Be Gray During These 3 Scenarios
The practice of being gray can be utilized at any time but its application is more relevant in times of uncertainty. We can use gray tactics when going to and from work, at the laundromat, at school, in our neighborhood, at the grocery store, or anywhere while in view of the public. Let’s highlight three common applications.
WROL or SHTF
Consider life during a period Without Rule of Law (WROL). When enforcement is non-existent, it’s important to decrease your footprint and avoid being a target of harassment. A WROL or SHTF state of emergency may still require you to travel, trade, scavenge, or otherwise interact in public spaces. We want to have all the cards stacked in our favor during these events.
This concept can be applied to “bugging out”. Obviously, trekking from your home to your Bugout Location (BOL) should be done by vehicle if possible but if you must make it on foot, don’t draw attention. Don’t wear a huge tactical backpack. Don’t carry pelican tough cases. Strap on a burgundy Jansport backpack, tuck your pistol under your coat, and avoid major roads and population centers.
Civil Unrest
Following triggering events such as an economic depression or racially driven riot; society begins to ignore common decency and adherence to laws. Traveling in public spaces that were once safe now become potential warzones for looting, arson, and other criminal behavior. Clashes with police become commonplace.
Navigation through these fields may require you to blend in with the rioters then transition to an uninvolved civilian. The goal is not to put yourself in the center of a developing riot but if you must egress from the center of one, adorning some Antifa-style attire may help you move freely through a crowd if the mob is composed of far-left or pro-socialist actors.
Everyday Life
There’s no doubt that being gray is also important during an ordinary day when things are considered normal. Every minute of every day two people are either “pickpocketed” or robbed in the US. Every minute of every day 17 people have their identity stolen. Avoiding being a target and protecting sensitive information should be a daily practice.
Travelers are faced with “bump and swipe” attacks preying on the weak victim, the unaware, or the victim that carries their valuables in sight. Stow your belongings in your vehicle trunk out of sight, leave them in a hidden location or safe at your hotel. Put your wallet in your front pocket. Keep an eye on pedestrians.
Make eye contact and a head nod. You don’t want to overly exert dominance or give away your heightened sense of awareness. You just don’t want to come off as the guy with his head down in a book or in your phone.
Keep your head up, but not on a swivel. The increase sense of insecurity or precaution could make you a target of more severe crime like kidnapping or further surveillance to determine your value. It could also draw undue attention from government operatives.
You’ll also want to act and dress like those around you. Follow the 51% rule. If over half the people are wearing shorts and t-shirts, then you’d stick out wearing a business suit. If over half the people are sitting on the train swiping away on their phone, you’d look odd standing in the corner eyeballing everyone.
There’s a fine line. It’s difficult to explain. If you read our Doctrine, I think it will become clearer what we’re trying to express here.
Gray Prepping
Let’s discuss being gray when it comes to your preps.
Don’t advertise the fact that you have an arsenal of weapons and MREs. You don’t want your neighbors or extended family swarming you for supplies when SHTF.
Depending on your job, being gray can help you gain intel. Consider the watercooler conversations that occur when a group is gathered. It’s a perfect eavesdropping opportunity to gather information about promotions, who is in hot water with the boss, etc. You can use this information in your favor to indirectly “shine” in front of the right people to gain a raise or move up the ladder.
Undercover police use the same tactics laying low on a sting op or fitting in with a group of criminals. That’s the only way to catch some type of crimes before the occur.
The point here is to emphasize that being gray can both help you avoid being a target and also help you gain information.
This article was originally written by the Grayman Briefing. Stay in the know, sign up for Intel and Situational Awareness alerts pushed to your phone on emerging threats and preparedness warnings. Click HERE to subscribe to the Grayman Briefing.
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