Remember this; just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean someone’s not after you.😂👍🏻

"Then I saw little Tiffany. I'm thinking, y'know, eight-year-old white girl, middle of the ghetto, bunch of monsters, this time of night with quantum physics books? She about to start some shit, Zed. She's about eight years old, those books are WAY too advanced for her. If you ask me, I'd say she's up to something. And to be honest, I'd appreciate it if you eased up off my back about it."

I’ve had a motto for about 25 years now... “I’d rather be paranoid than taken by surprise” Semper Fi

If you look around and you don’t spot the sketchy dude... YOU’RE the sketchy dude. 😂

Personal Story: I am a female, at 5'6", 111 pounds, and a military veteran. I live in northern Virginia 10 minutes from D.C. I have a CC (conceal carry) permit and I do conceal carry a pistol. No one would suspect that I am armed. I do not look the part........... I keep the situational awareness hat on at all times (yellow level). One evening I had just gotten off duty, I am walking on the sidewalk about to walk onto the private concrete walkway leading to the door to get to my place, when a male subject quickly exits a vehicle approximately 80 yards or 240-245 feet away, or less than a standard city block away on the same sidewalk as I, the car motor still running, its park lights are on, and another man at the wheel........... There were no other persons in sight. I was alone. The car was too far away to see the license plate. The man is approaching fast as I am still on the sidewalk as I am trying to get to the walkway. We are walking toward each other. But my alarm bells go off. I am carrying one of my CC pistols in a holster on my hip. I stop walking and position myself to make this man aware that I am paying attention to him while I was also keeping my eye on the man still in the car. The man on the sidewalk keeps coming towards me. Now I have placed my weapon hand in "ready" to "draw" position. I do not see him carrying a weapon. But he is walking directly toward me. I wanted to avoid a fight for my life. But I am ready for any adverse sudden movement and or display of a weapon. I was hoping to achieve deterrence. I did not want to show fear and flight was not an option........... He is getting closer. So I place distance between us by stepping off the sidewalk over approximately 15 feet, and got into a position to draw from a safer distance. The man on foot has now walked pass my position. I am sure he now knows I am watching him but he stops walking. Why? His back is to me. The man in the car I now have my back to him. Then the man on the sidewalk turns around, looking directly at me, and suddenly he sees my hand hovering over the grip of my pistol ready to draw. An uncomfortable look comes over his face because I am no longer his target. He gets out of there quickly heading back in the direction he came from, back to the car. I did not have to draw my weapon........... My non-verbal body language spoke for itself, he got the message: One wrong move and I will draw my firearm on you. I thought things would get worse. I was in fear of an imminent attack. However, I remained very calm due to the fact it hit me that I might have to take this shot if he were to brandish a weapon or lurch at me. Taking a shot at another human being is serious business, whether in uniform or not, and not to be taken lightly. Because then comes the aftermath of a shooting incident. I was in civilian status at this time. And these men clearly did not suspect I was carrying a firearm...........

I see a threat every time a Senator or Congressman speaks

My dad, Special Forces Sgt. Stephen Gonzalez, taught me and my brother and sisters to be aware. He said "If you're aware, you dont need to be paranoid." I passed that to my kiddos and they use it and its helped them in a couple of situations. Great info.

I tell my wife about situational awareness all the time and she still thinks it's an excuse to check out other women lol

On your tombstone: "Stabbed by a soccer mom that he dismissed as not a threat."

Everyone thinks they are safe until they get shanked by grandma lol good stuff

Situation awareness isn't always looking out for bad guys. It's paying attention to weather forecasts, inspecting your vehicle and reading, watching reliable news for changing social environments.

I make my wife hold a gun when we make out so I don't always have to be on guard. love is give and take.

This is something my dad taught me when I was young. I've never understood people that aren't aware of their surroundings.

"you can't spend all day...taking your gun apart and sharpening your knives. You gotta chill out" What if that's my idea of chilling out? Huh? You don't know me.

As a former infantry Marine that has been down range, I 110% agree and have heard much of this before. Great video, keep up the good work.

Be especially aware at Wal-Mart.

