May Drill Of The Month

Check out the page Trigger Time: Drill of the Month for more drills!

This is a drill that was taught to me by a Customs agent. He said it was taught to him by a Sniper Arron Perry, Canadian Forces.

Sniper Shot (Brain In a Box)

You'll need a small cardboard box approximately the size of a human head. Cut out half of the top from the middle. Insert an inflated balloon that's smaller than the inner dimensions of the box. There should be clearance on the sides, top, and bottom. Tie a string to the balloon and hang your target from the top piece of a target stand.
The shooter is given one round in a short time span to shoot the slightly swinging head and disrupt the central nervous system so that the suspect is unable to detonate his IED.

What shooters will see if they hit the box but miss the smaller balloon, is that the box will not drop as the balloon remains inflated because its diameter is larger than the hole you cut at the top of the box. Hit the head and the "brain" inside and the box will drop.
This drill emphasizes the critical nature of shot placement. A peripheral head shot may not immediately stop the suspect from killing.

Even with a dead solid perfect shot, there are no guarantees.

May Defense Scenario of The Month

Check out the "Scenario Of The Month" Page for scenarios and possible solutions. Comment with your solution.

May Scenario – Home Invasion
You’re in your living room watching TV with your wife. Your teenaged daughters are in their own rooms. You live in a close, safe neighborhood.
At 9:00PM you hear a knock on the door and your wife gets up to answer the door. After the door is unlocked you hear a sudden outburst as two strange young men burst through the door and into your living room. As the door crashes open, you see your spouse is being punched and beaten to the floor. Before you have time react you are overcome by physical force and threats of harm to you and your family. The two men are brandishing guns and are shouting obscene threats and commands simultaneously as they push you onto the couch. One of the men quickly searches the house for other occupants while the other stands guard over you.
What would you do?

Concealed Carry In A Vehicle

If you’ve read this blog long enough you would know that I like concealed carry. I don’t care much for open carry but I really like concealed carry. I must admit that I was carrying concealed for many years before it was legal. I have been legal for some time now and intend to stay that way. How do you carry concealed in a car? That is an intriguing question.
I feel the best way to conceal carry is on your person. That is the way I have done it for a long time. I do not carry where it is not legal like a post office or other federal building. I also do not carry where the proper signage exists, but otherwise, everywhere, all the time. And that is my recommendation. Learn the laws where you live or visit, and follow them. By your gun being with you, you would have the best control over that weapon. That is the safest way.
But there are those who cannot or prefer not to carry on themselves in a vehicle. It is too awkward or uncomfortable for them. The problem is, that most of the holsters and lock boxes out there are insufficient for concealed carry in the vehicle. So what do you do?
Regardless of what you do, your concealment should have some key attributes. The first being, accessibility. How can you get to it? Are there things it can snag on? Is it truly concealed?
Some may lock their gun in a lock box or a glove compartment. It is safe and secure, but how do you defend yourself with something locked away? This is a dangerous way to carry your gun in a car if you want to defend yourself. I’m being kind, it’s a stupid way to carry if you want to defend yourself.
Does your method of carry blend in with your vehicle? Is it obvious that you have a gun hidden? If a car-jacker sees that you are armed what do you think his response would be if he is armed? What if you are pulled over for a legitimate reason and the police officer sees that you are armed?
Some folks simply unholster their defensive handgun when getting in their vehicle and place it close by. While this is not a bad idea, one should really be careful that the handgun is placed in a secure location and that this is legal in the region of travel. Simply sticking it under your thigh can be a serious mistake.
One of the FBI agents that was involved in the Miami Massacre of the 1980s did that very thing. Later, when he rammed the bad guys' car, his gun went flying and he didn't find it until the resulting gunfight was over. The same thing can happen to you if your vehicle is rammed during a carjacking attempt.
If you choose to unholster your handgun, you should have a secure place to keep it. That secure location should also be out of sight for anyone who might look into the car. A holster located on the front face of the driver's seat would be a good location. A holster, especially one made of Kydex, fastened to the side of the console would also make sense. Just make sure that it is low enough to be concealed from view.
As with your regular firearms presentation, vehicle carry should be practiced too. Take the time to go sit in your car, buckle up and work on your presentation. Try it from various locations, on your person and secured in the vehicle. Based upon your personal situation and the physical aspects of your individual vehicle, you should be able to find a secure and relatively quick method for defensive carry. Once you've got an idea of how to carry, have someone give you the command and time your vehicle presentation. When you can present the handgun from a secure location in about 2 seconds, you know that you are on the right track.
You must have easy access to the weapon but it should be concealed.
There are some but not a lot of options. Most of what is out there is meant to be secure and hidden, without giving someone who needs to defend themselves a lot of reaction time to open up a locked safe or reach over to the glove box.
I think the best mode of carry is always on your body. But, for some drivers, on body carry can be extremely uncomfortable, or impractical, especially for long distances.
Whatever you do, make sure you understand the laws for your area and follow them. Defense from a car is different than any other place.
Remember the importance of practice. I have pulled alongside the range I go to and shot from my window. I wanted to know what it was like to shoot from there. If you are able to do this make sure it is done safely. I did it only when I was the only person at the range. I made sure I was not shooting next to any poles so that I had a clear field of fire. I can also drive down onto the range itself to be completely safe. This is not a bad idea but only do it where it is authorized and safe. While In the military during a training course I shot through a vehicles side window. It is weird and it really threw my shot off. I have since shot through old vehicle windows at a range to try and duplicate shooting in a vehicle. If you have the opportunity and can do it safely, I would recommend the experience.
Carrying in a vehicle has its challenges, but if you work them out now, when you need a gun in your vehicle you will be prepared.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Privacy And Communication

Privacy is something that I value highly. I recently changed my Facebook profile picture and got rid of the picture of me. I got grief from my family. They called me paranoid and many other hurtful, meany names. They almost hurt my feelings… I just informed them, in my condescending way, that I am careful. They are probably right, the government has my fingerprints and background checks for at least the last 25 years. But at least they know I’m safe. Anyway, I still like to be careful. I’ve told this story before but I think it bears repeating.
We have some good friends in a city about 3 hours away. We have their daughter on Facebook but they are not into that. We’ll call this daughter Michelle*. When school started this year Michelle’s young son was going to his first day of Pre-K and so she took a picture of her little guy. He had a sign around his neck saying “First day of Pre-K” with his first name. Because it was on Michelle’s page we had his last name too. She posted it on Facebook. I commented to my wife that there was a lot of information in the picture. Not only did we have a pretty good idea of the boy’s age, we had his first name, and right next to him on his porch, where the picture was taken, was his address number. There was nothing else. After texting her daughter, our friend texted us back saying Michelle wasn’t “too worried” about the picture. I sensed the same attitude my family had for me when I changed my profile picture. So I asked my 20 year old daughter to get on her Facebook page and find out all she could about Michelle’s boy.
My daughter is not “friends” on Facebook with Michelle so she could only see what anyone else could see on Michelle’s Facebook page. From the information on this page, and a little Google work, my daughter was able to figure out Michelle’s full name and address. Michelle’s husband’s name and where he worked. She figured out what Pre-K he went to, what his teacher’s name was, and the schedule of the school. She figured this out in a matter of 20 minutes with Google and Facebook. If she was a pervert, she could have devised a plan to try and kidnap that boy with all that personal information. “Hi. I’m here to pick up Jimmy*. Michelle told me her husband Jack* had to work late so she asked if I’d pick him up. Is he still in Mrs. Brown’s* class?” That’s a lot of personal info.
The FBI may have a harder time than my daughter did dealing with messages on phones or other devices. End-to-end encryption has pretty much done away with any monitoring. The aps Telegram or Whatsapp have ensured that no one can read their encryption if monitored. That may give you, or the bad guys, a little freedom but don’t get too cozy. Once your messages are on your device, they are pretty much there forever. So if what you are doing is illegal or tied to crime, a warrant to search your device will change that feeling of security. Since the FBI opened the San Bernadino bombers I-phone that security may be compromised. If you want to remain hidden in your communication, better devise code with a code key, otherwise you may be monitored. I realize the importance of law enforcement gathering their evidence and I am glad the FBI took care of their own work instead of compelling a non-government company to do it for them. Things are changing in the industry of technology constantly. Security of websites, communication, and other digital media will change rapidly. Do not think that you are completely safe in the cyber world. Always do things with caution. I’m talking about lawful activity here, things you’d prefer to be private. Be careful how much you reveal about what you do, and how you do it (opsec). I’m not really that worried about my government, although you don’t want to be involved with anything illegal. What I do not want well known is what I prepare, how I prepare, and where I prepare. I am not a threat to anyone so I consider my preparation information private. I also want to guard against crime.
I like encryption though I’m sure law enforcement would like to be able to crack it easier. But you know something? 20 years ago these devices were not so prevalent. How did criminals and law enforcement do what they do? I guess it was different and criminals are using this technology. As I’ve said before though:
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Benjamin Franklin
Here is the article I took some of this article from on C/NET News
http://www.cnet.com/news/the-fbis-problems-just-got-worse-whatsapp-is-encrypting-all-its-service/
I have read briefings of incidents concerning military facilities like bases and recruiting stations, being targeted by suspicious activity. Some of it may be innocent, but I doubt all of it is. It is imperative to be vigilant where ever you shop, go to school, or work. Be extra careful around places with large crowds. I’m not saying never go to a ball game again, I’m saying you should be alert and vigilant.
Being safe online is much more important than you think. It can go from cyber world to real world very fast. I realize there aren’t as many stalkers of random people out there as “Criminal Minds” and “CSI” seems to deal with, but being careful will ensure you are never a victim. Besides, social media is not very real. It’s a good way to communicate and share pictures but how you feel on Facebook is probably not what you really feel. The real risk is in identity theft and other fraud. This is very common these days and it can cause anything from annoyance to monetary loss. These days will not be safer and more secure unless you make then that way.
*Not real names.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Security At A Rest Stop

