the counter terrorist magazine - dec / jan

EVOLUTION OF TRAINING PERSONAL PROTECTION GRAY MAN TACTICAL MEDICAL TRAINING

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VOLUME 8 NUMBER 6

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DEC 2015/JAN 2016

Journal for Law Enforcement, Intelligence & Special Operations Professionals

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE IN THE EVENT OF A TERRORIST ATTACK

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The Counter Terrorist ~ December 2015/January 2016 5

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DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016VOLUME 8 NUMBER 6

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COVER STORY: 30 WHAT YOU CAN DO TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE IN THE EVENT OF A TERROR ATTACK by Tom Black

FEATURES:

08 THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR HOMELAND SECURITY by Bradley Hickory

16 THE EVOLUTION OF TRAINING by John Gomez48 THE GRAY MAN by Dr. Ross L. Riggs58 THE IMPORTANCE OF TACTICAL MEDICAL TRAINING FOR PATROL by Nick Perna

DEPARTMENTS:

06 From the Editor Radical Islams new offensive

46 Book Review A Citizens Guide to Surviving Street Crimes and Terrorist Attacks

68 Innovative Products Fairleigh Dickinson University, Sprint, ITTS K9, ExplorerSCOPE-UV, American Built Arms Company

Cover Photo: A boy lights a candle in memory of the people murdered during the November 13, 2015 Paris attacks. Photo by: Gyrostat

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6 The Counter Terrorist ~ December 2015/January 2016

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VOLUME 8 NUMBER 6DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

EditorHenry Morgenstern Assistant EditorGarret Machine Director of OperationsCarmen Arnaes Director of AdvertizingSol Bradman Administrative Ashley Villegas Contributing EditorsJohn Gomez Tom Black Bradley Hickory Dr. Ross L. RiggsNick PernaGraphic DesignMorrison Creative CompanyCopy EditorLaura Town Advertising SalesSol Bradman [email protected] 305-302-2790 Publisher:Security Solutions International13155 SW 134th St. STE 103 Miami, Florida 33186

ISSN 1941-8639 The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Journal for Law Enforcement, Intelligence & Special Operations Professionals is published by Security Solutions International LLC, as a service to the nations First Responders and Homeland Security Professionals with the aim of deepening understanding of issues related to Terrorism. No part of the publication can be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the authors represented and not necessarily the opinions of the publisher. Please direct all Editorial correspondence related to the magazine to: Security Solutions International SSI, 13155 SW 134th Street, Suite 103, Miami, Florida. 33186 or [email protected] The subscription price for 6 issues is $34.99 and the price of the magazine is $5.99. (1-866-573-3999) Fax: 1-786-573-2090.For article reprints, e-prints, posters and plaques please contact:Security Solutions International at [email protected] or call 786-573-3999Please visit the magazine web site where you can also contact the editorial staff:

www.thecounterterrroristmag.com 2016 Security Solutions International

s we go to press, a week after the Paris attacks, it is clear that Paris is one of the elements of a new Islamist terror offensive that has been taking place for some time. This

includes, but is not limited to, the downing of a Russian passenger airline over the Sinai desert on October 31st killing 224 that began the horrifying string of attacks; Israel has suffered hundreds of knifing attacks and killings by guns, bombs and anything else that the Muslim Brotherhood, otherwise known as Hamas, can get their hands on; Beirut Lebanon saw an ISIS bomber detonate on an explosive bicycle killing 43 wounding more than 200; the accounts in Africa, Egypt and South East Asia in one month would take a lot more space than this editorial allows. Then there are those that happen in the US like Merced, California which are Jihadist but are quickly brushed under the violent extremist carpet. And then there was Paris!

Our strategy or lack of is clearly not working. Somewhat late we are beginning to realize that Obamas JV team possesses a global terror capability and cannot be contained but needs to be eliminated. All the more important for all of you to get with us and share the know-how that you have, the experiences you can share, and the lessons we can all learn that will help to protect the civilization we love as it comes under a very capable, brutal and merciless assault from Islamism.

No one is better qualified to edit this magazine at a time like this than our new editor who takes over from the February/ March issue. Garret Machine served as a soldier in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in a Direct Action, Counter Terrorism unit. He was a soldier, medic and firearms tactics instructor for his army unit. This unit of the IDF specialized in urban warfare, hostage rescue, targeted assassinations and kidnapping of wanted militants throughout the West Bank, Gaza strip and boarder nations. Garret has a Masters degree in homeland security and counter terrorism from the Interdisciplinary Center in Hertzlia Israel. Following his military service he worked in Dignitary Protection for the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Finally, Garret joined the ranks of The Israeli National Police Force where he served until 2010. Shortly after completing his service to Israel, Garret moved to the United States where he now provides security consultation.

It has been a great time editing the last two issues. While I have so enjoyed shepherding articles from many of you, I have to admit that time is a constant challenge here at SSI. I look forward to seeing many different articles on international special operations tactics; about new technologies and gear that can help you with your mission; on self-responders and how we can get actively involved in counter terrorism and the best of allyour know-how shared with your peers which is what this magazine is all about. We clearly need a magazine like this because we are under attack. Please get involved. Our slogan is protecting the Homeland together and we mean it, whether you are here or in Beirut, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Israel or Africa we need to hear about what you do. We all have the same enemy and we can best defeat this enemy together.

Henry MorgensternEditor, The Counter Terrorist

FROM THE EDITOR:Radical Islams new offensive

by Henry Morgenstern


THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR HOMELAND SECURITY



by Bradley Hickory

he incidents revealed on news media today are not new. The news

is certainly far more disseminated throughout the populationand the world, for that matterbut the violence is not new. Violence continues to manifest throughout America and the world. The Bank of America shooting incident in North Hollywood, California in 1997 lead to law enforcement

implementing assault rifles into their standard arsenals. The Columbine High School massacre in Colorado in 1999 lead to advanced training in active shooter situations. Then Americas breath was taken away on September 11th, 2001, when a non-conventional act of terrorism claimed thousands of lives. The event on 9/11 has influenced numerous aspects of the governmental, public, and

T

Throughout history, violence has always existed. Terrorist incidents, mob violence, riots, acts of aggression, domestic violence, gang violence, unnecessary killings, and general volatility has always been a reality within society.


private security sectors worldwide. Executive protection (EP) is but one

area that has advanced due to the increase in hostility on a global scale. It is an important element of Homeland Security, since political policy can be changed by bullet, as seen in the Rabin Assassination in 1995 and many others.

