At What Point Do Our Nation’s Heroes Become Their Fellow Citizen’s Enemies

Frightening, but pertinent. Oath takers, be Oath Keepers!

TheSurvivalPlaceBlog

By Pat Henry – The Prepper Journal

Nations rise and fall as they have done since the beginning of time. Some fear that our nation, the United States of America, is preparing for the final spasm that could literally kick this country over the edge of oblivion and add our sad chapter to the larger story of the history of once great nations that self-destructed. Depending on what you believe the facts are about our current state, this may or may not be in our future. Assuming it is; there are wide differences in opinion about how long this final act may take. All I know for sure is that if we do collapse, as every other nation in our economic and moral situation has before us, it won’t be pretty. In fact if it is anywhere half as bad as I can imagine it will be – considering our…

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Have a Rig system.

No matter what your bug out weapon(s) is/are there is no single round that’ll do the job 100% of the time. If you’re a shotty kinda person, you can’t tell me you’re going to engage everything with Buck Shot. I mean, your effective range would completely suck. So, you might have a few slugs around. Ok, good. How do you keep those rounds organized?

I like the AR-15. However, I don’t keep just Full Metal Jacket rounds around. That would be irresponsible. FMJ rounds have a tendency to over penetrate. So, I also keep poly tipped hollow points.

Those two rounds have their own purpose(s). But, it’s important to keep these rounds separate. You wouldn’t want to risk that over penetration but grabbing the wrong magazine. So, you need a system. Some people use metal mags for one, poly mags for another. That’s a good idea, possibly the best, as it associates your rounds with something tactile that can be identified in the dark, on the fly, and under stress.

I, however, have a color system. Not the most desirable, and I’ll probably adapt the metal/poly rig later, but quite frankly I’m already heavily invested in poly mags. So, one type goes in one color mag, and another in another color. So I don’t have to buy a bunch of metal mags, I’ll probably add a tactile factor at a later time by doing something such as adding ranger plates to one and not the other. That way I can use the mags I already have.

This is nothing ground breaking. It’s a rather simple idea. Something of the like may not be as applicable to a pistol or shotgun. I’m sure you’ll figure something out.

-Reaver

My first taste of SHTF

Hello all,

It’s been a while. I apologize for that.

Tonight I came across an article written by a Bosnian describing his experience as a citizen during a year of, essentially, real life SHTF. Quite frankly the article was both enlightening, and startling. So, I thought I would share my first experience in a SHTF scenario.

I apologize now, but the narrative is going to be purposely vague for several reasons. Chief among them is during this experience I was there in an official capacity and I’m not authorized to present these details.

Since I turned 18 year old, I’ve worn one uniform or another. For a while I was a “Wilderness Rescue Technician”. Additionally, I was a Rapid Response Medical Responder. Basically, I didn’t get the title of EMT or Paramedic, but I held much of the same licensing and/or responsibilities. My job was to locate, stabilize, and extricate. I had access to very few tools, medicines, or devices because 85% of the time I was responding with only that which I could carry on my person.

Well, one particular disaster I responded, initially, due to my time as a support member of a Swift Water Rescue Squad. However, due to politics and budget cuts severing communication from the Federal Government to my state, I responded voluntarily with 3rd party civilian charity organization with approval to operate in my capacity by special recognition by the state in which the disaster had occurred. Complicated, I know.

Upon arrival I was “checked in” by a man from the State’s State Police. He checked through my credentials, my certifications, and asked, “Are you armed”? I wasn’t, not that I was opposed, but I was responding in a rescue capacity. He hands me a Sig Sauer P220 (.45 ACP) and says, “You’ll want that”.

I was attached to a rag tag team consisting of 2 State Troopers, 4 National Guard MP’s, 2 Civil Air Patrolman, 4 Deputy Sheriff’s, and a paramedic. My first question was, “Where’s the rescue team”. I was advised, I was the rescue team. Any of the other men could help, but I was the resident rescue. Resources, and people, were just too far and few.

