Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Overwatch: Drill of the Month for January
Shotgun Drills
Not enough attention is given to shotguns as defense weapons. Practicing and running drills with a shotgun is just as important as any other firearm.
Close Quarter Shotgun: In a home-defense scenario where friendlies and assailants may be entwined, shooters should have an understanding of what a shotgun’s pattern will do at various ranges. So set up a paper target to serve as a no-shoot obstacle close to you. Then place a target in line with it 5 to 10 yards behind it. Shoot from cover. With the loads you plan to use, shoot the second target while keeping pellets off the close target. Shoot it a few times until you pepper the edge of the close target, so you’ll have a better understanding of how close is too close. This will give you a sense of how far you have to expose yourself outside of cover while placing maximum shot on your intended target—without hitting unintended objects in the process.
See “Overwatch: Drill of the Month” page
LDS Gunsite Index 2016
LDS Gunsite Index 2016
Jan (24)
1. 2016 1/1/2016
2. If I Were Muslim 1/1/2016
3. To Conceal or to Open, That is the Question 1/4/2016
4. LDS Gunsite Index 2015 1/5/2016
5. Evasion Driving 1/8/2016
6. Get Home Bag 1/8/2016
7. Staying Warm: Wool Blankets 1/11/2016
8. Training: Practice, Practice, Practice! But Do It Right 1/13/2015
9. A Rare Entertainment Comment 1/19/2016
10. FBI, 9mm and The Caliber Debate 1/19/2016
11. Delta Force and Charles Beckwith 1/19/2016
12. Do Not Vote For This Scoundrel! 1/20/2016
13. Build A Basic Gun Cleaning Kit 1/21/2016
14. Privacy: Webcams 1/22/2016
15. Carrying At Church 1/22/2016
16. The OODA Loop and You-John Boyd's Birthday 1/22/2016
17. Canadian Tragedy and Why Laws Don't Protect Anyone! 1/23/2016
18. Privacy: Encryption and "Lazy" Law Enforcement 1/24/2016
19. Self-Defense: Plan A, B, And C 1/25/2016
20. Paracord As A Tool 1/27/2016
21. Terrorism Can Happen Here: Prepare 1/27/2016
22. LDS Gunsite Turns 2! 1/28/2016
23. Call Signs 1/28/2016
24. Active Shooter Plans 1/29/2016
Feb (18)
25. A Round In The Chamber 2/2/2016
26. Cutting Sign: Tracking 2/4/2016
27. Zeroing A Battle Rifle 2/5/2016
28. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 1: Breaks and Dislocation 2/9/2016
29. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 2: Bleeding 2/10/2016
30. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 3: Establishing An Airway 2/10/2016
31. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 4: Deliver A Baby 2/11/2016
32. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 5: Know Symptoms 2/11/2016
33. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 6: Wound Dressing 2/12/2016
34. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 7: Suturing 2/12/2016
35. SIP (Shelter In Place) Kit at Work or School 2/12/2016
36. Giving Bad Gun Advice! 2/17/2016
37. Is The FBI Stupid? 2/17/2016
38. Cover and Concealment: Stop A Bullet 2/19/2016
39. Gun Free Zones 2/22/2016
40. Law Enforcement and All Lives Matter 2/22/2016
41. Profiling The Right Way 2/26/2016
42. Siphoning Gas/Water 2/29/2016
Mar (23)
43. Conspiracy and Secret Combinations 3/1/2016
44. Review: Alcohol Stoves 3/2/2016
45. Load Out: How Much Ammo Should You Carry? 3/4/2016
46. Distance Is Your Friend: The 21 Foot "Rule" 3/8/2016
47. Honest Shooting: Reality and Training 3/9/2016
48. The Weight Of Concealed Carry 3/10/2016
49. Gas Station Security: Don't Be Vulnerable 3/14/2016
50. Home Defense Bag: A Bump In The Night 3/16/2016
51. Politically Correct. Not That There's Anything Wrong With That... 3/16/2016
52. Preparation Mindset 3/17/2016
53. A Sad Day For Music 3/21/2016
54. A Conservative With A Gun 3/22/2016
55. Terrorism Again 3/22/2016
56. Ways To Fight Terrorism 3/23/2016
57. Non-Lethal Option: Pepper Spray 3/23/2016
58. Details To Fighting Terrorism 3/24/2016
59. Are Your Targets On Target? 3/25/2016
60. Algiers Security Protocol 3/27/2016
61. Gun Control Baloney 3/28/2016
62. Shooting With "Older Eyes" 3/28/2016
63. Reloading Makes Sense 3/28/2016
64. Hiding From Thermal Imaging 3/28/2016
65. Security Plans 3/31/2016
Apr (29)
66. Rate Yourself 4/1/2016
67. Cyrus Wheelock and Self-defense 4/4/2016
68. Why Mormon Men Should Be Rambo 4/5/2016
69. Suspicious Or Vigilant 4/6/2016
70. Reverence For Our Flag 4/7/2016
71. Survival Knives: Choosing The Best For You 4/7/2016
72. Remembering Chris Kyle 4/8/2016
73. Knife Attack Defense 4/8/2016
74. 4210 Yard Shot! 4/8/2016
75. Apartment and Dorm Security 4/12/2016
76. Oil Lamps For Light 4/12/2016
77. Pre Assault Indicators: Reading An Attack 4/12/2016
78. Modern Day Stripling Warriors 4/14/2016
79. Vote! Secretary Clinton's Problem With The Truth 4/14/2016
80. Stopping A Bullet 4/14/2016
81. Harden Your Target 4/15/2016
82. Shooting Goals Drills Help You Get There 4/15/2016
83. April Drill of the Month 4/18/2019
84. EDC Criteria 4/18/2016
85. Decision Making and Preparedness 4/20/2016
86. Texas, The Alamo, And Independence 4/21/2016
87. Power Out Preparedness 4/22/2016
88. Survival Guns 4/22/2016
89. Concealed Carry: When To Draw 4/26/2016
90. Security At A Rest Stop 4/28/2016
91. Privacy And Communication 4/28/2016
92. Concealed Carry In A Vehicle 4/29/2016
93. May Scenario Of The Month 4/29/2016
94. May Drill Of The Month 4/29/2016
May (13)
95. John Marlin, Gunmaker 5/3/2016
96. Self-defense: A Personal Choice 5/6/2016
97. Daniel Wesson, Gun Innovator 5/9/2016
98. New cartridge: first change in decades 5/9/2016
99. Instructor Tips For Beginners 5/19/2016
100. Remembering Bill Jordan: Border Patrolman, Marine combat veteran, Gun professional 5/20/2016
101. Gun Culture 1.0 and 2.0: Which Are You? 5/20/2016
102. BOB Help: Navy SEAL Survival Kit 5/20/2016
103. Survival Kit or Get Home Bag 5/23/2016
104. Reloading During A Fight 5/26/2016
105. News Sights For Old Sight 5/26/2016
106. Truth And Gun Grabbers 5/26/2016
107. Concealed Carry Tips For New Carriers, Reminder For Experienced 5/31/2016
June (22)
108. Defense Scenario Of The Month For June 6/1/2016
109. Muscle Memory And Training 6/2/2016
110. Drill of the month 6/2/2016
111. Tactical Driving: A Few Tips 6/6/2016
112. Surrender 6/6/2016
113. Learning From San Bernardino and Terrorist Attacks 6/10/2016
114. The Tueller Drill 6/10/2016
115. Real Security In The U.S. 6/13/2016
116. What You Need To Know: Active Shooter 6/16/2016
117. Good Guy With A Gun (A Little Rant) 6/17/2016
118. Use it or it will use you: Fatal Funnel 6/17/2016
119. Ruger Mini-14 and Bill's Birthday 6/21/2016
120. Batteries Power Your Preparation 6/22/2016
121. Ambush! What We Learn From Tragedy 6/23/2016
122. Say what? Hearing Protection 6/27/2016
123. Striker Fired Versus Hammer Fired 6/27/2016
124. Fighting From/With A Vehicle 6/27/2016
125. A Green Berets EDC 6/28/2016
126. Porter Rockwell's Birthday 6/28/2016
127. Preparing For An Active Shooter Event 6/28/2016
128. Seeing And Hearing An Attack 6/29/2016
129. Reading Ammo Boxes And Choosing 6/30/2016
July (17)
130. Pledge Honorably On Independence Day 7/4/2016
131. See Trigger Press Drill: Drill of the Month 7/7/2016
132. Actually Becoming Prepared 7/8/2016
133. Don't Be The Hunted: E & E 7/8/2016
134. Trying To Get Through The Holster Jungle 7/11/2016
135. Teaching A Woman To Shoot 7/12/2016
136. Rifle of the Mormon Battalion 7/14/2016
137. Being Secure At A Public Event 7/19/2016
138. Remembering Samuel Colt On His Birthday 7/19/2016
139. Your Own Chicken Outfit 7/20/2016
140. Security While Shopping 7/21/2016
