Veteran realizes he sees danger everywhere

I always sit with my back to the wall— facing the door— in any public space. And I always have “what to do in case of an emergency” protocol.

After a mass-shooting happened at a movie theatre, for instance, I knew to look when I entered and took my seat…

•  Where are the emergency exits?
•  Which people walking in the room are likely to be threats?
•  If a gunman comes in, which seats can I jump to get to him and neutralize the threat?
•  Where can I direct others— bystanders— to take cover?

Running these scenarios in my mind seems completely normal. It’s only when I say it out loud to someone else (or see it in writing) that it seems weird or extreme.

When I’m out to eat I’m often looking for objects I can use for cover— to protect me and my family.  The trick comes when I’m out with my Dad and he wants to sit with his back to the wall, facing the door, just so he “can people watch and see around him”— just because.