Gathering a bunch of gear you’ve never used is a bad idea. Every single item in your preparedness gear stash needs to be something that you know how to use, have used, and can use without thinking or refresher courses. This goes for tents and radios, just as much as it does for simple thingsContinue reading “Gear Testing in the Field”
Author Archives: JD
Preparing with Kids
A few years ago, my son asked me to teach a Concealed Pistol Class to him and his friends, to meet state requirements. They were all living in a rough part of town while going to college, so I agreed. While we were at the range portion, one of the young men was using aContinue reading “Preparing with Kids”
Vetting Information
One of the biggest challenges we face in preparedness and trying to respond to situations is information overload. We have phones that provide us with instantaneous access to intelligence information that would have taken weeks or months to produce in World War 2. The problem, though, is the inundation of raw data and confusing thatContinue reading “Vetting Information”
Being Honest About WROL Comms
Let’s get a little housekeeping out of the way…my dear amateur radio friends, please refrain from the hysterical screeching about how wrong I am until the end; I think you’ll admit that what I say here has merit. Also, if you feel the need to discuss the FCC in the comment section, please understand thatContinue reading “Being Honest About WROL Comms”
Preparedness & Integrity
As the war progresses in Ukraine and the country devolves into a total Without Rule of Law situation, the question has arisen: In a true WROL situation do morality and integrity matter? If civilization collapses, isn’t everything justified? The answer is an emphatic yes, morality and integrity matter, and no, not everything is justified. IfContinue reading “Preparedness & Integrity”
Civilian Lessons Part 2 – Ukrainian Boogaloo
Last week, we talked about key civilian lessons from the Russo-Ukraine Conflict. Today, I would like to discuss some more. While the lessons are from the Ukraine conflict, they can be applied to any armed conflict, civil disturbance, or emergency in general. This brings us to today’s Tactical Wisdom: You will hear of wars andContinue reading “Civilian Lessons Part 2 – Ukrainian Boogaloo”
A Look at the Horizon
Today, I’d like to talk about where we are now, where things are headed, and what we should be doing. No, it’s not meant to be “fear-porn” or doom-saying; it’s meant to be a realistic look. Time to take off the blinders of normalcy bias and take stock of the REAL situation. No, we aren’tContinue reading “A Look at the Horizon”
Civilian Lessons – Ukraine
First, I hate saying I told you so, but I got all kinds of negative feedback on social media for my article, “The Russians Are Coming”, calling me alarmist and “fear-clickbait”. I was simply telling you that the Russians were indeed coming. February 23rd made perfect sense for a date because it’s the date ofContinue reading “Civilian Lessons – Ukraine”
Developing Comms Plans
When things go bad, communication is often the first thing to go. Even if the cell phone network is still up, it doesn’t take much to overload it. A high volume of calls and lots of people streaming video, and suddenly you are without voice communication. I am by no means an expert on theseContinue reading “Developing Comms Plans”
Lessons from Canada
Without getting into the political aspects, the events unfolding in Canada carry vitally important lessons for those of us interested in preparedness. First, the changes that they are making to their Terror Financing Laws under the Emergencies Act Declaration are draconian and PERMANENT. In other words, as Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said, even when theContinue reading “Lessons from Canada”
The Russians Are Coming!!
I know, your favorite media personalities told you today that everything is fine, because the Russians are withdrawing and have announced that their exercises are over. I assure you, though, the Russians are indeed coming. I ask you to remember all the way back to last month, when Russia made a similar statement, yet neverContinue reading “The Russians Are Coming!!”
