[blind_shake]

I am an engineer and had to meet some clients at a site that I have been to many times. We've had many incidences of theft and vandelism at this site. It's off of a back road in a culdesac and people dump trash all the time there. When I showed up only 1 car was there and the man was talking on the phone and didn't even hear me pull in. I pulled my vehicle around so that when/if SHTF I didn't have to make a 3 point turn around to get out of dodge. Funny thing is when the rest of the group pulled in they parked facing away from the road and bumper to bumper. I had a feeling this would happen so I pulled all the way forward to be the first one out. The building we were in had a punch code lock and heavy door. In my head I was going over the exit strategy and back up plan while everyone else was chatting away. I can't carry on the property so I was thinking of everything I could do to get to my truck or secure us in the building. I felt like I was the only one with this concern. Since being on this forum I have been exposed to the realization that bad things do happen. Do you guys feel the same way about the people around you in public? How far do you go in acquiring SA? I'm sure I came off as being paranoid [maybe] though I tried to be as subtle as possible in my observations. I definitly didn't like not having my sidearm...

 

[budder]

Why couldn't you carry? Metal detectors?

Ever since I was little, I would always check a room for exits. I don't know if it was because I liked to read a lot of spy books, or if my parents dropped me on my head a few times too many, but that's always been second nature to me. In general, I like to be aware of my surroundings and keep a plan in the back of my mind.

 

[Rammstein]

I do it all somewhat subconsciously now.

It was funny...one night my parents, aunt and grandmother went out to a restaurant. My dad and I were talking about something and somehow the topic of situational awareness came up. I told him that I kept track of little details in my head when we entered the place. He asked me what I meant and I told him stuff like what the easiest way out would be, the best defensible position in the place, stuff like that. When I told him that I chose this seat specifically he asked why and I told him because I could see the door and a majority of the room. He seemed surprised that I was planning that much ahead (he is big into planning ahead for stuff).

Then on the ride back I told him about locking the doors so that no one can just open your door; and leaving enough space between you and the car in front if you have to drive off.

It's not paranoia, it's called having a plan.

 

[blind_shake]

It was at a cell site and is FCC property. Plus there is an industry policy on weapons, guess what it is.... bingo NO WEAPONS! :roll:

 

[budder]

That sucks

 

[ptsmith24]

I was doing the same thing in class this week. Since it's the only place I MUST go without carrying (don't really have a choice, obviously), I feel it's more appropriate. I sit near the door in one of my classes, which I guess can be a bad thing since it was the only entrance. The classroom is on the first floor and there are huge windows in the back (all the way down to the floor) that should be able to act as exits if need be. This is the first semester I've actually thought about stuff like that.

 

[Thorsen]

Funny, I have pretty much always thought about avenues of escape and defensive posture for most of my life. I simply can not sit with my back to a door in a restaurant or other public venue. I just can't do it and be comfortable.

 

[ThetaReactor]

I, too, have the gunfighter's syndrome. I've always preferred sitting with my back to the wall, so that I can see everything. Then again, I'm a chronic people-watcher.

 

[cdtracing]

I go back to my training, not only am I looking at exits, assesing posible threats, but I am always looking for weapons of oportunity. Most people would be supprised how normal everyday items can be used as a weapon.

Chris

 

[ThetaReactor]

I go back to my training, not only am I looking at exits, assesing posible threats, but I am always looking for weapons of oportunity. Most people would be supprised how normal everyday items can be used as a weapon.

Chris

Good point. I see a lot of CCers that become fixated on their guns. One of the members here posted an account of a robbery, wherein he had a gun pointed at his head [presumably at very close range, as that's how the average thug tends to operate]. You see plenty of comments like, "Can I draw and shoot before he pulls the trigger?" My first thought was "How can I get out of the line of fire and control this guy's weapon whilst keeping an eye on his buddy?" I feel that every gun carrier should have some basic hand-to-hand training, because you often have to stop an immediate attack before you can retaliate.

 

[pyromaster]

Then on the ride back I told him about locking the doors so that no one can just open your door; and leaving enough space between you and the car in front if you have to drive off.

That's one of the things I'm bad about. I realized I almost never lock my car door. I know better too. I'll have to work on that.

 

[jgullock]

I do it all somewhat subconsciously now.

 

[ptsmith24]

Then on the ride back I told him about locking the doors so that no one can just open your door; and leaving enough space between you and the car in front if you have to drive off.

That's one of the things I'm bad about. I realized I almost never lock my car door. I know better too. I'll have to work on that.

I definitely don't worry about it on the interstate... Hell, even around here I drive with the windows down, so it doesn't make too much of a difference. Most of the time I'm going to campus so I'm essentially defenseless anyway. It's not a good feeling.

