When in a crowd, do you find yourself planning for what you would do in an emergency such as if a crazed shooter were to occur?

Pretty much everytime I move I think of optional exits. Wow, thought I was the only one. I'm glad I'm not alone. I do a pretty good job of hiding my paranoia from my family and friends. It's probably more of an unconscious act for me. I just want to know that I have a way to get me and mine safely out. I also go as far as role playing in my head what I'm gonna say to each of my kids according to their level of understanding. Even at my house I think of odd scenarios that could happen within my home and what movements would use to react to the situation.

My POST training along with monthly training requirement with the Sheriff's Department involved the active shooter scenario frequently. We practiced with our SWAT team until we became very proficient in different shooter scenarios. I know this, even though I am no longer with the sheriff's department I carry 24X7 and if there was an active shooter and I was in the vicinity, I would automatically respond. A lot of my fellow deputies would hesitate when asked if they were willing to take a life. They really didn't know what they would do. When I was asked, I didn't hesitate. I guess being in 3 different shooting wars taught me a long time ago. I would have no problem shooting an active shooter. Two to the chest, and one to the head.

Thank you military for the training to scope out everything and trust nobody. But I do it and if the time comes that I need to do something I hope that the plan in my head works.

YES, find myself doing it often to all all the time.

My job and affliations require interactions with Law Enforcement, Emergency Management and Fire Departments a good part of the time, both on duty and when not at work. The majority of us possess permits for concealed carry of firearms.

Just onie question....why is it so many anti concealed carry persons always talk as if the majority of gun owners with concealed carry permits are ...untrained! Of course we all know their are persons out there carrying concealed who do not have permits or training. Yet it seems as if we are all lumped into one group....untrained!

How many untrained, non CC permit persons do you know. I do know 1; he is highly trained, but unable to get a cc permit do to past violation. (I've never seen him carry, only going by what he says).

I do wonder where the anti CC persons are getting their figures from...what study, survey, or source of facts?

It's pretty common for vets, especially combat vets to do this. Situational Awareness. Is it a bad thing? With all the lone wolf terrorists/extremists out there, I feel safer sitting anywhere with a couple of vets "on my flanks."

I was like that for a bit but not anymore. It is a horrible way to live. It will wear you down and impact your life if you let it. Just as your wife was looking for a sincere comment she got a bit of reality from a veteran instead. I recall when I got back from my first deployment I would always reach back for my pistol. I carried an M4 and M9 as a back up. I had a extreme close call. It was at the point I pretty much thought I was going to go down in a hail of gun fire. Luckily for me and RP it didn't turn out that way. But later in life I would walk into an airport and see something and react as if it was a threat. When I realized I didn't have a gun on me I realized had to process what was going on and then I realized where I was. That is why I don't carry a gun anymore.

I have, luckily, been able to tame this. It really doesn't bother me to be in a crowed place anymore. I think tactically only when needed. I will sit just about anywhere in a restaurant now. The reason why it doesn't bother me so much is that I know I am the BMF there. It doesn't matter where you are. You can still get surprised or get shot or anything really. The question is how you act when it comes. When it does I will do what I must but I don't want to live a battle in my head everyday in my life.

In Arizona, I feel safe and snug.

I always try to be aware of what's around me at all times. I try to avoid areas that are known for excessive criminal activity. In public places I choose my location in regards to the best view of all entrances and exits and make sure that there is no access to me from behind.

I'm so paranoid that I reach around the corner to flip the light on before entering a room. Or I could just be afraid of the dark.

I watch everybody's moves, demeanor, what they're wearing etc. I hate crowds as it means someone is usually within arms length of me. And I like to have them outside arms length.

In a restaurant I have to sit with my back to a wall where I can see the door and an exit. I don't pull up close to the vehicle in front of me when stopped at a light or stop sign. I usually leave 2 or 3 car lengths. I don't stop directly across from another car at a red light.

These are a few of my measures.

I don't like large crowds and my wife knows my rules when we go out to eat that is, we don't sit near the door or the rest rooms and I must be in a position to see who is coming inside from the front door and I need to see or at least know where the nearest exit is. Far as a crowd goes, if a mad person was to start shooting up the place, all I can do is to take cover and try to observe.