SITUATIONAL AWARENESS 101

[DustMusher]

Bump as this thread needs read/reread by members. I caught myself walking through WalMart with my HUA and saw some unsavory types and realized I was back living in a fog of perpetual Condition White.

Time to wake up and go to at least Condition orange and reinitiate continual OODA Loop assessment. Somehow I think others may have slipped, too.

DM

[MaureenO]

Bump as this thread needs read/reread by members. I caught myself walking through WalMart with my HUA and saw some unsavory types and realized I was back living in a fog of perpetual Condition White.

Time to wake up and go to at least Condition orange and reinitiate continual OODA Loop assessment. Somehow I think others may have slipped, too.

DM

Thank you, DM, for the bump. You're so correct in saying that lots of folks have let their skills take a back burner position.

With each passing day (or hour) our skills are demanded of us to an increasing level. We NEED to be as prepared as we can be without being terrified.
Our own lives and the lives of others depend on it.

It's redundant for me to say that TSH *HAS* HTF. Since most of us have not been witness or victim to jihadi acts in the CONUS, many people think that agents and Intel analysts have been "blowing smoke." Absolutely NOT.


There ARE confidentiality demands that, if breached, could lead to a life that ends at the muzzles of a firing squad or Leavenworth. That's only at the BEST of outcomes. OPSEC is front and center for a few of those in .gov service and this issue is taken quite seriously.

Mo

[Deena in GA]

We talk about situational awareness a lot on here, but it was driven home last night.

Last night our daughter came to St Francis Hospital where we were to see our newest granddaughter. After she parked (not in the parking garage) she turned away from the door to unfasten her daughter and get some things. Turning back, she caught a glimpse of the top of a man's head in her peripheral vision. It was a man crouched just behind her door. If she had opened it, he would have grabbed her, is the way it seems. She took him by surprise by cracking her window and asking if he needed something. After pretending to be winded and making up some excuse, he took off. She waited until he was totally gone before getting out and going into the hospital to report it.

[bethshaya]

We talk about situational awareness a lot on here, but it was driven home last night.

Last night our daughter came to St Francis Hospital where we were to see our newest granddaughter. After she parked (not in the parking garage) she turned away from the door to unfasten her daughter and get some things. Turning back, she caught a glimpse of the top of a man's head in her peripheral vision. It was a man crouched just behind her door. If she had opened it, he would have grabbed her, is the way it seems. She took him by surprise by cracking her window and asking if he needed something. After pretending to be winded and making up some excuse, he took off. She waited until he was totally gone before getting out and going into the hospital to report it.

I would have hit my car alarm on my keys and been dialing 911. Thank God he ran from your daughter. I hope they caught the guy.

[MaureenO]

Due to recent issues, this thread is worth a bump.

[Norma]

Lots going on that we need to be aware of.


Thanks everyone.

Norma

[MaureenO]

Prep and re-prep, go through your exit or shelter plans with your family. I have no specific locations, but homicide bombers are balls out over here.

God bless us.

Maureen

[Now-Later]

two lady friends went to the city to shop and got mugged and the Purses stole blast week

[Rpeck]

A lot of good advice in this string

[L.A.B.]

Prep and re-prep, go through your exit or shelter plans with your family. I have no specific locations, but homicide bombers are balls out over here.

God bless us.

Maureen

(((((((Maureen)))))))

Thanks for the directional focus factor. Whether common sense or ((( ping ))), something tells me the lone-wolf or team effort will escalate past the 7" hunting knife phase. In order to really set the hooks in us, vested interest and eye E DD's really have to figure into the next quarter. In all likelihood these individuals in the next phase will be off-continent types in their training, the type that can miss a second glance. They won't be your rough around the edges low-brow types unless vested efforts require that ilk.

[MaureenO]

(((((((Maureen)))))))

Thanks for the directional focus factor. Whether common sense or ((( ping ))), something tells me the lone-wolf or team effort will escalate past the 7" hunting knife phase. In order to really set the hooks in us, vested interest and eye E DD's really have to figure into the next quarter. In all likelihood these individuals in the next phase will be off-continent types in their training, the type that can miss a second glance. They won't be your rough around the edges low-brow types unless vested efforts require that ilk.

(((MAC))), Ayup. As a clue, I recently cut my hair for easy maintenance. We're looking at "pings, radar" and other more conventional sources.

(((MAC)))

[Garryowen]

Thanks for the heads up, MO.

[L.A.B.]

