Some years ago, my wife and I attended a house party with some friends. About an hour after the party started, five men unknown to anyone there entered the house. They radiated hostility ("death stares"). My wife said, "We have to leave now," and we did, because the hostility seemed directed at us. After we left, the strangers stayed awhile, then exited without starting trouble. Our friends accused us of over-reacting; we pointed out that because the strangers' hostility seemed focussed on us, by leaving, we removed ourselves as potential targets. As irrational as it seemed, I still think all these years later that our judgment of the danger was correct.
Well said. Apparently, convicted felons who have rehabilitated and become good citizens are not worth defending. Free citizens should all have their rights restored after sentence completion and dues paid to society.
Situational Awareness - It took me ten years after retiring from a State Prison in NJ to not scan every inch of a room when entering. I still won't sit with my back to a door while in public.
It's been longer for me and I still don't walk into a room without the scan and picking the exit route if needed. Never sit with your back to the room...ever.
Retired Navy here. This year I’ve been retired as long as I was active duty. Twenty years later I still scan every room, especially store’s and restaurants, when I enter. Still sit with my back to a wall, still scan parking lots as I walk to and from the entrance. Crazy times we’re living in.
My wife and I took inrto to handguns and concealed carry class after getting first weapons. I like this guy Massad but highly* recommend ASP channel (active self protection). Keep learning! Avoid conflict. And know that weapon's potential to do harm.
"When you're down on your hands and knees examining the thorns on the rosebush, you can't help but smell the roses." This man is a gem. Protect him at all costs.
I took Mas’s class almost 30 years ago and everything he taught then is the same today. I’m so glad I did because when I became a police officer in 1997, the things I learned from Mas were that much more clearer. When I got married, I had to briefly explain why I HAD to sit facing the front door, why I didn’t look directly at her face constantly when I was talking to her even though it appeared rude, and why I wouldn’t let her go certain places without me. For people who don’t understand, it appears Uber-controlling. But if you explain it, they will accept the “why”. One of the many things I remember is that the minimum “condition” you should be in WHEN CARRYING A FIREARM is condition yellow. And that’s not looking for problems. That also includes playing “what if?’ scenarios in your head. You’re out to dinner and “what if” someone walks in shooting? Planning beforehand is part of condition yellow, I believe. You’re anticipating that something could happen, but probably won’t. But what if it does? You’re already prepared and have a plan. Mas is awesome!
Common Sense, the rarest commodity in the world! Most people can't stay off their phones outdoors long enough to see a grizzly bear charging them in broad daylight.
While Driving A Taxi In Asheville NC.. I Encountered A Black Bear Sitting In The Middle Of The Road .. On The Sidewalk Not 30 Feet From The Bear Was A Guy Walking With His Phone Texting Completely Oblivious To The Big Black Bear.. I Said, "Hey Is That Your Pet Bear?".. He Then Looked Up.. Ha.! OMG.. He Quickly Ran Over And Got In The Taxi... Hilarious.!!
Am 68 and retired. We moved onto my wife’s family farm. I don’t leave the farm much. Got my CCP and carry everyday even on the farm. When asked why I wanted a CCP. Nothing against law enforcement but the response time is over 10 to 15 minutes. A lot can happen in that time. My wife talked me into going to Cracker Barrel. As we were leaving a young man followed us out and was walking closely behind us. I didn’t panic but was cautious. Like you I reached under my coat and put my hand on my gun. Never pulled it out but I was ready. We walked up to our car and the guy walked by. I didn’t want to pull my gun but was ready if I had to.
Been in nearly exact situation leaving Walmart. Mentally marked a spot ahead as action point. Literally 10 feet away from that point the TWO men broke off toward their own car. Big sigh of relief at not having to "pull down" on them, but glad I had the presence of mind to be prepared.
I was at a truck stop (Long haul driver here) two guys followed me out of the C-store to my truck. crossing the parking lot, I asked them of they needed anything. It turned out they were a team that stopped for a meal and parked next to me. I asked if they liked team driving, both said no. I directed them to my company's hiring portal, got them each a soda from the C-store, and we left as friends. It does not always work out that innocently, but that time it did. I never saw either of them again. I also kept them where I could see them, and explained why. They understood and apologized for following so close.
Situational Awareness baby!! One of the things that I see that kind of blows me away when I go for a walk, especially in our wooded areas in my village, is people walking around with ear buds in and the volume is so high you can hear it when you walk by. Don't get me wrong, I love music but at the same time I also love the sounds of nature AND hearing what's around me, especially on my six. I, myself, never have ear buds in during my walks because it's a big part of my situational awareness! As for answering the door at 3 in the morning, I did that once. I grabbed my pistol, headed for the front door and the closer I got to the small window in the door, I saw a guy and he had epaulets on his shoulders. Weird, only people in uniform have stuff like that. That and this guy saw my gun as well. So I open the door a bit, my foot bracing the door corner and hello, it's mister police officer!! I quickly tossed my firearm into the chair by the door and put my hands up. He politely asked me to step outside, patted me down and then explained why he was there. Turns out I fell asleep on the couch after a long evening of lawn work. I had left the mower out in front of the open garage door along with the weed wacker, yard rake, shovel and my extension cord. He said he saw that the light was still on so he figured someone was still up and that he'd let them know that a few garages had been broken into recently. I thanked him and he then helped me put my yard stuff in the garage. I apologized about the gun thing and he said not a problem, he would have done the same thing at that time of night. As he was heading back to his squad car, he turned and said, "You don't have to answer this but I noticed that you pulled that firearm out of your purse, do you have a..." "Yep, I have had my CCW for years sir. Thank you again for helping me out and stay safe." was my reply.
