Episode 182 S5-19
Answering Up
Featuring:
Dark Days in Denver Ch 19
Special Guest:
Ellen Kerr

"Answering up" is the act of responding with a "yes, sir" or "yes, ma'am," whenever your commander, instructor, team mate, etc. talks to you. In high stress, dangerous, noisy environments you have to be able to communicate with your team and hear your commander over all other noises. This is why it is essential to train your brain to hear and respond to the directions it receives. You have to be able to hear the command for the team to function as a cohesive unit. If you miscommunicate, you may lose team members or your life.
Hearing someone else's voice amongst all the other noise is not easy. You have to do lots and lots of training to make your brain respond appropriately. Simulate the combat environment to the best of your ability and train in it. Learn to work with your commander and team before your life relies upon it. Put yourself to the test under stress to make sure the skill is engrained. If possible, work with blanks in your firearms and practice. Alternately, if you get a chance to play airsoft, practice working with your team constantly. Appoint a person the team leader and work on answering up when they give a command.
You absolutely have to hear your commander or coach above all the other voices. You can't tune them out!! You can't do your own thing when you are a part of a cohesive team.
It can be a challenge turn up the adrenal stress and really put your mind to the test. Practice when you are tired. Practice in all types of weather. Film yourself engaging in an activity and have someone commanding you. Find an ex drill instructor to drill you while you are doing menial things. Have them ask: why are you doing that? How much product are you using? etc.
As a commander, demand compliance. Use physical exercise as a non-compliance penalty.
One you get used to replying with a "Yes, ma'am," or "Yes, sir," you may find yourself using it all the time.
As an alternate practice method, try listening to a podcast while someone is talking to you. Can you remember what was said both on the show and in person?
Featured Quote From Today's Chapter:
"I know you could die anytime you head out and it scares the hell out of me but I'm so honored to have you as my daughter."

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