I have just recently returned from teaching an executive protection course in central Missouri. Rick Allenbrand at Bear Creek Tactical hosted this event and it was a great success. I met some great people and it was a good learning experience for everyone. What I found was that as the class progressed, everyone's general level of awareness went through the roof. This was very evident when we would break for lunch together at a local restaurant. Even though we were on break from class, everyone was scanning and evaluating this little restaurant. It was also the perfect reminder to share once again the color codes of awareness. These were originally created by the late Jeff Cooper and are but one of his timeless teachings.
White - Unaware and unprepared. If attacked in Condition White, the only thing that may save you is the inadequacy or ineptitude of your attacker. When confronted by something nasty, your reaction will probably be "Oh my God! This can't be happening to me."
Yellow - Relaxed alert. No specific threat situation. Your mindset is that "today could be the day I may have to defend myself." You are simply aware that the world is a potentially unfriendly place and that you are prepared to defend yourself, if necessary. You use your eyes and ears, and realize that "I may have to SHOOT today." You don't have to be armed in this state, but if you are armed you should be in Condition Yellow. You should always be in Yellow whenever you are in unfamiliar surroundings or among people you don't know. You can remain in Yellow for long periods, as long as you are able to "Watch your six." (In aviation 12 o'clock refers to the direction in front of the aircraft's nose. Six o'clock is the blind spot behind the pilot.) In Yellow, you are "taking in" surrounding information in a relaxed but alert manner, like a continuous 360 degree radar sweep. As Cooper put it, "I might have to shoot."
Orange - Specific alert. Something is not quite right and has gotten your attention. Your radar has picked up a specific alert. You shift your primary focus to determine if there is a threat (but you do not drop your six). Your mindset shifts to "I may have to shoot HIM today." In Condition Orange, you set a mental trigger: "If that goblin does 'x', I will need to stop him." Your pistol usually remains holstered in this state. Staying in Orange can be a bit of a mental strain, but you can stay in it for as long as you need to. If the threat proves to be nothing, you shift back to Condition Yellow. Cooper described this as "I might have to shoot HIM," referring to the specific target which has caused the escalation in alert status.
Red - Condition Red is fight. Your mental trigger (established back in Condition Orange) has been tripped. If "X" happens I will shoot that person.
Some people add in a "Black" level, but I believe that it is unnecessary using the format listed here. In the end, I encourage you all to stay in "yellow". Do not wait for a class to get you tuned up physically as well as mentally. Stay sharp and stay safe.
Until we train together again - my best to you all!
Fred Mastison
President - Force Options Tactical Training Solutions
