Franke Schein is a author of several books and a freelance journalist whose articles have appeared in newspapers and magazines across the world. He writes from a street level perspective with a unique insight and style across a wide range of subjects. His articles appear on several websites in many different countries.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
An Open Letter To Mahmud Ahmadinejad
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| Mahmud Ahmadinejad |
I've been listening to you ranting and raving against America and Israel for years. Day after day, week after week, you, or one of your people get onto television and threaten the world with your military might, or that you will close down the Strait of Hormuz.
You look like a clown pointing your finger in the air, trying to convince the world that your army is the most powerful, the meanest, and ready to battle America and its NATO allies.
German, Italy, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, China, Mexico, they all thought that they could fight the most powerful military force in the world. They thought wrong, their armies were destroyed.
I would bet every dollar in my bank account that if you asked the people of Iran if they want a war with NATO, the answer would be much different than what you think. I would submit that you, like other petty dictators, are gorging yourself, while other Iranian families are wondering where their next meal will come from.
In case you don't know this, allow me to show you something very important:
The American Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons:
First, he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is smart enough to soar above it.
Second, he wears no material crown. We had just broken from the King of England.
Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows.
Do not foolishly believe that the American public will want out of a war that you helped to start. Killing Americans will anger many fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons, and daughters of our soldiers. The wrath of a free nation will decent down upon you like the plague. In the end, you, like other petty war mongering dictators will hang, just like Saddam Hussein.
Nobody in America wants a war with Iran, but you seem intent on having your way. If this is the case, then I fear your days are numbered. remember this, a few years after you are gone; the people of Iran will hardly remember you.
Another thing: Israel is America's closest ally. The Jewish State has many American citizens living in its borders, and many Israelis have family members living here in America. Attacking Israel is like attacking America. Our countries are connected through the blood of generations of our families. We will not stand by and watch you attack our families.
As far as your nuclear weapons ambitions; let me take moment to explain something to you; American submarines prowling the deep oceans carry more nuclear weapons that you ever imagined. Detonate one single nuclear weapon in the world, and you will find out how hot the sun feels. Americas weapons are used as a deterrence; unlike you and your regime that want a nuclear weapon to threaten the free world. Don't mistake America's reluctance to use our big weapons as a sign of weakness--that would be your final mistake.
Arabic Translation:
عزيزي السيد محمود أحمدي نجاد،
كنت استمع إليكم صراخ وهذيان ضد أمريكا وإسرائيل لسنوات. يوما بعد يوم، بعد أسبوع الأسبوع لك، أو واحد من الناس الخاص بك الحصول على التلفزيون وتهدد العالم بالقوة العسكرية الخاصة بك، أو أن كنت سيتم إغلاق مضيق هرمز.
لكم تبدو مهرج الإشارة بالإصبع في الهواء، ومحاولة إقناع العالم بأن الجيش الخاص بك هو الأقوى، اللئيمة، ومستعدة لمعركة أمريكا وحلفائها في الناتو.
الألمانية، إيطاليا، وفيتنام، وأفغانستان، وإيران، وكوريا الشمالية، الصين، المكسيك، جميع يعتقدون أنهم يمكن أن مكافحة أقوى قوة عسكرية في العالم. ظنوا خطأ، دمرت جيوشها.
أود أن الرهان كل دولار في بلدي حساب مصرفي أنه إذا طلب الشعب الإيراني إذا كانوا يريدون حربا مع حلف شمال الأطلسي، فإن الجواب سيكون تختلف كثيرا عن رأيك. أود أن أقول أن كنت، مثل سائر الطغاة البسيطة، هي جورجينج نفسك، بينما الأسر الإيرانية الأخرى يتساءلون من أين تأتي هذه الوجبة القادمة.
في حال كنت لا تعرف هذا، اسمحوا لي أن تظهر لك شيء هام جداً:
النسر الأصلع الأمريكية اختير كرمز للانتصار لسببين:
أولاً، أنه لا يخشى من عاصفة؛ أنه قوي، وذكي بما يكفي أن يرتفع فوقه.
وثانيا، أنه ترتدي لا ولي العهد المادية. أننا مجرد كسر من "ملك إنجلترا".
