The Flaws Of "Run, Hide, Fight"

I’ve been distracted from this blog between work, my family during the holidays, and other things. I just read about a shooting in a church in Texas where some people were killed but the gunman was killed by a parishioner who had volunteered to be on a security team. There is video of the shooting if you can handle that sort of reality. This made me think about the governments “Run, Hide, Fight” (RFH) campaign. The shooting in Texas was over in seconds. The RFH would have done no one any good. Security on the spot made the difference. There were 7 people armed in that church that we can see in the video. These church security teams have some type of training usually. There was 250 people in that church. Two were killed before the gunman was stopped by someone else with a gun.
I have worked for the federal government in one capacity or another my entire adult life. The training we receive is RFH. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have also adopted this training. I fear for those who put so much stock in this training. Let me explain why. RFH is a soft response to hard violence. The problem with RFH is that it does not teach about the extreme violence that a mass shooter is. It does not teach the importance of being ready mentally for this type of attack. It does not talk about the normalcy bias that most people experience during a violent encounter. Living in North America most people are relatively safe most of the time and their “normal” does not involve violence. I think that’s one of the great benefits of living in the U.S. But it does foster an inadequate mindset of “All is well.” This can be dangerous because there is usually a “freeze” before the fight or flight response. That is sometimes precious seconds that could be used to run or hide. This is a definition of the freeze from a 2010 article by Dr. David Golstein
“The fight-or-flight response, also known as the acute stress response, refers to a physiological reaction that occurs in the presence of something that is terrifying, either mentally or physically. The response is triggered by the release of hormones that prepare your body to either stay and deal with a threat or to run away to safety.”
Most people are not prepared for this response and so often nothing actually happens which is what we call freeze. That’s where the “Deer in the headlights” look can come from. It’s too bad that RHF doesn’t acknowledge something that most people will experience. There are ways to learn to control this reaction and it has to with a mindset. Preparing for this type of event in your mind can make a difference. Thinking of scenarios “If someone comes in that door and does this, I’ll do this” can help if ever faced with the real thing. I know you can’t imagine every scenario, but just thinking of a few will put you much further ahead than you would be. It also gives your mind somewhere to go during this type of event that may keep your from freezing. It does work and is used to train tactical teams. I used to teach a tactical response class in the military. I would use an air horn at a particularly quiet moment to demonstrate the way something unusual can get your adrenalin pumping. It was interesting to see the reaction from some battle experienced people.
Another problem with RHF is that it fosters a “checklist” attitude. These events are situationally driven. Sometimes you may have to go straight to Fight because the situation warrants it. But the way RHF is taught Fight is a “last resort”. That is not reality and so it teaches you can’t fight yet because you haven’t exhausted the run and hide options yet. This can get you killed. It should be taught “Run or Hide or Fight” to be of any advantage to a victim. The RHF system also creates a victim right away without even giving anyone a chance at something else. It creates a non-aggressive mindset when there are many scenarios where those being attacked should be in a self-defense mode rather than a “roll-over-you’re-dead” mode. For some reason the general public in the U.S. have this idea that only law enforcement can or will defend you. Law enforcement is the best in the world in this country. But unless you carry an officer in your back pocket or bag they are minutes away! There are politicians and snowflakes out there that would have you believe that only the police can use violence to defend you. Most law enforcement will agree that is simply not true, yet it is still perpetuated. “Don’t fight with your attacker, give them what they want.” A purse or wallet is one thing but a woman’s virtue is something else! Don’t let this false training deceive you!
Since Columbine law enforcement has changed its tactics with mass shooters. They used to establish a secure perimeter and wait for SWAT to take out a killer. No longer do they do this. Many people have died with this tactic. Law enforcement has changed, and you should too. Don’t let anyone teach you that running and hiding are the first things you should do in an active shooter situation. Don’t misunderstand, running and hiding are very good options. They can save many lives. But situational awareness is the most important skill along with a quick threat assessment. Learn about your options. Get trained so that when fight is the best and first option, you’ll be ready. Try to teach others, politicians and leaders, that gun free zones are where people die. Give us the options to get trained and to defend ourselves. If there is one thing we can learn from the latest tragedy in another Texas Church, it’s that someone armed and even trained basically can save lives and make the difference. Don’t be a victim, get training and practice what you learn.

Have a great New Year!

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

"Be Nice!" (Everyone's Mom)

Did your Mother ever say to you “Be nice!” I think every Mother has said that to a child probably multiple times. I’ve had it engrained into me. But then I joined the military. We were taught to “Kill the enemy”. Hard to be nice and kill at the same time. Killing takes a toll on a person. Unless the person is crazy and adjusts by not caring about any life. But if you are a regular person, you will be affected by killing. This is how I know that mass murder is a mental issue. Some do not agree. They think our culture of violence with football, video games, movies, and T.V. somehow are to blame. Oh yea, and guns, don’t forget to throw in guns. I do admit that the above things do contribute, but some people so intent on taking God out of everything, the “free love” crap that is being peddled, fatherless homes, drugs being a priority in some people’s lives, et cetera, et cetera, ad nauseum. But if you think that someone who kills is in their right mind then you need to talk to those who have killed in battle or in self-defense and see what it does to them. I’m frankly tired of “journalists” and politicians trying to tell me that if we take away a particular weapon, then that will cut down on people dying in mass killing. We lost thousands of people due to planes but we did not blame the plane. People that are serial killers are treated as mental problems but mass murderers seem to be different. The answer to mass killings is changing society. Strengthening the family and promoting some morality that frankly, society is rejecting. I’m sure there will always be people who believe that no one should “define” their morality. Well society’s lack of morals has produced what we have now including mass murdering. Freedom is not doing whatever you please in any way you please. There are absolutes out there. Who might set these absolute standards? How about God? “Well, Burn I don’t believe in God.” Then I guess it sucks to be you! Not believing in God, or believing in God but ignoring Him, leaves lots of room for gray areas and perceived “freedom”. Someone can choose to not believe in God but don’t be surprised if you have a hard time defining morality. Men and women can’t do it. Even those who believe in God don’t agree on what God says. Humans mess everything up! This is why it is important to have someone, a human, who God talks to. A prophet. I testify that God has chosen a prophet here on earth so that we won’t have a problem with all the things we mess up!
I have had the misfortune to know about killing first hand in combat. The politicians don’t have a good understanding of what that does to the human mind. Certainly the mass media doesn’t have clue. Mass murderers are not right in the head. Something brought them to becoming a mass murderer and I don’t think it was morals. What needs to change is society but as long as we have other things to blame society won’t own up to what needs to happen. So there are those who will continue to try to reap the whirlwind and make gun laws that won’t change anything. As I’ve said before, the ONLY way gun laws will work is if you take them ALL away. The left seems to insist that they don’t want to do that. Consider these quotes from prominent left leaning people:
“Hell, yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47.”
Former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke, who sought the Democrat Party’s nomination for president in 2020 in reply to a moderator’s question about his “mandatory gun buyback plan” during a primary debate
“I don’t believe people should be able to own guns.”
President Barack Obama, during conversation with economist and author John Lott Jr. at the University of Chicago Law School in the 1990s
“If I could have gotten...an outright ban – ‘Mr. and Mrs. America turn in your guns’ – I would have!”
Senator Diane Feinstein, author of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban

"All we ask for is registration, just like we do for cars."
- Charles Shumer

"My view of guns is simple. I hate guns and I cannot imagine why anyone would want to own one. If I had my way, guns for sport would be registered, and all other guns would be banned."
- Deborah Prothrow-Stith (Dean of Harvard School of Public Health)

These are only a few. There are more. There are also veiled threats to take away guns like Hillary Clinton’s wanting us to follow Australia’s idea. Which was confiscation. In original “Clintonese” dishonesty she tries to make us believe she likes the 2nd Amendment.
Really what it comes down to is control. The left thinks they know best and they must control everything and everybody to make us “safe”. All the while having armed guards keeping them safe.
It’s hard to be nice when so many people want to take your freedom. Criminals want your stuff, politicians want power, and left leaners think they know what is best for me.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Letter-day Saints, or “Mormons”, we believe in freedom. A hero of mine is a Book of Mormon prophet named Moroni. Moroni saw the people giving away their rights to well-meaning people and he had a problem with it. He had fought in combat, and watched his brothers die, for that freedom. I too have fought and watched my brothers give their “…last full measure of devotion.”
He rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it — In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children — and he fastened it upon the end of a pole…and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land… (Alma 46:12–13)
Moroni was not happy about what was happening politically, and morally, in his country.
"And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery; Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people. Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood. …if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." (Alma 48:11–13,17)
Moroni was righteous above all, but he was preparing to defend his freedom once again.
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of dChristians remain to possess the land— (Alma 46:13)
Why did he put on armor? Because he wanted all to know he was prepared to fight again for freedom. Why do I own a gun? To be able to fight for my freedom. It’s hard to be nice and to defend freedom.
So to paraphrase Chris Kyle, In spite of what your Momma told you, sometimes you can’t be nice! His quote is this:
“Despite what your momma told ya, violence does solve problems.”
Chris Kyle, Navy SEAL Sniper
Do all you can to be nice. But when freedom is jeopardy, close and engage.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

