Am I the only one who does this?

SA Harold Hansmann — Wed, 27 May 2015 20:37:46 -0400

Am I the only one who likes to sit with their back to a wall in a restaurant and observe the people in the room for/as a possible threat? No, I am not paranoid. I have done this for as long as I can remember. Didn't do this to often in the galley but in the civilian surrounding I always do it.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 27 at 2015 8:47 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 27 May 2015 20:47:02 -0400

Nope, even my wife knows I don't sit with my back to anyone and facing the exits. It is always fun when you have a group of like minded folks joking for the best seat.

Response by PFC Billy Jones made May 27 at 2015 8:58 PM

PFC Billy Jones — Wed, 27 May 2015 20:58:03 -0400

I will only sit with my back to the wall or atleast facing the door! Not uncommon for veterans or law enforcement!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 10:47 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 22:47:19 -0400

It is funny that you posted this because on an even lighter note, I tend to observe people while at SAMS or Target or any other massive super store and wonder who would survive the initial stages of a zombie apocalypses. I also decide on who I would want to team up with to enhance my chances of survival. Always know your exits and always look for items to use as potential weapons in case of emergencies.

Response by SSG Scott McIntyre made May 28 at 2015 1:13 AM

SSG Scott McIntyre — Thu, 28 May 2015 01:13:44 -0400

I do this too. My wife knows and understands. Sometimes I have to remind her though.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 28 at 2015 1:51 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 28 May 2015 01:51:08 -0400

Of course not. I am sure that most anyone on here would tell you that they have been doing this since, at the very least, since they were overseas. Personally, I picked this up from my Dad --- so I can't remember ever not doing it.

Response by SFC Bryan Reed made May 28 at 2015 2:46 AM

SFC Bryan Reed — Thu, 28 May 2015 02:46:18 -0400

I not only do this, I am constantly watching and assessing people while I walk from one place to another. It's a habit I've developed over the years. I have had civilians tease me about paranoia and PTSD. I just tell them that if the crazies come, I would prefer to see them an be able to react.

Response by TSgt David L. made May 28 at 2015 3:56 AM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 28 May 2015 03:56:23 -0400

I did it when I thought about it but after coming back from Iraq I seemed to almost insist on having my back to either the wall or the smallest area of people whenever I could do so. Still hate crowds...

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 28 at 2015 4:01 AM

PO3 David Fries — Thu, 28 May 2015 04:01:37 -0400

Very much so, and I like to go places when they are the least busy.

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made May 28 at 2015 5:17 AM

SGT Steve Oakes — Thu, 28 May 2015 05:17:05 -0400

I dont always sit with my back to a wall. But I will NOT sit with my back to the door.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made May 28 at 2015 9:35 AM

SA Harold Hansmann — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:35:12 -0400

I think I picked up the habit from reading Louis L'amour when I was a preteen and teen.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 1:18 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 13:18:53 -0400

Hi, SA Hansmann.

No. I do that all the time. I also wait to board a plane last so I can view everyone going on in a bottleneck.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 10:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 22:16:57 -0400

No, you definitely are not the only one. I do this. My wife will even make sure I get a seat that can look over the room. When I am by myself, I sit this way, but I don't necessarily check everyone out. I just want to be able to do that if I feel the need.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 28 at 2015 10:41 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Thu, 28 May 2015 22:41:47 -0400

I don't really check people out as the enter usually, at least not much more than a quick glance. However I do usually sit facing the door, even at home. I just like being able to see the entry point and know what's going on. I think I got it from my grandpa who had mentioned that he did it once. Just kind of stuck.

Response by SFC John Trujillo made May 28 at 2015 10:42 PM

SFC John Trujillo — Thu, 28 May 2015 22:42:04 -0400

It drives me crazy to not have a view of the room with all the entry points. I can tolerate it if I'm in a group of other SF types because I trust them to have my six. Hardly to use the jargon anymore. :)