Urban EDC Considerations
After wrapping up the Urban Evasion Workshop, a common phrase I heard was, “I’m really glad I was concealed-carrying a firearm.” But what if you find yourself in an environment where you can’t? Whether it’s the location or situation, it may not be always be feasible to concealed-carry a firearm. I had a discussion with a family member who lives in New York City. Unfortunately, he is unable carry a firearm due to the political climate of the city and state. So, the topic of Everyday Carry (EDC) came up and we discussed alternative options on what he can do, overall, to increase security and survivability.
Unfortunately, when visiting certain cities, I too have made the conscious decision to not concealed-carry. I would bring the option and equipment, but usually I resigned myself to stashing it in my room. Even as an active Law Enforcement Officer, I found it was more of a hassle with restrictions set by private venues. One would be the National 9/11 Memorial Museum (probably the only place worth visiting in NYC and one I would highly recommend). However, even off-duty NYPD officers are not allowed to off-duty carry into the museum. Those that have been there know that entrance security is like one found at a major airport. They make no exceptions to these rules.
In discussing with my cousin, his daily commute consists of walking several blocks and an hour ride on the Subway train. He does carry a small messenger bag, but usually with only work-essential items. So, I broke down his EDC equipment into two lines, like we do with most of our kit. His first line would be what is on his person. Understand, he is dressed as a business professional. So, take into consideration options that would be inconspicuous and easy to explain. His normal carry would be his keys, wallet, spare loose bills, and cellphone with headphones. He and his wife also have the keychain pepper spray, but I quickly explained how it is not the best option. Although great for crowd control (as “Flynn” may one day expose you to), without proper training and depending on the environment, it can be a messy option for all. It is legitimately a “spray and pray,” and everyone is eating it. From personal experience: it is not fun.
One of the options we discussed is having a handheld flashlight in his pocket (specifically for him, the Streamlight Macro Stream) versus something like a pocket knife. Depending on certain venue rules and levels of security, pocket knives and multi-tools with blades may also be confiscated. I always travel with the cheap Gerber Paraframe pocket knife because I’ve had many knives confiscated by security. Morally right or wrong, and whether I could’ve argued the situation, I just took it as a loss and hoped I got it back when I left. As I am typing this, I remembered my last Gerber Paraframe is in the wind, so I just ordered a combo set (a large knife, a small knife, and a mini keychain tool for $24.99) on Amazon. Is it a loss? Yes, but I’m not losing one of my more expensive options. And to me, a handheld flashlight is far more of an effective weapon option to the untrained as I will explain later.
His second line would be his messenger bag. Again, it’s a smaller bag with his normal business essentials. They are a commonly worn item in a place like New York, since the main mode of transportation is usually by foot. So, we considered what would permit him more security and control. A backpack is great, for your back. But he had concerns of being in such an asymmetric environment where your adversary (the common pick-pocket) generally would attack from the blind side. Those that served may remember the old “sea-bag drag” where we would wear our daypacks as a chest rig and rucks on our back in order to drag that green GI bag. Wearing your backpack on the front is a carry option, but you most certainly will get looks, and possibly unwanted attention. As we learned in the recent Urban Evasion Workshop: what is normal behavior in order to blend in?
So, he decided on a messenger-style bag as his go-to bag. There are various brands and options that convert messenger bags into a “back” carry or a secondary waist strap can add stabilization for longer movements, but the messenger-style bag gives him freedom to control bag position to the front of his body if he needs it. Some additional equipment we supplemented into his second-line gear would be medical (both trauma and first aid), and some tools that we will mention later. As many have seen, I always like a good metal water bottle. Not only is it good for outdoor survival usage, but it is most certainly an inconspicuous improvised impact weapon. Plus we should always stay hydrated-- so drink water!
