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I couldn't find another topic on this, other than a passing word or two in response to other threads. So, I would like to ask the forum members a question. First, let me offer some background.

I was having a conversation the other day with someone who is interested in getting their LTC. I answered their questions as best I could, and noticed that another person nearby was listening intently also. After a while the conversation turned from the process of getting the license to practical matters of every day carry, like holster types, position, situational awareness, etc. During the conversation, I mentioned that I am in the habit of checking reflections in the glass doors on the coolers inside of a convenience store, windows of vehicles at the gas pump, and so on.

The person nearby then put in their two cents worth and said, "I would hate to go through life being so scared that I looked for reflections in the glass to see who was behind me."

I tried to explain to them that I wasn't "scared" at all. I was just being aware of my surroundings, but they didn't buy it and walked off. The guy interested in getting his LTC gave them a scornful look as they walked away, and picked the conversation right back up.

So here is my question to the group. Am I at least a little bit over the top by checking the reflection in the glass every time I walk up to the drink coolers in a store? Or, am I just carrying responsibly?

And a foot note. The young man I was talking to has now taken his course, and submitted his documents. He has now been waiting a few weeks to get his license. Interestingly, the LTC course was given at his church.

To answer your questions: No, Yes

In today's environment, situational awareness is necessary. I'm trying to get better about surveying and understanding my surroundings whenever I am out of the house.

Right there with you. Condition yellow is the place to live.

And of course you noticed the person listening in. You were paying attention.

Am I at least a little bit over the top by checking the reflection in the glass every time I walk up to the drink coolers in a store?

Not at all. Those pieces of glass, wherever they are, are nothing more than a mirror without the silver reflective surface behind them. I use reflections all the time to be aware of my surroundings. It is just another way to stay in tune with what is going on around you without having to have your head on a swivel as much.

As for the listener thinking you were paranoid or scared, they are probably of the mindset that anyone who opts to carry a firearm is paranoid and scared. They will also be that person who gets attacked and then when asked later will swear that the attacker just materialized out of nowhere.

I do the same thing. I also scan the room in mirrors when I was my hands in public restrooms. It's a good idea to use any sort of reflective surface.

I find looking in reflections to be less "conspicuous" than just randomly looking around.
You want to be able to identify the BGs, and not have them identify you as an armed GG.

I've been doing it for decades. It's a simple part of situational awareness. Part of being observant of your surroundings and the people in them, it fits right in with having your head on a swivel, not sitting with your back to the door, and leaving yourself an escape route when you stop behind another vehicle.

I had the good fortune to hear Col. Cooper present his Readiness Continuum many years ago. He preached it with such passion that no one that heard it could ever live in anything but yellow. "Live in yellow".

I have been doing this for 39+ years and my wife as well. We don't even consider it odd. Even during my decade break from LE I continued to do it. I just figured it was a by product of being a cop for so long.

Lynyrd wrote:The person nearby then put in their two cents worth and said, "I would hate to go through life being so scared that I looked for reflections in the glass to see who was behind me."

A great response would have been, "I would hate to go through life being so rude that I felt the need to jump into other people's conversations just to make a snide comment". Of course, that wouldn't have been a good example of de-escalation.

And yes, I check reflections. I also know the location of all possible exits from any room I am in, along with all likely entry points. I know the mood of diners at nearby tables and whether things are starting to get heated in their discussions. When pumping gas, I set the pump and then move to a better position at the front or rear corner of my vehicle. And I am aware of anyone approaching me at all times.

I check reflections. Keep your car clean.

For us highly trained super secret agent operators, this situational awareness has been hammered into us since we went through BUD/S (basic underwater demolition SEAL) training, Ranger School, and the CIA "Farm" training. As well as learning on "the job" in every hellhole from Baghdad to Moscow to Saigon, and back...

As a result, as I approach 50, it's still second nature for me to run SDR's (surveillance detection routes) on my way to work and school. I always sit with my back to wall, facing the door, and plan my egress routes from my local Chili's...while I'm slamming down boilermakers with my fellow SF pals. I also dress the part with 5.11 tactical pants, a concealment vest, drop leg holster and body armor...

I mean that's a regular day at work for me with my spreadsheets, Outlook, and computer coding...danger lurks everywhere, especially from the ChiComms and Soviet sleeper agents. That attractive "Swedish" lady in the cube next to me...probably former Speznaz and a honey trap set up to gain my SAP and Oracle General Ledger and database experience to Kim Jong Il.

Well, I have to go now...time to attend a corporate inclusiveness and sensitivity training seminar in the HR conference room. I hope they'll have some coffee and donuts there...it's emotionally and physically exhausting sitting here at this keyboard all day.

ScottDLS wrote:For us highly trained super secret agent operators, this situational awareness has been hammered into us since we went through BUD/S (basic underwater demolition SEAL) training, Ranger School, and the CIA "Farm" training. As well as learning on "the job" in every hellhole from Baghdad to Moscow to Saigon, and back...

As a result, as I approach 50, it's still second nature for me to run SDR's (surveillance detection routes) on my way to work and school. I always sit with my back to wall, facing the door, and plan my egress routes from my local Chili's...while I'm slamming down boilermakers with my fellow SF pals. I also dress the part with 5.11 tactical pants, a concealment vest, drop leg holster and body armor...

I mean that's a regular day at work for me with my spreadsheets, Outlook, and computer coding...danger lurks everywhere, especially from the ChiComms and Soviet sleeper agents. That attractive "Swedish" lady in the cube next to me...probably former Speznaz and a honey trap set up to gain my SAP and Oracle General Ledger and database experience to Kim Jong Il.

Well, I have to go now...time to attend a corporate inclusiveness and sensitivity training seminar in the HR conference room. I hope they'll have some coffee and donuts there...it's emotionally and physically exhausting sitting here at this keyboard all day.

It must be great to be you. Some of us are just old farm boys.

Agreed with all above - condition yellow. Use all the tools available to make you aware of your surroundings.