Gray man: the faceless

The concept of the "Gray man" can be found not only in the prepper scene, but also in the security sector. This is useful for the civilian population as well. In this interesting article, Moore Protection explains why it could be vital to utilize the Gray man approach.

The "Gray man" - the faceless one among people.

The concept of the "Gray man", as it is commonly referred to, is simply translated as "a faceless person". The Gray man is an individual who integrates perfectly into the crowd so as not to attract attention. Always adapted to the environment and the people, no matter where he is. Based on experience, I would like to suggest that you use the "Gray man concept" for your own safety, whether on vacation, at work or for crisis prevention. Info: Of course, the information relates to members of both sexes!

The "Gray man" - the faceless one among people.

For most of us, the idea of being a "Gray man" is largely irrelevant, especially in the multimedia age where everyone wants to stand out more than the next.
However, in case of a crises it may become necessary to use the Gray man approach. Having skills in this area will prove to be indispensable for survival.

If you are traveling in a neglected area that is unlike your usual environment, where the poverty of the people is evident, it is not advisable to walk around with flashy branded clothing and obvious jewelry that shows that you are a worthwhile target. It's not just the visual showing that you possess wealth, your behavior could also quickly make you a target.

Thanks to your "Gray-man" attitude to a given situation, you will be inconspicuous and less likely to be recognized. For instance, when you walk around the airport with tactical backpacks, relevant patches and well-known clothing, you place yourself in a vulnerable situation. Each of these accessories gives information about you, which may compromise your safety. It might not be a problem at home base, but where does the journey lead to?

A slightly paranoid balancing act that is worth using!

You can and should use this concept professionally, especially in professional fields such as : law enforcement, police, military, security service, etc.

Many people today underestimate the danger of being "recognized". Many special forces work undercover 24/7, sometimes with balaclavas to cover their faces, but they often forget for example, with short sleeves existing tattoos could easily be used for identification. This is important to remember in the case of social media exposure(video recordings of people using the telephone in private!).That represents a latent threat for emergency units.

Being Gray is easy. Establish basic lines for the environment in which you work, make sure that your clothes, your appearance and your behavior match your basic lines. Wearing a wedding ring, having private pictures in the locker should also be well thought out when on the job or at work, as this information could be a danger for your whole family in the worst-case scenario. Always keep your identity safe and never leave your baseline. Private things should always remain private in these professions.

The game in the shadow of psychology.

This concept has also been used in the security industry for a long time, and I am constantly working on maintaining it. Since I travel a lot for work, I use this to my advantage. Of course, I also like to use my tactical gear on missions. The trick is to behave as inconspicuously as possible - to adapt and not to stand out in the crowd. I don't use any obvious tactical items when traveling. Baggy trousers and oversize shirts are welcome, it mostly depends on the situation.

When you work in a covert profession, you are constantly reaching towards the goal of hiding your agenda and your skills. This is often a big challenge!Seasoned law enforcement, military, and security professionals can spot each other from afar!

To dress like a catalog model is no longer fooling anyone. Our personal clothing, which is probably a deviation from your normal style, accessories that you choose and your behavior are an open book that is also easily read. Yes, watches, shoes and belts are also often overlooked and can prevent them from turning or remaining "Gray". A moderate adjustment is required to prevent this. It is exhausting, and it often means to dress and behave in such a way as to contradict your daily and accustomed clothing and approach. That's the challenge!

True obfuscation minimizes the information I allow everyone else to know who I am and what I am really here for.

(Case study in the course of a personal protection mission)

Go to a business meeting with the customer? I will dress like my client. Suit, tie, matching shoes, belt and a matching watch. Always adapt your clothes to the business environment. Avoid objects such as a tactical belt, a flashy watch (G-Shock etc.) or combat boots. A simple analog watch with leather straps is a good place to start when it comes to maintaining your identity. All these features in the form of information can tell my counterpart whether I am the assistant or whether I am there for safety reasons for protection.

If you carry a bag with aids (Medi-Pak, spare ammunition, batteries, etc.) with you, choose a briefcase for this case study that is not advertised as tactical or covert (no tactical bags similar to the Molle system). Commercially available briefcase made of leather and adapt the interior to your requirements. I don't know how many different bags I've modified in my career so far. None of them reveal the often explosive content from the outside. My clothing is also always subject to modification (!). The goal is clearly to appear as a "gray man" so as not to be identified as a security guard!