We will be traveling soon a few states away. When I was younger we used to travel at night so that the kids would sleep. We’d also do very little stopping.
I traveled one time when were in the military from Texas to Arizona by myself. I don’t remember the circumstances, but I remember stopping at a rest stop. I rarely travel alone, especially back then, and I also rarely stop at a rest stop. As I drove in I noticed the people there. Nothing seemed out of place so I stopped. I was prepared to keep going. I was on high alert and was armed as I made my way to the men’s restroom. I was in and out in less than 2 minutes. These are some of the thoughts I have in thinking back on that experience.
If possible, don’t even use rest stops. It may be safer to use a more public option such as a gas station or a restaurant. Always remember, though, that the dangers can be the same no matter where you are.
As you pull into the rest area, take notice of its name or the closest mile marker, in case there is an emergency and you need to tell authorities where you are.
Proper lighting can go a long way in discouraging crime at rest areas. Buildings are often well-lit, but look for places where the parking lot is illuminated as well. At night, avoid the peripheral parts of the rest area, like picnic tables, trails and surrounding woods, where illegal activity sometimes occurs
Avoid parking close to tractor-trailers, which need a lot of space to maneuver and which could also block other people from seeing your car, providing the kind of cover that criminals often seek out.
Pay attention to how many people are in the restroom, where they are and what they are doing. Listen to people entering the restroom. Are they whispering? Are they making plans? Does it seem suspicious? Use all of your senses to help maintain your security.
It is a good idea to always take your kids in the restroom with you no matter what their age. Don’t let them go alone, don’t leave them in your vehicle and don’t let them run around the area alone. It only takes a few seconds for someone to scoop up a child and be on the highway and out of sight in no time. Another idea is to take your small kids into the stall with you. Have them use the bathroom and if you have to go, have them turn around. Its better this way than to have something happen to them.
If you are a couple with no kids, it’s a good idea to let one person go to the restroom and the other stand outside the doorway. This is just in case one or the other is in need of assistance.
As you enter the restroom, look around for alternate escape routes in case you need to get away quickly. Many restrooms and rest stops do not have windows or a second exit. Be aware that the door you entered could be the only exit.
Check the doorway before you enter the restroom, just like you should any door anywhere, and when you exit a stall or the restroom, check again. This could prove to be serious blunder if you just walk through without paying attention to what or who is to the side or in front of the door.
If I have to use the stalls, I always make sure not to use the last stall so as not to corner or trap myself. If I use the urinal, I use the reflection in the chrome pipes to see around and behind me. Don’t be afraid to always look over your shoulder, turn and look behind you, and see what and who is around you. It makes no difference if you make someone else uncomfortable in a public restroom by looking around; your safety is much more important than someone else’s feelings.
Look up. A simple common sense thing to do, yet most people don’t even think of it and generally never do no matter where they are. If you are outside the restroom, by the trees or the building, take a look up. Criminals could be up in a tree, on the roof of the rest stop or inside on a ceiling rafter waiting to jump down on top of you. This will take you by complete surprise and could prove to be fatal. Don’t think it doesn’t happen, because it does.
If you don’t already carry a flashlight, take one with you whether you are going into the rest stop or walking your dog by the trees. Even in daylight, a flashlight can prove to be helpful. You can use it as a defense tool or if someone turns the power off to the building.
While it may be cheap to spend the night at a rest area, it isn't necessarily safe. Many states have banned sleeping at rest stops due to increased crime, and many others have put up signs that discourage it. Your best bet is to look for campgrounds or state parks along your route where, for a fee, you can more safely snooze in your car
Stopping at a highway rest stop or using a public restroom should be like anything else you do. It takes common sense and being aware of what is going on around you and being prepared for what could happen. Don’t let the simplest task of going to the restroom make you complacent with your safety and security.
Always be of the mindset of security. Always have your head up. See problems before they become problems and avoid them. Protect yourself and your loved ones with a mindset of security.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Concealed Carry: When To Draw

I am not a lawyer. I do not give out legal advice. Never think that I know all about gun laws, especially your gun laws. Be responsible and find out the gun laws where you live and abide by them. Don’t do stupid things with guns! Disclaimers are pretty boring huh?
In January 2012 in South Carolina Two young men, identified in the report as Dante Williams and Jawan Craig, attempted to rob a Waffle House restaurant. The report states that the two threatened patrons. A surveillance camera captured Williams approaching one of the restaurant’s diners, specifically, a man named Justin Harrison, who happens to be a concealed carry permit holder. He said that, after witnessing the two guys threatening and scaring the other patrons, he decided he didn’t want to become a victim. As Williams approached him, gun drawn (apparently verified by the security cam footage), Harrison drew his concealed carry pistol and fired on Williams several times. Williams didn’t survive the encounter. Allegedly, Williams’ accomplice, Craig, then tried to get Harrison’s gun, unsuccessfully. Eventually, Craig extricated himself from the scuffle, and ran away. Since the crime, Harrison’s lethal actions against Williams have been deemed justifiable, while Craig has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his involvement in the crime.
The 10 commandments of concealed carry by Massad Ayoob.
Always, Everywhere. Carry legally always, and everywhere.
Don’t carry if you aren’t prepared to use it.
Don’t Let A Gun Make You Reckless. Don’t do stupid things because you’re armed now.
Get A License. I’m not interested in your views about gun carry, we all have opinions, follow your local and state laws! I have not always done this, but I try to be legal always.
Know What You’re Doing. There is nothing more dangerous than a person with a gun, who shoots once every 3 months, but thinks they are competent because they have been shooting guns (every 3 months) since they were a kid. It’s not enough guys, trust me. I barely survive with once a week. If I miss a week, I can tell. Not only that, get trained. Then get trained again. Then again. I was a trained, and qualified small arms instructor in the military. We got extensive training every year. I have trained 100’s of military non comms and officers on pistols, revolvers, assault rifles (the real kind), and M60 machine guns. I still need training. Shooting is a perishable skill. Get good training and practice. Also, learn, and keep up, on all laws where you live. That’s a responsibility of carrying.
Concealed Means Concealed. This is one you must be aware of. Some people out there are really afraid of guns. Some of them freak out when they know someone is carrying. I think it’s getting better out there, but some places are not used to seeing someone with a gun. Laws are also catching up with the many people who have started to legally carry. It used to be that if anyone even saw your weapon it was called brandishing. Many states have changed to a more reasonable law. But you are ultimately responsible. Keep it concealed. Buy quality holsters and belts to retain your gun. You may have to change your wardrobe a little. A few days ago we had some really good friends come from another town to visit. He is a retired Customs agent and carries everywhere. I noticed right off that he was wearing a sweater vest and it was 80 degrees out. But his gun was concealed. Sometimes you have to be creative.
Maximize your Firearm Familiarity. Know your weapon inside and out. Know its limitations and know its workings. Don’t get caught trying to figure out where the safety is, or where the magazine release is, know your gun.
Understand the Fine Points. Laws change frequently, and it’s your responsibility to keep up with them as a person who carries a firearm. Also understand and familiarize yourself with the laws of states you are planning to visit – or even drive through. One thing that’s legal in your state could land you in jail in the state next door. A great resource for firearm laws is www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-laws.aspx. Check it often and make sure you’re caught up.
Carry an Adequate Firearm. Find yourself a firearm that covers all the bases. Make sure it’s a caliber you can efficiently handle and provides a reasonable amount of ammunition. Carrying an extra magazine isn’t a bad idea either. Consider a backup weapon. If the primary goes down, you lose hold of the gun, or it runs out of ammo, a backup can save the day. The best magazine change is to another gun.
Use Common Sense. As has been said before, owning/carrying a gun is a serious responsibility. Keep your head on straight. Don’t drink and carry. Maybe you shouldn’t put that gun on the floor in the bathroom stall. If you have anger issues, maybe you shouldn’t carry. Use good judgement and common sense with not only firearms, but everything you do in life. Your responsibility level is elevated once you strap on a firearm. Be smart about it. Be safe about it.
Drawing your gun should mean only two things: your, or someone else’s, lives are in danger, and you need to use lethal force to stop that threat. That’s it. You’re not going to fire a warning shot. You’re not trying to scare anyone. You’re defending life from a threat to that life. There is no other reason. If you think there is another reason, maybe you should not carry a gun.
Be especially alert and attentive when you carry. This should be always. Many confrontations can be avoided if attention is paid to what’s going on around you. Making the choice to pull out that gun is a heavy responsibility. It’s one that should never be taken lightly. Be sure all your ducks are in a row and that you are safe with everyone, including the would be attacker. Yes, we want to stop the threat, but I’d just as soon it never comes to that. Be careful choosing a side in someone else’s fight. Defending others can be tricky so be as sure as you would be if you were being attacked. Remember also that you are in charge of each and every one of those bullets you shoot. Make sure they hit their intended target and keep others safe. Remember what the author Robert A. Heinlein said, “An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Survival Guns