The Decision To Defend

When I was in Junior High I went to an outdoor fair the school had. I don’t remember what month it was but it was already hot and toward the end of the school year in Arizona. I went to this activity with a friend of mine, Mike. Both of us were tall skinny 14 year olds. We weren’t very big and a swift wind would blow us away. Toward the end of the activity we decided to leave. The school was designed with the hallways outside. There were corridors connecting the buildings and in these corridors were where the lockers were located. Some of these corridors were closed with rolling gates. As we were making our way through the school to the street we chose the wrong corridor. We were jumped by 5 “courageous” young men who initially asked for money. We didn’t have any money so they proceeded to beat on us. Well we were skinny and wiry kids and so they got in a few punches and kicks but we were scared and took off like rockets! I think I had a bloody nose and somehow found my glasses. We went over to the Tastee Freeze and called our parents. Our parents called the police and we gave them a description the best we could. I went home and went straight to bed with a headache. I was woken by my Mother who said the police were here with some guys in their car they wanted me to identify. My Mom was afraid to let me but I insisted. They were the guys. I smiled at them and said to the cop “That’s the skumballs that jumped us.”
That is story number one. This next one is story number two.
I was in the military on a training mission in a Central American country. We thought it was just going to be a routine training mission we had been on before when everything went sideways. We were all in combat gear and in a place that was defendable. We had plenty of food, water, and ammo. We were in a very good defensive position. But we were basically ambushed in what turned into a 3 day siege where we lost 4 guys as the 30 of us fought what was thought to be about 250 men. We got out of there by the skin of our teeth and a few days later the guys that attacked us were wiped out by a superior force. After 2 days of several battles a day and through the night you started to think that this was going to be your life. But from that experience and the story above I made some decisions about my life.
1. I would never be a victim again
2. I would never be ambushed or surprised again
3. I would learn whatever it took to be successful with numbers 1 and 2
This is my background of why I have become such a proponent of defending oneself and our loved ones. I became a weapons instructor in the 80’s when some instructors still advocated the revolver. There is nothing wrong with a revolver, just look a Jerry Miculek. But soon auto loaders dominated the defense world and the military got on board. I had the distinct opportunity of training military members in the use of the Colt 1911, the Smith and Wesson Model 15 revolver, and the M9 Beretta. In my opinion more guns, more fun! Even though I maintained an “Expert” status with a revolver, I’ve never been very good with one. I only own a few.
In the military I was also asked to write a curriculum for teaching situational awareness (SA) in combat. So me and another sergeant researched and developed a lesson plan for teaching SA. SA made a big difference in my survival in the two incidences above. The former was a lack of SA, in the latter SA literally saved my hide several times.
I’ve talked about SA a lot because I believe it can save you a lot of problems. Just as you can’t be focused on the road 5 feet in front of your car, looking ahead keeps you out of problems that can arise. Can you always be in Yellow? Really? What about when you are reading a book? A map? A menu? It’s impossible to be safe from an ambush, but you can turn the odds in your favor by just paying attention. I’ve talked a lot about the Cooper Color Codes. They are:
White
In condition white, you are relaxed and unaware of what is going on around you.
Ideally, you will only be in condition white when asleep, but realistically we often drop our guard when we are at home or in some other environment we assume to be safe.
Yellow
In condition yellow, you remain relaxed, but are aware of who and what is around you.
This merely means that you are paying attention to the sights and sounds that surround you whether you are at home or moving in society. In comparison to condition white, you simply have moved your alertness to a level of attention that will prevent you from being totally surprised by the actions of another person.
You are not anticipating a threat, but rather keeping your awareness on your surroundings and the other people around you.
Orange
In condition orange, you have identified something of interest that may or may not prove to be a threat. Until you are satisfied that no threat exists, your “radar” will stay focused on that possible threat (but not to the point where you are oblivious to other possible threats).
If you are well trained, your subconscious mind will be visualizing “what if” situations as possible solutions should an attack take place.
Red
If the focus of your attention in condition orange does something you find threatening, you will shift to condition red.
Notice here that condition Red IS NOT the firing stroke. Instead, condition red simply changes the focus of your attention from a potential threat to a potential target. You will draw your weapon, or move still further to sight acquisition, only if the potential target’s actions dictate such a response.
If you are attacked in red, you should be fully prepared to defend yourself. Whether or not you have a gun in hand or on target will depend on the circumstances, but mentally, you are already ahead of the game.
These codes are only a guide to try and live with. No one will ever be perfectly focused on everything around them at all times. With practice, you can be pretty good most of the time.
I gravitated toward guns but had the opportunity to receive training in other less than lethal weapons and in some hand-to-hand combat. You may pick another option other than firearms. But whatever you do, be serious about it. Just like taking care of our bodies exercising we need to be well trained and experienced in defense. Like exercising, defense training should be scheduled and often to stay skilled and competent. Otherwise, like exercise, doing it sporadically will make you weaker and much less prepared.
Look at your own life. Use a little introspection and see if you can pinpoint some events that would move you toward taking care of your own self-defense. If you don’t have any experiences to draw from, consider those close to you or those you most respect. Can you draw upon their experiences? It has been said that wise people learn from their own mistakes. But superwise people learn from OTHERS mistakes, or experiences.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

My Suggestions For Church Defense

With the changing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints policy on firearms and “lethal weapons” I’ve had a few requests for training that would improve your chances in an active killer (I hate calling them shooters, the police are shooters, these people are killers). So I’ve put together some things I’m sharing with my family. I’m sending them a DVD of these things. They are not all mine so I can’t sell them or give them to you but I can tell you where to find them to train yourself, or your family. Don’t be fooled, reading an article, or seeing a video is not real training. Seek out real, competent training where you live. These things are only a glimpse of what is really needed. After being trained you must practice. Without these two things, training and practice, you can fool yourself into believing you can handle an attack. With these two things, training and practice, you can begin to learn what you will need to survive an active killer or criminal attack.
Here are some of my recommendations:
Read First!
October 2019
Pre-advice before you choose a self-defense weapon or method.

Get trained. Most of us have busy lives. We have children and homes, jobs and callings. Learning about defense can easily take a back seat to life. That is OK as long as you eventually get to it. Look for a course on the use of these weapons where you live. If you are so inclined you can find these classes in other places and put aside the time and money for them. Once you receive training, set up a practice or training schedule. As we make time to exercise we should make time to practice the defensive skills we learn. Unlike physical exercise your defense training schedule can be monthly or quarterly. Reviewing simple training and getting “hands on” real life training is not difficult. Setting up some simple drills can mean the difference between real defense, and a false sense of security. Skills are perishable. Do not get caught into thinking you will react the same under the stress and pressure of a real attack as you did during a course 2 years ago. Training and practice are extremely important. With training you need to know the limits and the implications of the weapon you choose to defend you and yours with. Some “non-lethal” weapons can be lethal if not used properly.

Be lawful. Find out the laws where you live. Don’t just take the advice of someone you may ask or internet information, make sure you get real information about the laws concerning defense where you live. Look for “stand your ground” laws or “castle doctrine”. Some of the weapons I’ve suggested may be illegal where you live. Also, don’t get information and then never look again, laws change all the time and you must be aware.

Be aware that non-lethal is just that, non-lethal. Sometimes without the threat of death an attacker will continue on and “take his chances”. Make sure if you use non-lethal weapons and you temporarily stop the threat, that you can escape and get to safety. A good blast from pepper spray may stop someone but not everyone. The effects will eventually stop and then the attacker will just be mad.

Choose and use these weapons prayerfully and with sense. You will be lead to what is best for you and your family in their safety and security.


Watch First!

Into the Fray Episode 56: Defense Without A Gun?
https://youtu.be/2rS8JFjfH9g

Mindset

Defensive Mindset Personal Defense Network
By Bob Pincus
Could not find the video

The Master speaks on: Mental Color Code
By Jeff Cooper
https://youtu.be/_Yia8EJd11k
Look on the internet for a copy of Color Code in print.

Personal Defense Tips: Firearms Training - The OODA Loop
By Bob Pincus
https://youtu.be/66bdznhrZ4g

Threat Indicators
https://youtu.be/6aa7r7Da8Nw

You can find this on the internet
Staying Alive When Rules Don't Apply
By Tim Larkin

Weapons

Baton

ASP Techniques: Defensive Tactics
https://youtu.be/81rRwuYKcGI

Tactical Pens

Focused Impact Volume 1: A Practical Course In Self-Defense With Tactical Pens
https://youtu.be/SHgENdGr8TA

Pepper Spray
Self Defense Tips - How to Use Pepper Spray
https://youtu.be/gJuOJfbVlLU

Choosing Pepper Spray
Pepper Spray Review - The Pretty Loaded Field Test
https://youtu.be/V94L5XnBt-0


Hand to hand combat

Geoff Thompson on real violence-The Fence
https://youtu.be/K0KEN8ehIIU


The Fence - Geoff Thompson - Clip 1
https://youtu.be/T6OJnZG3joA


How to throw a throat punch (Extreme Self-Defense)
https://youtu.be/rLMX BOYNOw


The Elbow Spike
https://youtu.be/5md_n1V6XU8

Focused Impact Volume 2: A Practical Course In Self-Defense With Tactical Pens
https://youtu.be/Nlx87oOdsJE


Pepper Spray

Self Defense Tips - How to Use Pepper Spray
https://youtu.be/gJuOJfbVlLU


Knife Fighting

Knife Fighting 101- Black Scout Combatives
https://youtu.be/BxoScSOkCCs


Stun Gun
I haven’t found good training information or videos on this weapon. I’ll keep looking.



Please take all of this information as a beginning. Get competent training and then practice. Be careful and don’t think that anything here is earth shattering material. This is only a tool to give you a background in these subjects. I put the mindset first because the proper mindset can keep you out of more trouble than being a professional with any of these weapons or techniques will. Also, learn the laws of your state and maybe even county or city. But some of these things may be illegal. Know what you’re doing.

These weapons are not considered lethal even though all of them have killed in the past. They are not designed to be lethal, maybe that’s the key. Even a hammer can be lethal but that’s not what a hammer is for. So in an effort to remove ambiguity from the Church’s firearm policy, they decided to make it clear on guns, and muddy on everything else. It does bother me a little that the Church believes the Constitution to be inspired all but the 2nd Amendment. It’s something I can live with.


Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Overwatch: Drill of the Month For October

Measuring Progress Drill
This is a great drill to find your baseline of accuracy and gauge your improvement over time. It is good practice to have drills that allow you to have measurable outcomes and a tool to see your progression. Trainers recommend this drill for those who are attempting to find the gun that allows for the best accuracy. This drill uses 50 rounds for the five different sequences of 10 shots each.
Setup:
• Start with five loaded rounds.
• Set target at 3 yards.
Sequence:
1. Place spare rounds within reach.
2. Fire one shot at target's center, follow through for one second and then return to low ready position.
3. Raise pistol and fire two shots, one second follow through and return to low ready.
4. You will want to repeat the previous action, but will fire three shots this time and reload for the third shot.
5. Bring the pistol up and shoot the center four times, one second follow through and place your firearm on the bench.
6. Bring in target, record your marks made in body scoring area. The outer scoring area and the head do not count in this drill.
7. Write your score as (3) X/10, where the number in parenthesis is the yards, X the number within range and 10 is the number of shots fired.
Repeat the drill again at 5, 7, 10 and 15 yards.


See “Overwatch: Drill of the Month” page for more drills

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

The Ammo Shortage of 2008 and Gunbot.net

2008 Brought many crazy things. The stock market collapsed and politics was fully engaged. Barack Obama was just elected and that scared the heck out of every supporter of the second amendment! I think that’s probably how it started. President Obama had made some noise in his campaign about gun control and many believed stricter laws were imminent. So many started to buy up all the ammo they could find creating a “run” on ammunition throughout the country. This also happened somewhat in 2012 after the Sandy Hook shootings. When this “crisis” started I decided on buying reloading components instead of ammo. That proved to be a bonus for me because the shortage had not hit primers yet, although it eventually did. It didn’t affect me a lot because I’ve always had an inventory of ammunition. What worried me some was that I would start to deplete that inventory and not be able to replace it. It turned out that I didn’t have to worry and things bounced back. During this time of uneasiness I found a great place to search for ammo. Gunbot.net
This site is great for finding what you need in the area of ammunition, reloading components, and magazines. I like the no nonsense way this site is set up and that they tell you when something is out of stock or not. It also will show you the total price of ammunition but also the price per round. You can set your “good deal” threshold which means you can pick a price per round that you’re looking for and the site will let you know in red letters or a “beep alert” that you can set. I found this site easy to use and simple (like my brain). Now, I know that there are other similar sites out there but this was the first one I came across and it helped in my time of “need”. There is even a list of retailers that they follow on this site that is ever growing.
I am grateful even in these times of plenty that gunbot.com is out there. It’s easy to find what I need fast. Check it out
Gunbot.net
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Learning Threat Indicators

Back in my misspent youth I spent some time in the military. It was there I learned some skills that I probably will never use again in my life. I took a tactical driving course given by the State Department back in the 80’s. I have never had to perform a “J” turn in regular life yet. I also learned, and practiced, building clearing. This is actually one skill that I have used once. But the hand-to-hand combat training really has had its advantages. I don’t get in a lot of fights. But in the military I often found myself around those who had been drinking. With the training I had I was able to stop altercations before they turned into something ugly. Recognizing an imminent attack is something that most humans don’t even realize can be done. Most attackers don’t realize that they broadcast their intentions, sometimes very loud! Body language is something that each of us as humans have. Here are some of the indicators:
Blading/Change of Stance: Body ‘blading’ happens when the aggressor puts his strong foot slightly behind him so that his body is bladed, setting up his strong hand to have more power (fighting stance). He is subconsciously setting up his attack.
Fist Clenching or Pumping: One of the side-effects of the fight-or-flight response is that blood is pulled from the extremities into the large muscle groups and major organs. Due to vasoconstriction in the hands and fingers, a natural response is to pump or clench them. It is also a physical manifestation of his plans to strike you.
Trembling: Due to adrenaline, you may notice trembling of the hands or knees. It’s just another indicator that the aggressor is in an agitated state. This is not necessarily a sign of fear, rather it is another physical manifestation of the huge amount of adrenaline coursing through the body, readying it to strike and fight.
Rapid Breathing: Again, this is another indication of agitation and stress. Breaths frequent to distribute oxygen to the large muscles, the heart rate goes up and the body is in a state of excitement.
Avoiding Eye Contact: This could mean a few different things or a combination of them. When a person is trying to mentally process the situation in an agitated state, it is difficult to multitask (hold your attention and think of a plan and psyche himself up). It could also be an attempt to lull you into a sucker punch (i.e. looking over your shoulder so that you turn your face).
Posturing: It is common among many animal species as well as us humans. One of the main indicators is puffing up the chest to make one appear larger and flaring the arms a bit out to the side to make it look like their muscles are pushing their arms out so as to appear more muscular, or lowering the head as if ready to charge.
Bobbing and Rocking: This is similar to trembling and fist clenching above. With the adrenaline getting pumped into their systems, the aggressor may display odd movements. He may bounce up and down, rock back and forth, sway, or bounce his fists up and down. This is an outlet for the dump of extra energy, and indicates a subconscious preparation for action.
Hiding the Face: An aggressor on the verge of attacking may attempt to conceal their stress and excitement by turning their head or hiding their faces. This may also be seen when an aggressor wipes his face, slicks back his hair, scratches his nose, wipes his mouth etc.
Focused Attention: AKA “target glances”. Focused and/or repeated attention on a particular body part such as the chin or groin showing where they will probably strike, or to your gun if you open carry.
Thousand Yard Stare/delayed responses: The person seems to be looking through you/seems to glaze over or "gone". He is mentally shutting down and is ready to go on aggressive physical autopilot. See above “avoiding eye contact”. Attacker is preparing his next move and may be slow to respond to questions. Blink rates may noticeably go way up or way down as their body preps for contact.
Pacing: the adrenaline running through the attacker’s body provides an immense, abnormal burst of energy. This may be manifested by pacing to relieve the body's excited energy.
Scanning/looking over their shoulder/your shoulder: looking for witnesses, their friends/backup, law enforcement, your friends
Mouth/Jaw activity: licking of lips, clenching of the jaw, pursing of the lips, chin jutting forward, lips become pale, talking to themselves out loud or under their breath working themselves up, suddenly setting their jaw- if jaw was relaxed it is suddenly clenched in preparation to better take a counter-strike.
Flaring of nostrils- goes along with rapid breathing- flared nostrils allow for more oxygen intake.
Increase in pulse- can be visible in the neck arteries, sometimes veins in forehead can protrude.
Sweating- profusely, suddenly
Dilation of pupils: eyes widening or squinting noticeably- varies by person.
Excessive animation: unnaturally moving a lot, especially with the hands/arms. This could be to try to trick you into thinking he is just gesturing when it is really serving to cover a coming strike.
Moving the hands up to the face or chest area: he is trying to minimize the distance from his fist to your face
Pointing/poking/pushing: Poking a pointer finger into the chest is an indicator that they are not yet ready for a strike and need to be “pumped” up some more, they are looking for you to say/do something to take them to the next step of being validated in hitting you. Pushing/shoving is also another way a person can make physical contact in an aggressive manner when not yet ready to strike.
Usually at least one of these signs can be seen in an attacker before the attack has actually happened. Sometimes stepping “off the X” is enough to give you time to react. If you detect one of these signs it may give you time to get away or defuse the situation. Nevertheless, knowing these signs can give precious seconds to prepare for what is coming. Doing your best to never be in a situation where someone would feel compelled to attack you is always the best course. The best fight to be in is the one that never happens. But if you find yourself in the wrong place, or with the wrong people, these signs can be invaluable. Always remember the defensive ADD, avoidance, deterrence, diffusion.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Safety, 200th Hour, Safety!

When I was a young small arms instructor in the military I had been teaching for about a month. The NCOIC (non- commissioned officer in charge) of the CATM (combat arms training and maintenance) called me into his office. This guy was a Viet Nam veteran who served in the Army as an infantryman during the war. He was a grisly, no nonsense kind of guy. He asked how things were going and then pulled out a file with my name on it. I did not even work for the security unit that he was in charge of. He mentioned my shooting scores for re-qualifying. I had done pretty well that day and he mentioned that it’s been a year since my initial instructor course. I had only just started to instruct. Finally he said, “We’re getting close to your 200th hour and I wanted to make sure things were going well.”
Why is the 200th hour such a critical time? That’s when trained, experienced professionals make some pretty bad mistakes. In certain areas of my job as an instructor I had a checklist. Now I could quote the checklist but it was important not to. You follow the checklist to not skip a step, not because you don’t have the tasks memorized. As an instructor I had the four safety rules memorized but I made it a point to have a printed copy of them in my hand when I reviewed them so I would not miss anything. When dealing with danger to life, ensure safety.
If you are new to guns and you haven’t been carrying long make it a point to take note of your 200th hour of training or carrying. Take that time to review the safety protocols you have in place. Think about what you do and how you do it. If you need some changes to be safer then make them. Never feel like it is “overkill” to be safe. Checking something twice is not redundant it is ensuring safety.
One of the things that many shooters do not understand is that even experienced gun handlers can make a mistake under certain circumstances. Being tired, unfocused, or under stress can affect actions. Reviewing the 4 basic safety rules and expounding upon them can be a very important task.
RULE 1
ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
The only exception to this occurs when one has a weapon in his hands and he has personally unloaded it for checking and just checked it. As soon as he puts it down, Rule 1 applies again. Obviously if a slide is back and you can see into a chamber the gun is safe but the rule is more about bad habits and good ones. There is no difference in how you point the gun if you are sure it is “loaded” or “unloaded”.
RULE 2
NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER (POINT AT) ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
You may not wish to destroy it, but you must be clear in your mind that you are quite ready to if you let that muzzle cover the target. To allow a firearm to point at another human being is a deadly threat, and should always be treated as such. This and three are the most broken of the rules. You must be meticulous about this. Others and other things are obvious to not point at, but what about you? Your body, your hand, your leg, your foot.
In a combat situation I remember how badly this rule was broken. I do remember how often a negligent discharge would happen. Amazingly, they rarely hit anyone. But I don’t like the odds.


