It cannot be learned and it cannot be taught, it is related to the mind. What do you think I'm talking about... Awareness!

That's right, there's one thing that will keep you alive and keep you looking for food. Trust your own instincts people, all the equipment in the world will not keep you safe if you have no common sense.

Awareness is crossing the road to avoid the 5 idiots walking around with knifes/clubs/guns, awareness is reading a situation and predicting an outcome BEFORE it happens.

In a true SitX scenario our powers of observation need to be better than ever, we need to see things before they happen.

A little exercise for you; try reading people in an everyday context. See what they see and see what they think.

There are many, many aspects to survival but the biggest to me is Psychology. Think how they think, act before they do.

Another good tip is to always be calm and keep in good spirits.

Originally posted by DrumsRfun
Another good tip is to always be calm and keep in good spirits.

Actually, I always thought the Number 1 Survival Tool was keeping calm. (We must have come from similar schools!)

But awareness is good too.

So, is a clear head.

And you are right, that keeping in good spirits is highly underestimated. Since 99.9% probably haven't actually been in SHTF scenarios irl, we can't comprehend how great of a foe Depression can be in an actual SHTF scenario. The Elements, drinkable water, food supply are all immediate threats, but in the long-term (anything lasting longer than 2 weeks), Depression becomes the deadliest (in a very subtle way) things to deal with.

Originally posted by DrumsRfun
Another good tip is to always be calm and keep in good spirits.

That's a good tip but when your brother/daughter/son/wife is lagging behind and you've got a broken leg, its not that easy...

I'm trying to instill to people - think ahead, don't let the situation rule you. You rule the situation!

It's sad to say but i walk with keys protruding through my clenched fist if i walk at night; it gives me a sense of protection.

I've been mugged once, robbed twice and been in a hostile situation with machetes, where thankfully no-one was hurt except for bottles been thrown.

I'm afraid no preparation can put you in the right mental place for those situations and that's just on civy street.

I don't think it's the g'ment you need to worry about if TSHTF, it's the hoodie gangs who will loot and rob indiscriminately, you need to prepare for.

I DO NOT want to lower my morales and walk around with a knife in my pocket, but fear that may be a necessity if things go pear shaped and people's instinct for survival kicks in.

I think one of most important is teamwork. Like they say united we stand divided we fall.

With the Military they teach their main fundamental the first day your at Basic Training and thoughout your career you sharpen it. And that skill is "Attention To Detail" If you notice the little things and small points, you can do so many things. That and a big one is a Common Sense, a CRAP TON of people in the world def. dont have this and its said, but they are so useful to have, espeically in survival.

All of these are important traits to have in any situation. The true key is knowledge. Situational awareness is part of this. Ask anyone with real dirt time. You must know what is going on all around you at all times. You must know how to react in any given situation. You must know how to prepare. You must know how to use what is at hand. The list goes on.

By knowledge, it is not simply enough to be aware of. It must be used, practiced, and lived. Your life depends on it. So many people are caught up in their own little world, they have no idea what is going on around them.

What was the man wearing that just passed you? What was he carrying? How was he walking? Is he left or right handed? Where is he going? Was the last place you passed a defensible position. Can you use what you have as a weapon? Can you out run your opponent? What bird is in the tree? What is the weather going to do?

All this and more must be computed and filed away for reference. You must know, when, how, what, where, why. You must learn the skills and put them into practice. Survival is all this and more. Can you build a fire, defend against multiple attackers, trust your friend, build a shelter, use various weapons, find water? Learn, learn, learn, It is the key to survival, urban or rural.

Our ancestors where better equipped than we to do all these things. We must revert back to our more primitive, base instincts, as well as use the must up to the minute skillsets, information, and tools that are available to us.

It becomes a lifetime commitment. Those that have it survive. Those that don't will not last.

respectfully

reluctantpawn

Yep someone who is agitated makes mistakes. If your calm like in the recent swine flu stuff, you can analyze without being led. Being a sheep can be dangerous.

It is more than knowing what is going on. It is knowing what to do and how to do it in whatever sit you are in.

knowing that a robber just walked into the store behind you is not enough. Knowing what to do with him is now required. Do you run, attack, or do nothing? These are all viable options. And dependent on the variables the correct response.

Do you know the correct procedure to do all three? And even better are you proficient at them?

respectfully

reluctantpawn