As a Special Forces operator, having strong instincts can be the difference between life and death. Being able to respond quickly and accurately in any given situation is key.

Honing your instincts requires discipline, dedication and practice, this is trifecta method of developing it.

Instincts are an invaluable tool for the Special Forces as we face dangerous missions head-on with little warning or preparation beforehand. Developing those instincts requires discipline, dedication and practice. If done correctly these efforts give the ability to respond quickly and accurately even during high-pressure situations where split-second decisions need to be made with a clear head and without hesitation or disarray.

      Situational Awareness

The first step to honing your instincts is to practice situational awareness on a higher level. This means being aware of your environment at all times and knowing what’s going on around you in specific and deliberate ways. Pay attention to sensory details like smells, noises and changes in the atmosphere so that you can anticipate potential threats before they happen. This kind of vigilance takes time and practice but it will pay off in the end when you’re able to better prepare yourself for any kind of mission.

      Understanding Human Nature

In order to hone your instincts, it’s important to understand human behavior – both yours and those around you. To read people beyond the surface and even be able to predict their actions and feelings. The more familiar you are with how people act under different kinds of stressors, the better prepared you will be when facing a dangerous situation in the field. Take some time out of your day to observe how people interact with one another in everyday situations so that you can better anticipate their reactions during high-stress moments on missions.

      Physical and Mental

Finally, it’s essential that Special Forces operators train both their body and mind in order to hone their instincts – especially during dangerous missions where quick thinking is necessary for survival. Physical training helps sharpen reflexes while mental training helps sharpen focus in chaotic environments where distractions abound. Making sure that both aspects are equally trained will ensure that your body will react instinctively in any given situation without having to second-guess itself or take too long deciding what course of action needs to be taken next.


With thorough training and dedication, honing one’s instincts can become second nature -ultimately allowing you greater potential success on every mission you face moving forward, on and off the battlefield.

[INTEL : The Importance of Situational Awareness in the Field]
[OPTICS : Nellis Air Force Base]