Awareness: Cooper’s Colors

A simple, oft used system of evaluating awareness, especially amongst law enforcement officers and military operators, is Cooper’s Colors. This basic concept puts situational awareness into one of three categories.

White. This condition is generally relaxed and unaware. For special operators and police personnel, this is only acceptable while sleeping. Being attacked or presented with extreme adversity while in the white zone, you’ll likely succumb to the element (and potentially lose your life).

Yellow. This condition is relaxed, but aware of who and what is around you. Being in this yellow state involves consciously knowing basic things like where exits are, potential threats, and people that enter and exit your surroundings. Being attacked or suddenly placed in adverse conditions with this level awareness wouldn’t come as a total surprise.

Orange. This is a narrowed focus and prepared state. You likely have identified a cause of concern and will remain alert until this potential threat subsides. If you’re attacked or presented with concerning circumstances while in this orange state, you would not be surprised.

Red. This is a fully prepared state for a threat you’ve identified. Trained people will be able to operate in this state from an advantage without succumbing to tunnel vision. Being attacked while in red should result in you having an advantage in the fight.

What’s the point? Get the hell out of the white zone. You’d be surprised how much of your day is spent in this zone. Orange and red aren’t realistic or sustainable as a steady state awareness, but spending time in white is a liability.

 

Logan Gelbrich

@functionalcoach