Thread: Cooper's Color Code

Just read up on Cooper's Color Code, having never heard of it before. I've done something similar for years, just being generally aware of my surroundings. If I'm in a crowd like at the zoo or a park, I keep practiced by scanning crowds, watching hands, looking for anything out of place, being aware of exits/cover, etc. Not all the time, that would drive someone crazy, but every now and then to keep fresh so when I ever am in those orange/red situations it would be second nature as to what kind of cover would be best in that particular type of environment, etc.

If I see someone openly carrying a gun in a holster, I am frankly 99% less concerned about them being a threat than the average stranger. If they meant harm, they would most likely not be carrying openly, and an armed fellow citizen can only be an asset in a bad situation, assuming they have even the most basic training of being mindful of what is beyond their target etc.

I hadn't thought about the color code for a while. I guess you could say that I'm always in the yellow, though sometimes my PTSD kicks in and I become super-alert (orange+?).

Seriously, though, it doesn't take much for me to transition from "yellow" to "orange" or even to "red". I find myself applying it to much more than just self-defense awareness, though, and have probably gone to orange more often while driving than anything else recently. For example, during the 500+ mile trips I make, it is not uncommon to see a car swerving or otherwise being driven erratically. The driver could be tired, drunk, or putting on makeup, but I either hang back, or kick up my speed to pass them in a hurry.

Back on your topic, though. Someone carrying in the open does not necessarily raise my alertness, but I do try to look at the total package. After all, I was once that young guy that carried openly, and while I was of little danger to other law abiding citizens I was also possibly too gung-ho for my own good (and the good of those around me). Essentially, if something bad happened, I'd be wary of getting between a young do-gooder with a gun and the bad guy, as each might hurt or kill bystanders. Besides that little concern of mine, though, I see no reason to get upset about someone carrying a sidearm in public. As Rick Scarf stated, odds are they mean no harm; if they did they wouldn't be showing their hand.

I believe I've shared a couple of stories where I've bluffed my way out of potentially bad situations. At least once I thought I was being followed by some hoodlums, so I adjusted my "gun" and shifted my jacket to make it appear as though I was armed. On another occasion, a group of younger men split off the sidewalk as they approached my car, coming up on both sides of the vehicle. I had a shotgun in the car so I placed it in my lap so they could see it as they got closer. I don't know (and I'm glad of that) whether either of those groups or some of the other examples I've shared meant to rob or injure me, but to date i haven't had to defend myself.

Being alert is good, as is being prepared, but to quote Chuck Norris "the best defense is not to offend". In more recent years I've learned to stay away from areas where a situation might develop. As a Baton Rouge-area Recruiter I had to venture into some areas unarmed, but I always made a point to go in daylight and try to take a battle buddy with me. Now that that gig is over with, I choose where I go and how long I stay there. I don't feel too uncomfortable in bad areas after working in Baton Rouge and SE DC, but I do go out of my way to avoid them.