There are many people from all kinds of backgrounds who will give you advice on the “perfect” preparedness gun and ammunition. I am here to tell you that I am the only one who has the correct information! Actually, as in all things, this is a very personal thing. I think you can generalize preparedness, but when it comes right down to it, it is something that is individual. So I want to present some ideas about this and my opinion to a certain degree. Take this as a guide or a foundation, then find what is right for you.
Handgun
Examples: 1911, Springfield Armory (.45ACP) HK UMP .45ACP, S&W M&P, Glock
Uses: Concealed carry, day-to-day shooting, self-defense, backup weapon to rifle
What to look for when choosing a handgun: Center-fire cartridge, minimum 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP for automatic or .357 magnum for revolver
Recommended rounds to store: At least 1000 rounds
Bottom line: A handgun is a must-have for self-defense and survival, especially if you want to concealed carry (which you should). Ammo for 9mm handguns is abundant, which is a huge plus. 9mm’s are also easy enough to handle for women and young adults. The debate between automatic and revolver is never ending, but it all comes down to personal preference.
Battle rifle
Examples: AR-15, HK-91, AK-47, M1A/M14, Ruger mini 14 or 30 in either .308 or .223
Uses: Defense, hunting
What to look for when choosing a combat rifle: magazine-fed, semi-auto, minimum 300 meter accuracy, center-fired rifle cartridge, detachable magazine with capacity for at least 20 rounds (if legal in your state), dependable iron sights.
Recommended rounds to store: At least 2000 rounds
Bottom line: A good combat rifle makes an ideal go-to weapon for both hunting and self-defense, so this is not a weapon you want to scrimp on. If you’re only going to have one survival gun, this should be it.
Shotgun
Examples: Mossberg 500, Remington 870, Stevens/Savage 511, Benelli Super-90
Uses: Typically a hunting weapon, but often used in combat as well. Best for up-close shooting unless hunting.
What to look for when choosing a shotgun: 12 gauge (or 20 gauge for less experienced shooters) Pump action over semi-auto, it’s more reliable.
Recommended rounds to store: At least 500 rounds
Bottom line: This is a really versatile survival weapon with many variables. I prefer pump-action, but other types are great too. Shotguns have great accuracy and are easy to shoot, but may not be the best choice for self-defense.
Hunting/Sniper rifle
Examples: Winchester Model 70, Remington 700, AR-30, M40A3, Nighthawk Tactical .338 Lapua Magnum, Barrett 98/Bravo .338 Lapua Magnum
Uses: Long-range precision shooting, hunting
What to look for when choosing a long-range rifle: Center-fire cartridge, ability to take down medium to large game, 308 or 30-06 (my preferences; your needs may vary depending on your environment and skill), accuracy.
Recommended rounds to store: At least 500 rounds
Bottom line: If you have a combat rifle, it’s debatable whether you need a long-range rifle too. But these guns are great for shooting big game at a distance, and the US military even uses some long-range rifles as sniper weapons. These weapons and their ammo aren’t cheap, but in certain situations and environments, it’s worth the investment.
Rimfire rifle
Examples: Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60, Henry Lever action
Uses: Small game, last-resort self defense
What to look for when choosing a rimfire rifle: A .22 is your best bet. Bolt, lever, semi-auto, magazine, single shot, or tube fed all comes down to personal preference. I love 10-22’s!
Recommended rounds to store: At least 3000 rounds
Bottom line: This is a handy gun, compact, and easy to shoot and carry. It’s also inexpensive and ammo is easy to come by. A .22 is a great “starter gun” for novice shooters.
Surplus Rifle
Examples: Mosin Nagant, SKS, Makarov, M-1 Carbine, Enfield Jungle Carbine
Uses: Backup weapon, good for novice or ill-equipped shooters (in other words, when things go bad, you can loan it to someone you trust)
What to look for when choosing a surplus weapon: This will depend on the specific weapon, since surplus weapons can come in a variety of styles. Generally, stick with the recommendations listed for other guns.
Recommended rounds to store: At least 2000 rounds
Bottom line: In general, ammo for surplus weapons is cheap and readily available. The weapons themselves are in low demand, making them inexpensive and easy to find. While not an essential item, a surplus weapon is great to have as backup and is usually durable, and well-built.
A well-stocked gun safe with a variety of reliable guns and ammo is essential. In my opinion, these six guns are the basics of any decent gun collection. Every gun on this list is affordable (around $300 or less) and would do the trick if needed for self-defense or hunting food.
Since each gun serves its own unique purpose, it’s good to have a well-stocked gun safe with plenty of survival weapons to choose from. Plus, who doesn’t want an excuse to buy more guns and ammo?
There are all kinds of ideas in how much ammunition to store. The above recommendations are my own. Can you ever have too much ammo?
Remember, this is just a working foundation. If you start with these recommendations, figure out your needs and wants, and built your survival gun safe.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Power Out Preparedness

We live in the country outside of a small town in the Southwest. We’ve always tried to be self-sufficient but are still tied to the power grid like many of you. Because we live a ways out our power seems to go out more often than in town. So because of this annoyance, we have prepared for the inevitable. For some of you, a power outage of 4 days may actually be life threatening. We live a in a generally warm climate that gets hot in the Summer but rarely gets below freezing. We heat our home with a wood stove and cook with propane. If we had a long power outage I think we could manage. This article is to help you to prepare so that you can manage where ever you live. Living in the Northern tier states where it is cold in winter the folks up there have a little different problem. Too hot means shade and water. Too cold means warmth. So up north you should have multiple ways to stay warm in your home. Here are some.
Warmth
Propane heaters (need to vent). Need to store propane.
Kerosene heaters (need to vent). Need to store kerosene.
Wood stove (need to vent). Need to store wood.
What I mean by vent is if you are burning anything (wood, propane) you run the risk of depleting your oxygen. If you keep the house/room vented (some type of fresh air coming in) then your risk is much less. Especially when you are asleep.
Fireplace. Need to store wood
These 4 sources may also offer some light. Some wood stoves have a cook top.
Blankets. Wool is best it will even maintain its heat properties when wet.
Warm layered clothes. Loose fitting and layered warm the best.
There is foam clothing on the market. I’ve never used it, but they are supposed to be great.
Stay in 1 or 2 rooms. Close off the rest of the house. You can even use plastic sheeting to get a good seal to keep warmth in.
Hot drinks help to keep warm. Have lots of cocoa.
Hand warmers work real well for warmth. I’ve used one in a sleeping bag and it kept me warm through a frosty night. Two hand warmers were too much for my friend in his sleeping bag. They were too warm!
Sleeping bags
Set up a tent in your living room if you have the room. This keeps heat in a confined space.
Solar power can power a heater.
A generator can also power an electric heater. You need to store gas for a generator and don’t run one in the house or in a building.
You can make a portable alcohol heater with a roll of toilet paper and a new small paint can. Remember to be careful with flammable liquids.
Campfires can keep you cozy all night outside in a sleeping bag and tent. But you must know how to build, maintain, reflect, and keep safe with a campfire.
**Remember safety in heating with volatile fuel. Store it correctly and use the heater correctly. Heaters can cause burns or start fires, be very aware of these things especially when sleeping. Have a fire extinguisher near and smoke and CO2 alarms to alert you with safety.**
Light
As was mentioned above, some heaters can be used as a light source too.
Any power generators can obviously power lights too.
Flashlights. Some will tell you C and D cells is what you should have. You can decide for yourself, but whatever you do, try to standardize your battery use. We use AA and AAA batteries almost exclusively. I like their size and weight. Flashlight technology has come a long way in the recent years. You are able to find a high lumen (I like 200 or more) LED bulb AA flashlight that will not break the bank. There are some very expensive tactical lights out there. But if you look, you can find some small, powerful lights out there.
Lanterns. There are some good, bright, versatile battery powered lanterns that are very good out there too. There are also cheap, low power for very little cost. Consider 12 volt lights too. They run off of solar panels and vehicle batteries. There are still white gas camping lanterns too that still work well. Remember to vent when burning fuel.
Hurricane lamps run off of kerosene, or even cooking oil. You can make a cooking oil lamp from a canning jar with a slit in the lid for the wick. Obviously you need a storage of fuel for these but wicks would be a good idea too. Learn the intricacies of these lamps. There is an art to it. Be safe with them and their fuel.
Candles. They are cheap, plentiful, and usually available. They are pretty dim and there is a mess of wax (or paraffin) as they melt. Good candle stands are important. There is great fire hazard in using candles. Be safe.
Light sticks. These are great and give off pretty good light. They are safe and last usually a few hours. But once you start it, it can’t be turned off. And they are throw-aways. But these are also fairly cheap and store very well. They are very portable as well.
Matches and lighters. These give off minimal temporary light. But they are good for starting fires.
If the power is out we generally go with the sun. Awake when it comes up, go to sleep when it goes down. This way we keep consumption of resources to a minimum.
Food
If you lose power for several days you should eat the food in your fridge and freezer. A freezer will remain cold if full and unopened for 48 hours. 24 hours if half full. Your fridge needs to be cleaned out quickly. It will stay cold only about 4-5 hours with no power.
You should have several ways of cooking.
Gas stove. Natural or propane is good. The problem may be in the oven. Our stove need electricity to start the oven. It has no pilot light. Newer stoves have this feature. You may have to light it yourself and that can be dangerous.
Camping stoves. There are many gas camping stoves out there. The old white gas pump stoves still work but you must store white gas. The newer gas camping stoves are good but you must store the gas.
We have large and small rocket stoves that run off of wood or paper. We can also put our camping oven on the rocket stove.
We also have a solar oven. These work great but you need some experience with them to use them well.
Fire pits, camp fires, and barbecues. All of these are great but you do need some experience with them. A gas barbecue works just like a gas stove. But cooking with charcoal requires the charcoal and some skill. Building a camp fire and cooking on it is not as easy as it looks in the cowboy movies. Using all of these with a Dutch oven is also something that requires skill and experience. Being able to start a fire in all kinds of weather is another skill that is required. The more primitive you get, the more skill that is required.
Fire building and starting can be done in many ways. I have a fire starting kit where I can start fires in about 8 different ways. I like redundancy. This should be practiced often. Even if it’s just in your barbecue. If you’re inclined toward primitive skills learn to start fires with flint and steel, bow and drill, hand drill, and plough are ways to this. They are more difficult and require time and effort. But once you have learned, what a skill to pass on to future generations! I spent about 4 hours as a leader at a Boy Scout summer camp learning the bow and drill process. I still need lots of practice. After teaching fire building to Boy Scouts for years I’ve learned one thing, start a fire the easiest way that is available. It’s good to know primitive skills and to practice them, but a lighter with Trioxene starters is still the easiest for me. Lots of other things work real well too. Try some of the sparkers out there. There are some real good ones. I’ve tried many but still go back to a lighter. I carry a fire steel and striker in my EDC though.
We have a camping “chuck box”. This has everything in it for cooking and eating in a camping situation. I’d recommend one for disasters if you don’t camp. After we use it camping we restock it so that it always has cooking spray, aluminum foil, paper goods, and matches. Make sure you have a can opener in your storage.
Food storage is also something that should be maintained. Some food such as freeze dried or MRE’s should be stored for short-term and once things have settled you can start using your long term storage if the power is still out.
Communication (Commo)
Battery power is important using electronics. Every household should have a battery powered radio. Know how to store batteries and which batteries would be best for you. I use a Goal Zero solar panel to recharge lithium batteries. I also have some hand crank radios.
Solar power is a great alternative to power but the average household may not have the money to go completely solar. It is costly but that cost will be recouped within a few years. I’d love to do that myself but the cost always gets in the way. There is not solar contractor in our small town but if there is one close to you, it would be good to get an estimate of what going off the grid would cost. The problem that I see is the days of a person working at the same job for 20 to 30 years and then retiring, living in the same home, are pretty much gone. I believe that I will probably do that. I like the stability. People change jobs and move too much. Anyway, if you plan to stay in your home it would be good to consider solar, and wind, power. In the mean time you can build or buy a solar generator. You can just get a few solar panels and some marine batteries and run a few things from that.
Rechargeable batteries are a lot more common than they used to be. The technology has improved also. We have many rechargeable batteries. They are a little more pricey than alkaline batteries. We would buy them 4 at a time a few times a month until we got to the desired amount we wanted. Rechargers are not real expensive but of course you can use them over and over again. I wanted a way to recharge off the grid so that’s why we have a solar charger.
As far as electronics go, I mentioned a radio. This would be a standard AM/FM. Shortwave is also a good option.
We have the usual array of computers, games, and I-pads.
I have ventured slightly into HAM radio. We have a few handhelds. I’d like to learn more and get licensed for the knowledge and for the communication option. We have 4 CB walkie-talkies that we could use up to a mile or two.
Everyone has cell phones but I wouldn’t count on those during a crisis. Cell phone towers usually have an 8 hour battery capacity. Some have backup generators. After hurricanes Katrina and Sandy the cell phone industry beefed up their tower capacity. Before Sandy they had already started to ensure some service during disasters, but now they are in pretty good shape. It depends on your location of course, but at least spotty service is usually available after a disaster. Make sure you have car adapters to charge your phones and other devices. Make it a practice of never letting your car get below half a tank of gas. You could also store gas for your vehicle. If you have a generator it can be stored for that too.
Remember to not store batteries inside radios and flashlights. Store them with them not in them.
It’s a good idea to have a clock that runs off of batteries somewhere in the house. There are watches but a battery powered clock in a common area will make a difference.
Water
In a grid down situation water and sewage will eventually stop. Water storage is extremely important and very easy to do. Water filters, tablets, and purification means should also be stored.
Washing
Good hygiene is very important always but especially in a disaster. If you’re water is running and the disaster is extended, your water and sewage won’t last. We have a well (electricity) and a septic system. Our septic system needs only minimal maintenance. Our well will be off in a power down situation. We have stored water and other sources with filters if necessary. But we have a generator that can run our well for limited times.
We also have an outside shower. We can use solar showers or a solar system to heat the water. Storing soap for showers and cleaning is important. One of my problems with a disaster is possibly no showers. I have to have a shower available so I have made plans to have one available. We store a year supply of soap and shampoo. This is not as much as you think. Net time you take out a container for soap or shampoo, write a date on it. See how long it lasts and then do the math to figure out how much you need for a year. Then plan accordingly. Do the same with laundry detergent or dishwashing soap. Have these on hand to clean and keep clean.
Entertainment
Having card games and board games will help pass the time. Instead of using precious power for video games or movies have games and books. When I was in the military I was on a mobility team. We had our A, B, C bags always ready to deploy. I had a deck of cards in my personal bag. It came in handy on long flights or long exercises. Maintaining a good library is important any time. I also like a good reference library. With no electricity there is no internet.
72 Hour Kits (bugout bags=bob)
Raiding your kits is never a good idea. If you are sheltering in place (bugging in) from whatever disaster you are experiencing, you may still have to evacuate (bug out) because of fire, water, chemical spills, nuclear plants near you, a myriad of other reasons. Use your bob sparingly. You could take “unperishable” things from it like clothing. But be aware that if you must leave there is a high chance you may not remember everything that was originally in the bag. Be careful with this.
Storing
Fuel
Gasoline will degrade over time. A fuel stabilizer will help to keep that gas good for a longer period. I’ve stored stabilized fuel for 2 years without a problem. But I think that’s pushing it. For my fuel storage I use a year as my bench mark. I rotate fuel through my vehicles. I set my standard at year, but in truth, it’s probably closer to 6 months. Do not put bad gas in a vehicle! It will mess up an engine fast. I use screens and filters as much as possible when transferring gas from container to vehicle/equipment. Keep good records of when you bought the gas, when it was stabilized, and rotated. Always use stabilizer.
Store fuel, any fuel, away from flame and if possible away from sheds and buildings. Ours in locked in a chain link dog kennel. It originally did not have a roof so I put one on it. This way it is secured but far enough from buildings. Be careful to store fuel away from stored water too. Check the laws in your area for fuel storage as far as how and what amounts. Often that limit is 25 gallons. Make sure the containers are approved for fuel storage. Other containers may degrade or crack. They say to only fill containers 95%. I say, the fuller the container, the fresher the fuel. But it does expand with heat so leave some room. Use good judgement. Cap it tight. Keep fuel storage out of the sun.
Firewood