Organization – Notebook
While working on Tactical Wisdom Volume 4, I got a lot of questions about how to apply and organize the steps and information in the first three volumes. An idea was hatched by the smartest person on the team (which is clearly not me) to create a companion book. A Contact and Notes organizer forContinue reading “Organization – Notebook”
The Gray Zone
My friend Mike Shelby over at Forward Observer (find them at: forwardobserver.com) talks a lot about Gray Zone Conflict. The Gray Zone is that space between peace and war that we used to refer to as a “Cold War”. Gray Zone is a much more fitting name, because in many aspects, Gray Zone Conflict canContinue reading “The Gray Zone”
Gathering/Foraging Post-WROL
One of the issues that I get frequent questions about relates to gathering supplies after rule of law has collapsed and how that is done. There is no easy answer, but we can look to history and common law to guide us. First, I want to point out that your first responsibility is to PREPAREContinue reading “Gathering/Foraging Post-WROL”
Winter Gear and Some Cautions
I woke up this morning with snow coming down pretty heavy and decided it was time for a little refresher on selecting winter clothing and winterizing the year-round gear. I don’t really recommend dressing like super-secret agents Austin Millbarge and Emmitt Fitz-Hume above (a classic film). I know a lot of you live in warmContinue reading “Winter Gear and Some Cautions”
Heed the Warning Signs
As massive formations from four additional Russian Army Groups are heading to Ukraine, President Biden gives a speech calling anyone who opposes his radical agenda a domestic enemy, a mysterious wall goes up around the White House, and the FBI arrests 10 members of the Oath Keepers, I thought it was good time to catchContinue reading “Heed the Warning Signs”
What We Can Learn: Kazakhstan
Before you get ready to argue with me, this isn’t about politics and what caused the issue. Sorry, but as I always say, THAT DOESN’T MATTER. As people into preparedness, we have to decide what it can teach, what it shows us, and how we can prepare. Just like the events in KwaZulu Natal lastContinue reading “What We Can Learn: Kazakhstan”
Winter is Coming
Hundreds of people have been stranded on I-95 for over 16 hours now, due to snow. The good news is that Tim Kane is among them, and that confirms that there is a God in Heaven and that He has a sense of humor. What is absolutely amazing to me, though, is the complaints thoseContinue reading “Winter is Coming”
Review – Civil Defense Manual Volume 2
A while back, I reviewed Volume 1 of Jack Lawson’s Civil Defense Manual. I finally had time over the Christmas Holiday to finish reading Volume 2 and take some serious notes. Bottom Line: You need both Volumes 1 and 2 of the Civil Defense Manual in your library. The good news is that they comeContinue reading “Review – Civil Defense Manual Volume 2”
Guest Post – Comms
A few days ago, several of us were talking about comms and sharing ideas. When we got past the angry HAMs telling us about how we were all threatening democracy and were going to go to prison for using the wrong brand of radio, we got some great sharing going. Please don’t take that theContinue reading “Guest Post – Comms”
Indicators: New Military Training
We can learn a lot by taking a look at a couple of the emergency training changes that the US Military in general are making, and one that the US Marine Corps specifically has made in preparation for the next conflict, which seems to be rushing closer every single day. The next conflict appears toContinue reading “Indicators: New Military Training”
Learning from Mongol Moon
When I first joined Twitter, some guy named Mark Sibley was promoting his novel, Mongol Moon. I had no idea who he was, but the book summary seemed interesting, so I bought it. I was so moved by the scenario the book presents that I began engaging with Mark, and now I consider him aContinue reading “Learning from Mongol Moon”
Assisted Living Family Members
In his ground-breaking novel “One Second After”, the first place William Forstchen talks about the disaster impacting is an assisted living/long term care facility. It’s important, because most people don’t realize what life-ending implications a power outage will have on such facilities, starting within MINUTES. Here, we are going to discuss some of those risks,Continue reading “Assisted Living Family Members”
The Truth About the Ukraine
As the media and international leaders point their fingers at Vladimir Putin for the current situation in the Ukraine, I thought I would take us on a trip down Memory Lane. I’m no fan of Putin or Russia, but the truth needs to be told. First, let’s remember that Barack Obama famously said he’d likeContinue reading “The Truth About the Ukraine”
