What should you do in the 'Listen' stage of the SLLS procedure?

During the 'Listen' stage of the SLLS (Stop, Look, Listen, and Smell) procedure, it is critically important to be aware of your environment, particularly sounds that may signal danger or changes in the situation. This means actively paying attention to all auditory cues in your surroundings, such as voices, vehicle noises, or other indicators that could impact your safety or mission.

Heeding the surrounding sounds allows you to assess potential threats and make informed decisions based on the context you are in. By listening attentively, you can better gauge the dynamics around you, which is essential in tactical situations where awareness can determine the outcome of a mission.

The other options do not align with the primary objective of the listening phase. Ignoring distractions does not foster necessary awareness, speaking clearly tends to be more relevant when communication is essential but does not pertain to the listening phase, and waiting for instructions can lead to inaction during critical moments when proactive listening is necessary for safety. Therefore, focusing on the sounds around you is paramount to remain alert and responsive.