We have heated with wood for 25 years. I prefer seasoned (dried) wood. But I will burn what I can. I usually season wood for a year. Depending on your climate you will use wood to heat/cook at a fast rate. I know from experience that we need at least a cord (4’X4’X8’) of wood per winter. But as I said, we live in the southwest and seldom get freezing temperatures. In a cold climate you may use 2 to 3 cords of wood a year. Harder wood is better. It burns longer and leaves more coals. Soft wood burns quickly. A wood shed is ideal but not necessary. We keep our wood on racks and covered to keep it dry. We keep our wood away from our house in case of insects, termites in particular, that may be in the wood. I would not keep a stack up against my house.
Batteries
Keep batteries stored in one place. Alkaline batteries stored at "room temperature" self-discharge at a rate of less than two percent per year. So normally refrigerating or freezing them will only help maintain their charge by a tiny amount. Hardly worth the effort of chilling them. However, if alkaline batteries are stored at higher temperatures they will start to lose capacity much quicker.
Rechargeable NiMH and NiCd batteries self-discharge at a MUCH faster rate than alkaline batteries. In fact, at "room temperature" (about 70 degrees F) NiMH and NiCD batteries will self-discharge a few percent PER DAY. Storing them at lower temperatures will slow their self-discharge rate dramatically. NiMH batteries stored at freezing will retain over 90% of their charge for a full month. So it might make sense to store them in a freezer. If you do, it's best to bring them back to room temperature before using them. Even if you don't freeze your NiMH batteries after charging them, you should store them in a cool place to minimize their self-discharge.
Don’t store batteries in equipment you don’t use regularly.

As you can see it takes some thought, time, and money, to be prepared. A power outage usually only last a few hours or in a bad situation, a few weeks. Once it is restored, your former life can be restored. Learn to live differently. Do things that don’t make you so dependent on electricity. Change the way you do things. The more you do this in your life, the better prepared you will be when you MUST live with electricity.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Texas, The Alamo, And Independance

I love Texas. I love the history. I love the independence. Mostly I love the loyalty and patriotism that Texans have for Texas and for the United States of America. When you look at the refiners fire Texas went through, the six flags that have flown over the state, you begin to understand why the feelings Texans have are for real.
Davy Crockett was a bigger than life character. For some reason at certain times in our history writers have made legends. When the west was being tamed, these stories flourished in the east.
His first rifle, a .48-caliber flintlock, hasn't been outside Tennessee since 1806, and now resides in the pioneer collection at the East Tennessee Historical Society Museum in Knoxville. For much appreciated service in the Tennessee State Assembly, Crockett's Lawrence County constituents presented him with a .40-caliber flintlock crafted by James Graham around 1822.

Calling this rifle "Old Betsy", Crockett used it to kill 125 bears between 1825 and 1834. When he departed for Texas in 1835, Davy left "Old Betsy" with his son, John Wesley. Today, it resides in the Alamo Museum collection in San Antonio.

"Pretty Betsy," a rifle presented to Crockett in 1834 by the Whigs of Philadelphia, is located at Nashville, Tenn. None of these rifles took part in the Alamo fighting in the closing weeks of Crockett's life.

Historical documents record Davy Crockett sold two rifles to Colonel Neal of the Texas Army in January 1836, and that he had not been paid for the rifles when the Alamo fell in March 1836. After subsequent entreaties by his daughter, the Texas government finally paid Crockett's estate for these two rifles. Unfortunately, no specific details exist about the rifles Crockett sold to the Texas Army.

This part of a story from a Kentucky newspaper with Col. Crockett’s famous quote:
"A gentleman from Nacogdoches, in Texas, informs us, that, whilst there, he dined in public with col. Crockett, who had just arrived from Tennessee. The old bear-hunter, on being toasted, made a speech to the Texians, replete with his usual dry humor. He began nearly in this style: "I am told, gentlemen, that, when a stranger, like myself, arrives among you, the first inquiry is - what brought you here? To satisfy your curiosity at once to myself, I will tell you all about it. I was, for some years, a member of congress. In my last canvass, I told the people of my district, that, if they saw fit to re-elect me, I would serve them as faithfully as I had done; but, if not, they might go to hell, and I would go to Texas. I was beaten, gentlemen, and here I am." The roar of applause was like a thunder-burst. (Louisville Journal)

That attitude seems to be that of many “Texians.”
Jim Bowie is another such character. After he reportedly killed a man in a duel, Bowie went to Texas about 1828, where at Bexar (now San Antonio) he became friendly with the Mexican vice governor, Juan Martín de Veramendi. He assumed Mexican citizenship, acquired land grants, and married Veramendi’s daughter, Ursula (1831). He was one of thousands of U.S. settlers and adventurers who swelled the non-Mexican population in Texas, and restrictive Mexican legislation to curb the newcomers soon interested him in the Texas revolutionary movement. As a colonel in the Texas army, he fought with distinction in several battles and finally joined Col. William B. Travis in the gallant defense of the Alamo, an abandoned mission house in San Antonio. Already confined to his cot by illness, Bowie was killed with the other defenders when the Alamo finally fell to numerically superior Mexican forces.
Bowie’s daring and courage have become legendary through Western song and ballad. His name is also associated with the Bowie knife, a weapon (sometimes called the “Arkansas toothpick”) invented by either him or his brother Rezin. It is assumed that Jim used a rifle but none are really ever mentioned. His brother Rezin’s elaborate silver-mounted half-stock flintlock sold for $68,875 at an auction a few years ago.
These men were legends. They have helped to make Texas what it is. When you think of the west the state of Texas is associated with the west, cowboys, cattle, and John Wayne.
Remember the Alamo!