141. Introducing FLAG: A New Occasional Writer 7/22/2016
142. Nutrition In A Junk Food World 7/22/2016
143. Make a Plan, Be Prepared 7/22/2016
144. Lessons From Tragedy 7/27/2016
145. Pandemic Basics 7/28/2016
146. Serious First Aid Kit For The Range 7/29/2016
August (25)
147. Concealed carry: Ins and Outs 8/1/2016
148. Situational Awareness...Again 8/2/2016
149. The Shemagh: the History and Uses 8/2/2016
150. Storing Ammunition 8/3/2016
151. The Bombing of Japan: Lessons To Learn 8/6/2016
152. Gun Show Tips 8/8/2016
153. Stripper Clips and Speed Loaders 8/8/2016
154. Thyme For Herbs: By Flag 8/8/2016
155. Armed In A Bathroom 8/11/2016
156. Privacy and RFID Chips 8/12/2016
157. Annie Oakley Inspirational Shooter 8/15/2016
158. Being A Shooting Instructor 8/16/2016
159. A Few Songs and Some Thoughts On Preparedness 8/17/2016
160. Buy Ammo While You Can 8/19/2016
161. Basics Of Bullet Casting 8/19/2016
162. Thyme For Herbs: Basics and Terminology 8/19/2016
163. The Great .223-5.56 Debate 8/23/2016
164. Getting Out Of Dodge: Evacuating The City 8/25/2016
165. AR Build Tips 8/25/2016
166. How To Improve Shooting 8/29/2016
167. Why Do You Need An AR-15?: Knowledge Over Hype 8/30/2016
168. Managing Recoil During Self-Defense 8/30/2016
169. Scenario Of The Month For September 8/31/2016
170. Overwatch: September Drill Of The Month 8/31/2016
171. Gun Misconceptions 8/31/2016
September (18)
172. Staff Of Life: Wheat 9/01/2016
173. Review: PrettyLoaded.org and National Situational Awareness Day 9/01/2016
174. Family Safety and Security Is A Mindset 9/01/2016
175. Negligent Discharges Are No Accident 9/7/2016
176. Drone Survival 9/8/2016
177. Parking Lot and Parking Garage Security 9/9/2016
178. Making Intelligence Work For Your Family 9/13/2016
179. Brigham Young's Colt .31 9/14/2016
180. 9-11 After a Few Days Of Thought 9/15/2016
181. Trampling Other’s Sacred Symbols 9/16/2016
182. Body Armor And Plate Carriers 9/19/2016
183. Riot Avoidance And Safety 9/23/2016
184. Do It Yourself Gunsmithing 9/23/2016
185. Gunfighting Advice From Gunfighters 9/23/2016
186. Happy Situational Awareness Day! 9/26/2016
187. Vehicle Backing Off The "X" 9/26/2016
188. The Steps Of A Draw 9/27/2016
189. 25 "Rules" Of A Gunfight 9/28/2016
October (13)
190. Generator Power As An Option 10/5/2016
191. Overwatch: October Drill Of The Month 10/6/2016
192. Storing Gasoline 10/6/2016
193. Food Choices For Your Prep Plan 10/6/2016
194. Security From RAT's: Communications Security 10/7/2016
195. Back-up For The Contingency Plan 10/11/2016
196. Are You Being Followed? 10/13/2016
197. Rant About Politics And LDS Members 10/14/2016
198. "Experts" 10/14/2016
199. Spare Magazine and Maintenance 10/20/2016
200. Registration and Privacy 10/21/2016
201. Find Ammunition Quickly and Cheaply: gunbot.net 10/24/2016
202. Preparedness and The Normalcy Bias 10/28/2016
November (21)
203. Escape and Evade: Important Skills You May Never Need 11/1/2016
204. Carry Condition: An Appeal For Condition One 11/7/2016
205. Tactics For The Field 11/7/2016
206. Guns And Statistics 11/7/2016
207. Vote! Vote! Vote! 11/8/2016
208. November Drill Of The Month 11/8/2016
209. Selecting A Flashlight 11/10/2016
210. Veteran’s Thoughts 11/10/2016
211. Movement And Training 11/16/2016
212. 25 "Rules" Of A Gunfight: Revisited In Detail (Part 1) 11/17/2016
213. Shooting In Cold Temperatures 11/18/2016
214. 25 "Rules" Of A Gunfight: Revisited In Detail (Part 2) 11/18/2016
215. Targets And Their Varieties 11/21/2016
216. Feeling Home On The Shooting Range 11/21/2016
217. Reholstering Safely 11/22/2016
218. Trash And Shredding: OPSEC 11/22/2016
219. Speed And Acuracy 11/23/2016
220. Untraceable, Anonymous Communication 11/28/2016
221. Family Security Plans 11/28/2016
222. We Gotta Get Outa This Place: City Evac 11/29/2016
223. Happy Birthday Oliver Winchester! 11/30/2016
December (8)
224. December Drill Of The Month 12/2/2016
225. It Can Happen Anywhere 12/6/2016
226. Pearl Harbor and Situational Awareness 12/7/2016
227. GSR: Evidence Of Training 12/8/2016
228. Making Your Own Pepper Spray 12/9/2016
229. Stop Being/Raising Wimps! 12/14/2016
230. Turn Out The Lights And Train 12/15/2016
231. Europe Being Attacked: What's It To You? 12/19/2016
Total for 2016: 231
Enjoy it all again!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Jan (24)
1. 2016 1/1/2016
2. If I Were Muslim 1/1/2016
3. To Conceal or to Open, That is the Question 1/4/2016
4. LDS Gunsite Index 2015 1/5/2016
5. Evasion Driving 1/8/2016
6. Get Home Bag 1/8/2016
7. Staying Warm: Wool Blankets 1/11/2016
8. Training: Practice, Practice, Practice! But Do It Right 1/13/2015
9. A Rare Entertainment Comment 1/19/2016
10. FBI, 9mm and The Caliber Debate 1/19/2016
11. Delta Force and Charles Beckwith 1/19/2016
12. Do Not Vote For This Scoundrel! 1/20/2016
13. Build A Basic Gun Cleaning Kit 1/21/2016
14. Privacy: Webcams 1/22/2016
15. Carrying At Church 1/22/2016
16. The OODA Loop and You-John Boyd's Birthday 1/22/2016
17. Canadian Tragedy and Why Laws Don't Protect Anyone! 1/23/2016
18. Privacy: Encryption and "Lazy" Law Enforcement 1/24/2016
19. Self-Defense: Plan A, B, And C 1/25/2016
20. Paracord As A Tool 1/27/2016
21. Terrorism Can Happen Here: Prepare 1/27/2016
22. LDS Gunsite Turns 2! 1/28/2016
23. Call Signs 1/28/2016
24. Active Shooter Plans 1/29/2016
Feb (18)
25. A Round In The Chamber 2/2/2016
26. Cutting Sign: Tracking 2/4/2016
27. Zeroing A Battle Rifle 2/5/2016
28. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 1: Breaks and Dislocation 2/9/2016
29. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 2: Bleeding 2/10/2016
30. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 3: Establishing An Airway 2/10/2016
31. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 4: Deliver A Baby 2/11/2016
32. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 5: Know Symptoms 2/11/2016
33. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 6: Wound Dressing 2/12/2016
34. Wilderness or Grid Down Medical Skills 7: Suturing 2/12/2016
35. SIP (Shelter In Place) Kit at Work or School 2/12/2016
36. Giving Bad Gun Advice! 2/17/2016
37. Is The FBI Stupid? 2/17/2016
38. Cover and Concealment: Stop A Bullet 2/19/2016
39. Gun Free Zones 2/22/2016
40. Law Enforcement and All Lives Matter 2/22/2016
41. Profiling The Right Way 2/26/2016
42. Siphoning Gas/Water 2/29/2016
Mar (23)
43. Conspiracy and Secret Combinations 3/1/2016
44. Review: Alcohol Stoves 3/2/2016
45. Load Out: How Much Ammo Should You Carry? 3/4/2016
46. Distance Is Your Friend: The 21 Foot "Rule" 3/8/2016
47. Honest Shooting: Reality and Training 3/9/2016
48. The Weight Of Concealed Carry 3/10/2016
49. Gas Station Security: Don't Be Vulnerable 3/14/2016
50. Home Defense Bag: A Bump In The Night 3/16/2016
51. Politically Correct. Not That There's Anything Wrong With That... 3/16/2016
52. Preparation Mindset 3/17/2016
53. A Sad Day For Music 3/21/2016
54. A Conservative With A Gun 3/22/2016
55. Terrorism Again 3/22/2016
56. Ways To Fight Terrorism 3/23/2016
57. Non-Lethal Option: Pepper Spray 3/23/2016
58. Details To Fighting Terrorism 3/24/2016
59. Are Your Targets On Target? 3/25/2016
60. Algiers Security Protocol 3/27/2016
61. Gun Control Baloney 3/28/2016
62. Shooting With "Older Eyes" 3/28/2016
63. Reloading Makes Sense 3/28/2016
64. Hiding From Thermal Imaging 3/28/2016
65. Security Plans 3/31/2016
Apr (29)
66. Rate Yourself 4/1/2016
67. Cyrus Wheelock and Self-defense 4/4/2016
68. Why Mormon Men Should Be Rambo 4/5/2016
69. Suspicious Or Vigilant 4/6/2016
70. Reverence For Our Flag 4/7/2016
71. Survival Knives: Choosing The Best For You 4/7/2016
72. Remembering Chris Kyle 4/8/2016
73. Knife Attack Defense 4/8/2016
74. 4210 Yard Shot! 4/8/2016
75. Apartment and Dorm Security 4/12/2016
76. Oil Lamps For Light 4/12/2016
77. Pre Assault Indicators: Reading An Attack 4/12/2016
78. Modern Day Stripling Warriors 4/14/2016
79. Vote! Secretary Clinton's Problem With The Truth 4/14/2016
80. Stopping A Bullet 4/14/2016
81. Harden Your Target 4/15/2016
82. Shooting Goals Drills Help You Get There 4/15/2016
83. April Drill of the Month 4/18/2019
84. EDC Criteria 4/18/2016
85. Decision Making and Preparedness 4/20/2016
86. Texas, The Alamo, And Independence 4/21/2016
87. Power Out Preparedness 4/22/2016
88. Survival Guns 4/22/2016
89. Concealed Carry: When To Draw 4/26/2016
90. Security At A Rest Stop 4/28/2016
91. Privacy And Communication 4/28/2016
92. Concealed Carry In A Vehicle 4/29/2016
93. May Scenario Of The Month 4/29/2016
94. May Drill Of The Month 4/29/2016
May (13)
95. John Marlin, Gunmaker 5/3/2016
96. Self-defense: A Personal Choice 5/6/2016
97. Daniel Wesson, Gun Innovator 5/9/2016
98. New cartridge: first change in decades 5/9/2016
99. Instructor Tips For Beginners 5/19/2016
100. Remembering Bill Jordan: Border Patrolman, Marine combat veteran, Gun professional 5/20/2016
101. Gun Culture 1.0 and 2.0: Which Are You? 5/20/2016
102. BOB Help: Navy SEAL Survival Kit 5/20/2016
103. Survival Kit or Get Home Bag 5/23/2016
104. Reloading During A Fight 5/26/2016
105. News Sights For Old Sight 5/26/2016
106. Truth And Gun Grabbers 5/26/2016
107. Concealed Carry Tips For New Carriers, Reminder For Experienced 5/31/2016
June (22)
108. Defense Scenario Of The Month For June 6/1/2016
109. Muscle Memory And Training 6/2/2016
110. Drill of the month 6/2/2016
111. Tactical Driving: A Few Tips 6/6/2016
112. Surrender 6/6/2016
113. Learning From San Bernardino and Terrorist Attacks 6/10/2016
114. The Tueller Drill 6/10/2016
115. Real Security In The U.S. 6/13/2016
116. What You Need To Know: Active Shooter 6/16/2016
117. Good Guy With A Gun (A Little Rant) 6/17/2016
118. Use it or it will use you: Fatal Funnel 6/17/2016
119. Ruger Mini-14 and Bill's Birthday 6/21/2016
120. Batteries Power Your Preparation 6/22/2016
121. Ambush! What We Learn From Tragedy 6/23/2016
122. Say what? Hearing Protection 6/27/2016
123. Striker Fired Versus Hammer Fired 6/27/2016
124. Fighting From/With A Vehicle 6/27/2016
125. A Green Berets EDC 6/28/2016
126. Porter Rockwell's Birthday 6/28/2016
127. Preparing For An Active Shooter Event 6/28/2016
128. Seeing And Hearing An Attack 6/29/2016
129. Reading Ammo Boxes And Choosing 6/30/2016
July (17)
130. Pledge Honorably On Independence Day 7/4/2016
131. See Trigger Press Drill: Drill of the Month 7/7/2016
132. Actually Becoming Prepared 7/8/2016
133. Don't Be The Hunted: E & E 7/8/2016
134. Trying To Get Through The Holster Jungle 7/11/2016
135. Teaching A Woman To Shoot 7/12/2016
136. Rifle of the Mormon Battalion 7/14/2016
137. Being Secure At A Public Event 7/19/2016
138. Remembering Samuel Colt On His Birthday 7/19/2016
139. Your Own Chicken Outfit 7/20/2016
140. Security While Shopping 7/21/2016
141. Introducing FLAG: A New Occasional Writer 7/22/2016
142. Nutrition In A Junk Food World 7/22/2016
143. Make a Plan, Be Prepared 7/22/2016
144. Lessons From Tragedy 7/27/2016
145. Pandemic Basics 7/28/2016
146. Serious First Aid Kit For The Range 7/29/2016
August (25)
147. Concealed carry: Ins and Outs 8/1/2016
148. Situational Awareness...Again 8/2/2016
149. The Shemagh: the History and Uses 8/2/2016
150. Storing Ammunition 8/3/2016
151. The Bombing of Japan: Lessons To Learn 8/6/2016
152. Gun Show Tips 8/8/2016
153. Stripper Clips and Speed Loaders 8/8/2016
154. Thyme For Herbs: By Flag 8/8/2016
155. Armed In A Bathroom 8/11/2016
156. Privacy and RFID Chips 8/12/2016
157. Annie Oakley Inspirational Shooter 8/15/2016
158. Being A Shooting Instructor 8/16/2016
159. A Few Songs and Some Thoughts On Preparedness 8/17/2016
160. Buy Ammo While You Can 8/19/2016
161. Basics Of Bullet Casting 8/19/2016
162. Thyme For Herbs: Basics and Terminology 8/19/2016
163. The Great .223-5.56 Debate 8/23/2016
164. Getting Out Of Dodge: Evacuating The City 8/25/2016
165. AR Build Tips 8/25/2016
166. How To Improve Shooting 8/29/2016
167. Why Do You Need An AR-15?: Knowledge Over Hype 8/30/2016
168. Managing Recoil During Self-Defense 8/30/2016
169. Scenario Of The Month For September 8/31/2016
170. Overwatch: September Drill Of The Month 8/31/2016
171. Gun Misconceptions 8/31/2016
September (18)
172. Staff Of Life: Wheat 9/01/2016
173. Review: PrettyLoaded.org and National Situational Awareness Day 9/01/2016
174. Family Safety and Security Is A Mindset 9/01/2016
175. Negligent Discharges Are No Accident 9/7/2016
176. Drone Survival 9/8/2016
177. Parking Lot and Parking Garage Security 9/9/2016
178. Making Intelligence Work For Your Family 9/13/2016
179. Brigham Young's Colt .31 9/14/2016
180. 9-11 After a Few Days Of Thought 9/15/2016
181. Trampling Other’s Sacred Symbols 9/16/2016
182. Body Armor And Plate Carriers 9/19/2016
183. Riot Avoidance And Safety 9/23/2016
184. Do It Yourself Gunsmithing 9/23/2016
185. Gunfighting Advice From Gunfighters 9/23/2016
186. Happy Situational Awareness Day! 9/26/2016
187. Vehicle Backing Off The "X" 9/26/2016
188. The Steps Of A Draw 9/27/2016
189. 25 "Rules" Of A Gunfight 9/28/2016
October (13)
190. Generator Power As An Option 10/5/2016
191. Overwatch: October Drill Of The Month 10/6/2016
192. Storing Gasoline 10/6/2016
193. Food Choices For Your Prep Plan 10/6/2016
194. Security From RAT's: Communications Security 10/7/2016
195. Back-up For The Contingency Plan 10/11/2016
196. Are You Being Followed? 10/13/2016
197. Rant About Politics And LDS Members 10/14/2016
198. "Experts" 10/14/2016
199. Spare Magazine and Maintenance 10/20/2016
200. Registration and Privacy 10/21/2016
201. Find Ammunition Quickly and Cheaply: gunbot.net 10/24/2016
202. Preparedness and The Normalcy Bias 10/28/2016
November (21)
203. Escape and Evade: Important Skills You May Never Need 11/1/2016
204. Carry Condition: An Appeal For Condition One 11/7/2016
205. Tactics For The Field 11/7/2016
206. Guns And Statistics 11/7/2016
207. Vote! Vote! Vote! 11/8/2016
208. November Drill Of The Month 11/8/2016
209. Selecting A Flashlight 11/10/2016
210. Veteran’s Thoughts 11/10/2016
211. Movement And Training 11/16/2016
212. 25 "Rules" Of A Gunfight: Revisited In Detail (Part 1) 11/17/2016
213. Shooting In Cold Temperatures 11/18/2016
214. 25 "Rules" Of A Gunfight: Revisited In Detail (Part 2) 11/18/2016
215. Targets And Their Varieties 11/21/2016
216. Feeling Home On The Shooting Range 11/21/2016
217. Reholstering Safely 11/22/2016
218. Trash And Shredding: OPSEC 11/22/2016
219. Speed And Acuracy 11/23/2016
220. Untraceable, Anonymous Communication 11/28/2016
221. Family Security Plans 11/28/2016
222. We Gotta Get Outa This Place: City Evac 11/29/2016
223. Happy Birthday Oliver Winchester! 11/30/2016
December (8)
224. December Drill Of The Month 12/2/2016
225. It Can Happen Anywhere 12/6/2016
226. Pearl Harbor and Situational Awareness 12/7/2016
227. GSR: Evidence Of Training 12/8/2016
228. Making Your Own Pepper Spray 12/9/2016
229. Stop Being/Raising Wimps! 12/14/2016
230. Turn Out The Lights And Train 12/15/2016
231. Europe Being Attacked: What's It To You? 12/19/2016
Total for 2016: 231
Enjoy it all again!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
3rd Year, Oaths, and Immigration Security
LDS Gunsite turns 3!
