Leveling your gear; 2nd line gear

Remember 1st Line Gear is you 'Survival Gear', right?

Well, 2nd Line Gear is your 'FIGHTING GEAR'.

So, here is a list of 2nd Line Gear:

 Load Bearing Vest, Chest rig, plate carrier, or similar
Fighting Rifle
Magazines
GPS
Emergency Flares
Bug Repellent
Carabiner
Camo face/body paint (for face, neck and hands/arms)
Communication device
AA Batteries
Weapon Cleaning Gear Rod/Pull Through Bore Brush Chamber Brush Patches CLP
Day/Night Flare
Water Bladder
Water Purification Tabs
550 Cord - 20 feet

OPTIONAL -

Binos
Hearing Protection
Red Lense Flashlight

And in the Butt Pack:

Poncho Liner
Poncho
Stripped MRE's (approx 3)
First Aid Kit Gauze Bandages Mil-Compress, 2 Suture Kits, Motrin, Burn Cream, Q-tips, 2 packets of Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Snake Bite Kit
Canteen
Canteen Cup Canteen Cup
Stove
Canteen Carrier w/ Water Tabs 4 Trioxane Tabs

With the above mentioned load - one is able to live and fight for a 1-2 day period without resupply.

REMEMBER TO DUMMY CORD ANY ITEMS TO YOUR LBV/PLATE CARRIER?CHEST RIG!

Leveling your gear; 1st Line Gear

First Line Gear

I have read some of the posts regarding what some patriots carry in their rucks, etc.
It is obvious that some of those gear lists contain much more than what goes in a ruck.

There is a philosophy regarding how one wears gear, and where one puts certain gear items. It is called the 'layered' approach.

There are THREE basic levels or lines. They are simply - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Line.

The objective of these posts will be to define what 'layering' or 'leveling' gear is, and why it is done.

 This first post will address '1st Line Gear'.

 First Line Gear is the stuff that you want with you no matter what. Lets say you were doing a river crossing, and you lost for footing. Guess what, you will ditch your ruck, your rifle and your load bearing gear(LBG) so you can swim to shore.
 Or you are on the run, and have already ditched your ruck and since you are out of ammo you have ditched your rifle and LBG . You know, run away and live to fight another day.

1st Line Gear:

Compass (Silva Ranger Type or Lensatic)
Map of AO (factory folds, laminated, no additional marking - so if you lose it, it does not TOTALLY compromise the mission)
Small Red LED flashlight (this is to read the map with at night)
Riggers Belt
Watch (waterproof)
Swiss Army Knife/Multitool
Fixed blade knife on Drop Sheath  on week side
Strong Side Drop Holster Side Arm
1 Spare Mag for Side Arm
Water holder (small canteen or 'Platypus' 1 liter container)
Small First Aid Kit (Band Aids, Small Tube of Neosporin, Couple Aspirins/Motrin, Compress/Tampons)
Small Survival Kit (Fish Hooks, Fishing line, Sinkers, Fire starter (flint/steel/etc.), Packets of Top Ramen Mix WITHOUT NOODLES, Snare Making Material (64 gauge brass wire), Empty film canister full of dryer lint)
Water Purification
550 cord on Boonie Hat (25')
Blast Match
Flight Gloves
USGI Triangular OD Bandage worn 'bandit style' around neck

TOTAL WEIGHT OF 1st LINE GEAR IS 9 POUNDS!

ALL of this stuff is carried on YOU. In your pockets, on your belt, etc. NOT IN YOUR LBG or RUCK!

 Remember to 'dummy cord' everything to your body, so when you need it, it is still there. With these items you can literally survive to fight another day. Without them, your survival odds just turned against you. Now this 'list' may vary somewhat from yours depending on your AO and different needs, but this list is a good guideline to start from.

Homemade Survival Bars

Survival bars 

 3 Cups cereal (oatmeal,cornmeal,wheat flakes) 

2 1/2 Cups powdered milk 

1 Cup sugar 

3 Tablespoons honey 

3 Tablespoons water 

1/2 Cup Jello (optional) 

1/4 Teaspoon salt 

Place all dry ingredients except jello in bowl 

 Bring water,honey and jello to a boil 

Add to dry ingredients 

 Mix well 

Add water a little at a time until mixture is just ready to mold

Place in a small square dis and dry in the oven under low heat 

Wrap and store 

This will make 2 bars, each containing 1000 calories or enough food for one day 

These will store for a long time and are excellent for emergency packs, etc 

 Eat dry or cooked in about 3/4 cup of water

Police State?

Police State 4

Please watch and think about it.

We need to ensure things like this do NOT happen in this country!

The White Horse Prophecy and the American Redoubt

 I wanted to talk about some parallels I have recently realized. I do not know how many of you have heard of the White Horse Prophecy, but I posted it here for you to read. 

So what I want you to do is think about this "American Redoubt", where it is, and what it is going to be. Then read this prophecy, and think about what it means. This prophecy is based in the Rocky Mountains, wow, so is the American Redoubt. 

This could be really big people, are things starting to come into line for this to happen?

The White Horse Prophecy

Joseph Smith speaking, “I want to tell you something of the future. I will speak in a parable like unto John the Revelator. You will go to the Rocky Mountains and you will be a great and mighty people established there, which I will call the White Horse of peace and safety.”

When the Prophet said, “You will see it,”

I said, “Where will you be at that time?”

He said, “I shall never go there. Your en­emies will continue to follow you with persecutions and they will make obnoxious laws against you in Con­gress to destroy the White Horse, but you will have a friend or two to defend you and throw out the worst parts of the law so they will not hurt you so much. You must continue to petition Congress all the time, but they will treat you like strangers and aliens and they will not give you your rights, but will govern you with strangers and commissioners.

You will see the Con­stitution of the United States almost destroyed. It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber.”

At that time the Prophet’s countenance became sad, because as he said, “I love the Constitution; it was made by the inspi­ration of God; and it will be preserved and saved by the efforts of the White Horse, and by the Red Horse who will combine in its defense.

The White Horse will find the mountains full of minerals and they will become rich (at this time, it must be remembered, the precious metals were not known to exist in either the Rocky Mountains or California). You will see silver piled up in the streets. You will see the gold shoveled up like sand. Gold will be of little value then, even in a mer­cantile capacity; for the people of the world will have something else to do in seeking for salvation.

The time will come when the banks of every nation will fall and only two places will be safe where people can deposit their gold and treasure. This place will be the White Horse and England’s vaults.

A terrible revolution will take place in the land of America, such as has never been seen before; for the land will be left without a Supreme Government, and every specie of wickedness will be practiced rampantly in the land. Father will be against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother. The most ter­rible scenes of bloodshed, murder and rape that have ever been imagined or looked upon will take place.

People will be taken from the earth and there will be peace and love only in the Rocky Mountains.