News & Reviews
Tactical Wisdom Volume 3 – Defensive Operations is live and available on Amazon. I don’t have author copies on hand to sell as signed here yet, but I will update when I do. If you want to get the book before Christmas, Amazon (as much as I hate to say it) is your best bet.Continue reading “News & Reviews”
“You’re Doing It Wrong, Bro”
I get a lot of questions from people looking to get into preparedness, but they don’t know where to start. Their concerns are usually around the cost, and the current economic situation has only made that even more important. The biggest fear new people have getting into preparedness is the cost. They’ve watched shows andContinue reading ““You’re Doing It Wrong, Bro””
Announcement – Clothing In Armor Summit
As a professional in the tactical and preparedness space, I get it- how hard it can be seeing attacks and tragic environmental disasters in the news and wanting to reach out to these people to support them. I remember when I first started getting into preparedness. I had no idea what to buy, in whatContinue reading “Announcement – Clothing In Armor Summit”
Everyone Is A Fed
Last week, when it was apparent that a verdict in the Rittenhouse case was imminent, I suggested that Kenosha might be a good place for like-minded people to meet, and maybe prevent a repeat. I got dozens of responses that either I was a Fed, or that I should “Have fun hanging out with theContinue reading “Everyone Is A Fed”
Yes, It Can Happen Here
I frequently get called an alarmist. When I discuss our current situation, people say, “That will never happen here” or “This is America, they can’t ever do that”. It frustrates me to no end, because in America before March of 2020, if someone said, “The state governments here in America are going to order allContinue reading “Yes, It Can Happen Here”
Self-Defense is on Trial
As we are all watching the Kenosha Kid fight for his freedom, we need to understand that are bigger issues at stake and consider some things. The evidence that has come to light during the trial tends to indicate that charges never should have been filed, as this was a clear-cut case of self-defense. IfContinue reading “Self-Defense is on Trial”
What is the Rule of Law?
Generally, when we think of a Without Rule of Law (WROL) situation, the first thing that comes to mind is a complete and total collapse. No police, no fire services, nothing at all. That’s generally what we mean. However, we currently find ourselves in an odd world where things seem to run normally, but theContinue reading “What is the Rule of Law?”
On Principles
Earlier today, video emerged of a large man punching a small woman in the face on the subway, and literally no one intervened. To be fair, one man shouted at the guy AFTER the assault, which accomplished nothing. Some pointed out that she had just told the man that he needed to take a chillContinue reading “On Principles”
Event Triggers
We all have a plan. We all know where we’re going to go or what we’re going to do. Your plan might be to take off to that bug-out off-grid property 3 hours from the city. You might plan to fortify your property and house, making it more defensible. As we live through this slow-movingContinue reading “Event Triggers”
GPS Denied Environment
The US military is rapidly working to develop new doctrine for “Operating in a GPS Denied Environment”. In other words, just as I have warned, they are worried that the Chinese have the capability to either strike the ONE ground station that controls the entire system, or to negate the satellites. With America’s over-reliance onContinue reading “GPS Denied Environment”
Knives in a Church
This afternoon, Sir David Amess of the British Parliament was holding a ‘constituent surgery’, which is what we in America would call a Town Hall meeting, inside a Methodist Church in London. During this meeting, a man stabbed Amess several times. Despite the heroic efforts of the Emergency Services, Sir David died at the scene.Continue reading “Knives in a Church”
Why You Need a Scanner
As the situation degrades more every day, I want to give you some advice and some direction on having a scanner and how best to employ it. A radio scanner is a receive-only device designed to let you listen to a large number of frequencies with a single unit. You can program either manually orContinue reading “Why You Need a Scanner”
Exercising Caution
When our tempers flare, we get very tempted to say some not very nice things. When you combine that with edicts that affect our kids, it gets ten times worse. As I pointed out the other day with my post, Give Me Liberty or Give Me Netflix, we are at a momentous point in AmericanContinue reading “Exercising Caution”
Immediate Steps – Cyberattacks