I cannot describe how good it is to see Mas still putting out content! Back in 1986, one of my first required courses in college was a firearms course, which was taught by an 'old school' firearms instructor. His name was Bob Sylvester. He lived in a house that had no electricity or running water, and had a gun collection that would rival most museums. He was also the first person I knew that could literally toss up a silver dollar, draw on it, and hit it. The required reading for the class, unlike most other college classes, wasn't a text book. 90% of the reading material was Massad Ayoob articles he had copied off. The other 10% was Col. Cooper! As he put it, there are no other more knowledgeable experts on the subject of handguns for law enforcement than Mas, and Cooper!
I have a positive condition yellow story for you. I was sitting in the airport waiting for a flight, and everyone around me had heads in apps, but I was practicing my peoplewatching. A young family came walking by, and a toddler following his father turned and made a beeline for a downward escalator a few feet away. His dad didn't see. I jumped up and yelled and got his father's attention - for which he was very grateful - but I was the only one in the whole place who saw the situation develop. Being aware of people, for me, is also about keeping inventory of people I want to protect.
I think a lot of us women do this. I watch out for children and other women everywhere I go and make sure they're okay - not in a paranoid way, but I like to look out for my fellow humans.
I've been in Orange 40+ years. Hypervigilence has been my issue since my mid teens. In that time, no one has died. I identified the threats, and let it be known I was watching them. True, I don't go places I don't belong. But I stay ready in all my public goings. I'm definitely a people watcher! Never thought of it that way, but I do it. If I'm getting gas at night, I'm scanning the lot as I pull into it. As I'm fueling, I'm doing a constant slow scan, paying attention to shadows, corners, even incoming vehicles! Constantly looking for any possible threat. Not rapid glances! But slow, constant scans looking high, low, etc. Even watching those coming out of the store.
Criminals and bullies need weak people to survive. Show the world a confident attitude, look at them and see who backs away. I drove 42 years, a smile and a confident ( but not overly long) look is a good thing.
I tell my wife and my kids, youngest 6, “keep your head on a swivel” be aware of your surroundings and who’s in those surroundings everyday. I never sit with my back to the door of any place. It’s important for survival!! Can listen all day to Mr. Ayoob, such a calming voice!!
@@ericn7677 Your description of how you sit is sort of complicated, but I complement you on using reflections (along with other elements of field craft) to "surveil" your environment!
Mas in ‘72 my DI taught us situational awareness. It came home when he told us, “ keep your head on a swivel, eyes never stop and stay alert. Otherwise Charlie Cong will sneak up on you and give you your second smile.” That was decades ago and it served me well in field sales with construction too. I never knew what certain areas would be like and I already had an uncanny 6th sense. Now fully retired but doing food deliveries with my wife as a diversion I’ve taught her situational awareness. Unfortunately in 21st Century America you need to use it everyday, even in our suburban lifestyle. Keep it up keeps me sharp.
Ayoob is one of the most brilliant minds in gun craft. In the 90s I bought several copies of his book “In The Gravest Extreme” and have loaned them to any friends and family who were considering purchasing a firearm for self defense. It’s a must read. I’m aware that they say, “There’s only two kinds of fools in this world. Those that loan books, and those that return them.” I actually still have ONE book so I suppose I’m just a partial fool. This book is worth it.
Thanks Mas. I saw this , by Mas. About 35 years ago. May have been gandgunner mag or similar. I'm still breathing thanks to this. Some used to say, " he can handle himself" . Not really, I was aware for longer, white, yellow, orange, red, and black. Keeps the mind organized.
I was at a big Mexican restaurant just last night with family. I scanned over the restaurant several times. Plenty of smiling faces abounded, the staff was waiting to close for the night, and I enjoyed feeling aware and present. Matter of fact, I believe the Dali Lama described meditation as s calm awareness, and that's how it felt.
Glad you brought up mindfulness training. In days of yore, competing with smallbore rifle, I ran across "Zen and the Art of Archery" and I began to score higher in matches than in practice. Over the decades, I became good friends with my mind as I began to watch my own thoughts throughout the day. Other people and their motivations became more readable also.
Thanks for the Master’s Class in the Art of Self Protection. This video should be required viewing by LE, military personnel and anybody who cares about their families and their own safety.
That's what I love about Massad as an instructor... He doesn't just thump dogmatic rules... He puts the lessons into realistic human perspective, so the 'rules of thumb' become tools to be applied as needed, rather than strict and unrealistic expectations that nobody can meet. And I'd love to hear some of those stories myself. :D
That's a beautiful lesson. If you look for danger you can't help but see the beauty around you. That's a more encouraging way of staying in Condition Yellow.
I’ve been at condition yellow for over 30 years, and yes I absolutely am a people watcher, I always keep an eye on my surroundings and I don’t let people I don’t know walk up on me, I’ve gotten into shouting matches with people that I tell stay away from me, you have no business whatsoever coming close to me for no reason, and yes I don’t do well in crowds so I avoid them at all cost, so many bad experiences and guns being drawn on me made me this way, I won’t be the one going to the hospital after an attack ever again.
Easy there tiger! Being aware is just short of "best defense is a good offense". Drawing without just cause is "brandishing" and can get you in BIG trouble.
Situational awareness is a habit. You need to practice it before it sticks and then it just happens. But you have to start practicing. If you carry then chances are you are the only one in a crowded room that can stop an armed person with evil intent.
Fortunately/unfortunately most of my 40 year career as a truck driver, I had to do 24 hour delivery. Everywhere from Dallas, Tx to NY City; Chicago to Miami. In all this time I have never been attacked even though often I was without my handgun. However, if I couldn't carry my handgun, I always carried a 'tire thumper" or at least a pocket knife. Because of these late night, inner city deliveries which often required me to switch trailers in the dark or walk around a building until I found an entrance, I learned to be very aware of my surroundings. Looking around, for threats, before I even got out of the truck and listening for sounds that would alert me to danger until I was finished and safely back in my truck. If someone was around that didn't belong there, I would become hyper alert and often speaking to them to let them know that I was aware of their presence; continuing with my work but never losing sight of them. Only a hand full of times would I have to put my hand on my weapon, ready to draw, while I continued to do my work. Thanks for doing this video. It will help so many people who have never been in a situation where they are in danger. Also it helped me realize, that even though I'm now retired, I still need to use this advice in my everyday life. Mass is a treasure who's advice is timeless and will be of value even after he is gone!
