ZERT Module 1: Contact Drill

Objectives of the drill:

1) To enable team members to identify a threat and quickly alert other team members as to the type and location of the threat.
2) To enable the group to swiftly, decisively and aggressively act to neutralize the threat.

Equipment for this drill:
ZOPFOR: Protective Gear (optional)
Survivors: Melee Weapons of choice/ optional

Drill Overview:

ZOPFOR will present to the players simulating a routine patrol. The players will execute the contact drill, identifying the threat, communicating the threat to the rest of the team, and neutralize the threat.

The drill will be followed by a review and feedback from the instructor, and will be repeated several times until the instructor is satisfied with the team's level of proficiency.



The Drill:


As the players are on patrol, the ZOPFOR will present. The first player to positively identify the threat will alert the team by shouting "Contact!" followed by the direction of the threat. Refer to the exhibit:



Example 1-1 Example 1-2



Once the threat is positively identified and communicated, the team will react in a quick, aggressive and decisive manner to neutralize it. Instructors, be sure to throw in some "civilian" roleplayers throughout these drills to emphasize to the players the importance of identifying a threat before assaulting it. By presenting a choice between an injured (limping) survivor and a shambling zombie, you are enabling the group to quickly assess the situation and avoid harming innocents.

The groups should immediately move to confront the zombie, and if no weapons are carried, then the drill will be to quickly find an effective weapon of opportunity. These include large rocks or bricks, rebar, tools, etc. Anything capable of delivering a fatal blow while avoiding person injury to the user. Drills shall be conducted both with and without weapons in order to train the players to quickly find weapons.

If enough players are present, one should stand in reserve and maintain observation of the area in order to spot and communicate any additional threats. The remainder of the group shall work together to quickly overpower and destroy the threat. Instructors will challenge the group by presenting new threats at random or critical times during the exercise.

NOTE: The example encounter, if executed properly, should take no longer than ten (10) to fifteen (15) seconds to complete. Swift and Decisive action leaves no time to wait -- immediate reaction is paramount in order to minimize the threat and risk of injury. Refer to the exhibit:


Example 1-3



Additional variables should be added to keep the effectiveness of the drill. ZOPFOR should be introduced at different intervals, from different directions, and in different numbers in order to keep the player group on their toes. Non-zombie roleplayers shall be presented as well to increase the effectiveness of the drill as well as help in target identification training.