(((MAC))), Ayup. As a clue, I recently cut my hair for easy maintenance. We're looking at "pings, radar" and other more conventional sources.

(((MAC)))

Got it (((MAC)))

That commodity, or those prophylactics will be like gold in this area.

[Sam I Am]

Loving this thread!

Teaching my kids to stay aware of their surroundings.

[Mr. Peabody]

Google "cooper's colors of situational awareness" Col Jeff Cooper's color code mentality is a must for everyone

[Mr. Inspector]

Have been in condition "orange" anytime I go outside, condition "yellow"when inside. Don't trust corporate hired security officers. They rather flirt with any skirt that gets near them, or text on their phone. They are in a perpetual condition "white".

[MaureenO]

UPDATE 0442015

I received confirmation this afternoon that, at this point, our most vital concern is to scrub up on SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.

Tomorrow I'll check on the status of public release of this information.

Briefing was made available today (possibly also yesterday) by law enforcement and one agent that there will be insufficient coverage available to mitigate/respond to all potential "incidents" and we must advise the general population that SITUATIONAL AWARENESS and report questionable activities/persons/circs immediately. Don't worry about sounding like "chicken little." Just drop the dime.

Keep your eyes open and maintain a swivel head. Remember that panic is NOT your friend and Barney Fife was a fairy tale, jihad joe is not.

MaureenO

[Tennessee gal]

UPDATE 0442015

I received confirmation this afternoon that, at this point, our most vital concern is to scrub up on SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.

Tomorrow I'll check on the status of public release of this information.

Briefing was made available today (possibly also yesterday) by law enforcement and one agent that there will be insufficient coverage available to mitigate/respond to all potential "incidents" and we must advise the general population that SITUATIONAL AWARENESS and report questionable activities/persons/circs immediately. Don't worry about sounding like "chicken little." Just drop the dime.

Keep your eyes open and maintain a swivel head. Remember that panic is NOT your friend and Barney Fife was a fairy tale, jihad joe is not.

MaureenO

Thanks Maureen! As I like to say from the Wizard of Oz to my family, " Just remember we are not in Kansas any more."

[Be Well]

Many thanks to you, dear Maureen. Happy Easter!

[Limner]

bttt.....

[Maryh]

Thanks! It's not me that I worry about but my grown kids and grandkids. They think I'm nuts anyway so can't warn them without getting a "look." Three of them are in Cols. Oh and some are in Dayton. I worry more about Cols. than Dayton. My mil. daughter hasn't said boo about anything. I feel like DH and I are on an island by ourselves except for the people here.

[MaureenO]

No additional information was released in this briefing. The emphasis was on the "you're on your own WTSHTF. Agencies of Public Safety are instructed to advise their cities/counties, townships to adopt a high priority Situational Awareness at the "orange" level.

MaureenO

[Ben Sunday]

UPDATE 0442015

I received confirmation this afternoon that, at this point, our most vital concern is to scrub up on SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.

Tomorrow I'll check on the status of public release of this information.

Briefing was made available today (possibly also yesterday) by law enforcement and one agent that there will be insufficient coverage available to mitigate/respond to all potential "incidents" and we must advise the general population that SITUATIONAL AWARENESS and report questionable activities/persons/circs immediately. Don't worry about sounding like "chicken little." Just drop the dime.

Keep your eyes open and maintain a swivel head. Remember that panic is NOT your friend and Barney Fife was a fairy tale, jihad joe is not.

MaureenO

Powerful and potentially vital information. Not really a surprise though in view of the long time notion that we might be on our own anyway. That is a good chunk of what prepping is about. I believe most of us are fully vested in that line of thinking.

Thanks so much for all the effort you use here and I will be watching for further updates as they become available.

Please take care.

[Be Well]

No additional information was released in this briefing. The emphasis was on the "you're on your own WTSHTF. Agencies of Public Safety are instructed to advise their cities/counties, townships to adopt a high priority Situational Awareness at the "orange" level.

MaureenO

Maureen, thank you for your other comment. I have a question which OF COURSE you are fully free to not answer. But I am wondering, my DH being a vol. Fire fighter (for now vol, they will be hiring in a short while and we hope he will get hired), whether this info you received would be trickling down to local F. Departments?

Thank you whether you can reply or not!

[Caplock50]

And a prayer for all of you...should it all 'fall apart' real soon...and I don't have the chance to do it later...

May the Good Lord grant you a steady hand, a keen eye, and the wisdom to use them wisely.