The first 2 days our “mission” was to check homes, evacuate citizens, and render aid. By day 3 the situation had deteriorated so badly that we were no longer even trying. We would be given a specific objective, and we would satisfy that objective only. Mostly stuff like, there is a family trapped on a roof at “insert area here”. You will be granted X resource(s), make it happen. That went well for 2 days or so, but then the disaster “let up”. After that, roaming gangs of “outlaws” starting taking over neighborhoods. Oh, did I mention that prior to my arrival, and the initial disaster the Feds and State Police had spent days disarming the legal gun owners? So, I figured at that point the “mission” would end for people like me and those who carried guns for a living (which I did not at that point) would be getting those in need out. Wrong. Those who carried guns for a living were reallocated to other tasks (protecting officials) and pretty much abandoned the people. I was informed that my services were no longer required.

Now, I will say this much. There were a lot of good men and women who found ways around their new orders and saved a lot of people. Those are the kind of people I like having my back, and the kind of people I try to be. You do what’s right, because it’s right. While your local police, fire, rescue are you neighbors, friends, parishioners, etc.; remember, the big government doesn’t give 1 crap about you. Ultimately, you, SS#(input number here), are expendable in the name of order.

What’s the point of this tirade? Simple:

1. Plan

2. Practice

3. Network

4. Organize

5. Survive.

-Reaver

The Shemagh

Let me preface with, and I’ve stated it before, that I’ve never served in the military. Ever. Not one moment. Not for a lack of trying, but sadly a broken arm at 17 that required surgery was enough for the US Army to say, “Thanks, but no thanks”. So, you’re going to get no stories from me saying, “Well, this time in Iraq…”

That aside, for years and years I’ve carried a bandana in all of my emergency kits, BOBs, Duty bags, etc. The reason? They’re handy with quite a few uses. To name a few: dust mask, water filter, cool rag, etc. The idea first struck me in 2006 when we suffered a house fire. I was forced to go back into the house for a family member. It’s crazy how quickly a house will fill with smoke. Seems obvious, but it really is amazing. You kinda have to be there.

Breathing was difficult, and a bandana would have done little to nothing for smoke. However, there is a lot of junk in the air along with that smoke when something burns. That, on the other hand, would have been nice to keep out of my lungs as I searched the building for my family member. I was expelling black, nastiness from my throat and nose for DAYS. Gross, I know.

So, what is a shemagh. Well, besides being a clothing piece that’s oddly vogue, a shemagh is square cloth meant to be worn as a traditional Arab head dress. It can be worn a few different ways. Granted, some ways are more practical than traditional. But, for our purposes, we are only interested in the ways they’re practical.

So why a shemagh? Well, they’re heavier, larger, and usually available in more natural colors than bandanas. Nothing inconspicuous about a red bandana on your face. Once finally getting a hold of Shemagh, I’ve decided to replace my bandanas. On top of all that, cotton just is more comfortable on your face than polyester. Just saying.

So, here are my top 5 uses for a shemagh in your gear:

1. Protection from elements:

a. You can use it to stay warm by wearing it as a scarf, a base layer under head gear, wearing on your face;

b. Wear it to keep soot, sand, and other particulates out of your mouth/nose;

c. Wet it and wear it against skin as a cool down;

d. Keeping brass from going down your shirt.

2. Medical uses:

a. Use as a bandage;

b. Use as a sling;

c. use as a brace.

3. Use as a filter:

a. Run water through it to filter out particulate (THIS WILL NOT FILTER OUT TOXINS, BACTERIA, ETC.).

4. Utility:

a. Use it as a bag;

b. Use it as a pillow;

c. As a towel;

d. As a potholder;

e. Baby diaper.

5. Signalling:

a. Trail Marker;

b. Dwelling marker;

c. Flag;

d. Smoke signals.

There is one reason to hate them though; They’re tacticool. I mean, I mentioned them being oddly vogue. It’s true. I mean, it’s the thing that people do now to be “tactical”. Let’s throw on a shemagh and now we’re tactical. That rant over, they’re awesome. Haters gonna hate.

That being said, I don’t wear them going to the grocery store.

-Reaver

When you just HAVE to bug out!

In 2006 the house I was living in burnt. Not completely to the ground, but it was uninhabitable for MONTHS. I had “nowhere to go”. I mean I did, but not for the duration. A relative, or a friend, here and there could put me up on a couch for a few weeks, or days, here and there. Essentially, I was homeless.