This will cause many hundreds of thousands of the honest in heart of the world to gather there, not because they would be Saints, but for safety and because they will be so numerous that you will be in danger of famine, but not for want of seed, time and harvest, but because of so many to be fed. Many will come with bundles under their arms to escape the calamities for there will be no escape except only by escaping and fleeing to Zion.

 Those that come to you will try to keep the laws and be one with you for they will see your unity and the greatness of your organization.

The Turkish Empire of the Crescent will be the first power to be disputed, for freedom must be given for the Gospel to be preached in the Holy Land. The Lord took of the best blood of the nations and planted them on the small islands now called England and Great Britain and gave them power in the nations for a thousand years and their power will continue with them that they may keep the balance of power; and they will keep Russia from sweeping her power over the world.

England and France are now bitter enemies but they will be allied together and be united to keep Russia from conquering the world.

The two popes, Greek and Catholic, will eventually come together in their decline and be united. The Protestant Religions do not know how much they are indebted to Henry VIII for throwing off the Pope’s bill and estab­lishing the Protestant faith. He was the only monarch who could do so at that time and he did it because the nation was at his back to sustain him.

One of the pe­culiar features in England is the established Red-coat; a uniform making so remarkable a target to shoot at, and yet they have conquered wherever they have gone. The reason for this will be known to them some day as red is seen in a different color threading through under all history.

The lion and the unicorn of England comes from there being so much blood of Israel in the nation. While the terrible things of which I have mentioned are going on, England will be neutral until it becomes so inhuman that she will interfere to stop the shedding of blood and history will be more properly understood.

England and France will unite together to make peace, not to subdue the nations. She will find this nation so broken up and so many claiming government, till there will be no reasonable government. Then it will appear to the other nations, or powers, as though England had taken possession of the country.

The Black Horse will flee to the invaders and will join them for they have fear of becoming slaves again; knowing that England did not believe in slavery, they will flee to them that they believe will make them safe. Armed with British bayonets, the doings of the Black Horse will be ter­rible.” Here the Prophet said that he could not bear to look longer upon the scenes as shown to him in vision and he asked the Lord to close the scenes.

Continuing, he said: “During this time the Great White Horse will have gathered strength, sending out elders to gather the honest in heart from among the Pale Horse, or people of the United States, to stand by the Constitu­tion of the United States as it was given by the inspira­tion of God.

In these days which are yet to come God will set up a Kingdom never to be thrown down, but other Kingdoms to come into it, and those Kingdoms that will not let the Gospel be preached in their lands will be humbled until they will.”

“England the Germany, Norway, Denmark, Switzer­land, Holland and Belgium have a considerable amount of the blood of Israel among the people which must be gathered out. Those nations will submit to the nations of God.

England will be the last of the nations to sur­render, but when she does she will do it as a whole in comparison as she threw off the Catholic power. The nobility knows that the gospel is true, but it has not pomp enough, and grandeur and influence for them to yet embrace it. They are proud and will not acknowl­edge the Kingdom of God or come into it until they see the power it will have.

Peace and safety in the Rocky Mountains will be protected by the Guardians, the White and Red Horses.

The coming of the Messiah among his people will be so natural that only those who see him will know that he has come, but he will come and give his laws unto Zion and minister unto his people.

This will not be his coming in the clouds of Heaven to take vengeance on the wicked of the world.”

  At this point, he made a pause, and looking up as though the vision were still in view, he said: 

“There is a land beyond the Rocky Mountains that will be invaded by the heathen Chinese unless great care and protection be given.” 

Speaking of the heathen nations, he said: 

“Where there is no law there is no condemnation; this will apply to them. Power will be given to the White Horse to rebuke the nations afar off, and you obey it, for the laws go forth from Zion. The last great struggle that Zion will ever have to contend with will be when the whole of America will be made the Zion of God.

Those opposing will be called Gog and Magog. The nations of the earth will be led by the Russian Czar and his power will be great, but all opposition will be overcome and this land will be the Zion of our God. Amen.”

End of the prophecy.

Now think about what this has said, and the parallels that exist today. What about our Constitution hanging like a thread. Well it pretty much is, National Defense Authorization Act, Patriot Act, etc....

So what do we do now? Move to the Redoubt, and become part of the movement! If you cannot, get involved in your local communities, prepare, teach others, join or form Constitutional Militias. DO SOMETHING!!!!!

Radio Free Redoubt

Today I just wanted to talk more about the American Redoubt, more specifically Radio Free Redoubt, the voice of the American Redoubt.

Re·doubt: noun \ri-ˈdau̇t\ 1b : A defended position : Protective barrier 2: A secure retreat : STRONGHOLD) -- Merriam-Webster

Which is if you do not yet know, the American Redoubt is the emerging Safe Haven and Refuge for God-Fearing, Liberty-Loving Patriots of the Western United States, and it consists of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and Eastern Washington.

So back to Radio Free Redoubt... http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/

Please check out John Jacob Schmidt on Radio Free Redoubt Every Sunday Evening at 7PM (Pacific Time Zone).
Here is the link to the entire broadcast schedule: Radio Free Redoubt Broadcast Schedule
Also on the right of the homepage there is a Podbean player with all the past episodes, please check them out, there is a lot of great information located there.

This whole American Redoubt concept is very appealing to me and I am very excited about it. I think it is a great idea and hope many more Patriots join the ones already in place in the American Redoubt.

During these troubling times we need to prepare, we need to network, we need to train, we need to work together, and most importantly we need to stand up for what is right!

The American Redoubt

So, I have become aware of a new movement of people in this great nation. The American Redoubt consists of Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

The concept is that this area is rural, low population density, conservative and defensible. Patriots, preppers, Constitutional Militia members, and like minded Americans are migrating to this area.

Why are they doing so? Well we all know that our country is not headed in the right direction and that things are probably going to get a lot worse before it gets better. So this has been declared as the American Redoubt, or safe zone. This area will be defended by great Americans, ensuring our continuation as a country.

From what I can see this is a great idea. I would encourage people of like mind to migrate to this area and prepare for the challenging times ahead of us.

The American Redoubt explained by Radio Free Redoubt says this about what it is.

The "American Redoubt," and the origination of the name, is explained best in the "American Redoubt Articles" page. But let me put this in "John Jacob" terms: 

 Imagine the sea-level of the oceans rising at a rate of 50 feet in elevation per day ... across the globe. Naturally, out of self-preservation, any creature in its right mind would be compelled to move to higher ground for safety. 

No matter how persistent the efforts to build levies with bulldozers and fill sandbags, the waters rush in, over, and through every countermeasure.

Eventually, the creatures congregate to safe havens and places of refuge. Now think of the rising water in human societal and cultural terms
. 
There has already been a shift of people moving to "higher ground," socially speaking of course. Conservative, God-fearing men and women who love liberty and traditional American ideals are moving to safe havens and joining those already in places of refuge.

