When chaos erupts in an urban environment—be it from natural disasters, civil unrest, or widespread emergencies—ordinary citizens can suddenly find themselves in extraordinarily precarious situations. In these moments, the skills typically associated with SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) become critical. While SERE is traditionally taught to military personnel operating behind enemy lines, many of its core principles can also help civilians navigate times of extreme upheaval. Two essential concepts within this realm are breaking contact and counter-surveillance. In this post, we’ll discuss how these skills can help keep you safe during periods of unrest or disaster, drawing from credible, publicly accessible references and expert recommendations.
Understanding SERE in the Urban Context
SERE is a military acronym that stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape. According to the U.S. Army Field Manual 3-05.70, Survival, “Survival is both a mindset and a set of skills that can be applied to any environment” (FM 3-05.70, Headquarters, Department of the Army, 2002). In an urban crisis—where resources may be scarce and the social fabric disrupted—SERE principles can be adapted to help civilians stay safe.
While much of the publicly available literature on SERE focuses on wilderness or combat scenarios, the overarching guidelines remain consistent:
Avoid detection.
Minimize vulnerability.
Have a plan to escape dangerous situations.
Defining “Breaking Contact” and Its Importance
What Is Breaking Contact?
Breaking contact refers to the act of disengaging from a threat—whether a violent group, a pursuing individual, or a chaotic crowd—without leading them directly back to your safe location or compromising your personal security. U.S. Army Field Manual FM 21-76 (older edition of the Army Survival Manual) explains, “Evading capture requires both speed and planning. Recognizing the signs of danger early gives you the precious seconds needed to leave the area unnoticed” (FM 21-76, Headquarters, Department of the Army, 1992).
In an urban setting, breaking contact might mean taking advantage of architecture and infrastructure—such as alleyways, stairwells, and public transportation routes—to evade a pursuer’s line of sight.
Why It’s Crucial During Civil Unrest or Disaster
During civil unrest, streets can quickly transform into flashpoints. In a crisis scenario, you may encounter:
Aggressive crowds or looters.
Opportunistic criminals.
Authorities overwhelmed or focusing on critical incidents rather than individual threats.
Understanding how to swiftly disengage from a potential threat could be the difference between safety and harm.
Counter-Surveillance: Staying One Step Ahead
What Is Counter-Surveillance?
Counter-surveillance involves detecting and preventing hostile surveillance. It’s an active set of measures designed to identify someone who might be watching you, whether they are a criminal, a violent protester, or other malicious actor. According to FM 2-22.3, Human Intelligence Collector Operations, “Surveillance often precedes direct action… identifying it and using countermeasures is essential to preserve operational security” (FM 2-22.3, Headquarters, Department of the Army, 2006).
In an urban crisis, the threat could stem from multiple actors. Unlike a typical street criminal who might rely on quick snatch-and-grab techniques, some opportunists may watch you over a longer period to assess your route, habits, and vulnerabilities.
Key Counter-Surveillance Techniques
Situational Awareness
As reiterated by FEMA on their official preparedness website, situational awareness is the “foundation for emergency preparedness” (FEMA.gov, 2023). Pay attention to people’s behavior, especially:
Repeated sightings of the same individual or vehicle.
People who appear interested in your actions or movements for no apparent reason.
Unusual loitering near your home or workplace.
Varying Your Routine
Predictability makes you an easy target. If you find yourself making repeated trips for supplies during a crisis, try changing routes, departure times, and transportation methods.
Using Crowd Behavior to Your Advantage
During civil unrest, large crowds form and disperse unpredictably. Blending into a crowd temporarily can be a useful counter-surveillance tactic—though it carries its own risks if the crowd is volatile.
Technological Awareness
Modern surveillance may involve smartphones, drones, or even hacked security cameras. If you suspect digital surveillance, limit electronic communications to minimize the digital footprint that potential adversaries can track.
Techniques for Breaking Contact
Early Identification of Threats
Breaking contact starts with recognizing a threat as early as possible. According to the Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-11.3, Scouting and Patrolling, “Early detection of enemy movement creates opportunities to disengage or reposition” (MCWP 3-11.3, U.S. Marine Corps, 2007). For civilians, this translates to spotting potential dangers before they get too close—scanning your surroundings, reading body language, and noting suspicious activity.
Spatial Awareness and Route Selection
Use Terrain and Structures: Urban landscapes offer numerous escape routes—stairwells, alleyways, or even multiple entrances/exits of large buildings (such as shopping malls or office complexes). Identify these potential paths in advance.