RULE 3
KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER (AND OUT OF THE GUARD) UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
This we call the Golden Rule because it's violation is responsible for about 80 percent of the firearms disasters we read about. The problem is the design of a gun is such that this may be easy to violate. Triggers should be easy to get to. You must make a conscious choice to keep your finger straight.
RULE 4
BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET
You never shoot at anything until you have positively identified it. You never fire at a shadow, or a sound, or a suspected presence. You shoot only when you know absolutely what you are shooting at and what is beyond it.
Many people, even experienced gun handlers, think that after rule 1 is accomplished, there are no more rules. This is of course BALONEY! In most incidents the other 3 rules were ignored and as a result, a negligent discharge. If you have a gun. If you ever think you will ever own or use a gun, these 4 rules should be tattooed on your brain. Do not violate these rules in any form. Remind others also. I do this constantly with my family. Not because I don't trust them, on the contrary, I absolutely do not want them hurt or for them to experience the heartbreak of an accident that they could have prevented.
The only time I point the barrel at myself or another person is when the gun is apart and the barrel is off the slide. Otherwise, all rules apply. I even hate the idea of carrying a weapon that has one in the chamber. Which, by the way, is stupid NOT to do if you carry for self-defense. If there is an external hammer it doesn't necessarily have to be pulled back with an auto that is double action.
Good habits save lives. A strong lifetime habit of handling a weapon respectfully EVEN when unloaded can prevent injury and death when your brain isn't paying as much attention as it should.
First, unload the firearm, then lock the action open and double-check that it's unloaded, using your eyes and then your fingertip to be sure. (That takes care of Rule One.) Be conscious of your muzzle direction at all times. Don't get sloppy or careless with the muzzle even though you think the gun is now unloaded. (Rule Two.) Close the action and deliberately point the muzzle at a consciously-chosen safe aimpoint. One reason people point guns in foolish directions is because they haven't consciously chosen a good direction, so choose a specific spot to aim the muzzle before you put your finger on the trigger. (Rule Three.) When you choose that spot, be certain it can really stop a bullet of the caliber your gun can fire. For instance, for a handgun you might choose to aim at a cement wall in the basement, or at the top of a thick stack of books, or at a purpose-made product such as a Safe Directions pad, or at the corner of the floor in a one-story building. (Rule Four.)
Remember the 200th hour. This is about the time that someone spends training when they make their first mistake. In flying this can happen with pilots. I tend to agree. By the 200th hour your experience just starts to exceed your knowledge and you can become careless. That's when mistakes are made. Be aware of this and act accordingly. I believe the second “danger hour” is after 2 years. Know your limits and NEVER break the rules!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

What, Me Worry? Security At Church

Someone who knows me and knows I write this Blog asked me a question. “Why do you advocate for self-defense in Church buildings even with the Church’s latest change in policy?” Yes I do advocate for self-defense at Church, but also everywhere! My experiences in the military gave me an appreciation for security and often I am “hyper-vigilant”. But to be honest, I’ve kept track of violence on Church property for some time. The only “research” I do concerning it is a Google search, so you can see it’s not very scientific. But the results are alarming enough to where I want my kids aware and using some situational awareness. Here it is:
Violence at LDS buildings and threats toward the Church

April 1999
SLC, UT
“2 Shot Dead In Mormon Library”

January 2008
Lehi, UT
“Woman shot to death outside church”

August 2010
Vasalia, CA
“Mormon bishop fatally shot in California chapel; gunman killed”

December 2010
South Jordan, UT (Oquirrh Mountain Temple)
“Police shoot armed man outside LDS temple”

December 2011
SALT LAKE CITY — Murder charges were filed Friday in the case of the shooting death of Hairam Torres, who was found dead in the back seat of a rental car parked at an LDS Church parking lot in West Valley City on Dec. 10.


February 2013
Columbus, OH (Columbus Temple)
“Police: 2 Shot In Parking Lot Of West Side Mormon Temple”

July 2013
PLAIN CITY, Utah -- A man was arrested outside a church in Plain City on Sunday after authorities said an argument over "seat saving" in the pews escalated to a fistfight in the parking lot and another man being hit by a car.

November 2013
Las Vegas, NV (Las Vegas Temple)
“Son of judge killed himself in Las Vegas LDS temple courtyard”
(This was a suicide but it was violence on Church property)

October 2014
SLC, UT
“Woman shot outside of church in South Salt Lake”

May 2015
EAGAR, Arizona — An Arizona man is dead and two others injured — including a pregnant woman — after he began shooting at a LDS stake center in Eagar, Arizona, and later at his residence, officials say.
“Suspect killed by police after shooting at Mormon stake center”

June 2015
OAKLEY, CA — Two people were shot, and another bludgeoned multiple times, during a large fight between two groups outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while Sunday service was getting out, police said.


April 2016
GILBERT, Ariz. - Gilbert police are looking Wednesday morning for the three men involved in shooting a 19-year-old man at an LDS church Tuesday night.

July 2016
Smithfield, UT
“Police have arrested a 30-year-old Smithfield man, Jason Summers, who is accused of shooting at someone while trying to break into an LDS Church, Thursday night.”

August 2016
Solon, OH
An officer saw a man sitting in his car beside the LDS church. As the officer approached, the man jumped out of his car, ran into the trees and shot himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
(This too was a suicide and not necessarily on Church property)

June 2016
SLC, UT
A meth purchase gone bad led to a vehicle chase and shooting. The fleeing vehicle went into the parking lot of an LDS church as the aggressors caught up to them and continued shooting at them. The victims tried to break into the church to get away which prompted a burglar alarm & police came. Nobody was hit by the gunfire.

June 2016
Amarillo, TX
A 23-year-old man shot another man nearly a month before that Wednesday when he was injured in another gun battle. The man walked over a mile to get away from the scene where he knew police would be looking for him. He chose to hide behind an outside wall of the LDS church, where an observant officer noticed his leg sticking out. The man refused orders to show himself, and when the first thing officers saw was his gun they opened fire on him. He was hit but will survive.

April 2016
Vancouver, WA
As a group was in the LDS Church playing basketball, someone broke out a window in the other end of the church, entered the building, and set books and the podium on fire. The guys playing basketball smelled the smoke and discovered the fire, putting it out before anyone got hurt.

March 2016
Herriman, UT
A 12-year-old boy was playing in the parking lot of the LDS church when a man pulled up in his car and tried to convince the boy to get in with him. The boy ran off and police have been looking for the potential abductor.

January 2016
Idaho Falls, ID
A man’s estranged wife showed up at his funeral at an LDS Chapel and became angry. The bishop asked her to please not say those things, and she pulled out a gun and began to threaten the funeral attendees. Everyone got out safely, and police arrived to disarm and arrest her.

January 2016
Rigby, ID
Around 10:25 PM that Friday night police responded to the parking lot of an LDS church on reports of gunfire. Police found a shattered window at the church, then arrested a man a short time later based on descriptions given by witnesses.

June 2017
Riverside, CA
Girl abducted from Mormon Church sexually assaulted in a dumpster
(This was violence but no weapon is mentioned.)

April 2017
SLC, UT
A woman rebuked another woman for parking in a handicap spot without a sticker. The driver drove up beside her in the parking lot of the LDS Church and threw a Slushy in her face, then ran over her breaking both her legs. Police continue to look for the Cadillac Escalade driver.

January 2017
Kalamazoo, MI
A woman was in the LDS church parking lot when she was confronted by a man demanding her car keys. She refused, so he punched her repeatedly in the face and took it anyway. She had no idea it was at the end of a violent crime spree including armed robbery, arson, and another woman shot in her home.

November 2017
San Diego, CA
On November 29 a jihadist media group published an image suggesting San Diego could be in the crosshairs of terrorists this holiday season. The San Diego California Temple in University City appears to be their target of choice. An image of a terrorist holding an assault rifle was superimposed on the Mormon temple, which appears to be on fire. The two towering spires rise up on either side of the jihadist. A statement at the bottom of the image reads, “Coming Soon.. San Diego.” The words “Coming Soon” are wrapped in Christmas decorations and splattered with red.

March 2018
Newberry Township, Pennsylvania
A shooting on Friday, March 30, at a church in Newberry Township was ruled a suicide by the York County coroner.
Police were on the scene at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 800 Pleasant Drive, in the township when a coroner was dispatched about 6 p.m. for a report of a possible self-inflicted fatality, according to a coroner's report.

May 2018
ST. GEORGE, Utah — A Mormon church spokesman says an intruder broke into a church temple in southern Utah and damaged furniture, artwork and other items before being stopped by church workers and arrested by police.
Eric Hawkins of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says the St. George Temple resumed normal operations after the incident Saturday morning.
Hawkins says the intruder damaged items as he made his way to the temple’s fifth floor and caused additional damage there.
(This is not physical violence. But the guy had to have had something in his hand to do this damage. And he made it to the 5th Floor!)

July 22, 2018.
Fallon, NV
On Sunday, a middle-aged Mormon man went into the LDS chapel where his ward was having sacrament meeting, and sat quietly for part of the service. Then he opened fire, killing one ward member and wounding another.