The waters of Marxism, Communism, Socialism, Humanism, Existentialism, Globalism, Islamo-fascism, anti-Americanism, and "Tolerance" are rising. Christianity, Biblical doctrine and traditional American values are under attack from an increasingly hostile and intolerant "ism" culture. 

Most certainly one of the most significant demographic shifts in the United States today is the movement of people with fundamental American and Judeo-Christian value systems moving into the inland Pacific Northwest. Particularly, this retreat to higher ground encompasses Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and Eastern Washington. It's hardly visible, as a strong current under the surface. 

But it's there. That, my friends, is the American Redoubt. A stronghold. A safe haven. A refuge.

For more information check out the American Redoubt Network: http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/
Also check out the Survival Blog here: http://survivalblog.com/redoubt.html
Here is another great resource I think you might like: http://chuckbaldwinlive.com/home/

Obama Talking US Gun Confiscation using Foreign Troops?

On April 2, 2012 the foreign insurgent Obama met with his fellow international conspirators, Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderón in Washington DC. This get-together was billed as a conference on international trade but the discussion quickly turned to the necessity for new gun regulations and prohibitions in the United States for the security of Mexico, which I guess could be tied into international trade as Obama’s Attorney General Eric Holder has been and is engaged in international gun running and drug trafficking for profit throughout North America.

Taking into consideration the actions we are seeing, through a coordinated effort between the plethora of so called security agencies in the United States to orchestrate the necessary conditions to begin an attack upon our 2nd Amendment, we should be looking very carefully at every meeting these international soviet socialists are involved in. We must understand that the international insurgency into the United States has become revealed to the point that they must act quickly if they are going to attempt to disarm the American population.

Look at the situation on its face. We the American people of the American race are literally clearing the shelves of firearms and ammunition. At the same time we are making it clear that we want to arm ourselves, those who are supposedly our representatives are taking actions to begin confiscating our guns.

Enter the US Army Military Personnel Exchange Program, wherein officers in the US Army are being exchanged with officers from countries around the world for the purported purpose of cross training for international crisis. What is happening right before our eyes is the international soviet socialist elite are putting together an international coalition army for the purpose of disarming the American citizens.

Understand, this army must be coordinated and considering the reality of diverse languages requires a communication system which has to be established before this foreign army can begin operations in the United States. This is why we have all the cross training, in order to procure communication between the various foreign units.

This operation has been underway for many years now. We all remember guns being confiscated from American citizens during the exercises conducted after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and right now there are Polish troops training in Illinois for gun confiscation in the United States.

The international insurgents within the United States government have declared that they will use drones against we the people.

Obama has signed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 with Sections 1021 and 1022, authorizing military arrests and indefinite detentions of American citizens without any due process of law, in essence suspending Habeas Corpus just like Lincoln did at the beginning of the US Civil War.

Obama has signed HR 347 Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011, the no-Trespass legislation, designed to insure a violent response when peaceful American protesters take to the streets this summer to challenge their being disenfranchised through the corrupt and fraudulent corporate owned election process.

Obama has signed the executive order National Defense Resources Preparedness designed to deny resources to US patriotic militia after the conflict begins. You see this is not going to be a conventional war. This country is our home. There is no single supply line to be cut. This is why the soviet insurgency intends to seize all resources.

There are only a handful of traitors within our military who are going to cooperate with this foreign insurgency. They will be used mainly in communications, as orders that are handed down in English must be translated into other languages as they are relayed to the various elements of the foreign army. I guess in reality this bunch of traitors would have to be considered priority targets for the resistance.

If you think this is just a conspiracy theory, consider this. Obama is supposedly falling in the opinion polls, the race for the national election is supposedly on, and, out of nowhere, Obama takes off to Columbia for meetings that really cannot have much substance unless he is reelected and/or the status quo is preserved.

If you put all the pieces together and connect the dots, the reality of what we are looking at cannot be denied. It is not a question of if, but rather of when. Considering the fact that gun purchases are not slowing down the when will be soon.

To you foreign troops out there who have had it whispered in your ear that you will be engaging the American people of the American race for the purpose of disarming and bringing us into a one world dictatorship, be advised. If you come here, you will die here, each and every one of you. Once you have put us to the task you have sealed your fate. We are not going to let you leave, we will slaughter you and leave your bodies to decay where they fall and your bones to bleach upon our soil as a warning to all others who might in the future entertain the notion of conquering we the American people in our own country.

Source of article: http://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com

24 ways to purify water

 This information is just for your knowledge, it does not really help you to purify your water, but will teach you about various methods used for this purpose.

SEPARATION: HEAT, LIGHT & GRAVITY  SEDIMENTATION gravitationally settles heavy suspended material.

BOILING WATER for 15 to 20 minutes kills 99.9% of all living things and vaporizes most chemicals.  Minerals, metals, solids and the contamination from the cooking container become more concentrated.

DISTILLATION boils and re condenses the water, but many chemicals vaporize and re condense in concentration in the output water.  It is also expensive to boil & cool water.

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT is a good bactericide, but has no residual kill, and works only in clearly filtered water.   Still in its infancy stage is a new technology involving super white light.

CHEMICALS       CHLORINE is common, cheap, but extremely toxic.  It does not decrease physical or chemical contamination, it does increase cholesterol formations, is a carcinogen, and causes heart disease.

     BROMINE, used in pools and spas, doesn't smell or taste as bad and doesn't kill bacteria very well.

     IODINE is not practical, and is mostly used by campers.

     HYDROGEN PEROXIDE kills bacteria with oxygen, is chemically made and is very toxic.  It is used in emergencies.

     SILVER is an effective bactericide but a cumulative poison which concentrates and doesn't evaporate.

     NONTOXIC ORGANIC ACIDS should be used with caution in large water plants only.

     LIME AND MILD ALKALINE AGENTS should also be used with caution only by large water plants, or only for laundry.

     NEUTRALIZING CHEMICALS react with the unwanted chemicals and produce out gases and a sediment, but levels of need vary.

     COAGULATION-FLOCCULATION adds chemicals which lump together suspended particles for filtration or separation.

     ION EXCHANGE exchanges sodium from salt for calcium or magnesium, using either glauconite (greensand), precipitated synthetic organic resins, or gel zeolite, thus softening the water.  Minerals, metals, chemicals or odors are not affected, and the water is salty to drink.
 
FILTRATION  SLOW SAND of 1 cubic meter passes about 2 liters/min, and does a limited bacteria removal.

PRESSURE SAND of 1 cubic meter passes about 40gpm and must be backwashed daily.

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH removes small suspended particles at high  flow rates, must be daily backwashed and is expensive.

POROUS STONE/CERAMIC filters are small but expensive, and do not effect chemicals, bacteria or odors.

PAPER or CLOTH filters are disposable and filter to one micron, but do not have much capacity.