I'd say it increases quality of life. Like you said we notice the joys in life. Don't know how many times I've said "Did you see that...?" and the answer was akin to "no, what?" Our attempt to explain it, will do it no justice🤷♂
It might be of interest here that we use situational awareness condition yellow or maybe orange when we drive a car! Relaxed alertness, constantly scouting for danger factors et al is mandatory for safe driving. This mental routine is easily transferrable to home defense and thus we have made it a little easier ti become a prepared citizen.
Sounds like Jeff Coopers Color Code learned this back in 1980. and situational awareness. Thanks for bring this back! So many people are engrossed in their phone and totally unaware! Easy targets! Also discuss the ODDA Loop!! The addition of black as the next step! Makes sense, but seems a lot like Red! A S&W 642 in your dominant Hand in your pocket looks inoculous. But you are ready! Especially at a gas station. Beware of 'hey Mister do you have a match or cigarette?' Perception of the public is not your friend! Avoid bad places. Especially if you have had a drink you are really putting yourself at risk in court! Thanks Mas!
Every single video of yours is packed with wisdom, and I find myself taking notes. Thank you so much for making me always find room in my head to expand my thinking.
I really like your inputs , I'm 69 years old. Grew up as a USAF Brat. Spent 2 years in Highschool JROTC. Wanted to join the Air Force, but lost left leg B K knee I've been. Shooting since age 12. I'm an American Patriot, love my country, A MAGA Republican,and Christian. I will fight for 2nd Amendment. Thanks for all your great videos Sir
Much respect to you Mr. Ayoob. Outstanding presentation on this. I always wanted to be able to train with you and the team at Wilson Combat. Have an outstanding rest of your day sir.
Great stuff. I use the term situational awareness frequently with my family. Whether driving down a road or walking through a parking lot, it's important to be heads up and looking around. It's also important to listen. Phones and earbuds interfere with these practices. Good tactical habits are important too. Simple things like having a free hand while walking to your car in a parking lot or locking the car doors as soon as you get in. Even which urinal I choose in the men's room is based on tactics. Attacks are based on some combination of vulnerability and surprise. We have to minimize both of those.
Mas, I appreciate your point on how dangerous it is to gas up at 3 AM as well as how you handle gassing up. I once took a 24 hour trip driving all day to drop a friend off at his job at a drug rehab school where he had just gotten hired and it was too dangerous to book a room and stay the night in that area so I drove all night to get home and that’s the only time I ever gassed up at 3 AM. I never gas up at night anymore because gas stations and ATMs are 2 of the most dangerous places especially at night!
Very, very good reminder, especially nowadays where a lot of people are always fixated on their devices and quite frankly, looking at them, they are easy victims. Got to remind myself of this too. And the part about being a people watcher and seeing the good things really struck me. Thanks for all the good work you do there.
I'm teaching a class in firearms safety and use for self defense to some women in our small community, mostly friends or spouses of friends. This was yesterday's topic, I wish I had this video then, however it is what I explained to them, Mass just does it better. I have reccomended that they all subscribe to this channel and pay particular attention to Mass's videos. Thanks for the great content.
I continue to pass on LTC "Jeff" Cooper's lessons long after Federal retirement. They have saved my own life, five times. All new firearm owners need to understand training, safety, proficiency, and legalities.
Thank you for including the knowledge aspects of carrying! Knowledge of safety, and legal implications of even drawing, much less firing your weapon are even more important than shooting skills! If you don't know these things you can "survive" only to be totally ruined financially by the court system.
Thank you again Mas... I have more respect for this man than any other guy I've ever met. Father included. Extremely wise, clearly spoken, and just a good wholesome dude... Much love Mas
Thank you Massad Ayoob!. Your articles in "Guns and Ammo" magazine back in the 1980's, was the primary source for my education regarding firearms. Such knowledge was indispensable in my career as an LEO.
I have a lot of respect for this man and I do pay close attention to the things he teaches! This is, as usual, a very good video to watch and very worthy to save and share with your friends! Much appreciated! Thanks!!
Having level of awareness conditions pre-defined in your mind is helpful in that one should immediately know what Mode they are in, what actions you are prepared to take in that Mode and how you should shift Modes if circumstances evolve.
I see people all the time, who go through their lives, blissfully unaware of their environment with their eyes down, glued to their technology. It's not until the shooting starts that they realize something bad is happening. To this day, I still scan everyone and assess them for threats. It took years for me to stop selecting a chair in a restaurant that wasn't facing the door. Old habits are hard to break.
Mr Ayoob, I'm thinking you need to come to Australia and look into the problems with Westfield shopping centres after a very bad mass stabbing. The situational awareness seemed to be very lacking considering how many people were stabbed and many multiple killed.
Thanks for yet another gem Mas. You're absolutely right about adding condition black. I have always taught it by col. Coopers 4 stages to LE . However as a civilian there's more liability . 9 times out of 10 if you're in condition yellow you will never have to go to red or black. because the predators are also people watching and do not see you as easy prey. they are like lions in the jungle looking for that weak wilder beast.
Corect-a-mundo! They do not want to engage with "anyone" showing "any" sign of strength. They have learned to recognize your strength and will pass you by to pursue the weak.
This color coded system (minus black) was taught in my CPL class in MI, where they had a lot of great things to say about Massad Ayoob. Suggesting 2 of his books in the top 5 to read.
@@natedog380 "Deadly Force - Understanding Your Right To Self Defense" - for the understanding of self defensive shooting, and "Stress Fire" to know what the body can do under great stress type stuff.