As all areas of the international security industry become more enhanced and


specialized, EP continues to refine itself as well. The advancement of EP work has excelled beyond the typical job title of bodyguard. There is a lot more to an EP specialist than an individual who calls him or herself a bodyguard, much like a true security professional is of a higher

The monument at the site of the Yitzhak Rabin's assassination. Photo by: Shalom

caliber than a club bouncer. Education, maturity, training, and experience produce a higher quality professional to perform EP responsibilities. This is not to say that individuals who are on ambitious paths to become EP specialists wont achieve their goals. However, just because a security professional has spent a few thousand dollars and attended a school or two doesnt necessarily qualify them as an EP specialist. The same holds true for law enforcement and military-trained members of the security world. Their training and experience certainly make a positive difference, but may not instantly transfer over into all of the aspects involved in EP work.

TACTICAL EXPERIENCE: A MUST

Tactical experience is desired in the EP realm, for it translates into improved decision making. This is why experience is so important. The basics of a profession may be learned in a book, followed up by a competent classroom experience, but tactical experience is where observation and decision making skills are increased. Tactical and strategic experience, along

Members of the US Army 89th Military Police, Brigade Special Reaction Team, along with other Military Police, search vehicles before entering the main gate at Fort Hood, TX. Heighten security measures are in place following the September 11th attacks. Photo by: John Byerly CIV


with education, support sound decision making. This experience allows an EP specialist to read a situation as it is and competently identify where the likelihood of a threat or hazard may initiate from. This identification yields appropriate measures to be taken for the protection of the teams dignitary (or principal). In his second book on EP, Executive Protection: New Solutions for a New Era, Robert Oatman presents a chapter titled, Its Not About the Gun. The operation of an EP detail is primarily defensive in nature, not offensive. If a hostile situation were to present itself, the priorities of an EP detail are to remove their principal away from danger and escort him or her to a safe location. Tactical operations would declare operators to eliminate the threat, and that may occur, but the primary objective would be to get the principal to safety.

PLANNING AND OPERATIONS

EP specialists are expected to be intelligent in their planning and operation of a detail. The advance work that paves the success of an operation must be handled by competent, experienced EP specialists. The proper planning of an EP detail is crucial for the organization of protection for the principal. There should not be any detail overlooked nor neglected. Dignitaries, executives, and anyone who wishes to pay for the high-quality personal protection that EP provides deserves to receive superior protection services. EP specialists must be high caliber personnel who are well versed in multiple areas. They are expected to always be alert, be intelligent and competent, tactically proficient, excellent drivers, and constantly professional. These specialists must understand all of the responsibilities

the primary objective would

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bestowed upon them and operate within a unified, fluid team. EP teams must be seamless in their orchestrated motorcade operations and walking formations while moving their principal.

EP must continue to evolve for the sake of the clients that specialists protect. There has been a growing movement across America where uneducated and uncivilized individuals are attacking members of authority. When that happens, what is to stop these deplorable members of society from going after important individuals that need protection? It goes further than that. It is not only VIPs (company executives or high net worth individuals) that need protection. Recently, a news reporter and her cameraman were executed on live television while doing their jobs. A uniformed law enforcement officer was assassinated while pumping fuel.


Terrorists conduct attacks on law enforcement officials and members of government to undermine the protection capabilities of a civilized structure. Terrorists will cause citizens to lose faith in their Governments ability to protect them. Incidents such as these prove the violence is reaching out everywhere.

All EP specialists need to remain vigilant within their jobs and always seek advanced knowledge in their fields. Work with your team, as a team, as often as possible. Much the same as it is with other specialized units, it is important to know how one another operate. It is crucial to understand one anothers weaknesses and strengths, as well as those of your team members, especially for the EP manager. Take your training seriously, and above all, please stay safe!

ABOUT THE AUTHORBradley Hickory was born in raised in

Florida. He proudly served his country for four years in the United States Marine Corps as a Recon Marine. Pursuant to being honorably discharged Bradley attended college before become a law enforcement officer. He was a member of SWAT for five years during his ten years within law enforcement. Bradley then worked with Triple Canopy as he operated executive protection missions in Baghdad, Iraq for nearly three years. He is now an independent security consultant and executive protection expert. Bradley possesses a bachelors degree in Intelligence with a concentration of Terrorism studies. He is currently working on a masters degree in Security Management.


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THE EVOLUTION OF TRAININGImproving results for law enforcement involved in shooting incidents

A police officer peers through the reflex sight

of an M4 carbine. Photo by: John Crosby16 The Counter Terrorist ~ December 2015/January 2016


he average citizen, with little firearms training, can fire over

one hundred rounds in that same period of time, and typically achieves a fifty percent hit ratio when aiming at human targets. The majority of police officers in the country, when involved

in a shooting incident, if they are lucky, will achieve seventy percent accuracy only 3.4% of the time, according to a study by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). What is even more startling is that military shooters (not including special operations team

T

The average response time for a law enforcement officer in the United States is three minutes and thirty-five seconds.

by John Gomez


members) on active deployment only achieve slightly higher accuracy scores.

The average response time for back-up units, responding to a non-officer-down situation, is a little over two minutes, depending on the municipality and region of the country. In metropolitan areas, response times average ninety seconds, but in rural areas, such as Maine, it is not unusual for back-up units to be several minutes away.

The average shooter who visits a shooting range once a week can effectively hit their target about eighty percent of

Photo by: United States Department of Homeland Security

Photo by: aeroplanepics0112


the time, when they have the element of surprise or other tactical advantage. The average law enforcement officer in the United States visits the range once a year and will shoot about a hundred rounds in a qualification program that is typically not very realistic or supportive of their actual tactical needs. The outcome of this once-a-year training approach is not surprising. In a real world-shooting incident, officers hit their target only 19.4% of the time, when the target is

three yards away. Their hit rate drops dramatically when distance increases or the assailant is returning effective fire.

The average response time for an officer in trouble is about forty-five seconds. An officer who has an arterial compromise due to a gunshot wound and combat conditions can bleed out before qualified help can reach them.

IMPROVING OUTCOMESAlthough, as an industry, our training

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Photo by: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Chase


tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) have evolved over time, our statistical outcomes, as noted earlier, have not improved over the past forty years. One reason for this, I believe, is that much of our training is based on approaches used to train basic military units. This approach makes clear sense when you have the need to train a large amount of individuals in the basics of firearm handling. Keep in mind that these techniques assume the individual will operate in larger team, where the number

of guns in the fight makes up for the possible lack of skill.

