This month I’d like to discuss situational awareness. In simple terms, being aware of what’s going on around you. This concept is important all the time, but especially when carrying a weapon. Surprisingly enough, many folks live out their life without giving much thought as to what is taking place in the world around them. In this technological world we live in, many people fail to look up from their phones for more than an instant and before they go back to their screens. They do not know what is occurring in close proximity to them.
Colonel Jeff Cooper of Gunsite fame developed a set of color codings that go along with varying states of awareness. I’d like to share them with you and provide some food for thought as you continue (or just begin) your concealed carry journey.
CONDITION WHITE – a state of complete unawareness. Think sleeping; completely oblivious to one’s surroundings.
CONDITION YELLOW – a state of relaxed awareness. There is no threat in one’s immediate environment, but one is aware that danger is always a possibility. Tuned in.
CONDITION ORANGE – a heightened state of awareness in which one has identified a possible, potential, or existing threat in the immediate environment. In orange, you are beginning to formulate a plan to deal with said threat. ORANGE is mentally more taxing than YELLOW. Think scenarios, if/then. This is why we train, so that when we move to condition red.
CONDITION RED – the action phase and results in engaging a threat, retreating, or possibly taking cover in a position of tactical advantage. Condition RED is difficult to maintain for long periods of time. It requires complete focus on the threat at hand and is mentally exhausting.
In a nutshell, if you are carrying or employing a weapon for your personal safety and security, then you need to be thinking and living in CONDITION YELLOW. This is not a state of paranoia but rather a constant state of casual observance. Learning to live in yellow does not happen overnight. One learns how to observe the world around him or herself and recognize potential threats as they arise. Using one’s basic common sense and powers of observation will go a long way in helping to keep you safe no matter the situation. If something looks out of place, pay attention to it. The fluctuation from yellow to orange and back to yellow is simply the process of recognizing, evaluating, and dealing with the possibility of a potential or existing threat.
If this concept interests you, I encourage you to delve further into the color codes. A recommended piece of literature I would offer is the short book (75 pages) by Colonel Jeff Cooper entitled Principles of Personal Defense. While incredibly short, it is powerful and insightful for those practicing concealed carry or home defense with a firearm. Good luck and good reading!
I’d like to close this month with a huge “thank you” to all those who attended my author talk at Flenniken Public Library, October 7. I released my first book, Friendship Afield, A Collection of Short Stories and Snapshots. I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from friends, family, colleagues, and the community at large. Fifty people attended the night’s festivities. Background on the book and the writing process were discussed followed by a cookie and coffee social. Thanks to Flenniken Library for hosting a very special night. Copies are $20 and are available by contacting me at my email below. I hope you enjoy the read!