How to Travel Grey

How to avoid looking like the obvious security contractor  when traveling and why it’s important.

Perhaps it is my innate curiosity or, for many years now I was been employed to be highly observant – or more than likely I am just a nosy bastard by nature. Probably it is the latter and not the former. Cops can spot other cops a mile away. It’s been that way forever probably.

I can also tell you that I can spot fellow operators and security contractors in much the same way. Many of you who are reading this right now are saying “yeah, you’re right, so can I”. We like to think it is a special talent that allows us to recognize a fellow snake eater.

There is some truth to that, but for the most part we are a fairly observant bunch and there are certain visual cues that we give off that inadvertently reveal who we are to one another and unfortunately to others with less than desirable motives. 

For the last couple of years, I have been a Kidnap Ransom and Extraction contractor who travels quite extensively by the requisites of my job. Now, having been around the globe a few times, I have found myself sitting in various airports, and hotels where I can sit and partake in one of my favorite pastimes, people watching.

Now, the places that I find myself in are typically places where the native folks have less than a stellar view of my home country and in particular, my industry Security Contracting. Part of the reason why I do this is simply OPSEC. People-watching is a great way to get a feel for the place.

As a bi-product it answers tactical questions that I am subconsciously thinking about : “Is it safe to be here?”, “What are the natural rhythms and schedules of the place?”

Who belongs, who doesn’t and the like.

There is also the reality that there is someone out there doing the very same thing that I am, but for very different and deadlier reasons. I am not going to go into a lot of surveillance detection in this, because frankly that is an entire topic on its own.

What I am going to do is point out some of the things that I have observed that some of our brethren who I know have been schooled in the right way… but for some damn reason, be it a poor self image, the need to grandstand or simply not conscious, that they are holding a sign that says “target”. Now back in the old day's we used to do this crazy stuff and called it......well,"Field Craft". Oh those thrilling days of yesteryear. 

The last time I flew back home, I watched in horror as a guy walked down the concourse to get on the airplane.  He had his 5.11 pants on, his 5.11 shirt, his company hat and a tan Blackhawk bag that had his name tag nicely stitched on it. I asked him if he knew he stuck out like a sore thumb and he said yeah, but “so what”.

Now, in the age of the shoe bomber, underwear bomber and as news reports have recently shown “boob bombers” and other terrorists who are still targeting western flights. This guy highlighted what flight he takes. More importantly he potentially also identified which flight carries the maximum number of expert contractors and other high value targets that terrorists would love to have.

Now, Lets back track his journey to the airport. Any casual observer now knows what hotel he frequents, more than likely his company has a whole herd of his co-workers housed there and now, they too were possibly painted for a Mumbai style attack.

But. He does not care. He has his image to keep up and the need to impress somebody. I think that’s the part that really ticked me off. It was his nonchalance attitude.

Now, you want to risk your own life, Have at it. But when you so arrogantly risk mine, I get a little pissed.
We all take risks, its part of our job, but not needless risks. Now the guy mentioned above was the glowing neon sign of what not to do, there are of course other less subtle tell tale signs that many of us inadvertently do that reveals who we are.

Here are a few examples:

For many of us, we have down time. That means a lot of time spent in the gym. This is great! We have the strength and stamina to pull our clients and buddies to safety and still keep up the fight.  All that time in the gym produces results that you may be proud to show off with snug t-shirts or other attire that is figure hugging.

Now, the downside is that for the most part, the men in the countries where we travel do not have the same athletic build or diet to support the muscle growth that western cultures do. This of course makes you stand out. While this is nice in a bar full of hot chicks, it is not so nice in a country where there are Fatwas issued to kill the unbeliever. You catch my drift? Therefore I tend to spend my off time in Bars. LOL.

I know that we don’t spend a lot of time looking down. But, before you get on the next airplane out of your AO, have a look at your shoes. Are you wearing the latest greatest Merrill product or equivalent thereof? Sure are nice. One of the things that I train my guys and gals to do is to look at Hajji’s shoes when we are out and about and have a look at their clothing.

Certain things are dead giveaways to who they are and it is no different for you. Look at your back pack. Is it the latest Blackhawk, LA Police gear, Maxpedition etc? If it is, Might as well hold a sign too. Speaking of Looking, What are you looking through? As to your eye wear? Those cool guy ballistic Oakleys sure are nice!  What about on your wrists or head? You wearing one of those “survival bracelets” as they are called? Very Snappy. You are a NO GO at this station!

Each of these things by themselves may not be the giveaway, but a series of these visual cues tend to add up and you may unwittingly identify yourself. Now don't get me wrong here. I own and love my high speed gear but there is such a thing as wrong place, wrong time.

Here are a few things that I recommend for traveling grey:

For one, have a set of travel clothes. These should be nondescript, comfortable and are designed to blend in pretty much anywhere. Your appearance right down to your shoes should not convey any nationality hints or identifiable traits that make you stand out.

The clothing should be loose fitting, either or a larger button up shirt with an off brand generic jacket. Buy a pair of jeans from the Hajji mart, they are nondescript and come in a whole host of brands from around the globe. Leave the photographers vest,cowboy boots and Hawaiian shirts at home.They will be fine without you until you get back.Trust me here.

Wear comfortable tennis shoes.  Nothing fancy with ridiculous colors. Accessorize with reading material that in no way reflects your profession, preferably something in a foreign language. Look at your travel bag. Is it a generic one that does not have a whiff of “tactical” coming off of it?

And lastly, don’t do a lot of talking. Your goal is to fade in to the back ground. In essence become the proverbial “Grey Man” If someone were to ask about you they should have a hard time describing any concrete details other than generic height and weight. If you do have to talk be polite. Everyone remembers a rude guy and actually rather expects us to be.

Your ability to blend in is really limited to your imagination or lack there of.

I know some of you remember classes on camouflage. Camouflage is not just about hiding in the forest or out in the desert, it’s a state of mind. Apply these same lessons to your travel clothing and actions, this will lesson the likelihood of becoming a victim.There is a misconception that the enemy will meet you on the field of battle. Well guess what Bucko, The enemy has moved the field to the Market,Airport and your Hotel room. It’s not just your life that is at risk!

Oh yeah, put the big ass watch in your bag and SHAVE..Everybody does not fear the beard.. And you look like a "us" trying to be a "them"..they get it! When they see a Gringo with a beard they think "Special Forces" Soldier and then they really want you.

Stay Grey and safe travels.