Obviously, this was before my “prepping days”. I had no bug out bag, no plan. I had a bunch of camping gear, as I was  a LONG TIME scouter. Wanna guess what part of the garage caught fire? You guessed it!

I was at least, somewhat, lucky in this instance that the house wasn’t completely destroyed. After all I was able to recover a few key items in order to be able to “survive” in the next MONTHS.

The only things I was able to grab when I escaped the burning house was a backpack that I quickly shoved a change of clothes in, my wallet, my Beretta 92, a box of 9mm, and my keys to my truck. I didn’t even have time to grab toiletries.

People often ask, “Why couldn’t you grab more?” For starters, my room was a mess, Ill admit. Secondly, in those days I had moved in with my grand parents to help out after Grandpa was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I had people I was responsible for. So, I grabbed the couple of things near my computer desk, which I was at when I was alerted to fire preparing for a final exam hours later, and ran out to find my grand parents. There is a lot more to the story, ended up receiving 2nd and 3rd degree burns as a result of finding and evacuating my grandfather, but fire safety is a topic for another day.

So, in this case why bug out is a simple question. I mean where else would you go? So, now the issue is, you see why you need a bug out bag? That in and of itself isn’t even the main point of this post. The point I’m making is that 1 prep isn’t enough. Well, Mr. Unprepared you didn’t have any preps! That’s true, but what if the portion of the house I kept my preps caught first?

You would know! That’s how many would react to that statement. Um, having been through a house fire of my own, and other burning buildings due to my vocation, I can tell you it is very easy to not be aware of a fire immediately. I mean houses, to a certain extent, and apartment complexes, as well as other buildings, are designed with fire stops. While fire stops sometimes work, they also do a good job of slowing the signs of fire. Plus, if you are on one end of the house, as was my case, and the fire is on another. Blah, Blah, Blah it’s hard to detect fire. I could go on with reasons including, but not limited to, being on your computer listening to music on the headphones. Yeah, that was me. Or, just plain sleeping, which I’ve seen.

So, you keep your pack, your preps, and supplies on the other side of the house, or in the garage, or in the “prep room” you’ve created, or wherever. Meanwhile, you are in the bathroom, sitting on the throne.

I keep a couple different packs. I have an overnight pack, a 72 hour pack, and an extended BOB. The overnight stays in the car, in case I have to, well, stay overnight somewhere. The 72 hour pack “stays” at home unless I travel outside of 25 minutes from my house, then it goes with. The Extended BOB only goes with if I leave the state, otherwise it is stored with other supplies and the 72/overnight bags should get me back home to collect my BOB.

This is off the internet and is not me or any affiliate of mine.

The first two are molle bags with attachments, the extended BOB is a hiking back pack. I recommend one with a frame as it makes the weight not sit in a single spot. Those those of you that HAVE to have a molle (or other military) backpack, they do make them in framed versions.

Well, that’s a lot of supplies for something that may never happen! Well, that’s not necessarily true. I mean, the case in point here is a house fire. Anyone who has read more than 5 words on my blog knows that I prep for the “small” emergencies just as much as the big. Anything from house fire to Katrina to Walking Dead (meant as humor).

You don’t plan to fail, you fail to plan.

-Reaver

III Marks the Spot

I conceal carry, so do many of my friends, and so do many other people around the country. I support that right, even considering my vocation. That being said, I don’t announce it. I go far out of my way to NOT announce it. You know what I mean. You know THAT guy; the guy sitting in the corner at the party wearing his 5.11 hat, Tac Pants, and sporting a “spec-ops” beard just WAITING (hoping) for someone to bust in and shoot up the place so he can be the hero. You know at least one. Of course, he spent all of his money on over the top EDC gear and carries a Taurus .380.

On top of the other obvious signs, he wears this:

That’s cute, adding the shirt that tells everyone, “Hey, I’ve got a gun. Right here! I’ve got a gun! LOOK LOOK!”

