Whenever a mutual aid or preparedness group gets together for training, it almost always revolves around firearms skills. I wanted to take a few minutes and give some ideas for some basic things that are overlooked in a lot of group training programs. The Ultimate Tactical Handbook instructs us to train for war: It wasContinue reading “Basic Group Training Ideas”
Author Archives: JD
Organizing a Tribe
“So you also must be ready, Because He will come at an hour When you do not expect Him” Matthew 24:44 I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…The Book of Eli, while one of my favorites, was a MOVIE. In what is to come, you will not be able to function as aContinue reading “Organizing a Tribe”
Immediate Steps You Can Take
After my article on Commitment, I received a bunch of comments and messages asking me what people can do to increase their preparedness for what is to come. In this post, I’ll give you nine things to start on RIGHT NOW that will serve you well. Let me tell you first, I’m not going toContinue reading “Immediate Steps You Can Take”
Commitment
How committed are you to the cause of freedom? Do you want to retain your freedom of speech, religion, to peaceably assemble, and to keep & bear arms? I ask about your level of commitment, because I have more observations from inside ANTIFA/BLM protests that should open your eyes. They are far more committed toContinue reading “Commitment”
Indicators & Escalations
Earlier today, I did a Bible reading for a book study I’m doing with a few other men, since Governor Whitmer still says we can’t go to church (the liquor store is cool, though). When I read Paul’s words, it was like I was listening to myself: So be on your guard! Remember that forContinue reading “Indicators & Escalations”
Combat Fitness
Whenever I talk preparedness, everyone wants to turn the conversation to gear, guns, and goodies. These are all merely tools. If you don’t have SKILLS, none of them matter. For instance, a $2,500 AR platform rifle will not save your life if you don’t know how to immediately clear a double feed, or if youContinue reading “Combat Fitness”
Assessment: NFAC
After observing the “all military veteran, expert shooter” NFAC Militia operating in Louisville today, I realized that I had made a mistake in my earlier assessment. I am perfectly willing to admit when I am wrong. Previously, I reported their name as the “Not F***ing Around Coalition”, but clearly I got it wrong. What IContinue reading “Assessment: NFAC”
Is the NFAC a Danger?
The Not F***ing Around Coalition is self-described as a black nationalist militia, affiliated with the Nation of Islam and the Black Hebrew Isrealites. It is led by the enigmatic “Grandmaster Jay”, a self-proclaimed rapper, hip-hop producer, DJ, and (apparently) a 2016 Presidential Candidate. They first appeared on July 4th, marching in a massive armed formationContinue reading “Is the NFAC a Danger?”
ITS TIME TO GET OFF THE BENCH
Mark the day… July 4th, 2020. The day we start the movement to take back our country. Extremist in our nation have begun to mobilize and systematically destroy our nation one violent act at a time. The media has propagated an extremist ideology to burn our nation to the ground, forcing us the PEOPLE toContinue reading “ITS TIME TO GET OFF THE BENCH”
Lessons Learned: Power Outage
I’m currently about 36 hours into a power outage in Metro Detroit, or as I like to call it, the “Boogaloo Dry Run”. I’ve learned a few things about my own preparedness, and an awful lot about the preparedness of others. I have a thing about lights. I buy flashlights like crazy (mostly from http://www.olight.com). Continue reading “Lessons Learned: Power Outage”
Weapons Training For Self Defense
When most people talk about preparedness and self-defense, they immediately start talking about their guns. Guns are not the only tools you should have and in fact, in some situations, a gun can cause more problems than it is worth. There are a multitude of places you can’t carry a gun and there just asContinue reading “Weapons Training For Self Defense”
Kneeling to the Mob
The violent mobs in the streets have been able to force concessions from states, counties, and cities, and have even gotten federal legislators to propose legislation to appease the mob and try to stem the violence. But should we be bending the knee to these protests? The Department of Defense Dictionary defines terrorism as: TerrorismContinue reading “Kneeling to the Mob”
Be Alert
What are you doing RIGHT NOW, to prepare yourself for increased civil disturbance or a major upheaval? No, not what you ARE GOING TO DO, I mean what are you DOING RIGHT NOW? It’s time for a little tough love. So many people talk about their plans, and what they are going to do, butContinue reading “Be Alert”
First Aid Skills
Too often in the preparedness community, everyone wants to talk about guns and gear, but not skills. When they do talk about skills, it’s usually firearm skills. I’ve had firearms and firearm skills just as long as I’ve have first aid supplies and first aid skills. Guess which one I’ve used the most? Like almostContinue reading “First Aid Skills”
Training in Kicks
