Spec Ops Truths You Can Use

 In the Special Operations world, there are many things to learn.  As civilians we can learn from these ideas and concepts too.

The five Special Operations Forces Truths:
1. Humans are more important than hardware.
2. Quality is better than quantity.
3. Special Operations Forces cannot be mass produced.
4. Competent Special Operations Forces cannot be created after emergencies occur.
5. Most special operations require non-SOF assistance.

John Collins, a retired Army colonel, authored truths. He enjoyed a second career in the Congressional Research Service, and in 1987 found himself writing a publication titled "United States and Soviet Special Operations" for a House Armed Services Committee.

Oddly enough, Colonel Collins was not a special operator. He wrote "had to do with what special operations are all about," he later said. The truths were born out of the "SOF Imperatives" and originally included a fifth truth: "Most special operations require non-SOF assistance." However, this truth was lost for about 20 years, until Adm. Eric Olsen, a former SOCOM Commander, resurrected it in September 2009. Ever since they were brought to light, the truths became the mantra for only our special forces teams and over time, the fundamental guidelines for all special operations forces from all the services to follow.

Humans are more important than hardware.

Sometimes we think that a new computer or a new tech system is the most important thing in the field, but it’s the humans we’re surrounded with that will accomplish the task regardless of the gear and equipment you give them. While the stringent selection process for special operations works to weed out the wrong people, the private sector doesn’t have the same safeguards. Most companies don’t have an intensive training regime that includes psychological evaluations and leadership tests for prospective candidates, so these values need to be cultivated in a different way. Simply put, it comes down to taking the time to select the right people for the job. One poor person, or whatever poor quality that he or she possesses, spoils it for everybody else.

Which leads to the second truth.

Quality is better than quantity.

You don’t need 12 people if two people can do it. Pick the right people, pick the right machinery, pick the right technology, get that quality that you need and the quality that you want. You might be paying more for it, but the added cost for performance is worth it every time. If you choose the right thing, and it maintains the standard that you’re looking for, you’re never going to go wrong with having the right quality person, or the right quality machinery, and technology. The thing about quality is that it’s a limited resource.

Special operations forces cannot be mass produced.

When you try a cookie cutter approach, you get cookies, you don’t always get the right thing. If you try to have unique thinkers, by that very definition it cannot be mass produced. When you try to mass produce things, typically you eliminate the uniqueness right out of it. Realizing you’ve got the wrong gear, or the wrong guy on your team when you’re already in a bad situation is too late so, you need to think ahead.

Competent special operations forces cannot be created after emergencies occur.

The word competent in the fourth truth is pretty telling. This means that you need to be looking toward anticipated needs, or in military parlance, you need to prepare for the next war, not the last one. You just must be proactive and not reactive. You’re always looking forward and learning lessons.

Most special operations require non-SOF support.

This is probably the most misunderstood of all the truths. The reason: Ego.  Ego comes into play quite a bit, and you get a lot of ego when you label something special or unconventional or different. Taking the ego out of play and saying, ‘Everybody stay true to what you can do.’ In the private sector, it comes down to putting the right people in the positions they're best suited for. Let your guys do what they’re best and most capable of doing and have other people do other stuff.

These truths are true for many things from military operations to business.  Many may find them a valuable tool.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

 

The "Move" Part of Shoot, Move, Communicate

 In 1989 I had the opportunity to train at a shoot house ran by the US Army outside San Antonio, Texas.  In the entrance to this shoot house there was a large sign.  It states: “No one is coming to save you.” I had some great training and some fantastic times.  I got to know an instructor at this facility, Sargeant Major Roland “Rolo” Steward. He was a proponent of “Shoot, Move, Communicate”

Shoot, Move, Communicate is not a slogan. It is a mental framework for operating in chaos. It captures the three core actions required to succeed when conditions are uncertain and pressure is high.

Shoot represents decisive action. It means addressing the problem in front of you with precision and intent. You do not wait for perfect information. You act to gain advantage and create momentum.

Move is about adaptability and progress. Staying still makes you vulnerable. Movement allows you to reposition, improve your situation, and stay ahead of changing conditions. Progress only happens when you are willing to move.