CHARCOAL:
     -COMPRESSED CHARCOAL/CARBON BLOCK is the best type of charcoal  filter, can remove chemicals and lead, but is easily clogged,  so  should be used with a sediment pre-filter.
     -GRANULAR CHARCOAL is cheaper, but water can flow around the  granules without being treated.
     -POWDERED CHARCOAL is a very fine dust useful for spot cleaning  larger bodies of water, but is messy and can pass through some filters and be consumed.

REVERSE OSMOSIS uses a membrane with microscopic holes that require 4 to 8 times the volume of water processed to wash it in order to remove minerals and salt, but not necessarily chemicals and bacteria.

OXYDATION  AERATION sprays water into the air to raise the oxygen content, to break down odors, and to balance the dissolved gases.  However, it takes space, is expensive, and picks up contaminants from the air.

OZONE is a very good bactericide, using highly charged oxygen molecules to kill microorganisms on contact, and to flocculate iron and manganese for post filtration and backwashing.

ELECTRONIC PURIFICATION and DISSOLVED OXYGEN GENERATION creates super oxygenated water in a dissolved state that lowers the surface tension of the water and effectively treats all three types of contamination: physical, chemical and biological.

Take control of your own food supply

Here is some food for thought about seeds and gardening. Why not just gather food storage, but also gather seeds so you can keep yourself fed long term if necessary.

Could you and your family get off the grid and survive in a panic? 

Do you have enough seeds to plant a survival garden and feed your family?

Do you have the right kind of seeds to plant? 

If you’re answering no to these questions, you need to stop wherever you are and ask yourself… “What would I do if the grocery stores closed?” The answer sadly is that you’d probably go hungry. 

A seed bank is a collection of viable seeds of common grains, vegetables, herbs, and fruits; many survivalists maintain such banks so that they can feed themselves if an apocalyptic event occurs or if oppressive forces attempt to wipe out those species.

So, what do you look for in the seeds?

You should look for: Non Hybrid seeds have always been the best considering their particular hardiness, dietary worth as well as possibility to generate crops which have viable seeds. So that you could benefit from this year’s crop by saving the seeds meant for following growing year.

Also I think that Organic is important also to ensure viable seeds for years to come.

Having a collection of Non-Hybrid, Organic seeds is a great way to ensure you will have food long term, no matter what happens. They are portable also so you can take them with you if you have to bug out and find a safer location to live. 

Also it is a good idea to get a book about gardening, or somehow learn about gardening, so you know how to do it, what is required, how to harvest the seeds for your next growing season. What season to plant what, also which plants to grow next to each other or not to is important. 

Any way knowledge is power, so gain all the knowledge you can and make your preps, bad times are coming! 

Effective gas masks

Here are some masks that I found through research that are effective and will provide you with actual protection in case you need it. I start with the least expensive and move to more expensive units. They start at about $170 and go to about $220.

SGE 400/3 NBC Full Face piece Respirator

The SGE 400/3 gas mask has 3 filter ports (left, right and center) and is offered with an optional hood and canteen drinking system. Soft inner orinasal cup quick release harness with six adjustable straps. Controlled air flow prevents fogging of the visor. Unlike other mask designs, the full facial coverage offered by the Tecno-Pro mask provides wearers with full visability additional face protection from flying debris. The extremely durable polycarbonate visor has been tested to resist a one inch steel ball, that was propelled at 335 MPH without cracking or damaging the face shield. The mask was also tested for heat resistance and will not catch fire or melt at 800 Degrees C (1472 F) for 5 Sec. or 200 degrees C (372 F) for a duration of 6 Min. The SGE-400/3 models have a special resin coating applied to the polycarbonate visor which provides additional scratch & chemical resistance. The competitive price, simplicity and the ease of maintenance of Tecnopro full face mask systems make them an easy choice.   SGE 400/3 Infinity NBC Mask System The SGE 400/3 Infinity gas mask has 3 filter ports (left, right and center) and is comes with a canteen drinking system including the mouthpiece, drinking assembly, cap and US military current issue canteen. Soft inner orinasal cup quick release harness with six adjustable straps. Controlled air flow prevents fogging of the visor. Unlike other mask designs, the full facial coverage offered by the Tecno-Pro mask provides wearers with full visability additional face protection from flying debris. The extremely durable polycarbonate visor has been tested to resist a one inch steel ball, that was propelled at 335 MPH without cracking or damaging the face shield. The mask was also tested for heat resistance and will not catch fire or melt at 800 Degrees C (1472 F) for 5 Sec. or 200 degrees C (372 F) for a duration of 6 Min. The SGE-400/3 models have a special resin coating applied to the polycarbonate visor which provides additional scratch & chemical resistance. The competitive price, simplicity and the ease of maintenance of Tecnopro full face mask systems make them an easy choice.

Evolution 5000 Military Gas Mask

The Evolution 5000 Military Gas Mask - 

Designed for military use, this respirator is also appropriate for tactical, law enforcement & civilian use. Manufactured in a fully ISO 9001 certified facility, this is a TRUE Military mask system. Consists of a butyl rubber face piece which resists all known chemical & biological warfare agents, a soft rubber inner mask/nose cup designed to minimize lens fogging, and a removable (olive drab) outer hood/second skin made of butyl coated nylon fabric. 

The mask can be used with or without the outer butyl hood. The face piece is stealth black & has impact resistant, optically correct, eye lenses. Equipped with voicemitter for clear communications.

 Comes with a brand new C2A1 long life 10 year stealth black filter canister. Side mounted filter position facilitates the use of weapons & other equipment. Designed to be worn for long periods, this mask has been tested, used & proven in combat & military operations. 

Available in medium or regular only. Additional features & extras: Integrated drinking capability for fluid ingestion in contaminated atmospheres. Works with standard issue U.S. canteens. A specialized self-sealing canteen cap and drinking tube connects the canteen to the drinking port on the face piece. 

Comes in (a.) water repellant olive drab drop leg style carry bag with compartments for all included accessories: (b.) NBC filter C2A1, 40mm stealth black aluminum; (c.) Butyl rubber coated nylon hood; (d.) Waterproofing bag to prevent moisture damage in wet conditions; (e.) Lens cleaning cloth in sealed container; Total weight: (complete kit in carrier with all accessories) 3.9 lbs.

Gask Mask information, read before you buy! PLEASE

 Please read this if you intend to prepare your self or your family for an NBC event. Also do not take this as the only gospel, there may be other opinions out there that may or may not be more correct.

Gas mask purchases are a personal decision each family must make. Educate yourself about gas masks to avoid a mistake that could cost you your life. Consider the following information before purchasing and purchase only from a recognized dealer or manufacturer.

A gas mask would only protect you if you were wearing it at the exact moment a bio-terrorist attack occurred. Unfortunately, a release of a biological agent is most likely to be done “covertly,” that is, without anyone knowing it. That means you would not know ahead of time to put on your gas mask.

