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Old May 9, 2005, 06:29 PM   #1
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What's your "Tactical Advantage"

Here is one I have been thinking on for a while, and thought maybe it might be a help to get a "collective response" on. Did a search for this as well and didn't see anything, so I hope this is not one that was covered in a previous post and I missed. What is something that you do, that you feel, helps give you a "Tactical Advantage"? (Can be in different situations as well, perhaps going to the store at night, while in your home, while CCing, etc.) This can be anything from a general response, as in:"Always aware of my surroundings", to something more specific, as in "Make sure I'm not carrying my keys in the same hand I might need to get to my weapon with." The point being here to get us all thinking and share our wisdom. Nothing is to basic on this one. Looking for those responses where someone says: "That's a great idea, never thought of that one!" And hopefully learn something that we can add to our own personal "knowledge-base". Anyone have any input/thoughts?
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Old May 9, 2005, 06:49 PM   #2
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I have a thick enough layer of blubber that bullets must work harder to get to vital organs.

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Old May 9, 2005, 06:51 PM   #3
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lol..ok SGHOTH that's not exactly what I had in mind, but as I said in the thread, it can be anything...I guess..hehe..
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Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lighting they
Do not go gently into that good night.

Dylan Thomas


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Old May 9, 2005, 07:15 PM   #4
Brian D.
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When on foot I always try to look like I know exactly where I'm going, even if that's not the case. Seems to at least throw off the panhandlers a little bit.
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Old May 9, 2005, 07:18 PM   #5
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I've worked long and hard to train myself to be a lousy housekeeper. Should BG gain entry they will make such a racket tripping over stuff I will be alerted to their presence.

Yes, I live alone.
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Old May 9, 2005, 08:05 PM   #6
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My tactical advantage involves making any potential agressor think twice before accosting me.

I weigh 220 pounds and shave my head. And I can look like a crazy, sociopathic mofo when I want to. For daytime use, I purposly buy cheap sunglasses whose style helps accentuate a dangerous look.

That, and carrying myself like someone who would just as easily and willingly dismember someone who dared wrong me as give them the time of day has kept me out of trouble for decades.
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Old May 9, 2005, 09:01 PM   #7
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I'm very well-practiced at running away.

- Chris
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Old May 9, 2005, 09:03 PM   #8
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I think theres alot to be said for haveing the right attitude
Carring yourself in a confident way. Not looking like prey!
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Old May 9, 2005, 09:23 PM   #9
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Uhh... I'm a good shot?
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Old May 9, 2005, 09:36 PM   #10
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Training, practice, more training, more practice, and... did I mention training?

Half joking, half serious. One thing you might want to get in the habit of doing: Instead of just walking into your local Stop & Rob for a gallon of milk (or beer), take a second to look inside. Is the clerk behind the counter? Does (s)he look relaxed? Who else is in the store? Nothing like stumbling into a robbery in progress to liven up your day.
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Old May 9, 2005, 09:51 PM   #11
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This is some good stuff. Kind of things I was hoping to get in this thread.

P.S. Note to self if you see a Bald Sociopath with cheap glasses and goes by the call name Overman...stay clear..hehe.

Crusher...close to Atl, GA.
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Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lighting they
Do not go gently into that good night.

Dylan Thomas


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Old May 9, 2005, 11:07 PM   #12
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Keep your hands free.
Be situationally aware at all times.
Always have an escape route picked out...and a backup route.
I try not to hug corners or walls when walking...make sure nobody is hiding around the corner.
In restaurants, position yourself to watch entrance/exits...at the least sit with your back against the wall.

It really comes down to situational awareness and keeping track of your surroundings.

Ed
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Old May 9, 2005, 11:33 PM   #13
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Chris, your good at running away? You must have been trained by the best in France. Sorry could not let that slip away. Nothing is wrong with a good retreat, infact I think running is one of my better talents.
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Old May 10, 2005, 02:07 AM   #14
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Old May 10, 2005, 02:15 AM   #15
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Yeah, i'd go with Chris, my best tac advantage is being able to run a 4.48sec 40yd dash. If that fails the next advantage is 13rds of .40 JHP
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Old May 10, 2005, 02:29 AM   #16
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i don't know who said it first but they definatly said it best-

"Be nice, be polite, but always have a plan to kill everyone you meet."

do that and you're already 2 steps ahead of 99.99% of everyone on the face of the planet.

p.s. if anyone does know who said that first, please let me know.
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Old May 10, 2005, 04:56 AM   #17
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Quote:
Nothing is wrong with a good retreat, infact I think running is one of my better talents.
I firmly believe that the best defense against any attack is to not be there when it is thrown...


Quote:
i don't know who said it first but they definatly said it best-
"Be nice, be polite, but always have a plan to kill everyone you meet."
I like that one also - sounds just a little bit crazy, but its interesting...
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Old May 10, 2005, 05:10 AM   #18
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Retreat, HELL!

i personally would never retreat, just attack in the opposite direction.
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Old May 10, 2005, 07:12 AM   #19
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I'm rabidly anti-social enough that the mere presence of other human beings in my vacinity sets me on edge, so I always tend to be aware of them.
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Old May 10, 2005, 08:04 AM   #20
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The shaved head works great. I'm 6'4", 315 and I keep my head shaved also. People just tend to look at you and not bother you.
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Old May 10, 2005, 08:30 AM   #21
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1.) Condition yellow at all times when I am in contact with strangers, and mentally sizing-up any potential BGs, such as Overman or doubleaes2 ( )
2.) I occasionally go with the military look (black t-shirt, olive drab pants tucked into combat boots).
3.) I take Martial Arts (brown belt in Kenpo Karate, some experience in Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jujitsu, and Philipino knife and stick fighting).
4.) My normal face is an expressionless stare that tends to make people nervous (I am working to rectify this, as it can put a damper on my social life)

All this is to make up for the tactical disadvantages of:
1.) Being only 5'7" and weighing in at 140 lb.
2). Being only eighteen, and looking several years younger than that.
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Old May 10, 2005, 08:40 AM   #22
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2). Being only eighteen, and looking several years younger than that.
Don't feel bad... I'll be 27 this month and just last year I got carded buying R rated movies at Wally World... twice...
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Old May 10, 2005, 08:41 AM   #23
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I third the 6'5" 225 shaved head deal. I also have a mean and somewhat intimidating look according to some of my friends. I have also been accused of looking like an Eastern European terrorist by those same friends, and a viking. I am currently waiting on my cwp, SLOW (read SLED) is taking that full 90 days for me, but in preparation for that I have begun carrying more of my stuff on the left side so that my strong side will be open. I have also been training in martial arts and tactical shooting with a unit and alone. I do tend to be wary of anyone I don't already know, but i have been known to give that same blank stare and apparently that makes people nervous.
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Old May 10, 2005, 08:57 AM   #24
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I try to have a plan.

The way I figure it, a crackhead can outwit a lawyer and take his money because of one thing. The crackhead had a plan and the lawyer did not.

I analyze my vulnerabilities, and try to establish a plan that will allow avoidance if possible, survival if necessary.
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Old May 10, 2005, 10:53 AM   #25
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Don't feel bad... I'll be 27 this month and just last year I got carded buying R rated movies at Wally World... twice...
i'm glad i'm not the only 24year old that gets carded for stuff.
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