Threats are everywhere. Whether they’re intentional or accidental, we’re never truly “safe.”
And before you think this is a bit too negative, understand there are varying degrees of threat, depending on the situation.
Situational awareness and a combat mindset are tools to gauge and respond to varying threat levels.
Some think of the term “combat mindset” and think that you’re ready to fight, or even looking for a fight at all times.
Not the case.
As with varying levels of threat, there are varying levels of awareness/preparedness.
As situations change, someone who’s aware is able to adapt with the level of tactical and combative thinking.
Here is a brief description of what is sometimes called the “Color Code of Awareness.”
This is extremely helpful for you to assess your surroundings accurately – and detect any kind of threat well before anything happens.
Condition White
Most are here, but no one should be. This is almost a complete unawareness of the situation and a feeling of no threats whatsoever.
Again, no one should live here. That said, most of the people of the world are here.
Aside from looking both ways before crossing the street — they’re clueless.
Always scrolling their phone, trudging to get a coffee, distracted by thought and paying no special attention to anything. If you’re doing this, you’re vulnerable.
It’s actually dangerous to be like this when you’re in public.
Condition Yellow
Consider this “default” mode for any who hope to be situationally aware.
You understand that this is the real world. And at any moment, you may need to be ready to escape or even fight.
But it’s not an overly aggressive combat mindset, either.
Here’s a scenario.
You’re walking down the street. Traffic is low, people are gathered around a small shop, others are headed to work, by car and foot.
It’s cold, everyone is in coats.
The two cars began moving when the light turned green.
You’re passed by a man in a suit and overcoat with a piping hot latte.
There is nothing to deem a serious or immediate threat.
But did you hear those details?
The reason you know there is no threat, is because you’ve laid eyes on everything in your view.
If a new player emerges on the field of view, and they look dangerous, you’ll know.
And when that happens, you’ll instinctively bump up the condition level.
Condition Orange
You’re walking down the same street, a new person emerges. He’s not like the others.
Not distracted, but looking around and it seems like he’s trying not to draw attention.
His dress is also different, not wearing a coat. And it looks like he’s begun to follow you.
This event is not cause for confrontation, but it does require focus and some action.
The rest of the situation on the road is normal.
But this new guy requires scrutiny.
- Maybe he forgot something out in his car.
- Perhaps it’s just a guy trying to sneak out of work early and not get caught.
- But it could be something worse.
A rough definition of condition orange would be sizing up a recognized potential threat in a given situation.
From here, you must begin to act in a way that quickly determines the threat’s intentions.
Think about what you will do, if the person acts a certain way.
One way, in the example, would be to quickly change directions. Cross the street, head directly to the group outside the small shop.
If he continues onward, you either avoided a threat or it was nothing. If you’re pursued, it’s time to take the action you planned.
Condition Red
When you understand that this person could be a threat (orange), you already need the plan to be there. Think “if he does XYZ, I’ll do ABC.”
For instance, if the person pursues you, matching your direction and speed, you’re in the red zone. It’s time to act.
Right before you take off for the small crowd, you think, “Ok, if he continues to follow me, I’ll pick up speed.
And if he continues, I’ll get as close to the group as possible, turn and yell, ‘What do you want?!’”
Doing this will cause the people to look while catching the potential assailant off guard.
If it was innocent, like you dropped your wallet and he was trying to give it to you, you’re embarrassed but alive. Apologize and move on.
Knowing the different levels of awareness goes a long way toward keeping an eye on your surroundings.
Over time, you’ll find yourself moving through the condition levels naturally, which will keep you safer from the threats that are always there.