لاحظ ما يحمل النسر في بلده ومخالب. وهو يحمل غصن الزيتون والأسهم. هذا البلد يريد السلام، ولكن لن نكون ابدأ أخاف أن نكافح من أجل الحفاظ على السلام. النسر يريد دائماً أن تواجه غصن الزيتون، ولكن في وقت الحرب، يتحول له نظرات تجاه الأسهم.
لا بحماقة نعتقد أن الرأي العام الأميركي يريد الخروج من حرب التي ساعدت في بدء تشغيل. وسوف غضب الأميركيين قتل العديد من الآباء والأمهات وأزواجهن، زوجات، أبناء وبنات جنودنا. وسوف غضب أمة حرة كريمة أسفل عليكم مثل الطاعون. وفي النهاية، يمكنك، مثل الحرب البسيطة الأخرى يتاجر الطغاة سيتم إنهاء، تماما مثل صدام حسين.
لا أحد في أمريكا يريد حرب مع إيران، ولكن يبدو أنك النية على أن يكون طريقك. وإذا كان هذا هو الحال، ثم أخشى الخاص بك أيام معدودة. أن نتذكر هذا، قبل بضع سنوات بعد أن كنت ذهبت؛ وسيتذكر الشعب الإيراني يكاد يمكنك.
شيء آخر: إسرائيل هي الحليف الأول للولايات المتحدة. الدولة العبرية قد العديد من المواطنين الأمريكيين الذين يعيشون في حدودها، والعديد من الإسرائيليين أفراد الأسرة الذين يعيشون هنا في أمريكا. مهاجمة إسرائيل أشبه بمهاجمة أمريكا. بلداننا متصل عن طريق دم الأجيال لاسرنا. ونحن لن يقف إلى جانب ومشاهدة يمكنك مهاجمة أسرنا.
وفيما يتعلق بطموحات الأسلحة النووية الخاص بك؛ واسمحوا لي أن أخذ لحظة لشرح شيء لكم؛ الغواصات الأمريكية يجوب المحيطات العميقة تحمل المزيد من الأسلحة النووية التي كنت يتصور ابدأ. لتفجير سلاح نووي واحد واحد في العالم، وسوف تجد الحرارة الساخنة كيف ستصبح. وتستخدم أسلحة الأمريكتين كرادع؛ وخلافا للنظام الخاص بك ويمكنك التي تريد سلاح نووي يهدد العالم الحر. لا تخطئ ممانعة أميركا استخدام أسلحتنا كبيرة كعلامة ضعف اليوم أنه سيكون خطأ النهائي
90-Day Survival Outlook
Critical threats faced throughout the next ninety days:
Solar Storms:
The GOES 12 through 15 spacecraft each carry a sophisticated Solar X-ray Imager to monitor the Sun’s X-rays for the early detection of solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other phenomena that impact the geospace environment. This early warning is important because travelling solar disturbances affect not only the safety of humans in high-altitude missions, such as human spaceflight, but also military and commercial satellite communications. In addition, coronal mass ejections can damage long-distance electric power grids, causing extensive power blackouts.
Solar radiation is measured through many different scales. Each scale represents a severity class for humans and our electronics. The higher the class—the more intense and dangerous a solar storm
Geomagnetic Storms: disturbances in the geomagnetic field caused by gusts in the solar wind that blows by Earth.
Solar Radiation Storms: elevated levels of radiation that occur when the numbers of energetic particles increase.
Radio Blackouts: disturbances of the ionosphere caused by X-ray emissions from the Sun.
Geomagnetic Storms
- Power systems: : widespread voltage control problems and protective system problems can occur, some grid systems may experience complete collapse or blackouts. Transformers may experience damage.
- Spacecraft operations: may experience extensive surface charging, problems with orientation, uplink/downlink and tracking satellites.
- Other systems: pipeline currents can reach hundreds of amps, HF (high frequency) radio propagation may be impossible in many areas for one to two days, satellite navigation may be degraded for days, low-frequency radio navigation can be out for hours, and aurora has been seen as low as Florida and southern Texas (typically 40° geomagnetic lat.)**.
