Each of us was either an engineer, researcher, or scientist. Therefore, none of us had the prowess, know-how, or inclination for physical combat. Much less to debilitate an armed assailant.

So, they taught us methods on how to isolate a perceived threat from ever making contact with us.

So, they taught us methods on how to isolate a perceived threat before it made contact with us.

So, they taught us methods on how to isolate a perceived threat before it could make contact with us.