What is Self Defense?
There are many misconceptions on self defense, more here….
Self Defense for a civilian breaks down into four key points:

1. Awareness - be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are three levels of awareness depending on situation - Low, Normal and ALERT. In modern times the major threat to awareness is technology. People walking around wearing headphones or texting become oblivious to their surroundings.
  • LOW - you are at home sat in the armchair watching the TV, doors are locked and the dog is snoozing by your feet.
  • NORMAL - out and about at the grocery store or at work. You observe your surroundings but nothing out of the ordinary going on.
  • ALERT - Leaving work to the parking garage or walking in unfamiliar surroundings; loading the car at the supermarket
2. Avoidance - avoid areas that have risks - Subway at night, dark parking areas etc

3. Evasion - if you detect a threat like someone apparently following you; confirm it, and evade - go to a crowded cafe or other location with people.

4. Escape! - if confronted run away if possible, even if you are armed - if attacked then defend yourself vigorously to stop the attack, then escape. (despite the right to "Stand your ground" in many States it is always better to escape rather than confront - unless you have no choice!) Don't forget drawing your firearm is a last resort! You will need a lawyer so get insurance! USCCA<br>
There are tried and tested strategies for all four of the above.

Jeff Cooper (1920-2006) is known as the master of modern pistol and rifle techniques in defense. (Jeff's position is a tactical operator)
His states of awareness are categorized as follows:
  1. In White you are unprepared and unready to take lethal action. If you are attacked in White you will probably die unless your adversary is totally inept.
  2. In Yellow you bring yourself to the understanding that your life may be in danger and that you may have to do something about it.
  3. In Orange you have determined upon a specific adversary and are prepared to take action which may result in his death, but you are not in a lethal mode.
  4. In Red you are in a lethal mode and will shoot if circumstances warrant