In scenarios where we have much smaller teams, such as in most law enforcement situations, where you may only have one officer initially involved in a shooting, the focus must be on skill. It is imperative that our training departs drastically with tradition and begins to recognize that the math does not lie. An average hit-rate of 19.4% at three yards is clearly a sign that our approaches do not work.

An average hit-rate of 19.4%

at three yards is clearly a sign that

our approaches do not work.

A soldier rips down paper targets at a range for military police soldiers as part of an M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun familiarization at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Nov. 5, 2015. Photo by Master Sgt. Michel Sauret


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Our threat landscape has dramatically changed in the past decade. Ambushes, assassinations, barricaded and armed suspects, and shooting in progress situations are all on the rise. The expertise, determination and capability of the attackers are also evolving. Consider the amount of time the casual shooter spends at the range versus the time required of an officer to be on the range training. The reality is that officers will more than likely face an assailant who has more time training with a firearm, than does the officer.

TIME FOR TRAININGOne clear solution is to provide

officers with more time training with firearms. Obviously, this creates economic challenges, even for large law enforcement agencies. Ammunition, insurance, overtime, and supplies all burden the budget. That recognized, there are simple and sound methods that can be employed to give officers the time to train more and not create economic hardships. These include starting leagues, making ammunition available, dry-fire training, and much more. But this is only part of the solution. The training provided to officers must change in terms of the approach, methods of instruction, and the science behind the content. All training should be realistic, but it must also be reflective of the encounters faced by officers in a gunfight. To fully outline all of the required changes is well beyond the scope of this article. Yet, my hope is to provide you with some insights into approaches that may help you rethink how your officers are being trained. We will discuss the use of context, crawl-walk-run drills, academic grounding, and psychology, among others. But please keep in mind: this is simply the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

CONTEXT: THE VARIABILITY OF GUNFIGHTS

All tactical situations, such as an active shooter, for instance, always have various variables that we need to consider as we design training programs. These variables are known as context. When we consider context, we need to think about environment, facilities, geography, load outs, fatigue factors, length of contact, manpower, support elements, logistics, communications, and much more. A critical aspect of any training, active shooter or otherwise, should start with the question What is the context?

Thinking through context and listing out all the variables creates the foundation for our training. Failing to consider context is one of the biggest mistakes that I see when speaking to leadership in both military and law enforcement. If you want to determine the quality of a trainer, ask them What is the context of this training? If they give you a blank stare or stumble in answering, you have dont have the right trainer or program.

Another mistake is describing context as the objective of training. An objective is critical and sensible, but it is not context. Context is broader and much more thoughtful than an objective. The objective may be stated in a sentence or two, but the context of training forces you to think about all the variables, and in thinking about the variables you will develop training that is realistic and reflective of scenarios faced by those on the firing line.

CRAWL-WALK-RUN: GETTING TO THE TRUTH

A huge mistake or omission I see occur often is a failure to embrace a crawl-walk-run approach when it comes to skill













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of starting the program with the actual team members, learned that the training was well beyond their level of skill.

Just like a tactical response, training must be fluid and adaptable to meet the needs of the trainees. Embracing a crawl-walk-run approach provides you with a means to evaluate the true level and effectiveness your teams. This approach also provides a means to assure that your team can eventually and effectively

operate in the context that you defined earlier. As you consider how to introduce a crawl-walk-run culture to your training programs, be aware that everyone wants to jump right to the run stage. Yes, most learning and retention, most muscle memory development, and the most effective correction of bad practices is achieved in the crawl stage. If you want to see vast improvement in your team members, especially when training for

development. All too often, individuals are put into training programs that are well beyond their skill levels. This often occurs because the training curriculum is based on feedback from someone who has a false perception of the capabilities of their team members. I have personally had situations with SWAT and Special Operation teams where we have had hopes of doing very advanced or challenging training, and within an hour


shooting encounters, you must spend most of your time in the crawl stage. In a typical training cycle, at least forty percent of your training should be in the crawl stage. This remains true no matter how many times you revisit a training scenario.

Interestingly, the cheapest training is typically the training conducted in the crawl stage. For example, if we were working through an active shooter response scenario, we would engage

dry-firing during the crawl stage. There is no expenditure of ammunition or target costs, just time. Yet, the return on skill improvement is extremely high during this stage of training. An often heard quote, first popularized by the tactical shooting community, is slow is smooth, smooth is fast. The crawl stage is where we focus on slow, that leads to smooth, during our walk stage and pays amazing dividends during the run stage training.

If your training programs do not embrace crawl-walk-run, there is a very good chance that your team has a false sense of their true capabilities. Working through the crawl-walk-run stages provides a means to identify tipping points. A tipping point is that exact moment when skills deteriorate and are no longer effective. The more tipping points you are able to identify and address, the more clearly you will understand the true skills of your team.

Marines learn small unit support vehicle and mountain driving during classroom instruction. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Kaitlyn Klein


ACADEMICS: BACK TO THE CLASSROOM

When I observe or attend training programs, especially when they are tactical or combative training programs, I find that we seem to go from our cars to the range. For some reason, other than a safety briefing, there is rarely time inside a classroom. I also find it interesting that when I teach tactical programs, people are often intrigued that I request a classroom. Yet, time and time again, studies show that when you take time to explain why someone is doing something, their retention and abilities vastly improve. We arent talking negligible improvements, but dramatic skill improvement.

A research study, using basketball foul shoots, found some interesting results that support the use of academics to learn physical skills. The study utilized students with no prior experience in sports, specifically basketball. The students were divided into two teams, Team A and Team B.

Team A was put into a classroom and watched films on how-to shoot foul shots. Team A also received explanations on the mechanics of making foul shots and then were asked to visualize themselves successfully shooting baskets from the foul line. Team B, was taken out to a basketball court and taught how-to physically shoot foul shots. They practiced shooting baskets from the foul line for the same amount of time as Team A was in the classroom.

Team A and B then face off to see which team can successfully shoot more foul shots. Although Team B, the team that went to the basketball court and not the classroom, starts out scoring more points, Team A quickly catches and surpasses Team B, even though it was their first time actually touching a basketball. Other studies have shown

that the combination of academic and didactic training drive higher retention and success under stress. Simply stated, to improve firearm accuracy it is important to wire the mind as much as it is to train the mechanics.

When you are planning training programs, make sure you always include both. In fact, a key sign that your training isnt going to be effective in a real world scenario is if you cannot figure out the academics. This may sound New Age, but it does make a vast difference over our traditional approaches. Even if you dont have the time or money to develop classroom content, consider using prepackaged videos, guest instructors, or similar approaches.

