The ‘Environmental Awareness’ Directive

Environmental awareness in the context of operational activities extends far beyond the basic principles of situational awareness. It requires operatives to develop a profound understanding of both the natural and built environments within their areas of operation. This directive serves as a guide to enhance operatives’ capabilities in navigating through, surviving in, and exploiting their surroundings effectively, particularly in high-risk areas and situations.

          The Environmental Awareness Directive

The Environmental Awareness Directive is a continuous mental process (beyond basic situational awareness) that encompasses the accumulation and application of detailed knowledge about the physical environment. This includes an in-depth understanding of local geography, climate patterns, urban and rural terrain features, architectural layouts, and cultural landmarks.

Mastery of this directive enables operatives to move stealthily and efficiently, remain undetected, and execute missions with a higher degree of success. And as a civilian to do the similar by optimizing their ability to move and interact with the world around them in more “normal” everyday activities.

          Natural Environment

Terrain Features

Operatives must be able to recognize and utilize terrain features for navigation, concealment, and tactical advantage. This includes understanding topography (e.g., hills, valleys, rivers) and being able to navigate through various types of terrain (forest, desert, urban).

Weather Patterns

Knowledge of local weather patterns is crucial for planning operations and survival. Operatives should be familiar with seasonal weather changes, precipitation patterns, and how these can affect mission parameters such as visibility, mobility, and the technological effectiveness (e.g., implications on electronic equipment).

Flora and Fauna

Recognizing local plant and animal life can aid in camouflage, finding food and water, and avoiding dangers (e.g., poisonous plants or dangerous wildlife).

          Built Environment

Urban Landscapes

Understanding the layout of cities and towns, including key infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, utilities), public spaces (parks, squares), and buildings (government, commercial, residential) is essential for navigation, finding safe houses, and planning escape routes.

Architectural Knowledge

Familiarity with building construction and layout can assist in identifying entry and exit points, weak structural elements, and potential hiding places.

Cultural Landmarks

Knowledge of cultural landmarks and their significance can aid in blending in, navigating, and leveraging local customs for operational advantage.

          Application in Emergencies and High-Risk Situations

In emergencies, such as natural disasters or when quick navigation is required for escape and evasion, the Environmental Awareness Directive becomes critically important. Operatives must be able to quickly assess their surroundings, identify safe and dangerous zones, and make rapid decisions to reach safety or complete objectives.

This might include finding the most stable structures during an earthquake, taking advantage of public buildings to lose a tail, understanding flood plains during a flood, taking streets and paths to deter or stop vehicles from tracking you, or identifying high ground in the event of a tsunami.

          Developing Environmental Awareness

Environmental Awareness enhances not only operational effectiveness but also personal safety and security in potentially high-risk areas and situations. By developing a deep understanding of both the natural and built environments, operatives are better prepared for any situation they might encounter in the field.

This directive is not just about awareness but about the active engagement with and adaptation to the world around us, making it a vital skill set for anyone.