MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

If you and your partner are under fire, what is the best action to take?

1. Return fire and drag partner to cover

2. Exit the scene immediately

3. Seek higher ground

4. Call for backup while standing still

The correct answer is: Return fire and drag partner to cover

In a situation where you and your partner are under direct fire, the best action is to return fire and drag your partner to cover. This approach is essential for several reasons. Firstly, returning fire helps to suppress the threat and can give you both a better chance of gaining control over the situation. It serves as a necessary response to ensure immediate self-defense and can help deter the aggressor. Secondly, dragging your partner to cover is crucial for safeguarding both individuals. Cover provides protection from incoming fire and allows you to regroup and assess the situation. Moving to a secure location can also facilitate communication and planning for a tactical response. The other options present significant risks. Exiting the scene immediately may leave both individuals vulnerable to continued attack. Seeking higher ground, while potentially advantageous in some circumstances, might take time and could expose both individuals further. Calling for backup while standing still could also lead to your position being compromised, as remaining stationary during an active gunfight can increase risk.