The B.A.D. System: A Simple Framework for Situational Awareness

When it comes to personal safety, most people think in terms of reaction—responding once something bad has already happened. But real preparedness comes from acting before the danger strikes. That’s the core message behind “Left of Bang,” a book by Patrick Van Horne and Jason A. Riley that draws on the Marine Corps Combat Hunter Program to teach proactive situational awareness.

At the heart of their methodology is a simple but powerful tool: B.A.D. — Baseline. Anomaly. Decision.Let’s break it down so anyone—whether you’re a civilian, teacher, parent, or protector—can apply it in everyday life.

Baseline: Understand What “Normal” Looks Like

Every environment has a rhythm. A baseline.

In a coffee shop, the baseline is the hum of conversation, people on laptops, the rhythm of orders being taken and fulfilled. In a parking lot, it’s people heading to and from their cars with keys in hand, looking down at their phones, or chatting as they load groceries.

This is what “normal” feels like.

Your job? Learn to observe it. Not obsessively. Just enough to notice what belongs. The more familiar you are with these baselines, the faster you’ll detect when something doesn’t line up.

Baseline awareness is not about paranoia—it’s about tuning your radar. Like a lifeguard watching water patterns, you don’t need to study every wave—just the ones that break the flow.

Anomaly: Spot What Doesn’t Fit

An anomaly is anything that disrupts the baseline.

It doesn’t mean danger—it just means “pay attention.” That could be:

• Someone standing still where everyone else is moving.

• A person wearing a hoodie in July.

• A vehicle idling without occupants coming or going.

• A person slowly circling a building without a clear reason.

Anomalies trigger a subtle alarm because they deviate from the pattern your brain has passively logged. Recognizing them isn’t about profiling—it’s about acknowledging that something stands out.

Anomalies may be harmless. But they are always worth your attention, because every threat starts as an anomaly.

Decision: Choose What to Do Next

Here’s where most people freeze: decision.

You’ve noticed something off—but now what?

This is where many people falter by second-guessing or rationalizing the discomfort away. “I’m just being paranoid.” “It’s probably nothing.” That hesitation? It’s the window predators count on.

Instead, take deliberate action. Your decision might be to:

• Cross the street or change direction.

• Keep the person in your line of sight.

• Prepare a defensive tool—just in case.

• Exit the area calmly and confidently.

Not every anomaly requires escalation—but every anomaly requires a decision. The faster you move from observation to action, the more in control you are. Even a small decision—like putting your phone away and raising your head—shifts the power dynamic in your favor.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Scared. Be Smart.

The B.A.D. framework is a cornerstone of the mindset taught in Left of Bang, and for good reason. It’s simple, adaptable, and powerful. Whether you’re walking to your car, traveling, or spending a night out, this system helps you stay aware, make sense of your surroundings, and act before danger catches up.

In a world where too many people live on autopilot, B.A.D. gives you the tools to stay ahead.

Baseline. Anomaly. Decision.Master those three steps—and you’ll live Left of Bang.