Many of us try to train in as realistic manner as possible in regards to fighting skills, but when it comes to awareness most don't train it or test it.
So, what specific techiques do you guys use to be aware of your surroundings?

What gets through to awareness is what messages have pertinence to whatever mental activity is current. If you are looking for restaurants, you will notice signs for them and not for gas stations; if you are skimming through the newspaper, you will notice those items you care about. What gets through enters awareness, and only what is useful occupies that mental space.

Dr. Daniel Goleman