The idea of the Grey Man is a simple one: don’t stand out. People are pushed more and more today be stand out from the crowd and to be the best they can be, which of course always includes making sure everyone knows you’re the best.
Instead of the common practice of showing off and being noticed, the Grey Man concept is all about blending in. This means dressing, acting, and behaving in such a way that you’re totally forgettable. While being forgettable is some people’s worst fear, it’s a practice that can save your life.
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The Problem With Surviving
So who wouldn’t like someone who survives a major SHTF event, and does so well? For some reason, the unprepared have always hated those who put the work in and are ready. All you have to do to prove this idea is to think back to high school and before. The kids that read the assignment and were fully prepared for the test were called nerds and mad fun of, just because they put the work in that was necessary.
Jump ahead to your adult life and the same still rings true. Even if you’re pulling a friend out of a ditch, he’ll still probably joke with you on all the emergency equipment you have in your vehicle, even though you’re using it to save his butt. So why do people hate on those of us that do prepare? Well, one major point is jealousy. Many people are jealous that you thought of something they didn’t. Instead of being thankful you did and asking for some help, they tend to get angry. This is easy to avoid in high school, but in a true survival situation, these people could try to take your hard-earned prep from you and possibly even kill you. The problem with surviving is that you have to do so in a world that is actually mad at you for preparing for the exact event you’re all now dealing with. The more people know about your skills and prepping, the larger target you become when the SHTF for real.
Survivalist Hate
The idea of becoming a target for prepping may seem like some simple hazing and odd looks, which it might be now, when there is no true emergency happening, but this joking can easily turn into what’s known as “Survivalist Hate” when things go from bad to worse. Instead of people being thankful you help them, they will hate you for not telling them what was going on, even if you did.
You could get your house burnt down, your supplies raided, and even yourself killed. Survivalist hate is a real thing, and it’s one of the reasons practicing OpSec is so important. Without it, you’re putting yourself at risk.
Becoming the Grey Man
The idea is simple, just blend in. While simple, this is often easier said than done. Many preppers tend to stick out like sore thumbs in the world, and while they believe they are keeping a low profile, they’re really not. For example, wearing camo everywhere is far from blending in. If you always wear camo you’ll be remembered for it. People tend to associate guns and weaponry with camo, whether it’s for hunting or the military, people assume if you’re wearing fatigues you have at least one weapon at home.
Another simple tell that you’re a prepper in some way is the “Don’t Treat On Me” sticker on your car and flag at your house. Sure, these have become the signposts of the prepper and few people know this, but many do, and it’s just like putting a sticker on your car that says what stereo is inside it.
The idea is to be invisible in plain site, whether you’re in an emergency at the moment or not. Don’t wear clothes that stand out, don’t drive a big shiny truck, and definitely don’t open carry your firearm. Sure, this is your right as a US citizen, but you’ll be remembered as the “open carry guy” and everyone will know where to go get a gun when the SHTF.
While you want to help out neighbors and other under-prepared people in time of emergency, don’t. By showing people that you have extra food and supplies you only open yourself up to attack. Help out where you can, but only when it supports blending in. You’ll be of no help to anyone if someone kills you for your food.
Finally, practice the ideas of the grey man every day. Keep from drawing attention to yourself and focus on OpSec every day. When you practice shooting, try to go when there’s nobody else on the range, and never bring more than 1-2 guns at any time. Make sure the cases the guns are in are as bland as possible and attract no extra attention. Even when loading your guns in the car to go to the range, do so when nobody is looking, ideally early in the morning.
When buying supplies for your prep, be mindful of what neighbors can see. Sure, one large bag of rice is fine, but carry one in every day for a week and people start to talk.
Hide in Plain Site
Keeping a low profile will keep you safe, plain and simple. The less people know about you, the better. For example, it’s probably not the best idea to run on alternate power like batteries or a generator during a power failure. Sure, you’ll be more comfortable with your lights and TV on, but everyone else in your neighborhood that’s sitting in complete darkness will remember you for it.
Defending our rights to keep and bear arms is important, but you should show this support in private and not showcase it for the world to see. That means no 2nd Amendment t-shirts and no hats showcasing the Glock logo.
While being a Grey Man might not be fun and it definitely isn’t glamorous, you need to remember that this is all part of prepping, and that your goal is to survive the coming storm. If that means keeping your bragging down to a minimum and changing how you dress a little, then so be it. You’ll be glad you did soon enough.