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Decision Making and Preparedness

I was at the range the other day and a guy showed up and was shooting a few bays over. I noticed his weapons mirrored mine. I finally said something to him about those choices of weapons. He told me a little about himself to explain his choice of guns. I understood because the reasons he chose those particular guns were the same as mine. In the conversation he mentioned being a psychologist. I asked him about his thoughts about making decisions under stress and pressure. These are the conclusions we came to.
Your attitude toward a situation has a lot to do with your preparedness and training pertaining to that situation. If your water is off in your house the way you react to that has to do with if you have stored water and filters. Your confidence is higher in a bad situation when you’re prepared for it.
The same goes for a defense situation. If you go to the range once every 2 months you’re reaction to an attack might be a little slower from your training.
So the first impact on how you handle a stressful preparedness situation like a disaster or other situation, has everything to do with your knowledge and what you’ve actually prepared.
Without a prepared plan your success diminishes because you have to come up with one under stress.
In the military they would sometimes get in our face and put pressure on us to make a decision fast. Often you would respond with the training you have had, which is what the military wants. Like Pavlov’s dog. During the 1890s Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov was looking at salivation in dogs in response to being fed, when he noticed that his dogs would begin to salivate whenever he entered the room, even when he was not bringing them food. They were conditioned to think that they were going to be fed when he came into the room. The dog did not have to learn to salivate, that was hard wired into the dog already. What was learned is association. The dogs associated Pavlov with getting fed, so they would salivate when he came into the room. Muscle memory is what you are trying to hard wire into your head.
Have you ever gone camping and forgot something you thought that surely you would remember? That is why I like checklists. They help me to not have to rely on memory so that if my head is somewhere else, I can still accomplish what I want to do.
Panic is a horrible enemy. But being hasty can get you killed. Panic can kill your plan. Keeping your head is imperative to working your plan. It has been found that 74% of people under pressure to leave their home quickly forget a way to make fire and boil water. This is due to panic or fear. Given the same situation, even someone prepared and trained may experience some type of fear.
There is research that says that 74 % of people who, in a case of disaster and being forced to quickly leave their home would forget to take a lighter and something that could boil water in (in order to disinfect it). Be aware that in the case of panic and fear (and we are all going to experience some level of that for sure) you are going to make mistakes. Be ready to accept, adapt and overcome this. The other side: Fear of, or when in, danger is a powerful thing and you need to not deny it, rather go into a mindset of “Of course I am afraid just like everybody else, let me use that fear and do something smart“. The good thing here is that most of the people around you are going to be in some kind of panic, fear, or confusion. Work on the basis that you are going to be in a lesser state of panic than others. Use that panic and fear in your favor. For example while everybody else is panicking still figuring out what really happened, use the moment for a last run to the grocery store for more food, or use it to simply to get away from the danger.
There is also one important moment here to recognize, some researchers conclude that people actually panic much less than we imagine. They stated that in cases of some catastrophes, disasters in sports stadiums, factory disasters and similar events first reactions of a number of people is not to panic, rather to help others. I agree with this to certain extent. If you find yourself in the street and see a building collapse suddenly, and hear screams from rubble, most people’s reaction would be to go and help the injured. But if you see or hear other buildings continuing to collapse you may panic, and other people will too.
You must be careful depending on the disaster. It also makes a difference how long the disaster has been going on. Things change. Places of help and refuge, police, fire, EMS, hospitals, may not be such safe places. You have to gage this. Depending on the disaster, you might use this panic to your advantage. Nothing says you can’t look like a first responder to be able to move around or get out of a city during a problem. But you must use your good judgement. If you have no information and are not really sure what is going on you should still use that time for something. If you are not sure you should evacuate (bug out), maybe you should do something useful like fill everything in your house that will hold water. Even if you end up not needing it you will at least have it if needed. Keep basic.
Making decisions during high stress is important. Each of us goes through an OODA loop in our decision making process. The OODA loop refers to the decision cycle of observe, orient, decide, and act, developed by military strategist and United States Air Force Colonel John Boyd. Boyd applied the concept to the combat operations process, often at the strategic level in military operations. But for us every day, it is something we just do. This is why it is important in defense to know about the OODA loop. If we can break the OODA loop of our attacker, they will have to start the process over again. Although this is often a fast process, it does take some time. In defense, time is everything.
You continue to cycle through the OODA Loop by observing the results of your actions, seeing whether you've achieved the results you intended, reviewing and revising your initial decision, and moving to your next action. If we can use the OODA look in a way that will give us the most information, and not give every decision a “knee jerk” treatment, we will be able to act in a more calculated, safe, and smart way. This will also fight the fear and panic.
Stage 1. Observe
At this initial point in the loop, you should be on the look-out for new information, and need to be aware of unfolding circumstances. The more information you can take in here, the more accurate your perception will be. Think about what resources you would use in different scenarios. Like an F-16 pilot with a wide field of vision, you want to capture as much incoming data as possible. The kind of questions you need to be asking are:
• What's happening in the environment that directly affects me?
• What's happening that indirectly affects me?
• What's happening that may have residual affects later on?
• Were my predictions accurate?
• Are there any areas where prediction and reality differ significantly?
Stage 2. Orient
One of the main problems with decision-making comes at the orient stage. We all view events in a way that's filtered through our own experiences and perceptions. Boyd identified five main influences:
• Cultural traditions.
• Genetic heritage.
• The ability to analyze and synthesize.
• Previous experience.
• New information coming in.
Orientation is essentially how you interpret a situation. This then leads directly to your decision. The argument here is that by becoming more aware of your perceptions, and by speeding up your ability to orient to reality, you can move through the decision loop quickly and effectively. The quicker you understand what's going on, the better. And if you can make sense of the situation and the environment around you faster than anyone else, you'll have an advantage.
And it's important to remember that you're constantly re-orienting. As new information comes in at the observe stage, you need to process it quickly and revise your orientation accordingly.
Stage 3. Decide
Decisions are really your best guesses, based on the observations you've made and the orientation you're using. As such, they should be considered works-in-progress. As you keep on cycling through the OODA Loop, and new information keeps arriving, these can trigger changes to your decisions and subsequent actions. Basically, you're learning as you continue to cycle through the steps. The results of your learning are brought in during the orient phase, which in turn influences the rest of the decision making process.
Stage 4. Act
The Act stage is where you implement your decision. You then cycle back to the observe stage, as you judge the effects of your action. This is where actions influence the rest of the cycle, and it's important to keep learning from what you, and others, are doing.
Training and Practicing
Keeping your head in difficult or dangerous situations is not hard, but you must think it through now so that when the time comes you’ll be better prepared. It’s easy to go through general scenarios but most situations are a little more complex. Practice scenarios are good for the basics, reality usually has more details. The more you think and carry out practiced plans, the easier it will be to control fear and panic. You will have your wits about you and you can act in ways that will keep you and your family safe. Making decisions now can save decisions having to be thought out and made in a bad situation. That’s what preparedness can do for you. That’s what training and practicing can do for you.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

EDC Criteria

EDC: The Basics 7/7/2015
Philosophy Of Use For EDC and BOB 9/24/2015
EDC: Important Part Of Preparation 4/13/2015
5 Part EDC Series starting 7/23/14
EDC (Everyday Carry): What's In Your Wallet? 7/16/2014


From the above articles you can see that I think about, and write about, EDC (everyday carry) often. One of the reasons for this is that we all do it, I just think it should be better thought out and planned. In the military we have checklists for everything.

Here is a typical “Purpose” from a military checklist’s Forward.

“This checklist is a step by step guide in abbreviated form for use as a reference to ensure accomplishment of selected tasks by a predetermined sequence procedure. The intent of this checklist is to eliminate the probability of omission of a step in accomplishment of the intended task. The procedures contained herein are presented for use by qualified personnel and are not intended to provide full technical instructions.”

This is why I like lists. I’ve followed them for many years and they work! Follow your checklist and you will not miss a step. Most people seem to want a list for preparation. A food list for food storage, an item list for a first aid kit, a list of contents for a bug out bag. This is what I see and hear in the prep world. I will admit, I use lists too. But preparing is a very individual thing. What’s good for one may not be good for another. Each person likes certain gear, sometimes certain brands of gear. That’s why I always say, look at a list you like, and use it as a foundation and build your own. EDC is no different. I’ve put out what I carry, but that may not be what will work for you. So this article is going to be a little different than most EDC articles. I want to focus on generalities. Between this article and a list you like, you should be able to determine why you carry, what to carry, and how to carry it. Remember relying on someone else’s list just to give you “peace” can be disastrous.

Here are basic concepts.

Why we carry
What we carry
How we carry
What are expectations of what we carry.


Why: Let me say here that I think about this a lot. What are the reasons for what I carry? If I carry something that is not basics of survival (ASWiFFS air, shelter, water, food, fire, and security) then I had better have a specific reason. I also consider SWB (size, weight, and bulk) of my EDC items.
Figure out your own philosophy of use. Why do you carry those items? Are they one of the basics of survival? Does it just give you peace of mind? Is there another item that will do the job better? If you can answer these questions that will give you an idea to whether you should add that item to your EDC.
I carry a gun, a knife, and a tactical pen. Except for the gun the other two items have other uses other than defense. But I’m OK with the redundancy. In contrast, I carry only one item to start a fire with. I’m confident enough in my skills to know that I can also use the batteries in my flashlight for firestarting if I have to.
You have to approach it this way unless you want to carry a bugout bag with you everywhere. Some people do. I have no problem with that. Each of my vehicles has a get home bag in it. Plus every glove compartment has a knife, and a lighter.
I know someone who carries an abbreviated bug out bag with them. It’s a fanny pack. I’ve thought about it but haven’t drank that Kool-aid yet!


What we carry.
I think there are four ideas you should consider when thinking about what you carry. Remember this is only a concept.

1. Who you are. What kind of person do you consider yourself? What kind of shape are you in physically? Would you carry only for you?
My wife sometimes get a little annoyed if I don’t have my EDC pouch. I usually say “I’m sorry I wasn’t prepared FOR you!” My children do the same thing. They know I’m prepared and sometimes they rely on that rather than their own preparedness.
2. Skills. What type and how much training do you have?
I carry a first aid kit in my car. I’ve used it several times. I know how to use everything in there. Would I ever put something in there I don’t know how to use? Possibly. I may learn myself, or be with someone who knows how to us it.
The more you know, the less, or sometimes more, you will have to carry to make up for the lack
of knowledge, or in support of that skill you know. Training trumps gear every time!
3. Location. What is your environment? What considerations must you make because of that environment? Weather and location can change this in a dynamic way. If it goes from sunny to rainy and cold you must consider how to handle that extra threat.

