ALICE Counter Strategies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How does ALICE's Counter strategy differ from traditional 'lockdown-only' school safety approaches?
- ALICE empowers individuals to actively respond rather than remain passive (Correct answer)
- ALICE requires formal weapons training before Counter is allowed
- ALICE eliminates lockdown entirely in favor of fighting
- ALICE only applies Counter in outdoor scenarios
Correct answer: ALICE empowers individuals to actively respond rather than remain passive
ALICE provides options including active Counter responses, whereas traditional lockdown-only models emphasize passive hiding.
Question 2: Which physical principle underlies the effectiveness of throwing objects at a shooter during Counter?
- It forces the shooter to protect themselves, breaking their focus on targets (Correct answer)
- It reliably disarms the shooter with enough force
- It triggers the shooter's flight response automatically
- Thrown objects rarely help but are used as a last resort
Correct answer: It forces the shooter to protect themselves, breaking their focus on targets
When a shooter must defend against thrown objects, their attention and aim shift away from intended victims.
Question 3: In an ALICE Counter scenario inside a classroom, what is the first step instructors recommend before physically engaging?
- Create distance and barriers to buy time, then Counter only if the threat enters (Correct answer)
- Immediately rush the shooter as soon as they appear in the hallway
- Barricade the door and never attempt any Counter action
- Call 911 before taking any physical action
Correct answer: Create distance and barriers to buy time, then Counter only if the threat enters
Creating distance and barriers is always preferred; physical Counter is reserved for when the shooter breaches the space.
Question 4: What is the significance of 'violence of action' in ALICE Counter training?
- Overwhelming, aggressive response that prevents the shooter from regaining control (Correct answer)
- Using the maximum legal force permitted by state law
- Matching the shooter's level of violence with equal force
- A law enforcement term not applicable to civilian Counter tactics
Correct answer: Overwhelming, aggressive response that prevents the shooter from regaining control
Violence of action means an immediate, overwhelming response that denies the shooter the opportunity to react or recover.
Question 5: Why is it important to move toward the shooter's weapon arm rather than body center during a Counter attempt?
- Controlling the weapon arm prevents the shooter from firing during the struggle (Correct answer)
- The body center is better protected by body armor in most cases
- Moving toward the weapon arm is faster and requires less strength
- ALICE recommends targeting the weapon arm only in outdoor settings
Correct answer: Controlling the weapon arm prevents the shooter from firing during the struggle
Controlling the weapon arm is the most critical step because it prevents the firearm from being aimed and fired.
Question 6: What should individuals do if they freeze with fear during a potential Counter situation?
- Focus on a simple action like throwing an object to break the paralysis (Correct answer)
- Remain still since any movement may draw the shooter's attention
- Wait for someone else to initiate Counter before joining
- Freeze responses mean Counter is not appropriate for that individual
Correct answer: Focus on a simple action like throwing an object to break the paralysis
Starting with a small, manageable action like throwing an object can break a freeze response and initiate participation.
Question 7: How should a group coordinate a Counter response in the absence of a pre-designated leader?
- Anyone can initiate and others should join immediately without waiting (Correct answer)
- The group must elect a leader before taking any action
- Only the largest or strongest person should initiate Counter
- Counter should be delayed until a consensus is reached
Correct answer: Anyone can initiate and others should join immediately without waiting
ALICE emphasizes that any individual can initiate Counter and others should join immediately to maintain momentum.
ALICE Counter Strategies 3
How does ALICE's Counter strategy differ from traditional 'lockdown-only' school safety approaches?