Communicate is what keeps the team aligned. Information shared at the right time keeps everyone effective. It ensures teammates understand what is happening, what is needed, and where the mission is going next. Without communication, even strong individual effort breaks down.

Remember this: The single most important thing you can do in a gunfight is get the gun between you and your opponent

You must be an active participant in your own rescue.

Movement Drills

Let’s consider the primary drill, and then I will explain the logic and finer details. The drill doesn’t require much, just your preferred handgun and holster, two targets and a stick. (You don’t really need the stick.) You can start at the 7- to 10-yard line and place the stick parallel with your target. Standing behind the stick, you simply need to draw and put two rounds on each target, then two more rounds on each target, all while simultaneously stepping over the stick. The effort should be one continuous movement. Your step should begin with the draw, and your finish position should look identical to your starting position. From here, you can do the same thing with a backwards step. Do this several times moving forward and backward over your stick. Once you get the hang of forward and backward movement, turn the stick 90 degrees to practice lateral movements. The same approach applies. You will fire a total of eight shots, all while moving. You should be shooting two shots while transitioning between both targets. The left-and-right, or “side-to-side,” movement drill over the stick is trickier than forward and backward, but once you get the hang of it, this drill will improve your movement for both competition and tactical shooting purposes.

This drill seems simple but it’s a lot like walking and chewing gum at the same time. Simple until you start thinking about it. What are the finer details of what we’re training for. Performing the drill successfully is about stance. A good fighting stance is similar across many disciplines. The point of the stance is to enable you to begin your attack or react to your adversary. Most people can quickly figure out how to get into a good starting stance, but it almost always falls apart during training once we move to a new location. The goal of this drill is to end your movement in your starting stance. Regardless of where you end up, the next time you move, it will be from your starting fighting stance. This leads us back to efficiency of motion.

As we move around and shoot between different positions, people tend to “coil up.” This leads to inefficiency of movement, which means slower times in a competition and potentially a worse outcome in a tactical situation. By ensuring you start and stop in the same position every time, you can prevent that “coiled up” feeling. This also allowed us to start moving to the next position faster, while also engaging targets accurately.  It is a common myth that has seeped into civilian training from the military and law enforcement sectors: Don’t cross your legs while moving tactically. I suspect the concept stems from martial arts, where crossing your legs could lead to being forced off balance and into a poor fighting position. If you lose your gun in a fight, you can worry about not crossing your legs then. Everyone successfully walks around, crossing their legs while walking every day, most of us without tripping at all. You’re not going to suddenly forget how to walk because you’re holding a rifle or pistol. After all, you can probably walk and chew gum at the same time.

Once everything starts to click with you mentally, the fundamentals of these drills will apply to any situation that calls you to shoot while moving, even when you’re simply moving to the next target. Efficiency of motion helps to beat the bad guy. There are a few more points to keep in mind as you practice these drills. Don’t forget to focus on the target. As you start training, you’ll instinctively want to slow down when it’s time to shoot to focus on the dot or to align the iron sights. Focusing on the sights may cause you to overshoot the target when transitioning, meaning that you will lose time and efficiency while trying to reposition the sights back on the target. Finally, consider the pace of fire when shooting.   For most of us, we would engage the first target with two shots, then there would be a slight pause during the transition to the second target. Then, another pause while moving back to the first target, and a final pause with the last two shots on the second target. In practice, it sounds incredibly fast, but it is not. With a continuous, steady pace of fire without pausing while transitioning between targets it was three-quarters of a second faster than if you allow even a slight pause. These movement drills are so practical because they can be done with minimal space, yet they have unlimited application to shooting scenarios.   

Learning to move while you shoot and continue to engage at target, or targets, is one of the most valuable skills you’ll learn for a firefight.  Moving gets you to cover, in position to engage, and helps in transition from cover to cover.  You may not need this skill for self-defense, or you may need it.  It’s better to learn it and not need it, than to need the skill and not have it.

Remember, no one is coming to save you.