Really well said. The military's explanation of Coopers colors was mistakenly focused on wanting to be at "Red" and fully alert at all times; which very quickly caused burnout. It wasn't until much later that a friend of mine described it far better by relating it to driving. "You don't want to be at white unless you are asleep; so probably not at the wheel. Yellow would be just doing the normal somewhat autopilot driving. This frees up your mental energy for looking at other cars and making sure all is well. You may see some people breaking and turning without blinkers, but not a big deal. Orange comes about when you've identified a drunk driver or some similar nonsense and have started to take action to keep yourself safe. And, of course, Red is when someone (like said drunk driver) is swerving at your car, running a red light, or actively being a threat to those around him/her. When it was explained like that, it was a lot easier to understand the need of relaxing white, cruising at yellow, being focused on orange, and defensively dodging at red.

I think "The Gift Of Fear" might be a good book to read in conjunction with this, in terms of learning to spot a potential problem.

I have two take out restaurants in Johannesburg and EVERY time there's been an incident it's exactly who you thought it would be - profiling works I tell you! We've learned the hard way that there's no room for political correctness when you're trying to look after your own...

Be the grey man, observe and blend in but be ready to exit or react!

this is funny because me being born and raised and still currently living in Memphis Tn (A not so safe place lol) this type of awareness is second nature. I almost find it funny that some people walk around oblivious because I can’t fathom not being situationally aware. This is a true testament to human nature and how the environment you grow up in shapes you as an individual.

"Hanging upside down, checking your guns, sharpening your knives" 😅 You're cracking me up man.

This is one of the first and most important lessons I teach in my handgun self-defense classes, for, a 360º situational awareness can be a better tool than even a firearm in saving your life.

Back when good police solved crimes, profiling was an art. My wife has been with me for 32 years, 28yrs were in the military. She is a very good threat assessor. She has heard me over and over explaining it.

Excellent lesson for real-world self defense. Former karate student here. The schools i attended totally ignored this stuff. Their agendas were geared toward sports, fitness, fun, and making money for the instructors. Almost a complete waste of time in my opinion. This lecture points to the real deal in my opinion. Survival is the thing.

There’s something to be said for intuition. There’s times I’m walking my dog around the park after dark and greeting the person walking past with a smile and other times I’m watching the 2 guys by the swings out of the corner of my eye.

I've been watching your videos for a long time. There was a active shooter in Jacksonville today. I'm coming back and sharing this whole series with all my friends. Everyone in today's world need to be thinking of these things. Thanks for all you do John.

Sooo true. Be aware of your surroundings. It’s something everyone needs to practice. Just be aware of what’s HAPPENING. You know, LIFE. Great video

I am amazed at the people who walk around With ear buds In their ears looking down Not paying any attention to Who or what is going on As a veteran who seen some stuff and been in a few situations I take nothing for granted My advice is pay attention and don't let ur devices distract you

I've seen this video dozens of times and I can't believe how far this channel has come in 5 years

My surroundings are bad, unclean, creepy. Protecting yourself is important self discipline as well. great points. Everything isn't a threat but a distraction.

It's the one thing I'm greatfull for, growing up in a rough neighbourhood. It gave me situational awareness and ability to read people who are a threat. It was just a part of life and didn't realise how useful and easily adaptive the skill was until I started my interest in CQB/tactical shooting/survival. Me and my Grandad watch all your videos in the UK. We really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and practical skills. Thank you!

The funny thing is that those that are always in the orange zone mentality tend to look shady themselves.

Great information about situational awareness. I think it would be a good idea to let people know how you can become a victim of crime due to severe lack of situational awareness. For example, people on smart phones, talking, texting, reading their tablets and they have no clue what is going on around them. I was on my motorcycle one time about to make a right turn, and some woman texting on her phone, stepped in front of me without even looking or being aware of my actions. People who get so caught up in what they are doing to the point that they will walk right into a bad situation until it is too late.

Man, I got to tell you, this recognition of the work that civilian security professionals do is really refreshing, thanks for this video.

