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13th Edition
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2. How to Develop the Situational Awareness of Jason Bourne - Part 1
Brett & Kate McKay • February 5, 2015 • Last updated: August 25, 2021
There’s a scene at the beginning of The Bourne Identity where the film’s protagonist is sitting in a diner, trying to figure out who he is and why he has a bunch of passports and a gun stashed in a safety deposit box. Bourne also notices that he, well, notices things that other people don’t. Watch here:
That superhuman ability to observe his surroundings and make detailed assessments about his environment? It’s not just a trait of top secret operatives; it’s a skill known as situational awareness, and you can possess it too.
As the names implies, situational awareness is simply knowing what’s going on around you. It sounds easy in principle, but in reality requires much practice. And while it is taught to soldiers, law enforcement officers, and yes, government-trained assassins, it’s an important skill for civilians to learn as well. In a dangerous situation, being aware of a threat even seconds before everyone else can keep you and your loved ones safe.
But it’s also a skill that can and should be developed for reasons outside of personal defense and safety. Situational awareness is really just another word for mindfulness, and developing mine has made me more cognizant of what’s going on around me and more present in my daily activities, which in turn has helped me make better decisions in all aspects of my life.
I’ve spent months researching and talking to experts in the tactical field about the nature of situational awareness, and below you’ll find one of the most complete primers out there on how to gain this important skill. While the focus is primarily on developing your situational awareness to prevent or survive a violent attack, the principles discussed can also help hone your powers of observation in all areas of your life.
How to Develop Situational Awareness
Many of the resources out there on situational awareness say it can be cultivated by generally keeping tabs on your surroundings — “checking your six” and “keeping your back to the wall.”
This definition isn’t wrong. That’s exactly what situational awareness is: knowing what’s going on by scanning your environment. But I always found this explanation lacking. What exactly am I looking for? How do I know if I’m paying attention to the right things? Are there behaviors or warning signs of an imminent threat that I should know about?
Today we’re going to start by discussing the general principles of increasing your observational abilities, and then dive deeper into situational awareness itself to answer these important questions.
Observe + Orient = Situational Awareness
The thing that helped me finally understand situational awareness was framing it within the OODA Loop. For those of you who haven’t read my in-depth article on this important cognitive tool, here’s the CliffsNotes version:
The OODA Loop is a learning system and decision-making process that was first laid out by Air Force fighter pilot and military strategist John Boyd. The four steps of the OODA Loop are Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. In a head-to-head competition, like air-to-air combat, a violent confrontation in a parking lot, or even political contests, the person who can cycle through the OODA Loop the fastest wins.
Obviously, the Observe step in the loop is what most people associate situational awareness with.
But it’s the second step in the OODA Loop – Orient — that answered my questions about what developing situational awareness actually involves. Orientation tells us what we should look for when we’re observing, and then puts those observations into context so we know what to do with the information.
So Observe + Orient = Situational Awareness.
But how can we become better observers so that we can improve our situational awareness? And how should we orient ourselves so that we observe the right things and understand the context for what we’re seeing?
we will continue next week with Observe: Stay in Condition Yellow
Source: https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/how-to-develop-the-situational-awareness-of-jason-bourne/
3.Weekly Poll
Last week’s poll results
Last week we asked: Have you fallen for a Jobs scam?
Responses: We had 15 responses on last week’s poll:
27% of respondents voted Yes
73% of respondents voted No
4. Interview Q & A
This week’s topic will address the question of: The Phonetic Alphabet A-Z?
Understanding the Phonetic Alphabet: Origins and Modern Usage
The phonetic alphabet, also known as the NATO phonetic alphabet or the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, is a system of words used to represent each letter of the alphabet in a way that is clearly understood over communication channels, especially those prone to interference or poor reception. From its historical roots to its present-day applications, the phonetic alphabet plays a crucial role in ensuring clear and accurate communication.
The Origins of the Phonetic Alphabet
The origins of the phonetic alphabet date back to the early 20th century when the need for a standardised communication system became evident, particularly in military and aviation contexts. Before the phonetic alphabet was formalised, there were various spelling alphabets in use, each tailored to specific needs but lacking consistency. The chaos this caused, especially in high-stakes environments, led to the development of a more uniform system.
In the 1920s, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) began working on a phonetic alphabet to improve communication clarity between pilots and air traffic controllers. The alphabet went through several iterations, with different countries and organisations contributing to its refinement. The version that we recognise today was officially adopted by NATO in the 1950s and later by various international organisations.
Why Is the Phonetic Alphabet Used Today?
The phonetic alphabet is still in widespread use today for several key reasons:
Clarity in Communication: In situations where miscommunication can lead to significant errors, such as in aviation, maritime operations, or military activities, the phonetic alphabet ensures that each letter is clearly understood. For example, the letters "B" and "D" sound similar and can easily be confused in a noisy environment, but "Bravo" and "Delta" are distinct.
Consistency Across Languages: The phonetic alphabet provides a universal system that transcends language barriers. By using standardised words for each letter, people from different linguistic backgrounds can communicate more effectively.