Dec. 2, 2018
Aparecida de Goiania, Brazil
'Everyone will die': Blood-soaked man is arrested for stabbing four during Sunday service at LDS church in Brazil


Uniform Crime Reporting program results DOJ 2017 statistics

Of the 1,749 victims of anti-religious hate crimes:
58.1 percent were victims of crimes motivated by their offenders’ anti-Jewish bias.
18.6 percent were victims of anti-Islamic (Muslim) bias.
4.3 percent were victims of anti-Catholic bias.
3.3 percent were victims of bias against groups of individuals of varying religions (anti-multiple religions, group).
2.3 percent were victims of anti-Protestant bias.
1.8 percent were victims of anti-Other Christian bias.
1.5 percent were victims of anti-Eastern Orthodox (Russian, Greek, Other) bias.
1.5 percent were victims of anti-Sikh bias.
0.9 percent (15 individuals) were victims of anti-Hindu bias.
0.9 percent (15 individuals) were victims of anti-Mormon bias.
0.7 percent (13 individuals) were victims of anti-Jehovah’s Witness bias.
0.7 percent (12 individuals) were victims of anti-Buddhist bias.
0.5 percent (8 individuals) were victims of anti-Atheist/Agnostic bias.
4.9 percent were victims of bias against other religions (anti-other religion).
The FBI documented 15 "anti-Mormon" hate crimes, or crimes specifically targeting Latter-day Saints, in 2017. That's roughly twice the seven "anti-Mormon" hate crimes recorded in 2016 or the eight in 2015, when the bureau first started tracking bias-motivated offenses against religious minorities.

July 23, 2019
St. George, Utah

Shooting in LDS Church parking lot



This is something that seems to be escalating. I know that there have been problems in other countries with members or missionaries but those seemed to be isolated incidents that did not repeat very often. They are now the “norm” for the United States.
These and other personal reasons I have for advocating self-defense at Church. I do not, and will not, suggest that anyone breaks Church policy. I wrestle with this struggle myself but that is a personal problem. My advice is to be safe and secure. There are other ways to defend yourself and just paying attention will get you far.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

The Space-Time Continuum and Awareness

I live in the country outside of a small town. We have about a 10 minute drive on a highway to get into town. Most of the trip is 70 miles an hour. There are several roads that run off this highway and so many vehicles want to pull out and merge onto this highway. I have watched the process many times. I will be going along at 70 MPH and I can see a car that wants to pull out. They will stop and about 2 to 4 seconds later they will pull out. They have to look at the traffic coming their way and evaluate. By the time they process what they are seeing, I am a lot closer because of speed.
I just read about a police officer shooting an attacker in the back. But when they looked at body cam footage, it was clear that the attacker had shot at the officer. So why did he shoot him in the back? It’s all about timing. This happens more often than anyone realizes. What happens is that the attacker turns and the defender doesn’t realize it. In short, reality isn’t what you see, and you have walked around your entire life consciously SEEING a reality that happened a quarter, half, or even 3/4 of a second ago. You don’t realize it normally, but everyone has memories of times where this came into play. Ever hear someone who got into a vehicle accident say “I never even saw it coming!” With driving, the visual perception delay and reactionary gap is generally accepted to be 2 seconds. This is why drivers are always told to stay at least 2 seconds behind the car in front of them to be able to consciously identify and react to danger.
Typical movies are shot at 24 frames per second. They look pretty smooth. Fighter pilots who are trained can identify aircraft in only 1/200th of second. But they still have to process what they see and react. This takes them about ¼ of a second
When we look around, it looks like everything is moving fluidly, but we really see in frames…kind of like a movie.
The frame rate that you see at is dependent on light, the colors you’re observing at the time, cognitive load/stress, and your specific neurology.
The simple fact is, good people DO justifiably shoot attackers in the back after they’ve stopped attacking and started to run away.
Because of the fact that there’s a quarter to three-quarter second delay between what our eyes see and what the conscious mind is able to process.
During that 1/4-3/4 second delay, the attacker has plenty of time to drop their weapon, turn, and depending on the situation, start moving away…all the while, the shooter is seeing what happened earlier—which was the attacker facing them and posing a threat.
If you’re firing off shots with quarter second splits, then you could feasibly shoot your attacker once in the side and a time or two in the back without even realizing that they were no longer a threat.
In fact, visual perception delay is a criminal defense tool that can help in cases where 1-2 shots are fired into the back of someone who WAS a threat. 3 would be questionable, but 4 would be incredibly difficult because by that time, the fact that your attacker is no longer a threat should have made it to your conscious mind.
This is where the OODA loop is important to understand. Very basically it is this:
The OODA Loop — Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. Nation-states around the world and even terrorist organizations use the OODA Loop as part of their military strategy. It has also been adopted by businesses to help them thrive in a volatile and highly competitive economy.
The OODA Loop is an oft-cited, but typically misunderstood idea. If you’ve heard of it, it was most likely presented in a fairly superficial way – as a 4-step decision-making process where the individual or group who makes it through all the stages the quickest, wins. Or getting “inside” your opponents loop with throw them off so that you can strike. This is all true, but there is more to it all than this brief explanation. This is why training is so important and situational awareness makes the difference in defense and using that ¼ of second you may gain on your attacker. Knowing these things can help you train better and be better prepared for any defensive event you experience.
This situational awareness information is important to help you plan your training program or in teaching this to others.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Situational Awareness Day 2019

I’ve maintained that we are ripe in this country for another terrorist event. I’m not negative or pessimistic, just trying to be realistic. Every passing day gets closer to one. I know that since 9-11 there have been many safeguards put into place. I do agree that there needed to be more vigilance. But the odds are not with us. There are 326 million people in this country. Our borders are pretty open and the chances of someone slipping across to do evil gets higher all the time. Our intelligence community and law enforcement are very good. They have stopped much, but like the drug war, something always gets through. This is why the government gives us this advice:

“We urge Americans to continue to travel, attend public events, and freely associate with others but remain vigilant and aware of surroundings.”
“Be responsible for your personal safety.”

National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin, September 14, 2018, Department of Homeland Security
I was in a situation many years ago in a foreign land that taught me about the importance of situational awareness. I was with two other guys transporting ammo cans full of ammo to another location to some other guys who really needed it. One of us three was sent as security because me and one other had our hands full. We rounded a turn and almost ran into an enemy patrol of 9 guys. Our security guy was where he was supposed to be doing what he was supposed to be doing and we ended up taking out all 9 of these guys. If it were not for his attention and awareness I would not be writing in this post. Also, besides our security guy being aware we were able to drop our load and raise our rifles before the enemy even had their weapons up. They paid the price for being in white, and we reaped the blessing of being in red.
For a review here are the Cooper Color Codes again:
Condition White
Completely unprepared and unaware of your surroundings. In Condition White you may be in deadly danger and not realize it.
If you are attacked in Condition White, you are unlikely to be able to effectively respond and you may be seriously injured or killed.
Condition Yellow
State of relaxed alertness and situational awareness. In Condition Yellow although you are not aware of any specific situation that may call for immediate action, you know that you may have to defend yourself today.
You understand that the world is full of hazards, many of which are human, and that your readiness to take defensive action can mitigate these threats. If you are attacked in Condition Yellow, you will probably prevail if you are armed and may be able to take effective action even if unarmed.
Condition Orange
In Condition Orange, you become alert to the possibility deadly threat in your immediate environment. In Condition Orange you understand that you may have to shoot a specific threat, right now, today.
At this point your normal reluctance becomes easier to overcome because your training tells you that someone is threatening to use unlawful deadly force against you or another innocent. You begin actively looking for threat indicators and start conscious analysis and assessments of potential threats.
Although you remain cognizant of the legal and moral aspects of the situation, you focus your mind on the possible need for immediate defensive action. Looking deep — what’s in their hands? Are they looking at you or past you? Can you safely leave the area? Should you?
Your hand may establish a firing grip on the pistol, you may draw the pistol at home, but probably not in the shopping mall or other crowded public place. The actions of that threat — standing right there — dictate your next moves.
Condition Red
You have drawn your pistol because you are justified in taking the threat at gunpoint; you can articulate why this is so.
In Condition Red, you have decided to act the instant the threat’s behavior warrants an immediate response. You wait for a trigger or take other lifesaving actions as the totality of the circumstances dictate.
It’s always good to review these conditions.
National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin, January 18, 2019, Department of Homeland Security
“Be responsible for your personal safety. Know where emergency exits and security personnel are located. Carry emergency contact and special needs information with you.”
My wife has said it is not easy being married to me. I wouldn’t think that it would be. My experience in the military and serving in combat has made me a different person. She is different because of being married to me. Teaching your family situational awareness can be lifesaving. But it is not “main stream” American living. Some say it is paranoia. Preparedness is not paranoia. Although with my PTSD you can never tell…
Don’t forget that next Thursday is National Situational Awareness Day! (26 SEP 2019)
And September is National Preparedness Month. Even the government is saying that we should be prepared!