Situational awareness will keep you alive and un injured more than any amount of training or any weapon you can carry...99% of the time. Great vid, just found your channel, subbed, and love your attitude, personality, and sense of humor. Thank you for your military service John, men like you are who made this country great. Thanks again brother! Keep up the great vids.

Lol, me and my son just had this conversation. He gets angry when some one says he's paranoid when he says he's prepared for bad things to happen as much as he can. I like the points you bring up about your subconscious. That gut feeling something ain't right with this person/situation. Making yourself aware of this thing that happens when your brain and subconscious kick in, isn't easy to notice sometimes. It's not paranoia until you jump on the person who dress's like a slob on they're best day, lol. The line between the being ready and paranoid is easy to cross. Knowing how/when to recognize it is where too many fail and start obsessing about everything is a threat. This is just as important as doing drills to prepare.

"hanging upside down taking your gun apart and sharpening your knife".... I burst out in laughter!!! Great video

I have been in and out of security for several years after the military and that is the absolute best analogy I have ever heard thank you so much

I love how you do your video, then seem to get through better, at least to me. I don't feel like I have a drill instructor screaming at me again Iol. But you made me realize something, I'm always watching people. One of the habits of being a truck driver, but I have noticed almost all truck driver look in one way or another like you described here. No wonder people don't talk to us lol. Thanks man another great video

I'm currently 1/4th of the way through the book "The Gift of Fear" as a result of you and James. This saying keeps popping in my mind as I become more and more educated -"you don't know that you don't know....." Please keep up the great content and I'm glad your channel came across my UKposts recommended watch. Been subscribed for a few weeks and back watching most of the videos.

Excellent topic for all. I’m a professional protection specialist. -aka bodyguard.Thank you for keeping things real with so much b.s. out there.

One of the best situational awareness videos I have seen, it is actually very interesting how some people are so naive and in their own heads and never notice any potential threat until it's already there.

This guy is great. He really has quality presentations. I havent ever heard anything he says that I disagree with. Probably one of the most realistic perspectives I have heard.

Can you please do a video of maybe a handful of threat indicators that may move you from "yellow" to "orange"? I get the basic "guy walks in with black hoodie with hood up and hands in pocket" type thing but what are some things YOU think should be indicators. Could you also please do a video of tips on how to spot someone carrying? Thanks!

I wish someone had really taught me this as a young girl. I remember being 21 and newly married, going to the mall with my husband for a meal and shopping. We had to stop at the ATM to draw money and while he had his back turned I stood a couple feet away from him just waiting quietly and people watching. A group of 6 nigerian guys walk up to me and the leader takes my hand between both of his with a HUGE smile on his face and his other guys cut me off immediately from my 6ft 7 husband who still had his back to me unaware of what was happening. They asked me who I was at the mall with, what my name was and ultimately my freaking age. Every cell in my body was screaming at me that something was off. When I nodded to my husband and they saw this massive guy I was with they instantly dropped the act and moved away, but to this day I freak out when I think about it.

Great video! So happy to finally see a video about being aware and not getting paranoid.

Thanks for the video! I'm a 17yr old in cali and I love all things tactical. A good thing to know before I am in the position to be surprised.

This is pretty much what I said when I had to testify about an attack that put me in a coma for four days. Prosecutor asked if its altered the way I live my daily life and I said "yeah, that little voice in the back of your head saying that you're being paranoid and profiling people is not legitimate. Basically, the understanding that everyone can be a threat and those I perceive as a higher threat has been vindicated."

John our backgrounds are very similar. This is one of the first classes I took (subject wise). Stereotypes exist for a reason and most time will save your life. Good stuff. Cheers

I love these videos always helping us viewers learn and grow. Working loss prevention I learned really quick about the profiling you mention. In mere months I could pretty much nail who was up to no good 90% of the time

Sharing this with a group that I Admin on fb called: Survive...thrive...stay alive. Thank you for this and other videos.

I realized my situational awareness needed work when my parents pointed out the fact that I was constantly unaware of my surroundings when I was a teen. (About 14 yrs old) Most folks are oblivious of their own unawareness, which makes them the definition of a soft-target.. Situational awareness is definitely an acquired skill, and takes time to develop.

What a unique personality. I really enjoy your unintentional humor. Keep up the good work Hermano.