Amen

[Norma]

Thanks Maureen O, This fits in with this fairly new government publication. Preparing Your Home, Family, and Business for TERRORIST ATTACKS Some Common Sense Suggestions on Getting Ready. U.S. Representative Robert Pittenger
Chairman of the Congressional Taskforce on Terrorism and Unconventional Warefare.

https://pittenger.house.gov/sites/pi...s%20Manual.pdf

Take care and God BLess!

Norma

[LeafyForest]

Thanks! It's not me that I worry about but my grown kids and grandkids. They think I'm nuts anyway so can't warn them without getting a "look." Three of them are in Cols. Oh and some are in Dayton. I worry more about Cols. than Dayton. My mil. daughter hasn't said boo about anything. I feel like DH and I are on an island by ourselves except for the people here.

Not sure if it helps, but you aren't alone. Think many of us worry about our kids and grandkids, as they don't even seem
to worry about tomorrow, everything will be all right! Know my kids think we are crazy, and don't want to hear anything
along this line or idea, but they can't stop us from praying for them!

[L.A.B.]

And a prayer for all of you...should it all 'fall apart' real soon...and I don't have the chance to do it later...

May the Good Lord grant you a steady hand, a keen eye, and the wisdom to use them wisely.

Amen

Thank you both (((((((Maureen and Cappy))))))).

Whiskeyindialimacharlieoscar

[Josie]

Well, dang!! Just read-up on this thread. That makes TWO confirmations from LEO's that I have gotten lately! Something is up. And unless we here, as a group, have eyes on a situations happening, I won't be believing it. I don't trust the media or my government to correctly report ANYTHING that might happen in a timely manner. How many months did it take for us to actually find out that WH computers were hacked by the Russians?

[Warthog]

Most excellent article on Situational Awareness! Enjoy and learn!!!
warty


Situational Awareness: A Skill You Need

Situational Awareness is one the most important skills you can learn to master that will contribute significantly to reducing thesurvival shtf likelihood you will be become a victim and give you the advantage when something bad happens. Situational Awareness is the process of making conscious observations of your surroundings and making tentative plans of action if something bad were to happen. Some might deem you paranoid, others may say you are overly concerned, however, if something bad should happen you will have a tremendous survival advantage over those that think that way.

By Dan C, a contributing author of SHTFBlog.com & Survival Cache

Plan & Practice

Planning and practice are the two keys to survival. Each compliments the other. You canHow to survive plan, but if you do not practice, you will not have the skills to meet your objective. On the other hand, if you practice, but do not plan, you will not have a coordinated smooth response. Thus each of the above mentioned, planning and practice must go hand in hand to properly implement situational awareness.

Let’s start by understanding situational awareness, how to implement it and use it to your advantage. In general, the first step in determining your future action plans is based on the immediate situation you are in. For example, are you solo or with a group of people? Being solo has lots of advantages and enable you to make decisions without having to consult or inform anyone else. So in this case, checking your surroundings and making tentative action plans are simple. However, on the other hand, if you are in a group this process can become far more complicated. One of the means to reduce the complication and confusion is to have a predetermined “code” that enables you to gain the attention of all members of your group. To best protect your family and ensure everyone is aware and ready to properly respond in the event of something bad happening, every family should have a “code word” that when announced every one directs their attention to the family leader. Once the attention of the group is acquired, the group team leader can give commands and instructions on how to proceed. This is imperative to group survival.

State of Mind

Situational awareness is a state of mind. Thus, it must be practiced constantly to become fluent in its use and implementation. I How to survivecannot emphasize how important it is to practice and use situational awareness all the time. It will most likely be that time when you have failed to use it that you become a victim or caught off guard. Jeff Cooper adapted a color-coded definition of the human awareness and response to critical situations. Understanding these states of mind and applying them to your everyday life, is vital to survival.

White: Completely unaware of your environment and surroundings. This is clearly the most dangerous condition to be in; you are the most vulnerable in this state. This condition can occur while you are driving, day dreaming, talking on your cell phone, texting, and managing your kids. Naturally, there are many more instances that could be mentioned, that reflect condition White. Again, this is the most dangerous condition to be in, the condition that bad guys like to find you in so they have the advantage. Bad guys in general know how to look for people in this state of mind. While you are distracted they are planning their attack strategy.

Yellow: Is relaxed but alert and in touch with your surroundings. You are looking around, noting where exits are, watching who is entering the door, determining the lay of the land and considering basic action plans. This can be conducted in a casual manner without anyone knowing what you are doing and not interfering with your current activity. This level of awareness will allow you to notice normal and aberrant events quickly. This is the phase when you will begin to see things you have never noticed before. This is a good thing.

