Stay Smart, Stay Safe: Awareness and Avoidance in Uncertain Times

The best way to win a violent encounter is to avoid it altogether.

In today’s unpredictable environment, the importance of situational awareness cannot be overstated. Across the country, we’ve seen an increase in protests, rallies, and demonstrations, some peaceful, some not. While everyone has a Constitutional right to peacefully protest under the First Amendment, that same right does not override your responsibility to stay safe and make smart choices, especially if you are a concealed carry permit holder or someone carrying under permitless carry.

At Viking 6 Tactical, we believe in training that empowers individuals to act confidently, not fearfully. That begins with awareness and a clear understanding of the environment you're stepping into.

Do Your Homework: Gather Intelligence Before You Travel

We live in an era where information is more accessible than ever. Use it. Before you travel, especially to unfamiliar cities or large public venues, conduct your own intelligence gathering. Check local news stations, monitor social media, and search for recent activity or alerts in the area. A quick internet search can reveal whether demonstrations, political rallies, or controversial court decisions are occurring nearby. Knowing this in advance helps you plan your routes, adjust your travel dates, or avoid a hotspot entirely.

You don’t need a badge to think like a professional. Awareness is not paranoia, it’s preparation.

Avoid Known Areas of Protest or Civil Unrest

Whether it’s a planned rally or a flash protest, the risk of violence is real, not always from the demonstrators themselves, but from outside agitators, counter-protesters, or even emotionally charged bystanders. If your destination includes such a risk, ask yourself: Is it worth it?

The best way to win a violent encounter is to avoid it altogether.

This is especially important if you are armed. Carrying a firearm brings with it a higher level of legal and moral responsibility. Prosecutors and juries will judge your actions after the fact, and one key question will always be: Did you have the opportunity to retreat or avoid the confrontation altogether? In most cases, if you could have, but chose not to, it will weigh heavily against you.

You Are Not Law Enforcement

If you are a responsibly armed civilian, you are not law enforcement. It is not your job to insert yourself into other people’s disputes. You are not a peacekeeper; you are a protector, of yourself, your loved ones, and those in your care. That distinction matters.

When you allow yourself to be drawn into a conflict that isn’t yours, you increase your legal liability and endanger everyone around you. Let the professionals handle crowd control. Your role is to observe, avoid, and escape if necessary.

Train to Act—Not React

One of the most dangerous things a person can do is act from fear. Fear-based decisions are impulsive and often escalate situations unnecessarily. Training allows you to act with a plan, not with panic. Through regular, realistic training, both in mindset and in defensive skills, you develop the muscle memory and mental clarity needed to stay calm under pressure.

That’s the Viking 6 Tactical difference: We train for confidence, not chaos.

Rights Come with Responsibility

Everyone has rights. You do. They do. But your rights do not supersede the rights of others, just as theirs do not override yours. Responsible citizenship means understanding that freedom and accountability go hand in hand.

So be aware. Be informed. Be trained.

And most importantly, be smart.

Stay safe out there.