Cooper’s color code: A simple way to stay aware every day.
We’ve all had those moments…a gut feeling, a quick glance over the shoulder, a pause before stepping into an unfamiliar space.
That’s your awareness at work. But what if you could train that awareness intentionally? What if you had a simple way to understand what level of alertness you're operating in and how to adjust it as your environment changes?
That’s exactly what Colonel Jeff Cooper’s Color Code is designed to help with. Originally used in firearm safety and self-defense circles, the color code is much more than a tactical tool. It’s a mindset model—a simple, visual way to think about how present, prepared, or distracted you are in any situation. And yes, it’s just as applicable walking through a parking lot as it is in a high-risk environment.
Let’s break it down.
⚪️ Condition White: Unaware
This is your default mode when you’re relaxed, distracted, and not paying attention to your surroundings.
You might be:
Scrolling on your phone
Daydreaming
Zoned out in a familiar space
Wearing both earbuds while walking
In Condition White, you’re not mentally prepared to notice something unexpected, which makes it harder to respond if something does go wrong. There’s a time and place for White—but it shouldn’t be your default in public spaces.
🟡 Condition Yellow: Relaxed Alert
This is where we aim to live most of the time.
In Yellow, you’re calm and confident—but you’re also observing. You’re scanning your surroundings, casually noting what’s going on, and aware of any subtle shifts in energy or movement.
Examples:
Noticing who enters a coffee shop
Walking through a parking lot with your keys ready
Checking for exits when you enter a new room
You’re not anxious. You’re just engaged with your environment. This is the core of everyday situational awareness, and it’s where most prepared people stay by choice.
🟠 Condition Orange: Focused Attention
In Orange, something has caught your attention. It doesn’t mean there’s a threat—but something feels off enough that you’ve shifted focus. You’re starting to assess.
Examples:
Someone is following you too closely
A person’s behavior suddenly shifts
A sound or movement triggers your instincts
In Orange, your mind is asking: “If this becomes a problem… what will I do?” This is where mental rehearsal begins.
🔴 Condition Red: Ready to Act
Condition Red means your gut check from Orange just turned into a decision.
This is the moment you prepare to act—whether that’s walking away, calling for help, confronting a situation, or physically defending yourself as a last resort. This level isn’t just about intensity, it’s about decisiveness.
Most importantly: You don’t need to live in Red. You just need to know how to get there if needed and without panic.
Why It Matters in Real Life
This color code isn’t just for law enforcement or military professionals.
It’s for:
Runners
Parents
Teens walking home from school
Travelers at a rest stop
Anyone who wants to be more prepared in everyday life
At Paratus, we teach this model inside our Situational Awareness Course because it gives people a simple, empowering way to check in with their mindset at any moment. And once you learn to operate in Yellow by default, you'll be amazed how quickly you start noticing things you used to overlook.
Here's How to Use It This Week:
✅ Practice checking your level when you walk into a new space
✅ Make Yellow your new default (calm, relaxed alertness)
✅ Teach your kids or loved ones the concept using age-appropriate language
✅ Journal one moment this week where you shifted levels, what triggered it? How did you respond?
Want to go deeper?
Our Situational Awareness Course at Paratus doesn’t just teach you what to watch for—it teaches you how to observe, decide, and act with purpose. The Cooper Color Code is just one part of the Paratus 3P Process—Prepare. Prevent. Protect. Whether you’re walking to your car or leading a team, the way you think under pressure matters.
Start training that mindset today.
🔗 Learn more and Enroll Here
