I’ve been following this forum for a while and have just recently started to post (this is my second, expect much more ;). From reading several threads, I’ve gathered that it is more appropriate to appear as civvie as possible as apposed to military/tacticool in a SHTF situation. I think I understand the thinking behind this but I’d like to know from you guys why this is a stressed point.
TL;DR - Why is civilian dress preferred over military during SHTF?
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There are good and bad for both.
I think civilian works better for staying low profile and blending in to the crowd. Makes u less of a target.
But having full kit and a large rifle in full viz also makes you a hard target…
You have to decide for yourself how u want it to be.
A mixed between them in a shtf scenerio is probably your best bet, adjust based on your situation. There are so many vets, preppers, and so on with military gear that if shtf there will be probably more with than without.
Low profile is always going to be better IMO. But at the same time most criminals pick victims by cues given visually. So I think it is a balance if you look to meek you will become easy prey. Most shit bags are lazy and don’t want to risk it all for the pay out. But is you look like you have a lot to offer someone strong will come along at some point. And I think it would be better to catch thr latter type by surprise.
It would really depend on the event or incident. Common sense will be your friend.
Travis Haley articulates my personal philosophy quite well. He calls it the “grey man”. One who doesn’t stand out.
I hate showing my hand before I’m ready to.
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Be ready for both. Your ticket out of trouble might be you and some friends looking like you’re from the government and BELONG in that Suburban headed out.
Stay grey.
Out of sight, out of mind, do not bring attention to yourself.
Staying under the radar screen is a better strategy. Blend in. If you want to wear mil style clothes and gear for functionality, choose standard colors like tan, blue, etc, not camo. Mix it up too, don’t make it look like a uniform.
Also simple outer layer changes like a large coat in blue or grey, different hats, etc can break up appearances while wearing your “hard gear” beneath.
Out of sight out of mind like Voodoo said.
As for camo, I would not have anything camo at all besides a pack. Camo packs are pretty common, and in shtf expect to see them everywhere. As for clothes camo is a no go. Stick to earth tones like coyote, grey, rg. I wish they made more things in rg because it is probably the most balanced color imo. Grey enough for urban but also has a greenish/tan to it that not only blends well with old concrete but blends well in arid/desert and wooded areas. Black is a no go also. It creates a siloutte and stands out everywhere. To me probably the most easy to spot color next to flourecent colors. Mix and match is probably your best bet. Looking too casual or too tactical stands out, pick a happy median. What you wear is only a fraction, your actions, the way you carry yourself can get you noticed just as fast as being too casual or tactical.
Hey guys… Lots of info in several multi-page threads. “Discreet” is a great search term, combined with “bag”, “pants”, “clothing”, “grey (or gray) man”, etc.
Sum: Look average, look dull. Whatever that is in the AO you’re in.
That about sums it up.