It is our 3rd birthday of writing this blog. We hope we have been a help and service to you and will continue to be. It’s been a fun 3 years!
I was thinking about the pledge of allegiance a few days ago. I remember as an elementary school student reciting this pledge daily. Once a month the whole school gathered around the flag pole, the school band played the national anthem, and we all recited this pledge. It was fun to all meet together for this special pledge.
“From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty.... In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource, in peace or in war.” 1954 President Eisenhower
President Eisenhower understood what this country needs.
Reciting the pledge is an honorable thing to do. As an American, it should not be a problem to recite this oath and live by it. There are some people who won’t do it. For one reason or another their lives have not gone as they think it should have and they don’t like something about this country. Maybe it’s government or something else. I can respect their choice. But I have a problem with people that want all the freedom that this country gives, but feel no obligation to the country or the symbols of this country. I think it’s dishonorable to claim the freedom of speech in this country but have a disdain for the country that upholds that right. I agree with the founders that certain rights are given to us from God. There was a phrase from the 60’s that I think bears repeating: “America, Love it or leave it!”
The pledge was the first oath I ever took.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, on Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
I was young and impressionable. My parents flew the flag every holiday and Flag Day. My Dad was in the Navy during World War II. My parents knew what it felt like to love your country and to be patriotic. Some people have an idea that to be patriotic means to accept the faults of society and government and politicians. That is not so. Being patriotic is loving this country for what it is, an idea. An experiment that has lit the world for two centuries. I believe that it is treasonous the way some treat that idea. It’s not just a crime against living Americans but those who lived and died for it. Lincoln called that the last full measure of devotion. Excuse my passion about this. I served in the military. I have friends who gave that full measure. That’s why that sour anti-U.S. attitude makes me angry. I have a tolerance problem.
My next oath was the one I took as a Boy Scout.
“On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
This oath is important because it puts things into perspective. First duty to God. Then duty to country. Then duty to self. This oath has helped me to be a better person and has cemented my duty to God and country.
When I joined the military one of the first things they have you do is take an oath. Here is mine:
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
All of these oaths have things in common. The first is God. You can try and tell me that the Founding fathers did not want God in government, but you would be horribly wrong. The founders were concerned about having religion in government, not God.
The other thing that these oaths have in common is honor. It takes honor to keep these oaths. Those people who hack away at our country or its symbols do not show me much honor. That is what bothers me so much. Stomping on our flag, chanting anti-U.S.A. slogans, this is what I consider to be dishonorable. Honor others rights and beliefs. That’s when I ask people to leave my country. If you don’t like what our government is doing then write your congressman or peacefully protest. The minute you get violent or disrespect others who have nothing to do with your protest, then you may feel some wrath. Violence will give you violence, but don’t expect my violence to be anemic.
Honor and duty to God is something that means a lot to me. Oaths mean something to me. When people choose to be baptized, covenants are made. This is similar to an oath but has with it a more serious connotation. A promise that involves God is always important.
Americans should be an oath taking, oath keeping people. We should live with honor. Even if we don’t agree, I honor others’ rights.
Live honorably. Respect others especially those who served, fought, or died for this country. Remember the oaths you have taken and change your life to adhere to those oaths. A new year is a good time to make changes and recommit. I’ve taken the above oaths and will do my best to keep them, uphold their values, and keep the promises I’ve made.
I pledge allegiance to the flag and republic, I will do my best to do my duty to God, and I will defend the Constitution. I will do all these things because I said I would. Nothing has changed. I’m no longer am in the military. I am a Scout leader and I am still an American citizen. Circumstances may change, but my integrity remains. I don’t need an “open” mind about this. It was taught to me from birth both in word and more importantly, by example. I can change my mind, I’m not brainwashed. My experiences have brought me to show respect for this country and its symbols. They have brought me to defend something worth defending. Some more liberal minded citizens would not agree. That’s OK. They are just lucky to live in a place where you can complain about the government long and load and not end up in prison or worse. I’ve been labeled with lots of things: gun lover (which is true), racist (that’s not really true, I dislike stupid people of every color!), xenophobic ( I doubt that seriously. My daughters and sons have married Hispanics, Mexicans, and Canadians!), homophobic (Actually I just can’t stand people who’s sexual preference defines them. Is nothing private anymore?). It reminds me of these lines from the 90’s series The West Wing:
Bartlet
I know we disagree.
LOBELL
You know why?
BARTLET
'Cause I'm a lily-livered, bleeding-heart, liberal, egg head, communist.
LOBELL
Yes, sir. And I'm a gun-totin', redneck son-of-a-b****.
BARTLET
Yes, you are.
LOBELL
We agree on that.
I love this country. I tried very hard for 8 long years to never refer to our President as anything but President Obama. I didn’t like much about him, but he was the President. I complained about decisions, laws, executive orders, and policies, but I never protested, whined on T.V., or certainly not rioted. Had I done that, nothing would have become of it. I would looked like an idiot and those that oppose my thinking would have hated me more. I understand not agreeing with our current President, but he still is our President no matter how many “not my president” signs you hold. I had to put up with someone I had a problem with for 8 years, now suck it up! I don’t always agree with President Trump but I do agree that the media sucks and makes a lot of things that are not really things. President Obama put certain countries on a list his administration considered supporters of terrorism. President Obama also banned immigration from Iraq for 6 months. President Trump is doing it for less than 6 months and is just trying to give his administration time to sort out what problems exist and to deal with them. Ask Germany how open borders and loose immigration has treated them? In 2016 this happened to them:
On 19 December, a man ploughed a lorry into a busy Christmas market in the heart of Berlin. The driver fled the scene but was arrested nearby. He killed 12 and injured 48.
On 18 July, a teenage Afghan refugee hacked at passengers on a train in Wuerzburg with an axe and knife, wounding 5. He was shot dead by police.
On 22 July, a German teenager of Iranian heritage shot dead 9 people in Munich before shooting himself dead.
On 24 July, a 21-year-old Syrian refugee killed a woman with a machete and wounded 5 other people as he fled before being arrested. Later that day, a 27-year-old Syrian whose refugee application had been refused blew himself up outside a bar in Ansbach. 15 people were wounded.
I don’t understand the people who can’t see that getting a hold of border security is in our best interest. It boggles my mind. President Trump is not closing our borders for good, but for only 3 months, and only from certain countries. It is not against a religion, but an ideology. It does effect law abiding people and good people. Well, I’m old enough to remember flying pre-911. It’s a pain in the neck and it inconveniences me. But if you are not a citizen of this country don’t expect the U.S. to give up some security for convenience concerning you. Listening to the news I hear a lot of whining. Until someone blows something up. Then the same whiners want something to happen now to keep them safe! I’m not saying we should close down the land of the free to the world, but we must take care of ourselves. Have you ever traveled to Asian, Middle Eastern, or some South American countries? Armed soldiers are in the streets! Then when the U.S. closes borders to some countries people are up in arms. Would you prefer soldiers in the streets? Martial law?
In all of this rhetoric take at least one thing from rant. This country is worth fighting for and your safety and security is really in your own hands. Not the hands of the police or military or government.
Thanks for putting up with my ravings for 3 years. If anyone is interested in participating by commenting, or writing yourself, please contact me.
Burningbush8@hotmail.com
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Guns Make Us Safe
I wrote a post about reasons to carry a gun. (Reasons To Carry 1/4/2017) The same people who ask why I carry a gun need to hear this as well as anyone who carries, or intends to carry.
There are some facts that not all gun carriers may have heard or they have heard the opposite. So let’s go over them.
A lot of people have defended themselves using concealed weapons. This is the only possible way that people with physical disabilities are able to defend themselves from potential attackers. Stories told about there are more Americans who say no to CCW permits are false.
I’ve been around guns and guns stores my whole long life. Talk to gun store owners, they will give you the truth about gun sales. I’m also an instructor. Although I am not a CCW instructor, I know, and have trained, with many of them. Ask them about their business and if it has improved. They will tell you it has.
66% of the country’s police chiefs have attributed the decreased rate of violent crimes to more people carrying concealed weapons. I also know many law enforcement officers.
Numerous reports tell of civilians with concealed weapons saving the day against mass shootings. One incident in the Appalachian school of law reported two men rushing to their vehicles to get their guns. They were able to prevent a mass murder from happening.
Studies show a decrease in crime rate in States with less restrictive CCW laws. I know what you’re thinking, “Don’t you hate studies?” You would be right, I don’t like studies. I tend to treat them like reality T.V. Reality T.V. isn’t. BUT, if you actually believed studies, there are some that almost seem credible. See how I’m reaching there? I want these studies to be true, I really do. Although, I do think there can be a difference between studies and statistics. Statistics show that rates are going down, but I believe all crime, especially violent crime, is on a downward spiral. That trend is slow and it accounts for changes in technology, focus and training of officers, and other factors. But I do believe arming the masses makes a difference.