What’s worse? This guy:

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In case the photo doesn’t/hasn’t loaded, it’s a threeper shirt. Now, I’m not disparaging threepers in any way. I know many. I am, again, reiterating that it isn’t exactly something you should throw out there. Of course, I’m sure a threeper is reading this thinking “screw you”, because you’re butt hurt about these statements. Hey, there are some WEIRD people out there considering themselves part of the 3%, and are convinced they are going to single handedly take on the “gubmint”. These are some of the same guys who strap their AR-15 on and go to Walmart.

Why? I mean, yeah, it’s your right, but what could you POSSIBLY achieve in freaking out a bunch of people. BUT, BUT, BUT! It’s my RIGHT and I shouldn’t pander to other people. Ok, it’s like this. Just because you CAN do something, doesn’t mean you should. But, that’s just my opinion. I prefer my weapon concealed, because after all I don’t care for people to know what I have, where I have it, or when I have it. However, I have no problem with open carry when appropriate. Shock value isn’t part of it.

What about cops? Oh, cops aren’t immune from this conversation. They’re some of the biggest offenders.

Cops like to wear their Blue Line/Sheep Dog/Police shirts. I mean, come on, everyone knows exactly what the blue line is at this point. That Blue Line sticker on your car designed to keep from getting pulled over when you’re driving a million miles an hour also tells all the dirt bags exactly what you do, and who your family is. Good job on that.

So, I guess discretion is the better part of valor, in this case.

-Reaver

The Arrow points in the right direction.

While your TV prepper is getting ready for Doomsday (i.e. Mad Max, Walking Dead, Day After Tomorrow). While I approve of that mindset, I do so with reservations/conditions. It’s why you get the extended warranty on your new TV despite the fact that you’ll probably never use it, just because you might. Now, what separates some of those people (all of those that are on TV) is that I think that they LOOK FORWARD TO whatever calamity they’re most “concerned” about. Yikes!!! Personally, while I have put a lot of time and effort into preparing, I do like modern convenience, It’s convenient.

Ok, that aside, what IF your situation does not improve in a couple weeks. Your food has officially run out, and people are starting to die. You need food. Of course, everyone says “HUNT!”. That’s all well and good, but what are you carrying? Ok, so you have your AR-15 chambered in .223 or 5.56×45. Lots of people use those calibers for hunting! What you need to consider is that while you have a firearm completely capable of taking down an animal, ammo is also very heavy and you are probably only carrying a few hundred rounds.

I’ll carry more, you say! Um, no, it’s heavy. Seriously, you have so much other gear already on you. Ammo is HEAVY!! Also, unless you are seriously into prepping, you are likely not conditioned to carrying a load like that. Well, I’ll load more into my truck!! Yes, you can do that and if you are able to get a BOB vehicle to your Bug Out Location power to you. However, if you have to hoof it, which you probably will, the convenience of a vehicle will be quickly missed.

So now what? The Bow. With modern compound bows and/or crossbows you can likely carry a bow and a few arrows/bolts without carrying too much extra. Compound bows are easier and faster to use, but crossbows are easier very the novice to accurately operate because it works, in a fashion, like a firearm.

Note: Keep in mind that the use of a cross bow may be illegal in some states, and may be illegal to even own without a permit. Keep local laws in mind.

The fun thing about Bows/Crossbows is that Arrows/Bolts are re-usable. Yes, over time damage can be done to render those arrows unusable, but you can’t take a bullet back.

Plus, and potentially more importantly, arrows are relatively quiet. No ringing gun shot for miles. All that evasion talk I go on about over and over again? Why would you want to announce your position to the world with a gun shot, or more?!

But, you need to spend the money on it. Don’t go cheap, or it won’t last, but you don’t have to spend a gazillion dollars either. Make sure you can carry it. After all, it needs to be out of your way. There are a number of different cases to carry compound bows like so:

I’m sure if you looked hard enough there would be other options, maybe even MOLLE.

A Crossbow, while easier to fire, is harder to prepare. They require a lot more strength to pull back, many having a stirrup for a feet to be placed face down and pull the string back. Despite Walking Dead making it look easy, it’s NOT fast. Bows are.

However, if you are a good shot and using it exclusively against an animal target while remaining relatively still, you will probably be fine.