It’s a shame, really. When the Continental Pipeline attack happened, many of us warned people to up their preparedness for a serious cyber-attack. Sure, the people directly affected by the gas shortages took heed, but the average American did not. But, LORD, let Facebook and InstaGram go down for a day and watch chaos ensueContinue reading “Immediate Steps – Cyberattacks”
Recognizing Friends
As the situation here continues to deteriorate, one important thing to consider is how you will recognize members of your group or family during a chaotic event. It’s important in the initial chaos, but later, in a full collapse of society, it will become vital. For example, imagine that you are on post at yourContinue reading “Recognizing Friends”
The Minuteman Concept
The Minuteman is someone we all learned about back in school, but how much do you really know about them and what can we apply to today? Here, we will look at the Minuteman concept and discuss how we can apply those lessons today. The basis for the Minuteman was devised in the Massachusetts BayContinue reading “The Minuteman Concept”
Give me Liberty, or give me Netflix
On March 23rd, 1775, Patrick Henry gave a speech at St John’s Church in Richmond Virginia. He concluded that speech with a phrase that has echoed throughout history as a battle cry and a guiding principle, “Give me Liberty, or give me Death!”. He wasn’t just saying empty words, either. He would go on toContinue reading “Give me Liberty, or give me Netflix”
Training Task: Urban Scouting
Whatever your reason is for preparing, a second or third order effect is going to lead to the unavailability of gasoline. If you’re preparing for an EMP, then vehicles are already off the table. I know, everyone likes to say “But I’ve got a 1984 Chevy”. Cool story. How will you get gasoline without electricity?Continue reading “Training Task: Urban Scouting”
Intolerance
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain, unalienable rights…. I view these words with almost religious faith. I fervently believe in them with every fiber of my soul. The men who wrote them did as well. In fact, they finishedContinue reading “Intolerance”
Pet Preparedness
I can’t imagine my life without my dogs, one of which is Miss Lucy above. In that photo, I think she was waiting not-very-patiently for me to put the laptop down. Also, I have a cat, and he’s the ultimate “Chad Cat” of all Chad-Cats. He stages items along the very edge of the kitchenContinue reading “Pet Preparedness”
Are you ready to live in the field?
We’ve all got a tent, and a sleeping bag, and the supplies we think we need to live in the field, should we need to. Some people plan on living a permanent mobile existence in a WROL situation, which isn’t actually realistic, and some are planning on bugging in. No matter what you envision, areContinue reading “Are you ready to live in the field?”
Finding Your Tribe
Whether it’s Max Rockatansky, former police officer of the Main Force Patrol, or Eli, former K-Mart staffer, the movies always feature a man traveling the wasteland alone, righting wrongs and accomplishing amazing feats all by himself in a world gone mad. That’s called FICTION for a reason. The truth of the matter is that alone,Continue reading “Finding Your Tribe”
72 Hours
My preparedness philosophy revolves around the idea that at any given point in time, you are no more than 72 hours from a complete and total collapse. This may seem extreme, but let me give a historical context. The most recent example is Afghanistan. We spent years training their new military and they fell withinContinue reading “72 Hours”
Jack Lawson’s Review of the book Tactical Wisdom
By Jack Lawson, Author of the Civil Defense Manual Rare does a book catch my attention like Tactical Wisdom. It could have been authored by my alter ego. But the Author, Joe Dolio, has created what I consider a companion and must-read book to my book the Civil Defense Manual. His book “Tactical Wisdom TW-01Continue reading “Jack Lawson’s Review of the book Tactical Wisdom”
The Government View on Prepping
I have long said that the government views people into preparedness (“preppers”) as a threat. Many people point at the FEMA website http://www.ready.gov and say “See, you’re wrong. They want you prepared.” Have you really looked at their guidance? Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of great information on that site. However, thatContinue reading “The Government View on Prepping”
Legal Preparedness 102
As we drift further down this path, I felt that we could use a couple of tips on some legal items. Not because we think we’re going to win any great legal battles, but because we need to be able to establish an “affirmative defense”. The man in the photo above, first asked the policeContinue reading “Legal Preparedness 102”