From a young special forces soldier going through the mid 1970s to the mid 1990s I learnt from everyone that I could possibly learn from about personal security. From surveillance, to targeting to kill or capture…of myself, it was all about 100% awareness.
Everything I learnt was mainly from being taught and then putting it into practice operationally against an enemy individual or group…but to me, I would turn that around, and always think that while I’m operating, there are people operating against me with exactly the same skills set.
I would then go on as a civilian after a 23 year military career to go another 17 years on the ground helping individuals to do their jobs in hostile environments safely, while operating as their security advisor.
From the UK to Europe, from the Balkans to Palestine, and from Iraq to Afghanistan and Pakistan to name some, those key proactive personal security skills have kept myself and my special forces mates, followed by myself and those that I was protecting as a civilian, safe to operate outside of any security bubble.
Well, today I’m a retired old age pensioner living in the USA, I still visit the UK to catch up with family, and I still practice and retain my skills whether walking or driving in either country. Even at my old age I never switch off, I never relax, and I’ll never be caught out walking or even jogging with ear pods or headphones taking away a vital part of my awareness…my hearing.
In the 21st century none of us should have to behave like this, we should all be able to treat one another with the dignity and humanity that we all deserve. But sadly today’s life just isn’t like that for one reason or another.
I see young mums and dads multi tasking by taking their young babies and/or children out for a walk on a nice day, while walking the dog or even sometimes dogs, all at the same time. In addition, they’re either listening to music on their pods or head phones, or having a conversation on their phones. I’m walking up behind them, or jogging up behind them, and they don’t have a clue that I’m approaching them. If something were to happen, who do they save first…themselves, their oldest kid walking alongside, their youngest kid in the pushchair or their dogs? A realistic question to ask, given the state of life on the streets even before the latest catastrophic atrocities in the latest of the Middle East’s cycle of violence.
There is absolutely no doubt, that with the internet, 24/7 news coverage and daily conversations between families, friends and neighbours, that this sickening death and destruction could arrive in our own towns and onto places of gathering sometime very soon by those radicalized individuals that have chosen to take a side. Indeed just over the bridge from where I live, a frenzied attack on a 6 year old Muslim boy took place just the other day by a man who owned the building that he and his family were living in…he was stabbed multiple times…to death.
So take this seriously, look after your home, your family vehicle, your family and of course first and foremost yourself. If you can’t look after yourself then you can’t look after anyone or anything else.
If you’re in a country where you’re a gun owner, then make sure that the gun is your personal weapon, which means that it’s on you at all times, located on your body where you can draw it with either hand, should you be shot in the arm that you usually use to draw with. And have that gun made ready with a round already chambered…a trained and responsibly gun owner shouldn’t have a problem with that. And of course 24/7 that gun is your responsibility. It’s no good in a glove compartment of your vehicle, in a hand bag or purse if you’re a female, or locked in a box at home. If you need a gun legitimately for your personal protection then it needs to be with you at all times…made ready!
Having spent almost 40 of my 69 (69 next month) years in and out of conflict areas around the world, I’ve always been comfortable but cautious at home. However, I really feel that this latest Middle East situation is a game changer for home…USA, UK…Europe. We have for some time now been swamped with young foreign men of fighting age coming into our countries illegally, the security services having absolutely no idea of the exact numbers or even who they are or their backgrounds! That alone tells me that we’re about to have some significant drama.
A while ago I blogged about the Trojan Horse effect of individuals coming in and biding their time, especially with everyone feeling sorry for Afghans that had worked for the International actors during the 20 years of US led occupation of their country. Well, this is sadly the time, the one out of several hundred or so will be receiving their orders from the various open platforms online…I have no doubt. Then there’s the lone wolf, the individual that just feels that they have to act at the time of their choosing, and usually against an easy and unsecure target.
Be ready, carry a tourniquet as a minimum, having learnt how to use it…even though it’s very easy. Learn and practice putting it on yourself as well as others…it can be an absolute life saver if for several minutes someone can’t get to you.
As I always mention, read my Run, Hide, Fight blog post for those caught in place with a shooter: https://bobshepherdauthor.com/2019/03/18/how-best-to-survive-a-mass-shooting-by-bob-shepherd/
Take time to follow other security professionals advice online too, there are plenty of great skills out there, for everyone, no matter our age, every day is a school day after all. Then choose what you think will benefit you most.
Please remember as I’ve always said in past blog posts, at the end of the day when caught up in these events…“we are all on our own” when the incident is first initiated, so that makes us the first responders until the professional responders play catchup. So be prepared by being aware of your surroundings at all times, and not taking away any of your senses…including your sixth sense.
Bob Shepherd 
Bob, as always spot on. I always carry a tourniquet and field dressing in my bag, water and citizen aid App on my phone…as well as a decent belt. Rey
Thanks for this great post Bob and and all the good information and tips.
Bob,
Excellent post, as always!
Joe
Timely reminders such as this are necessary to bump us out of our complacency Bob, thank you for that. We are indeed all on our own when seconds count and responders are still minutes away.
Yes indeed Bob the UN seems to look pathetic with its well divided commitments
Yes indeed Bob the UN seems to look pathetic with its well divided union of Countries,it cannot possibly work with rogue Countries voting or abstaining but the best part it is televised to show the World it’s incompetency at this time of need. You mentioned the 6 th sense which in some arenas of debate can be taboo but it did appear in a leadership debate at Cranwell,it would seem even great leaders used their 6th sence and was successful against all the odds, Science still argue about it but it is still used to the person’s advantage.If l lived in Rio Janerio l would carry a full first aid back pack.