Delta Force Operator on Home Defense: Insights and Strategies

Few people are as experienced or knowledgeable in home defense as John “Shrek” McPhee, a Delta Force operator with years of training and real-world experience.

In a recent discussion, McPhee shared his thoughts on the best practices for home defense, focusing on layered defense strategies, the importance of preparation, and how to effectively protect your family. This article covers his key insights and advice.

Layered Defense: A Strategic Approach

According to McPhee, home defense should be seen as a layered strategy rather than a single action plan. The primary objective is to create a strong defensive position and maintain control over the situation. “I’m not clearing my house. That’s an offensive move,” McPhee emphasizes. Instead, he recommends setting up a “strong point,” a defensible position from which you can control access to your home.

Your first line of defense should be creating a strong point, which could be as simple as your bedroom. The goal is to have a safe area where you can monitor entry points and maintain visibility over the main areas of your house. McPhee advises against moving through the house to confront intruders unless necessary, as this could put you at a tactical disadvantage.

Choosing the Right Weapons for Home Defense

McPhee’s advice is practical and straightforward when selecting the right weapon for home defense. He typically keeps a pistol by his bedside for immediate access. “My EDC gun is a Glock 48,” he mentions, noting that while it is a compact firearm, it offers sufficient capacity and reliability for close-quarter situations.

McPhee explains that he only moves to his rifle if he needs to retreat to another defensive position within the house. This highlights the importance of having a plan that includes various defensive tools and knowing when to use each one.

Protecting Family Members: A Priority

For those with family members, especially children, McPhee stresses the importance of communication and planning. He advises that children should be taught to stay in their rooms if they hear a disturbance. “Kids get up in breaches like that. They hear a noise, they run out to check what it is, and they’re in the middle of the gunfight,” he warns.

Understanding the layout of your house is crucial. You need to know where your children sleep and have a plan to protect them without putting them at risk. McPhee suggests setting a “range fan,” or a designated area where it is safe to shoot, and planning your defensive strategy around it.

McPhee also introduces the concept of “bringing the intruders into the deep water,” a strategy that involves securing your children at a secondary strong point, away from the immediate threat. He explains that the goal is not to clear the house or engage with the intruders directly. Instead, he advocates for moving your family to a secure location where you have a tactical advantage.

“If things go wrong at the initial strong point, you fall back to a secondary position, taking your family with you,” McPhee explains. “You take them into the deep water and then you rifle them all down in your bedroom because when the story comes out, they broke in this door and they were shot deep in the bedroom, clear intent.” This strategy ensures that you are in control of the situation and any engagement happens on your terms, in a location that maximizes your defensive capability.

The idea of bringing intruders “into the deep water” disadvantages them, as you force them into a space where you have superior knowledge of the layout and can control the engagement. This strategy also provides a clear narrative of self-defense, demonstrating that you did not pursue the intruders but instead defended yourself and your family in a secure location.

Navigating Complex Situations

McPhee’s advice also covers more complex scenarios, such as homes with limited visibility or multiple levels. He recommends having multiple strong points and practicing moving between them in the dark in these cases. “I keep it dark, no lights, I do exterior lighting, so everything from where I am is backlit,” he explains. This allows him to see intruders without being seen.

If you cannot see your children’s rooms from your strong point, McPhee advises making a quick assessment and, if safe, moving to a secondary strong point that provides better coverage. The goal is always to bring your family to a secure location where you have control over the situation.

Medical Preparedness

Being prepared for injuries is another key component of McPhee’s home defense strategy. He stresses the importance of having a well-stocked medical kit, including more than just tourniquets. “If you’ve been medically trained, have an aid bag; keep it up to date,” he advises. This is crucial for dealing with potential injuries that don’t require a tourniquet, such as sprains or other non-life-threatening issues.

Early Warning Systems

McPhee also places a high value on early warning systems. These can range from neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, which provide updates on local activity, to more technical solutions such as driveway alarms and perimeter sensors. “The earlier you know, the better off you’re going to be,” he says. By staying informed, you can react more quickly to potential threats.

He humorously describes the effectiveness of neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, where “Karens” will report every minor incident, providing a constant stream of local intelligence. This information, combined with physical deterrents like cameras and motion sensors, can give you the upper hand in identifying and reacting to threats before they reach your home.

Dealing with Law Enforcement

Finally, McPhee offers advice on interacting with law enforcement after a defensive incident. He recommends keeping communication short and factual: “There was an incident at this address; send police immediately.” He cautions against offering unnecessary information, which could be used against you later.

“Americans, lawyer up immediately,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of protecting your rights during a very stressful and confusing time.

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Conclusion

John “Shrek” McPhee’s insights into home defense are grounded in experience and practicality. His layered approach to defense, focus on strong points, and emphasis on preparation offers a robust framework for anyone looking to improve their home security. Whether you’re dealing with a simple home layout or a more complex situation with multiple family members, the key takeaway is to have a plan, practice it, and be prepared for any scenario.

By integrating these principles into your home defense strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of effectively protecting your home and loved ones.