How you carry. How will you carry that gun, knife, first aid kit, tool bag, or whatever you are considering? Will it be safe for you and others? Can you still move/run/walk freely? Will it be accessible? Will it be easy to retain? What are the weight constraints? Can you carry these items anywhere? Are their legal considerations? You must be able to answer these questions at least.

Expectations. What realistic demands do you have from your equipment? There a some considerations when it comes to gear. It’s hard to find an item that will fulfill ALL of these considerations.

1. Fulfills a Survival function. It is real easy to get burdened with lots of “stuff”. EDC is about carrying small items that make a big difference. Investigate every piece of equipment and make sure you are carrying it because it’s essential.
2. Difficult to make. This comes from my “wilderness” standpoint. Be careful not to load yourself down with items that can easily be scavenged if you needed to.

3. Multifunctional – Some items may clearly have more than one use (ie. Multitool), however with some creative thinking, we may come up with multiple uses for even the most basic items you carry. This is a great mental exercise and also a good way of really pairing down your gear if you feel you are currently carrying too much.
4. Legal. You should not be so foolish as to carry anything that is not legal. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Get informed. Also understand, there are many, many, legal alternatives to items that maybe banned. Be creative.

5. Discreet – I am a firm believer in the ‘Grey Man’ theory. You may want to walk around primed for imminent apocalyptic action, just don’t look like you are. Blending with your environment is something you want to and should be able to do. EDC item selection and carry methods can greatly help or hinder this process.

With these considerations, you can determine what you may want to carry. When I have a new item I want to carry, I consider these things and then teat it out. I may want to move the item to a different position or just stop carrying it altogether.

In the military we considered items in our load out on a 4 level scale.

Level 1 – Items carried on your person AT ALL times. In the military these would be items carried in your pockets, affixed to your belt or worn on your person ie. morphine syrettes worn on a neck chain. This translates directly to civilian standards. Our level 1 items would be keys, phone, wallet, personal defensive items etc.

Level 2 – These are items that are always within arms reach, but maybe removed from the body. In military terms, this would be your weapons system and ‘fighting order’, (Body Armor, Assault Vest or equivalent). Fighting orders revolve around the necessity to carry ammunition, water, emergency medical equipment and some key survival items.

This easily translates to civilian applications with the exception being the method for carrying items. Military style webbing system may not be an appropriate choice in most cases. More likely, essential items are going to be stowed in a fanny pack, small shoulder bag, backpack, or purse. Also consider the type of clothes you are wear and what stowage options are afforded to us by these. I like heavy duty 6 pocket pants and a good belt.

Level 3 – These are items needed for extended operations (>12hrs), but maybe stowed during attack/assault phases of operations. Normally this larger pack (Ruck or Bergen) will contain additional supplies ammunition, batteries, food, sleeping system, field equipment such as shelter, wash kit, stove, additional clothing items etc.

For those who have given consideration to larger scale preparedness, level 3 is the equivalent of a ‘Bug Out’ bag. The intention here is to carry the essential items to sustain the individual for a period of up to 72hrs. This bag is normally stowed in a vehicle or at home/office, as opposed to being constantly carried.

There is a lot written about what constitutes the ‘ultimate’ Bug Out Bag, but often, in my mind, there is WAY too much equipment advised to be carried at this level, and this is where the dangers of ‘the list’ really begin to manifest themselves. That doesn’t mean there aren’t advocates of burdensome carry at level 1 and 2 also!

Level 4 – These are typically ‘on base’ level items, which can be kept in a trunk, locker, in barracks or equivalent.

In EDC terms, level 4 will be items we potentially have stored at home for replacement or supplementation of regular EDC items if needed.

I know this seems like a lot to consider with only a handful of EDC items you carry but it’s necessary. You could carry quite a bit plus the kitchen sink, but occasionally you should reconsider what you’re carrying and whether it is necessary or needed.
You will find that your EDC will change as you change. You will get older, wiser with more knowledge or training, experienced, and there is gear that may not be invented yet. You should be open and have a set of standards and criteria your EDC items must meet before you will consider them.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

April Drill of the Month

April
I was at the range the other day when the guy shooting next to me stopped and walked over which stopped me. I was laying on the ground at the time in the middle of my “shooting workout”. He asked what I was doing, as so many have before, and so I explained how I trained. He started talking about a friend he had in law enforcement and it happened I knew the same guy. We talked about our mutual friend and then moved on to guns. I’ll talk with anyone about guns so the conversation went on. He finally asked if I knew anything about a Mozambique rifle. I had never heard of it but asked if he meant a Mosin Nagant? We talked a little longer and then went back to the Mozambique. I told him that was a drill as far as I knew, not a gun. He said he only knew about DeWalt or Black and Decker drills not a Mozambique. I thought maybe he was pulling my leg. He wasn’t. I laughed and then explained what I meant by a drill. He was a little embarrassed but we both laughed.
The Mozambique has its roots from an experience in the Rhodesian war. From 1964 to about 1974, Mozambique was going through a serious difference of opinion called the Mozambican War of Independence. Mike Rousseau was one of the mercenaries hired to fight in that war. In the course of the conflict, Rousseau was engaged in the fighting at the airport in the city of Lourenco Marques (since renamed Maputo). During the fight, Rousseau, armed only with a Browning Hi Power, rounded the corner of a building and came face to face with an enemy combatant armed with an AK-47. He then shot the enemy in the chest with a double tap. Realizing that those shots did nothing, he shot one shot to the attackers head, ending the skirmish. Jeff Cooper, founder of Gunsite Academy, where this website takes its namesake, heard the story from Mike himself he incorporated this drill into his own training. In the 70’s he added the drill to Gunsite Academy’s courses.
The Drill
The drill itself is very easy to set up and run. Place a target that has a “body” zone and a smaller “head” zone above it out at between seven to 10 feet (approximately six to eight yards). A typical silhouette target or an IDPA/IPSC/USPSA target would work well for this drill. I’ve used two paper plates, one on top of the other with a circle drawn. If you are able to draw from a holster at your range, do so, otherwise start with the pistol either on the shooting bench in front of you or at low ready. On your go signal, raise or draw your pistol and fire two rounds to the center mass of your target and then transition up and put one round in the head of your target.
Keep in mind that just simply, “Two to the body, one to the head” oversimplifies what you are trying to accomplish. After putting the two rounds center mass, you need to quickly evaluate your target. Did that stop the threat? If it did you can stop shooting. If not, then transition and complete the third shot to the head.
See “Trigger Time: Drill of the Month” page

Shooting Goals Drills Help You Get There

Shooting Goals

Every year I write down some goals to try to become better in the coming year. Sometimes I Ace them, and other times I fail. But it’s important to set goals and do your best to achieve them. I think shooting goals are just as important. Whether it’s tightening up that group, getting better distance, or improving speed, it’s always good to set goals. When doing this make sure your goals are attainable. Speed like Miculek or Latham may not be the best goal unless you plan to do it a little at a time. Some drills in these areas may help you as you set and work on these goals.

4 Aces Part 1 (Burkett Reloads)
Target: 7 yard metric target (or B29)
Start Position: Standing, pistol pointed at target
On start signal conduct a magazine change, but don’t fully insert the magazine fully into the pistol. You will stop just as you reach the opening of the magazine well.
This dry fire drill. Use your par timer to control your pace. Start at a comfortable pace and increase the par time every 5 or 10 runs by .1 seconds until you start to lose consistency. You do not have to start with a magazine in the pistol, but you should press the magazine release as if you do. Be sure to press it consistently. I also recommend loading 10 clearly marked dummy rounds for the magazine on your belt. An empty magazine just feels different.
4 Aces Part 2 (Dry Fire Reload)
Target: 7 yard metric target (or B29)
Start Position: Standing, pistol pointed at target
On start signal conduct a magazine change and return to the target.
This time you will insert the magazine fully into the pistol and return to the target. Try to work on snapping your focus from the front sight, to the mag well and then back to the front sight. Pay close attention to what the front sight is doing. You want it to go straight back to target and shouldn’t be fighting to get the sights aligned. Just like before start a comfortable pace and push yourself until you become inconsistent.
4 Aces Part 3 (4 Aces)
Targets: 1 Metric or B29 target 7 yards away
Start Position: Facing down range, wrists above shoulders
On start signal draw and engage 1 metric target with 2 rounds, conduct a mandatory reload and engage the target with 2 more rounds
This is a great drill to practice in your daily dry fire before going to the range. Be sure to record your time and hits.
Matt Burkett is a shooting champion from the U.S. IDPA to European 3 Gun Champion. He’s an instructor who has taught 1000, s of people including law enforcement and military nationally and internationally.
Bill Drill

The target that you use for this drill is a standard International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) target. Only hits in the “A” zone count for this drill. The “A” zone on an IPSC target measures 6 x 11 inches. What this means is that instead of going out and buying an IPSC target you can make an “A” zone target yourself. What I do is take a regular white sheet of paper and measure 6 x 11 and then cut the target out and staple it to my cardboard backer.
You shoot the drill from the 7-yard line and the goal is to fire six shots as quickly as possible while getting all six shots in the “A” zone.
Don’t let the simplicity of this drill fool you. This drill teaches you to develop a smooth trigger pull because if you jerk your trigger you’re not going to get all 6 shots on the target. It teaches you how to manage recoil and also how to track your sights.
The reason to practice this drill often is because in a real life situation, where deadly force is justified, you’ll likely end up doing this drill. What I mean is, you’ll likely end up drawing your gun lightning fast and firing multiple shots as quickly as you can. Thankfully, I’ve never had to fire my gun in a self-defense situation, but I can tell you from very intense training scenarios that this is what you’ll do.
This drill was developed by Bill Wilson an avid hunter and shooter since the 60’s. He is founder of Wilson Combat, a custom gun builder. In the 1970’s he won many championships but hog hunting is his passion.
Dot Torture
Dot Torture is a comprehensive marksmanship test that is easy to set up. Target has ten 2" dots. Start with Dot Torture Target at three yards. You have to get all 50 hits to pass. Try to shoot the whole drill without a miss. Try to increase your distance or decrease your time. For instance, try to finish the entire drill in under five minutes while maintaining accuracy.