All the things that we learned in the military. It is good to review them from time to time as they help reinforce the critical thinking and action process.

Man I love your stuff. It's exactly what an average citizen looking to be a little more competent in self defense and firearms needs. Thanks

My wife and I would love to train with THE warrior poet!!! You seem like such a good, knowledgeable teacher👍

Good concept and examples. For those interested in more, a good book is "Left of Bang." One thing I think people miss on this concept is playing through in your mind what you will do if something happens. Such as being aware of cover and concealment, avenue of escape, etc. I mentally rehearse if faced with some situation what would I do in this environment? This comes from background in law enforcement. I normally carry things in my weak hand as they are expendable and can be thrown toward threat as distraction while I engage my firearm.

I've been binge watching all quarantine and learning so much. Thank you!

This is fantastic advice and perspective. This is the conversation that EVERY person who carries should have before they begin to carry.

Just found your channel. I have to say I am really impressed with your content. Plus you seem like a really cool guy haha. Thanks for the videos man they help a lot!

Thank you, for all your Videos. I just found you about 4 months ago but You have given me so much great information! I want to be aware , and ready in the time of need. What I really need the situational awareness class for reaching over your SpecOps Devgru husband while he is sleeping, to quietly shut the light off next to the bed! Seriously, Almost got killed.

Great information,Thanks John. I love your videos and your professionalism. Keep pumping out those great videos. Stay safe

Very good advice John. I am a 75 year old retired Deputy Constable from South Texas and I have done the color coding since I was on the job and it has saved my Bacon more then once. The hair on the back of my neck goes up and I am about 3 seconds ahead of decision time.

Subbed. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm loving your vids.

On Being AliveWhen I am talking to my students about awareness, I also point out the other, greater benefit; that there are many more good things in the world than bad, and most people miss them. By living in Yellow, you get to experience them. A sunset, a shy smile shared between a new couple, a baby's gurgling laugh, the caress of a breeze, the relaxing warmth of the sun's rays soaking into your skin, the perfume of some flowers from upwind..... Those things happen everyday. But most people live in a little self-made, self-containing bubble that excludes the majority of that thing we call life. If being 'aware' also clues me in when danger lurks, well, that's a bonus. :) A lot of people don't react well to the 'doom and gloom' of being on the look out for bad guys 24/7. I don't blame them. Paranoia is tiring. Being 'Alive' is rejuvenating.

This was gospel! Mix of reality, knowledge and need for implementation. I plan to learn from what you have to say. Thank you.

Such a great video. I have alway been a huge believer in situational awareness, unfortunately not as many people these days recognise a possible threat when it comes into their slightly distant or near perimetre. For as example in my line of work I have to always be aware of people around me and be ready for any situation. I tell my staff under me that my position doesn't just require communicating and ordering people around, it's about gauging the situation and making decisions on the go at a moments decision. I suppose it's not until you start to mentor people that they actually see where you are coming from. Thanks John Lovell!

Few things make me feel like a dumbass more than turning around in a parking lot, to see somebody a few feet from me that I was unaware of. I at least recognize that this is a bad thing, and I need to do a better job.

Dammit I’m in level orange too much. Been spending more time alone in the mountains, it helps. Peace.

Definitely helpful video. Situational awareness will negate some of a perpetrators advantage, but we always react after the threat presents itself. I’ve learned a lot from your videos, thanks much!

So true. If you're always in orange, life sucks. I did nightclub security, mostly weekends, for years. I haven't done so for about a year and a half at this point. I'm still way more jumpy than anyone should be going thru normal day life. It doesn't help that this particular location was/is known for having people do gun fights - the last summer I was there, it was every weekend, a lot of times both Friday night and Saturday night.

Hey man my name is jacob and i am Shooting instructir from Israel And i love your work I see that in your eyes u talk true Keep doing great job man 🇮🇱🇺🇸💪

Law enforcement are also civilians. A lot of people seem to forget this

Very good discussion. I worked several years in security and developed pretty good situational awareness. You are right about every aspect . Thank you for passing this knowledge onto people. You are a very good instructor.

