Pros & Cons of Being a Soft Target in 2023 (with Video)

pros and cons of being a soft target

Photo by Juaberna /CC BY

Think back about the last time you saw a bank robbery in a movie. Who was the first target as soon as the robbers entered the bank and why? I’ll give you a moment to think about it. In the meantime we’ll have to answer two other questions for the purpose of this article.

Those questions are: What is a hard target? What is a soft target?

What Is a Hard Target?

A hard target doesn’t literally mean something that is hard like a castle. From a military viewpoint, a hard target is something or someone who is readily equipped and prepared to defend themselves. An enemy combatant in body armor with their rifle would be a hard target, as would be any sort of military installation with guards on watch and barbed wire fencing surrounding it.

What Is a Soft Target?

Obviously, a soft target is going to be the opposite of a hard target. Someone or something that is not readily equipped or prepared to defend themselves. Think schools, hospitals, and your average civilian.

The Bank Robbery Scenario

Now back to the bank robbery scenario. Who is the first target they go after? That’s right, the security guard. From a civilian standpoint , a security guard would be considered a “hard target.” He is armed and it is his job to prevent crime.

The lesson to learn here is that hard targets are normally the first ones to be targeted in situations like this, but not always.

Now the chances of you being involved in a bank robbery are pretty low. But this is just an example of when it’s a good thing to be a soft target. Were you the hard target, you would be the first one the criminals would pay attention to and would be rushed with very little chance to act, if any.

However there are times when being a soft target is obviously a bad thing.

Mean Streets

Whether you don’t live in the best area or just happen to be leaving an event and walking through such an area chances are there may be a criminal element lurking and watching.

Criminals and general up-to-no-gooders are always on the lookout for soft targets. In this context a soft target is someone who looks like they won’t put up a fight.

Walking with your head down and without the look of confidence will make you look like an easy “mark” (read: target). Simply being aware of your surroundings and carrying yourself with confidence will deter a majority of criminals. Don’t be afraid to make eye contact, don’t walk with your shoulders low and chest in. You don’t have to try to be intimidating, just being mindful and acknowledging your surroundings is enough. If you look like a victim, the criminals looking for an easy opportunity will take advantage of that.

Urban Situational Awareness: Mind Your Surroundings!

Be Fluid

Let’s say you don’t appear to be an easy victim but still find yourself on the wrong end of a knife or gun? Should you still appear to be a hard target?

If you find yourself caught off-guard and in such a situation, there’s not much being a hard target will do for you except causing more problems. Feigning weakness can actually be your best tactical move.

When a knife or gun is flashed in your face, acting like you will do something will make your attacker more likely to attack you. Showing fear and willingness to submit on the other hand will make them more likely to lower their guard and give you the advantage you need in a life-threatening situation.

There have been situations where someone who was being mugged immediately submitted to the demands of their attacker and used the opportunity to their advantage.

I remember watching security camera footage of a man being mugged. The criminal in this case wanted their watch and wallet. The person complied with their demands but instead of handing over their items directly they acted scared and dropped them on the ground and stepped back.

As the mugger in this scenario bent down to pick up the watch and wallet his would-be victim was able to use the distraction to distance themselves and draw their pistol. Now with the mugger at gunpoint they were able to disarm and detain them.

Not every situation will play out like this and learning how to react and when to act are some of the most important aspects of self-defense you can learn.

Awareness Is Essential Especially In Transitional Spaces | Active Self Protection

Make Your Home a Hard Target

The one place that should always look like and be a hard target is your home. Having an apartment or house that looks like an easy target is just asking for trouble. Not only can your home be broken into when you’re not there, but you don’t want to wake up to something going bump in the night.

Making sure you have sturdy locks, an alarm system, lights on timers, and my personal favorite (if possible) getting a dog, will deter burglars from targeting your home. Also ensure you don’t leave items lying around outside that would make it easier for someone to break it. Things like tools, ladders, or loose bricks are creating opportunities for an opportunistic criminal.

Also remember locks are only useful when you use them. Even when home, make sure your doors are locked. Home invasions can happen at any time and more brazen criminals will walk in during broad daylight and hold you and your family hostage (it’s happened in neighborhoods I’ve grown up in). Simply locking your doors could save you from a nightmare.

How to make your home a 'hard target'

Final Thoughts

When all is said and done what’s in your wallet isn’t worth risking your life for. Being a hard target will deter a majority of small-time criminals but sometimes it’s not enough and appearing weak and being submissive during a confrontation can give you the chance you need to get the upper hand. Sometimes being a hard target just means an attacker will come at you harder.

On the home front, take a walk around your residence and look for anything that could be used against you to break in, invest in an alarm (or in the very least a sign saying you have one), and always keep your doors locked even when home. Good luck!

  • Stephen Ball is a former U.S. Marine, blog writer, and gun enthusiast. He has 20+ years of experience hunting and handling firearms. He’s had the opportunity to work with nearly every caliber and model available on the market from 1911’s to P90’s. His favorite carry gun is the Glock 26.

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