- Power systems: possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems will mistakenly trip out key assets from the grid.
- Spacecraft operations: may experience surface charging and tracking problems, corrections may be needed for orientation problems.
- Other systems: induced pipeline currents affect preventive measures, HF radio propagation sporadic, satellite navigation degraded for hours, low-frequency radio navigation disrupted, and aurora has been seen as low as Alabama and northern California (typically 45° geomagnetic lat.)**.
- Power systems: voltage corrections may be required, false alarms triggered on some protection devices.
- Spacecraft operations: surface charging may occur on satellite components, drag may increase on low-Earth-orbit satellites, and corrections may be needed for orientation problems.
- Other systems: intermittent satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation problems may occur, HF radio may be intermittent, and aurora has been seen as low as Illinois and Oregon (typically 50° geomagnetic lat.)**.
- Power systems: high-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms, long-duration storms may cause transformer damage.
- Spacecraft operations: corrective actions to orientation may be required by ground control; possible changes in drag affect orbit predictions.
- Other systems: HF radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes, and aurora has been seen as low as New York and Idaho (typically 55° geomagnetic lat.)**.
- Power systems: weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
- Spacecraft operations: minor impact on satellite operations possible.
- Other systems: migratory animals are affected at this and higher levels; aurora is commonly visible at high latitudes (northern Michigan and Maine)**.
Solar Radiation Storms
- Biological: unavoidable high radiation hazard to astronauts on EVA (extra-vehicular activity); passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may be exposed to radiation risk.***
- Satellite operations: satellites may be rendered useless, memory impacts can cause loss of control, may cause serious noise in image data, star-trackers may be unable to locate sources; permanent damage to solar panels possible.
- Other systems: complete blackout of HF (high frequency) communications possible through the polar regions, and position errors make navigation operations extremely difficult.
- Biological: unavoidable radiation hazard to astronauts on EVA; passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may be exposed to radiation risk.***
- Satellite operations: may experience memory device problems and noise on imaging systems; star-tracker problems may cause orientation problems, and solar panel efficiency can be degraded.
- Other systems: blackout of HF radio communications through the polar regions and increased navigation errors over several days are likely.
- Biological: radiation hazard avoidance recommended for astronauts on EVA; passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may be exposed to radiation risk.***
- Satellite operations: single-event upsets, noise in imaging systems, and slight reduction of efficiency in solar panel are likely.
- Other systems: degraded HF radio propagation through the polar regions and navigation position errors likely.
- Biological: passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may be exposed to elevated radiation risk.***
- Satellite operations: infrequent single-event upsets possible.
- Other systems: small effects on HF propagation through the polar regions and navigation at polar cap locations possibly affected.
- Biological: none.
- Satellite operations: none.
- Other systems: minor impacts on HF radio in the polar regions.
Radio Blackouts
- HF Radio:Complete HF (high frequency**) radio blackout on the entire sunlit side of the Earth lasting for a number of hours. This results in no HF radio contact with mariners and en route aviators in this sector.
- Navigation: Low-frequency navigation signals used by maritime and general aviation systems experience outages on the sunlit side of the Earth for many hours, causing loss in positioning. Increased satellite navigation errors in positioning for several hours on the sunlit side of Earth, which may spread into the night side.
- HF Radio: : HF radio communication blackout on most of the sunlit side of Earth for one to two hours. HF radio contact lost during this time.
- Navigation: Outages of low-frequency navigation signals cause increased error in positioning for one to two hours. Minor disruptions of satellite navigation possible on the sunlit side of Earth.
- HF Radio: Wide area blackout of HF radio communication, loss of radio contact for about an hour on sunlit side of Earth.
- Navigation: Low-frequency navigation signals degraded for about an hour.
- HF Radio: Limited blackout of HF radio communication on sunlit side, loss of radio contact for tens of minutes.
- Navigation: Degradation of low-frequency navigation signals for tens of minutes.
- HF Radio: Weak or minor degradation of HF radio communication on sunlit side, occasional loss of radio contact.
