"The Color Codes of Awareness" were originally developed by master pistolero Jeff Cooper, and were later adopted by the United States Armed Forces.

The original colors used were: White, Yellow, Orange, and Red. However, because the color codes were not copyrighted (and were later incorporated into government documents), they fell within the "public domain"— and as a result, were implemented by many civilian self-defense instructors, who often altered them. Two examples of said alterations were changing the original colors to either "Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red," or "White, Green, Yellow, and Red." This has sometimes caused a bit of confusion.

As long as one kept the color codes in one’s own head, this was not a problem; however, if one wished to signal another warrior, or simply bring up the subject of color codes in a discussion about awareness, a misunderstanding could easily arise.

And here I go changing the color codes once again! It is not my intention to add to the confusion, nor do I expect many people to actually switch to this new system. However, I felt that the original color codes might benefit from being expanded, and their number was doubled. Instead of four colors, we now have eight. These additional four codes were developed specifically for civilian use (as they probably would not apply to either military or law enforcement personnel — at least not during the performance of their official duties).

The eight color codes formally recognized by Righteous Warrior Temple are as follows:

As in the original system, "Code White" signifies a complete and utter lack of awareness. Unfortunately, the mass of civilized humanity is often in this state of obliviousness (even while driving!)— their thoughts on other things as they, in effect, wander about on "auto-pilot." The only time it would be permissible for a warrior to enter this state would be if he were a hospital patient under heavy sedation.

"Code Green" indicates a state of complete relaxation. Complete relaxation should only occur in a secure area (such as one’s own house, with all the doors locked, under peaceful circumstances). Many semi-oblivious citizens walk about in Code Green after they’ve "relaxed" by tossing back a few brews at the local pub. A warrior will never be in Code Green amongst the general public, or even in the presence of persons he does not know well. A few examples of when a warrior might find himself in Code Green would be: at the breakfast table, while immersed in a good book, while meditating, while having a chiropractic adjustment, or while sleeping.

As in the original system, "Code Yellow" denotes one’s average sense of awareness while engaged in everyday activities. Even though the warrior may be eating his lunch, working at his place of employment, or taking a shower, he is aware of what is going on in his immediate vicinity. His peripheral vision will instantly alert him to sudden movement, as his keen sense of hearing will warn him of approaching danger. His sense of smell will even let him know if an electrical appliance is overheating, or if someone entering the room is wearing cologne or had just been smoking a cigarette. If anything seems out of place, or appears potentially hazardous (or suspicious), the warrior will immediately shift to the next level of awareness.

As in the original system, "Code Orange" indicates that a potential threat to one’s safety has been identified, and is in the process of being analyzed. Realistically, "Code Orange" could be split into several sub-categories, but that would complicate things way too much. If an individual appears to be unusually nervous, or is otherwise acting in a peculiar manner (yet not in a threatening way), one should immediately switch to Code Orange. Whenever one is in a tavern, a crowd, or a secluded area, one should be in Code Orange. If someone has made threats against you in the past month, you should be in Code Orange. If you are walking through an urban area after nightfall, you should be in Code Orange. And you should always be in Code Orange whenever you are at the wheel of a vehicle! This is simply a heightened state of awareness. It is nearly impossible to sneak up on someone who is in Code Orange.

5.) RED:

Again, as in the original system, "Code Red" indicates that the proverbial Shit is about to "hit the fan," and you have locked on target. In this state, you are a "thin red hair" from slipping into Full Combat Mode, and if you do not already have a weapon within reach you’d damn well better start looking for one! Code Red means that there is an extremely high probability that blood (yours or theirs) is about to be spilled (although, as soon as others also realize this, a potentially violent situation is often defused, deflected, or broken up). Code Red is a state of hyper-awareness, in which you become like a tightly wound spring, ready to be released in a fraction of a second.

"Code Pink" is more of a discrete warning to fellow combatants, rather than an actual state of mind. This is simply a warning that one should be aware of the presence of either innocent bystanders (especially women or children), or potentially hostile witnesses, in a Code Red situation. Code Pink simply means that one should look out for those folks who just happened to be in the wrong place at the worst possible time, and to not do anything "stupid" (like blindsiding someone, or pulling out an illegal weapon). Combatants in a Code Pink scenario are advised to exercise extreme caution, as failure to do so could result in either infamy or imprisonment.

"Code Blue" can mean one of two things: either the cops have just shown up (or are on their way), or someone has sustained a serious injury (like a severed artery or a dismoored eye) and requires immediate emergency treatment. Either way, it would be a real good idea to stop fighting ASAP (if feasible). If the injury in question is life threatening (like a disembowelment, or a gunshot wound to the center of mass), one could say "Code Blue — STAT!"

"Code Black" means that there’s a body on the floor, and instead of going into "Oh Shit!" mode, one must immediately calm down and rationally attempt to decide upon a plan of action. If you fail to get your shit together, it may very well result in dire consequences (like someone who doesn’t deserve it facing life imprisonment). Sudden violent death is a very serious matter — especially when it is unexpected.

The color codes are more of a "mind tool" than anything else, although they could be helpful when communicating with fellow warriors in a pre-combat, or post-combat, situation.

One should be at the Code Yellow level of awareness approximately 90% of the time — this is not "paranoia," it is simply being aware of things going on around you. If something were to fall on you from a high shelf, or be tossed in your direction, you would be far more likely to avoid being struck than if you were at either Code White or Green.

Because other motorists are often zoned out in Code White, and also because you never know when you’ll encounter drunk drivers, speed demons, deer, or hazardous debris, it is imperative that you be at Code Orange whenever you’re behind the wheel.

If someone, or something, is making you nervous for some reason — even if you cannot articulate specifically why — you should temporarily switch to Code Orange, because there probably is a good reason for you to be uneasy — and no-one could legitimately accuse you of being "paranoid" simply for being watchful when something "doesn’t seem quite right."

Code Red is used to designate "pre-combat mode," and means that you’re prepared to deal with serious trouble (whether it be a lippy drunk who needs to be "shown the door," or a stone psycho waving a butcher knife around). It does not necessarily mean that one is about to "kill or be killed"— it simply means that you are about to rightfully use physical force against another person.