 

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn  

The Gun Known as the Mormon Avenger

 Never a factory option, the “Mormon Avenger” was a style of heavily modified single-action percussion revolver that appeared sometime after the Civil War and had both a ton of swagger and a good bit of history associated with them. In addition to being one of the forerunners of today’s snub-nosed revolvers.
Mr. Samuel Colt, with his early Paterson and later Dragoon series wheel guns of the 1830s and 40s ushered in revolvers. By 1851, his 36 caliber Navy-pattern six-shooter cap and ball revolvers were among the most popular combat handguns in the world. And his .44 caliber 1860 Model found adoption with the Union Army (while the Confederates used a good number of 1851s and unlicensed clones made in the South during the Civil War.)
By the late 1860s, over a half-million Colt wheel guns had been made and, in a country with only about 1/10th the population that we have today, a glut of Adams revolvers imported from England and domestic designs by Savage and Smith and Wesson, the market was flooded.
Which meant war surplus Colt percussion revolvers were cheap in the Old West and inexpensive guns can be readily modified without a lot of heartburn to the owner. Especially if they are carrying several of them about their person.
The history of the American West has a thread of Mormonism sewn through its fabric. Early Mormon settlements and pilgrims could be found extensively in all points west of Missouri from 1850 onward. As noted in “On the Mormon Frontier: The Diary of Hosea Stout, 1844-1861,” those headed to the frontier were often given a pistol to carry with them by the church and in many cases trained by those with experience on how to use them.
Mormon leader Brigham Young even kept as his personal bodyguard one Orrin Porter “Old Port” Rockwell who is often called the “Avenging Angel” and “Mormon Avenger.” Rockwell, a renowned mountain man and scout, was a Deputy U.S. Marshal and long-time marshal of Great Salt Lake City. Involved in numerous gunfights for various reasons (Some still controversial today), he once told a crowd; “I never killed anyone who didn’t need killing.”
He died of natural causes at age 64 in 1878 and is reputed to have carried several chopped down Colt cap and ball guns for personal defense.
Shortened to a 2-ish inch barrel, the cylinder-loading rod was removed and a new sight mounted on the end of the abbreviated barrel.
Other minor changes, including trimming the heel and toe of the wooden grips and adding a lanyard are also seen in these types of modified guns. While there are a few 1860 models that pop up, most tend to be the 1851 Navy gun, which coincidentally had a shorter trigger guard and smaller caliber which may have contributed to their choice.
Porter knew how to conceal-carry.  His stories are varied but many of his gunfights end with the deployment of a concealed carry gun.
One day a Sheriff Reynolds came to the jail and offered Porter a large sum of money if Porter would take him to Joseph Smith so that the Prophet could be captured. “I will see you damned first,” responded Porter.  Not only did Porter defend himself, but he defended Joseph and the Church.  Men and brethren, be like Porter.
 
Semper Paratus
Check 6

Burn

Please Listen With Spiritual Ears: Lovely Conspiracy (repost from 1 MAR 2016)

I know what you're thinking, "That Burn has finally gone off his rocker!"  Mostly I would agree but hear me out.  These are the last days.  Conspiracies do exist.  The crazy Epstein situation is a conspiracy come to light.  We need to be "awake to a sense of your awful situation."  Thus, I feel this way.  Defense is being aware of threats and fortifying against them.  If nothing else, I can entertain with my extreme ideas...