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

New LDS Policy Defense Adaptation

The Church has decided to make our chapels “gun free” zones. I’ll not debate the wisdom of this, maybe it’s liability, or maybe something I do not know. But since they basically announced this to the world, I want my family to have some training. I’ve put together a video package of training I think is worth watching. There is also other materials with these videos to review annually. I will write a post of these recommendations with links to the material. Let me give you the basics and the philosophy behind this initiative.
I’m a gun guy. I have been for most of my life. That’s one of the purposes of this blog is an outlet for my “gun-ness”. I have chosen a gun to defend me and mine. You may not lean this way. (Then why are you on a Gun blog?) And that is OK, not everyone is suited to lethal force. It’s a big responsibility. There are other weapons that I would recommend you looking into. I don’t like the thought of using a less than lethal weapon and my attacker just keeps coming. My goal is to stop the threat. But I also figure that something is better than nothing. Some out there would not agree. I do subscribe to the “close and engage” until the threat stops or leaves. Some of these weapons may just make an attacker mad. Some may be ineffective. So go into this with your eyes open. But with that being said I have given my wife and daughters pepper spray for their key rings. I’ve also given them some training. But I also know they don’t have the time nor the inclination to take additional training. So I figure reviewing materials and videos annually is good additional training. I’ll be the first to say that I don’t like all training I find on You tube. So I have waded through many videos to find the training I like and what I think is effective. So what I will suggest will be my opinion.
I have had the opportunity of being trained in many weapons. I had to qualify annually with pepper spray, a stun gun, and a baton. I’ve had several hand-to-hand combat classes but I do not know any of the martial arts disciplines. I have had some limited Kubotan training so I feel I can use a tactical pen effectively. I train with this a few times a year so I’m far from expert with it. I’ve had limited knife fighting training although I’ve had more defending against a knife than fighting with one. All of these things take some specialized training and practice.
Some say that pepper spray is dangerous. They maintain that it is more harmful than helpful in a fight. I do not agree but I have never had to use it to defend myself. If you get the right spray and train with it some I think it can be effective. Pepper-spray is also more acceptable than a gun in many environments. I would recommend Saber brand spray in the “stream”. I’ve used others and found Saber to be the most reliable and best for my use.
I like a Youtube channel called “Pretty Loaded”. It is a channel focused on women’s defense and security. They have a video you should check out comparing pepper-sprays. Check it out:
https://youtu.be/V94L5XnBt-0
They have lots of videos with safety and security tips.
This is their Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqZ6rEhM0qtjCn3XWyMZ4Sw
There are classes available in many places so ask at your gun store or look on community websites.
Expandable batons are the modern day stick. We haven’t progress very far have we? I like these weapons because used properly they can make a lot of difference in defending yourself. They are not expensive or hard to use. Training is important because these weapons can be lethal used incorrectly.
Stun guns is a general term sometimes used for many different kinds of electro-shock devices. They come in several forms. The industry puts them into 2 categories. Stun guns and Tasers.
Stun guns are close proximity devices that use high-voltage electricity to stop an attacker by momentarily disabling muscle control. To use, simply pull the trigger and touch the aggressor with the metal prongs. I think training with a up close and personal weapon such as this requires at least some remedial training. These come in all shapes and sizes with varying voltages. They are also more cost effective. But beware of cheap, fly-by-night models. These weapons do not require a background check.
Tasers are usually shaped like a gun and have probes that shoot out. This is better if you are looking for more distance between you and your attacker. They are designed to go through up to 2 inch thick clothing. A background check is required if you live in MD or MN. They are also more expensive than stun guns. You also need replacement cartridges if the device is ever used. But if you use your Taser and leave it to escape an assailant Taser will replace the device at no cost to you.
I own some stun guns but I’m not the biggest fan. I just like having the option if needed.
A Tactical Pen is a very useful tool. I carry one everywhere. Especially into environments that would be considered non-permissive. I’ve flown with one and gone into prisons with one. I’ve never had to pen confiscated or detected. That has been my experience. You may have another experience but I hope not. What I like about a Tac pen is that they look like a pen and write like a pen. They don’t look like a weapon. A kubotan is a keychain self-defense weapon. It was first developed by Japanese American karate master Takayuki Kubota. It’s a stick self-defense weapon. They are usually five to six inches long. They are made of hard materials, like steel, hard plastic or wood. Kubotans are usually used as a keychain. They then serve the dual purposes of a key ring and a self-defense weapon.
The kubotan was first made for use by the Los Angeles Police Department. Kubota based the design on the “hashi” stick, which Kubota’s father had invented. Small stick weapons of this type have been used in martial arts for centuries. The Japanese Yawara is a similar type of weapon. Kubotans are used by many police forces and by military personnel. This is what I consider my Tac pen. A Kubotan in pen form.
As with all things, get trained.

Hand-to hand combat is very useful. You can learn some moves and techniques that you can practice without a lot of training. But, get as much training as you can. Learning some self-defense moves is the least that I would recommend. Taking a class or asking someone you can trust to teach you some things would expand your portfolio of options. Practice these things to build muscle memory and keep the concepts fresh.
Last but not least is a knife. Many people carry a knife. I would recommend carrying one because they are versatile. Fighting with one requires training and practice also. Like shooting a gun twice a year, practicing knife fighting needs to be often and effective. It takes some skill to not hurt yourself or kill an attacker. Please get hands on training if you are serious about using a knife in self-defense. I’ve seen fairly experienced people do some damage to themselves or others because of their lack of training or practice. I see a lot of people carrying a folder knife but few of them could actually use one effectively. Some say it’s better to have it than to not. I agree, but be responsible enough to get trained! Pulling a knife on the wrong person could find your own knife plunged into your chest!
The above talks limitedly about less than lethal weapons available. I would recommend learning some hand-to-hand moves. I’d also recommend pepper spray, a Tac pen, and a baton. The others I talked about are OK too but these 4 I like. None of them are difficult to be effective with. All require training and practice.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of training and practice!
You should also get training in situational awareness and my favorite ADD, avoid, deter and de-escalate. Learning Threat indicators and reading people is also something that can save you or someone else.
I recommend some books that will assist with your training:
“Principles of Personal Defense” by Jeff Cooper
“The Gift of Fear” by Gavin DeBecker
“On Killing” and “On Combat” by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints changed its firearms policy so here is an adapting solution. Problem is, “lethal weapon” to many means deadly. I’m not sure the Church wanted ambiguity here but they’ve got it. Clearly guns are lethal. But what about a knife? Or a baseball bat? I’ve seen both of these in a chapel before but are they prohibited now? I’m not expecting a list, but if you don’t want guns just say so. My advice above may not follow this new policy, so beware. A collapsible baton has been and can be lethal. So can a knife. I’m not sure this is what they were trying to prohibit. I don’t want to split hairs here, my guess is if it was made to be a weapon, unlike a baseball bat, then it might be prohibited. To be safe, become a ninja and register your hands with NY.
Hopefully, there is a happy medium in attempting to defend yourself. I will post my complete training program soon. I’m still putting it together.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Overwatch: Drill of the Month For September

September 2019
The shooter will stand with their back to the range. Someone else will load their first magazine. Round count is unknown to the shooter, they may get three rounds or maybe seven. The first magazine is never full and may have a Snap Cap or two in it. The second magazine is loaded to capacity.
While this is happening, someone else is down range moving the targets. We use blue for no shoot and red for double taps. The target arrangement is different for each shooter. Also we place garbage cans on the firing line, the shooter must maneuver around these or use as cover while clearing a Snap Cap or performing a magazine change.
When we’re ready to go hot, the shooter is handed their first magazine. They chamber a round and re-holster and wait for the command to fire. Then, the shooter will turn, draw and engage. The shooter is never static, move and shoot. Magazine changes and Snap Cap clearing must be done from cover.

(I’m sorry, I do not have a reference for this drill. I had where it was from and somehow it did not come with the drill. If you know where this drill is from please let me know.)


See “Overwatch: Drill of the Month” page for more drills

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Porter Rockwell and Loren Dibble: When Not To Shoot

If you’ve read this blog you will know of my affinity for Orrin Porter Rockwell. I like his style. He had a reputation for being a killer but I feel that so many other things he did make that myth not as strong as some historians or writers would like. He was a rough guy. I feel like I’m a rough guy. I don’t identify with his killing but his attitude. He was quite “in your face” and that’s what I like about him. He was loyal to the Church and to two prophets who depended on him. I can identify with that too. His rep was steeped in myth. On the Main Street of Lehi, Utah, someone tried his hand at killing and defeating Orrin Porter Rockwell and his myth. Lehi City court documents recorded the events of June 25, 1873 as an "affray," or the “the fighting of two or more persons in a public place, and to the terror of others.” This affray began as a young outlaw named Loren Dibble approached Porter Rockwell in broad daylight, drew two guns, and emptied them at him. According to onlookers, Rockwell simply stood still, staring directly back at Dibble, without even having his composure ruffled. When Dibble had fired all of twelve shots, Rockwell drew his own two revolvers and shot at Dibble’s feet, making the young outlaw "dance" to avoid being hit by each bullet. When Rockwell had emptied both of his own guns, he walked directly up to Dibble, grabbed him by his collar, and shook him like a rag doll. Rockwell yelled into Loren Dibble’s face “If it wasn’t for the fact that I know who your father really was, I’d have killed you!” Rockwell threw him to the ground, and walked away. This comment about Dibble’s father was not understood at the time, by those present, but has more recently come to be understood through genealogy and DNA tracing that Dibble was the son of Joseph Smith, through one of Smith’s polygamous wives. Few other outlaws were given the benefit of having their lives spared by Porter Rockwell. Rockwell was known to kill too soon, sometimes without sufficient justification for taking a life. I’ve always had the impression that Porter was selective about his killing and knew when not to shoot. He carried a sawed barreled, 8 inch, first generation Colt single action Navy revolver chambered in .36 caliber. Porter was ahead of his time. Many cautious men hid a Derringer but he understood the importance of concealed carry. He even filed off the trigger guard for better concealability.
Porter was extremely skilled in handling firearms. After his home was literally torn apart by mobs (the roof, the walls, and the floorboards torn apart by marauders on horseback while his terrified wife stood looking on), Porter resolved that he would never be unarmed again, and he went into the woods to practice his shooting skills until no one was his equal with a weapon.
The Salt Lake Tribune said of Porter: “Porter Rockwell the Chief of the Danite Band Shuffles Off in a Stable – and Cheats the Hangman of a Worthy Candidate.” The editorial then spoke of the despicable acts he had committed in his life, including participation in “at least a hundred murders for the Church, none of which he ever divulged.”
The Salt Lake Tribune was a rag in 1878 and I think it still is a rag.
Then at Porter’s funeral Apostle Joseph F. Smith said: “They say he was a murderer; if he was he was the friend of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and he was faithful to them, and to his covenants, and he has gone to Heaven and apostates can go to Hell… Porter Rockwell was yesterday afternoon ushered into Heaven clothed with immortality and eternal life, and crowned with all glory which belongs to a departed saint. He has his little faults but Porter’s life on earth, taken altogether, was one worthy of example, and reflected honor upon the church. Through all his trials he had never once forgotten his obligations to his brethren and his God.” Do we believe the The Salt Lake rag? Or an Apostle of God. Porter Rockwell was at the least a great story to tell.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

The Church's New Firearms Policy and Me

(My wife didn’t want me to write this article. She thought I would go off my PTSD rocker and say some things that would land me in my Stake Presidents office with him asking me to take down my post or be banished to the land of Sam Young and Kate Kelly over something as trivial as a cause. No hunger strike for me (although I could lose a few pounds). I assured her, that before I’d even get a good talking to by my priesthood leaders I’d pull down this post, my Blog, my Facebook page, my Instagram account, my You Tube account, my comments on every gun forum and blog I’ve ever looked at, and cancel my library card! It’s not that I’m a wimp and am afraid that my membership is in jeopardy every time I even look at buying Pepsi, because I know my leaders are reasonable and measured men and inspired. What I mean is, not very much is worth my membership in Christ’s Church. So, here is my “scalding” post.)

