In the realm of personal and national security, carrying a concealed weapon is a responsibility that spans across different spectrums of society. From the civilian licensed for concealed carry to the covert operative working in the shadows, the reasons behind carrying a concealed weapon vary greatly, as do the tactics, training, and legal frameworks governing each. I often get asked about the differences and why I regularly employ the term “Covert Carry” in my training programs.
Here we are going to explore the fundamental differences between concealed carry, as it is commonly understood by civilians, and covert carry, a term that applies to the discreet carry of weapons by covert operatives or agents in the field
Civilian Concealed Carry Permits vs. Authority Granted to Covert Operatives
The right to carry a concealed weapon for civilians is typically governed by state law in the United States, with permits issued by local or state authorities after meeting specific requirements. These may include background checks, firearms training courses, and an understanding of the laws surrounding the use of deadly force. Conversely, covert operatives carry under a different set of rules, often with national security implications. Their authority comes directly from the government agency they work for, bypassing standard civilian oversight and permitting processes. This distinction underscores not just a legal demarcation but a foundational difference in the purpose and scope of carrying concealed weapons.
Gear and Weapon Selection
Civilian Choices: For civilians, the choice of weapon and holster is often a balance between comfort, concealability, and firepower. Compact pistols and revolvers are popular due to their ease of concealment and reliability. Holsters must ensure the weapon is accessible yet hidden, with options like IWB (Inside the Waistband), ankle holsters, and shoulder holsters being common.
Covert Operative Gear: Covert operatives, on the other hand, may opt for gear that blends into their operational environment, using non-standard holsters disguised within everyday items (think modified purses, books, or even specially designed clothing). Their weapon choice might also lean towards models that are not only easy to conceal, but are also versatile and reliable under different conditions, sometimes preferring custom or suppressed options to minimize noise and attention.
Training and Mindset
Civilian Training: Civilians are generally trained in the basics of firearm safety, operation, and self-defense laws. Their training focuses on personal protection and the defense of loved ones, emphasizing de-escalation, situational awareness, and the judicious use of force.
Covert Training: For covert operatives, training is far more rigorous and specialized. It includes advanced combat tactics, high-stress situation management, extensive firearms proficiency, and survival skills. Operatives are trained to blend in, gather intelligence, and execute missions with minimal collateral damage, often under extreme stress conditions.
Operational Objectives
Concealed Carry Objectives: The primary goal of civilian concealed carry is personal safety. Civilians are taught to avoid conflict when possible and to use their weapon as a last resort in life-threatening situations.
Covert Carry Objectives: The objectives of covert carry are vastly different, encompassing intelligence gathering, surveillance, and sometimes, direct action missions such as renditions, capture or kill orders, and counter-surveillance operations. Covert operatives must not only protect themselves but also achieve specific mission objectives that often have broader security implications.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinctions between concealed and covert carry is essential for appreciating the complexities of carrying a concealed weapon. Whether for personal protection or as a covert operative, the responsibilities and challenges are significant and varied. Civilians and operatives alike must navigate legal, ethical, and tactical landscapes, each according to their distinct roles and objectives. While the tools and training may overlap, the worlds in which concealed and covert carriers operate are fundamentally different, defined by their unique goals and the risks they face.