To wear a gas mask continuously or “just in case” a bio-terrorist attack occurs, is impractical, if not impossible. To work effectively, masks must be specially fitted to the wearer, and wearers must be trained in their use.

This is usually done for the military and for workers in industries and laboratories who face routine exposure to chemicals and germs on the job. Gas masks purchased at an Army surplus store or off the internet carry no guarantees that they will work. In fact, one national chain of surplus stores provides the following statement: “(X) has been selling gas masks as a novelty item since 1948. We have never been able to warrant their effectiveness and we cannot do so at this time…

We do not know what each type of gas mask we sell might or might not be effective against…We do not know the age of each gas mask…” In brief, no guarantees whatsoever are provided. More serious is the fact that the masks can be dangerous. There are reports of accidental suffocation when people have worn masks incorrectly, as happened to some Israeli civilians during the Persian Gulf War. Military personal goes through extensive training in the use of gas masks. If you purchase masks, be sure to get properly trained in their use.

Become familiar with putting the mask on and using it correctly. If you are forced to use the gas mask in an attack, that would not be the best time to be donning it, for the first time. And again, KNOW what you are purchasing and understand that a gas mask that will actually work in an attack, will cost you upwards of $125.00

Let The Buyer Beware Information provided by Approved Gas Masks.com The truth about surplus gas masks: Many models of surplus masks & filters are available in nearly unlimited quantities at low prices. In most cases, these prices are low because the mask is either obsolete, recalled or replaced due to design flaws or defective components. Before buying a surplus mask, do your homework, take time to review recalled gas mask models. Here are a few of the most widely advertised surplus masks that should be avoided:

Russian Gas Mask: Unless you are assembling your Halloween costume, avoid this ineffective mask. Although the $19 price tag is enticing, this mask is 30+ years old & does NOT provide NBC protection.
EVAC-U-8 Hood Advertised by some unscrupulous vendors for protection against NBC agents, this mask is actually intended for smoke/fire protection. Over 27,4000 have been recalled.
Canadian M69 C-3 The entire Canadian military has removed the C3 from service (replaced by a completely different model, designated as the C4) The C3 60mm filter port does not accept NATO threaded filters without plastic adapter.

If you own or intend to purchase one of these masks, YOU WILL have NO protection against ANY form of attack. They offer NO protection against: NBC -Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical agents. Many offer NO protection against even tear gas! Also old,(even sealed) filters may become toxic

GAS MASK: Russian/German M-10-M Protective Mask STATUS: INEFFECTIVE 100% obsolete DETAILS: Very old model. This type of protective mask should NEVER be used for protecting against any NBC warfare agents. USAGE: Designed ONLY for protection against tear-gas. (These will most likely not provide this protection as they are ALL more than 20 years expired)

GAS MASK: Russian M41 Aardvark Protective Mask STATUS: INEFFECTIVE 100% obsolete DETAILS: Complete waste of money. These Russian masks are a triumph in the world of completely useless gas masks, possibly the worst mask still being sold by unscrupulous surplus stores & internet vendors. USAGE: Russian / Outdated (over 20-30 years old) could be used as a Halloween costume or conversation piece but it will provide 0% protection.

GAS MASK: Russian SMS Snorkel Protective Mask STATUS: INEFFECTIVE 100% obsolete DETAILS: Complete waste of money. These Russian masks are another triumph in the world of completely useless gas masks, possibly the worst mask still being sold by unscrupulous surplus stores & Internet vendors. USAGE: Russian/ Outdated (over 20-30 years old) could be used as a Halloween costume or conversation piece but it will provide 0% protection.

GAS MASK: M9 or M9A1 Protective Masks STATUS: OBSOLETE/ineffective (made in the 50′s) Details: Uses a 60 mm threaded filter which is very hard to find with a modern & effective filter. USAGE: Tear Gas, Not used since 1960’s, these will provide NO protection, as they are 40+ years old.

GAS MASK FILTER: WEST GERMAN (various model #’s) STATUS: EXPIRED, HEPA ONLY. DETAILS: This filter is rated at 99.9% HEPA filtration and prior to expiration would be effective against P100 (small particles) agents. Examples: Tear Gas, Unmodified Simple Anthrax & other other non-micronized biological agents. Ineffective against ALL chemical warfare agents. USAGE: German mfg. for riot & tear gas protection. Manufactured prior to 1980, all lots are EXPIRED.

GAS MASK FILTER: AMERICAN M-9 (circa 1940) 60 mm threaded filter STATUS: 100% EXPIRED DETAILS: Common American issue. (Most from the 50′s) USAGE: US issue during prior to 1950. Use of this filter is highly discouraged, it provides 0% protection and may be toxic on it’s own.

GAS MASK FILTER: AMERICAN C2 (check exp. date) & C2A1 STATUS: EXPIRED -If more than 10 years old ** (old filters are known to have Chromium Toxicity ** and are considered highly dangerous) DETAILS: To find out if your filter is expired, you must find the printed date of manufacture. Look for the serial number on the can: For Example: RFT 920000CF24054 (sample serial #) (first 2 digits are the year of manufacture) In this example the mfg date: RFT [92] is 1992 These are 100% military surplus filters. The military discontinued use of the C2 in favor of the new/better C2A1 filters. But Caution: C2A1 filters provide no protection against ammonia based agents. USAGE: Obsolete/US Military Surplus only. Recommended to upgrade to a MSA or M95 filter( the same threads/mask fitting). Both protect against all NBC agents and are 100% current issue / used in federal agencies, etc. This article was found here: http://www.nationalterroralert.com/gasmasks/

Reference manuals for Patriots

Here are some manuals and or information that I thought you might like to read, or have as a reference work for you, your family, or your unit.

The basic Small Unit Tactics (SUT)  handbooks are the Field Manuals (FM 7-8) and the Ranger Handbook.

You can find the PDF versions here:
http://www.shu.edu/offices/upload/FM-7-8.pdf

and here:
http://www.atu.edu/rotc/docs/3_21-76_Ranger_HB.pdf

The largest collection of military Field Manual's (FMs) is at Global Security they are IT when it comes to things like this.

Army Field Manuals

For more on Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT):  The MOUT Homepage

My next handgun.

This is my next handgun. The following text is from FNH.

FNS-9

Belgium-based FN Herstal has recently announced the launch of its newly designed 9mm FNS™-9 pistol on the market.

The FNS-9 pistol has been developed around a pre-loaded striker mechanism, which provides a short and light trigger pull identical to all shots for fast and accurate shooting. Additionally, the polymer frame is designed with a low bore axis for reduced felt recoil and enhanced control.

Each FNS-9 pistol features an optional manual safety, trigger safety, firing pin safety and a drop safety, ensuring maximized security.

Additionally, the pistol comes standard with a number of ergonomic features:  ultra no-slip checkered grips for an improved grip, front serrations for press check and two interchangeable back strap inserts for a customized fit. All operating controls are fully ambidextrous. 