- Navigation: Low-frequency navigation signals degraded for brief intervals
It’s important for survivalist and survival groups to monitor these space anomalies. Relying on the major news networks to keep informed might be a mistake. Here are some of the resources that I use:
- Space Weather Alert Summaries
- 3-day Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity
- Space Weather.com
- NOAA National Geophysical Data Center
[ Click the picture above to get Real Time Solar Wind Storm Information ]
[For further research information please click onto: http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/index.html]
******
Iranian Oil Crisis:
Over the last few years I have written about the possibility that Iran would begin to ramp up their fifth column attacks when confronted with economic sanctions.
Last Sunday 30-year old Iranian Dissident was assassinated outside of her home in Texas. Gelareh Bagherzadeh was an outspoken critic of Iran's fledgling democracy. Her political activism got the attention of the military dictatorship ruling the Iranian people.
Sometime around midnight, according to the Daily Mail, Gelareh Bagherzadeh, a 30-year-old genetics student, was struck by a bullet that ripped through the passenger door window as she talked on the phone with her ex-boyfriend. According to police, an unknown assailant sneaked up to the passenger’s side of the 30-year-old’s car and shot her at point blank range in the head.
Bagherzadeh’s car motor was still running when she was shot, and it subsequently smashed into a garage door just steps from her parents’ home in an upscale community southwest of Houston, Texas. A neighbor heard the sound of the shattering glass and the running vehicle and called the police.
The major television personalities are just now starting to realize that this wasn’t murder—that Ms. Bagherzadeh was killed by Iranian Special Forces operatives that have infiltrated onto American soil through our loose and unsecured southern borders, or through inferior immigration polices. But this isn’t the first time that Iranian terrorist have struck in the USA:
Amid the crisis centering around Iran; arises the looming specter of war. Throughout the last year Iran has stepped-up it’s nuclear weapons program; kidnapped several American citizens, and recently imposed the Death Sentence on another American charged with spying.
Iran’s constant barrage of military rhetoric against America, Israel, and western countries has progressively worsened to the point that Iran's military forces have threatened to close down the Strait of Hormuz; a move threat that is taken very serious by every nation on the globe.
Iranian Submarine Forces
Iran’s Space Program Launch Center
Iranian Gunboats Conducting Maneuvers In The Strait Of Hormuz
Iranian Special Forces Trained Narco-Drug Cartel Paramilitary Units
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Southern Threat
South American is a continent that has been consumed with wars, diseases, disasters, revolutions, and an out of control crime epidemic that is creeping northwards into the American heartland. For decades, the potential for continental war has been brewing amid the squalor and insufferable decadence at the hands of military juntas seeking to rule with the absolution of military might.
If it weren’t for the United States, the people of Central America and South America would experience a higher infant mortality rate, lower life expectancies, and an economic climate that pales in comparison to what it currently is.
Women in those third world countries have four times as many children as their counterparts here in America. Family planning initiatives have failed miserably due largely to conflicts with religious beliefs. Overpopulation is inevitable, and already America is seeing the results of decades of arbitrary government mismanagement.
The increased birthrate is already crushing most South American economies. A discernible division between the poor and the wealthy has created an imbalance that is pushing poor people into poverty; while the wealthy are forced to hide themselves behind armed-barricaded walls. These wealthy enclaves of the South American elites are the ones shown on American television commercials urging tourists to spend their “gringo” dollars that support these elite communities.
Rural areas are not able to maintain their own economies as more of the middle-class city-dwellers transition into the rich farmlands of South America. Farming communities are forced to watch helplessly as family farms are forced out of business by greedy land developers. Migration into the already desperate cities leave few choices for income starved families. Yet; the cycle perpetuates itself because there are no jobs to be had in the cities. The cities offer little in the way of resources, since many coming from the rural areas have little technical skills or education. Parents are sending their minor children to work in sweat shops, just to put food on the dinner table. The substandard pay scales continue to feed this vicious cycle that swallows entire family clans.
In many cases; third world countries are witness to an increasing number of riots, civil unrest, and outright civil disobedience. These events play out on American television stations almost weekly, but the lingering images of burning cars and dead bodies sprawled in the streets are soon forgotten as another reality show distracts the population. Sadly; the South American elites have systematically clamped-down on these “peasant” riots with brutal and oftentimes, deadly response.
