What is a good, useful definition of "tactical"?  I mean where I can point at one thing and say, "That's tactical," and point at another and say, "That's not tactical." Barring that, at least be able to judge how tactical something is.

I wonder when something is Not Tactical, Tactical or Tacticool...

Tactical is just a marketing term. No item is tactical, it's all in the use.

I believe "tactic" is in the dictionary. You should start there.

tac·tic noun \ˈtak-tik\

Definition of TACTIC

1
: a device for accomplishing an end
2
: a method of employing forces in combat

Ehhhh....doesn't really help. I think 2a is right. It's like "deluxe" or "premium". Empty marketing word that implies a lot but means nothing. I was wondering if there was some definition or usage I wasn't aware of.

The opposite of tactical is strategic.  I think of the difference as small picture, big picture.  Tactical is "Take that hill."  Strategic is "take that country." 

So, a tactical response is a small, or limited-scale response.  That's where the terms "tactical response team" and "tactical operation" are rooted.

But someone noticed that certain types of equipment and clothing were common to tactical response units.  Not surprising, really.  Soldiers have some universal similarities in gear.  As do doctors, golfers, and plumbers.  Your job defines, to a large degree, the tools you need.

So these tactical ops guys all seem to have certain things in common.  A fetish for black.  Carbines with a forward grip.  Fancy sights.  In steps a marketing guy and decides that, by applying the label "tactical" to anything remotely reminiscent of these items, he can increase the appeal to a certain segment of the market.  It works, so more marketing guys start doing it, and the range of items gets wider.  Trust me, Hanes is working on a line of tactical briefs at this very moment!

And so, the term becomes meaningless.  Really, I'm surprised how drawn to it people, particularly young men, seem to be.  Because "tactical" means "little."  It means "limited."  And you would think that these are exactly the sorts of inadequacies that these guys would want to de-emphasize in themselves!

Thanks for a great answer, Tom!

Also, this:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/wacky-edibles/c399/

Putting tactical in front of anything and everything is tacticool.

Paint It Black

Paint it Black - Vietnam War

"Tactical" as a marketing term generally implies that you'd see something like it in Call of Duty.  And that really is about it. It implies that someone has put some thought into how it would be used in combat or spec ops missions. In reality it generally means the designers (who have never seen combat outside of Call of Duty) have put MOLLE webbing, buckles and tac-rails everywhere they can possibly squeeze them in.

Drop leg holster platforms are a great example. I've done my fair share of sneaking around in the woods and I can't imagine how a thy holster swinging with 5 pounds of pistol, 2 spare mags and a MOLLE accessory pouch would in any way be a good tactic. Its just a silly place to have that kind of weight and bulk - catches on every bush and has to be held flat while running. The old cowboy leg holsters were designed for carrying loooong black powder pistols on horseback - and are still a great "tactical" choice if you are riding around on horseback. Ever tried sitting comfortably in a car with one of  those things, though?

In real life, something could be called "tactical" if it works for the situation you are going into. If you are hunting then a hunting rifle is a great "tactical" choice. Mace would be a "non-tactical" choice for hunting. At that point... the word "tactical" just means "appropriate" - which is a better word to use, anyway.

That's why people spell it Tacticool. That's really all it means - looks cool.

"Tactical" as a marketing term generally implies that you'd see something like it in Call of Duty.  And that really is about it. It implies that someone has put some thought into how it would be used in combat or spec ops missions. In reality it generally means the designers (who have never seen combat outside of Call of Duty) have put MOLLE webbing, buckles and tac-rails everywhere they can possibly squeeze them in.

Drop leg holster platforms are a great example. I've done my fair share of sneaking around in the woods and I can't imagine how a thy holster swinging with 5 pounds of pistol, 2 spare mags and a MOLLE accessory pouch would in any way be a good tactic. Its just a silly place to have that kind of weight and bulk - catches on every bush and has to be held flat while running. The old cowboy leg holsters were designed for carrying loooong black powder pistols on horseback - and are still a great "tactical" choice if you are riding around on horseback. Ever tried sitting comfortably in a car with one of  those things, though?

In real life, something could be called "tactical" if it works for the situation you are going into. If you are hunting then a hunting rifle is a great "tactical" choice. Mace would be a "non-tactical" choice for hunting. At that point... the word "tactical" just means "appropriate" - which is a better word to use, anyway.

That's why people spell it Tacticool. That's really all it means - looks cool.

Drop legs should be kept as high as possible. They should be just under the gear / vest etc. In a normal situation, that 2nd strap would be almost near your nuts imo.

I would say anything that is geared towards your mission, job, or goal; in which force against another person is neccessary would be tactical.

I just paid for my "tactical" HK P30L...     

I'm no better: should be picking up my Springfield XD 45 Tactical next week... 

I'm no better: should be picking up my Springfield XD 45 Tactical next week... 

Is it 5.25"?  Let me know how you like it.  I was actually torn between the P30L and XDM 9mm 5.25.  Next one is an XD for me!

I just picked up a XD9 4" barrel. Sweet gun. Also got a 45 as well. You can try it if you want.

I just paid for my "tactical" HK P30L...     

Nice gun. 

Quote from: clshade on November 26, 2011, 12:09:34 AM

I'm no better: should be picking up my Springfield XD 45 Tactical next week... 

Is it 5.25"?  Let me know how you like it.  I was actually torn between the P30L and XDM 9mm 5.25.  Next one is an XD for me!

Sadly, no. It was between the XD Tac 5" and the XDM 5.25. Both are nice guns but I settled on the XD pretty much only because of lower costs and the lack of aftermarket toys for the 5.25. And that it's the XD that has the few years of good reputation. While the XDM will probably follow suit improvements to a weapon don't necessarily make it better. It was a hard decision - and ultimately it was decided by my wallet. 

It was a decision made in the dark, though. Closest I've gotten to handling either of these guns was a used XD 5" .40 which is not the same dimensions as the .45. It'd be really nice to be able to rent a gun and walk through a door to the range and try it out before you buy it. (sigh)

But really, it was the word "tactical" that finally sold me on the XD 5". I mean its Tactical! It's got to be better, right? 

I mean its Tactical! It's got to be better, right? 

Nope, just more expensive!

I just picked up a XD9 4" barrel. Sweet gun. Also got a 45 as well. You can try it if you want.

Thanks.  We should figure out a day when a bunch of us can go to the range and try each other's guns.  It will be informative for those of us that haven't had the experience of shooting a wide variety.