The FNS-9 pistol will be on display at EUROSATORY in Paris from 14 through to 18 June 2010 (Belgian Pavilion, Hall 6, Stand No. F201).

 I really love the feel of this gun and the ergonomics are great. This gun has a really good natural point of aim. 

Once I get it I will write a review of it here.

Some videos you should see!

These are just some of my favorite videos, I thought you guys might enjoy them also.

Adcor BEAR Elite, my next AR!!!

Adcor BEAR Elite

The following text is from the Adcor website.

A New Perspective on the Automatic Rifle: The B.E.A.R.™ combines design innovation and precision manufacturing built upon the tried and true M4/M16 rifle platform.

The Adcor Defense B.E.A.R.™ springs from the M4/M16 rifle platform but offers a completely new twist. Available in many configurations, it offers the operator many significant improvements:


A Revolutionary Gas Piston System (Patent # 065111.00128)

Free-floating barrel and increased accuracy: A gas-driven piston incorporated into the upper half of the forward rail system never touches the barrel.

No carrier tilt: The operating rod is connected to the bolt carrier by hex head bolts reinforced with industrial grade Loctite® 262™ high strength threadlocker. They are then drilled and pinned to prevent loosening under adverse conditions.

The operating rod then rides through a machined boss in the receiver rail system interface keeping the bolt carrier in a linear plane as it operates.

No fouling of chamber and action: Hot gases and carbon particulates are prevented from entering the receiver. Because heat reaching the upper receiver is diminished, lubricant lasts longer and maintenance is simplified.

Easily detached lower rail system: No special tools needed for quick cleaning and easy maintenance.

Wear on critical parts is minimized: The operator can easily adjust the piston’s cyclical rate for a controlled rate of fire.

No need for piston rings: Extremely close machine tolerances of the piston eliminate the need.


Exclusive Port Dust Wiper with Cover

Prevents entry of dust, sand or debris: The spring-loaded dust shield mounted on the bolt carrier allows the bolt carrier’s return to ready position; the port dust wiper moves into the ejection port opening flush with the inside geometry of the upper receiver.

Withstands temperature extremes because of the highly durable, self-lubricating polymer shield.


Ambidextrous Forward Placed Charging Handle: Simplicity is Beautiful.

Simple design allows the operator to keep his or her strong hand on the firearm and use the other hand to clear the rifle.

Ambidextrous handle detaches easily without special tools and returns to locked position once used. It folds forward, recessed, and easily swings back out in a single motion.

Non-reciprocating handle only engages when the operator charges or clears.


Rail System ( 7075-T6 )

Innovative, key locked, highly rigid rail system mounts seamlessly to the upper receiver: Design ensures proper alignment of the rail with a redesigned boss, spline and groove system.

Upper and lower rail guards separate with the push of a button: No special tools necessary.

Fully compatible with optical, image intensification or thermal sights; laser targeting systems; bipods; tactical lights and Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES).

About Adcor Defense

Adcor Defense, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Baltimore, Md.- based Adcor Industries, Inc. For over 20 years, Adcor Industries has served as a national defense contract supplier. In that capacity, it built nine of the very critical components for the Trident missile system, radar system components for the F16 fighter, and other components for the U.S. military small arms industrial base.

With its diverse manufacturing capabilities and expertise as a defense industry supplier, Adcor was in an ideal position to design and build its own unique version of the M4 automatic rifle: Adcor Defense, Inc. was formed for that purpose.

The product of years of hands-on experience and experimentation by inventor, Michael J. Brown, the Adcor Defense B.E.A.R.™ (Brown Enhanced Automatic Rifle) is not a “new and improved” AR: It has a patented (Patent #065111.00128) revolutionary gas piston system and other key features that set it apart from all other M4-type rifles.

All components for the Adcor Defense B.E.A.R™ are manufactured in the U.S.A., and it is built in the Adcor Defense factory in Baltimore, Md.

Why I love that gun, 7reasons this gun ROCKS!

1-Piston Driven
2-Light weight, especially compared to other piston rifles
3-Free floating barrel
4-Forward non-reciprocating ambidextrous charging handle
5-No carrier tilt
6-Made in America
7-Dust cover wiper system

Zeitgeist

Please watch these videos! They will wake you up to a lot of truths!

Zeitgeist part 1

Zeitgeist part 2

Zeitgeist part 3

Zeitgeist part 4

Zeitgeist part 5

Watch and learn, then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!

It is time to stand up to the machine people!

Rural Patrolling

Rural patrolling is very demanding so here is an article about some of the tactics and procedures for performing it proficiently.

The military description places it into the two distinct categories of ’combat’ and ’reconnaissance’ patrolling, with a clear task or purpose for the mission . Combat patrols are further defined as raid, ambush, and security patrols. Which may be conducted in close proximity to a main party or facility for the purpose of defense ( the security patrol) or they may be sent deep behind enemy lines with the intent of attacking and/or harassing the enemy.

Reconnaissance patrols are generally tasked with the gathering and confirming of information and are dispatched with the intent of avoiding direct contacts with an enemy. The information sought can very from determining the size, activity , or location of an enemy or tracking their movement .It may be tasked with identifying a route for movement through an area , such as locating a place to conduct a river crossing or possibly establish a secure perimeter to base operations from. The reconnaissance patrol may be utilized to establish contact with friendly forces or sister units to report intentions, status, locations, etc.

Military patrols may be very small entities such as a fire team, or they may be conducted at squad or platoon strength, and likely have subordinate teams with in the structure. The overriding conditions of their existence and effectiveness at the task at hand must allow them to operate in an independent manor, relying on its self for immediate security, maintenance, navigation, and its ability to perform the operational orders that it is tasked with , such as breaching obstacles, securing of prisoners, the seizing of objectives, documenting intelligence, photographing/mapping terrain, etc.

The civilian police world incorporates patrolling into a variety of circumstances, some similar and some less so than the military application in a infantry context. Again we can identify a task or objective as the governing factor determining the methods utilized, as well as size, capabilities, and expectations of the patrol.

The ‘street’ officer may be assigned with a general ’security’ task such as simply responding to any calls for service in a particular precinct or jurisdiction, maintain presence in an area for the purpose of identifying and deterring crimes, or tasked with a more specific purpose such as enforcing traffic laws in a congested area and/or conducting collision investigations as they occur.

The ’security’ application of patrolling is applied in the protection of VIPs in both public and private sector. Prisons and correctional institutions conduct such activities outside the perimeters of the facility as well as with in the walls, layering security patrols on foot, in vehicles, and in fixed location such as control pods and towers for the purpose of maintaining order and custody with in the facility.