In training for real life self-defense, a common question that comes up is, “Should I train in kicks or not?”. Many schools of thought claim that being left on one leg is something to be avoided, but it’s also telling that those same voices advocate taking every fight to the ground and going for aContinue reading “Training in Kicks”
Normalcy Bias Will Kill You
Normalcy bias is the tendency to not believe that an event is occurring, because “It couldn’t happen to me”, or, on a larger scale “it can’t happen here”. We’ve all heard stories of people standing still while an active shooter begins attacking, or people not defending themselves during a home invasion, because “that won’t happenContinue reading “Normalcy Bias Will Kill You”
Gray Man Tactics
Based on some of my other articles, I have had a few people either ask me what the Gray Man principle is or people give me their interpretation, which isn’t the same as mine. Ask 10 people, and you’ll get 10 different answers, but I thought I’d give my take on it here, and explainContinue reading “Gray Man Tactics”
News from the Front
My biggest complaint with those who want to preserve our nation, is that we are completely ceding the ground to the anarchists and leftists who want to destroy our nation. It’s time for us to get out in the streets as well, and take smart action to preserve the Republic. I’m not saying get outContinue reading “News from the Front”
What I Learned Gathering Intelligence
Intelligence gathering is the process of developing information that you can use to make decisions and/or be aware of your local situation. It’s an exhaustive topic that I’m not going to get into here, other than to describe how I accomplished today’s mission. It’s one thing to watch the news and listen to what theyContinue reading “What I Learned Gathering Intelligence”
The Tactics Of Joshua
The book of Joshua is a great story, full of epic battle scenes, spies and spy-hunters, life and death chases, and even evil kings being impaled in front of their cities. The question we ask here is: Can the tactics that Joshua employed in war thousands of years ago, still be relevant today? Let’s lookContinue reading “The Tactics Of Joshua”
Review – Highland Tactical Med Kit
When you talk to people about preparedness and readiness, they always want to discuss guns and ammunition, and maybe food. The preparedness item you will use the most, almost daily, is a first aid kit and you will use it long before any major disaster hits. As such, it’s often overlooked. A while back, inContinue reading “Review – Highland Tactical Med Kit”
Oaths, CHAZ, & God
Earlier this evening, the Oath Keepers put out a scathing thread, imploring the President to take action against the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, the same thing I’ve called for from day one. Now, many people argue that we should just let them run out of supplies and go running home to their parents’ basements, butContinue reading “Oaths, CHAZ, & God”
The Battle Of Ai
I’ve long held that the Bible isn’t a stuffy set of rules, it’s one of the coolest action and adventure books every written. There are epic battle, spies, wars, and even at least one dragon. In Joshua 8, we are told of the Battle of Ai and how Joshua led his army to victory. We’reContinue reading “The Battle Of Ai”
Book Review – Sheep No More
I recently read the book “Sheep No More” by Jonathan T. Gilliam. The book is outstanding and I highly recommend it. Gilliam (www.jonathanTgilliam.com) is a former US Navy SEAL and a former FBI Special Agent. He applies his experience to helping the average citizen understand how to analyze the critical times and locations in theirContinue reading “Book Review – Sheep No More”
The Danger of the Seattle Autonomous Zone
By now, I’m certain you’ve all heard about the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” that ANTIFA has established in the City of Seattle. Make no mistake, the City of Seattle and the State of Washington are complicit in this act of insurrection and rebellion. Yes, I said insurrection and rebellion. Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists,Continue reading “The Danger of the Seattle Autonomous Zone”
Freedoms Lost Don’t Come Back
Throughout history, this truth has rung true: Whenever a government takes away a right, it never comes fully back. During the current pandemic, the right to freely exercise your religion was removed. Many people tell me that you can still be a Christian, without going to church. Being a particular religion IS NOT what’s guaranteedContinue reading “Freedoms Lost Don’t Come Back”
What You Should Do Right Now
In light of the widespread rioting and looting in response to the killing of George Floyd, there are several things we should all be doing to protect ourselves. First, immediately develop a communications plan. Know how to immediately get in touch with friends and family, and develop alternate communication plans. Cell phones can go downContinue reading “What You Should Do Right Now”
Applying The Story of Rahab
I’ve said it many times…the Bible is the greatest collection of adventure stories ever known. In Joshua 2, we are told the story of two spies sent by Joshua to conduct recon in the area of Jericho. While they are conducting their mission, they are found out and government agents traced them to the innContinue reading “Applying The Story of Rahab”
Where is Your Stuff?
