Always Assume You’re Being Followed

A covert operative’s profession demands constant vigilance, both in the field and in your personal life. Your training has prepared you to confront a variety of threats, and one of the most important lessons to remember is to always assume you’re being followed. This mindset can save both your life and the mission you’ve been tasked with.

Whether you are on an active mission or simply going about your daily routine, it’s crucial to maintain a heightened sense of awareness. Adversaries may be tracking your movements, gathering intelligence, or plotting to compromise your mission. By always assuming that you’re being followed, you can minimize the risk of being caught off guard and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your mission.

Adopting this mindset extends beyond the physical act of being trailed; it encompasses a constant awareness of potential surveillance, whether through digital means or personal interactions. By internalizing this attitude, you will develop a heightened sense of situational awareness that becomes second nature, enabling you to instinctively identify potential threats and respond accordingly.

As an intelligence operative, you represent valuable information and resources to your adversaries. Your commitment to maintaining this mindset not only safeguards your personal security but also contributes to the overall success and safety of your fellow operatives and the agency’s missions.

      Detection Measures and Counter Measures

If you suspect that you are being followed, the following measures can help you confirm your suspicions and act accordingly.

      Example in an Urban Environment

Imagine you’re on a mission in a major city. You have just left a meeting with a valuable informant and are making your way back to your safe house. As you walk through the busy streets, you notice a man who appears to be trailing you from a distance.

To verify your suspicions, you decide to change your route, taking an unplanned detour through a nearby park. As you walk, you glance at your reflection in a shop window and see that the man has followed you into the park. Needing to confirm that you are being followed, you decide to head to a crowded café nearby.

Once inside, you discreetly alert your team to the situation and request assistance. You take a seat near the back of the café and covertly observe the man as he enters, scanning the room for you. At this point, your team arrives, and one member sits down at your table while another approaches the man, acting if they’re old buddies.

Your team member engages the man in a forced conversation around many witnesses, giving you the opportunity to leave the café and return to your safe house. Your vigilance and quick thinking have not only protected your mission but also potentially saved your life.

Always assuming you’re being followed is a mindset that can help you navigate both the dangers of the field and the risks of everyday life. By remaining alert and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself, your mission, and the valuable assets and information that you’ve been entrusted with.

It’s this unwavering vigilance that sets apart exceptional operatives, allowing you to navigate a world full of potential risks with confidence and efficiency.