Dot 1 - Draw and fire one string of 5 rounds for best group, total 5 rounds.
Dot 2 - Draw and fire 1 shot, holster and repeat X4, total 5 rounds.
Dots 3&4 - Draw and fire 1 shot on #3, then 1 shot on #4, holster and repeat X3, total 8 rounds.
Dot 5 - Draw and fire string of 5 rounds, strong hand only, total 5 rounds.
Dots 6&7 - Draw and fire 2 shots on #6, then 2 on #7, holster, repeat X4, total 16 rounds.
Dot 8 - From ready or retention, fire five shots, weak hand only, total 5 rounds.
Dots 9&10 - Draw and fire 1 shot on #9, speed reload, fire 1 shot on #10, holster and repeat X3, total 6 rounds.

Count all good shots for your total possible score out of 50 total shots.

Dot torture was developed by David Blinder an instructor at Personal Defense Training.

Basic Bullseye

This is the simplest and works at any range. The goal is to shoot the smallest group possible at any distance. For this drill it’s recommended to use cardboard because paper will have a tendency to tear out and make the group appear larger than it actually is. Start close and work your way back. I normally do a run of 6 rounds. You will not get fast with this drill; you need not draw from a holster. The goal is sight alignment, trigger press and breathing.
This is the number 1 static range drill and everyone reading has probably done it, but I would suggest you try it again, but set a minimum time between shots. Say 10 seconds. That is enough time to bring the gun down, take a few breaths and aim again. You might find you are capable of better accuracy than you thought!
Don’t get discouraged and make sure you practice often. Meet your goals and then set new ones. As long as you’re progressing, that’s all that matters!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Harden Your Targets

Personal security is something truly near and dear to my heart. I recently purchased a stun gun. 32,000 volts is charged through someone who has the misfortune to be stunned by this one. I’ve never felt a stun gun. I’ve felt paintballs and they hurt. Even BB’s during our BB gun wars as a kid hurt and left a welt (do NOT have BB gun wars, they are VERY dangerous!). I’ve been in a tear-gas chamber and even experienced pepper spray. So I’m not sure about a stun gun. They are supposed to be less than lethal but I remember reading about someone dying from a stun by a policeman. Obviously, death is possible but not probable. I like the idea of having another option in weapons. I’ve been involved with shooting for many years and know that I can defend myself with a gun, but my skills with a knife or a less-than-lethal weapon is something I would like to change. I have a good friend who has been into martial arts and hand-to-hand fighting for most of his life. He taught his family (and many Boy Scouts) how to defend themselves for years. I had my older children take a class from him when we were together at Christmas. I have forgotten just about everything I learned in the military. There is so much more to learn!

On occasion I work late. I find myself needing gas or stopping at a convenience store at an early hour of the morning. This happened the other night. As I walked into the convenience store I looked through the window to assess what was going on inside the store. I couldn’t see the clerk because of the signs in the window. As I got closer to the door I had an uneasy feeling. I stopped and quickly returned to my vehicle and decided on a different store. The second store was well lit, I could see the clerk clearly and even the other customers in the store. As I walked into the store I did not have the same uneasy feeling as before and completed my purpose for stopping. I’m not here to debate my instincts, or even divine intervention on my part. I’m only referring to this experience because there are many people who walk into a store or even a bank in the middle of a robbery. Had they used a little situational awareness, or even listened to their gut feeling, they could have avoided putting themselves in danger. I don’t live in a big city, or a high crime area. Stores don’t get robbed very often where I live. But many people live in a large metropolitan area that may not have high crime all the time, but at 2 in the morning the chances for crime may increase. Being aware of your surroundings is very important. Most people walk through a parking lot with their nose in a cell phone not paying much attention to what is going on around them. They make themselves prime targets. Unless you are Chuck Norris or you are an experienced concealed weapon license holder you may need to pay better attention. To be honest with you, Chuck Norris or an experienced CW holder would not be oblivious to their surroundings. We must train ourselves to be more like them. How many stories have you read where someone was robbed "in broad daylight"? It happens if the victim lets it happen. Most criminals are not hardened. They commit crimes of opportunity. Who would they rather stick up, the person engrossed in their cell phone in a deserted parking garage? Or instead would they think twice about approaching an alert person in a busy part of the mall parking lot? Do you put across someone ready for anything and confident in their posture and stride, or someone so timid that a car alarm would scare the daylights out of them? The way we look to others may determine whether we look like "an easy mark" or not. Also, avoiding drawing a weapon is always at the top of my list. Like the "strange feeling" convenience store, I try to avoid places or people that may be a problem for me. But if thrust into a situation I try to have a plan in place. Something like, "If he does this, I’ll do that." Most of us won’t be a victim of crime, but the more careful we are, the better our chances of never being a statistic. Think it will never happen to us is a recipe for disaster.

One of my favorite websites, StratFor (https://www.stratfor.com/) has a weekly column called Security Weekly. On July 26, 2012 Scott Stewart wrote “The Persistent Threat to Soft Targets.” This is a portion of that article.
“In the 1960s, the beginning of the modern terrorism era, there were few hard targets. In the 1970s, the American radical leftist Weather Underground Organization was able to conduct successful bombing attacks against the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon and the State Department buildings — the very heart of the U.S. government. At the same time commercial airliners were easy targets for political dissidents, terrorists and criminal hijackers.
Nongovernmental organizations were also seen as soft targets. The Black September Organization conducted an operation targeting Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympic Games, and Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, known as Carlos the Jackal, and his compatriots seized the OPEC headquarters in Vienna in December 1975.
Embassies did not fare much better. During the 1970s, militant groups seized control of embassies in several cities, including Stockholm, The Hague, Khartoum and Kuala Lumpur. The 1970s concluded with the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and the storming and destruction of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. The 1980s saw major attacks against U.S. diplomatic posts in Beirut (twice) and Kuwait.
Just as the Weather Underground Organization attacks prompted security improvements at the U.S. government buildings they had targeted, the attacks against U.S. and other embassies prompted increased security at their diplomatic missions. However, this turned into a long process. The cost of providing security for diplomatic posts strained already meager foreign affairs budgets. For most countries, including the United States, security was not increased at all diplomatic missions. Rather, security was improved in accordance with a threat matrix that assessed the risk levels at various missions. Those deemed more at risk received funding before those deemed less at risk.
In some cases, this approach has worked well for the United States. For example, despite the persistent jihadist threat in Yemen, the new embassy compound in Sanaa, which was completed in the early 1990s and constructed to the strict security specifications laid out by the Inman Commission in 1985, has proved to be a very difficult target to attack. However, as embassies became more difficult to attack, militants turned to easier targets. Often this has involved targeting diplomats outside the secure embassy compound, as was the case in the 2002 assassination of U.S. diplomat Laurence Foley in Amman, Jordan, and the April 2010 failed suicide bombing attack against the motorcade carrying the British ambassador to Yemen.
Transnational groups also changed regions to find softer embassy targets. This shift was evident in August 1998, when al Qaeda attacked U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Similarly, during the 1991 Gulf War, Iraqi agents attempted to conduct terrorist attacks against U.S. diplomatic facilities in Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok and Beijing — far from the Middle East. The February 2012 attack against an Israeli Embassy employee in New Delhi is an example of both changing the region and targeting an employee away from the security of the embassy.
There was a similar trend with airliners, which initially were very vulnerable to attack. After many high-profile hijackings, such as that of TWA Flight 847, airliner security, particularly in the West, was increased. But as security was increased in one place, hijackers began to shift operations to places where security was less robust, such as Bangkok or Karachi. And as security was improved globally and hijackings became more difficult in the 1980s, attackers shifted their tactics and began using improvised explosive devices against airliners.”
The same can be said for crime and criminals. Criminals are getting “smarter”. They are still pretty stupid but several are seeing the additional security that has swept across this country since 9-11 and have shifted their focus to easier targets. This is why situational awareness is so important. From a petty pursesnatcher to a smash and grab artist to a typical robber on the street, criminals take the path of least resistance. If you have your head up and on a swivel the average criminal will go after the person with their nose in a cell phone. The softer target.
By being alert you can increase your chances of a problem finding you. By being smart and listening to your gut, what LDS members know as the spirit, you can avoid many bad situations and harden your target. Pulling your key and locking the other doors on your car and being alert when you get gas, watching what is going on inside a convenience store, paying attention to who is following you when driving are all ways to become a hard target. With just a little attention and common sense you will be able to see areas in your life, or your families lives, where you may be vulnerable and make changes that can ensure your safety and security. Look at your traveling habits. Do you take the same route day in and day out to and from work or school? Change it up randomly. Is your house fortified? There are many ways you can get rid of that chain lock and have something that will actually keep out a home intruder. Simply taking charge of your life will make you a harder target. Security is a mindset. It’s not paranoia, but preparedness. Criminals and terrorists do exist and can touch your life. Instead of cowering in the corner like a sheeple, become a sheepdog and be in control.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Stopping A Bullet

What will stop a handgun bullet in the average home? Not an interior wall. Not a standard
exterior wall unless it is made from solid brick. Not the couch, not the TV, not the front door.
A two-to-three-foot thick stack of phone books, positioned with the books’’ faces toward the shooter, would stop a bullet. For convenience, you could place these phone books inside a cardboard box, to be pulled out when dry firing and put away out of sight at other times. Or you could cover the box with a decorative tablecloth, removing it for dry fire and replacing it afterward.
A brick fireplace would stop a bullet —— but stand back and watch your angles. There is a ricochet potential.
The cement wall in your basement would stop a bullet (ditto ricochet potential).
A very crowded bookshelf, with no airspace between books, would stop a bullet if you fire from the long end. Do not dry fire straight into the spines of the books. Instead, aim at the side of the bookcase, so an unexpected bullet would travel the entire width of the bookshelf before coming to rest somewhere between the pages.
A bullet-resistant vest, hung on the wall, would stop a bullet.
A Safe Direction practice pad, while expensive, can be a real godsend for people who must travel and who need a lightweight, easily portable safe backstop.

A five-gallon bucket of sand would stop a bullet. This could be disguised inside a decorative basket, with a fake houseplant such as a Fichus tree plunked inside the sand bucket. Such a contraption is a handy place to point your firearm when you must load, unload, or disassemble it (especially in the case of Glocks and other designs which require you to pull the trigger during the disassembly process).

