The ‘Exit Strategy’ Directive

The ‘Exit Strategy’ Directive is an automatic mental process of identifying and planning exit strategies upon entering any new environment, and continuously adapting them as the situation changes – enhancing safety and strategic readiness in any situation.

In covert operations and personal security, exit strategies are often vital. This concept refers to the immediate and automatic assessment and planning for an exit from any given situation or location upon entry. This directive emphasizes not just the reactive ability to leave but a proactive stance, continuously adapting to changing circumstances like second nature. Whether for survival, tactical decisions, convenience, or simply a desire to depart efficiently, understanding and implementing an instinctive exit strategy is optimal.

          INSTINCTIVE EXIT STRATEGIZING

Operatives learn that every environment or situation, whether familiar or foreign, can present unforeseen challenges. By instinctively plotting exit strategies, they maintain a position of advantage, ready to act rather than react. The utility of such preparedness is multifaceted, spanning from evading potential threats to minimizing time spent in undesirable circumstances.

This directive is not merely a safety protocol; it’s a strategic framework that empowers individuals to control their movements and outcomes actively. By having a prepared exit strategy, you mitigate risks associated with unforeseen circumstances — ranging from physical threats to less tangible pressures like social discomfort. This proactive approach ensures that you’re never caught off-guard, enhancing not only personal security but also confidence in navigating both familiar and unfamiliar environments.

In the context of Escape and Evasion (SERE), this directive is particularly crucial as scenarios often unfold in hostile or highly controlled environments where the stakes are exceedingly high. For operatives, the ability to instinctively identify and execute exit strategies is paramount to survival, enabling them to quickly disengage from enemy forces or evade capture.

This requires not only an intimate knowledge of the terrain and potential safe havens but also the capability to adapt to dynamic conditions and threats. The instinctual formulation of exit plans underpins successful evasion, facilitating swift and undetected movements away from adversarial elements.

          FIELD APPLICATIONS

Professional Settings

In professional environments, especially those involving high stakes or high security, the ability to leave swiftly and efficiently can prevent physical danger, maintain operational security and protect sensitive information.

Daily Life

Even in everyday circumstances, such as attending social events or visiting new cities, having an exit strategy can enhance personal safety and comfort. Knowing the exits in a theater, the layout of a conference venue, or the transportation options in a new city can significantly ease movement and reduce anxiety.

Hostile or Unstable Conditions

In areas where political instability or security threats are prevalent, having robust, continuously updated exit plans is imperative for survival and exfiltration.

Driving

Drivers can benefit from applying exit strategy principles, especially in high-risk situations like being followed or approaching roadblocks in unstable areas. Knowing alternate routes, safe places to stop, and how to quickly and safely exit the vehicle.

Public Spaces

When navigating public areas such as shopping malls, festivals, or public transit systems, knowing your exits and potential safe zones can significantly decrease vulnerability during emergencies, such as fires, attacks, or chaotic crowds.

Outdoor and Wilderness

This involves understanding the terrain, weather conditions, and potential wildlife threats, coupled with having a clear plan for returning to safety in case of injury or loss of direction. It encourages a bushcraft mindset of preparedness.

Travel

Especially in unfamiliar or volatile regions, having predetermined exit strategies can transform a potentially dangerous situation into a manageable one. Knowing the location of embassies, safe districts, and main transportation routes can aid in quick evacuations.

          THE EXIT STRATEGY DIRECTIVE

STEP 1)   Initial Assessment Upon Entry

STEP 2)   Adaptation and Reevaluation

STEP 3)   Awareness and Decision Making

STEP 4)   Physical and Mental Framework

          DIRECTIVE USE CASES

PROFESSIONAL

In the dense urban sprawl of a bustling Eastern European city, an operative known as John was deep undercover, gathering intelligence on a clandestine network.

While seated at a café strategically chosen for its multiple exit points and clear view of the surrounding streets, John noticed a sudden shift in the demeanor of the locals — subtle cues that something was amiss.

Trusting his instincts, John casually folded his newspaper, left money on the table, and exited through a back alley he had noted upon his arrival as a potential starting escape point. Utilizing a series of quick turns and blending with the crowd, he swapped his jacket and hat at a bustling market as planned, effectively disappearing into the city’s flow.

His pre-mapped route and adaptations to the immediate environment ensured his escape, leaving pursuers scrambling to trace his steps, a testament to the effectiveness of an instinctive exit strategy deeply ingrained through rigorous training and experience.

CIVILIAN

Late one evening, Amanda found herself walking through a dimly lit park, a shortcut she often regretted but habitually took. As she noticed a group of suspicious figures whispering and glancing in her direction, her mind swiftly recalled the exit strategies she had mentally noted each time she traversed this path.

Without pausing, she quickened her pace towards a well-lit street she knew was populated even at late hours, her heart pounding but her mind clear. She veered off onto a small, unassuming path that ran parallel to the main walkway, a route obscured by bushes but leading directly to a busy avenue.

By the time the group realized she had diverted her path, Amanda was emerging onto the street, blending into a crowd exiting a late-night movie showing. Her instinctive planning and calm execution had steered her clear of potential danger, illustrating the profound utility of having a prepared exit strategy in everyday life.

Adopting an instinctive exit strategy is a cornerstone of tradecraft that serves well beyond the realm of covert operations. By integrating these practices into your daily life, you not only enhance your personal safety but also improve your ability to navigate complex environments effectively and efficiently.

This proactive mindset ensures that, regardless of the scenario, you’re always prepared to act decisively and strategically because of this advantage.