A 19 year study shows that crimes involving guns are 10% higher in US states with restrictive concealed carry laws. In Texas, crimes of murder, rape, and assault have dramatically dropped in the first two years after their CCW law passed. Take that study for what it is.
States issuing the most number of concealed weapons permit have surprisingly declining gun related crime rates. Those are statistics.
Reports about police officers disagreement about civilians with concealed weapons have no statistical basis. But can armed civilians prevent violent crimes? Policemen believe so, according to several surveys. If you don’t believe surveys ask the officers themselves. They are the ones out there in the trenches. They see it firsthand. I’ve talked to many officers and most of them believe this.
Sometimes these mass shootings or other violent crimes that happen freak people out. But don’t ignore the many lives that were saved due to the approval of concealed carry in a lot of States. Don’t let some liberal or gun hater tell you different. I think it’s not so much that liberals think that limiting gun ownership really makes us safer, but it’s more that they don’t like guns and the people that like guns. Frankly, I’m not really interested in which it is. Outright banning of guns in the U.S. will only happen when our Constitution doesn’t matter anymore. That may come sooner than we think.
Guns keep us safer. Not because violence is the answer. Violence is only what we can answer violence with. If violence is answered with love, violence will continue to come. This is why good people need to have a capacity for violence. It should not be your default attitude, but one you can choose when needed. Using violence only for defense is your mantra.
Study these things out for yourself. Sift through false surveys and studies. Find good sources and find out for yourself.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
There are some facts that not all gun carriers may have heard or they have heard the opposite. So let’s go over them.
A lot of people have defended themselves using concealed weapons. This is the only possible way that people with physical disabilities are able to defend themselves from potential attackers. Stories told about there are more Americans who say no to CCW permits are false.
I’ve been around guns and guns stores my whole long life. Talk to gun store owners, they will give you the truth about gun sales. I’m also an instructor. Although I am not a CCW instructor, I know, and have trained, with many of them. Ask them about their business and if it has improved. They will tell you it has.
66% of the country’s police chiefs have attributed the decreased rate of violent crimes to more people carrying concealed weapons. I also know many law enforcement officers.
Numerous reports tell of civilians with concealed weapons saving the day against mass shootings. One incident in the Appalachian school of law reported two men rushing to their vehicles to get their guns. They were able to prevent a mass murder from happening.
Studies show a decrease in crime rate in States with less restrictive CCW laws. I know what you’re thinking, “Don’t you hate studies?” You would be right, I don’t like studies. I tend to treat them like reality T.V. Reality T.V. isn’t. BUT, if you actually believed studies, there are some that almost seem credible. See how I’m reaching there? I want these studies to be true, I really do. Although, I do think there can be a difference between studies and statistics. Statistics show that rates are going down, but I believe all crime, especially violent crime, is on a downward spiral. That trend is slow and it accounts for changes in technology, focus and training of officers, and other factors. But I do believe arming the masses makes a difference.
A 19 year study shows that crimes involving guns are 10% higher in US states with restrictive concealed carry laws. In Texas, crimes of murder, rape, and assault have dramatically dropped in the first two years after their CCW law passed. Take that study for what it is.
States issuing the most number of concealed weapons permit have surprisingly declining gun related crime rates. Those are statistics.
Reports about police officers disagreement about civilians with concealed weapons have no statistical basis. But can armed civilians prevent violent crimes? Policemen believe so, according to several surveys. If you don’t believe surveys ask the officers themselves. They are the ones out there in the trenches. They see it firsthand. I’ve talked to many officers and most of them believe this.
Sometimes these mass shootings or other violent crimes that happen freak people out. But don’t ignore the many lives that were saved due to the approval of concealed carry in a lot of States. Don’t let some liberal or gun hater tell you different. I think it’s not so much that liberals think that limiting gun ownership really makes us safer, but it’s more that they don’t like guns and the people that like guns. Frankly, I’m not really interested in which it is. Outright banning of guns in the U.S. will only happen when our Constitution doesn’t matter anymore. That may come sooner than we think.
Guns keep us safer. Not because violence is the answer. Violence is only what we can answer violence with. If violence is answered with love, violence will continue to come. This is why good people need to have a capacity for violence. It should not be your default attitude, but one you can choose when needed. Using violence only for defense is your mantra.
Study these things out for yourself. Sift through false surveys and studies. Find good sources and find out for yourself.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Monday, January 23, 2017
Email and Privacy
Email has never been a secure thing. Email isn’t secure because it was never meant to be the center of our digital lives. It was developed when the Internet was a much smaller place to standardize simple store-and-forward messaging between people using different kinds of computers. Email was all transferred completely in the open – everything was readable by anyone who could watch network traffic or access accounts (originally not even passwords were encrypted). Amazingly, email sent using those wide-open methods still (mostly) works.
Today, there are four basic places where most people’s email can be compromised:
• On your device(s)
• On the networks
• On the server(s)
• On your recipient’s device(s)
The first and last places – devices – are easy to understand. If someone can sit at your computer, grab your phone, or swipe through your tablet, odds are that your email is sitting right there for them to read – You do use a lock screen or password on your devices, right? Same thing goes for your recipients’ devices. But even passwords and lock screens sometimes aren’t much help. While a few email programs encrypt the email messages they store on the device, most don’t. That means anyone (or any program) that can access the device’s internal storage can probably also read email and get to file attachments. Sound far-fetched? It doesn’t have to be a person; rifling through email is one of the most common things malware does.
Networks are a little tougher to understand, and covers three basic links:
• Your connection to your email provider (whether that be your ISP, Google, Outlook, Yahoo, Apple, or someone else)
• Any network connections between your email provider and your recipient
• Your recipient’s networking connection to their email provider.
If you’re sending email to someone on the same service you use (say, Outlook.com), you have at least the first and third potential network vulnerabilities: your connection to Outlook.com and your recipient’s connection to Outlook.com. If your recipient’s email is elsewhere (say a company or school) then you have at least one more: the connection between Outlook.com and your recipient’s email provider. The reality of network topography means each of those connections involves a series of routers and switches (perhaps a dozen or more), probably owned and operated by different outfits. If one connection is secure, there’s no guaranteeing any other connection in the sequence is secure. And if you’re concerned about things like the NSA’s PRISM surveillance program, indications so far are that some of it happens at these interim network points.
Servers are the machines at your email provider or ISP that physically store your email. If someone cracks (or guesses, or steals) your email password, they probably don’t need your devices; they can log in to your email provider directly and read any email stored there. That might be only a few messages, but it could be weeks, months, or years worth of email – including at least some messages you’ve deleted. But that’s not the only risk. Most email services store your messages as plain text. So, any attacker who can access those servers (say, via a security flaw or by stealing an admin password) can easily access all the stored email and attachments. Why don’t providers protect stored email? Partly because of the overhead that would create, but storing the email unencrypted lets people search their messages (you like to search your email, right?) and enables services like Gmail to automatically scan mail for keywords to sell advertising (and you like advertising, right?).
You want secure email? Get ProtonMail.
ProtonMail developed by CERN and MIT scientists, is a free, open source and end-to-end encrypted email service that offers the simplest and best way to maintain secure communications to keep user's personal data secure.
ProtonMail is based in Switzerland, so it won't have to comply with American courts’ demands to provide users data.
In worst case, if a Swiss court ordered ProtonMail to provide data, they will get only the heaps of encrypted data as the company doesn’t store the encryption keys.
ProtonMail has gained an enormous amount of popularity during its developing stages.
ProtonMail encrypts the data on the browser before it communicates with the server, therefore only encrypted data is stored in the email service servers, making it significantly more secure for those looking for an extra layer of privacy.
ProtonMail is not infallible and does have some disadvantages, but for you and me, the average person, with no business interests on the line, ProtonMail will work.
There are also secure messaging that works the same way as Proton mail, with encryption. A few of the popular sites are Telegram and WhatsApp.
Always be aware of what you email and text and say in phone calls. Most law abiding citizens might sound a little shady if all communication was intercepted and looked at as a whole. I’m not advocated anything illegal but I do guard my privacy. Being aware of your communication, practicing COMMSEC, is something that can make a difference in your preparation. Privacy is assured Americans by the Constitution, in spite of what a politician, intelligence agency, or law enforcement agency may tell you. Benjamin Franklin said:
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
The Patriot act is overreaching by our government under the guise of security. I understand how it got to be law, but it should be repealed or changed to be constitutional. We give up liberty in its present state.
Be aware, and be safe.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Today, there are four basic places where most people’s email can be compromised:
• On your device(s)
• On the networks
• On the server(s)
• On your recipient’s device(s)
The first and last places – devices – are easy to understand. If someone can sit at your computer, grab your phone, or swipe through your tablet, odds are that your email is sitting right there for them to read – You do use a lock screen or password on your devices, right? Same thing goes for your recipients’ devices. But even passwords and lock screens sometimes aren’t much help. While a few email programs encrypt the email messages they store on the device, most don’t. That means anyone (or any program) that can access the device’s internal storage can probably also read email and get to file attachments. Sound far-fetched? It doesn’t have to be a person; rifling through email is one of the most common things malware does.
