I’m a retired Airborne Infantry NCO. Attention to Detail was how we lived, how we trained our boys, and how we brought each other home from deployments downrange (I’ve often quipped that PTSD is combat multiplier). I apply the same training to my congregation’s security team. This coalesces that training into a quick read. Thanks Keith!
SA is situational awareness in the military as you know. In the USAF , SA was primary and included everything from weather to the nuts and bolts assigned to every flag on an aircraft.
This post, "Introduction to Situational Awareness" offers a detailed exploration of the concept of situational awareness, which extends beyond mere perception to include a deep understanding of one's environment and the proactive identification of potential dangers. Originally rooted in military and law enforcement, the practice is invaluable for civilians, enhancing safety through vigilant monitoring and rapid, informed decision-making.
This post effectively breaks down the essence of situational awareness, emphasizing its relevance in everyday life, from navigating urban spaces to emergency response. It provides practical advice on how to incorporate situational awareness into daily routines, like scanning for exits and observing people discreetly. These strategies aim to foster a mindset that prioritizes safety and sharpens response to unforeseen threats. (We REALLY need this!!!)
Moreover, the text highlights the importance of merging cognitive skills with intuitive judgment to enhance situational awareness. This combination not only helps in recognizing potential threats but also in maintaining composure during critical moments.
Overall, Keith serves a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to improve their ability to navigate and respond to their surroundings more effectively. Its practical tips and emphasis on consistent practice make it a vital resource for enhancing personal safety and decision-making skills in a world filled with uncertainties.
Good on you for tackling that Great book! One of my top 2 must-read (“Just 2 Seconds” by Gavin de Becker is the other) I constantly explain the “left of bang” concept to companies that hire me as a security guard. I explain that my goal is to keep everything LEFT of the bang; whereas, law enforcement is predominantly RIGHT of the bang. That’s why they are “responders.” If I do my job well, hopefully, there is no bang…I know you’ll get it, in that you’re reading it. NOTE: I still love working shifts where LE Officers are present. They can get backup a lot faster than when I make a call 😉 … ✌️ and blessings.
This is great information. Especially the digital distractions. I can't count the number of times I've seen people be so focused on their phones they almost get hit by a car while walking in a parking lot.
At our church, I have noticed parents are focusing the social conversation with their friends and do not even know their kids ran across to the parking lot or already leave their immediate sigh. I am talking about the kids are around 3-6 yrs old. I have had countless experiences that I knew the kids were wanting around looking like lost and I redirected them back to their parents and their parents did not even realize that.
This same thing happens at our church, but to a lesser extent. I think the check in/out process for the children's ministry mostly prevents this since parents normally don't check out their kids until they are ready to go home.
We have the check-in and check-out process. Most of the time that parents checked out their kids and then come back in 10 mins to report missing child - due to their part paying attention to any other things than their own child(ren).
I’m a retired Airborne Infantry NCO. Attention to Detail was how we lived, how we trained our boys, and how we brought each other home from deployments downrange (I’ve often quipped that PTSD is combat multiplier). I apply the same training to my congregation’s security team. This coalesces that training into a quick read. Thanks Keith!
This skill is essential for security personnel to develop. Without it, one will always be trying to catch up to the sequence of events.
I am forwarding this article to some of my friends who are less situational awareness.
I am also sharing this with my family so my wife and kids know what to watch out for.
Excellent without exception! Thank you for this.
SA is situational awareness in the military as you know. In the USAF , SA was primary and included everything from weather to the nuts and bolts assigned to every flag on an aircraft.
This post, "Introduction to Situational Awareness" offers a detailed exploration of the concept of situational awareness, which extends beyond mere perception to include a deep understanding of one's environment and the proactive identification of potential dangers. Originally rooted in military and law enforcement, the practice is invaluable for civilians, enhancing safety through vigilant monitoring and rapid, informed decision-making.
This post effectively breaks down the essence of situational awareness, emphasizing its relevance in everyday life, from navigating urban spaces to emergency response. It provides practical advice on how to incorporate situational awareness into daily routines, like scanning for exits and observing people discreetly. These strategies aim to foster a mindset that prioritizes safety and sharpens response to unforeseen threats. (We REALLY need this!!!)
Moreover, the text highlights the importance of merging cognitive skills with intuitive judgment to enhance situational awareness. This combination not only helps in recognizing potential threats but also in maintaining composure during critical moments.
Overall, Keith serves a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to improve their ability to navigate and respond to their surroundings more effectively. Its practical tips and emphasis on consistent practice make it a vital resource for enhancing personal safety and decision-making skills in a world filled with uncertainties.
Thank you for sharing this Keith!
I’m reading the book “Left of Bang” which is about combat situational awareness. Has a lot of good info in it.
Good on you for tackling that Great book! One of my top 2 must-read (“Just 2 Seconds” by Gavin de Becker is the other) I constantly explain the “left of bang” concept to companies that hire me as a security guard. I explain that my goal is to keep everything LEFT of the bang; whereas, law enforcement is predominantly RIGHT of the bang. That’s why they are “responders.” If I do my job well, hopefully, there is no bang…I know you’ll get it, in that you’re reading it. NOTE: I still love working shifts where LE Officers are present. They can get backup a lot faster than when I make a call 😉 … ✌️ and blessings.
I was going to mention that book. It's a must-read.
This is great information. Especially the digital distractions. I can't count the number of times I've seen people be so focused on their phones they almost get hit by a car while walking in a parking lot.
At our church, I have noticed parents are focusing the social conversation with their friends and do not even know their kids ran across to the parking lot or already leave their immediate sigh. I am talking about the kids are around 3-6 yrs old. I have had countless experiences that I knew the kids were wanting around looking like lost and I redirected them back to their parents and their parents did not even realize that.
This same thing happens at our church, but to a lesser extent. I think the check in/out process for the children's ministry mostly prevents this since parents normally don't check out their kids until they are ready to go home.
We have the check-in and check-out process. Most of the time that parents checked out their kids and then come back in 10 mins to report missing child - due to their part paying attention to any other things than their own child(ren).
Another great article. Thank you.
Plenty of animals fight when they sense danger. E.g. honeybees.
Excellent
Excellent
This is fantastic content. It helps me and so many others. Keep up the great work KG.