What does "situational awareness" mean in a tactical context?

In a tactical context, situational awareness refers to the ability to perceive, comprehend, and respond to the dynamics of the environment. This concept is crucial for effective decision-making in high-pressure situations, as it involves understanding not only what is happening around you but also how those elements can affect your mission and safety.

A thorough situational awareness allows individuals to recognize potential threats, identify resources and opportunities, and make informed decisions quickly and effectively. This proactive approach includes monitoring changes in the environment, assessing the behavior of people, analyzing potential risks, and adjusting tactics as needed.

Understanding only military regulations does not encompass the breadth of factors involved in situational awareness, which requires a broader perspective of the operational context. Similarly, disregarding environmental conditions would hinder tactical effectiveness and safety. Maintaining a fixed position neglects the need for adaptability and responsiveness that are essential in dynamic situations, which contradicts the fundamental principles of tactical training.