Mozambique / Failure Drill
A three-round paper-target sequence: two hits in the larger body area, then one in the smaller upper area.
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Full video transcript 0:49
- 0:00
Today we're taking a look at the Mozambique Drill.
- 0:02
Two to the body, then one to the head.
- 0:08
On the timer, look at your first shot, the split between the body shots, and how long the head shot took.
- 0:13
Here's the backstory, and how the drill got its name. During Mozambique's war for independence, Mike Rousseau came around a corner at the capital's airport and nearly ran into a guerrilla with an AK-47.
- 0:24
He put two rounds in the man's chest. The man kept coming. So Rousseau went for the head.
- 0:28
Jeff Cooper built it into his training. That's why it's also called the Failure Drill.
- 0:32
I like this one because it makes you slow down for the head shot. Let your front sight settle before you press.
- 0:38
If you've got a gunsmith you trust, search for them on USA Arms. If they're not there, send us the details.
- Illustrated rounds
- 3
- Pattern
- Two, then one
- Illustrated distance
- 7 yards
- Target
- One paper target
The two-plus-one pattern
The video shows two hits in the larger scoring area, followed by one in the smaller upper area of the same paper target. [1]
Our illustration uses seven yards. That is the video’s layout, not a universal distance requirement attached to the historical name. [1]
| Part shown | New hits | Accumulated hits |
|---|---|---|
| Larger area | 2 | 2 |
| Smaller upper area | 1 | 3 |
Change of scoring area
The final shot has a smaller scoring area than the opening pair. A record of the sequence distinguishes that upper-area hit from the two body-area hits. [1]
Jim Wilson’s historical account describes reassessment as the rationale associated with the exercise. This reference covers the paper-target format, not a response to a person. [1]
The Mozambique name
Jim Wilson’s 2015 American Rifleman article recounts Mike Rousseau’s experience during the Mozambican war and connects it with the name. Wilson says Jeff Cooper incorporated the account into Gunsite instruction. [1]
The Failure Drill name
Wilson also discusses the later name “Failure Drill.” “Mozambique” retains the place-name connection in the origin account. [1]
The names alone do not specify a single distance, time limit or scoring rule. Those conditions depend on the particular published range course. [1]
Sources and further reading
- Jim Wilson — The Failure Drillamericanrifleman.org
Sources reviewed September 29, 2026. Next review by March 29, 2027. Send a correction with a supporting source.