Thanks for posting the article. A senseless and brutal murder. I have written about situational awareness enough in this thread that people are probably sick of hearing about it. Unfortunately, as this article points out, it should always be first and foremost in your thinking.
Here is a view from Alex Yandy:
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, WHAT IS IT AND WHY HAVE IT
The definition of situational is a person or thing in regards to surroundings or circumstances. An example of situational is how a person reacts in different environments; called situational reactions.
The definition of awareness is the ability to directly know and perceive, to feel, or to be of events. More broadly, it is the state or quality of being conscious of something.
From my perspective it all starts with situational awareness. Situational awareness is empowering. With it you are able to maneuver your way around or through a maze of obstacles and unsafe situations. At what level are you aware of the areas where you “operate?” Do you have a keen sense of observation, or are you in your own world, oblivious to things that are not in your field of view?
Most folks are so overloaded with information nowadays they don’t want to know any more than they absolutely have to. If it doesn’t impact them directly, in the here and now, they don’t care. Problem is, with that kind of mindset they miss the indicators. If something bad happens they will probably be taken by surprise. If taken by surprise the innocent person is now likely a victim. Don’t put yourself in that position.
As a victim he or she may survive, but with situational awareness, forethought, and an action plan a different outcome could unfold. Rather than survive or perish as a victim ,find a way or make a way to reduce risk and increase the likelihood of survival on their terms.
Situational Awareness includes five points of reference:
Know the terrain (natural and man-made) where you frequent; (your operating areas)
_ now the people/tribes who routinely occupy/transit your Area of Operations
Know the kinds of activities that routinely occur in your Area of Operations.
Generally know the international, national, regional, and local situations.
_ Acknowledge significant events, when they occur and reflect on how they may impact your safety and security._
You might be a gorilla on the battlefield but how about at home? There are a lot of people ready to take what you have. What you learn on the battlefield has to be translatable to your family at home. Teach them to be as aware as you are.
I know the people who come in and out of our neighborhood. Our housing community is aware when odd people begin to look inside private homes and car windows. We are aware when there are break-ins, and the kinds of vehicles that have been frequenting our neighborhood. We know if drugs are being sold near the playground in front of our home, and who is selling it. When there is a crime, the community involves law enforcement and they take it seriously to reduce crime, and so should you.
Don’t wait until the last-minute to become informed. At some level you should be immersed in what is occurring around you. You might be aware, but is your family? You may carry a gun and know how to handle it but does your child? Does your family stay connected with other families in order to get up to date information if there is a riot, tornado, looting, or some crisis that requires you to stay clear? You might be able to handle yourself in most situations, but make time to get your spouse, friends or kids on board too. Get them involved in understanding situational awareness before a crisis occurs.
If you have a sense of what you are walking into, you may have a better chance of handling the situation. Do you walk into a bar, oblivious to the fact that two people seated there are seeing if you are an easy target? Do you read from a tourist map, while wearing a brightly colored American Flag t-shirt, in a foreign city and draw attention to yourself?
Be aware. I still recall how two guys tried to corner me in an alley and were going to rob me. Thankfully I was able to notice an exit point, feign the direction I was going, and beat feet out of there. Who knows what could have happened?
The choice is yours. Carrying a weapon may help you some, but being aware to what is around you will help a lot more.