Orange: Your alertness has increased significantly, something is not right, action maybe required, and more formal action planning is required. Examples include people arguing, someone acting inappropriately, someone moving into your personal space, or an actual bad event happening. This is an action level of awareness; you need to make decisions at this level. It could be leave the area and be non- confrontational. It could be gather your children or group. Seriously, consider your personal protection action. If you have practiced level Yellow well then this phase can be managed without considerable problem. However, if you have not implemented condition Yellow, you and everyone in your group will be caught off guard, confused and disoriented when an untoward event occurs. And you have significantly increased your likelihood of becoming a victim.

Red: Immediate Action is Required. This does not necessarily mean intervention is required. It could mean leaving the location, finding the fastest exit, seeking cover, activating your personal protection plan. It is also a time when, intervention may be needed such as, actively protecting yourself and family members, the use of some form of personal protection device. Delay in implementing your personal protection plan that involves protecting you, your family, or innocent individuals will result in bad outcome. This is the time when fear, reservation, confusion and lack of planning can place you in greater danger. It is imperative you be assertive at this level. If you have managed level Orange well, then this phase can be somewhat seamless. Since you know what you are going to do. I cannot state enough how practice, practice and practice will be your best friend if you should find yourself in this situation. As mentioned earlier in this paragraph, hesitation, reservation and confusion are not your friends when this type of action is required.

The final condition is controversial. It is Black. In this condition, you may be in a state of shock or confusion. What just How to survivehappened? This is the level where you must regain your conscious state of mind, organize your thoughts and settle yourself down. Because you may be completely confused after an event occurs in which you had to intervene. It is important that you take the time to regain your thoughts and what happened. That is why you should not talk to the police after a major intervention event. Naturally, you should be polite and professional and understand that you are going to be detained and maybe even arrested. But you must clearly state that you wish to speak with your attorney before talking to the police. They will understand in most cases. You must have time to get your thoughts together and clearly regain a good picture of how the events transpired.

Professionals in the firearms, personal protection and safety business cannot stress enough about how important training is when it comes to operational success. Thus, to perfect your skills you must train constantly. That means practice making methodical decisions based on good information. Practice situational awareness all the time no matter what environment you are in. Finally, learn how to use your Every Day Carry (EDC) tools effectively and quickly. Practicing these skills are key to success and a positive outcome. It is vital you do this.

Examples

Here are some examples. Train yourself to not make any decision while you angry or emotional. Learn to slow yourself down Top Survival Bloglook at the facts and then make a solid decision. Another practice scenario is more complex and engaging. When at an event observe what is going on around you and try to anticipate the actions of the people you are observing.

Next, learn to plan as you observe. As you enter the restaurant to take a minute and determine: Where are the exits…? Where can I sit so I can observe the door…..? Where is the least crowded area of the restaurant so I can have space…. can I see my car from the restaurant…. As you walk to your seat…. Observe the people eating and what they are wearing… Finally, make a quick plan…. If this happens I am going out this door… or if that should happen I am moving to that location…. Then enjoy yourself and keep a watchful eye on your surroundings.

The next step in this series is to learn how to use you tools very well. Make sure your phone has a quick button for calling 911. Practice opening a closing your knife, to the point you can do it in the dark safely. Finally, and most importantly, make sure you know how to use your personal protection tool very well. This tool may save your life, and thus you need to know how to use it and not have any reservations when the need arises for you to use it.

In summary, Situational Awareness is a mental state of alertness that enables you to be actively aware of your surroundings in the event an untoward incident should happen. In that case, the proper application of Situational Awareness will enable you to respond quickly and intelligently so you can properly address the aberrant event. Having the necessary EDC survival tools with you and the comfort and knowledge of their use will enable you to feel secure in your actions. The ability to respond quickly and affirmatively and the sense of security comes only from practice, practice and practice.

http://www.shtfblog.com/situational-...kill-you-need/

[MaureenO]

BUMP.

[Siskiyoumom]

Bump....again.

While many are currently stressed over the recent attack in Paris, on a daily basis folks can also be faced with dangers right next door to them.

Truly do appreciate this thread.

[MaureenO]

Bump....again.

While many are currently stressed over the recent attack in Paris, on a daily basis folks can also be faced with dangers right next door to them.

Truly do appreciate this thread.

I'm bumping it again, also, since the need to address this topic has intensified since we first started this thread.