Create Obstacles: Sometimes, simply placing barriers between you and the pursuer is enough to disrupt their line of sight or slow them down. Crowded areas, locked doors, and barricaded pathways can work in your favor.
Employ the “Gray Man” Concept
The “Gray Man” strategy involves blending into the environment and not attracting attention. John “Lofty” Wiseman, in his SAS Survival Handbook, emphasizes the importance of appearing nondescript in high-threat situations (Wiseman, SAS Survival Handbook, 2014). Avoid flashy clothing, conspicuous behavior, or drawing attention with loud conversations. If people can’t remember you, they can’t follow you easily.
Use Decoys and Distractions
In extreme circumstances, creating a distraction—like tipping over a trash can or causing a brief commotion—can interrupt a pursuer’s focus, granting you the moments needed to slip away.
Moving to a Known Safe Haven
If you’re being followed, it’s crucial not to lead the pursuer back to your home or your group’s location. Instead, move toward a neutral or public place where you can either lose them or seek help. Examples include police stations, hospitals, or even well-lit and crowded public spaces.
Potential Pitfalls in Breaking Contact & Counter-Surveillance
While apps that show real-time traffic or maps are helpful, they can also leave a digital trail. If your device is compromised or if you’re being tracked electronically, this can be used against you.
Failure to Adapt
Urban environments are fluid, especially during disasters or unrest. Relying on a single, rigid plan may be detrimental. As noted in FM 3-05.70, flexibility is crucial: “Plans must adapt to changing environmental and tactical conditions” (FM 3-05.70, 2002).
Underestimating Human Observation
Cameras are not the only forms of surveillance. Sharp-eyed individuals—whether opportunistic or official—often rely on small cues. If you act suspiciously or hurriedly, you may draw more attention.
Leaving a Paper or Digital Trail
In times of unrest, activities like purchasing large quantities of supplies in the same place or using credit cards repeatedly along a predictable route can signal your movements and intentions. Be mindful of how everyday transactions can reveal more than you might intend.
Practical Drills and Preparation
Situational Drills
Rehearse “lose-tail” drills in a safe environment, such as practicing how to walk calmly around your neighborhood and identify potential exits or choke points.
Familiarize yourself with local maps—both digital and paper. If electronic systems go down, a simple paper map and knowledge of less-traveled roads can give you an advantage.
Teamwork
If you’re operating with family or friends, establish prearranged signals to communicate silently when you suspect surveillance. Consider short text codes or discreet hand signals.
Mindset and Confidence
Panic is the enemy of stealth. As FM 21-76 advises, “Confidence and self-control can prevent fatal errors” (FM 21-76, 1992). The more you practice these skills, the calmer you’ll be under pressure.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
While breaking contact and counter-surveillance are valuable for personal safety, it’s essential to use these techniques responsibly. Interfering with legitimate law enforcement activities or endangering innocent bystanders is never recommended. As with all survival tactics, the goal is to protect yourself and those under your care without escalating violence.
Moreover, local laws vary widely on what is permissible in terms of self-defense, use of force, and privacy. Always be aware of the legal frameworks that govern your region. This article provides general information and should not be taken as legal advice.
Final Thoughts
In volatile urban environments—marked by unrest, disaster, or widespread emergency—the ability to discreetly break contact and effectively employ counter-surveillance can be life-saving. By staying alert, blending in when necessary, and rehearsing key skills, you can minimize the risk of confrontation and maximize your chances of safe passage.
Remember, even the best strategies hinge on sound judgment and situational awareness. Observing changes in the environment, adapting your actions swiftly, and knowing when to disengage are all part of an effective personal protection plan. As the U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-05.70 underscores, a survivor’s most potent weapon is often their mindset—the readiness to think critically, adapt to new dangers, and move decisively.
Should you find yourself in a crisis, these methods of breaking contact and counter-surveillance—grounded in established military doctrine and practical experience—can give you the edge you need to stay safe.
References
Headquarters, Department of the Army. (1992). FM 21-76: Survival Manual. U.S. Government Printing Office. [Public Domain]
Headquarters, Department of the Army. (2002). FM 3-05.70: Survival. U.S. Government Printing Office. [Public Domain]
Headquarters, Department of the Army. (2006). FM 2-22.3: Human Intelligence Collector Operations. U.S. Government Printing Office. [Public Domain]
U.S. Marine Corps. (2007). MCWP 3-11.3: Scouting and Patrolling. U.S. Government Printing Office. [Public Domain]
Wiseman, J. L. (2014). SAS Survival Handbook, Revised Edition: For Any Climate, in Any Situation. William Morrow Paperbacks.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2023). “Preparing for Emergencies.” https://www.fema.gov
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