Well they’ve done it. The Church that I love and have been a very active member of my entire life has backed me into a corner. Break policy or follow policy? Break policy or follow policy? Break policy or follow policy? That is my dilemma. I want to be obedient. I’ve been taught the importance of obedience all my life. So, not only has the policy on firearms changed, but the change has been made so public that all the crazies know! And I’m not just referring to mainstream media.
I first shot a gun when I was 8 years old. It was a .22 caliber, lever action Savage on my Uncle’s farm. We shot cans off a fence just like in the movies. I thought I was pretty good! I shot my first buck in Arizona with my Uncle’s 30-06 at age 12. It was a clean shot that dropped the deer where it stood. I stopped hunting when I got back from my mission. I don’t mind the hunt, it’s the field dressing and processing I don’t like. A few years ago a friend of mine gave me a deer. The head was already gone, it was gutted, and skinned. I had it sitting on the kitchen table (on plastic man, I’m married!) fully intending to quarter it, and wrap the meat for freezing. I looked at it and took it to a butcher who processes deer. That’s how much I dislike taking care of an animal. It was almost done and I still didn’t want to do it! Anyway, I digress. When I was in the military I was a small arms instructor and NRA instructor. I also had the “opportunity” to use a gun against shots fired at me in anger. I had the opportunity to train military, local, state, and federal law enforcement, and civilians how to shoot safely, and accurately. I have carried a concealed weapon for more than 25 years. I do not share this in a vain attempt to toot my own horn, but to explain my experience with guns. And now my Church says I’m not qualified or authorized to carry a weapon on their property. That makes me quite sad. The policy says this:
21.2.4
Firearms
Churches are dedicated for the worship of God and as havens from the cares and concerns of the world. With the exception of current law enforcement officers, the carrying of lethal weapons on Church property, concealed or otherwise, is prohibited.
So not only can I not carry a gun, but even a knife would be prohibited. Even though there are several in every LDS chapel’s kitchen drawers.
I am stunned by this policy. I will not voice here what I think of this policy except that I fear I will break it repeatedly. In fact, I just broke it last Sunday. As you can see, I am struggling with this obedience. I’m not really sure what to do. I want to comply but also want to defend my family. I’m not sure who my church thinks is going to defend me and my family, and anyone else for that matter, should evil walk through their doors. It has happened and I predict, will happen again. So I say, “Do you expect the police to protect me?” I’m not sure how they can do that, even though I’d love them to! I don’t really want to shoot at another human being again. It was not very fun the first time!

The Family Proclamation to the World says:
“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.”
Apparently that does not apply to me anymore.
I’m not sure what the brethren mean by “protection” but the Saints in Venezuela and other countries may have a different definition of the word from South Jordan, Utah is all I’m saying.
The prophet Moroni in Alma 46:12 wrote this as the title of liberty:
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it- In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children- and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

I wonder how the police where I live can enforce this title if a nut case walks into my Sacrament meeting with an AK? Because my wife and my children may just be a memory if there is no one there to defend them. Maybe the crazed gunman will follow the policy… criminals and terrorists being such law-abiding citizens. I apologize for the sarcasm.
I do not understand the logic of this policy change. It is similar to gun control protecting me. How can any law protect anyone against those who break laws!? I guess it will stop law abiding people from bringing a gun into a church building and having a negligent discharge like what happened in Provo the beginning of this year. Oh wait, the church already had a policy of no guns in Utah chapels. I’d like to ask the Church how that worked out for them? I guess they could prosecute the 70 something year old man for breaking policy and Utah law.

Please don’t misunderstand. I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe it to be the Lord’s church here upon the earth. I sustain and support our leadership from the prophet and apostles down to my Bishop. I’m his counselor, I love and sustain this man. This is why I’m in such a quandary about this policy. By the way, I can disagree with policy and still agree with doctrine. But I must tread lightly because it’s a slippery slope. I can give up my opinion for my membership if need be. I’m not trying to fight this policy but understand it. Do we really want a “Gun-free” zone on Church property? Is that not an invitation to every mentally ill or disillusioned ex-member to come and get us? If you Google LDS firearms policy you’ll see many articles from August of this year from CNN to the Washington Post. The cat is waaay out of the bag. Some headlines even say the church has made their “parishiners” sitting ducks and “Mormon Leaders ban guns at church”! I have been concerned about security in an LDS Church before, now I’m alarmed! This is my solution. Maybe a lame solution, but one all the same.
If the Church is reluctant to put together some type of security team or security duty and train them a little, at least give some mandatory security training. We‘re asked to take a youth/child protection training why not some security training? My vision for this would be starting with leadership. We are a church of inclusion and missionary service. We have a sign on our chapels that says “Visitors Welcome” and we mean it! But with that comes a responsibility to keep everyone safe. I would start with situational awareness training. Then I would give key people (ushers, leaders) some threat assessment and threat demeanor or expression identification training. What does a criminal look like when contemplating violent intent? Maybe some body language. I took a course from the State department in the 80’s that covered this. Get a more basic curriculum and “civilian” it down to understandable things to look for. This, to me, would be the least the Church could do. This training can be made to be international. Maybe localize it to countries that have specific problems. Make some videos for us to watch and repeat it annually. If we can’t have armed guards and can’t arm ourselves, at least give us something other than calling 9-1-1 and waiting 5 to 15 minutes until after the event is over to get help. I know this does not seem like a very faithful attitude. I do have faith but I also believe in preparation. I’m afraid the Church is too worried about how the general membership would react to the possibility of a threat. But I also know that Church Security knows exactly what the threat is. To be honest, knowing we have a security department tells you that there is some kind of threat out there! I plead with that department, “If I can’t have a gun in church, how can I protect my family? Please give us some training!”
And so goes my plight. Do I ignore this policy and rationalize its existence to the Church being a world organization? Or should I comply and learn how to get off the stand under fire?
I can tell you right now that my family will get this training. They have already been subject to me teaching them how to shoot, have situational awareness, and use pepper spray. We’ve even taken some hand-to-hand combat training together. I will find the proper videos and materials and train them myself. I just wish the Church would do something other than tell me “It will never happen here!” I have tracked shootings on Church property for some time. I’m here to tell you that it has happened multiple times. It averages once or twice a year. Some have been suicide but only a few. So I know that it happens.
At the risk of a rant, I want to re-cap. I’m having problems with being told I can’t carry a gun in church but the people I train can. And if I can’t carry what is the alternative? And if kids get trained for active shooters in school, and their parents get it at work, where does that leave the Church? I know that the Lord can step in and save us all. But He helps those who help themselves! Maybe President Nelson knows something I don’t. Actually, I know he knows LOTS more than I do. I hope the guys that advise him know a little about security and defense.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

What Stops A Bullet And What Doesn't

I was showing my wife some pictures of targets I had taken on last week’s trip to the range. She noticed that there was a hole in the plywood that was the backing for the target. She asked if the bullet always went through the wood. I told her it would have to be several inches thick before it would stop a bullet. She seemed surprised. Even though she has been with me to the range often, and has been shooting for years she doesn’t have enough interest to really learn about ballistics or how bullets act. All she is usually concerned about is the holes in her target. I don’t fault her for this because she is not really into guns and shooting. She goes to the range with me to do things with me. Just like I will help her in the kitchen even though I don’t know the difference between folding in ingredients or mixing them into a recipe. She is a chef and a pro baker and I am not. But we like to be with each other so we do things together. She had never really paid attention to the bullets going through the steel or the ¾ inch plywood like it wasn’t there. She then starting asking about what would stop a bullet. She started to list things in our house.

A wall? No not a standard interior or exterior wall.

A couch or bed? No.

A refrigerator? No, depending on how much is in it and whether it is frozen or not.

A metal or wood front door? No, depending on the thickness

“Well what WOULD stop a bullet in our house?” Not very much I’m afraid. Brick or stone walls would. A stone fireplace or maybe a cast iron wood stove. I’ve never really tested a woodstove.
A book shelf from the side. In other words, a stack of books about 8 to 10 inches thick. I use a stack of paperback books taped together about 11 inches thick when I dry fire.
If you have a ballistic vest then you could use that. Or maybe a plate panel that goes into a plate carrier.

Practice pads that are specific for dry fire are a good portable alternative. Make sure it is rated for the caliber you will use.
A 5 gallon bucket of sand will stop a bullet.
A vehicles engine block or axle will stop a bullet, but not a vehicle door. The only vehicle I have seen stop a bullet is the door of an armored vehicle like some military Hum Vees.
A large tree will stop a bullet.

The five-gallon bucket of sand could be disguised inside a decorative basket, with a fake houseplant such as a ficus 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).