PSYCHOLOGY: INSIDE THE MIND

While we are on the subject of New Age approaches, lets talk about psychology. When we strip away all the padding, the reality is that we are asking an individual to face off with another human in a lethal encounter. It is our responsibility, our duty, to assure that our team is given every advantage possible, no matter how small. The psychology of combat is a critical aspect of preparing team members for shooting engagements. We need to assure that they do not freeze, fall victim to tunnel vision, or over respond to the situation.

I recommend an approach that divides a tactical response into two mindsets: critical and tactical. The critical response mindset is what we often see when someone is suddenly engaged in a high-threat situation. For many reasons, the critical response mindset is ultimately responsible for many of the failures we see in gunfights. A critical response mindset is our default primal state, its foundation is the fight-or-flight

Simply stated, to improve firearm

accuracy it is important to wire the mind as much as it is to train

the mechanics.


Counter The

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response we all know, but it is also so much more, and it is debilitating. Regardless of how realistic, relevant or frequent our training may be, if we do not correct for the critical response mindset, we may very well impacting the ability of our teams to effectively fight back in a high-risk situation.

The tactical response mindset is the preferred method of thinking when we face a high-threat situation. The tactical response mindset is characterized provides someone under fire with a purposeful means of thinking, that matches their physiology, level of training, and the reality of the battle. In short, the tactical response mindset forces the individual to think in terms of tactical awareness and tactical engagement. This cycle breaks the autopilot thinking we see when someone is using the critical response mindset.

When we force trainees into one state of mind or the other (critical vs. tactical mindset), we see that those employing critical response mindset perform much more poorly than those applying tactical response mindset approaches. It is not possible to provide you with all the intricacies of how to develop programs that embrace tactical response mindset approaches in a short magazine article. That said, my hope is to illustrate that the psychology of combat, specifically how it relates shooting engagements, is a critical component of training your team members.

Do not overlook the application of psychology in tactical or firearms training. There are various techniques you can embrace to provide an edge to your teams. For example, the application of the Stroop Effect, named after John Ridley Stroop, is a highly effective method for target discernment training. A simple


application of Stroop is to place an odd or even number on your targets, and then instruct your trainees to only shoot the even-numbered target, doing it for time. As you reduce the time, you will see the trainee revert to critical response mindset. If you use a crawl-walk-run approach here, you will find that if you start slowly, with time the trainee will be able to discern odd from even and shoot accurately and within very strict time constraints. When they accomplish this, they are employing tactical response mindset.

JUST THE BEGINNING: TRAINING + TACTICS

Evolving how we train is just the beginning. There is a very real need to evolve our overall tactics and techniques. As with our training approaches, many of the tactics employed by our teams are antiquated. We spend way too much time debating the nuances of isosceles vs.

weaver, point vs. front sight, stealth vs. dynamic entry; the list goes on and on. The reality is that our focus regarding tactics should be singularly about winning. Not surviving a shooting or tactical engagement, not getting through it, but winning.

Winning means embracing counter-assault, prolonged operations, outcome based tactics, and other approaches that are often only taught to advanced operators. These tactics need to find their way into the curriculum of the front-line team member, who is often the first person facing a shooter and needs to make very critical decisions.

In this article, we have examined various concepts and methodologies we can use to help vastly evolve training related to tactical and high-threat scenarios. I hope that by improving the quality of your training methods, we improve the statistical outcomes of officer-involved shootings.

ABOUT THE AUTHORJohn Gomez is CEO of Group Espada

and Sensato.He has a background in special operations, cyber-security and counter-terrorism.

www.groupespada.com


WHAT YOU CAN DO

TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE IN THE EVENT OF A

TERROR ATTACK


by Tom Black

he embassy bombings in Yemen, the U.S.S. Cole, and beheadings in

Iraq and Afghanistan were all extremely easy for terrorists to plot and plan since the targets were in their back yard. Terrorism inside the borders of the United States is not something the average American thinks about, but they should. Americas borders are porous. In addition, there is a problem with the doctrine behind our screening

procedures. Couple those two things with the State Departments lack of initiative in deporting individuals who have overstayed their visas, and we could have a preponderance of radical Islamist terror cells all over the United States. Looking back at what terrorists are capable of and through proper risk assessment, threat analysis, and imagination, individuals and communities can possibly thwart some of these attacks and properly prepare for the

T

Terrorism is all around us. While the terror attacks of recent history have happened overseas, this was only a convenience for terrorists, as the targets were closer.


aftermaths of attacks. There are numerous ways to mitigate or stay clear of these threats on a personal, small group, and community level by preparation, planning, training and equipping individuals properly.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION

Terrorists and radical Islamists can be anywhere. They can be teachers in schools, work in the same building as others, live on the same street, and even be neighbors. Preparing and planning for a terroristic threat or attack takes more

than listening to the news and waiting to be told what to do by local leaders or government officials. Personal preparation is the first step in staying alive and mobile in a state of emergency caused by terrorists. Regardless of the numerous threats posed by terrorists today, one cannot help others if one is not personally prepared for any and all occasions of terrorism. Planning and preparation are not difficult by any means, but they do take time, energy, effort, and resources. This may seem troublesome to some individuals, even costly, but protecting ones self and family are paramount in terroristic situations.


VEHICLE PREPARATIONFor those individuals without any

background in preparation, planning, or training for emergencies or terroristic events, there is a multitude and a myriad of information available. Individuals can ask about what hazards are most likely to occur, what and where shelters are located, where the evacuation routes for emergencies are, whether there are opportunities for training, whether there are community and individual plans for emergencies, and how individuals can obtain copies of those plans (FEMA, 2013). Most individuals are in the mindset that it cannot happen to them, but when disaster strikes and terrorists attack, individuals should be forewarned and forearmed.

Individuals can check their vehicles for proper maintenance. Mechanics can check for proper brakes, exhaust, fuel, air filters, heater, lights, oil, thermostat, tires, windshield wipers, and proper tread and inflation on the tires. A good rule of thumb is a half a tank is an empty tank. Every vehicle should contain an emergency kit containing the following: at least a three ton jack, four-way lug wrench, flashlight, duct tape, tool kit (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.),

tow straps, jumper cables, extra fluid (oil, transmission, brake, radiator, etc.), five gallons of water, one box of Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), one thousand rounds of extra ammo for family-owned firearms, batteries, solar charger, crank radio, tire inflation pump, power inverter, small can for carrying fuel, blankets, fire starting kit, water purification kit, and a tire plug and patch kit. If you have an SUV, consider a winch, push bumper, first aid kit, and common over-the-counter medicines.

