Situational Awareness

Want to see trouble coming sooner — and know what to do when you do?

How to Start
– To begin, you need to be enrolled in this course and logged in. There is no separate login or special link — everything is right here on this page. Once you’re enrolled, scroll down to the Course Content list at the bottom of this page. Click the first lesson and watch that video. When you finish a lesson, click the Mark Complete button at the bottom of the lesson page. That unlocks the next lesson in the list. Work down the list in order, Video 1 through Video 5, and then the knowledge Check. Your progress is saved as you go, so you can stop and come back any time. Course Content at the bottom of this page will show you where you left off.

 This is a self-paced online course in three video lessons, about 80 minutes total, followed by a short Knowledge Check. It’s built for individuals and families, and it’s also part of TPD’s Preparedness Programs for workplaces and churches. You don’t need any other course to take it.

Most bad situations give you a warning first. Situational awareness is how you catch it: knowing what’s normal, noticing what isn’t, and having a plan before you need one. It isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about having more time and more options.

What’s Included:

✅ Three online video lessons, self-paced, about 80 minutes total

✅ The Cooper Color Codes, baseline, and anomalies

✅ Pre-attack indicators and the OODA Loop

✅ Everyday habits for parking lots, garages, drive-throughs, gas stations, stores, and restaurants

✅ Awareness at work: access control, warning signs, and reporting

✅ A short Knowledge Check to confirm what you learned

What You’ll Learn:

Video 1 — The Foundation. What situational awareness is, why it matters, and what kills it. The Cooper Color Codes and why Yellow is your default in public. Then baseline and anomalies: how to read what’s normal, spot what isn’t, and look for clusters of behavior instead of single clues.

Video 2 — Spotting Trouble and Acting on It. Pre-attack indicators, the approach, and why distance and time are your friends. The OODA Loop and simple “what if” planning. Awareness in parking lots, stores, travel, home, family, and online. Then everyday habits: parking and garages, being boxed in at the car or the drive-through, gas-station planning, common ruses, being followed, knowing your exits, picking your seat, and kids in stores.

Video 3 — Applying It at Work and in Life. Workplace awareness: access control and tailgating, warning signs of concern, reporting, working alone, and visitors and unattended items. A short overview of Prepare, Escape, Restrict, Defend. Then the key takeaways and your daily awareness plan.

Situational Awareness Knowledge Check — A short Knowledge Check on what you learned, mostly true or false with a couple of multiple-choice questions. You need 80% to pass, and you can retake it.

Why It Matters:

⭐ Earlier notice means more time, and more time means more options. Avoidance is the best outcome.

⭐ Practical habits you can use today, at the store, at work, at church, and at home.

⭐ Taught by Walt Mayfield — 20+ years teaching safety and defensive tactics, known for plain, practical instruction.

Important Notes:

This is an educational course. It is not legal advice. Follow local laws, and your employer’s policies if you have an employer. In an emergency, call 911.

The instructor, Walt Mayfield, is the owner and lead instructor of Train Protect Defend. Walt brings over 20 years of experience teaching safety, defensive tactics, and Texas firearms laws, and holds Texas civilian firearms instructor certifications plus NRA and USCCA credentials.

Questions? Call or text 940-222-8534, or email info@trainprotectdefend.com. Same-day or next-business-day response.