Special operations with in the police world call for more specific applications of patrolling with certain objectives to achieve. I have conducted patrolling operations tasked with the purpose of gathering information, collection of intelligence, observing and surveillance of locations for evidence of criminal activity ,etc. Having conducted counter narcotic interdiction/eradication operations with multi-agency/jurisdiction task forces, many of these activities focused on gathering information for the purpose of securing warrants by means of placing video cameras and audio recording devices, photographing people, places, vehicles, and establishing the presence of trafficking and manufacturing of drugs. These details often incorporated support elements such as forensic technicians, aviation support, the use of crime informants or undercover personnel.

We always performed reconnaissance patrols prior to the service of arrest/search warrants for the detailed planning of those operations, maintaining real time current information on the location and its inhabitants, and to maintain ‘eyes on’ surveillance of persons of interest to the legal system. At times, providing protection of persons/places resulted in the tasking of similar patrols to survey the ‘arena‘ ahead of time.

The circumstances that I have conducted such details have varied from camo fatigues and painted faces laying in a creek bed behind a spotting scope and note pad, too t-shirt and shorts sitting in the beer garden of a busy pub taking photos of ’the band’ and certain persons of interest that might be conducting business in the area as well, or on several occasions sitting in a U haul trailer positioned in a parking lot all night, taking shifts starring through a fish eye lens with some other lucky fellow. The nature of these type operations were similar to the ‘reconnaissance’ category found in the military circles…covertly maneuver to a location, occupy a ‘hide’, gather Intel, with draw undetected.

Police Patrol operations at times share attributes with the ambush/raid flavor of military patrolling, but having much different rules of engagement. My involvement in such has included fugitive/inmate recovery teams, conducting activities traditionally referred to as ‘man hunts’ for individuals or groups that have taken flight to avoid prosecution or escaped containment of an agency or venue having custody over them. These patrols usually take on a more aggressive pace, conducting road blocks, check points, and tracking operations with the intent of capture . Similar patrols may conduct searches for missing and/or abducted persons, locating a downed aircraft, all using movement techniques designed to search and contact.

Police patrolling may employ a couple of detectives, a dozen members of a special response team, or consist of multiple agencies with various specific tasks assigned to them numbering hundreds. As with the military unit, the activity revolves around a specific task or purpose, (although sometimes with secondary mission considerations), that the ‘patrol’ carries out with the purpose of achieving the objective or task at hand.

Now that we have an example of what traditional ‘patrolling’ activities may entail, lets identify why the civilian operator should study them and incorporate them into the ‘tool box’. First though it is important to establish where this fits into our training path. Mission number one needs to focus on individual operator skills- your shooting disciplines, hand to hand skills, emergency medical knowledge, vehicle operation, an understanding of how a single operator might negotiate a building or structure, etc.. We move from there into our multi-operator training as Suarez International provides via our HRO Team Tactics 1 & 2, CQB, etc. The application of everything we developed as an individual gets performed in groups, thus allowing larger and more complex tasks to be performed in a safe, efficient manor as a group. The formation of family members, neighbors, friends ,etc. into a functioning unit, where several operators actions are used to compliment each others efforts for a greater task is critical. The old adage of two working together can do more than ten working alone reigns true.

Based on the above descriptions of patrolling, we can describe the action as the application of moving about our area of operations in a overt/covert manor, using persons arranged in a tactical formation to observe people, places, and events, for the various purposes of learning about them, assessing their capabilities, equipment, indentations, sometimes contacting them, avoiding them at other times, possibly inflicting our will upon them, and on occasions attempting to influence, effect, or eliminate situations favorable to allow others to inflict there will on us.
It is the activity that allows us to be the ’king of the hill’ so to speak, and function in our given environment. It allows us to maintain control over areas deemed ours and it also allows us to explore areas that may belong to others.

Patrolling skills are necessary so that you, those you are responsible for, or have common interests with, can conduct activities to include securing properties ,locations, buildings, etc. from threats in the event of societal breakdown (think: your neighborhood watch on steroids) or if your business requires you frequent more dangerous locations around the globe, good patrolling skills allow for a element of safety while you travel!

Do any of you live in one of the rural counties of this nation that have been advised that there isn’t enough capital left in the budget to provide for law enforcement services….who watches the ranch then folks? The ability to maneuver and negotiate our way around the planet in small groups is critical when the need to escape/evade/relocate from an area that has become untenable, sometimes requiring flight on foot and maintaining safety in your numbers.

The understanding of how to conduct counter surveillance on a foe that may be targeting you and yours for abduction, assault, or theft, is most important in this day and age. Wouldn’t it be desirable to be able to deploy a patrol to discover the whereabouts and perform the rescue of a lost or abducted family member or friend in times of trouble.

What if you need to reach a downed comrade in an emergency. Many times in our nations history (as well as most others) and seemingly with a greater frequency, we find ourselves left ‘on our own’ to provide for the safety of our family and communities for varying durations and in different scenarios, as our elected officials fail to respond in a timely manor or are under equipped to deal with overwhelming events.

As civilian operators, responsible citizens, prepared families/communities , guerilla fighters, what ever banner you rally under- a knowledge of and application of patrolling should be a familiar topic in your bag of tricks. It must include ambush/counter ambush techniques, the understanding of conducting deliberate raids or assaults…do you know how to assemble your team into a line, file, or wedge and take the fight to the enemy ? How bout immediate action and contact drills to break the enemies attacks? Tracking/counter tracking operations….are you being followed? Do you have the skills to button hook your trail and conduct a hasty ambush? Traveling techniques, small unit formations, security halts, proper crossing and negotiation of various terrain, identifying bottle necks, fatal funnels, and other danger areas. Can you move your group safely up a ridge or conduct a river crossing? Is enemy contact likely? Do you understand how to move your team with traveling or bounding over watches through an open area? Can you keep the group together and on course in the thick timber? Can you establish a tight 360 degree perimeter for the night and allow every other member arranged like the spokes of a wheel to get some much needed rest, yet retain the ability to instantly and silently kick them to alertness in the event of compromise or danger? These things performed much easier having an understanding of how to do them and prior practice at it.

General navigation skills are a must. Can you read a topographical map and orient your self in the big scheme of things. Can you position yourself using terrain association and triangulation?

How about the use of satellite navigation technology? I am of the opinion that it is a good thing to know where you are, how to get where you need to be, and return to where you came from, at all times! The understanding of how to organize, plan, and conduct patrol operations in varying terrains, environments, and conditions is critical.

The knowledge required for establishing patrol bases, hides, security/ defensive perimeters in both urban and rural environments is important . If you are being watched, would you want to know about it and have the ability to loose your tail and conduct counter surveillance?

All very important stuff for the civilian operator to know in our uncertain world! Remember the one person you can always rely on is you, and in hard times it is likely others will look to you as well. Will you be able to lead them? Be as reliable as you can.