While the vehicle is parked at a residence, it is important to point the vehicle facing outward in case individuals need to leave at a moments notice. This will preclude individuals from having to back out away from the residence, and allow them to immediately drive away instead. When driving, adhere as much to the rules of the road as possible. Others may be in too much of a hurry and drive recklessly. Drive both offensively and defensively at the same time. Check mirrors and not only focus on where the


destination is, but also what is around you. When stopping, the driver should be able to see the bottom of the rear tires in front of them. In case of an emergency, this will afford the driver the ability to turn left or right without backing up.

GO RUCKOnce the vehicle is prepared, the

individual or family can prepare a bag to go. This type of bag has many names:

zombie bag, ready bag, or simply go bag/ruck. In case of an emergency, this bag will be the only thing you will grab when an attack happens. There will be no need to ransack the house to find items that individuals may need. All that is necessary is to grab the bag and depart. In this bag will be the things that individuals need for the immediate future (three to five days). This bag should include, but not be limited to: canned food or MREs for at least three days, one gallon of water per person per day, clothing essentials, including a strong pair of denim jeans or strong pants, warm clothes, extra socks and underwear, good working boots, work gloves, extra shirts and pants, foul weather clothing, and hygiene kits. Once food, water, and clothing are prepared, other items required should include: extra batteries, antibacterial wipes, a tent large enough for all individuals, inclement weather gear, a rechargeable or hand crank radio, and any other items individuals deem necessary, such as ammo, weapons, a hatchet, cash, etc.

WEAPONSWhile all individuals are not going

to be familiar with weapons, they are nonetheless an integral set of items that should be taken in an emergency evacuation caused by a terroristic attack. Depending on what individuals are comfortable with, many guns can be found at any local gun store or on the

All that is necessary is to grab the bag

and depart.


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Internet (Gun Broker, 2015). Ensure the handgun has enough ammunition, should the instance arise that it is necessary. Rifles can also be used in an emergency situation with a terrorist attack, should individuals encounter terrorists while traveling. Any AR-15 model or equivalent is preferred, but as with handguns, it is up to the individual and what they prefer.

With weapons and ammunition, there are a multiple ways to carry them. There are several configurations regarding tactical vests to carry ammunition and

other weapons-related material. As before, it is what the individual is comfortable with (Condor, 2015). Hopefully, individuals will never need weapons or ammunition; however, it is better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. If weapons are to be necessary, personal body armor will be also on the list regarding weapons. AR500 Armor Trauma Pads utilize slim and Ultralight non-Newtonian layers and padding to decrease blunt force trauma on impact by decreasing back face deformation by both disbursing


The author with AR-15 variant (M-4) with tactical vest holding pistol (Glock 17). Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, circa May 2005.


and absorbing energy over the increased surface area of the trauma pad (AR500, 2015). While body armor is not the first item on the list for terrorist preparation, and may not be necessary or out of the price range for some individuals, it is something to consider. The extra ammunition for the weapon(s) should be stored in a smaller bag in a predetermined


area of the vehicle. Extra ammunition (one thousand rounds per caliber) should not be stored in the go bag.

LIFESTYLESome of the personal mitigations for

terrorists are extremely simple and should be incorporated into everyday living. Encourage security awareness in your

family and discuss what to do if there is a security threat.

Be alert for surveillance attempts or suspicious persons or activities, and report them to the proper authorities. Trust your gut feelings. Thats called counter surveillance.

Vary personal routines whenever possible. Even driving routes.

Get into the habit of checking in to let your friends and family know where you are or when to expect you. Enforce this for your loved ones.

Set up simple signal systems to alert family members or associates that there is a danger. Do not share this information with anyone not involved in your signal system.

Carry identification showing your blood type and any special medical conditions.

Do not unnecessarily divulge your home address, phone number, or family information. Social media is a great way to put out false flags.

Watch for unexplained absences of local citizens as an early warning of possible terrorist actions.


Keep your personal affairs in good order. Keep wills current, have powers of attorney drawn up, take measures to ensure familys financial security, and develop a plan for family actions in the event you are taken hostage. This is a common tactic of Narco terrorists in South/Central America.

Have a clear view of approaches to your home, egress routes, high ground, vantage points, points of hard cover,

redundant communications, secure power and water sources, internal generators and excess water, motion sensitive lighting, and cameras for blind spots.

Install strong doors and locks and reinforced hinges, and perhaps internal gates.

Change locks when you move in or when a key is lost. A backup digital door lock is also a good idea.

Windows should not allow easy access and should be laminated as to prevent shattering.

Never leave house or trunk keys with your ignition key while your car is being serviced. Never trust valet drivers.

Have adequate lighting outside your house.

Create the appearance that the house is occupied by using timers to control lights and radios while you are away.

Install one-way viewing devices in doors.

Install intrusion detection alarms and smoke and fire alarms.

Consider owning

a dog to discourage

intruders.


Do not hide keys or give them to very young children.

Never leave young children at home alone.

Never admit strangers to your home without proper identification.

Teach children how to call the police, and ensure that they know what to tell the police (name, address, etc.).

Do not place your name on exterior walls of residences.

Close draperies during periods of darkness. Draperies should be opaque and made of heavy material.

Avoid frequent exposure on balconies and in windows.

Consider owning a dog to discourage intruders.

Never accept unexpected package deliveries.

Dont let your trash become a source of information (Deputy G2, 2013). Make a separate bag for shredding documents. Your bank may do this complementarily.All of these aforementioned items

can be utilized on a daily basis without changing an individuals lifestyle completely. Communication and awareness are key to personal mitigation of terrorist threats.

Now that the vehicle(s) and individuals are ready, there should be a plan on where to go. Individuals should create out-of-town contacts that they can call or e-mail in case of an emergency. This is a reciprocal relationship. In case of an emergency where they live, they can come to you as well. They should be far enough away that they are not affected by the same event.

REACTING TO DISASTERIn case the terrorist attack happens

during the day when members of


the family are scattered (at work, home, school, etc.) there should be a predetermined meeting place for all to meet. This will save time and minimize confusion (Jordan, 2010). Since the home is protected, and the vehicle and go bag are ready to go, ensure plans are in place for work and school. Individual employers should have an emergency action plan in case of an attack. Knowing what this is, and planning this with coworkers as well as ones family, will cause less stress and anxiety in a situation that already has plenty of both. Not only employers, but also schools should have an emergency action plan for children while at school. Asking for a copy of the schools plan is not only wise, but

Either format of attack could cripple the banking procedures and put individuals financial resources on hold for the immediate future. Consider alternate forms of currency, like ammo, cigarettes, alcohol, or even gold coins.