Emergency Situations: During emergencies, quick and precise communication is essential. The phonetic alphabet helps prevent misunderstandings that could arise from unclear speech or poor transmission quality.
Radio and Telephone Communications: In radio transmissions, where static and signal issues can distort sound, or over the telephone, where background noise might interfere, the phonetic alphabet ensures that messages are conveyed accurately.
The Modern Phonetic Alphabet
Here’s a quick look at the phonetic alphabet as it is used today:
A - Alpha
B - Bravo
C - Charlie
D - Delta
E - Echo
F - Foxtrot
G - Golf
H - Hotel
I - India
J - Juliet
K - Kilo
L - Lima
M - Mike
N - November
O - Oscar
P - Papa
Q - Quebec
R - Romeo
S - Sierra
T - Tango
U - Uniform
V - Victor
W - Whiskey
X - X-ray
Y - Yankee
Z - Zulu
To summarise
The phonetic alphabet is more than just a tool for military or aviation professionals; it is a testament to the importance of clear and reliable communication especially in the security and law enforcement field. Whether you're navigating a high-stakes situation or simply ensuring that your message is understood, the phonetic alphabet remains an invaluable resource in today's interconnected world. Its origins reflect a global effort to improve communication, and its continued use highlights its effectiveness in bridging gaps and preventing errors in our everyday interactions.
5. The different career options available in the security field
This week we discuss the role of Security Supervisors
Understanding the Roles, Duties, and Responsibilities of a Security Supervisor
In the security industry, the role of a Security Supervisor is crucial in ensuring the safety and protection of people, property, and assets. Security Supervisors serve as the backbone of security operations, overseeing the daily activities of security personnel, coordinating security measures, and acting as a key point of contact between management and security staff.
The Role of a Security Supervisor
A Security Supervisor is responsible for managing a team of security guards and ensuring that all security protocols are strictly followed. They play a pivotal role in preventing incidents, responding to emergencies, and ensuring that the security team operates smoothly and effectively. The role requires a blend of leadership, communication skills, and an in-depth understanding of security practices.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Team Management and Leadership
- Supervising Security Personnel: One of the primary duties of a Security Supervisor is to oversee the security guards assigned to their team. This involves scheduling shifts, assigning tasks, and ensuring that each guard is performing their duties effectively.
- Training and Development: Security Supervisors are responsible for training new security staff and providing ongoing training for existing team members. They ensure that all personnel are well-versed in security protocols, emergency procedures, and the use of security equipment.
- Performance Monitoring: Regularly assessing the performance of security staff is another key responsibility. Supervisors provide feedback, conduct performance reviews, and take corrective actions when necessary to maintain high standards of security.
2. Coordination and Communication
- Liaising with Management: Security Supervisors act as the main point of contact between the security team and the company’s management. They communicate any issues, incidents, or concerns that arise during their shifts and provide updates on security operations.
- Reporting: Detailed reporting is a crucial aspect of a Security Supervisor’s role. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records of daily activities, incidents, and any security breaches. These reports are often used to assess security needs and make improvements to existing protocols.
3. Incident Response and Management
- Handling Emergencies: In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, break-in, or medical incident, Security Supervisors are responsible for coordinating the response. They ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect people and property, and that emergency services are contacted when needed.
- Investigating Incidents: After an incident occurs, the Security Supervisor is often tasked with conducting an investigation to determine the cause and any contributing factors. This may involve reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed reports for management.
4. Maintaining Security Equipment
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Security Supervisors ensure that all security equipment, such as surveillance cameras, alarms, and access control systems, are functioning properly. They arrange for repairs or replacements when necessary and may also oversee the installation of new equipment.
- Conducting Regular Inspections: To maintain a secure environment, Security Supervisors conduct regular inspections of the premises to identify any potential security risks, such as faulty locks, broken windows, or areas with inadequate lighting.
5. Ensuring Compliance with Policies and Regulations
- Enforcing Security Protocols: Security Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all security policies and procedures are followed by their team. This includes access control, surveillance, patrol routines, and emergency procedures.
- Adhering to Legal Requirements: The Security Supervisor must ensure that all security operations comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as those governing the use of force, the handling of personal data, and health and safety standards.
The Importance of a Security Supervisor
The role of a Security Supervisor is essential to the overall effectiveness of a security operation. By providing strong leadership, ensuring compliance with policies, and maintaining clear communication between security staff and management, Security Supervisors help to create a safe and secure environment. Their ability to respond to incidents swiftly and effectively, coupled with their proactive approach to preventing security breaches, makes them a vital component of any security team.
In industries where safety and security are paramount—such as retail, healthcare, education, and corporate environments—the presence of a skilled and diligent Security Supervisor can make a significant difference. Their work not only protects people and assets but also enhances the reputation of the organisation by demonstrating a commitment to safety and security.
Conclusion
The role of a Security Supervisor is multifaceted and demanding, requiring a balance of leadership, communication, and technical skills. Their responsibilities extend far beyond simply managing security guards; they are integral to the successful implementation of security strategies and the maintenance of a secure environment. For anyone considering a career in security or looking to advance in the field, the position of Security Supervisor offers both challenges and rewards, with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the safety and security of an organisation.
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