Thank you very much for your video. I am also a people watcher every time I am out of my home or office (street, train, car, restaurant, you name it) and not only for safety reasons but also to study the human behaviors. Stay alert and stay safe
Thank you Mr. Ayoob for another truthful, informative video. I practice situational awareness. I have taught my children the same. Indeed it does give you the opportunity to see the good in people. Being aware also lets you see the person who might need a hand with something or to offer a smile and a nod. Little things like that can make someone's day. It doesn't mean letting your guard down either. A reaction to a friendly gesture can go a long way to assessing potential intent. The best part about situational awareness is knowing when to not be around when something doesn't feel right.
Very wise words thank you, I watch active self-protection videos and he says that distance buys you time and in that time you have time to react and he also talks about the exact same thing you do be aware of what's going on around you.
Massad I would love to see a video on how you first came to firearms and when you realized it was going to be a large part of your life work. We are all happy you made this vocation decision and shared it all with all of us.
Get a copy of his book "In The Gravest Extreme". That book has a lot of insight on who this man is. It was require reading in his LFI-1 classes back in the 80's.
Adding to this Situational Awareness concept now the security blanket phone usage by insecure people is Gold ,,, watching bodycam videos it is almost universal when people are pulled over they are futzing around with a smartphone and can't find their registration and insurance card.. Me being a "people watcher" it is easy to see smartphone users in condition white ... and sometimes they are not looking at anything of value........ This video is Gold
I have been using Situational Awareness for years. That said I have never had to protect my family from criminals. I do know that being aware of my surroundings has given me the opportunity to look at people and their everyday lives. Stop and smell the roses is a great analogy. Trust but verify.
I have been advising family and friends about SA for decades. Like you and I, Massad, it comes as second nature and is of little effort. And that is what I try to instill in them. Do these things, especially when armed, and will eventually come natural and you will walk and chew gum at the same time. I can tell you in my case I keep getting better even after FIFTY years of being armed. Military, security, law enforcement, security again and now LEOSA. And your are correct, it does not affect quality of life but enhances your sense of well being. And just in case that bad thing happens you will be prepared to take the necessary actions to defend and survive.
Thanks, i always appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience. However, most people that I have observed today are in condition, transparent. That is the color when people totally advocate their safety to others. Examples of this are folks who run red lights hoping that no-one will hit them or walk across parking lots totally oblivious to on coming vehicles, or blindly walk behind vehicles backing up.
One of the best pieces of advice I have received came from a cop show- "People, places, the things they are doing, and the time they are doing them"". -Andy Sipowicz
My grandfather was a cop and taught me this which came from you, people dont believe in this, they dont believe the people watcher, but you and i both know its real, i can read body language and notice every small detail in a room. I always know 360 when im walking and can hear cars pass before they actually pass. Its a real thing. I thank you for this and if idiots who cant do it wanna argue theyre just ignoring something that can save their life
I've been living in condition Yellow since first hearing about the 4 stages in late 1970's. I not only scan the people around me but include, windows, doorways, balconies, roof tops and elevated terrains in expanded radius from me. Never been attacked but have most definitely kept myself safe from potential danger and shown possible threats that there are far easier targets than me.
Massad, Spot on subject worth repeating every so often. Being the son of a deputy sheriff, my Pop, instilled these type of tactics into my life. I’m always watching and observing. Thanks for sharing the info my friend. -Jim
"Don't go stupid places with stupid people and do stupid things." I'm going to adopt that phrase and pass it on to my daughter when the time is right
Some years ago, my wife and I attended a house party with some friends. About an hour after the party started, five men unknown to anyone there entered the house. They radiated hostility ("death stares"). My wife said, "We have to leave now," and we did, because the hostility seemed directed at us. After we left, the strangers stayed awhile, then exited without starting trouble. Our friends accused us of over-reacting; we pointed out that because the strangers' hostility seemed focussed on us, by leaving, we removed ourselves as potential targets. As irrational as it seemed, I still think all these years later that our judgment of the danger was correct.
@@dwyerjones4542 You did the right thing, why take chances, my wife and I have been in that situation, a reasonable facsimile thereof. THE SARGE
"Self defense ... begins with the idea you are worth defending." Rorion Gracie
ABSOLUTELY
Self-respect is key to self-defense.
Well said. Apparently, convicted felons who have rehabilitated and become good citizens are not worth defending. Free citizens should all have their rights restored after sentence completion and dues paid to society.
Situational Awareness - It took me ten years after retiring from a State Prison in NJ to not scan every inch of a room when entering.
I still won't sit with my back to a door while in public.
Army MP but we also helped clear houses in Iraq. I still stand against a wall watching every entrance/exit after having cleared the room in my head😅
Same here.
It's been longer for me and I still don't walk into a room without the scan and picking the exit route if needed. Never sit with your back to the room...ever.
I don't think you should stop that scan. It's a survival skill most do not develop. Thank you for you service from one CO to another.
Retired Navy here. This year I’ve been retired as long as I was active duty. Twenty years later I still scan every room, especially store’s and restaurants, when I enter. Still sit with my back to a wall, still scan parking lots as I walk to and from the entrance. Crazy times we’re living in.
As a new gun owner. Let me say this channel was worth a sub. I've learned a lot
Please, Continue to take classes, and practice at least once a month.
Firearm skills are perishable.
My wife and I took inrto to handguns and concealed carry class after getting first weapons. I like this guy Massad but highly* recommend ASP channel (active self protection). Keep learning! Avoid conflict. And know that weapon's potential to do harm.
Another good session with Mas.
even as an old gun owner, always something new to learn.
Worth every penny you paid.
"When you're down on your hands and knees examining the thorns on the rosebush, you can't help but smell the roses."
This man is a gem. Protect him at all costs.