This brutality by their own government, has turned many people into the waiting arms of insurgencies that have operated in the region for decades. Under severe economic conditions, and lack of jobs, the South American insurgency has flourished, as well as gained popularity among the disenfranchised population.
As a result, the governments have lost even more control and started directing horrific violence towards their own citizens; thus creating even more insurgents who fight because the government control has effected their families, or displaced them even further into the cesspool of third world politics.
On top of all the woes in South America; the ethnic hatred remains as functional today, as it did in the early colonial days.
Brazil is mostly Caucasian, The dominant religion is Roman Catholic, and the official language of the country is Portuguese. Venezuelan's are Mestizo, practice the Catholic faith, and speak Spanish. Guyana's population is comprised of East Indian, Hindus, and they speak English. Meanwhile; The French Guinea are Mulatto, attend Catholic churches and use French as their country’s primary language. Multicultural diversity is oftentimes forgotten as gunfire replaces dialog.
Even out in the dark jungles of the rain forest; a warrior tribe consisting of the Yanomamo Tribe is emerging. These are the indigenous people that until the early 1940’s, never had contact with the outside world--the last of the head-hunter tribes. Their tribal villages are spread out across the borders of nearly every South American country. These villages play an important role in the transportation and protection of the drugs being transported through their respective areas.
The instability of the South American governments have provided rich opportunities for the major Drug Cartels. Throughput the years, the cartels have offered jobs, schools, and hospitals to impoverished villages. Starving families were put to work producing or transporting drugs. When a Chieftain, Mayor, Police Commissioner, or Politician couldn’t be bought—he was assassinated.
Since the American “War On Drugs” was initiated in the early 1980’s; the drug cartels ability to operate with impunity has been reduced. This forced the cartels to organize, train, and equip their own armies. Sources indicate that these South American armies have a strength that far exceed a hundred thousand soldiers. The sales of drugs financed these rouge armies. Weapons, equipment, munitions, explosives, and modern communications gear is bought from willing countries such as North Korea, Iran, and former Soviet states. Cartel armies are, in most cases, better equipped and financed than many South American military forces.
The commanders of these cartel armies have learned much from their Iranian and Korean Special Forces instructors. When attacked by the government troops, they systematically begin a terror campaign targeting the government soldiers family members. When Cartel leaders are apprehended or killed, government buildings, as well as civilian targets are hit with bombs, tourists kidnapped, school children slaughtered, and snipers kill police officers on the streets and in their homes. It doesn't take long for the underpaid soldier or police officer to understand how the game is played. This is one of the reasons the Mexican Drug War has spiraled out of control.
[ Source: http://www.npr.org ]
There have been many reports flowing out from the Nightly News networks detailing critical information about Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions. yet; it is rare to hear about the possibility that Iran already has acquired a nuclear weapon courtesy of North Korea, and smuggled it into the United States. Considering the following reports:
"Since September 11, 2001, DHS has reported a 41 percent increase in arrests along the Texas/Mexico border of Special Interest Aliens,"
According to the report, "hundreds" of OTM illegal aliens from special interest countries from countries including Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Cuba, Brazil, Ecuador, China, Russia, Yemen, Albania, Yugoslavia and Afghanistan have been apprehended in the South Texas region alone since September 11, 2001.
"Just recently, U.S. intelligence officials report that seven Iraqis were found in Brownsville, Texas in June 2006. In August 2006, an Afghani man was found swimming across the Rio Grande River in Hidalgo, Texas; as recently as October 2006, seven Chinese were apprehended in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas."
"A jacket with patches from countries where al Qa'ida is known to operate was found in Jim Hogg County, Texas by the Border Patrol. The patches on the jacket show an Arabic military badge with one depicting an airplane flying over a building and heading towards a tower, and another showing an image of a lion's head with wings and a parachute emanating from the animal. The bottom of one patch read 'martyr,' 'way to eternal life' or 'way to immortality.'"
Confirmed Terrorists Apprehended
A few of the apprehended OTM illegal immigrants with confirmed ties to terrorist groups listed in the congressional report include:
Neeran Zaia - arrested on September 8, 2004 - headed an organization responsible for smuggling more than 200 Iraqi, Jordanian, and Syrian nationals into the United States. When he was arrested, U.S. Customs agents discovered that Zaia had a prior conviction for human smuggling.