When we teach classes on self defense or preparedness, guys frequently show us photos of their mountains of food, guns, and ammo. It’s frequently a room stocked with cartons of food, stacks of ammo, and a safe full of guns. They then proudly say “I’ve been prepping, I’m ready”. I burst their bubble by askingContinue reading “Where is Your Stuff?”
Freedom Is Essential Business
“You, my Brothers and Sisters, Were called to be free” Galatians 5:13a As the nation struggles against the Coronavirus and COVID-19, we are told that we must only conduct “essential business”. Each Governor has given a different definition of what they consider to be “essential business”, and there are criminal penalties for being outside ofContinue reading “Freedom Is Essential Business”
When Should I Be Ready?
In the self-defense and preparedness community, you always hear discussions about all of the things people have prepared and “ready”, but how much of that can be put into immediate practice? What sort of readiness should we maintain on a daily basis? As we frequently do on this site, let’s consult life’s ultimate tactical preparednessContinue reading “When Should I Be Ready?”
BattleBoard Scout
As you know, if you’ve read any of my other posts, I’m a firm believer in keeping paper maps handy for emergencies, and for tactical operations, the ability to “battle-track” on a paper map overlay is crucial. Just before Christmas, I became aware of the BattleBoard Scout, available at BattleBoard.us. It’s a small day-planner sizedContinue reading “BattleBoard Scout”
Are You A Good Shepherd?
Shepherds protect those entrusted to their protection. In the film “American Sniper”, Chris Kyle’s father describes the three types of people in the world: the sheep, the wolves who prey on the sheep, and the sheep dogs who fight the wolves and protect the sheep. That story has spawned a generation of protectors whoContinue reading “Are You A Good Shepherd?”
Should I Learn Ground Fighting?
First, let’s dispel the notion of “Ground Fighting”. In real life self-defense, you don’t want to fight on the ground, ever. Fights do end up on the ground, but this isn’t the UFC are you aren’t going for submission. What you really need to learn is “Ground Survival”, and it’s very different from “Ground Fighting”.Continue reading “Should I Learn Ground Fighting?”
How Much Training Do I Need?
The answer to this common question is simple: MORE. No matter the skill, every physical skill needs practice or the skill will deteriorate over time. This axiom is true whether you are talking about martial arts, gun handling skills, or carpentry. Don’t take my word on it…Let’s ask Bruce Lee: “I fear not the manContinue reading “How Much Training Do I Need?”
Know Your Surroundings
An important part of personal safety and tactical awareness is understanding your surroundings and how to find help or refuge in an emergency. That’s our topic today. What does the Ultimate Tactical Manual (The Bible) say about it? Before Joshua led his people over the River Jordan, he sent out a recon team, telling them:Continue reading “Know Your Surroundings”
Guarding Your Information
Our modern social media landscape has convinced us all to share every small detail of our lives with people we haven’t spoken to in person in years. Think about the implications of that. Samuel Culper, of the outstanding website Forward Observer, has this to say about Social Media: “We should farm data from it, butContinue reading “Guarding Your Information”
Mindset – Should I Train In Unarmed Self Defense?
