Step One Observe

• Scan the environment 360 degrees
• Identify people, patterns, anomalies
• Use all senses, stay unseen
• Establish the baseline

Step Two Orient

• Read terrain, lighting, and exits
• Note timing and activity cycles
• Account for cultural factors
• Place yourself in context

Step Three Identify

• Pick out potential threats
• Gauge capability, intent, behavior
• Note affiliations and resources
• Build threat profiles

Step Four Assess

• Evaluate threat level and likelihood
• Analyze strengths and weaknesses
• Anticipate potential actions
• Estimate impact on the mission

Step Five Adapt

• Adjust plans, routes, and timing
• Mitigate, avoid, or neutralize
• Reassess continuously
• Stay flexible under pressure

Threat Factors

• Capability: skills, weapons, numbers, training
• Intent: motive, objective, indicators
• Access: proximity and freedom of movement
• Activity: current behavior and tempo

Threat Levels

• Critical: imminent, act immediately
• High: serious, deploy countermeasures
• Elevated: potential, raise awareness
• Guarded: low-moderate, monitor and maintain

Behavioral Indicators

• Surveillance: repeated observation, photographing
• Evasion: altered routes, avoided contact
• Communications: codes, dead drops, timed traffic
• Armament: prints, bulk, weapon handling