Networks are a little tougher to understand, and covers three basic links:
• Your connection to your email provider (whether that be your ISP, Google, Outlook, Yahoo, Apple, or someone else)
• Any network connections between your email provider and your recipient
• Your recipient’s networking connection to their email provider.
If you’re sending email to someone on the same service you use (say, Outlook.com), you have at least the first and third potential network vulnerabilities: your connection to Outlook.com and your recipient’s connection to Outlook.com. If your recipient’s email is elsewhere (say a company or school) then you have at least one more: the connection between Outlook.com and your recipient’s email provider. The reality of network topography means each of those connections involves a series of routers and switches (perhaps a dozen or more), probably owned and operated by different outfits. If one connection is secure, there’s no guaranteeing any other connection in the sequence is secure. And if you’re concerned about things like the NSA’s PRISM surveillance program, indications so far are that some of it happens at these interim network points.
Servers are the machines at your email provider or ISP that physically store your email. If someone cracks (or guesses, or steals) your email password, they probably don’t need your devices; they can log in to your email provider directly and read any email stored there. That might be only a few messages, but it could be weeks, months, or years worth of email – including at least some messages you’ve deleted. But that’s not the only risk. Most email services store your messages as plain text. So, any attacker who can access those servers (say, via a security flaw or by stealing an admin password) can easily access all the stored email and attachments. Why don’t providers protect stored email? Partly because of the overhead that would create, but storing the email unencrypted lets people search their messages (you like to search your email, right?) and enables services like Gmail to automatically scan mail for keywords to sell advertising (and you like advertising, right?).
You want secure email? Get ProtonMail.
ProtonMail developed by CERN and MIT scientists, is a free, open source and end-to-end encrypted email service that offers the simplest and best way to maintain secure communications to keep user's personal data secure.
ProtonMail is based in Switzerland, so it won't have to comply with American courts’ demands to provide users data.
In worst case, if a Swiss court ordered ProtonMail to provide data, they will get only the heaps of encrypted data as the company doesn’t store the encryption keys.
ProtonMail has gained an enormous amount of popularity during its developing stages.
ProtonMail encrypts the data on the browser before it communicates with the server, therefore only encrypted data is stored in the email service servers, making it significantly more secure for those looking for an extra layer of privacy.
ProtonMail is not infallible and does have some disadvantages, but for you and me, the average person, with no business interests on the line, ProtonMail will work.
There are also secure messaging that works the same way as Proton mail, with encryption. A few of the popular sites are Telegram and WhatsApp.
Always be aware of what you email and text and say in phone calls. Most law abiding citizens might sound a little shady if all communication was intercepted and looked at as a whole. I’m not advocated anything illegal but I do guard my privacy. Being aware of your communication, practicing COMMSEC, is something that can make a difference in your preparation. Privacy is assured Americans by the Constitution, in spite of what a politician, intelligence agency, or law enforcement agency may tell you. Benjamin Franklin said:
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
The Patriot act is overreaching by our government under the guise of security. I understand how it got to be law, but it should be repealed or changed to be constitutional. We give up liberty in its present state.
Be aware, and be safe.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Monday, January 16, 2017
Military Slang For Everyday
I was at work the other day. I talk on a radio a lot and have developed quite a slang vocabulary. If you were around me any amount of time you'd probably hear some of this slang. I say on the phone "Standby one" a lot. Of course this is just a way of saying "Hold on a minute."
I thought it might be fun to revisit some of that vocabulary. Use some of these terms on your military, or ex-military friends or family and see their reaction.
There are a few phrases for "Hurry up" or "Quickly"
"Mosh Skosh" which I understand is possibly from the Japanese word.
"Most Riki Tik" This is one I use too much.
Phrases meaning "Affirmative" or "OK"
"Roger that" I know I use a lot.
But "Affirm" and "Roger" work.
Phrases for rank. Can be used for boss or authority figure.
"Dai uy" is the Vietnamese word for the rank of Captain. It's pronounced Die We.
Other Vietnamese words would be "Didi" meaning "go" or "leave." I don't think this is the correct spelling but it is from the Vietnamese "Didi Mao." (Phonetic spelling)
American soldier corruption of Vietnamese "dien cai dau", Meaning batty, Crazy, Whacko, Goofy, Etc. Often it was used with the French word for " a lot", "beaucoup" or phonetically "bo coo."
Phrases for "ready"
"5 by 5"
"Squared away"
This term came from the old communications, or radio term coming from:
Hearing someone loud and clear were on scales 0-5, 5 being the best.
In contrast when someone needs to repeat because of bad reception I still say "You're coming in broken and stupid."
Also for "loud and clear" are the phonetic words for "L" and "C" are Lima Chalie.
Common for when you needed something done fast is the acronym ASAP ( as soon as possible )
Also common for when you are leaving an area "I've got 2 days and a wake up"
These are only a few, maybe you can think of some more.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Preparedness Goals
2017! Time to take off that 10 pounds I’ve added from the holidays. And this time I’ll keep it off! How many times does the New Year come and we make new goals? Hopefully, you’ve learned the importance of setting, and achieving goals in your life. This is not an article on goal setting. But it is about setting Preparedness goals.
Here are suggestions for starting the year off right.
Look at and adjust your preparedness plans.
Life has a way of changing, sometimes dramatically. These changes can and will affect your preparedness plans. Review or start a preparedness plan for your family. Don’t forget to include a security plan.
Review your go bags or get home bags. I try to rotate out the food every few years. I also maintain a list of things to look at closely in my bags such as food and medications. Put yourself on a schedule for this review. It’s best to review at times that are easy to remember. I usually use Conference weekend as a time to drain my water storage and refill and retreat. You can do the same say the first weekend after your birthday or something easy to remember like that.
Schedule camping with your family.
Camping is a good way to test gear, practice skills, and have fun. Don’t get so caught up in the preparedness stuff that you don’t make memories with your kids and family.
Schedule a drill in your home.
This can be simple or a little more elaborate. I would suggest 1 per ¼. Mix them up. Fire drills, black out drills, medical emergencies, pandemic drill, home invasion. These are only limited to your imagination. Include your whole family in planning these drills.
Learn a new skill or practice one.
Skills trump gear. Most of us can get the food and gear it takes to be prepared but that’s only a portion of it. Knowing how to use the gear and having the skills needed to thrive instead of survive are necessary. Many skills, like shooting, are perishable. Learn new ones and practice what you know. Your drills and camping are good places to practice. Involve your family. I find others with skills to teach my family. I can do a lot of things, but sometimes it takes someone else’s perspective to teach us more of what we think we know.
Update your important information.
You should have a collection of important information to take with you if you needed to evacuate. Insurance policies, birth certificates, and other important documents you should have with you and in a place other than your home. The info should be updated occasionally and at least inspected annually.
Start, or plant something new, in a garden.
I’ve heard preparedness equated with the parable of the 10 virgins. 5 were not prepared and wanted oil from the 5 that had bought ahead of time. Those prepared 5 could not give of their oil lest they would not have enough. The 5 unprepared were shut out of the wedding because of their lack of preparedness. Gardening is like that. I can’t give you the skill of gardening. We’ve struggled and toiled with our garden until we have found things that work for us, and things that don’t work. I could share my experience and try to teach you to garden but really, it is something that must be done to learn. When the need of a garden comes, it’s too late to fit in several seasons of experience, you need food THIS season.
Gardens come in many varieties. They can be small or large. Find a garden that will work for the area you have to devote to it. Do it now so that you will be able to take advantage of it when it’s needed. Canning and preserving are linked to gardening.
Review your security plans.
Review your ammo storage.
I keep a total of my stored ammo but not the ammo I use to train with.
Plan or practice with a safe room.
A safe room doesn’t have to be a fortified room with electronics and food. It may just be a defendable position with an exit, means of defense, and communication with help.
Learn a new defense skill or a skill that supports your defense.
Using guns, stun guns, knives, wands, and pepper spray takes training and practice. So does hand to hand combat. A support skill would be maybe ammo reloading.
Your goals should be attainable. Maybe break up the kits that need checking.
Make sure you document what you do and when so you will know what was done and what needs to be done.
Inch by inch life is a cinch, yard by yard it’s very hard.
Setting and attaining preparedness goals is not difficult, but can get you far in a short time.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Here are suggestions for starting the year off right.
Look at and adjust your preparedness plans.
Life has a way of changing, sometimes dramatically. These changes can and will affect your preparedness plans. Review or start a preparedness plan for your family. Don’t forget to include a security plan.
Review your go bags or get home bags. I try to rotate out the food every few years. I also maintain a list of things to look at closely in my bags such as food and medications. Put yourself on a schedule for this review. It’s best to review at times that are easy to remember. I usually use Conference weekend as a time to drain my water storage and refill and retreat. You can do the same say the first weekend after your birthday or something easy to remember like that.
Schedule camping with your family.
Camping is a good way to test gear, practice skills, and have fun. Don’t get so caught up in the preparedness stuff that you don’t make memories with your kids and family.
Schedule a drill in your home.