And, due to my old fashioned nature, I have to throw in the recurve bow. They’re much simpler and require less maintenance in the long run. Additionally, you can make arrows from nature that a recurve won’t destroy just by shooting.

I would suggest you make space for the Bow/Crossbow!

-Reaver

When Tactical isn’t practical

You are not Seal Team Six…. say that with me: I AM NOT SEAL TEAM SIX.

Now that, that is understood, let me tell you why that’s so important. Ok, so you think you’re ready for SHTF. You spent all that money on your bug out gear, your supplies, all that time on your plan, and most importantly you have the latest and greatest in military camo. All that spiffy, overpriced multicam with your morale patches and threeper flag. Heck, it even has your name on it. You look the part.

No, no no no no no. I wanna show you a couple of pictures:

In these two photos only one depicts a legitimate military force. The other, depicts the uniforming of a militia. Which is it? Well, I’m sure some of you have served, so with some inspection I’m sure you could figure out who is who. Those of you playing, no, I did not put two fake pictures in. There is a legitimate military picture in their. Now, if you have figured out who is who, then I want you to think about this a moment. If you’re on a laptop or have the ability to quickly cover, turn away from, or otherwise obscure your screen quickly I want you to do so. Bring up the photos, then turn away. In that split second, do you know who is who?

Now, I’m not saying that one group or another will be your definite enemy should SHTF. There are good and bad on both sides of the equation, and I’m not trying to just cop out. I know many members of the American Military who are very, should I say, pro-civilian. These people, often, are National Guard. They’ve joined because they wanna serve their community, not police the globe.

That being said, I know many members of the American Military who, despite their oath, could care less who is giving the orders, as long as orders are coming.

On the flip side, I live in Missouri where Militias are abound. Many of them are normal every day people who will likely try to help their others. However, I’ve run into quite a few who as soon as SHTF, if it ever does, they plan on carving out their own little section of the state and creating their own nation of “our way or the highway”.

With that knowledge of such opposing forces, people’s perception of those forces, and the acts that will separate those forces; it is just as well that you don’t run out into SHTF looking like you’re ready for battle because if you do, battle will surely find you.

Now, if you’ve read a single thread I’ve posted on anything remotely related to the matter you’ll know that I am ver PRO-evasion. Why get tangled up in the mess because likely as not some lawful authority will establish order at some point. Whether that “lawful authority” is the standing government, a revolutionary government, a foreign occupation, or United Nations intervention (foreign occupation) there will, at some point, be a domineering power in charge. That domineering power, no matter who they are, will likely then seek to exact revenge through the judiciary process. You engaged a few “soldiers” of the now victorious force in defense of you and your family instead of disengaging? Great, now you’re a “war criminal”.

I realize that sounds kind of dire, and it’s a bit of an extreme. So let’s look smaller scale. There are numerous cases of post SHTF prosecutions of people who took “advantage” of the situation. Here is an article from liberal-leaning NY Times depicting the charges of 18 Police Officers accused of gunning down unarmed civilians during the Hurricane Katrina crisis:

Ok, now granted the article mentions not all were convicted and the case was on going, my point in all of this is “People will eventually figure out what you did. This isn’t Fallujah where no one can account to who you are, what you’ve done”. Now, I’m not going to debate the actual charges of these officers. I’m not familiar with the cases. Just because they shot “unarmed” people, doesn’t mean it wasn’t justified. My point, PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY; MY POINT IS, No matter how bad you think things have gotten, and no matter how unlikely you think the world will be post the event, you will still be held accountable for your actions. Now, that being said, keep in mind that you still have a responsibility to yourself and your family. Remember these words: Better to be judged by 12, than carried by 6.

Now, let’s examine the word “tactical”. Tactical, in the webster dictionary (military terminology aside) is defined as:

showing adroit planning; aiming at an end beyond the immediate action.

Now, for those who aren’t walking dictionaries adroit means:

clever or skillful in using the hands or mind. 

So, tactical essentially means planning beyond the moment to ensure the execution of your aspirations are successful. So how are items tactical? Well, you don certain apparel, gear, and ideas in order to look beyond the moment and achieve your goal. You might be getting into a gun fight? Well, you have your “tactical” magazine pouches that allow for effective access to additional rounds, and therefore give you an advantage. Ah, advantage; This brings me to My point: I define tactical, personally, as: “Material or execution designed to give you an advantage over your foe”. Your foe can range from the next hill, to the next encounter.