I took Mas’s class almost 30 years ago and everything he taught then is the same today. I’m so glad I did because when I became a police officer in 1997, the things I learned from Mas were that much more clearer. When I got married, I had to briefly explain why I HAD to sit facing the front door, why I didn’t look directly at her face constantly when I was talking to her even though it appeared rude, and why I wouldn’t let her go certain places without me. For people who don’t understand, it appears Uber-controlling. But if you explain it, they will accept the “why”. One of the many things I remember is that the minimum “condition” you should be in WHEN CARRYING A FIREARM is condition yellow. And that’s not looking for problems. That also includes playing “what if?’ scenarios in your head. You’re out to dinner and “what if” someone walks in shooting? Planning beforehand is part of condition yellow, I believe. You’re anticipating that something could happen, but probably won’t. But what if it does? You’re already prepared and have a plan. Mas is awesome!
Common Sense, the rarest commodity in the world! Most people can't stay off their phones outdoors long enough to see a grizzly bear charging them in broad daylight.
Make Sense Common Again
You are wrong, they would be filming it till it killed them. LMFAO
As a local truck driver I see almost everyone looking at their smartphone.
While Driving A Taxi In Asheville NC.. I Encountered A Black Bear Sitting In The Middle Of The Road .. On The Sidewalk Not 30 Feet From The Bear Was A Guy Walking With His Phone Texting Completely Oblivious To The Big Black Bear.. I Said, "Hey Is That Your Pet Bear?".. He Then Looked Up.. Ha.! OMG.. He Quickly Ran Over And Got In The Taxi... Hilarious.!!
Young people that might not get as old as we are, but situational awareness 😊
Am 68 and retired. We moved onto my wife’s family farm. I don’t leave the farm much. Got my CCP and carry everyday even on the farm. When asked why I wanted a CCP. Nothing against law enforcement but the response time is over 10 to 15 minutes. A lot can happen in that time. My wife talked me into going to Cracker Barrel. As we were leaving a young man followed us out and was walking closely behind us. I didn’t panic but was cautious. Like you I reached under my coat and put my hand on my gun. Never pulled it out but I was ready. We walked up to our car and the guy walked by. I didn’t want to pull my gun but was ready if I had to.
Been in nearly exact situation leaving Walmart.
Mentally marked a spot ahead as action point. Literally 10 feet away from that point the TWO men broke off toward their own car. Big sigh of relief at not having to "pull down" on them, but glad I had the presence of mind to be prepared.
I was at a truck stop (Long haul driver here) two guys followed me out of the C-store to my truck. crossing the parking lot, I asked them of they needed anything. It turned out they were a team that stopped for a meal and parked next to me. I asked if they liked team driving, both said no. I directed them to my company's hiring portal, got them each a soda from the C-store, and we left as friends. It does not always work out that innocently, but that time it did. I never saw either of them again. I also kept them where I could see them, and explained why. They understood and apologized for following so close.
Situational Awareness baby!! One of the things that I see that kind of blows me away when I go for a walk, especially in our wooded areas in my village, is people walking around with ear buds in and the volume is so high you can hear it when you walk by. Don't get me wrong, I love music but at the same time I also love the sounds of nature AND hearing what's around me, especially on my six. I, myself, never have ear buds in during my walks because it's a big part of my situational awareness!
As for answering the door at 3 in the morning, I did that once. I grabbed my pistol, headed for the front door and the closer I got to the small window in the door, I saw a guy and he had epaulets on his shoulders. Weird, only people in uniform have stuff like that. That and this guy saw my gun as well. So I open the door a bit, my foot bracing the door corner and hello, it's mister police officer!! I quickly tossed my firearm into the chair by the door and put my hands up. He politely asked me to step outside, patted me down and then explained why he was there. Turns out I fell asleep on the couch after a long evening of lawn work. I had left the mower out in front of the open garage door along with the weed wacker, yard rake, shovel and my extension cord. He said he saw that the light was still on so he figured someone was still up and that he'd let them know that a few garages had been broken into recently. I thanked him and he then helped me put my yard stuff in the garage. I apologized about the gun thing and he said not a problem, he would have done the same thing at that time of night. As he was heading back to his squad car, he turned and said, "You don't have to answer this but I noticed that you pulled that firearm out of your purse, do you have a..."
"Yep, I have had my CCW for years sir. Thank you again for helping me out and stay safe." was my reply.
I cannot describe how good it is to see Mas still putting out content! Back in 1986, one of my first required courses in college was a firearms course, which was taught by an 'old school' firearms instructor. His name was Bob Sylvester. He lived in a house that had no electricity or running water, and had a gun collection that would rival most museums. He was also the first person I knew that could literally toss up a silver dollar, draw on it, and hit it. The required reading for the class, unlike most other college classes, wasn't a text book. 90% of the reading material was Massad Ayoob articles he had copied off. The other 10% was Col. Cooper! As he put it, there are no other more knowledgeable experts on the subject of handguns for law enforcement than Mas, and Cooper!
I have a positive condition yellow story for you. I was sitting in the airport waiting for a flight, and everyone around me had heads in apps, but I was practicing my peoplewatching. A young family came walking by, and a toddler following his father turned and made a beeline for a downward escalator a few feet away. His dad didn't see. I jumped up and yelled and got his father's attention - for which he was very grateful - but I was the only one in the whole place who saw the situation develop. Being aware of people, for me, is also about keeping inventory of people I want to protect.
I wish I could feel grateful you did the right thing more than I feel anger at the father for letting that happen. Regardless, well done.
Great Work, I can't tell you how many people I have pulled from the surf long before anyone including themselves realizes they are in trouble .
I think a lot of us women do this. I watch out for children and other women everywhere I go and make sure they're okay - not in a paranoid way, but I like to look out for my fellow humans.
Respect to all you keeping your head on a swivel out there!
When my wife and I go shopping, she shops and I'm on light guard duty. She doesn't ask for that, it's just something I do.
My wallet begs me for protection every time, but the wife is crafty.
I worked with Georgia Juvenile Justice 25 yrs. and still do this also.
If we were honest, a certain demo grapkic is the real reason for CC.
@@bjkarana I once read a bumper sticker saying "Driver carries no money, he's married"....😐
I've been in Orange 40+ years. Hypervigilence has been my issue since my mid teens. In that time, no one has died. I identified the threats, and let it be known I was watching them.