March 1, 2016

I love the show/movie The X Files. When I was young, I watched a show that was first aired in 1974 through 1975 called “Kolchak: The Night Stalker”. How I loved this show! This was about a newspaper reporter investigates strange supernatural occurrences in Chicago. It was the forerunner to the X Files. I liked these shows because I am somewhat of a nerd as my daughter likes to say. But mostly I liked the X Files because of the conspiracy behind the stories of space aliens. I have never been a fan of our government. Don’t get me wrong, The Republic is a wonderful form of government. But that kind of money and power is not to be trusted. That is why the founders gave us the 2nd Amendment. To keep our leaders in check a little bit. So, I am a conspiracy nut. I question some things that have happened. My wife is similar, but we don’t always agree on which events are conspiracies. When something significant happens in the world or this country, I usually default to whether a conspiracy was involved. Now to be truthful, I may joke about it or even have a passing wonder, but really for the most part, I don’t feel most things are a conspiracy. The problem is, some of them are. I can’t prove anything but it’s hard to believe that no events have a conspiracy behind them. Why do I think this way? Before you blame it on too much TV and movies, let’s look at things that I believe are true.
Apostle Ezra Taft Benson said this in Conference April 1972
“Now undoubtedly Moroni could have pointed out many factors that led to the destruction of the people, but notice how he singled out the secret combinations, just as the Church today could point out many threats to peace, prosperity, and the spread of God’s work, but it has singled out the greatest threat as the godless conspiracy. There is no conspiracy theory in the Book of Mormon —it is a conspiracy fact.”
In Ether 8:18 it says:
“18 And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God;”
This is why I believe as I do. These conspiracies, or secret combinations, will get above us.
Also in Ether 8
“23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.
24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.”
Have we as the LDS Church become “awake to a sense of your awful situation”? If now is not that time prophesied in those scriptures then I’m not sure when they will happen. I believe this is happening now. These are some more reasons for my thinking.
Secret combinations have secret signs and words (Helaman 6:22), protect one another (Helaman 6:21, 23), and mingle into society in a manner whereby they cannot be found (Helaman 1:12).
The teachings and practices of the robbers are tempting and corrupt the hearts of the people as they spread, eventually even seducing most of the righteous into believing in their works, partaking of their spoils, and even becoming involved in their secret murders and combinations (Helaman 6:38; Ether 9:6).
One of the purposes of secret combinations is to gain power (Helaman 2:8; Ether 8:23, 11:15) by usurping power and authority over the people (Helaman 7:4). They seek to gain sole power over the government and, in the Book of Mormon, were successful in doing so (Helaman 6:39).
Secret combinations seek to overthrow government (3 Nephi 7:6), establish kings – or oligarchies (see Mosiah 29:21–22) – and destroy the liberty of a republic (3 Nephi 6:30, 7:10); the king-men believe they have the blood of nobility (Alma 51:21).
“And do not think that these usurpations, intimidations, and impositions are being done to us through inadvertence or mistake; The whole course is deliberately planned and carried out; its purpose is to destroy the Constitution and our constitutional government; then to bring chaos, out of which the new Statism with its slavery is to arise, with a cruel, relentless, selfish, ambitious crew in the saddle, riding hard with whip and spur, a red-shrouded band of night riders for despotism.” (J. Reuben Clark, jr.,Church News, September 25, 1949)
“Gadianton robbers fill the judgement seats in many nations. An evil power seeks to overthrow the freedom of all nations and countries.” (Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, speaking in the April 1980 General Conference)
“It is the terrorist organizations that must be ferreted out and brought down. We of this Church know something of such groups. The Book of Mormon speaks of the Gadianton robbers, a vicious, oath-bound, and secret organization bent on evil and destruction. In their day they did all in their power, by whatever means available, to bring down the Church, to woo the people with sophistry, and to take control of the society. We see the same thing in the present situation.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, General Conference, October, 2001)
Because of these scriptures and quotes, and more, I believe this conspiracy is alive and well and doing the work of the adversary.
There are others who feel the same as I in, and out, of the Church.
http://www.nachumlist.com/deadpool.htm
I only bring this “crazy talk” up because it does affect you and your family’s security and defense. If you can get your own houses in order and prepare for the worse but hope for the best then you and your loved ones will weather the storm better and survive.
Here are books I would recommend to “corrupt your brain” (said with tongue in cheek) with information. Some members will try to wave you off of this kind of thinking. Do not let them. The scriptures and prophets are clear, we must become educated and awake to our awful situation.
None Dare Call It Conspiracy (Gary Allen) – recommended in Conference by Ezra Taft Benson
(I can remember my Dad having a case of these in his study. I guess he was spreading the word)
The Naked Communist (W. Cleon Skousen) – recommended in Conference by David O. McKay
The Naked Capitalist (W. Cleon Skousen) – important sequel to The Naked Communist
The 5000-Year Leap (W. Cleon Skousen) – perhaps the most well-read LDS work on liberty
The Elders of Israel and the Constitution (Jerome Horowitz) – Recommended in Conference by Ezra Taft Benson
The Book of Mormon and the Constitution (H. Verlan Andersen) – LDS General Authority and very close friend to Ezra Taft Benson
The Moral Basis of a Free Society (H. Verlan Andersen)
An Enemy Hath Done This (Ezra Taft Benson, compilation of political speeches)
The Law (Frederic Bastiat) – not an LDS author but quoted heavily by Ezra Taft Benson
Prophets, Principles, And National Survival (Compiled by Jerrald L. Newquist) Quotes of the brethren published in 1964
These are just a beginning. There are many talks and books on this subject out there. I would caution you to not go crazy with this. It can be scary or at least become obsessive. Also, many LDS members, including local leaders, have a problem with this thinking and with this information. If you feel compelled to share, do so prayerfully and with restraint. I have argued with members who can’t seem to give me an answer why these scriptures exist. Why was President Benson so adamant about all of this? Was he the “nutty” Apostle and Prophet? One thing I noticed about President Benson that I like to share is he worked in government. He was hand-picked by U.S. President Eisenhower to be the Secretary of Agriculture from 1952 to 1960. He had been ordained an Apostle in 1943. He saw government up close and personal. He knew how it worked intimately. As an Apostle he wrote and spoke extensively about conspiracy. In 1985 he became the Lords Prophet. His counselors were President Hinckley and President Monson. As Prophet I think he looked for a way to continue his warning and he found that way.
He said in April Conference 1986:
"The Book of Mormon has not been, nor is it yet, the center of our personal study, family teaching, preaching, and missionary work. Of this we must repent" (Ensign 16 [May 1986]:5-6).
This is how we can learn of secret combinations (conspiracies) and how to recognize them. I believe it is too late to stop them, but we can be prepared to fight them and help our families to survive their influence.
I will also add, vote. I know it seems useless sometimes, but vote anyway.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

