There are number of tools that can make security and movement much easier. We call them enablers as they enable you to do things you couldn’t otherwise do, like see in the dark or detect heat.
Normal optics, like rifle scopes, binoculars, or spoting scopes are enablers. They enable you to see much farther and aim more accurately. I use the Khyber Optics 1-10x and the Khyber 3-18x for hunting. You can find those here: https://brushbeater.store/product-category/optics/?sca_ref=4405804.z7Z4UMPocd. For distance without a rifle, I use the Vortex 15×50 RT Monocular and Vortex 8×32 RT Monocular (click those links) as they have great clarity and a useful reticle & ranging option.
Thermals are a game changer. Thermals enable you to see heat, and thus, detect living things. Sure, they enable you to see in the dark (sort of) but their main role is to detect living things. Thermals run from very basic and cheap units that don’t perform well to units running into tens of thousands of dollars. My thermal is an AGM Rattler, which while it will run you between $900-$2000 depending on options, is an entry level choice for those just starting out. I’ve used the FLIR Scout ($450) and it just doesn’t compare. Having the ability to hunt game in the dark and detect humans trying to breach your perimeter or pursue you is a super power that you want.
The ability to see and move in the dark is also important. Again, there are low end options designed for hunting use and high end tactical units. The low price “hunting” options emit a visible red light that will be bad news for in any tactical situation, so spend a little. I began with an AGM WOLF-14, similar to a US PVS-14 optic. Mine is white phosphor so it gives me a good and bright image. Over the last couple of weeks, during the Brushbeater Scout and Recce courses, I got to test out the Khyber DTNV-31 dual tubes and I am sold on them. I am fundraising to buy a set. They are crystal clear, have incredible range, and flip sideways so that you move them easier than traditional rhino mounts.
If your budget requires you to buy one and not the other, I always recommend buying thermals first, then night vision. I know that it seems backwards, and I did it the opposite way, but with the professional guidance of NC Scout, I’ve “seen the light” (dad joke).
The Brushbeater Store and Khyber Optics is your best bet for learning abiout thermals and night vision: https://khyberoptics.net/?sca_ref=4405804.z7Z4UMPocd
Drones are another enabler. At first, I thought I could get away with a cheap “toy” drone, but that’s not the case. For entry level, a smaller DJI drone, like the Mavic or Mini, is a good starting point. For all serious users though, the Autel can’t be beat. Sure, it’s pricey, but it was night vision and thermals built in. It also has enough bulk to handle the winds aloft. Buy something less expensive to learn on, but the Autel drones are the goal here.
Radios are also enablers. Over the last couple of weeks, between Brushbeater’s Scout and Recce Courses and my Community Security Operations course, everyone learned that you need quality radios and the skills to use them. It’s way better to whisper into the radio to your point man 200 meters ahead than to shout at him. Also, when running a checkpoint, radios are useful. Having something like a Tiny SA Ultra can help you know who else is using a radio nearby as well.
Buying enablers and putting them in your gear isn’t enough. You need to get them out and learn how to use your enablers. Coming to classes will allow you to learn to use them more effectively and get yiou some trigger time with yiour gear in real-world scenarios. You’ll also meet some great people.
Get some enablers and get dangerous.
If you like this content and would like to support my work, you can sign up as a monthly supporter at tacticalwisdom.locals.com.