Now that we had broken down his gear, we discussed his actual physical security into three categories. His primary method of security is using his environment and having situational awareness. It is impossible to be always at a high alert with the amount of traffic and information in a busy, bustling city such as downtown Manhattan. But using the environment for security options is an easy way to set up a good defense. Placing your back against an object, such as columns and pillars at train platform, can prevent assaults from the rear. Standing near doors on the Subway train and not sitting down allows you the ability to be mobile. I suggested using ear bone conduction headphones, so he can hear his immediate surroundings. I use these often when hiking or road running. He suggested the exact opposite on this one. He uses in ear headphones, but he keeps the volume low. He says he can still hear his surroundings, but uses them as a prop to ignore people. He gets it: Principle over Techniques. Making eye contact with people approaching him in his personal bubble lets them know he is aware of them. When crossing major crosswalks with a crowd, he would position himself towards the outside so he wouldn’t be clumped in the mass. These are all examples of information that can increase one’s situational awareness.
His secondary form of security is mobility. Speed is security when it comes to mobility. We mentioned the messenger bag, but how much additional gear does he need versus what he can conveniently carry? We would all love to carry our “bug-out” ruck with that LAW Tactical folder. However, if it’s weighed down with even a few extra pounds, then we lack speed. Speed isn’t just about how fast you can move, but the ease of movement. That ruck may be awkward to get through subway turnstiles or the revolving doors common to the city. Mobility is also knowing where to go. Knowing how many stops are left during his train commute or what neighborhood it’s currently moving through. Always knowing his exit options and strategy on getting there. Where you need to exit may not be the same way you came in. In the event of an emergency, can you get out? A glass breaking tool & strap cutter may be useful tools added to his second line gear. Also, finding footwear that offers more comfort and durability while appropriate to his everyday fashion was also a consideration. Our feet are our tires. We need to have the appropriate treads.
Third is the physical force or defensive tactics. He is a taller and larger-framed male, so he can use posturing as part of his defense. Most attackers look for weak, defenseless victims. They pick this by reading their victim’s clothing and body language. If you don’t have the size, don’t walk around like a victim: head up, chest up, and make eye contact with people. I’m not saying you have to march around, but move with a sense of purpose. Even if it’s a nice relaxing stroll, stroll like you mean it! He also trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a hobby. But like all good training, he learned two major points when it comes to self-defense. First is De-escalation! The easiest fight to win is the fight that never occurs. Just because he trains in BJJ doesn’t mean he needs to put everyone in an arm bar. Just because I carry a Glock 19 doesn’t mean I should draw down on everything that I decide is a threat. If we can talk our way out of a situation and walk away, that’s a win. The second point is “getting off of the X” and not getting sucked in. He knows that in case it does get ugly, he is not looking to score points while grappling on the ground. It is to create distance and time to escape. Usually, we know attackers may work in pairs or groups. It’s not the octagon. Get out fast!
In the event that it does go kinetic, what weapons are available to his EDC arsenal? We come to one of my favorite defensive tools; a good, handheld flashlight. Putting large amounts of lumens in an aggressor’s eyes, or “bleaching”, is a great way to buy time and create distance while the adversary is temporarily disoriented. This, coupled with loud verbal commands: “Leave me alone!”, “Stop fighting me!”, or “Get back!” (…“Sir or Ma’am” are optional), may be enough to deter any further escalation and allow you to escape. It also draws attention to potential witnesses and possibly even assistance. In the legal world, it also paints you as the victim and non-aggressor. But as we know and as we train, we are the aggressor when it comes to that fight. Ultimately, a flashlight is a great distancing tool and allows you to physically get out of there. Since it’s already in your hand, it can always be a good striking tool. We can always discuss more on different striking techniques, flashlight selection, and modifications that could be made for the defensive flashlight. Simple modifications can make it a hands-free device to allow you to be more mobile. This is a rather simple option that you have.
Ultimately, the EDC isn’t just the gear in your pocket. Two important things that SHOULD be in everyone’s EDC is Mindset and Physical Training. If you don’t have the right mindset, you’re not going be able to think through the principles and fix the problem at hand, whether it’s situational awareness or working that bolt override malfunction. Physical Training is just that. I know! It’s one we often put aside. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve all been there and had too many Reese’s peanut butter cups. But if you can’t get off of the “X” or get to the “X”, we are not just failing ourselves, but those depending on us. It’s the knowledge you bring, the mindset you have, and the plan that must be communicated. Do our EDC and action plan change when we are solo versus with family? Absolutely. But, there is no right or wrong answer. As Dark Chris puts it: “It is your fight.” The only wrong answer is a plan that is not communicated and principles that are not practiced. Stay safe!
—“Ozz”