Mahmoud Youssef Kourani -- pleaded guilty on March 1, 2005 to providing material support to Hezbollah. "Kourani is an illegal alien who had been smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border after bribing a Mexican consular official in Beirut for a visa to travel to Mexico."
Salim Boughader Mucharrafille - was arrested in December 2002 for illegally smuggling more than two hundred Lebanese, many believed to have ties to Hezbollah into the United States.
[ Source: http://usgovinfo.about.com ]
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EXCLUSIVE: Hezbollah uses Mexican drug routes into U.S.
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Central America: an emerging role in the drug trade
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Terrorists: The 'Other' Illegal Immigrants
SURVIVAL STRATEGIES:
When SHTF, those people and families living on, or near, the borders must be prepared for an immediate infiltration of massive illegals, many of whom will likely be OTM’s whose only purpose is to kill Americans, and sow death and destruction.Survival groups operating in those areas must strategize, plan, and prepare for this eventuality.
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[ Mount McKinley Alaska January 14th 2012 Photo: Franke Schein ]
Being afraid of extreme cold weather is a natural thing. Most people have the tendency to stay indoors next to the wood burning stove when the temperatures dip into the sub-zero ranges. But, some of us enjoy the challenges of facing the extremes—a Man against Nature challenge. Most people think that I’m nuts when they hear that I’m heading 150 miles into the Northern interior of Alaska. Sometimes I believe them too…
Nonetheless; being out there in the thick of winter is both a way to test my gear, and myself. It allows me the quiet time that I need to recharge myself, and the opportunity to get my survival mind-set used to the frigid weather.
But it starts at home through meticulous selection of the gear that I will be trusting to keep me safe…
Clothing:
Base Layer: - Fleece (Stretch) Union Suit
- Polypropylene Socks
- Thermax Sock Liner
- Polypropylene T-Shirt
Mid Layer:
- Wool Pants
- Wool Pull-Over Sweater
- Polar-Tec Insulated Jacket
Outer Layer:
- Gortex Parka
- Gortex Gaiters
- Gortex Gloves
- Fleece Face Mask
- Fleece Watch Cap
- Snow Goggles
- Cold Weather (Bunny) Boots
The list above includes everything that I wear. It looks like a lot of clothing, but in reality, it is three layers that help to trap body heat, and keep the cold wind, as well as the wet snow from the “creeping chill” that signals the start of hypothermia.
Choosing my gear is very important. If my life will depend on a piece of equipment, or clothing, you can be assured that a lot of thought has went into it, before I lay down my money. The Parka is one such piece of gear that is essential. I don’t play around when choosing what Cold Weather Parka.
- Snag proof Zippers
- Multiple Inner-Pockets
- Multiple Outer Pocket
- Draw String Waist
- Snow Skirt
- Adjustable Collar That Reaches To The Nose
- Fur Trimmed Hood
- Nylon Sleeve Skirt: (Keeps the snow and wind off the wrists)
- Waterproof (Not Water Resistant)
- Armpit Venting Zippers
The multiple inner-pocket hold the survival gear that I consider essential out in the cold weather.
Extra Insulated Socks are layered in both (large) lower pockets. Having them rolled-up creates unwanted bulk, so I keep one sock in each pocket. It reduced the bulk; most times it’s easy to forget about them until they are needed.
Extra Cell-Phone Battery is stored in one of the upper zippered pockets. The battery is wrapped in wool, and then placed inside of a small zip-lock bag. The wool helps to protect the connections from snapping, and in a pinch, the wool can also be used as an emergency fire starter. The zip-lock bag can be used to melt snow for water.
A Mini-Flashlight is kept in another chest pocket. During the Alaska winter months there isn’t much daylight. The sun rises about 10:30 AM, and stats setting around 3:30 PM. By 4:30 it is already dark. Having a flashlight handy is a blessing.
Disposable Lighter & Waterproof Matches are likewise stored in a zip-lock bag inside of the Parka.
