Armed Teachers?

While serving in the military, I was introduced to the terms force multiplier and force mitigation.

Permit me, dear reader, an explanation.

I served as a Forward Observer, 13Foxtrot, or FISTr. FO's are fire support specialists who have the ability to arrange for extra artillery, close air, mortar or naval gun ship ordinance when things get really dicey. We do this job with one tool, a radio. That radio has two critical parts necessary to it's function, without which nothing will happen. Antennae and batteries. With those two accessories, the radio is a force multiplier. 

In other words, when compared to a weapon (pistol, rifle, tank), it has nearly limitless capacity to incapacitate the enemy. A weapon is limited by the number of bullets in a magazine (clip) and the number of bullets one soldier can carry. It's not an efficient nor is it, in my opinion, a very effective tool of war.

Even more effective than a radio in war is an outward mindset - or that sense that we have to act on behalf of others' needs/objectives/dreams/goals. For example, when entering a village in Afghanistan, our unit deployed crayons, paper, clay, and a few markers to the children. It is difficult to describe the awe with which these youngsters treated our offerings. Intentionally sharing a box of crayons when there was more than enough to go around. Treating that white piece of paper like a sacred cloth, using every square inch, on both sides. Taking nothing for granted. Those tools of war were winning the hearts and minds of our so-called enemies, one child at a time, using force mitigation. 

Our intent was to prevent the need for ever firing a bullet, of any kind. We hoped to create the sense that we were there to serve, to support, and to teach. 

It is, again in my opinion, much easier to achieve collective impact by collaborating with village elders having won their trust, than pointing a weapon at them or kicking doors. The real enemies brought sacks of cash, buying allegiance, while we were demonstrated that we valued them as fellow humans, by valuing their children - not as assets, but as people who deserved the best that we had, away from the barrel of a gun.

If we want to arm our teachers, I beg the question; with what? 

A crude weapon that has limited capacity to end violence and unlimited capacity to create collateral damage? 

A more efficient weapon that calls for help, but still leaves the outcome in the hands of another? 

Or best of all, the tools necessary to mitigate force, build trust, and win the hearts & minds of those they serve?

You be the judge.

For more information on building cultures of school safety, visit the Center Creek Institute.