 

[VolGrad]

...that picture of Bourne....funny, that is how I picture Ramm too. As a new member of the club, I have only met a couple of you. One of those turned out to be my old neighbor from across the street - hey Woody - what a small world. I like to picture what you would look like from your screen name, your posts, etc. LOL.

As far as SA....I have had no training, but also instinctively find myself doing the same things - placing myself where I can see the entire room (including as many entrances/exits as possible), looking for defensive positions, looking for potential threat, looking for weapons of opportunity (which could be used by me or by potential threats), etc. Many people say, "I never sit with my back to the door." I have heard that so many times in my life but rarely hear anyone lay it out like Ramm did. In most cases it is just the macho thing to say. The person has no plan. I guess sitting that way would just give them a better view down the barrel of a B/Gs gun, etc.

Ramm's post shows he is clearly thinking pro-actively (like the guy that had the incident in Arby's the other day). I quiz my wife all the time on this kind of stuff. I figure through repetition she will get better at assessing situations on her own. When I identify a potential threat I will often ask her to do a quick scan and see if she sees the same thing. I also ask her if the SHTF right now what would you do? I really feel this is important now, as we also have the safety of a 3 yr old daughter to think of. I would encourage you all to do the same thing with your SIGnificant others. Combine this with the "code words" like the guy in the rest stop uses with his wife, and this will definately help increase your safety level.

 

[blind_shake]

I do it all somewhat subconsciously now.

I can't find picture but I like the restaurant scene, this is good SA right here...

Marie: I see the exit sign, too, I'm not worried. I mean, you were shot. People do all kinds of weird and amazing stuff when they are scared.
Jason Bourne: I can tell you the license plate numbers of all six cars outside. I can tell you that our waitress is left-handed and the guy sitting up at the counter weighs two hundred fifteen pounds and knows how to handle himself. I know the best place to look for a gun is the cab of the gray truck outside, and at this altitude, I can run flat out for a half mile before my hands start shaking. Now why would I know that? How can I know that and not know who I am?

 

[VolGrad]

Jason Bourne: I can tell you the license plate numbers of all six cars outside. I can tell you that our waitress is left-handed and the guy sitting up at the counter weighs two hundred fifteen pounds and knows how to handle himself. I know the best place to look for a gun is the cab of the gray truck outside, and at this altitude, I can run flat out for a half mile before my hands start shaking. Now why would I know that? How can I know that and not know who I am?

This is one of the best scenes ever. I notice some of these things....now if I could just recall them if needed later. Reality, probably not.

 

[tace]

What he said :ditto:

 

[Ashe]

I have always been pretty good at noticing the environmental things. Not only do I always try and sit facing the major entrances, I usually try and sit near an Emergency exit. I always sit with my pistol on the side away from the flow of traffic. I think about Cover and Concealment as well as weapons of opportunity most of the time.
I even have this tendency to notice where all the surveillance and alarms are. If I can trip a fire alarm to defuse a situation with a gunman then I will do that instead of going for a shootout.
When I am a passenger in a car I think about what I would do if someone came up to my window with a weapon.

I look at most people and try and access if they are a threat or not. I even have this concept of "Zones" where I regulate how close I get to people or allow them to get to me by what level of threat I consider them.

I keep a weapon concealed in my car away from the driver seat in case I am ever forced to ride in my own car under duress.

I've been called pretty paranoid. :foilhat:

 

[VolGrad]

I keep a weapon concealed in my car away from the driver seat in case I am ever forced to ride in my own car under duress.

Great idea. I have NEVER thought of that. I have thought about how to use my cell phone without being noticed. Dialing or texting without making it obvious. Another reason to turn off the BEEP when you push buttons on your phone.

 

[cdtracing]

I have always been pretty good at noticing the environmental things. Not only do I always try and sit facing the major entrances, I usually try and sit near an Emergency exit. I always sit with my pistol on the side away from the flow of traffic. I think about Cover and Concealment as well as weapons of opportunity most of the time.
I even have this tendency to notice where all the surveillance and alarms are. If I can trip a fire alarm to defuse a situation with a gunman then I will do that instead of going for a shootout.
When I am a passenger in a car I think about what I would do if someone came up to my window with a weapon.

I look at most people and try and access if they are a threat or not. I even have this concept of "Zones" where I regulate how close I get to people or allow them to get to me by what level of threat I consider them.

I keep a weapon concealed in my car away from the driver seat in case I am ever forced to ride in my own car under duress.

I've been called pretty paranoid. :foilhat:

We are not paranoid, just prepared. I've always liked that line. Glad to hear I'm not the only one who looks for alarms and cameras when I'm out and about.

Chris