In one of the upper-pockets an Emergency Blanket rides along in case I am forced to hunker-down and get warm. I carry both the standard blanket, and the Emergency Space Bag. Both are essential survival gear that I don’t want to get separated from.
Zipper-Pull Mini-Compass and Temperature Gauge complete the ensemble. Sometimes it’s beneficial to know what the temperature is, and during darkness or white-out conditions, the little compass might help to determine travel direction. But, during a blizzard, hunkering-down is the only way to survive. It’s easy to get lost out there, or walk right off the edge of a cliff, or stumble into an ice filled stream.
A small Water Bottle that is kept half-filled rides near my chest. Keeping it half-filled insures that in the event that I fall down, the water bottle isn’t crushed, and end’s up exploding inside of the parka. Keeping it next to my chest insures that it doesn’t freeze.
A pair of Extra Gloves are not only an essential item, but a part of the survival gear. Gloves get wet, or ripped open on sharp ice. Having a spare set of gloves insures that my time out in the woods is uneventful.
Oftentimes a few granola bars, and chocolate bars are stashed away in the pockets for added energy during the arduous trek across the frozen landscape.
Peppermint candies gives a little energy boost. A few soft tissues will help to defray the “runny nose” problems that are associated with cold weather. Soft Berber Fleece works really good, as does pieces of Marino Wool from worn out clothing.
Having quality Cold Weather Boots is paramount to survival out there in the snow country. I prefer the military “Bunny” boots. They are rated to –60 below zero. Topped-off with a set of gortex gaiters to keep the snow out from the top of the boots—keeps my feet in good condition.
Basic Survival Equipment:
- Rucksack/Backpack
- Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
- Gortex Bivy Cover
- Sleeping (Ground) Pad
- Folding Stove w/ Heat Tabs
- Canteen Cup
- Arctic Canteen, w/ Carrier
- Eating Utensils
- Ka-Bar Knife
- Sharpening Steel
- Leatherman Multi-Tool
- Toilet Paper
- Fire Making Kit
- Parachute Cord
- 8' x 8' Canvas Tarp
- Chemical Lights
- Chemical Heat Packs
- 3-Piece Mess Kit
- Individual First Aid Kit
- Lensatic Compass
- Waterproof Map Case
- Lip Balm
- Complete Change of Clothing
- Small Thermos Bottle
- Water Purification Tablets
- Poncho
The one thing that I always try to keep in mind when I am out there, is that weight can be the enemy. Humping around a heavy backpack means that walking in the snow requires more effort. Minimal gear which fulfills the requirements for cold weather survival is the only way to go. The added space in the backpack is filled with extra food.
Food Supplies:
- Instant Oatmeal
- Instant Coffee
- Instant Soup
- Hot Chocolate
- Tea Bags
- Raisins
- Dried Pineapples
- M&M (Crushed) Candies and mixed with Brown Sugar
- Emergen-C Vitamin Drink
- Sugar Packs
- Non-Dairy Creamer Packs
- Salt Packs
- Pepper Packs
- Mountain House Freeze Dried Scrambled Eggs & Peppers
- Mountain House Freeze Dried Chili Mac
- Mountain House Freeze Dried Beef Stroganoff
- MRE Wheat Bread
- MRE Crackers
- MRE Peanut Butter
- MRE Jelly
Emergency Gear:
- SPOT-Satellite “Messenger”
- Arial Signaling Flares
- Signaling Whistle
- Orange Signaling Smoke Markers
- Fluorescent Orange Marker Panel
Here in Alaska, a dirt road doesn’t mean civilization. It means that there’s a very long walk in your immediate future. It could be a twenty mile hike to the nearest paved road, or it could be well over a hundred miles—depending on what part of Alaska one is located in.
Whenever I go out into the woods, I always keep in mind that a freak storm can blow in—stranding me out there for several days. That is one reason that I always take more food than what I will actually need. A few dozen home-made fuel tabs are spread out in various pockets in my Parka, and backpack. These fuel tabs can be used for light, heat, starting fires, and cooking my food.