In this modern era of “Shall-Issue” Concealed Carry Licenses, a common question that arises is, should I train in unarmed self defense? The answer is a resounding yes for a few reasons: You can’t carry a gun or a knife everywhere, even with a permit. Not every threat justifies the immediate use of deadly force.Continue reading “Mindset – Should I Train In Unarmed Self Defense?”
Having What You Need, When You Need It
David asked Ahimelek, “Don’t you have a spear or a sword here? I haven’t brought my sword or any other weapon, because the King’s mission was urgent” 1 Samuel 21:8 Have you ever needed something and not had it? Gotten to a meeting and realized you left your notes or your laptop at home? TheContinue reading “Having What You Need, When You Need It”
Should I Train to Fight With A Knife?
This question comes up often in the current climate of concealed firearm permits…Should I train to fight with a knife, since guns are so common? The answer is a resounding yes, for a few reasons. Let’s discuss why first, then I’ll give some practical exercises and resources. Reasons to train with a knife: There areContinue reading “Should I Train to Fight With A Knife?”
The Importance of Outdoor Skills
“…Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms, and shade trees to make temporary shelters…” Nehemiah 8:15b If you were stranded in woods and had to build a shelter, could you? Could you build a fire? Just a couple of generations ago, everyContinue reading “The Importance of Outdoor Skills”
Solo Training During Quarantine
Maintaining your self-defense skills is important at all times, and it’s critical during the current Stay-At-Home Order situation. Police departments have advised that they are limiting services and avoiding non-essential public contact, so you are truly on your own. Training without a partner can be just as effective as training with a partner. When weContinue reading “Solo Training During Quarantine”
Surrendering Freedom
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 Paul wrote those words just under 2,000 years ago, and today, as I sit at home because the government has ordered us all to, they are equallyContinue reading “Surrendering Freedom”
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 soundContinue reading “On Being Ready – Nehemiah”
Having a Team
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, a cord of three strands is not easily broken” – Ecclesiates 4:12 Many people in the preparedness and tactical training community train to defend themselves as a single entity in a Without Rule of Law (WROL) situation, such as a disaster, rioting, or emergency. While thatContinue reading “Having a Team”
Adapting Forms Training to Self Defense
Many proponents of so-called “real-world self-defense” downplay the value of traditional forms training, saying that it’s outdated or “too rigid” to be used for self defense. I say that depends on how you train. Now, if you go to a McDojo and everyone learns forms just because it’s needed to advance to the next level,Continue reading “Adapting Forms Training to Self Defense”
Preparation Wisdom from Proverbs
In the current environment of social distancing, closed restaurants, and quarantines, we are facing shortages everywhere and unprepared people are panicking. If they had followed simple wisdom that has been around for thousands of years, they would be calm. The wise store up food & olive oil, but the fool gulps theirs down. -Proverbs 21:20Continue reading “Preparation Wisdom from Proverbs”
Martial Arts Weapons & Self Defense
I frequently get asked, “Can martial arts weapons be used for self defense?” The answer is both yes and no, and there are some caveats to consider before launching into a program. First, understand that most schools that teach weapons are teaching things that look great in TOURNAMENTS to WIN MEDALS, not self defense. EvenContinue reading “Martial Arts Weapons & Self Defense”
Awareness Vs. Panic
In our current environment regarding the CoronaVirus, people are generally at one of two extremes. First, there are people buying into the media’s abject panic. On the other hand, there are people at the extreme other end, saying this is nothing to worry about and that to say otherwise is “fear-mongering”. What should we do?Continue reading “Awareness Vs. Panic”
Adapting One Step Sparring for Realistic Self-Defense
One-Step Sparring, or Il Soo Sik in Korean martial arts, is a common training segment for all martial arts. It incorporates a pre-planned defense against a punch, usually from a formal ready stance. Many people say it’s outdated and no longer relevant to real-world self defense. If you only train it from a straight punchContinue reading “Adapting One Step Sparring for Realistic Self-Defense”