Love the info John. Clean, logic based approach to situational awareness. ThAnk you.

There’s a very similar video to this also on UKposts called ‘ how to shop safely at Walmart’

"Dont do it man dont do it HES GOING FOR IT.. SO AM I!!!" I damn near pissed myself laughing.

When I was a bank teller, I was taught to suspect even little old ladies, but ONLY as a "yellow zone" level threat, and mainly for theft or manipulation attempts, not physical, knife, granade throwing grannies. Great video! You really addressed some topics I never even considered! Thank you!

Absolutely. Situational awareness and escaping/avoiding danger whenever possible is the best self-defense. Once the confrontation starts, all bets are off.

Does the little girl have a machete?! lmao too good

The way I think about condition yellow is like when you are driving a car. Your aware of what the other drivers around you are doing, your not paranoid, or freaking out, and your not expecting anything to happen your just paying attention to what they are doing so you can react in time if somebody does do something stupid. Or say you see someone who is driving drunk, or serving in and out of lanes you see the guy in time you can keep your distance from him, and keep an eye on what he is doing, that would be like condition orange. Red would be if you had to slam on your breaks. Or drive somewhere else, or serve out of the way. White would be if you are texting or just not paying attention, to the road or in the back seat sleeping or looking out the window. Almost everyone lives in a form of condition yellow on some level if they remotely aware of whats going on around them, like looking out where they are going when walking or crossing the street. Your just adding a couple of extra layers to that like looking out for suspicious behavior,. Avoiding potentially dangerous locations where you might in counter a situation where you have to use deadly force, and not sitting with your back to the door when you are in a rest restaurant, and knowing where the exits are.

My dad was a combat vet and gunnery sgt. in the Marine Corps World War two…. he was also a drill instructor for five years. Couldn’t ask for a better dad. He made sure all of his boys kept their heads on a swivel. We were all situationally aware. It has served me well over the years helping me avoid some situations and be prepared when I needed.

I love it that you bring up Col. Cooper and his work. I was inspired very early on by him and a few others.

"Grow a brain & profile." LOVE It!

Wow! After watching this guy for 9 minutes and thinking, "yeah I know how to be situational aware, I'm so cool" I didn't even notice that he had a gun under the shirt until he actually showed it! Really unexpected!

I came across some people training at the range in Albuquerque, NM with WPS shirts and got a little grin and said to myself, self... try to get to know those people. My family and I really appreciate the work you put into teaching us what we need to know to be responsible for our own safety.

I love some of the commentary about personal experiences around this topic. I had the situational awareness cap on before I joined the Army, and it got better with training. My Spidey-Sense saved me on 2 occasions in very similar fashion to Field Strip's experience. Them knowing that you know changes things a lot. Eyballing my nemisis and preserving a personal perimeter with cover and escape, intimidated my opponent's will to execute. Problem stopped before it began.😇👍

another great video! Keep them coming... but not at the expense of your recharge time

Dig it. 👍🏼

I really LOVE your videos. I have watched many and find them ALL very informative. If I could make a suggestion... I wish you would do some longer videos that went into more detail. Sometimes it seems you just scratch the surface. As someone who can't afford to come and take your classes, I feel I could really benefit from a more "in depth" approach. Thank you for your service and for all that you do for this community!

Wow! Learning so much from your videos. Not just tactics & technics but more importantly the mental side of conceal carry. Keep it up brother.

I love your politically incorrect attitude. political correctness is enforced by the elites but causes everyday people top be victimized.

I live in Cali where most of y'all know that a CCP is impossible to get. Every time I walk or go to any public place, even school I'm hypervigilant. Now the question is; Do I become a criminal so I can protect myself? Or am I just simply at the mercy of campus police? Either way, shit is fucked here in cali.

this one convinced me. subbed. thanks for sharing such valuable knowledge! be safe man

bro, im loving your videos, God bless and thank you for the work you put in.

He's goin for it SO AM I 🤣

I see "sketch dudes" every time I go to the grocery store!

So glad I found this guy. So real and sensible. Making my 18 year old 100lb daughter watch before she goes off to college.

Love your videos man keep up the good work and thank you for your service