Situational Awareness - Protective Strategies for Safe Family Travel
“AWARENESS IS THE CURRENCY WE USE TO BUY TIME TO ACT”
Introduction to Protective Strategies
In the previous sections, we explored the skills of situational awareness and interpreting body language, akin to techniques employed by security professionals. This section transitions into practical applications of these strategies in various scenarios, emphasizing the importance of a warrior mindset, rolling threat assessment, and tactical positioning. Here, we'll cover habits for advanced planning, understanding and navigating transitional spaces, scanning your environment, and identifying dead space and choke points. By providing actionable steps for these scenarios, you can significantly bolster your family's security and safety, ensuring you are always prepared and aware in any situation.
Some of the strategies may feel excessive for your everyday routine, especially in your hometown where you're familiar with the environment. In places you know well, anomalies tend to stand out quickly. However, when you're traveling to an unfamiliar city, these techniques can be essential for staying aware of your surroundings. My goal is to equip you with a range of options that can be applied in different scenarios, whether at home or away.
Developing a Warrior Mindset
Adopting a proactive approach, you will learn to anticipate potential threats, strategically position yourself in various settings, and establish a protective perimeter around your loved ones, all while maintaining a discreet yet effective presence. Integral to this mindset is a never-quit attitude and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Whether you're at home, in public, or traveling, this mindset empowers you with the tools for proactive security management.
It’s important to understand that this approach isn’t about being paranoid or hyper-vigilant, it’s about staying present and in tune with your environment. It means cultivating a relaxed state of alertness where you’re able to pick up on things that don’t seem right. When something catches your attention, take a moment to play out the scenario in your mind: What would I do if that person approached me? Where are my exits? How would I move my family to safety? What is my safest option NOW? This kind of mental rehearsal allows you to make decisions faster under stress because you’ve already considered the options.