So, to simplify the point of tactical. The immediate action is you need pants, so you grab the nearest thing available, your jeans. However, you neglected to think ahead and you are heading to the range today. Those jeans don’t allow for the mobility, the storage, or the adaptability of your BDUs (or other “tactical” apparel). Instead, you pass your jeans thinking, “hey, I’m going to the range today”, and instead wear your tactical pants.

Wait a darn minute!!! You just said DON’T go looking like Seal Team Six!!! There is a difference between tactical apparel and military apparel. A pair of 5.11 tactical pants are designed for Police/EMS/Rescue wear. They’re not practical for military application. Plus, they usually come in solid colors, and not military camo patterns. It’s why a lot of your militias, despite new patterns, stick with good old fashion woodland patter, distinction.

And, I’m not even saying DON’T wear camo, I’m just saying don’t look all military. I’ve harped on evasion, and likely you will be staying relatively near to your home. Even if you bug out, you probably won’t even leave your region. If you live in the hills of Kentucky, you aren’t bugging out to Arizona, so a general camo that is ok in every environment is not only unnecessary but ineffective. Instead, why utilize decent camo when you can go to Walmart and buy your Realtree/Mossy Oak branded hunting camo SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR YOUR REGION. There is a reason why those two companies have developed a butt load of different patterns. Look at their catalogue some time. These patterns are designed for maximum STATIONARY concealment in specific environments.

Plus, military patterns and hunting patterns are designed differently. As I understand it, military camo is more concerned with the “breaking up” of a person’s form. It is not necessarily designed to completely conceal as it is to make a human being looking less like a human being while stationary or moving. However, it does that at a cost. Yes, it can do both, but neither expertly. That being said, hunting camo is designed more to mimic the environment you have purchased it for. Take a look at it sometime. Often it’s pretty much a snap shot of standard foliage which when placed stationary against the background just plain blends in. BUT, keep in mind that the application of hunting camo is designed to take advantage of the. sometimes, less developed 3D perception of the animal kingdom. Whereas, military camo is designed specifically for human eyes. However, I’ll tell you what if you learn the principals of camouflage you can be very effective in a specific environment with your hunting camo. That’s why orange is required when hunting, so that you can be seen to the human eye!

Case in Point:

Wait another darn minute! If I didn’t know any better, I might think that guy was a soldier too! Well, that’s possibly true. Again, playing the quick flash game, some people see camo as camo. Boom! But with the application of the area specific camo, not sitting in DIRECT sunlight like this guy, and basic evasion, and this probably wouldn’t be an issue. There is no perfect scenario.

Some of the other preppers I know have a slightly different view of how to bug out. One such person, has gone out of his way to not look at all tactical. He plans on wearing, in SHTF, standard clothing, his Stetson, and a framed backpack. His weapons are concealed and to basic inspection he would appear to be a hiker, or in this case refugee. That idea is good for blending in with other people, but has it’s pitfalls; namely, you look vulnerable. I would, personally, prefer somewhere in between. I would prefer a look of “I’m ready for action, but I’m not a soldier”.

Be less of this guy:                                                  and a little more of this guy:

Wait just another darn minute!!!!! I’m a part of a community/group/militia etc. We can back up our claims! Ok, This is the part where I throw out a lot of what I’ve already said. If you’re part of an organized, trained, fighting force, by all means tac out, but evasion principles should still apply. However, being in a larger group with make evasion more difficult and the likelihood of the necessity of engagement will increase. However, despite that, this goal can be achieved without Seal Sixing it. Just because you’re in a group doesn’t mean you have to 100% match with all your patches all over the place. Sow a little disorganization into your “uniform”. Make sure people realize that while you’re an organized force, you are NOT the military or authority. It’ll save you a lot of potential headaches.

Of course, like anything else I say, this is my opinions based on my experience(s) and not “fact”. Not everything will work for everyone, just some food for thought. Like always, thanks for reading my posts.

-Reaver

Toughen Up!

