Keith B wrote:While I think grabbing someone who was just j-walking is totally out of limits, this does bring up a good point on situational awareness. When you are so wrapped up in your music and have it so loud in your ears that you can't hear someone trying purposely trying to get your attention from behind you, then you sure are not gonna know if someone is trying to sneak up on you. I listen to my music pretty loud in the gym, but I am always aware of the front of the workout area and the doors to see who is outside and who may be looking to get in. My gym uses card readers for access, so it is not just open, but you never know who might have stolen someone's keys and is using their key fob to try and come in.
Situational awareness story from a young 21 year old Marine who knew everything. Walking a post with my walk-man in the cargo pocket of my utilities, and the headphones cord snaked up under my camouflage jacket I was listening to my music, ever vigilant of my surroundings. Since I was "ever vigilant" of my surroundings I noticed very early when the Sergeant of the Guard exited the barracks at a full run with a squad of Marines at his heels. "Click" in the cargo pocket and the walk-man was off well before he got anywhere near me.
Sgt: Where did the shot come from?
Me: I didn't hear any shot.
Sgt: How could you not hear that shot?
Me: I was listening to my walkman.
Sgt: Let me see it.
Sgt: Crunch.
My thoughts after his boot heel destroyed my walk-man was how stupid I was. No walk-mans were ever purchased by me again. I forbid my children to have them as well and they knew how dangerous they could be by not hearing warning sounds, completely oblivious to the sound of the world. Something as simple as not hearing a "look out" or the screeching sound of car tires or a car horn or a bellowing bull before a charge could mean instant death or injury.
Cheers!