True, I don't go places I don't belong. But I stay ready in all my public goings. I'm definitely a people watcher! Never thought of it that way, but I do it.
If I'm getting gas at night, I'm scanning the lot as I pull into it. As I'm fueling, I'm doing a constant slow scan, paying attention to shadows, corners, even incoming vehicles! Constantly looking for any possible threat. Not rapid glances! But slow, constant scans looking high, low, etc. Even watching those coming out of the store.
Using my autos glass and the glass on the pump for reflections to check my 6.
Simply being alert and aware is enough to discourage many criminals.
Criminals and bullies need weak people to survive. Show the world a confident attitude, look at them and see who backs away. I drove 42 years, a smile and a confident ( but not overly long) look is a good thing.
Exactly. A lot of them are looking to catch someone off-guard.
How can one not learn something when listening to this man. Thanks, Mas.
Even if all you do is reinforce what you already learned, it is valuable.
I have read and listened to this man for 40 years, and he usually 💯 $ correct !
Thank you Massad for sharing your wisdom with us. At 68 I am still learning new things to protect myself and my loved ones. You are appreciated Sir.
I tell my wife and my kids, youngest 6, “keep your head on a swivel” be aware of your surroundings and who’s in those surroundings everyday. I never sit with my back to the door of any place. It’s important for survival!! Can listen all day to Mr. Ayoob, such a calming voice!!
I'll sit with my back to the door. I watch behind me through the reflection in the window and watch anyone passing by outside in front of me.
@@ericn7677
Your description of how you sit is sort of complicated, but I complement you on using reflections (along with other elements of field craft) to "surveil" your environment!
Mas in ‘72 my DI taught us situational awareness. It came home when he told us, “ keep your head on a swivel, eyes never stop and stay alert. Otherwise Charlie Cong will sneak up on you and give you your second smile.” That was decades ago and it served me well in field sales with construction too. I never knew what certain areas would be like and I already had an uncanny 6th sense. Now fully retired but doing food deliveries with my wife as a diversion I’ve taught her situational awareness. Unfortunately in 21st Century America you need to use it everyday, even in our suburban lifestyle. Keep it up keeps me sharp.
Thanks so much Mas for giving credit to the pioneering works of Jeff Cooper. Master of the science of self defense with firearms!
Ayoob is one of the most brilliant minds in gun craft.
In the 90s I bought several copies of his book “In The Gravest Extreme” and have loaned them to any friends and family who were considering purchasing a firearm for self defense. It’s a must read.
I’m aware that they say, “There’s only two kinds of fools in this world. Those that loan books, and those that return them.”
I actually still have ONE book so I suppose I’m just a partial fool. This book is worth it.
Thanks Mas. I saw this , by Mas. About 35 years ago. May have been gandgunner mag or similar. I'm still breathing thanks to this.
Some used to say, " he can handle himself" . Not really, I was aware for longer, white, yellow, orange, red, and black.
Keeps the mind organized.
I was at a big Mexican restaurant just last night with family. I scanned over the restaurant several times. Plenty of smiling faces abounded, the staff was waiting to close for the night, and I enjoyed feeling aware and present. Matter of fact, I believe the Dali Lama described meditation as s calm awareness, and that's how it felt.
Always remember think outside the box. Keep your shit wired tight at all times . Cuz you don't always get a second chance.
Glad you brought up mindfulness training. In days of yore, competing with smallbore rifle, I ran across "Zen and the Art of Archery" and I began to score higher in matches than in practice. Over the decades, I became good friends with my mind as I began to watch my own thoughts throughout the day. Other people and their motivations became more readable also.
Good job. I remember the Houston taqueria. Things can change quickly.
Thanks for the Master’s Class in the Art of Self Protection. This video should be required viewing by LE, military personnel and anybody who cares about their families and their own safety.
Becoming a people watcher is rewarding for sure
When Massad cracked that little smile, I'd love to hear some of his 3:00am stories. ^_^
That's what I love about Massad as an instructor... He doesn't just thump dogmatic rules... He puts the lessons into realistic human perspective, so the 'rules of thumb' become tools to be applied as needed, rather than strict and unrealistic expectations that nobody can meet.
And I'd love to hear some of those stories myself. :D
I'm sure we've all got them, in one form or another. 🤣
Mas is simply the best. A true expert, and a true gentleman.
That's a beautiful lesson. If you look for danger you can't help but see the beauty around you.
That's a more encouraging way of staying in Condition Yellow.
I have learned a lot from the channel. Thank you.
Good point about being a people watcher is seeing the good things in people. Good insight
incredibly good information. Common sense, thoughtful questions and critical thinking are now superpowers.
I’ve been at condition yellow for over 30 years, and yes I absolutely am a people watcher, I always keep an eye on my surroundings and I don’t let people I don’t know walk up on me, I’ve gotten into shouting matches with people that I tell stay away from me, you have no business whatsoever coming close to me for no reason, and yes I don’t do well in crowds so I avoid them at all cost, so many bad experiences and guns being drawn on me made me this way, I won’t be the one going to the hospital after an attack ever again.
Easy there tiger!
Being aware is just short of "best defense is a good offense".
Drawing without just cause is "brandishing" and can get you in BIG trouble.
I adopted this mind set from Colonel Cooper in the 80’s and it has served me well.
Situational awareness is a habit. You need to practice it before it sticks and then it just happens. But you have to start practicing. If you carry then chances are you are the only one in a crowded room that can stop an armed person with evil intent.
That is if you are a loud to conceal carry in that establishment!!
