It is better not to violate these rules if you are in a war zone, come under shelling, cross the border in a war zone, or work there as a journalist.
The list of the main mistakes of civilians during armed conflicts was compiled by lieutenant colonel of the reserve, a member of the association of the anti-terror group "Alpha", president of the "Alfa-Kinologiya" foundation Andrei Popov. It is better not to violate these 10 rules if you are in a war zone, come under shelling, cross the border in a war zone, or work there as a journalist.
1. Do not wear military clothing
You cannot wear anything in camouflage color. If you think that these greenish clothes will make you less visible in the grass or under trees - the opposite is true. In no case should you be mistaken for the military. Any soldier or person in camouflage is the main target in a war.
2. Don't wear expensive, bright clothes
Putting on the most expensive item in your wardrobe, you can take it with you, but you endanger yourself. Marauders and robbers during hostilities first of all pay attention to expensive equipment, clothes, jewelry. Try not to attract their attention once again: it is not known what is more dear to them - your life or your ring.
3. Do not hide under a tall building to hide from bullets
These buildings are conspicuous and can be a reference point for shooting. It is advisable to avoid places that are economically attractive for hijackers: gas stations, grocery warehouses, shopping centers. All these buildings are often the second target for shelling after military targets. Better to hide in greenery, it is hard to see by snipers.
4. Don't take multiple bags
Luggage should not weigh more than 10 kg per person, children and the elderly are better off taking even fewer things. Bulky things greatly impede movement and, again, attract the attention of the marauder, and will also become an additional flickering object for the sniper.
The most important thing that should be in the luggage is a first-aid kit, a necessary set of medicines, means to help stop bleeding (tourniquet), pain relievers. For example, in the case of the death of Channel One operator Anatoly Klyan, prompt first aid could save his life.
In addition, you should always keep an "alarming backpack" at the exit: it should contain a pack of sugar, black tea, a spoon, a fork, a knife (it is better to take a folding one so that the border guards do not confiscate it from you as a cold weapon), matches and a bottle of vodka (primarily for disinfection, in extreme cases as an anesthetic, if nothing else is at hand), 1.5 liters of water, a warm blanket and drying (they are cheap and stored for a long time).
It will not be superfluous, if you are going with a backpack, wrap it with a white sheet so that it is clear from afar that this is not a weapon. Your hands should always be visible, do not hide them in your pockets, so that once again no one thinks that you are hiding a weapon.
5. Do not go without documents
Some people think that something in the documents may not please one of the warring parties, so they simply do not take their passport or driver's license with them. In fact, the absence of documents raises much more questions than any marks in the passport.
In addition to documents, it is important to have either a token with a blood type number, or, if this is not possible, write a blood type in your passport on any page - this will significantly increase the chances of salvation if you are injured. Children also need to hang some kind of "amulet" on the wrist or neck with the designation of the blood type.
6. Don't run from the military
You need to follow the orders of any people in camouflage uniforms, even if you do not understand what kind of troops they are. For the simple reason that they are armed. Do not argue, the military may consider you provocateurs, scouts, anyone. Make it clear that you are not a participant in the hostilities on any side, you are a civilian. It will not be superfluous to show all the documents, including the rights to real estate, for example, in order to finally dispel all doubts.
7. Do not cross the border or drive through the territory in jeeps, trucks or minibuses
First, according to the rules of war, all such funds are confiscated. Get ready for this. If this is your personal jeep, or Hummer, or other large car, it will most likely be confiscated at the first checkpoint, no matter which side. The difference will be in the form of the appeal: they will harshly take it away from you or ask for it in the interests of the homeland. If there is an identification mark on the transport: a white flag, for example, a sign that there are children in the car, any symbolism like the logo of any musical group, then all this can be misinterpreted by armed people. A simple sticker can be mistaken for the logo of a group, party, or underground organization. Don't risk it.
8. Don't move at night
Some hope that it is easier to cross the border or get to the desired place in the dark. This is not so: at night they shoot at everyone indiscriminately. Any suspicious noise can be mistaken for enemy actions and open fire to kill.
9. Do not shy away from contact with other people around you
Mutual assistance is a must in war. It is better to know everything about your random travel companion, or at least the most necessary thing: blood type. It will not be superfluous to say the same to your fellow traveler or partner, knowing the minimum information about you (pressure, allergy to medications) will greatly help doctors in an emergency. This is especially true for journalists - they need tokens. Moreover, a couple almost always leaves - a correspondent and a cameraman / photographer, they must know each other's blood type, each must have a kit for first aid, they must be able to provide it.
10. Do not neglect the knowledge of the language
It is imperative to know the minimum set of phrases in the language of any of your opponents. For example, how to say “I am a civilian / journalist, I have no weapon”. This can save lives in some cases, especially if you speak the language of another language group: the military will not even be able to understand approximately whether you threaten them or come in peace.
Source "Gazeta. Ru"
