When adversaries or individuals underestimate your capabilities, they’re more likely to let their guard down, providing opportunities to exploit their vulnerabilities and achieve objectives more efficiently.
In the field, being underestimated allows for the element of surprise. People may reveal more information to someone they perceive as non-threatening or less capable, which can be useful in gathering intelligence or building trust. This strategy is just as potentially useful in kinetic scenarios to gain an upper hand by tricking a hostile to drop their defenses in a combative sense.
Being Underestimated to Infiltrate
I was tasked with infiltrating a high-security facility in a foreign country to retrieve sensitive information. The facility was guarded by well-trained personnel who were on high alert for any suspicious activity. My objective was to gain access to the facility, locate the information and extract it without being detected.
To achieve this, I adopted the cover of a maintenance worker with limited technical skills and knowledge. I dressed in the appropriate uniform, carried tools typical of a maintenance worker and appeared unassuming and non-threatening. My goal was to create the impression that I was simply an inexperienced and harmless worker, allowing me to move around the facility without drawing attention.
As I entered the facility, the security personnel briefly checked my credentials and dismissed me as a low-level worker, not worth their scrutiny. They underestimated my capabilities and true intentions, allowing me to navigate the facility with relative ease.
I was able to blend in with other maintenance workers, performing routine tasks while secretly gathering intelligence and locating the sensitive information I needed. Because I was perceived as someone who belonged and non-threatening, I was able to access restricted areas without arousing suspicion.
Once I acquired the information, I discreetly signaled my extraction team, who provided a well-timed distraction that allowed me to leave the facility unnoticed. By maintaining the appearance of a simple maintenance worker and being underestimated by my adversaries, I successfully completed the mission with minimal risk and without compromising my cover.
Another successful time I employed the tactic of being underestimated was during a high-stakes negotiation with a foreign operative. I purposely portrayed myself as inexperienced and nervous, allowing my counterpart to feel a sense of superiority. This led them to underestimate my negotiation skills and divulge more information than they intended. By appearing vulnerable, I created an opportunity to exploit their overconfidence, ultimately securing a favorable deal and critical intelligence.
Being Underestimated in Combatives
In a self-defense / offense scenario, being underestimated can be used as a strategy to gain the upper hand and protect yourself / gain a tactical edge. By appearing less capable or threatening than you actually are, you can surprise an attacker and gain an advantage that may allow you to defend yourself more effectively or incapacitate more efficiently.
For example, imagine you’re walking alone at night and find yourself confronted by an aggressive individual who threatens your safety. You realize that your best chance of escaping unharmed is to use your self-defense training. Instead of immediately adopting an aggressive or confrontational stance, you choose to appear vulnerable and frightened.
You might display signs of fear or nervousness, such as trembling, stuttering, or avoiding eye contact, to create the impression that you are an easy target. This can lead the attacker to underestimate your ability to defend yourself, making them more likely to let their guard down.
As the attacker moves closer, confident in their perceived advantage, you seize the opportunity to surprise them with your attacks. You might execute a swift and unexpected move, such as a strike to a vulnerable area or a well-timed escape technique, taking advantage of the attacker’s lowered guard and overconfidence.
In this scenario, your ability to make the attacker underestimate you provides a strategic advantage, enabling you to surprise them with your CQC capabilities and increase your chances of escaping the situation unharmed.
Tradecraft Tactics
Making others underestimate you involves projecting an image that leads them to believe you are less capable, knowledgeable or threatening than you actually are. These are essential tactics that can help you achieve this:
This tactic works by capitalizing on human nature. People are prone to make assumptions based on appearances and when they feel superior, they often let their guard down. By projecting an image of being less capable or knowledgeable, you encourage others to underestimate you, giving you the opportunity to exploit their vulnerabilities and gain an advantage in various situations.
As a covert operative, I’ve found that being underestimated can provide strategic, tactical and communicational advantages in both professional and personal contexts. By appearing generally less than you are, you can encourage others to be “less” while making you inadvertently “more”.