Many individuals will not have access to banks or credit cards, and individuals without enough cash may find themselves in a financial bind and not have the basic necessities for living. Ensuring there is enough cash reserves in the residence will ensure that necessary items can be purchased. The government may or may not be able to help, since it will be spending money on fixing the disaster or preparing for another coordinated attack. The United States spent over $70 billion dollars on the cleanup for the September 11th attacks (Jordan, 2010), and there may not be cash reserves for all of the banking systems immediately. Setting aside cash reserves within the residence is extremely important. Each individual or household will need differing amounts. Two to three thousand dollars might be adequate for the immediate future. However, this is dependent on how many individuals are utilizing the funds. Randal Larsen, the Director of the ANSER

prudent as well. Knowing where children are in case of an emergency will save time, effort, and energy while looking for them or asking a school administrator.

There are many types of attacks we can expect from terrorists. While we cannot be prepared for everything all of the time, we can be prepared for a general terrorist attack as best we can. A financial attack from terrorists can come in different forms. Terrorists could perform a coordinated attack on major financial institutions through the Internet via cyber-warfare. Since large banks have a very elaborate encryption on their hardware and software, cyber-terrorists may find this challenging. However, since most large banks are connected to smaller banks, these smaller banks could be used as a gateway into the larger banks computer systems. Another way terrorists could cripple the financial world would be to park a large vehicle filled with a dirty bomb (high explosives mixed with plutonium or highly enriched uranium) just outside the financial district in New York City, or other major financial hub. This type of bomb is high on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) list for terrorists to utilize.


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Institute for Homeland Security stated, The number one threat to American national security during this long war is neither anthrax nor truck bombs it is uncontrolled spending. We cannot afford to put guards on every bridge and at every critical node of our infrastructure. The outcome of this war will determine the type of nation our grandchildren will know. I do not want that to be a nation that is bankrupt (Jordan, 2010). We

London bombings were justified and 1% thought the decadent and immoral Western society should be brought to an end with violence. Applying the statistical data from Great Britain to the roughly eight million Muslims living in the United States implies that there are 80,000 radical Islamists in America. If you break that down even farther to one percent of that, there are 800 extremely radical and extremely dangerous Muslims and radical Islamists living within our borders.

MEDICALRegarding chemical, biological,

radiological, nuclear, and explosives(CBRNE) attacks, there are multiple possible scenarios. The biological suicide attack is of major concern. In this instance, a radical Muslim is injected with a deadly virus from his home country or a sympathizing country and sent on a plane to the United States. Not only will the terrorist infect the individuals on the plane, but before he or she dies of the virus, he or she will come in contact with and infect as many individuals a

1% thought the decadent and immoral Western society should

be brought to an end with violence.


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must remain vigilant at all times against terroristic threats and attacks. Being prepared for a financial crisis is only part of it. There are other threats as well.

While it may be unlikely, there is a chance that terrorists could take over a small city within the United States and claim it as their own, holding all within as hostages in their jihad against the West. There would need to be a great number of terrorists and/or radical Muslim extremists to take over a small city. Some Americans would say that there could not possibly be enough radical Islamists to perform such a task, but as stated in the very beginning, terrorism and terrorists are all around us.

Claude Salhani, who is the international editor in Washington DC for United Press International (UPI), stated, The danger posed by sleeper cells, by al-Qaeda sympathizers and wannabe jihadists is not to be underestimated. The threat is real (Jordan, 2010). Regarding the number of Muslims it would take to occupy a city, the statistics can come from Great Britain. A survey of British Muslims found that 6% thought the


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possible. This type of attack is nearly impossible to mitigate, but there are some steps that can be done for a more proactive approach.

To begin with, ensure all individuals shots are up to date while consulting with a physician. Children and older adults

2014). If there is ever any doubt that an individual has come into contact with a biological agent, immediately take off all clothes, place them in a plastic bag, and shower with soap and water. Put on fresh clothes and seek medical attention.

If there is a contamination in another part of the United States, do not think that this does not apply to other areas of America. There have been multiple instances of coordinated attacks, and a biological attack is not any different regarding other forms of coordinated attacks that radical Islamists use. Plague and small pox can be transmitted by inhalation alone and the incubation period is less than 5 days. Viral hemorrhagic fever can be easily transmitted by physical contact and takes effect immediately (OHair, 2005). These are some of the biological agents that are known. With advancing technology, there is the possibility of more harmful and easily transmitted agents in the near future.

FINAL THOUGHTSThe United States Coast Guard motto

is Semper Paratus, meaning always ready. Citizens of the United States can learn from this. Being prepared is more than just having all the essential equipment to evacuate, being up to date on inoculations, or physically fighting terrorists and radical Muslims; it is a state of mind. Always keep alert when driving and in public places. Keep doors locked and monitor what is going on in the immediate area. Be on the lookout (BOLO) for things and people that seem out of place. Trust gut instincts and rely on physical evidence as well. Being prepared is the first step toward protecting oneself and ones family.

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are more susceptible and vulnerable to biological agents. Installing high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filters in the home and workplace will help with toxic agents. These filters remove particles between .03 and .10 microns, and should filter out any biological agents (FEMA,


ENDNOTESPrepare, Plan, Stay Informed:

Community and Other Plans. FEMA. Last modified February 12, 2013. http://www.ready.gov/community-and-other-plans.

Emergency Preparedness. American National Red Cross. Last modified 2011.http://www.redcrossstore.org/item/ 20-04667.

Pistols for Sale. Gun Broker. Last modified 2015. http://www.gunbroker.com/Pistols/BI.aspx.

Elite Tactical Vests, Condor. Last modified 2015. http://www.condoroutdoor.com/Condor-ETV.aspx.

AR500 Armor Trauma Pad. AR500. Last modified 2015. http://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-trauma- pad-10-x-12-asc.html#.VRBDeWN_mmF.

Personal Protective Measures Against Terrorism. 21st Theater Support Command. Last modified 2013. http://c21.maxwell.af.mil/terrorism/protective_measures.htm.

Jordan, R. and D. Philpot. Is America Safe? Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Emergency Preparedness. Toronto: Scarecrow Press, 2010.

