Awareness

[Old TexMex]

I'm in Mexico at the moment, and every time I'm in a different environment, applying what my training teaches- (situational awareness- it's called in a lot of circles) gets a real warmup. Do you really LOOK at each table in the restaurant, at every car in the service station, and do you let preconceived notions allow you to discount, or, focus too closely, look too long at an idividual or group.
Are you aware, and have you practiced it enough so that it isn't paranoia that spoils your enjoyment of the moment.
I say this because having adopted behavior patterns of paying attention, I am much more at ease, and have, as it turns out, avoided, almost unconciously, a dangerous situation.
It's practice, and as self defense, it's every bit as important as marksmanship.
Stay sharp, stay loose.

 

[Old cop]

Situational awareness comes second nature and I can relax while being aware of what's going on around me. Sometimes, like when I have my three small grandchildren with me, I may not be as aware as other times b/c I'm concerned w/their safety (like herding cats), but this is as important as marksmenship.

Keep your eyes and ears open and always go with your gut.

 

[gunnut44]

Never felt so helpless to protect my family this summer when vacationing in mexico, I didn't even have a pocket knife! Luckily nothing happened and I am back at home safe and armed. Yes I watch my back wherever I go.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I was in the theater men's room after a movie 2 weeks ago. The layout was such that to exit there is a choke point by the sinks. I had gone to the furthest urnal from the door and while exiting every stall door was open and empty, so I know nobody is behind me. A man standing about 6' back from the sinks, in the middle of the choke point, moves left and right to block my exit while combing his hair in the mirror. After he blocked my path 3 times, I backed off about 4 or 5 paces. I put my hand in my pocket and grabbed my model 49 but didn't draw. He left in about 10 seconds, I waited about 60 seconds and slowly exited, no sign of him. When my wife showed up in a few minutes, I made her stay back while slowly exited the building and checked behind the door, no sign of him. I don't know what was up, but if I wasn't paying attention in the rest room I think a bad thing would have happened to me!

 

[DR505]

I was in the theater men's room after a movie 2 weeks ago. The layout was such that to exit there is a choke point by the sinks. I had gone to the furthest urnal from the door and while exiting every stall door was open and empty, so I know nobody is behind me. A man standing about 6' back from the sinks, in the middle of the choke point, moves left and right to block my exit while combing his hair in the mirror. After he blocked my path 3 times, I backed off about 4 or 5 paces. I put my hand in my pocket and grabbed my model 49 but didn't draw. He left in about 10 seconds, I waited about 60 seconds and slowly exited, no sign of him. When my wife showed up in a few minutes, I made her stay back while slowly exited the building and checked behind the door, no sign of him. I don't know what was up, but if I wasn't paying attention in the rest room I think a bad thing would have happened to me!

I admire your restraint.

 

[kaaskop49]

A very interesting post. So it's called situational awareness. I subscribe to it. However, I've been called over-cautious, even scared because I believe a TON of prevention is worth a OUNCE of cure. I remember a movie-theater men's room in Times Square, NYC back in the 70s. My partner and I took turns at the urinal so we could watch each other's back. We also learned not to ride in the last car of a subway train, not to lean over the platform edge, to stand at an angle when confronting an indvidual so a possible kick would not reach our groin.. The list goes on and on. It's gotten longer as I've aged and have come across new situations in new places. It's not just about caliber or ballistics. Would love to hear other 'lists.' Stay safe, people.

 

[Steely Dan]

I've told my wife and two girls "keep your head on a swivel, be aware of your surroundings......always"

You CANNOT be too careful.

 

[mudman bob]

Great topic.
Situational awareness is what may keep you safe in many facets of life. The hairs on your neck stick up, or you get that gut feeling. Pay heed to your instincts and always be alert. That 30 foot radius, or whatever your comfort zone is, should always include the possible what if's. Grab a copy of Sharpening the Warriors Edge, or Living the Martial Way. Good stuff

 

[DAB]

being 6-5 and not looking rich also helps.

 

[kaaskop49]

Re Ivan the Butcher's post: This is what the anti-gunners steadfastly and INTENTIONALLY refuse to acknowledge. This incident will (fortunately) never make a police blotter, but without the 2" revolver in his pocket, Ivan might not be able to write about it.
Sadly, Ivan's type of incident happens countless times daily. Happily, the presence of a pocket gun can fortify us to help us get through the situation even without producing it.

 

[Mule Packer]

Old TexMex makes a good point about applying training and keeping it sharp.

That's one of the sad things about our society. We become too comfortable...too complacent and falsely secure in our environment that we quit paying attention to potential "red flags." We think we're safe.

Situational awareness is something that we are all born with, but we lose it as we grow older. Don't believe me? Just watch little kids when they are put in new surroundings...they notice all the sounds, smells, sights, etc. If something changes, they pick up on it.

We lose that, or perhaps more correctly, ignore it as we grow more "comfortable" with our surroundings.

Most of us feel that the majority of people can be trusted and are "good just like us." Just ask the girls that crawled into the car with Ted Bundy.

I'm as guilty as everyone else. In our little community, I feel fairly comfortable and safe. Do I still carry? You bet your life I do! Do I still assess the situation as I go into a restaurant with my wife, go to the store with my grandkids, or walk across a parking lot late at night? I sure try to.

Thanks, Old TexMex, for the post. I'm going to try to improve on what I know I should be doing.

 

[Old TexMex]

being 6-5 and not looking rich also helps.

One of those is impossible for me, and the other one is unavoidable! (I'm 5'9)

 

[The Big D]

What?!?!

So you are considering use of deadly force against someone in your way exiting the men's room? Wow.

Be safe.

I was in the theater men's room after a movie 2 weeks ago. The layout was such that to exit there is a choke point by the sinks. I had gone to the furthest urnal from the door and while exiting every stall door was open and empty, so I know nobody is behind me. A man standing about 6' back from the sinks, in the middle of the choke point, moves left and right to block my exit while combing his hair in the mirror. After he blocked my path 3 times, I backed off about 4 or 5 paces. I put my hand in my pocket and grabbed my model 49 but didn't draw. He left in about 10 seconds, I waited about 60 seconds and slowly exited, no sign of him. When my wife showed up in a few minutes, I made her stay back while slowly exited the building and checked behind the door, no sign of him. I don't know what was up, but if I wasn't paying attention in the rest room I think a bad thing would have happened to me!

 

[Roadtrash]

People watching is something that I have done since I was a small child. It's amazing how many bad situations you can avoid by being alert and just watching people. I don't do it consciously it's just something I do.

 

[sw1834]

My Awareness

My situational awareness is keen enough to never even GO to Mexico. My story is about las Vegas. Years ago I was downtown on Freemont St. with friends and had enough and was on my way to the bus stop to get back to the strip.
The bus stop was a block or two from the the safety of the covered street and the crowds of people. As i walked past a dark store-front I noticed two men hunkered down in an alcove. I kept watching them as i walked and after i past them I saw one of them approaching me from behind in a reflection of the store windows. I stopped and spun around and took a fighting stance. The man stopped and said "what the f**k were you looking at?" I carefully took 2 steps back while slowly unzipping my coat with my right hand while keeping my left arm up in a defensive manner. I replied - Just going to the bus. He turned and walked away.
I'm fairly positive i would have been jumped if i had not had the awareness to turn and face that man. On a side note I was not armed that night, but I gave the impression that I was. That impression might have saved me alot of trouble.

 

[TexasArmed]

So you are considering use of deadly force against someone in your way exiting the men's room? Wow.

Be safe.

What is a person supposed to do? Beg to be allowed to leave. If I feel threatened my hand is on my pocket holstered S&W 38 Spl. I will not allow a persion to attack, disarm me, shoot me with my own gun, in a physical attack whether the attacker is armed or unarmed. I am old and disalbed. I won't shoot someone from blocking the exit unless he is determined to stop me from leaving. No I iwll not allow him to rob me or take my billfold. Thats my opinion.

This is another reason I prefer carrying a 2nd revolver, one the 38 in my pocket. I can prepare to use it without alerting anyone, by preparing to draw it. It is quite useful if approached in a parking lot.

 

[Old TexMex]

What is a person supposed to do? Beg to be allowed to leave. If I feel threatened my hand is on my pocket holstered S&W 38 Spl. I will not allow a persion to attack, disarm me, shoot me with my own gun, in a physical attack whether the attacker is armed or unarmed. I am old and disalbed. I won't shoot someone from blocking the exit unless he is determined to stop me from leaving. No I iwll not allow him to rob me or take my billfold. Thats my opinion.

This is another reason I prefer carrying a 2nd revolver, one the 38 in my pocket. I can prepare to use it without alerting anyone, by preparing to draw it. It is quite useful if approached in a parking lot.

That scenario is the perfect leadup to a mugging. Close quarters, one exit, and isolation. Going through kidnap drills, restrooms at crowded venues are more common than I ever imagined. That and convenience store stops where there is a lot of traffic.

I just went to look at a restroom where there have been numerous gringo robberies(restroom tour-sounds fun, right?) the window in the stall is 8' above the floor, but only 3' off the ground outside.
Victim walks in, one bandit follows the mark and stands right outside the stall door, the unlocked window slides open, a hand and pistol points down on the innocent tourist, who is ordered to drop wallet, passport etc. which is taken by the guy outside the door, who then leaves as his accomplice in the window keeps the victim there till both bandits are outside, then they hop in a car(parked next to the window) and off they go. Nobody saw anyone, ever. This will mess up a holiday more than timeshare salesmen.

 

[photoman]

I was in the theater men's room after a movie 2 weeks ago. The layout was such that to exit there is a choke point by the sinks. I had gone to the furthest urnal from the door and while exiting every stall door was open and empty, so I know nobody is behind me. A man standing about 6' back from the sinks, in the middle of the choke point, moves left and right to block my exit while combing his hair in the mirror. After he blocked my path 3 times, I backed off about 4 or 5 paces. I put my hand in my pocket and grabbed my model 49 but didn't draw. He left in about 10 seconds, I waited about 60 seconds and slowly exited, no sign of him. When my wife showed up in a few minutes, I made her stay back while slowly exited the building and checked behind the door, no sign of him. I don't know what was up, but if I wasn't paying attention in the rest room I think a bad thing would have happened to me!

When they see you go hand-to-pocket they know exactly what that means.

I had a case where, at the gas station a typical "interview" at the pumps, a guy came up asking for directions. The minute my hand went into the pocket, he "suddenly" knew exactly where he was and didn't need directions after all.

 

[kaaskop49]

TexasArmed: you said it better than I ever could.

 

[jfd]

Texas Armed....in reply to poster questioning your intention, like you my hand goes into position when situational awareness dictates. I wouldn't pretend to know what somebody like you encountered might be up to but wouldn't take a chance that my personal safety or perhaps even my life wasn't at risk. Nothing wrong in my book with an ounce of prevention.

My wife also laughs at me for never sitting with my back to the door in a public place but she knows exactly why I do it.