Where does one walk?

[Low-Sci]

This is a question that just popped up recently, for me.

Lets say, as a hypothetical, that you're walking around in a downtown area at night with a group of about 4 people, which includes yourself. Say you're there for an outdoor concert, or whatever. The three other people who are with you are not armed, and aren't aware that you're armed.

So the question is, where do you want to be walking, relative to your own group, to keep your eyes on as much as possible and be able to react quickly to abate a potential threat?

For the sake of arguement we'll also assume that the people you're with are condition white and, for the most part, totally defenseless.

In front? Back? Off to one of the sides? Why?

 

[Diamondback6]

Usually, if I'm escorting one person (and since I'm the best-trained and attentive of my tiny little social circle, I tend to think of myself as "designated responder" in case of emergency, so "escort" is the right word), I'll stay one step behind and one step off to one side. Typically left, so that if I'm carrying, I''l be able to shoulder-shove "Designated Protectee" out of the way and move to provide "meat-shield" cover at the same time as I initiate drawstroke. (Remember, I'm a southpaw.)

However, when I know a turn's on the route, I'll maneuver myself to the outside of the turn so that I can move out ahead and pie the corner (without having drawn yet, of course; I'm merely scouting the situation at this point, but if something hostile is there, I'm ready to intervene).

And usually, most of the crowd that I deal with ARE at ThreatCon WHITE on a near-permanent basis, maybe very-low-YELLOW tops.

General rule: (viewed from above)
Road/open_/other/WALL
Road/_ME_/empty/WALL

Unless there's a recessed doorway or alley where a BG might be hiding, then:
Road/other/open_/WALL
Road/empty/_ME_/WALL

And then I'll tighten up my trail to about 1/2 step behind, almost right alongside. As soon as suspicious section's cleared, back to SOP.

Then again, this is what seems to work for me, YMMV.

 

[Low-Sci]

(Remember, I'm a southpaw.)

Makes two of us.

I think being off to the side a little is good, and I'd want everyone in sight, but I'd also want a clear line right past the front in a hurry. That's just because I think if you're in a group, trouble is most likely to manifest itself in another group coming directly towards yours.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

I stay in the back and quiet with my eyes peeled. But, that's easy for me since I'm not a chatterbox anyway. If something happens, I stay back and keep quiet until I need to do otherwise.

 

[ball3006]

If you are with a group....

of good looking women, walk in front so you can protect them. They will probably "reward" you later. If you are with a group of guys, walk to the rear, they would be cover. To answer your question, walk so you are clear to take any action if necessary. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.........chris3

 

[gazpacho]

In all situations, probably Tail-End-Charlie. The three people in front are most aware of what is in front of them and to the sides. The most probable direction of attack is from the rear. Also, if I should slip my hand onto my CCW, the three bolcking in front would shield that from view.

 

[Sylvan-Forge]

In short,

Roving.
Be where you need to be as the conditions dictate.

Awareness, analysis and communications.

 

[BigRobT]

Call me old fashioned, but I was raised that when escorting a woman, the man took the roadside edge. I suppose this was to protect her from vehicles, possible abductions, and any other garbage that could come from the road.

I'm rarely with a "group", so other than that, I can't say.

 

[mete]

The big problem with others is that in reacting to a BG may very well intentionally [ don't hurt him !!] or un intentionally get in your way !! I always instructed my GF ,who knows I carry, to get away from me and get behind some cover if there's a problem.

 

[Havegunjoe]

I stay to the right of my wife.

We may be in the back or the front but I am to her right. I keep my eyes open, she chatters away. If potential trouble approaches I squeeze her hand to get her attention. I may even move her, and any others we are with accross the street and away from the preceived trouble. If trouble materializes she has been instructed to turn tail and run in the oposite direction if possible. I'll do the same if possible but I will stay between her and the trouble. (She can out run me anyway.) What happens next depends on the BG.