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness. Washington D.C.: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2014

OHair, H., R. Heath, and G. Ledlow. Community Preparedness and Response to Terrorism. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Perspectives, 2005

ABOUT THE AUTHORTom Black is a fourteen-year Navy

SEAL veteran, as well as a ten-year private military contractor veteran. He has a BA in Homeland Security and

an MA in Security Management from American Military University. This article is an abridged version of the final paper he wrote to complete his Bachelors Degree.


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T

BOOK REVIEW

Surviving: A Citizens Guide to Surviving Street Crimes and Terrorist Attacks

Reviewed by Garret Machineby Walter PhilbrickCreateSpace, October 22, 2015

his book is filled with tangible information and is easily digestible and

written in an applicable format. The reader will enjoy the way that real life stories from the authors twenty-two-year police career tie in to life-saving tips and general situational awareness. The information in the book is divided into progressive chapters that take you from the basics to the complex in terms of types of crimes and their severity and complexity of attack. This is for beginner and intermediate students of the craft and includes some step-by-step instructions.

Chapter One starts with one hundred personal safety tips. For example, number eleven: Dont Be a Victim in Your Driveway, Just before pulling into your driveway, take 3 seconds of your time and make sure that you were not followed home. As you arrive home and park in your driveway, check your mirrors to make sure that no one has parked behind you or is blocking you in. This is a favorite for robbers and kidnapers alike.

This may seem basic and rudimentary to some seasoned professionals. But may make the difference between life and death for a naive family member. I will tell you two quick stories from my own personal account that discuss this very issue.

My uncle lived two doors down from me in Miami, Florida. It was 1993 and he was coming home around ten pm from dinner.

He wore a Rolex Submariner wristwatch and was a bit of a flashy guy. When he pulled into the driveway, a car blocked him in and a guy got out with a pistol. He demanded the watch. Another community resident who was driving by noticed the incident and distracted the robber. My uncle then tried to run behind a small wall that leads to his front door and the assailant shot at him. Just then, the passer-by stopped his car and pulled out his own gun and shot at the robber. The robber fled and was never caught. My uncle still wears a Rolex and that neighbor is the Homeowners Association manager twenty-three years later.

Story number two does not end so well. It was the year 2000. An acquaintance of mine was driving home to his gated community in North Miami, Florida, from Miami Beach. He was followed and the security guard let the following car past the gate when the driver said they were following a friend home. They kidnapped him, stole his car, beat him and left him for dead in Liberty City. The person who filled the newspaper machines found him the next day. He has yet to fully recover.

Both of these situations could have been avoided by simple situational awareness, as the author illustrates. This also speaks to the merit of security parking, backing into the spot.

The last two chapters of the book center on terrorism and how to survive a suicide bomber. Philbrick believes that one day there will be suicide bombers in the United States attacking soft targets such as Disneyland, airport terminal check in lines, and crowded U.S. historic landmarks.

Philbrick also manages a private investigation firm in Florida and relates an almost unbelievable story. He tells us that one of his private investigators located a terrorist cell in Hollywood, Florida. His investigator, along with another investigator from an Israeli firm, followed the terrorist cell for weeks and actually recorded some of their conversations.

After interviewing his employee, he met with two Special Agents from the F.B.I. Miami office and provided the two agents specific information on the terrorist cells located in Hollywood, Florida. The group of terrorists was well funded and had specific targets.

After meeting with the two agents, Philbrick was told they would investigate the cell. I will reserve the rest of the story for those who will read the book.

The bottom line with this book is that it is both informative and entertaining. Buy it for a close family member so you can read it when they are done.


THE GRAY MAN


T A COUNTER SURVEILLANCE NECESSITY

here are many reasons that one should perfect the technique of

being the gray man, whether working counter surveillance, doing surveillance oneself, or simply traveling in todays world without becoming the target of a pickpocket, con man, or terrorist. For that matter, when travelling

internationally, it is good to learn to be the gray man to avoid undue attention from the local authorities. There are times and places in this world when such attention from someone with a badge and a gun is worse than the attention of a bad guy with just a gun. The purpose within these next few paragraphs is to first help you see the advantages to becoming gray and to learn a few techniques for being that gray man.

by Dr. Ross L. Riggs


WHY SHOULD YOU BE GRAY?

A sniper, whether attached to a Special Forces unit outside of Fallujah or secure within several yards of a deer lay in mid-November, has the same goal in mind. They want to become an invisible part of the surroundings. The former so much

so that an enemy soldier could walk within two feet of him and stand there, emptying his bladder without knowing that the misdirection of his stream could be the precursor to his last breathe on this Earth, or at least his last chance to sing baritone in the ISIS Barbershop Quartet semi-finals. The latter also has specific reasons, usually dealing with dinner. The

trickier part for the gray man is that he is not trying to blend in to one spot on one hillside covered in foliage and tree bark. Instead, this gray man (obviously this is not limited to males only) must become nearly translucent so that, as different sets of surroundings go past and merge with changing groups of people with different types of clothing, they seem to pass right


an enemy soldier could walk within two feet of him and stand there, emptying

his bladder without knowing that the misdirection of his stream could be the

precursor to his last breathe on this Earth, or at least his last chance to sing baritone in

the ISIS Barbershop Quartet semi-finals.


through him, like Whoopi Goldberg through Patrick Swayze in Ghost. While traveling in large crowds that can nearly disappear as he stands in a crosswalk waiting for a light to change, so that the gray man remains unnoticed by his person of interest (POI).

Did you notice the last statement of that last paragraph? The gray man is not attempting to be unseen by his POI. He is working to be unnoticed. There is an

gray man. First on the list is the training and experience of the POI in counter surveillance. The more astute the POI and the better his or her training, the more difficult the assignment for the gray man. Fortunately for most grays, very few people are that well trained in counter surveillance, and even fewer are actively using their counter surveillance training, particularly if they have little reason to think they are the subject of any investigations.

Another key factor in aiding the success of the gray man is the divided attention the POI normally will have. If he is under the stress of what he thinks could be an investigation to get him fired, imprisoned, or simply divorced, his mind will be trying to cover a hundred scenarios in what will happen to him in the very near future. He may be rehearsing in his mind how he will respond when whatever he has done is brought to light.

The divided mind of the POI can work in the gray mans favor by the distraction it causes his POI. It can, too, heighten the danger for the gray man. Such guilt churning within a mans mind can lead to paranoia, so that the POI is seeing FBI agents dressed as squirrels hiding in trees. As probable as that last mental image could be, usually it is false. But that paranoia can push the POI to acting rashly and even attacking those he believes to be after him. It is possible that the POI, while distracted by his guilt or paranoia, may inadvertently bring the gray man into his conscious visual field; in which case the gray man must be prepared to alter his tactics. That will be covered a bit later.