I was reading a blog, Concealed Carry.com. The article is titled “16 Things That Will Stop a Bullet and 28 Things That Won’t”
The article showed video evidence of the things that would and would not stop bullets. It is very important to know what actually will stop a bullet.
There are several ways to explain this. I will attempt to do so.
There are several factors we need to consider. The caliber of bullet, the velocity of the bullet, and the thickness of the thing you’re trying to use as cover. We’ll talk about these things.
Caliber is the size of the bullet. Most of the time when you have a higher caliber you will have more power behind it. But not necessarily.
An example. The .25 caliber bullet only has a velocity of 760 feet per second while the .22 Stinger has a velocity of 1,640 feet per second. The .22 has more power behind it so it goes faster than the heavier .25.
Velocity is everything. If you compare a .22 Long rifle cartridge and a 30-06 cartridge the difference in size is obvious. The 30-06 is bigger around (.30 caliber) compared to the .22 caliber. But the case size differences are really where the large difference is. The 30-06 has much more power behind it so it travels at a higher velocity. That velocity gives it better punching power. Velocity is also affected by the weapons barrel length. The charge that the cartridge is loaded with has an impact on the velocity too. The charge continues to burn in a longer barrel so this increases the bullet speed. This can act in an opposite effect if the barrel is too long.
So why are we talking about all this physics? Because this is what plays a role in whether you can hide behind something and be protected or not.
There was a young guy who wanted to be a You Tube star in 2009. He kept bugging his girlfriend to film her shooting him with a .50 caliber handgun with a book in front of his chest as a shield. He is now dead and she is in jail for accidentally killing him. They did not understand what was considered cover, (stop a bullet) and what is concealment, (something to hide behind.) It is vital that you know this too. Ever see a movie and see a shooter in a restaurant having a gunfight? People are hiding behind walls, appliances, and tables. None of these things may stop a bullet. Maybe the wall if it is brick or concrete. I’ve seen countless T.V. shows where law enforcement stops their patrol car, get out, and kneel in back of their vehicle door pointing their gun. This would be a fatal mistake. But that is what has taught us how to protect ourselves. This is a horrible lesson. First of all, I’m not sure we should take our life-and-death advice from fictional characters. Learning the truth about what is cover is very important. I have shot through 2 X 4 and ¾ inch plywood lumber. Almost any caliber unless it is quite a distance away would go through this type lumber. Maybe a 4 x 4 or a 4 x 6 inch piece of lumber would stop some bullets but not all and not at all distances. A concrete wall full of rebar and concrete will stop most bullets.
In my experience, 8 inches of bound paper will stop a 9mm bullet at point blank range. I’ve tested that and use 10 inches of bound paperback books as a bullet stop for dryfire drills. Sand is a pretty good bullet stopper. A sandbag is about 4 inches thick. Sandbags saved my life many times over. They lined the walls of our fighting positions with about 8 rows of sandbags!
Water and glass can be shot through but the course of the bullet is usually altered along with its strength depending on the thickness of the glass and depth of water.

Basically, knowing the difference between cover and concealment may save your life. Just know that most things don’t stop a bullet but it’s difficult to hit a target that can’t be seen. So concealment is important too.
It’s always better to not get in a fight. But if you must be in a firefight, know the difference between cover, and concealment.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Who Is Watching You and How To Be More Invisible

Someone asked me the other day why I don’t identify myself on this blog. I want to answer that question here and talk a little about privacy.
I don’t use my name and remain vague about my identity and location, and even about details about my family. I do this because I am a little paranoid. I’ve worked for the United States government my entire adult life and I know how intrusive they can be. I’ve also participated in activities in my youth and military days that were not really things our government should be doing. I’m not a mysterious operator or CIA field agent, but the things I was involved in were in support of activities that in hindsight I know were not kosher. So because of these experiences I tend to guard my privacy. That is a driving force behind my trying to remain somewhat anonymous. I’m also not naïve enough to believe that if someone wanted to find out who I was they could. I know that I am not anonymous here on the internet, and neither are you.
There are things you can do to lessen your identity. Let me give you an example of what kind of information can be gleaned from “mining” the internet.
We have some great friends who live in another city. We stay in touch mainly through texting and Facebook. Last year I saw a picture of the Grandson of our friends. It was the beginning of school, and beyond my understanding (maybe I’m getting old), our friend’s daughter felt she had to show off her son on his first day. Did I mention I’m paranoid? I think the first day of school picture post is pretty stupid, but I digress. I looked at this picture and noticed the boy’s first name, and in the background, the number on their house. All pretty innocent right? I just mentioned to my friend there was a lot of information in that picture. She mentioned it to her daughter and her daughter gave a typical “eye rolling” because Mom couldn’t possibly be right about this innocent picture. My friend told me her daughter’s reply. So I said to my daughter who is not friends on Facebook with our friend or her daughter, “I want you to find out what school this kid goes to. We’ll show his Mom that her “innocent” picture has the potential to be dangerous.” Within less than 30 minutes my daughter had the following information: The boy’s full name, and complete address, and a phone number. His parents full names. His father’s place of employment. The boy’s school along with the address and hours of the school. The boy’s room number at school, class schedule, and his teacher’s name. Even a picture of the teacher.
I don’t know about you but I don’t think our friend’s daughter intended for the information my daughter found to be out there. Between Facebook pages and the schools website all that info was there. She found there were only two pre-K schools in the town the boy lived in. Because of the pictures on the schools website my daughter was able to confirm which school the boy went to. If anyone was stalking this family, they would have had some pretty good information from these sources. Always look in the background of the pictures you post. I’ve decided to post very few, indistinguishable pictures on my Facebook page. I also have no information on my profile. Facebook has to guess about things with me. When you get those “reminders” of information to post in your profile Facebook tries to get me to expose where I work and where I live all the time.
Limiting what you put on the internet is always a good idea. My son, who lives in another state, has asked us to not post pictures of his daughter, our Grand-daughter, without asking him first. They send us a lot of pictures in texts. Now I know that is not secure, but it is much less exposed to the internet.
Cookies are a way of tracking you. Most of the time cookies are used to store information about a website so it’s easier to get into. Pretty innocent right? Cookies can track what websites you frequent, and what you buy online without your knowledge. Legitimate websites inform you that they use cookies. Less reputable sites won’t tell you. There are ways of turning them off and clearing them but that is for another post. A quick Google search will get you that simple information.
If you need privacy try the TOR browser. It can hide what you do on the internet. It was developed in the 90’s by the U.S. Navy.
While connected to the Tor network, activity will never be traceable back to your IP address. Similarly, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) won’t be able to view information about the contents of your traffic, including which website you’re visiting.
It’s very difficult, if not impossible, to become truly anonymous online, but Tor can certainly help you be less visible. All of your traffic arriving at its destination will appear to come from a Tor exit node, so will have the IP address of that node assigned to it. Because the traffic has passed through several additional nodes while encrypted, it can’t be traced back to you.
However, one of the issues lies in trusting the operator of the exit node. If you’re visiting an unencrypted (non-HTTPS) website, it’s possible the node operator can track your activity and view your information. They could collect data such as which webpages you’re viewing, your login information, the content of your messages or posts, and the searches you perform. Although, there’s no way to trace that information back to you or even back to the entry node.
It’s worth noting that using the Tor browser only protects traffic going through that connection and won’t anonymize other apps on your computer.
Would you be interested in what the FBI has in their file on you? You’re wondering why you would have an FBI file aren’t you. Well you may not have one but there is one way to find out. Request it. Here’s how to do it.
Requesting Your FBI File

Records about you can be obtained under the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552a. Your personal records may only be released to you, unless you give a proper express waiver to release records to another person. To file a successful request, your request should include:
• Complete name and current address are required.
• Citizenship or US resident status is required. Privacy Act requests may only be processed for US citizens or lawfully admitted permanent US residents. Non-conforming requests will be processed under the Freedom of Information Act.
• Include any identifying data that could help the government identify records related to you, such as date and place of birth. Other optional information may could include former addresses, social security number, aliases or previous names.
• You may also describe any particular incidents or events in which you were involved that you think may have come under FBI surveillance.
• Describe yourself as either:
o “an individual seeking information for personal, noncommercial use,” or
o “affiliated with an educational or noncommercial institution, and this request is made for scholarly purposes” or
o “a representative of the news media and this request is made as part of a news gathering and not for commercial use.”
• Scholarly and media requestors may be entitled to a waiver of fees. If you fit that description, state “I am entitled to a waiver of fees” along with the name of your media or institution. . For other non-commercial requestors, such as individuals, the FBI cannot charge fees for the first two hours of search, or first 100 pages of document production.
• State the maximum dollar amount you are willing to pay for copying fees. By submitting a request, you are considered to agree to pay copying fees up to $25 unless you specify a different amount, lesser or greater.
• Certify that you are who you say you are. Sign your request. Then, you have two options. You may either:
o Have your request Notarized, or
o You may state “Under penalty of perjury, I hereby declare that I am the person named above and I understand that any falsification of this statement is punishable under the provisions of Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 1001 by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment of not more than five years, or both; and that requesting or obtaining any record(s) under false pretenses is punishable under the provisions of Title 5, U. S. C., Section 552a(i)(3) as a misdemeanor and by a fine of not more than $5,000.”
• If you wish to authorize the release of personal records about yourself to another person, you may state “Further, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Section 552a(b), I authorize the U.S. Department of Justice to release any and all information relating to me to:” and list all persons to whom you would like to grant access to your files.

You may also request your FBI file by filling out US Department of Justice Certification of Identity Form DOJ-361 [http://www.fbi.gov/foia/u.s.-department-of-justice-form-361-certification-of-identity] and attaching any additional information.
Requests should be addressed and mailed to the FBI main office in Washington, D.C., and any regional field offices that you believe may have records concerning you


The FBI is required to make a reasonable effort to search for records. Adding optional details and descriptions may make it easier for the FBI to locate records, and make it harder for them to claim they could not reasonably find information. But keep in mind that any information or details that you volunteer in this letter are being sent to the FBI and may be used by them as they see fit.

Privacy is the last frontier. With the breakthrough in technology of the last 30 years your privacy will be at stake with every turn. Being aware of what information you give out and who is watching you, you can go into this technology with some security. Be vigilant.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn