On Being Ready – Nehemiah

Nehemiah is one of my favorite characters and one of the first people to live a tactical/preparedness lifestyle. He was appointed as the governor of Jerusalem and was sent to rebuild it by the King.

There was just one problem though….Jerusalem was surrounded by people who didn’t want to see it rebuilt. Does that sound familiar?

How did Nehemiah and his people keep safe? With today’s piece of Tactical Wisdom From the Bible:

From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor…

Nehemiah 4:16a

This principle is still used today by most modern military forces…half the force engaging in security, while the remainder works or rests.

How can we apply this to our daily lives?

First, ensure, like Nehemiah did, that your home is secure to begin with. Good locks, lighting, proper landscaping, and maybe even a few cameras are a good start. Having a safe and secure storage method for defensive firearms, while keeping them readily accessible in an emergency is also a good start.

For example, when I’m home, if I’m in the home office, a firearm is either in a holster on my hip or in a top desk drawer. At bedtime, it moves to the secure nightstand. That simple, and I’m armed 100 percent of the time while at home.

If leaving the home, all firearms are securely locked up.

Second, ensure that wherever you go, you are as armed as you lawfully can be. How that looks depends on your lifestyle and the local legal environment.

It may mean a concealed pistol license (did you know I offer that class?) and a handgun. Know your state’s odd quirks of gun laws before doing this. As an example, in Michigan, you can’t carry a concealed gun into a bank, even if licensed, but if licensed to carry, you CAN open carry a handgun into the bank, but an unlicensed person can’t (I know, it makes zero sense).

Most state and local government offices and all federal offices (including the post office) ban guns, but you can generally carry at least a pocket knife inside them. Invest in a good knife, not a cheap one, you are betting your life on it. Know local knife laws as well.

Airports, airplanes, and courthouses poses problems in that knives are banned in them as well. Solution…get a tactical pen and know how to use it. A caution here, though, don’t get the ultra-tactical looking ones… a simple, solid metal pen is sufficient. While I’ve never had one of any type seized, and I’ve flown a lot, I did have one spirited discussion…so keep it low-key.

When leaving the house, if you have a concealed carry license, your minimum standard should be a firearm and at least one spare magazine, a quality pocket knife, a high-intensity tactical flashlight, and a tactical pen.

A note about flashlights…buy a high quality one. Many places sell what they call “tactical high-intensity flashlights”, but they aren’t designed for self defense or use with a firearm. I only use Surefire, Streamlight, or Smith & Wesson lights myself, but there are many other brands. You’re betting your life on it, make an INVESTMENT, not a purchase.

Also, if you truly believe in a preparedness or tactical lifestyle, a well-stocked first aid kit is an absolute requirement EVERY SINGLE DAY. I’ve used the first aid kit more than any other item.

Many people say, “Aren’t you being paranoid?” or “What do you need that for?”. My first answer is that it’s no one’s business but mine. The best answer is that you can’t possibly know where or when you’ll have to defend your life (or that of someone else).

It’s easy to say, “But I’m just running to the gas station” and not go to the trouble, but you are statistically more at risk at the gas station than at home.

Also, the worst possible tool to need, is the one you don’t have with you when you need it. If you forget a credit card, or a set of keys, you can can run back home and get it, but you’ll be seriously injured (or dead) if you need a self defense tool and left it at home because it’s a hassle.

Take the thousands of years old advice of my friend Nehemiah, and always have your sword, spear, and shield at the ready.