The safety of your ‘team‘, particularly over protracted events, boils down to your ability as a group to be able to shoot, move, and communicate. Those three things are the foundation. The study and application of patrolling is the method in which you maintain that safety in both the reactive and proactive side of events while on the move or ‘in camp‘. If you don’t possess the skills to advance to the fight, pick the fight, avoid the fight altogether, or flee from the fight if it found you- I submit you are not as combat effective as you ought to be and its time to develop these skills. Lots of material in this area of study will be available from Suarez International and its many talented instructors in the very near future. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to become as complete of a warrior as you can be. ….your life and other’s lives just might depend on it.

Eric W. Pfleger

Staff Instructor

Suarez International

42 Grunt Tips & Tactics for Your Toolbox when the SHTF

This is some good info I thought I would re-post.

by The ITS Crew on December 8, 2010
In the event that things go bad, skills that are considered on-the-job training in Infantry and Spec Ops units are handy to know.

Today we’re going to go over 42 of them that you should commit to memory. While this was a collaboration with Doc from RSKTKR, none of us can take credit for this list, but felt it was important enough to share.

These are tips we’ve collected over the years from various sources including Gunny's, Chiefs, our lessons learned in the service and comments made around the net.

Grunt Tips

1. Unpredictability is paramount, never use the same NDP (Night Defensive Perimeter) twice; never use the same ambush site twice and don’t travel in straight lines. Becoming predictable could be your last mistake. No matter how careful you’ve been, it’s always possible you’ve been compromised and don’t know it. If the enemy can’t predict where you’ll be, he can’t ambush you.
2. When you conduct reconnaissance do not go directly in the direction you’re headed. It’s a good idea to travel in another direction and then perform a zigzag with many changes of direction. Make the enemy track you and not be able to run in a straight line to your team. Even crossing your own tracks allows your team to see whether they are being tracked. Another extremely important tip is to never go back the way you came. The consequences could be deadly.
3. Trust your instincts but do not engage in a competition on tactics. Follow all basic rules. The last man should try to repair your trail whenever possible. Make the enemy have to search harder to find you.
4. Just because a spot looks good for a hide or an NDP, doesn’t mean you should use it. Analyze the area from an enemy’s point of view; where would you look for an enemy’s hide?
5. Never hide near or in any man-made structures or features. They attract attention and are the first places your enemy will look when they’re trying to find you.
6. When filling or filtering water from streams, be aware that any silt you stir up will travel downstream, alerting others of your presence.
7. When taking a dump in the woods, always bring your weapon. The enemy may approach while you’re unarmed and defenseless. Bring along a small plastic bag for your used paper rather than burying it. You can bury the dump, but without paper remaining how can the enemy decide whose crap it is; his or his enemy’s?
8. It’s better to have multiple canteens/Nalgenes than one and a five gallon bag in your ruck to fill from. It’s easier to exchange an empty one with a full one. A 5 gallon bag also causes loud sloshing and shifting of weight which may cause your pack to shimmer enough for the enemy to see you. Remember Murphy’s Law – If you can see the enemy, he can see you too.
9. Watch for trip wires, booby traps and try not to step on twigs. Hearing a twig breaking can travel farther than you think.
10. Other than health reasons, don’t smoke; the exhale of your cigarette smoke can be seen and smelled by your enemy.
11. Don’t keep looking in one spot for too long, close your eyes or move them away from area you wish to focus on and then look again. Staring at one spot too long makes it seem as if that spot is moving.
12. Look for anything that looks out of place. Straight line items may be a comm wire for a land line, but whose? Yours or your enemy’s?
13. Be observant and know your surroundings. Know what sounds are natural and what changes in them can mean. Silence can also be deadly.
14. Stay alert, it’s easy to let your mind wander and become complacent.
15. Don’t leave tracks in the snow that your enemy can follow.
16. Don’t let the enemy smell you coming. Use odorless laundry detergent, don’t use cologne/aftershave, don’t smoke (see above), don’t dip, don’t eat foods with heavy garlic or other ingredients that allow scent to permeate from your skin. As a last resort grab dirt and rub it all over your clothes to remove as much of the smell as possible.
17. Use your peripheral vision and practice using it, especially at night.
18. Back-lighting will give away your position, even during the day. Hard shadows are unnatural, so plan your routes accordingly; even in urban environments.
19. Don’t build fires, this one should go without saying if you’re trying not to be noticed.
20. Don’t use the old ALICE clips to secure your gear, use MALICE Clips if you have PALS Webbing or even Zip Ties.
21. Never walk parallel to the objective; It’s much more difficult to see someone coming to or away from you than it is side to side.
22. Use dead reckoning and terrain association as much as possible.
23. Dummy cord your gear. Canteen/Nalgene, Night Vision, GPS, multitool and pocket knives. Type 1 Paracord is great for this purpose, cut it long enough to make the equipment easy to get to, but not long enough to hit the ground or get wrapped around something.
24. Save the safety pins that come on the 5.56 bandoliers. They come in handy.
25. Always carry good snivel gear. (layers, balaclava/watchcap and a straw to suck it up.)
26. Carry a quality roll of toilet paper in a Ziploc. Use the MRE paper for cleaning patches.
27. Learn to waterproof your gear, especially comms. Riggers tape works great on the outside of Ziplocs to make them more durable.
28. Tuck your headlamp in your blouse in case it accidentally comes on. Same goes for those keychain Photon lights.
29. When drinking from a canteen/nalgene, pass it around to kill it and prevent sloshing.
30. Field Strip your MREs.
31. Carry pruning shears for cutting vegetation and creating camouflage.
32. Have a good Escape and Evasion plan.
33. Run IADs (Immediate Action Drills) religiously.
34. Practice moving quietly in every environment. Get a pair of sound enhancing shooting ear pro and listen to yourself. Take your time and plan your next move.
35. When you need to move with a purpose, stop and listen often. Move a few paces and stop briefly to listen for noise.
36. Learn your Pace Count. In case you didn’t know, your Pace Count is counting every time your left foot hits the ground for 100 meters. This helps with judging the distance you’ve walked. It helps a lot with a map,compass, and protractor.
37. When you find a spot to set up in for the night or make a hide, go into the thick stuff. It’s harder to see you, and anybody wanting to snoop around looking for you will make a lot of noise coming up on you.
38. Even if you’re carrying MREs, when practical, always supplement them with small game and things you may find to eat in the field. This will make your rations last longer.
39. Tape up everything that’s loose on your pack or anything else you’re carrying, it will help prevent snags.
40. Before you move out, have a buddy listen as you jump up and down to ensure you aren’t rattling and potentially giving away your position.
41. Tuck your boot laces into the tops of you boots after you tie them. You are using square-knotted Paracord laces right?
42. Learn to use hand signals if you’re with a group or even one other guy. Make sure each man knows the signals and use whatever works for everyone. Silent communication is paramount and the more you’re around your guys the more you won’t have to do anything other than look at each other to communicate.

So chew on that and think about those things. There are a lot more things I could cover also, but this is a good start.