Some women have become pregnant and will have different needs now; some folks have become handicapped and their needs have changed; others have developed illnesses or injuries and some have moved house and will need to reassess their surroundings.

Emergency preparedness does NOT come in a package that one size fits a Buick. Plans should be customised according to needs.

Maureen

[MaureenO]

It's time for a bump.

[joannita]

Speaking of situational awarenes...Years ago I went to a conference downstate. 1. The hotel room had a camera in it aimed at the bed! I complained. I was told it was so they could watch the cleaning ladies. I put something over it. I mentioned it to the other (all female) conference goers who were there from my organization. None of them had noticed it. None of them were in the least bit concerned. 2. I had gone to the conference by train, for the fun of it. When the conference was over, I proceeded to the station to take our evening train home. There was a bomb sniffing police dog at the train station. We were told that it was "for training purposes". As we approached the train, a middle aged man in civies was directing people either left or right. I was directed right. Left put me in the next to the last car, the last car being the dining car. Inside the car, I saw a young fit man standing directly in front of the entrance to the car on the right. His posture shouted military. I sat about halfway back. I observed that only two other women were on board. I also observed a man and a male child crouching behind the back right seat, a woman and a female child crouching behind the left back seat. Once the train got underway, first the crouching males went into the dining cars, then the woman and the female child a few minutes later. An announcement was then made that the dining car was closed. The four who had gone into the dining car never came back out. As the night wore on, I noticed that the train would stop outside each city and sit idle for quite a while; I assumed so each station could be swept by bomb sniffing dogs. I watched the other two women on board and could tell they were totally oblivious. Needless to say, I was very happy to get off the train when I reached our station the next morning.

[Tennessee gal]

Speaking of situational awarenes...Years ago I went to a conference downstate. 1. The hotel room had a camera in it aimed at the bed! I complained. I was told it was so they could watch the cleaning ladies. I put something over it. I mentioned it to the other (all female) conference goers who were there from my organization. None of them had noticed it. None of them were in the least bit concerned. 2. I had gone to the conference by train, for the fun of it. When the conference was over, I proceeded to the station to take our evening train home. There was a bomb sniffing police dog at the train station. We were told that it was "for training purposes". As we approached the train, a middle aged man in civies was directing people either left or right. I was directed right. Left put me in the next to the last car, the last car being the dining car. Inside the car, I saw a young fit man standing directly in front of the entrance to the car on the right. His posture shouted military. I sat about halfway back. I observed that only two other women were on board. I also observed a man and a male child crouching behind the back right seat, a woman and a female child crouching behind the left back seat. Once the train got underway, first the crouching males went into the dining cars, then the woman and the female child a few minutes later. An announcement was then made that the dining car was closed. The four who had gone into the dining car never came back out. As the night wore on, I noticed that the train would stop outside each city and sit idle for quite a while; I assumed so each station could be swept by bomb sniffing dogs. I watched the other two women on board and could tell they were totally oblivious. Needless to say, I was very happy to get off the train when I reached our station the next morning.

Thanks for sharing. I try not to let my guard down and if something doesn't seem right I usually follow my gut and take extra precaution.

[Garryowen]

Within the last few weeks, it was mentioned that ISIS had told its adherents that churches should be targeted, since they were "soft" targets, normally considered safe by most people. I mentioned it to the men, and suggested that those who were able should consider being prepared to respond in the unlikely event that some ISIS devotee chose to pay us a visit.
At our church, there should be at least a couple of "first responders" in the event they are needed.

The terrorists are skilled at choosing times when their victims are off guard, so it's important to notice anything or anyone that seems out of place.

[MaureenO]

Within the last few weeks, it was mentioned that ISIS had told its adherents that churches should be targeted, since they were "soft" targets, normally considered safe by most people. I mentioned it to the men, and suggested that those who were able should consider being prepared to respond in the unlikely event that some ISIS devotee chose to pay us a visit.
At our church, there should be at least a couple of "first responders" in the event they are needed.

The terrorists are skilled at choosing times when their victims are off guard, so it's important to notice anything or anyone that seems out of place.

Spot on, Garry. I also have another issue to address ~ taking foot bail.

Such as "let's hit the bticks to Aunt Mary's." Millions of others will be of similar mind. To be taken into consideration are contraflow traffic policies for starters.

Mo

[Be Well]

Hope all is well, MaureenO.

[MaureenO]

Hope all is well, MaureenO.

Well, B, I'm still on the right side of the dirt...