The problem with looking like a legit tactical expert is you will stand out from the crowd. You will appear to have the right and the best survival gear known to man. That means those who do not have any gear will come to you for yours. So how can we still be a tactical survival expert without standing out like a sore thumb?
Be the Gray Man
This is a survivalist term that means to blend in. Camouflage does not only mean wearing desert or woodland gear. According to thefreedictionary.com, Camouflage means "The concealing of personnel and equipment from an enemy by making them appear as part of the natural surroundings." This can mean a desert, a wooded area, or a crowd. How do you blend into a crowd? What camouflage is there for a crowd? Try to look like everyone else. That way when people scan the crowd their brain doesn't pick out your weird dress code. Why is that guy wearing so much woodland camo? Weird.
This is a tough thing to do. I find I really want to look cool and super prepped. The problem is I will walk around with a target on my back. So what can we do to accomplish becoming the gray man?
1. No logos. The number 1 goal is not only to blend in, but to not create stimulus in others. If you wear a Calgary flames hat it may also cause someone to want to strike up a conversation about the last game.
2. Use common sense. Being the Gray Man will be different depending on location. You will dress different if you are at a grocery store compared to a college campus or a church. Know the area you are going to and dress and act accordingly.
3. Know it will be difficult. Being the Gray Man. The point is to "not be there." Human nature says you want the attention. You want people to notice you. You want credit for something. Even if you successfully achieve being the Gray Man, you desire credit for it. You want to share your success with others. Being the Gray Man means going against that and not seeking attention or credit. It will be difficult.
4. It is a process. This is something that takes time. There's not point in waking up one morning deciding to be the Gray Man when you've shown everyone on your block your gun collection. When SHTF, they are running to your house for cover. It would have been better for you to simply disappear. No one really knew too much about you. And that's good.
5. Lastly, it is nearly impossible to achieve. That doesn't mean don't try. Just realize it is impossible to actually be invisible. But let's do our best to blend in. That way when the zombies come, we wont have to worry about other people trying to kill us as well.
