Not an LEO, and read just one of his books, but I found his recent podcast with Andy Stumpf of Cleared Hot illustrative. I didn't get very far into it before I switched it off ( and I generally like Stumpf and most of his guests), because Grossman was alternating between selling what he was working on now, and non-sequitors about Christianity.
They brought him out to talk to all the Cpls and up in 1st Marine Regiment and the Combat Instructors at School of Infantry- West a few years ago. I guess his stuff was okay for someone who thinks being a Infantryman or a Cop is just a job, does the bare minimum to get by and then just wants to go home and pretend to be some dude....It helps get their attention somewhat,for a little while....But for anyone, like most of the members of a site such as this, it is a waste of time... Not to mention as others have said, half his presentation is like a f'ing infomercial for his stuff, anymore Grossman is most interested in selling more Grossman.
"So strong is this propensity of mankind, to fall into mutual animosities, that where no substantial occasion presents itself, the most frivolous and fanciful distinctions have been sufficient to kindle their unfriendly passions, and excite their most violent conflicts." - James Madison, Federalist No 10
I've met Dave Grossman, been to his seminars, read and listened to his stuff. I would agree with the other poster(s) who thought that Dave offered a net gain for the majority of folks who attend his signature event. He is able to translate some basic concepts to people in a simple way, and in a way that has motivational and emotional appeal. Whether or not you are a fan of his sheepdog metaphor, it resonates. I've lost count of the number of burly grown men sitting in auditoriums with tears running down their faces, hearing who they were in a way that made sense for the first time. That has a value, in a place and context, for an audience, that I think is a mistake to outright dismiss. As with much else of the things we learn, take and use what is useful.
الدهون القاع الفتيات لك جعل العالم هزاز جولة الذهاب
My opinion of Grossman is a lousy attempt at paraphrasing one of our own, Sean M :” Units that actually kill a lot of people don’t use Grossman’s work.”
Replying to this because I find it informative. I’m not a btdt person nor am I usually eloquent in writing I just know sometimes people like grossman are right and sometimes they are not. Matter of opinion begins on your life experience whether in academia or the tough spots. But I still hate golf
I did this one (Bulletproof Mind?). I read his books when they were relevent. That was a long, long time ago I found his presentations good for the masses who pay lip service to training, and if the sheepdog imagery helps, then good for them. Pat Rogers referred to meat eaters. Like all training a capable practitioner needs to be able to separate the good stuff from the fluff, rather than just chug the koolaid. Todd G met me on the slide release bandwagon when everyone else was screaming "gross motor skills" and insisting that anything other than overhand push/pull would cause your pistol to spontaneously become a limp, flesh toned marital aid when you need it to be a ballistic projector. My supervisor is still a dyed in the wool Weaver and gross motor skills kind of guy. I am required to know how to teach all that stuff, but have had great success giving students other options.
I see some of his influence in the ALERRT stuff I teach, and he is credited, but it has morphed considerably. The books given away at each class are Howe's, not Grossman's. I actually still use my notes from his class when I prep Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events classes. He had some really solid ideas for school and church security programs that I still use. Those guys already think they are sheepdogs.
I am not flat out Anti-Grossman, and I learned a good bit from him. But training dollars being what they are, I would spend money on others.
Just my $0.02.
pat