I’m not one to get on a soapbox, but I feel like this underlying issue is at fault for many of the world’s woes. What is that problem? Politically correct, everyone gets a medal, We don’t say poopy mentality. Where does this belong in a Prepping blog? Well, it does, because this “come to the dark side, we have cookies” mantra of the feel-good militia (media) that wants you to believe you suck, and are the problem, and here is why.

You, as a prepper, don’t subscribe to the rainbow and unicorns utopia of “we are the most intolerant-tolerant people you’ll meet” brigade. What does that mean? Let’s face it, unless you are one of “them”, the accept the world as we say it, you’re not something that be tolerated. Now, you area  Prepper, and probably share a number of conservative values; so you’re thinking, “Darn those liberals”. Hold up, many “conservatives” are as much of the problem as liberals. What? Blasphemy you say! No, just by looking at this site you have libertarian qualities you did not even realize you had. What am I talking about? Simple: Personal responsibility.

Personal responsibility, Batman! What is that?!?! Well, this alien, media scoffed, concept is the idea that we, as human beings, within the boundaries of our spiritual, or lack there of, beliefs have taken it upon ourselves, and not to depend on others, to secure our lives, our liberty, and our future.

What does that mean? Don’t let others live your life. Ignore the law you say?! No, the laws exist for a reason, but not all of them are good reasons. What I’m saying is take life by the horns, and live it out. You have decided to be a responsible adult. Vote for goodness sakes. You can’t complain about politician X screwing you because he more than likely told you from the beginning he would. You think ANY of these people, right or left, care about you in ANy way?! NO! They’re lining their own pockets. What is important is your beliefs (faith or otherwise), your family (including friends), and your community. Community, after all, is a pillar of prepping (IMHO).

Where the toughen up part comes in is this: Who cares what those around you say. Unless they’re trying to get you, don’t play into their sandbox. You see that “No conceal weapons you pansy” sign in the front, don’t get your panties in a twist, go next door to the guy who wants your gun toting business. You want a business to do your, well, business, and they don’t subscribe to your lifestyle? There are literally THOUSANDS of other options. If you don’t think so, you’re just a jack wagon trying to start crap.

Get your own nonsense squared away. You’re in no position to judge.

Looking like a fool with your pants on the ground…

It’s the middle of the night, your phone is off, so you didn’t get the message: SHTF.

There are plenty of SHTF scenarios that could happen silently in the night, and you be less than prepared. Let’s look at a scenario.

It’s the middle of the night. An event has occurred in the twilight hours that has incited violence, rioting, and/or panicked, looting people. Your only warning is your door crashing in. Sure, you heard the sirens during the night, some of them rather close. That’s not weird, it’s (insert city here) and police, fire, and EMS run all night; well, they run often enough not to be weird. So, you drift back to sleep until the door comes off its hinges.

Luckily, you keep your EDC weapon by your bed and the initial threat is dealt with, but those gunshots just garnered attention. Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t sleep in tac gear. If you do, you’re strange; just saying. However, if you sleep in something less practical or less, you don’t have time to get to your dresser, pick stuff out, and get dressed.

Solution? Simple, keep clothing near by that is “prepared”. What do I mean by prepared? Pants with a belt already run through the loops, socks sitting in your boots, and the other clothing items you need all in one place. Another great idea is a jump/flight suit. It’s not ideal, but it’s fast.

Now, a word to the wise about jump/flight suits; they’re not always designed to wear a belt with it so you may want to keep some sort of gun belt to attach your weapon to. If you attach a gun belt that isn’t supported by belt keepers, then you need to carefully pick your holster. Some holsters, like certain retention holsters, require some sort of movement of the weapon, like a rocking motion, that would fail if the belt weren’t secured with something like belt keepers attached to bolt the gun belt and an under belt.

If you go with the pre-laid out pants, great. Unless you previously threaded your belt through a holster on your pants, which is fine, a paddle holster might be a good alternative.  A paddle holster can be quickly put on and is available in retention models.

A paddle holster is a holster that is secured with a paddle shaped apparatus instead of belt loops. The paddle apparatus is designed to slip inside your waist band and its curved shape fits against your hip.

You’re armed, now grab you bag and go, quickly!!

-Reaver