This can be simple or a little more elaborate. I would suggest 1 per ¼. Mix them up. Fire drills, black out drills, medical emergencies, pandemic drill, home invasion. These are only limited to your imagination. Include your whole family in planning these drills.
Learn a new skill or practice one.
Skills trump gear. Most of us can get the food and gear it takes to be prepared but that’s only a portion of it. Knowing how to use the gear and having the skills needed to thrive instead of survive are necessary. Many skills, like shooting, are perishable. Learn new ones and practice what you know. Your drills and camping are good places to practice. Involve your family. I find others with skills to teach my family. I can do a lot of things, but sometimes it takes someone else’s perspective to teach us more of what we think we know.
Update your important information.
You should have a collection of important information to take with you if you needed to evacuate. Insurance policies, birth certificates, and other important documents you should have with you and in a place other than your home. The info should be updated occasionally and at least inspected annually.
Start, or plant something new, in a garden.
I’ve heard preparedness equated with the parable of the 10 virgins. 5 were not prepared and wanted oil from the 5 that had bought ahead of time. Those prepared 5 could not give of their oil lest they would not have enough. The 5 unprepared were shut out of the wedding because of their lack of preparedness. Gardening is like that. I can’t give you the skill of gardening. We’ve struggled and toiled with our garden until we have found things that work for us, and things that don’t work. I could share my experience and try to teach you to garden but really, it is something that must be done to learn. When the need of a garden comes, it’s too late to fit in several seasons of experience, you need food THIS season.
Gardens come in many varieties. They can be small or large. Find a garden that will work for the area you have to devote to it. Do it now so that you will be able to take advantage of it when it’s needed. Canning and preserving are linked to gardening.
Review your security plans.
Review your ammo storage.
I keep a total of my stored ammo but not the ammo I use to train with.
Plan or practice with a safe room.
A safe room doesn’t have to be a fortified room with electronics and food. It may just be a defendable position with an exit, means of defense, and communication with help.
Learn a new defense skill or a skill that supports your defense.
Using guns, stun guns, knives, wands, and pepper spray takes training and practice. So does hand to hand combat. A support skill would be maybe ammo reloading.
Your goals should be attainable. Maybe break up the kits that need checking.
Make sure you document what you do and when so you will know what was done and what needs to be done.
Inch by inch life is a cinch, yard by yard it’s very hard.
Setting and attaining preparedness goals is not difficult, but can get you far in a short time.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
January Drill Of The Month
January Drill
Failure Drill
Skill Focus: Presentation from holster (draw stroke), target transitions
Distance: 7 yards
Target: IDPA, IPSC, or any silhouette style target with an 8″ circle or similar sized chest target area.
Instructions: Place any silhouette style target seven yards away. At the beep, draw from the holster and fire two rounds to the chest area of the target followed by one round at the head (3 rounds total). Focus on a consistent, smooth presentation from the holster. Go as fast as you can and still guarantee hits. Record your time and repeat four times (five repetitions total).
Variations: Try it at 3 or 5 yards if the head box gives you trouble. Stretch it out to 10 or 15 yards if you need a challenge, or place a 3×5 card on the head box. If your shooting range allows, you can also try adding a sidestep during the draw stroke.
The Failure Drill has been around for decades. Because it only requires three rounds, you can repeat it several times in a single range session. For practicing presentations from the holster, I prefer drills like this as opposed to drills that require only a single shot. You can rush the draw stroke and get a really sloppy grip on the pistol and still manage to get off a single shot somewhere near the middle of the target. Firing multiple shots in quick succession requires a solid firing grip on the pistol. If you mess up the draw stroke in this drill, the target and shot timer will show it.
For more drills:
See “Overwatch: Drill of the Month” page
Failure Drill
Skill Focus: Presentation from holster (draw stroke), target transitions
Distance: 7 yards
Target: IDPA, IPSC, or any silhouette style target with an 8″ circle or similar sized chest target area.
Instructions: Place any silhouette style target seven yards away. At the beep, draw from the holster and fire two rounds to the chest area of the target followed by one round at the head (3 rounds total). Focus on a consistent, smooth presentation from the holster. Go as fast as you can and still guarantee hits. Record your time and repeat four times (five repetitions total).
Variations: Try it at 3 or 5 yards if the head box gives you trouble. Stretch it out to 10 or 15 yards if you need a challenge, or place a 3×5 card on the head box. If your shooting range allows, you can also try adding a sidestep during the draw stroke.
The Failure Drill has been around for decades. Because it only requires three rounds, you can repeat it several times in a single range session. For practicing presentations from the holster, I prefer drills like this as opposed to drills that require only a single shot. You can rush the draw stroke and get a really sloppy grip on the pistol and still manage to get off a single shot somewhere near the middle of the target. Firing multiple shots in quick succession requires a solid firing grip on the pistol. If you mess up the draw stroke in this drill, the target and shot timer will show it.
For more drills:
See “Overwatch: Drill of the Month” page
Reasons To Carry
To my liberal or friends not from the U.S.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
I’ve been asked why me, a member of the LDS Church and one who calls himself a follower of Christ, believes in owning, training with, and promoting, guns. “Guns are for killing, how can you follow Christ and promote killing?” I first correct them. My guns are not for killing but for defense. That may, or may not, involve killing. Next I ask if you can be Christian and a Police officer? They usually say “Of course!” That is how many people feel about law enforcement in the U.S. They have complete faith and confidence in them, as we all should, as I do. But we must be realistic.
Researchers found that less than 5 percent of all calls dispatched to police are made quickly enough for officers to stop a crime or arrest a suspect.
Gordon Witkin, Monika Guttman, and Tracy Lenzy, “This is 911 . . . Please Hold,” U.S. News & World Report, June 17, 1996, p. 30.
Police cannot protect us! They do all they can and do stop some crime with their presence, but often it is a short time before the crime starts up again.
“What about turning the other cheek?” some may ask me. Turning the other cheek is doing your best to avoid, de-escalate, or control the situation so that it doesn’t become violent. Who is more apt to tone down their own anger than someone armed but never has wanted to hurt anyone. Being armed and responsible makes you much more sensitive to ways to get out of a fight! I want to fight and run away so that I may be around to fight another day.
Then there is those pesky 10 commandments. Exodus 20:1-17. Verse 13 reads (6th commandment):
“13 Thou shalt not kill.”
That’s pretty clear right? Maybe not.
In the 8th Article of faith we read:
“8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” That IS pretty clear…
In biblical Hebrew, as in English, killing (harag) and murder (ratzah) are two different words with two very different moral connotations, and the commandment uses the Hebrew word ratzah, which means that the proper translation of the commandment from Hebrew into English is, "Thou shalt not murder." The difference is crucial.
But we’ve always maintained that the King James version of the Bible has some problems. It’s pretty obvious to me that on one hand the Lord would say don’t kill, and then in other places in the Old Testament it would seem God condones killing.
All of this is just my own humble opinion of course. Here are a few tips:
1. Know thyself, and then don’t.
Check out all these different ways. Decide which ones fit you best, and prepare. But who knows, maybe you actually have talents you and no one else know about, and would have never guessed.
2. You need plans.
There are lots of different situations to prepare for: personal vs. couple vs. family vs. group, inside vs. outside vs. car, isolated vs. in a crowd, troublesome vs. life-threatening, etc.
3. You need to practice the plan.
4. Let the words of prophets (particularly the living), the scriptures, and especially the guidance of the Holy Ghost lead you. I share one account about this, and its importance:
I dreamed I was with a huge dude. He was big, bad, late 20’s/early 30’s, bald head, muscular. The situation was bad. He said to follow him, I thought yeah, no one could take him, that would be good. I had another feeling—like from the Holy Ghost—not to. We started walking, a group came but I still didn’t worry—until one guy pulled out a gun. Whoops. No amount of muscles beat that…
I’m glad it was just a dream.
Another example, from church history:
A mob was crossing the river to attack the Saints; the local Mormons were ready to ambush what would have been easy targets wading in deep water in a restrictive area; a messenger just arrived from Joseph Smith saying the prophet says to submit, not fight; the local leader prayed, felt the Holy Ghost say to follow the prophet; they submitted instead of fought, were captured but were later released; even though as they were leaving in a straight line (like old English battlefield shooting) they were fired at twice at close range by the whole mob, not one Saint was shot or even hit.
Here are some other ways for success:
Get your family involved. This might also help everyone’s self-confidence. Let everyone explore their own skills and talents.
Think of a list, in order of preference, you could use and areas to work on.
Ok, I keep saying defense and protection is more than just physical confrontation and violence. Here are some things to consider:
Let them know you’re watching.
Sometimes, just one other person being around, or watching, is enough to deter problems before they start. Especially if you’re holding a video camera, or a cellphone, or both.
Do something. Act.
This doesn’t necessarily mean violence. It could be: trying to calm the situation, pulling people apart, seeing if someone’s ok, especially if it was “on the spot” violence.
Get involved.
Depending on the threat, it can be “standing by” someone, physically fighting, or even using a weapon. Realize there are many more crimes deterred by a weapon than crimes committed with a weapon, and many situations are helped by weapons. But you must be wise wielding a weapon.