Consider another scenario. The gray man is not surveilling the POI but rather the POI is a bad guy about to do some nefarious act in a public place where the gray man just happens to be.

Olympian size difference between the two. In the latter, the gray man could be in his POIs visual field fifteen times during the day, but if he is very good at what he does, he will not be noticed even once. The other side of that same coin is that if anyone did see him, most likely they would not be able to describe him outside of average looking.

There are factors that will weigh to the advantage or disadvantage of the


An active shooter in a work place is a plausible scenario. Now our individuals purpose for going gray is not so that he can tail the POI; it is so he does not become a target for the POIs angst and aggravation. Being gray he has both a better probability of survival and a better chance at taking some intercessory action against the shooter. This is something that will take place in a matter of micro-seconds. In one moment of time our soon to be Mr. Gray is just minding his own business in the local post office. He is among a dozen or two philatelists who happened to all arrive at the same time. An old anecdote declares that you do not have to be able to outrun a bear who is chasing you and your friend. You just have to outrun your friend. In this case, our man must suddenly become grayer than all of the other 1st Issue Berlin Airlift Stamp enthusiasts.

Certainly, going gray is not solely for making sure that, if someone is going to get mowed down by an active shooters deadly gunfire, that it is someone other than yourself. It also gives you, as Mr. Gray, an opportunity to be able to act to neutralize the situation. If the POI does not notice you in the corner of the post office lobby trying to hide your 220 pound carcass behind a 3 feet high, 2 feet wide trash can, then you may have a split second more to draw your legally carried and concealed firearm to take out the shooter.

Assuming that your shooting ability as Mr. Gray has been effective, the likelihood is slim that anyone is going to try to send you to federal prison. Turning gray is not just about no longer using the Grecian Formula for Men that you bought right after the new secretary got hired at work. Going gray does not happen mindlessly, in a vacuum or without pre-planning.

SCENARIOS FOR BEING GRAY

A couple of different scenarios will make the point more clearly than a simple narrative. The examples given so far include conducting surveillance, doing counter surveillance, travelling while trying to avoid being robbed, ransacked or pillaged, and then finally being able to go gray when necessary in the event of a life threatening attack.


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The example given earlier of surveilling a person of interest is the one in which you will have the most control possible over your ability to pre-plan what you want to wear to best fit into the environment so as to be gray. If, for instance, you can know ahead of time that the POI you will be tailing will be spending most of the night inside a country-western bar then you can dress in a way that fits


the genre. If you are aware that the subject will be in or around a country club and golf course, then your choice of attire can be pre-determined. These are fairly obvious choices, but they can also include if the POI will be in and out of local businesses as a customer and perhaps going to dinner without returning home for more formal wear; then, business casual will get you the gray you need.

What about finding yourself suddenly the object of surveillance and you need to act counter to them? No options here as to wardrobe except from the standpoint of having done some contingency planning. If so, then you might have access to a jacket of some type to either add or remove from your current attire. It may include losing a shirt and wandering away just wearing t-shirt and jeans or having a reversible shirt so you go from a white shirt to blue, etc. Going through a store and coming out with a baseball cap you didnt have when you entered is another possibility.

THE TRAVELING GRAY MAN

The next scenario involves being the gray man while traveling. Pre-planning here is critical. It does not matter whether you are traveling from the northern half of the U.S. to the Deep South or if you are traveling to Europe or the Mediterranean; either way, pre-planning and some basic education are the initial steps. Spend time becoming a student of the area in which you are traveling. In the vast majority of European cities, talking openly while on public transportation of any kind is a dead give-away of your nationality. Having red, white, and blue luggage, ties, hats, or underwear is likely not a good idea in remaining gray.

What likely gets more Americans to be targets of thieves or others who do not have their best interest at heart comes from the openness with which they talk about where they are staying, where they are going, with whom they are travelling, and what the bought the day before at a bazaar for only $300. Another primary reason is their almost total lack of situational awareness. They have their noses in iPads or they are engrossed in phone calls back home, especially video calls, or they are having conversations with fellow travelers who may or may not even be part of their travel groups. Most Americans like to be open and friendly and that can include striking up conversations or inviting someone to sit next to them when they have no idea who that person is or what their motives might be. Situational awareness of their own property, their wallets, their handbags, never leaving any unattended even for a split second, is critical to a successful travel time. Another double-edged characteristic of most Americans is an affection for watching a small child playing nearby when it is merely a diversion to try to get at whatever valuables thieves can grab.

During the latter half of the last century, airline hijacking by some politically driven fanatic with an overwhelming desire to go to a foreign airstrip someplace was all the rage. Studies were made on how to travel more safely when a psychotic killer is on board. The first rule was to avoid taking a shower at any time while on the plane. Since that was not usually a possibility, more realistic ideas were put into play to see if there were patterns to disassociated hijackers actions. Studies were done as to what part of the plane to sit in so as to be less likely a target the hijacker uses to make a point.

Basically, the studies agreed that if you could find the one seat in the entire plane that absolutely no one would ever choose because it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, and in the middle of the densest area of noisy children and nursing mothers, then you would know where to sit. Most professionals opt to take their chances travelling where the seats are more comfortable and they are less likely to have to endure a babys diaper change at 35,000 feet while two toddlers are grabbing their laptop case and stomping on their feet at the same time.

Being gray, though, while traveling through airports and on aircraft is a little simpler than it may seem at first. Be smart and spend as little time outside the restricted area of a terminal as possible. In theory, at least, in the secure areas the only people with guns should be the law enforcement personnel. That is a plus if you cannot have your own on hand! Keeping your credit cards and documents that have radio frequency (RF) technology built in within some type of radio frequency identification (RFID) protective sleeve is also a plus.

If a traveler can remain as luggage-free and as conversation-free as possible, they can travel in the gray zone. The gray man is focused on those around him and his own well being. Seasoned travelers can tell you that just by sitting and listening, as people talk loudly into their phones or Bluetooth headsets, it is easy to spot those who are the ones who are the high level businessmen: they are focused on everything going on in their conversation and no attention at all is paid to their briefcase or bags. A perpetrator can follow one of those into the washroom as they continue their obviously-too-important-to-stop-for-five-minutes phone call and walk out with a wallet, passport, and maybe a fresh set of undershorts, if theyre quick enough! Not only that, but in


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