that it does not want foreign mercenaries". The most common motivation was opposition to governments led by black people, but other volunteers were motivated by anti-communism or a desire for adventure. The third shot should be aimed to destroy the brain or brain stem, killing the target and preventing the target from retaliating. Ex-military wanting to ply their tactical handiwork in return for treasure were welcomed to Mozambique to help the Portuguese military. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Rhodesian Front's ideology held that the end of colonial rule in Africa and the development of African nationalism during the 1950s and 1960s had been the result of international communism aided by a policy of appeasement towards African nationalists by the United Kingdom and other western countries. Mike Rousseau was a white Rhodesian mercenary engaged in combat against FRELIMO guerillas in and around the Mozambique capital of Maputo. Rousseau then lowered his weapon to the ready position. The French troops were being withdrawn from Djibouti upon that country's independence, and French intelligence agents helped facilitate their recruitment by the Rhodesian Army. Springfield Armory recommends you seek qualified and competent training from a Portugal had ruled Mozambique for . Modern zombie culture has also appropriated the Mozambique Drill. [38], Most of the foreigners who volunteered to fight for Rhodesia did so individually. This unit performed poorly and committed atrocities that included raping women during operations. [5] South Africa and Portugal provided Rhodesia with assistance, and it was able to evade the sanctions and covertly trade with many countries. Named for Mike Rousseau, an associate of Jeff Cooper, who, ironically, died during the war in Rhodesia. Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, England and Portugal thought they had free rein over Africa. In 1980, two Los Angeles Police Department SWAT officers, Larry Mudgett and John Helms, attended pistol training at Gunsite and received permission from Cooper to teach the technique to the LAPD, and to rename it the Failure Drill (concerned that "Mozambique" might have racist overtones). As he turned a corner, he encountered a FRELIMO guerrilla armed with an AK-47. [1][5][8][9], The Mozambique Drill was incorporated in the Gunsite curriculum from the late 1970s. He also edited Shooters Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning; 50 Guns That Changed the World; and Gun Traders Guide. [72], The Rhodesian Army regarded the volunteers as disloyal and undisciplined. Seeing that the fighter was still advancing, Rousseau attempted a head shot that hit the guerrilla through the base of his neck, severing the spinal cord. [15], Foreigners with far right beliefs were often sympathetic to the Rhodesian cause during the war. At the time of UDI, the Rhodesian Army had a strength of over 18,400, including 15,000 reservists, the Rhodesian Air Force had a small but modern fleet of combat aircraft and the paramilitary British South Africa Police included 7,000 full time and 25,000 reserve personnel. [67] Many of the volunteers were frustrated that they were paid only in Rhodesian dollars, as foreign banks would not process this currency and the Rhodesian government allowed no more than R$1,500 to be converted to other currencies. During the Mozambique War of Independence (1964-1974) mercenary Mike Rousseau was fighting at the airport in Moputo. [43] The academic Luise White has written that they were commonly opposed to the establishment of governments run by black people and did not have any particular commitment to Rhodesia itself. You fight with what you have, and at about ten paces (or five yards) Rousseau fired two 9mm rounds into the fighters chest. [22] The army units manned by full time personnel, which included a high proportion of white regular and conscripted soldiers, were the most powerful element of the security forces and formed a strategic reserve that responded to the guerrilla activities. in 1978, he was the final recipient of the Rhodesian civil Independence Commemorative Decoration for services rendered to the country. [38] The prohibition proved difficult to enforce, as it was not possible to prevent Britons leaving the country. [62][76], The nationalist groups that were fighting the Rhodesian regime and many progressive groups worldwide considered the volunteers to be mercenaries. Rhodesian Mike Rousseau was serving as a mercenary in the Mozambican War of Independence. While catchy mottoes are easy to remember, the technique itself can be difficult to master. [70], Ware and Campbell wrote in 2022 that the foreign volunteers had little influence on the war, and the pressure from western governments on the Rhodesian government to agree to a transition to majority rule was of greater importance. [30] Some ads described service in Rhodesia as "fun". [40], Foreign volunteers for the Rhodesian Security Forces were generally motivated by personal political and ideological beliefs or a desire for adventure. [6], The Rhodesian Front's ideology held that the end of colonial rule in Africa and the development of African nationalism during the 1950s and 1960s had been the result of international communism aided by a policy of appeasement towards African nationalists by the United Kingdom and other western countries. [22], From the mid-1970s the Rhodesian government began placing advertisements seeking volunteers in the international media. Over the years, this drill has morphed into a variety of other drills and, if you put any two firearms instructors together, youll get a different opinion as to how its to be properly executed. [75] The Rhodesian Army only learnt of Lamb's history after his death during an operation in 1976. It may be ironic that the Mozambique Drill is a technique used with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau, during the Mozambican War of Independence from 1964 to 1974. Of course, we have to be careful of adhering to dogma, no matter where it comes from. He told Cooper the story, and Cooper began to teach what he called the "Mozambique Drill" at Gunsite. Guerrilla fighters were swarming the airport and Rousseau turned a corner and nearly bumped into a FRELIMO fighter wielding an AK-47. Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators. The. Thank you for your support. No use without the express written permission of Doris Wise Montrose is permitted. [105], Modern white supremacist and far-right groups continue to provide a positive portrayal of white rule in Rhodesia. He was fighting in the Mozambican War of Independence 1964-1974. The Mozambique Drill brings together low-round count that challenges a shooter's speed, accuracy, and fundamentals. It was finished in 1980 and published in 1991. [47], The Rhodesian Special Branch sought to vet all of the foreign volunteers for security risks. In many countries it was illegal to serve with the Rhodesian Security Forces. This is an effective way to stop a threat that isnt immediately stopped by two shots to the bodys center mass. The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our monthly giveaways! While engaged in fighting at the airport of Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau was armed with only a Browning HP35 pistol. Although he aimed for the fighters ocular cavity, the adrenaline coursing through Rousseaus body caused him to miss. [10] This ideology attracted support from many mainstream conservative politicians and military veterans in the United Kingdom and United States, as well as from some far right groups in those countries. Jeff Cooper created The Modern Technique of the Pistol and the Combat Mindset. ), Shoulder Holster: 8 Pro Up-Top Carry Options (2023). Thankfully, the shot hit the attackers throat, severing his spinal cord and eliminating the threat. Rousseauarmed onyl with a pistolturned a corner and encountered an enemy. Rousseau hit the target on either side of the sternum, usually enough to incapacitate or kill a target outright. [94], Many of the foreign volunteers opposed the March 1978 Internal Settlement, under which the white Rhodesian government agreed to cede power to moderate black leaders. [4][5][6], According to anecdotal history, the technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau, engaged in the Mozambican War of Independence (19641974). |-- Places During fighting at the Loureno Marques airport (modern-day Maputo ), Rousseau rounded a corner and encountered a FRELIMO guerrilla, 10 paces away and armed with an AK-47. |-- Editorials & Other Articles | ContactUs | PrivacyPolicy. This is a great exercise to work on speed, accuracy and self-defense tactics. Ideally, a more practical application might be to fire two shots to the torso, take two steps back and to the side to keep your distance and, if your attacker is still attacking, attempt the head shot. [11], UDI and Rhodesia's racial inequalities led to the outbreak of the Rhodesian Bush War. Rousseau was later killed in action in the Rhodesian War. During a fight, he bumped into a guerrilla soldier armed with an AK-47. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. [23] In 1979, the military historian John Keegan noted that foreigners made up between a quarter and a third of the strength of the RLI. [4][12] The resistance to the Rhodesian regime was dominated by two black nationalist movements, the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU). While engaged in fighting at the airport of Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau was armed with only a Browning HP35 pistol. the phrase was coined by a rhodesian mercenary named Mike Rousseau while he was serving in Mozambique. All other white military personnel, other than members of the Selous Scouts unit that had a reputation for atrocities, were given an assurance that they would not be required to leave the military. [50] The high proportion of white Rhodesians who were born outside the country or held citizenship of another country also complicates the matter. The story goes that this technique originated with a Rhodesian mercenary, Mike Rousseau. [36][74] These volunteers may have further encouraged the Rhodesian Security Forces use of the 'body count' of guerrillas killed as a measure of success, with this having been a key metric in Vietnam. These letters were closely scrutinised, as many of the men who had written them were considered "obviously nuts" by the Rhodesian Army's recruitment officer Major Nick Lamprecht. Important Notices: By participating on this discussion The pelvis does not move as erratically as the head or shoulders, and should be an easier target than a bobbing and weaving head. [22][24], Another strategy used to address white manpower shortages was seeking white volunteers from outside the country, which the Rhodesian government began doing in 1973. The shots should be fired as fast as you are able, however they shouldnt be so fast that you miss your intended target. [28] This magazine had been established that year to promote mercenary opportunities, and provided a positive portrayal of the lifestyle available to mercenaries. He serves as contributing editor for several magazines, including NRAs American Rieman and Shooting Illustrated, Varmint Hunter, and Combat Handgunner, and is the editor for Gun Digests Cartridges of the World 13th Edition. |-- Latest Breaking News |-- Archives the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC. He finished the job with a headshot. The Rhodesian government did not formally reply. Rousseau immediately performed a double tap two shots to the center of the torso. aka Failure Drill. [62] Those who failed this training had to leave the country, with their airfare home being paid by the Rhodesian government. Guerrilla forces of the Mozambique Liberation Front (or FRELIMO) became embroiled in a war of independence with Portugal. Portugal had ruled Mozambique for four hundred years, had subsequent deep roots in the country, and was not leaving without a fight. [65] Most of the volunteers served under Rhodesian officers. Rhodesian officers also sought to use their networks in other militaries to attract volunteers. It kind of worked. During a fight, he bumped into a guerrilla soldier armed with an AK-47. Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from Handgun Training for Personal Protection. You can also take two steps to the side to get offline of the attack before making the final head shot. Although speed is definitely one of the goals of the Mozambique Drill, it isnt nearly as important as accuracy. [14] Rhodesia's security situation deteriorated during the mid-1970s when the nationalists were able to establish bases in Mozambique as Portuguese rule faltered and finally ended in 1975. Its much harder than you may think. Upon hearing the story of Rousseaus encounter, Cooper incorporated a three-shot drill into his training at the famous Gunsite Academy. Seeing that the fighter was still advancing, Rousseau attempted a head shot that hit the guerrilla through the base of his neck, severing the spinal cord. [5], The Mozambique Drill is intended to ensure that the target is immediately stopped, by first placing two shots into the larger, easier-to-hit mass of the upper body, then, if the target is still active, following with a third, more precisely aimed and difficult head shot. So, as the story goes, Rousseau was involved in a firefight at the airport. Africa has always offered employment opportunities to those with certain skills. Setup: 1x USPSA Silhouette Target: [82] British citizens were prohibited from joining the Rhodesian Security Forces under the terms of an embargo enacted in 1968, with those who did so potentially facing fines or imprisonment. Handgun Training for Personal Protection. [25] Rhodesian recruitment leaflets were also circulated within British Army barracks that year. The party was deeply committed to maintaining the white minority's status, with this motivating a decision to declare independence from the United Kingdom rather than submit to a transition to majority rule. In 1976 former Portuguese officials offered 2,000 white soldiers who had served with the UNITA nationalist movement in Angola until that country's independence. While engaged in fighting at the airport of Loureno Marques (modern-day Maputo), Rousseau was armed with only a Browning HP35 pistol. [42][68] Two of the former French volunteers who remained in Zimbabwe after the war were sentenced to death for murdering a caf owner during a robbery in 1982 and were executed the next year. [74], The Canadian spree killer Mathew Lamb was able to join the Rhodesian Army in 1974 after being released from a mental institution. Before it was even a drill, it was actual shots fired in a gunfight. Rounding a corner Rousseau found himself unexpectedly face to face with a FRELIMO guerilla armed with an AK47 at a range of about ten paces. If the target continues to advance despite two well-placed shots to the torso, the shooter follows up with a more precisely aimed (and more difficult to accomplish) head shot. [34], In addition to using advertisements, Rhodesian recruitment teams, including some led by Lamprecht, visited several countries. FRELIMO's Marxist underpinnings earned it support from Russia and China. While it might seem strange at first, its not a long stretch to connect the dots from a country off the east coast of Africa, to a Rhodesian mercenary, to a shooting technique, and finally to someone who conceal carries and trains to defend themselves. A quick how-to on shooting the Mozambique Drill. Click Shooting Skills: The Mozambique-Failure Drill, Light Em Up: Home Defense Lasers and Lights. [41][42] The CIO regarded this as a success, but all other elements of the Rhodesian government were sceptical. I came about after Rhodesian mercenary Mike Rousseau told the story of an encounter he had in combat at an airport. [7] [36] In 1976 some current and former British soldiers were sent unsolicited leaflets that encouraged them to enlist in the Rhodesian Army and explained its conditions of service. An accurate shot to the T-zone (the area between the eyebrows and upper lip, also called the ocular cavity) damages the brain and central nervous system and secures instant incapacitation of the target. Alex Kozinski, Chief Judge, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Britain and the United Nations Security Council imposed wide-ranging trade and other sanctions on Rhodesia with the objective of forcing it to return to its previous status. Successful applicants were then offered a rank in the security forces. He named it after the country where the incident occurred, dubbing his drill the Mozambique Drill., Practical Variations to the Mozambique Drill, El Presidente Drill Assessing Your Shooting Skills, The Best Self Defense Ammo Ballistic Testing. [2][3] Accordingly, the government issued Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) from the United Kingdom in November 1965, with the colony becoming Rhodesia. I prefer the original name, but whats in a name? [66], Under the terms of the 1979 Lancaster House Agreement that ended the war the British government resumed control over Rhodesia in December 1979, with the country temporarily reverting to the colony of Southern Rhodesia until elections could be held. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the Copyright 2023 BearingArms.com/Salem Media. The British, United States and several other governments were unable to prevent their citizens fighting for Rhodesia due to difficulties enforcing the relevant laws.