Tactical Advantage: A Definitive Study Of Personal Small-Arms Tactics

The book covers a variety of topics, and has separate chapters on different tactical obstacles (like stairs and doors). But the text is not clear enough; without the pictures and drawings (which there are plenty) you would be hard pressed to understand some of the things Suarez is trying to say. Luckily the pictures and captions are very informative.

There are several things that bother me. First, it seems like Suarez didn't know to whom he is writing the book. Part of the text seems to be aimed to a SWAT team member, part is intended for armed civilian, and the rest to military personnel. Secondly, Suarez just gives his opinion on certain matters (like the best flashlight technique or shooting stance) without explaining why or referring the alternatives. You are just supposed to believe what he says, whithout thinking it out yourself. The third complain is that although there is some humor in the text, the book is a bit too "gung-ho" to my taste. I just don't like the attitude that "if you encounter a hostile, neutralize him and continue the search".

All things considered, this is a good book, but it has it's flaws.


Suarez is good but not his writing.   May 26, 1999
20 out of 26 found this review helpful

Suarez is obviously a subject matter expert on tactical movement. However, the book is aimed at to large of an audience and it is difficult to pick out that information which applies to you.

This book has some useful information for police officers and tactical types but much of that information is not placed in the context that it should be used. The author tried to make his information relevant in all cases and that is not reality. If he had written parts for just cops and then other parts for non-cops it would have been great.

However, I did learn something from the book. I liked the authors explanation of three man point movements.

I hope Suarez writes a book on tactical team operations. It should be filled with relevant information.


Whole-heartedly recommended by "The Gun Guy."   November 25, 1998
Rick Jennings (gun_guy@mailcity.com) (Pennsylvania, USA)
17 out of 18 found this review helpful

Gabe Suarez was awarded the Medal of Honor as a police officer, has studied under Jeff Cooper and is an accomplished instructor in his own right. Better still, for us --the shooter trying to better himself-- Gabe is a good author. This book is *information* from beginning to end. You will have difficulty finding another book that graphically illustrates the methods used by professionals when "clearing" a home or apartment. This book does just that and that information, alone, would make it a "best buy." Also covered are the proper use of cover and concealment and operating in reduced light among other topics. Gabe Suarez, however, goes further and explains various methods of controlling your firearm in a struggle and its effective use in close-quarter defense. This book is one of the few that describes how to handle those situations where you do NOT have to shoot, which make up a majority of home encounters. The individual who carries a firearm as a part of his profession or for personal defense will find enough of value in this book to warrant its purchase. In addition, Gabe explains and illustrates proper tactics for teams that, even if you do not use them in your profession, will be informative -- and entertaining when you see it done so poorly in the movies and on TV. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to "The Gun Guy" readers.


Outdated Tactics of a Bygone Era   November 15, 2003
16 out of 60 found this review helpful

After perusing the previous reviews and reading the book, it appears Mr. Suarez is an old soldier of another time and era. Police tactics have changed due to the political climate, but more out of necessity than as a matter of choice. The post-LA riots, post-Chief Darryl Gates LA police force is a prime example of this shift in sensibilities. Governments, whether they be 'liberal' or 'conservative', are in fact fiscally conservative as a result of having to pay out huge chunks of resources to defend a police force in criminal and civil courts trained to deliver maximum force in urban assaults against minority populations. The culture of the LA police force was targeted by the Warren Commission as in dire need of change to promote civil harmony. The Darryl Gates' officers were gradually weeded out in the early nineties and they were replaced by an opportunistic bunch, chosen more for their availibility than their dedication. The training of police officers has changed greatly in the last ten years, and focuses more on community policing and much less on urban assault. This training reflects a distinct change in police culture, and therefore the tactics and attitudes here seem to reflect the worst parts of the Darryl Gates policing policies. Mr. Suarez seems to fit in with this culture, and for this reason, I don't think his books and training are relevant for civilized police forces. They may find a more enthusiastic audience among totalitarian states, rather than responsible democracies.


Rare discussion of actual tactics more than gun-handling   June 28, 2003
C. J Rives (Amarillo, TX United States)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

Suarez's best work and one of my favorite books the topic. If you want to learn how to clear a building or move tactically in and through close quarters this is the book that I recomend. Suarez covers the topic very well with his text and illustrations. This book is different from many others of the same genre. It covers the actual tactics involved in confrontation more than gun-handling.

This is an intermediate to advanced level book. If you're new to firearms, or self defence, you may find it more usefull to read Suarez's more recent book: Tactical Pistol Marksmanship: How to Improve Your Combat Shooting Skills.