Becoming the Gray Man

What does it mean to become a gray man? Let's explore the concept of being there and yet not there. For prepping or survival, this may save your life.

[Furballk]

Many years ago, a mechanic friend of mine told me about maintaining a low profile. He always carried large amounts of cash because he would often buy used cars and motorcycles to resell at his garage. He never wore jewelry, he drove a beater truck, his clothes were many the same clothes he wore in the shop, and nobody would suspect he was a very wealthy man.

[momsberettas]

It's not about not being noticed, it's about making people believe what you want them to believe about who you are, what you have, what you are capable of. A grey man will look entirely different based on the setting and situation you are in. Sometimes you want to appear a week, sometimes you want to appear dangerous. Sometimes you'll want to look like you are alone, other times with a group, Ect.

[Larry]

The way I have put it is, "Don't look strong enough to be a threat, and don't look weak (or profitable) enough to be a target."

[teufeldritch]

Regarding backpacks: even student bags will draw attention. Right now, today, not-so-friendly homeless ppl, vagabonds, freight train jumpers & similar look for ppl with backpacks to rob. Granted the better the pack the more likely you will get robbed but even student bags draw attention. Now imagine a SHTF scenario where there will be even more not-so-friendly ppl out there. I'm not saying don't use a pack, you do need to carry your stuff afterall, what I'm saying is do not develop a false sense of security because "I'm just using a crappy old Walmart brand of student bag & not some $300 backpackers bag. No one is gonna mess with me." ANY backpack will draw attention, prepare for that, keep that in mind.

[frankprit]

Great Advice.. I live in Appalachia, We're already in the Apocalypse 😂😂, Around here everyone is poor, so it's best to look poor too.
Dark worn-out hoodie, dark sweatpants, old worn out shoes. If you look wealthy or like you've got your S#it together you'll become a target for the local "revolting peasants". 😁 thanks 👍

[survivalguyhr]

These are the best gray man advices I ever listened to. 10 years ago I started full tactical. Everyone noticed me, my tactical pants and molle backpack with all equipment hanging from it... Now I have the cheapest color backpack from Decathlon 😅

[Gumby]

Situational awareness has always been a part of my life. I have taught my wife and she sees very small details. Now she see out of place things in movies.

[MndScream]

GREAT ADVICE! I wish more and more people were "aware" because we seem to have a whole lot of people that need this lesson. Thanks again Mr. L.!!

[Larry]

In "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", author Douglas Adams describes an "SEP" field used to hide spaceships. The field does not make the spaceship invisible, but anyone who sees it views it as "Somebody Else's Problem" and ignores it. A similar concept to the Gray Man.

[BarbFichman]

I had my wallet stolen out of my purse in the market. I had an expensive wallet sticking out and was totally vulnerable. I felt so stupid !! Thanks for the info !!

[clownnworldorder]

Great Video. I listened to an interview with Nick Hughes, a former French Foreign Legion soldier became a bodyguard, and the concepts you speak about here he also mentioned.

[invaderjoshua]

Also suggest getting minimalist shoes/boots and getting used to them now. A lot of people in the military get medically discharged because of injured feet caused by their toes being clamped 24/7 by non flexible boots.

[col.callan]

The grey man concept to me is, people can see you but nobody cares who you are.

[agentp]

I preach foot protection all day long. A stainless sole insert found on industrial supply websites to protect from nails. Ankle support to protect from ankle injury. Learning what you personally need. I learned by mistake that my feet stay warmer with hot weather boots in 0° temps vs insulated “breathable” cold weather boots. Break the boots in. I make them my daily wear. Industrial appearance that isn’t tactical. Caterpillar high tops where I could have just come off the construction site.

[Wastelandman]

Even more important: not being remembered. If you're so bland nobody can remember you 10 minutes from now you're doing it right.

[milesoutrighthere]

I just finished watching a post apocalyptic zombie show, and now it all makes so much sense, I’m changing my air filter and locking all my doors and windows. I also ordered some khakis off of Amazon. All joking aside, great video, and a whole lot of information I never knew.

[blackllamasociety]

I’m looking at the comments a year after your video was uploaded. Very good advice from you and everyone else. I’ve been this way since leaving the military 30 years ago and still learning from others.

[gregkral]

gotta make sure to efficiently use your grey matter.

[JefferyGoines]

You are already behind enemy lines. Occupied territory, act accordingly.

[Sagart]

Lots of good points. Since I've retired, I've made it a point to dress more in accordance with the style of the people in the small town I now live in.