Training – Threat Evaluation and Reaction

 

Humans (well . . . let’s say those living in the “West”) are in an odd state of evolution. We live – on the whole – in a safe world. Yes – robberies happen, murders surly do, assaults, rapes – but, when compared to those folks living in “third world” countries, we live in a very safe place. It makes us lazy, complacent,  secure in our own safety.

Those that have traveled the world – military, missionary, adventurer – have seen the “look” in the eyes of those whose very lives are constantly “on the edge”. I have seen those eyes in Vietnam, the Philippines, Panama, Haiti to name a few. It is an acknowledgement that their lives hang by a thread. That said – they have a tremendous advantage to the average westerner – they know they are under threat, they operate in condition Orange for much of their life and they react much more quickly to a “possible” threat because they are much “closer” to it. As I sit in my air conditioned home, tapping away on my netbook, most threats seem very distant. What examples can we see locally, in our own environment, of “Threat Evaluation and Reaction:? Actually, they are all around us.

My internet died tonight. Doing a “ping plot”, it appeared the problem was at my office. Fortunately for me I built my office building on the opposite edge of my property so a visit simply meant a walk across the yard. (temps at 6 PM?? 100+, heavy sigh) I walk out the door, step across the porch and hear this raucous, squeaking, chattering sound and a little fuzzy ball went screaming across the yard and into the woods. No hesitation, no “identification”, no evaluation – simply instant flight! Ensuring a maximum chance for survival.

I am surrounded by wild life – everything from chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits to raccoons, deer to the infrequent sightings of mountain lions. Their immediate response to a perceived – one more time, PERCEIVED – threat? Leave, without question or hesitation.

There is much to learn from those people unfortunate enough to live under constant threat or from the wild life all around us when it comes to Threat Evaluation and Reaction. When a PERCEIVED threat is observed – ACT! NOW! Your best response – if at all possible, get yourself and your family or friends out the area immediately. Trust your “gut”, if something feels “off” then something IS off – listen to your instincts. There is nothing wrong with chirping loudly and heading to the woods to protect yourself or your family.

However, in the event you must face a threat, yet another example can be found in even the smallest critter’s response – fight! Now! With all your skill and with all weapons at hand.