Fibers: Wood sucks at stopping bullets. Woven Kevlar works great. Fiberglass is so-so. Several layers of fiberglass with the right epoxy can be great!
Stone and liquid stone known as concrete work great! They are not very portable. They have thickness issues. “Baby” stones like pea gravel or sand have their place. Ceramics also fit here.
Metals: These are great for the thickness. A hard steel works best, a Soft steel comes next, Aluminum is next (Hard and soft are blurred), and then copper. Consider large electrical transformers being shot. They are layered in copper windings and mild steel. They soak up a lot of bullets even from high powered rifles.
Layers can stop more than a single thickness of the same thickness. Or four 1/16″ thick sheets can stop more than a single 1/4″ sheet. Some of the layers may be breached, but the over all thickness will not. It may be hard for somebody to work with a thick layer of steel, but not smaller layers. It normally takes between a 1/4″ to a 1/2″ of steel to stop a bullet or 3/8″ to 3/4″ of Aluminum. Something like a metal target need to be a solid layer, the same with an active backstop. However something like a safe room or dry fire station can use layers.
Stones are great to break up bullets. Something like a patio block or even bathroom tile can break up bullets. The problem is that they often break up as well as the bullet. You may want to set them or glue them to some sort of backer like plywood to help hold them together.
Wood and other fibers: Wood is the most common and easiest for most people to work with. It will not stop bullets. Tests of layered wood as much as three 3/4″ sheets of plywood and bullets fly through it. That is thicker than most wall studs by 50%. Here is why it is VERY useful. It soaks up shrapnel like a sponge. You can use it to help prevent bounce back. Now, if you were to glue some 1/8″ sheets of steel between those layers of plywood, then you really might have something.

Why choose a 9mm over something larger? Several simple reasons.
Guns hold more 9mms than they do larger calibers, and the 9mm recoils less than either the .40 or .45. So the guns hold more ammo and recoil less; if modern ammo makes it perform just as well as the larger calibers, why not carry a 9mm?
It’s been said that “Big bullets let in a lot of air and let out a lot of blood.” While bullet technology hasn’t increased at the same pace as, say, cell phone technology, the bullets of today are far different from those of 20 years ago. Bore size no longer equals performance.

Remember these things if bullets ever start flying. Cover is few and far between. An engine block, maybe wheel hubs and axles together, solid blocks, bricks, or concrete. Steel is good but of course thickness is the issue. 18” of dirt or sand. Don’t be fooled by movies or TV. Plus you need to know your backstop when dry firing or shooting.
Be safe!

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Vote! Secretary Clinton's Problem With The Truth

There has been an e-mail circulating around the internet about Hilary Clinton. In my research I’ve found some of it to be untrue, and some of it a stretch, and some true. I have reprinted some of it here with some research.
I’m not sure how much authority or freedom Secretary Clinton had as the First Lady. But in many of the articles I read from the 1990’s I saw a pattern of then President Clinton kind of letting her go. Whether she actually chose Attorneys General or Civil Rights Commission heads I don’t know. I’m not sure the author of this post does either. Don’t get me wrong, I can hardly stand to listen to Secretary Clinton speak! I suspect she had a greater role in President Clinton’s Presidency than the public knows. If Secretary Clinton is just judged on the things we know she did, then she shouldn’t be running for ANY public office, leave alone the Presidency. My opinion says the Clinton’s are very dirty. We know of their dishonesty, that is clear. But are politicians as a whole known for their honesty? I am particularly sensitive to what the military and Diplomatic Security says about her. I’ve never heard anyone from those two organizations say anything positive about Secretary Clinton. I base my opinion about her not along party lines or along just “like” or “dislikes”. I honestly feel she is a nasty person. After reading many who have witnessed this nastiness. If a White House staffer that worked in the White House during the Clinton years were asked, I’m confident they would concur.
Please don’t vote for this person. I could call her all kinds of names or point out her issues I don’t agree with, but I don’t think I need to do that. This is a politician who is not only just not a nice person, but who has been involved in more scandals than you can shake a stick at. If only part of the rumors and stories or scandals are true, that would be enough to keep her out of public service. Her blatant disregard for security concerning e-mail is legendary. I work on a federal installation. I work on several government computers and a government network. I’ve done it at least as long as Secretary Clinton has been involved with government and even I know what she did was breaking federal law. She has been through many, many briefings concerning InfoSec and what is and is not Classified. I go through them every year. She blew off all that training and did what she wanted. If I did what she did, I’d be in prison right now.
Don’t vote for her I plead! Regardless of your political affiliation, DO NOT vote for her!
Here’s my research along with the e-mail portions.

Then President Clinton gave Hillary authority over selecting a female attorney general. Her first two selections were Zoe Baird and Kimba Wood – both were forced to withdraw their names from consideration. Next she chose Janet Reno – husband Bill described her selection as “my worst mistake.” Some may not remember that Reno made the decision to gas David Koresh and the Branch Davidian religious sect in Waco, Texas resulting in dozens of deaths of women and children.

http://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/06/us/judge-withdraws-from-clinton-list-for-justice-post.html?pagewanted=all

http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,977802,00.html

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Bill-Clinton-Janet-Reno-Waco-hated/2014/04/14/id/565512/

Husband Bill allowed Hillary to make recommendations for the head of the Civil Rights Commission. Lani Guanier was her selection. When a little probing led to the discovery of Ms. Guanier’s radical views, her name had to be withdrawn from consideration.

http://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/05/opinion/the-lani-guinier-mess.html

Apparently a slow learner, husband Bill allowed Hillary to make some more recommendations. She chose former law partners Web Hubbel for the Justice Department, Vince Foster for the White House staff, and William Kennedy for the Treasury Department. Her selections went well: Hubbel went to prison, Foster (presumably) committed suicide, and Kennedy was forced to resign.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/whitewater/stories/wwtr971124.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/whitewater/stories/wwtr940701.htm

http://articles.latimes.com/1994-03-24/news/mn-37899_1_white-house-aide

Many younger voters will have no knowledge of “Travelgate.” Hillary wanted to award unfettered travel contracts to Clinton friend Harry Thompson – and the White House Travel Office refused to comply. She managed to have them reported to the FBI and fired. This ruined their reputations, cost them their jobs, and caused a thirty-six month investigation. Only one employee, Billy Dale was charged with a crime, and that of the enormous crime of mixing personal and White House funds. A jury acquitted him of any crime in less than two hours.

http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/05/us/memo-places-hillary-clinton-at-core-of-travel-office-case.html?pagewanted=all

Still not convinced of her ineptness, Hillary was allowed to recommend a close Clinton friend, Craig Livingstone, for the position of Director of White House security. When Livingstone was investigated for the improper access of about 900 FBI files of Clinton enemies (Filegate) and the widespread use of drugs by White House staff, suddenly Hillary and the president denied even knowing Livingstone, and of course, denied knowledge of drug use in the White House.

http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/news/9607/25/livingstone.hrc/index.shtml

http://www.freedomwatchusa.org/hillary-clinton-tries-to-escape-from-on-going-filegate-case


Following this debacle, the FBI closed its White House Liaison Office after more than thirty years of service to seven presidents.

Next, when women started coming forward with allegations of sexual harassment and rape by Bill Clinton, Hillary was put in charge of the scandal defense. Some of her more notable decisions in the debacle were:

She urged her husband not to settle the Paula Jones lawsuit. After the Starr investigation they settled with Ms. Jones.

She refused to release the Whitewater documents, which led to the appointment of Ken Starr as Special Prosecutor.

After $80 million dollars of taxpayer money was spent, Starr's investigation led to Monica Lewinsky, which led to Bill lying about and later admitting his affairs.

Hillary’s devious game plan resulted in Bill losing his license to practice law for 'lying under oath' to a grand jury and then his subsequent impeachment by the House of Representatives.

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1994/05/30/hillary-the-pol

This article is long and detailed. To me it explains that Hillary is smart and calculated.

Hillary avoided indictment for perjury and obstruction of justice during the Starr investigation by repeating, “I do not recall,” “I have no recollection,” and “I don’t know” a total of 56 times while under oath.

It’s hard to believe that a lawyer with her experience, with her training, with her attention to detail, could ever “forget” that much. The above New Yorker article was written in 1994 and explains a lot.

http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/27/us/hillary-clinton-tells-grand-jury-she-cannot-account-for-records.html

After leaving the White House, The Clinton’s were forced to return an estimated $114,000 in White House furniture, china, and artwork.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=121856

To be fair, many other Presidents have had to do the same thing.

What a swell party – ready for another four or eight years of this type of mess?

This article says a lot

http://www.vanityfair.com/news/1992/05/hillary-clinton-first-lady-presidency
Now we are exposed to the destruction of possibly incriminating emails while Hillary was Secretary of State and the “pay to play” schemes of the Clinton Foundation – we have no idea what shoe will fall next.

But to her loyal fans (supporters) - I guess in her own words “what difference does it make?”

If you're under 50 you really need to read this. If you’re over 50, you lived through it, so share it with those under 50. Amazing to me how much I had forgotten!

When Bill Clinton was president, he allowed Hillary to assume authority over a health care reform. Even after threats and intimidation, she couldn’t even get a vote in a democratic controlled congress. This fiasco cost the American taxpayers about $13 million in cost for studies, promotion, and other efforts.

http://www.americanhealthline.com/analysis-and-insight/features/why-hillarycare-failed-and-obamacare-succeeded


I don’t want to sound repetitive, but don’t vote for someone who is only interested in herself, and very little in anything else. Especially just to have a female President. I think a woman could be a fine President, but you should not be elected based on your gender or race. I kind of feel President Obama was elected to a certain extent because he is black.

This is an example of dishonesty that Secretary Clinton often exhibits. In an interview with Diane Sawyer in June of 2014 she said this:
"You have no reason to remember, but we came out of the White House not only dead broke, but in debt," Clinton said. "We had no money when we got there, and we struggled to piece together the resources for mortgages for houses, for Chelsea's education.”
The President was earning $200,000 a year when the Clinton’s were in office. Although he had some big legal bills when they left.
A few weeks before they left the White House, the Clintons were able to put together a cash down payment of $855,000 and secure a $1.995 million mortgage. This hardly fits the common meaning of "dead broke." She knew they were not broke but by saying that, it sounds like she understands the average American.
That was a small sample. There are many more.

Semper Paratus
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