The Beginning of Self-Defense

 Self-defense is usually thought of as weapons and martial arts.  But most self-defense begins long before an attack.  You can win or lose a confrontation before you step outside.  The correct mindset makes all the difference.  Here are some things to consider before self-defense is called upon.

 

Situational awareness (SA)

I know some instructors who don’t agree that SA is that important.  I believe in the ADD method before violence.  Avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation.  SA is needed to be successful with ADD.  Be aware of your surroundings.  To make your SA more effective consider these 3 points.

Stay off your phone in public

Observe your environment and know where exits are.  Focus on suspicious activity or potential threats.

Trust your instincts.  If it feels wrong, it's probably wrong.  Don’t second guess yourself.

 

Project Confidence and Strength

Attackers look for easy targets. Someone who appears weak, distracted, or timid is more likely to be chosen. To deter threats:

·         Walk with purpose, keeping your head up and shoulders back.

·         Make eye contact with people around you to show awareness.

·         Speak assertively if someone tries to intimidate you.

Develop a “What If” Mentality

Thinking ahead can prepare you for real-life situations. Ask yourself:

·         “What would I do if someone followed me to my car?”

·         “How would I react if someone grabbed my wrist?”

·         “Where is the nearest exit if something goes wrong?”
By mentally rehearsing scenarios, you train your brain to respond quickly under pressure.

 

Trust Your Gut

Your intuition is a powerful tool. If something feels wrong, don’t dismiss it. Take action by:

·         Changing your route

·         Seeking help from others

·         Preparing to defend yourself if necessary

Stay Prepared and Practice

A self-defense mindset isn’t just about learning techniques—it’s about making safety a habit.

·         Carry personal protection tools such as a firearm (if legal in your area), pepper spray or a tactical flashlight, and know how to use them.

·         Practice self-defense drills regularly so your reactions become instinctive.

·         Stay informed about safety strategies by reading, taking courses, and staying engaged with self-defense communities.

Conclusion

Developing a self-defense mindset is about being proactive, confident, and prepared. By improving your awareness, setting strong boundaries, and training in basic self-defense, you can significantly increase your ability to protect yourself in any situation. The goal isn’t to live in fear but to move through life with the confidence that you can handle whatever comes your way.

 

Mindset changes everything.  It gives confidence and keeps us prepared.

I know that many instructors don’t put much stock in SA.  I think it’s the beginning of self-defense.  Anyone can, and should, practice SA.  Stay aware my friends!

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn