(1808 posts)
Feb 14, 2010 2:17 pm
Tactical Awareness #3 - Operational Status
Just like the US currently uses a color-coded system for terrorist threats, I use a 3 color system like a stop light to describe my mindset. Being aware means being prepared. Each step up the color chart means an increase in data being processed, additional scrutiny of people, evaluations of conditions, increased scanning rate looking for things, and such. Condition Green
Perfectly relaxed. No worries. Being at the dojo surrounded by people I know is like this. Being at home where I've taken steps to secure my home is like this as well.
Condition Yellow
Heightened alertness. Entrance into public places, restaurants, etc. Not excessively crowded, not a dangerous place per se. I often employ this mode at night when vision is limited, slow traffic or stopped at an intersection.
Condition Red
Extremely heightened awareness. Danger is a very real possibility. Crowded areas. Examples include the mall during the silly season, visits to telephone offices is low-income areas where lots of gang graffiti is present.