Take a look in the Book of Mormon at what the Nephites did in particular. Weapons, armor, strong defenses and forts, stratagems galore, praying for help and having faith, and yes fighting—all providing safety to the Nephites, protecting them from the Lamanites, and especially discouraging the enemy.
Now, I’m not saying become a crime fighter with a cape, I’m saying find like-minded people. Train together. Share your plans. Form friendships and brotherhoods.
Decide what you will do when faced with a threat. Involve your family and friends.
This is why I carry a gun. This is why I train. For this country, for my family, and because the alternative is for good people to do nothing and expect law, order, safety, and security.
Don’t just stand by. Hope is not a strategy. I hope this answers some questions.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
I’ve been asked why me, a member of the LDS Church and one who calls himself a follower of Christ, believes in owning, training with, and promoting, guns. “Guns are for killing, how can you follow Christ and promote killing?” I first correct them. My guns are not for killing but for defense. That may, or may not, involve killing. Next I ask if you can be Christian and a Police officer? They usually say “Of course!” That is how many people feel about law enforcement in the U.S. They have complete faith and confidence in them, as we all should, as I do. But we must be realistic.
Researchers found that less than 5 percent of all calls dispatched to police are made quickly enough for officers to stop a crime or arrest a suspect.
Gordon Witkin, Monika Guttman, and Tracy Lenzy, “This is 911 . . . Please Hold,” U.S. News & World Report, June 17, 1996, p. 30.
Police cannot protect us! They do all they can and do stop some crime with their presence, but often it is a short time before the crime starts up again.
“What about turning the other cheek?” some may ask me. Turning the other cheek is doing your best to avoid, de-escalate, or control the situation so that it doesn’t become violent. Who is more apt to tone down their own anger than someone armed but never has wanted to hurt anyone. Being armed and responsible makes you much more sensitive to ways to get out of a fight! I want to fight and run away so that I may be around to fight another day.
Then there is those pesky 10 commandments. Exodus 20:1-17. Verse 13 reads (6th commandment):
“13 Thou shalt not kill.”
That’s pretty clear right? Maybe not.
In the 8th Article of faith we read:
“8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” That IS pretty clear…
In biblical Hebrew, as in English, killing (harag) and murder (ratzah) are two different words with two very different moral connotations, and the commandment uses the Hebrew word ratzah, which means that the proper translation of the commandment from Hebrew into English is, "Thou shalt not murder." The difference is crucial.
But we’ve always maintained that the King James version of the Bible has some problems. It’s pretty obvious to me that on one hand the Lord would say don’t kill, and then in other places in the Old Testament it would seem God condones killing.
All of this is just my own humble opinion of course. Here are a few tips:
1. Know thyself, and then don’t.
Check out all these different ways. Decide which ones fit you best, and prepare. But who knows, maybe you actually have talents you and no one else know about, and would have never guessed.
2. You need plans.
There are lots of different situations to prepare for: personal vs. couple vs. family vs. group, inside vs. outside vs. car, isolated vs. in a crowd, troublesome vs. life-threatening, etc.
3. You need to practice the plan.
4. Let the words of prophets (particularly the living), the scriptures, and especially the guidance of the Holy Ghost lead you. I share one account about this, and its importance:
I dreamed I was with a huge dude. He was big, bad, late 20’s/early 30’s, bald head, muscular. The situation was bad. He said to follow him, I thought yeah, no one could take him, that would be good. I had another feeling—like from the Holy Ghost—not to. We started walking, a group came but I still didn’t worry—until one guy pulled out a gun. Whoops. No amount of muscles beat that…
I’m glad it was just a dream.
Another example, from church history:
A mob was crossing the river to attack the Saints; the local Mormons were ready to ambush what would have been easy targets wading in deep water in a restrictive area; a messenger just arrived from Joseph Smith saying the prophet says to submit, not fight; the local leader prayed, felt the Holy Ghost say to follow the prophet; they submitted instead of fought, were captured but were later released; even though as they were leaving in a straight line (like old English battlefield shooting) they were fired at twice at close range by the whole mob, not one Saint was shot or even hit.
Here are some other ways for success:
Get your family involved. This might also help everyone’s self-confidence. Let everyone explore their own skills and talents.
Think of a list, in order of preference, you could use and areas to work on.
Ok, I keep saying defense and protection is more than just physical confrontation and violence. Here are some things to consider:
Let them know you’re watching.
Sometimes, just one other person being around, or watching, is enough to deter problems before they start. Especially if you’re holding a video camera, or a cellphone, or both.
Do something. Act.
This doesn’t necessarily mean violence. It could be: trying to calm the situation, pulling people apart, seeing if someone’s ok, especially if it was “on the spot” violence.
Get involved.
Depending on the threat, it can be “standing by” someone, physically fighting, or even using a weapon. Realize there are many more crimes deterred by a weapon than crimes committed with a weapon, and many situations are helped by weapons. But you must be wise wielding a weapon.
Take a look in the Book of Mormon at what the Nephites did in particular. Weapons, armor, strong defenses and forts, stratagems galore, praying for help and having faith, and yes fighting—all providing safety to the Nephites, protecting them from the Lamanites, and especially discouraging the enemy.
Now, I’m not saying become a crime fighter with a cape, I’m saying find like-minded people. Train together. Share your plans. Form friendships and brotherhoods.
Decide what you will do when faced with a threat. Involve your family and friends.
This is why I carry a gun. This is why I train. For this country, for my family, and because the alternative is for good people to do nothing and expect law, order, safety, and security.
Don’t just stand by. Hope is not a strategy. I hope this answers some questions.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Why 9mm Defends Me
I know your caliber is better than mine and we may never agree about which gun, caliber, or ammo is best. But we can usually agree on one thing, having a gun, any gun, any caliber, any make, is better that having just hope. I know that with faith anything can be done, but it always helps to have the tools needed. Here are some of my reasons.
More
Plain and simple, a 9 is easier to conceal than higher caliber guns. But a 9 will also give me more bang for my buck. By virtue of size, weight, and even price, I can usually carry more than most. I'll admit .380, .25, and .22 lovers, you can probably carry more than my 9. But I am sure my ballistics are better than yours. I like the idea of carrying more ammo than I might with a higher caliber.
Cost
Look, at times I have been broke. I mean, really strapped for cash. Right now I have no kids in college but I do have a missionary in the field. Soon I'll have another so I don't really have extra money hanging around. I do reload but even then my 9mm bullets are cheaper than say, .40 or .45. So I know that I can reload cheaper but even without that, 9mm is cheaper and easier to find than other calibers.
The fact that I’m broke doesn’t stop me from training on a weekly basis, though. After all, my main goal whenever I carry (which is every single day of the week) is to be able to protect my family from an attacker.
9mm ammo is definitely cheaper than just about anything else out there. So, even if it doesn’t have the exact ballistics that its bigger brothers and sisters have, its similar enough to be effective while affordable enough to allow me the opportunity to practice with 100+ shots per week.
This is key, because if you don’t practice enough with your concealed carry gun, you’re not going to be as effective with it. And you might as well give the clarinet to a kid who will practice.
Follow up shots:
My full-size handguns chambered in 9mm allow me to get back on target much quicker than even some of the heavier guns in bigger calibers. A lot of the time, a bigger gun helps with recoil management which is why you never really ever see .45 pocket pistols.
The 9s usually have less recoil because it’s pushing a smaller projectile through the barrel. In other words, less force is required to get it going. Obviously, quicker follow up shots mean more holes, even thought they’re smaller than .45 ACP and .40 S&W.
Not so under-powered, depends on ammo:
While some folks will have you believe that it is under-powered I like to tell them that it isn’t under-powered, but under-rated.
One of my concealed carry rigs—which is a holster and mag pouches allows me to have a total of four 16 round magazines with a round in the pipe. I’m horrible at math, but I believe that if I multiply some digits and carry the one, that gives me 65 rounds of ammo. That ain’t bad!
Trusted by military and police:
The 9mm has been the go-to handgun round for the United States military since they adopted the M9 in the 80s. I know you’ve likely heard some grumblings about it, but keep in mind that military personnel aren’t allowed to use JHP ammo in combat, like the rest of civilized society is. In battle, if ball ammo must be used, the .45 is a better way to go. But, I’m no longer in the military and can carry whatever I want. Unless, of course, New Jersey is my destination.
Also, if it was incapable as a self-defense cartridge, I’m not sure why the FBI would be moving back to it, and away from the .40 S&W.
Ammo types:
Finally, there are tons of different kinds of ammo available in 9mm today that are capable of inflicting some serious damage. If you don’t have one it’s almost a shame. They range from small to big, and everywhere in between. Plus, bullet and powder technology have come a long way to inflict some serious damage on your attacker.
Conclusion:
We may not all agree on what’s the best to carry. Much in the same way that Marines poke fun at the Air Force (and they try to poke fun back, though, it never usually works as well for them), .45 ACPers will poke fun at us who are confident enough to carry a smaller cartridge. All that matters at the end of the day is that the Air Force comes to pick ground pounders up, and that you and I have each other’s backs when things go bad.
I'm confident that my 9 defends as well as any other handgun caliber. But wait, isn't a handgun just something to fight your way to your rifle with anyway?
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
PS Happy New Year!
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