Not for those with narc parents
Fortunately/unfortunately most of my 40 year career as a truck driver, I had to do 24 hour delivery. Everywhere from Dallas, Tx to NY City; Chicago to Miami. In all this time I have never been attacked even though often I was without my handgun. However, if I couldn't carry my handgun, I always carried a 'tire thumper" or at least a pocket knife. Because of these late night, inner city deliveries which often required me to switch trailers in the dark or walk around a building until I found an entrance, I learned to be very aware of my surroundings. Looking around, for threats, before I even got out of the truck and listening for sounds that would alert me to danger until I was finished and safely back in my truck. If someone was around that didn't belong there, I would become hyper alert and often speaking to them to let them know that I was aware of their presence; continuing with my work but never losing sight of them. Only a hand full of times would I have to put my hand on my weapon, ready to draw, while I continued to do my work. Thanks for doing this video. It will help so many people who have never been in a situation where they are in danger. Also it helped me realize, that even though I'm now retired, I still need to use this advice in my everyday life. Mass is a treasure who's advice is timeless and will be of value even after he is gone!
I'd say it increases quality of life. Like you said we notice the joys in life. Don't know how many times I've said "Did you see that...?" and the answer was akin to "no, what?" Our attempt to explain it, will do it no justice🤷♂
Another great learning opportunity. Thx
It might be of interest here that we use situational awareness condition yellow or maybe orange when we drive a car!
Relaxed alertness, constantly scouting for danger factors et al is mandatory for safe driving.
This mental routine is easily transferrable to home defense and thus we have made it a little easier ti become a prepared citizen.
If only people normally used this while driving.
Situational awareness is for everyone, not just for firearm owners.
@@kennethcurtis1856
Please tell that to the zombies who drive around here!
Wow. This is Mas at his absolute best.
Sounds like Jeff Coopers Color Code learned this back in 1980. and situational awareness.
Thanks for bring this back!
So many people are engrossed in their phone and totally unaware! Easy targets!
Also discuss the ODDA Loop!!
The addition of black as the next step! Makes sense, but seems a lot like Red!
A S&W 642 in your dominant Hand in your pocket looks inoculous. But you are ready! Especially at a gas station. Beware of 'hey Mister do you have a match or cigarette?'
Perception of the public is not your friend!
Avoid bad places. Especially if you have had a drink you are really putting yourself at risk in court!
Thanks Mas!
Every single video of yours is packed with wisdom, and I find myself taking notes. Thank you so much for making me always find room in my head to expand my thinking.
I really like your inputs , I'm 69 years old. Grew up as a USAF Brat. Spent 2 years in Highschool JROTC. Wanted to join the Air Force, but lost left leg B K knee I've been. Shooting since age 12. I'm an American Patriot, love my country, A MAGA Republican,and Christian. I will fight for 2nd Amendment. Thanks for all your great videos Sir
Much respect to you Mr. Ayoob. Outstanding presentation on this. I always wanted to be able to train with you and the team at Wilson Combat. Have an outstanding rest of your day sir.
Great stuff. I use the term situational awareness frequently with my family. Whether driving down a road or walking through a parking lot, it's important to be heads up and looking around. It's also important to listen. Phones and earbuds interfere with these practices. Good tactical habits are important too. Simple things like having a free hand while walking to your car in a parking lot or locking the car doors as soon as you get in. Even which urinal I choose in the men's room is based on tactics. Attacks are based on some combination of vulnerability and surprise. We have to minimize both of those.
I used to read your articles in combat handgun magazine when I was in high school in the 90's
The good apparent in others reminds me why I’m always prepared to intervene if necessary to preserve the peace.
Mas, I appreciate your point on how dangerous it is to gas up at 3 AM as well as how you handle gassing up. I once took a 24 hour trip driving all day to drop a friend off at his job at a drug rehab school where he had just gotten hired and it was too dangerous to book a room and stay the night in that area so I drove all night to get home and that’s the only time I ever gassed up at 3 AM. I never gas up at night anymore because gas stations and ATMs are 2 of the most dangerous places especially at night!
The legend! Thank you sir.
We live in a different world than before smart phones & the internet .
Good tips that need to be shared with our loved ones ! 👍
The two master personal combat experts in the world; Col Jeff Cooper and Mass Ayoob.
"It will make you a people watcher." Amen to that!
You can't help but like this guy.
Very, very good reminder, especially nowadays where a lot of people are always fixated on their devices and quite frankly, looking at them, they are easy victims. Got to remind myself of this too. And the part about being a people watcher and seeing the good things really struck me. Thanks for all the good work you do there.
Thanks for sharing this information.
I'm teaching a class in firearms safety and use for self defense to some women in our small community, mostly friends or spouses of friends.
This was yesterday's topic, I wish I had this video then, however it is what I explained to them, Mass just does it better.
I have reccomended that they all subscribe to this channel and pay particular attention to Mass's videos.
Thanks for the great content.
I continue to pass on LTC "Jeff" Cooper's lessons long after Federal retirement. They have saved my own life, five times. All new firearm owners need to understand training, safety, proficiency, and legalities.
Thank you for including the knowledge aspects of carrying!
Knowledge of safety, and legal implications of even drawing, much less firing your weapon are even more important than shooting skills! If you don't know these things you can "survive" only to be totally ruined financially by the court system.
Thank you again for putting the effort into making these. I never watch one without taking something away.
Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you again Mas... I have more respect for this man than any other guy I've ever met. Father included. Extremely wise, clearly spoken, and just a good wholesome dude... Much love Mas
Great topic and video! Thank you sir.
Thank you Mas. Great episode! This should be taught at a young age to every child and adult alike.
Great job as always Mas. Thank you for all you do to help teach people to protect themselves and be safe!
Thank you Massad Ayoob!.
Your articles in "Guns and Ammo" magazine back in the 1980's, was the primary source for my education regarding firearms.
Such knowledge was indispensable in my career as an LEO.
Good content WC, thanks. BTW, my wife once asked me, "What are you looking for ?" I replied, "I don't know but will know once I see it."
Great concept to begin teaching in childhood making their lives more enjoyable
I have a lot of respect for this man and I do pay close attention to the things he teaches! This is, as usual, a very good video to watch and very worthy to save and share with your friends! Much appreciated! Thanks!!
Just love everything abut mas vids
Having level of awareness conditions pre-defined in your mind is helpful in that one should immediately know what Mode they are in, what actions you are prepared to take in that Mode and how you should shift Modes if circumstances evolve.
I see people all the time, who go through their lives, blissfully unaware of their environment with their eyes down, glued to their technology. It's not until the shooting starts that they realize something bad is happening. To this day, I still scan everyone and assess them for threats. It took years for me to stop selecting a chair in a restaurant that wasn't facing the door. Old habits are hard to break.
its a good way to be in the moment, to be present....something I am constantly teaching my kids
Mr Ayoob, I'm thinking you need to come to Australia and look into the problems with Westfield shopping centres after a very bad mass stabbing. The situational awareness seemed to be very lacking considering how many people were stabbed and many multiple killed.
Thanks for yet another gem Mas. You're absolutely right about adding condition black. I have always taught it by col. Coopers 4 stages to LE . However as a civilian there's more liability . 9 times out of 10 if you're in condition yellow you will never have to go to red or black. because the predators are also people watching and do not see you as easy prey. they are like lions in the jungle looking for that weak wilder beast.
Corect-a-mundo!
They do not want to engage with "anyone" showing "any" sign of strength.
They have learned to recognize your strength and will pass you by to pursue the weak.
Since I started carrying I have been much more aware of my surroundings. Alert and wary. But, I have absolutely started to SEE the good in people.
This color coded system (minus black) was taught in my CPL class in MI, where they had a lot of great things to say about Massad Ayoob. Suggesting 2 of his books in the top 5 to read.
@chalkhonk Yes I agree. I love his teachings.
Which books are they?
@@natedog380 "Deadly Force - Understanding Your Right To Self Defense" - for the understanding of self defensive shooting, and "Stress Fire" to know what the body can do under great stress type stuff.
You are a awesome teacher, thank you for your help
Thank you very much for your video. I am also a people watcher every time I am out of my home or office (street, train, car, restaurant, you name it) and not only for safety reasons but also to study the human behaviors. Stay alert and stay safe
Yes, common sense and just pay attention to details because they will tell you a lot.
Thank you Mr. Ayoob for another truthful, informative video. I practice situational awareness. I have taught my children the same. Indeed it does give you the opportunity to see the good in people. Being aware also lets you see the person who might need a hand with something or to offer a smile and a nod. Little things like that can make someone's day. It doesn't mean letting your guard down either. A reaction to a friendly gesture can go a long way to assessing potential intent. The best part about situational awareness is knowing when to not be around when something doesn't feel right.
Very wise words thank you, I watch active self-protection videos and he says that distance buys you time and in that time you have time to react and he also talks about the exact same thing you do be aware of what's going on around you.
Thank you for all the great and informative content!
Please flip that flag around with the stars on the left. 🇺🇸🤓
Massad I would love to see a video on how you first came to firearms and when you realized it was going to be a large part of your life work. We are all happy you made this vocation decision and shared it all with all of us.
Get a copy of his book "In The Gravest Extreme". That book has a lot of insight on who this man is. It was require reading in his LFI-1 classes back in the 80's.
Adding to this Situational Awareness concept now the security blanket phone usage by insecure people is Gold ,,, watching bodycam videos it is almost universal
when people are pulled over they are futzing around with a smartphone and can't find their registration and insurance card.. Me being a "people watcher" it is easy
to see smartphone users in condition white ... and sometimes they are not looking at anything of value........ This video is Gold
They used Colonel Cooper and his system in my CCW class a couple weeks ago
Any time this man opens his mouth, someone learns something. Guys like this are our pure legends.
THANK YOU MASS. Your wisdom, and advice are much appreciated.
Gear has changed, wisdom hasn't. Thanks for putting this out.
I have been using Situational Awareness for years. That said I have never had to protect my family from criminals. I do know that being aware of my surroundings has given me the opportunity to look at people and their everyday lives. Stop and smell the roses is a great analogy. Trust but verify.
I have been advising family and friends about SA for decades. Like you and I, Massad, it comes as second nature and is of little effort. And that is what I try to instill in them. Do these things, especially when armed, and will eventually come natural and you will walk and chew gum at the same time. I can tell you in my case I keep getting better even after FIFTY years of being armed. Military, security, law enforcement, security again and now LEOSA. And your are correct, it does not affect quality of life but enhances your sense of well being. And just in case that bad thing happens you will be prepared to take the necessary actions to defend and survive.
EXCELLENT. Thank you, Mas!
Thanks, i always appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience. However, most people that I have observed today are in condition, transparent. That is the color when people totally advocate their safety to others. Examples of this are folks who run red lights hoping that no-one will hit them or walk across parking lots totally oblivious to on coming vehicles, or blindly walk behind vehicles backing up.
Always worth watching Mr Ayoob. Excellent stuff, Sir.
One of the best pieces of advice I have received came from a cop show- "People, places, the things they are doing, and the time they are doing them"". -Andy Sipowicz
Great advice. Thank you.
More common sense from the man. He has saved someone’s life with this video
My grandfather was a cop and taught me this which came from you, people dont believe in this, they dont believe the people watcher, but you and i both know its real, i can read body language and notice every small detail in a room. I always know 360 when im walking and can hear cars pass before they actually pass. Its a real thing. I thank you for this and if idiots who cant do it wanna argue theyre just ignoring something that can save their life
Thank you Mr Massab Ayood 👍
Thanks Massad, Great Info as always Sir. 🇺🇸
I've been living in condition Yellow since first hearing about the 4 stages in late 1970's. I not only scan the people around me but include, windows, doorways, balconies, roof tops and elevated terrains in expanded radius from me. Never been attacked but have most definitely kept myself safe from potential danger and shown possible threats that there are far easier targets than me.
Massad, Spot on subject worth repeating every so often. Being the son of a deputy sheriff, my Pop, instilled these type of tactics into my life. I’m always watching and observing. Thanks for sharing the info my friend. -Jim