My cell-phone is kept in the small chest pocket of my fleece Long-John suit. The warmth of my body will keep the batteries from loosing its charge in the cold weather. Having the phone on “vibrate” means that I instantly know whenever there is a call coming in. The one flashlight that I carry is also stored inside of my parka. Cold weather is hard on electronics.
Every time that I boil water, I take the time to replace what I have used, and also take the time to refill my thermos bottle. The Thermos makes it easier to grab a hot cup of tea or coffee, without having to dig out the stove and fuel tabs. At night the thermos is tucked in the bottom of my sleeping bag. The water stays warmer inside the bag, as opposed to subjecting it to the frigid night air.
Weapons:
No matter what the season is, I always carry at least two firearms out there. One is a large caliber heavy-hitting magnum rifle such as either the .338 Winchester Magnum, or the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum. Both of these calibers will stop a bear, wolf, or take down a large game animal. Scopes are useless out there; they tend to get fogged-up, knocked around, and actually reduce the sight picture as well as my peripheral vision. Thick trees make the scope useless unless one is hunting out beyond 100-yards, or shooting across open tundra. Forty rounds of ammunition is the usual load-out for either rifle.
For a back-up weapon I carry the Taurus “Raging Bull” .454-Casull Magnum. This hard-hitting revolver is my last ditch weapon, and one that is easier to reach in the event I am awakened in the middle of the night. The handgun is strapped into a chest holster that also carries an additional twelve rounds of ammunition. Eight extra rounds are stored in the backpack.
Shelter:
Tents are heavy, and once exposed to snow and ice, quickly become unmanageable. I have found that the best way to get out from under the weather, is to use a eight foot canvas tarp. It’s relatively easy to find a couple of saplings, and bend two of them across each other in order to build a field expedient shelter-frame.
The saplings should be bent close to the ground; providing enough headroom to get into elbow position while laying down. The taller the shelter is, the harder it will be to keep it warm. Keep the shelter small, and close to the ground. The opposite end of the saplings can be driven into the snow, or heavy logs and rocks can be used to keep the frame solid. Scoop out the snow from underneath the saplings. get out of the wind as much as possible.
An Emergency space blanket is spread out across the frame. This allows heat from the stove to warm the air. Body heat will also bring the temperature up a few degrees as well. The space blanket is them covered with the canvas tarp. Combining both of these pieces of gear, will make for a comfortable night in the snow.
Pack the exposed edges of the tarp with snow. This will keep the wind out, and prevent blowing snow from entering the shelter. But leave a small doorway on one end. Snow Shoes placed up against the opening will keep the blowing snow out; but you will need to have cross-venting to keep from being suffocated by fumes from the stove.
If this shelter is properly constructed, it will maintain a moderate snow weight. The wind is the one thing that will take this shelter down. High winds will definitely turn the tarp and emergency blanket into a parachute. Build this shelter among the trees, or behind some wind-fall. Packing the edges with snow will also help to keep the shelter tied to the bent saplings. Both my canvas tarp, and the emergency space blanket has their respective para-cords already tied to the corners. I use a small stone in the corners of the emergency blanket; this allows me to have a place to knot my para-cord.
Sleeping Gear:
the one thing that cannot be minimized is the cold weather sleeping gear. head out into the bush cold weather with a cheaply made sleeping bag, and it will quickly turn into a very miserable night. Get used to the idea of running back and forth gathering firewood to stay warm—that will be the result of an inferior sleeping bag.
I like to keep an extra space blanket inside of my sleeping bag for those really cold nights. The emergency blanket helps to retain the warmth inside of the bag.
One important thing to remember about sleeping in cold weather: Unless you keep your boots and socks in the bottom of your sleeping bag at night; they will be frozen in the morning. Those heavy and wet boots will ruin the sleeping bag, and the transfer of moisture will reduce the efficiency of the bag itself. For that reason, I change my socks before calling it a night, and then slip into my sleeping bag, with the boots hanging out from the bottom. Another reason for the emergency blanket. It also makes things easier in case I have to exit the shelter to relieve myself in the middle of the night; and in case I am awakened by a predator, I’m not trapped inside of a zippered sleeping bag.
It is also necessary to have adequate insulation from the cold ground. A sleeping pad helps to eliminate the cold earth from sucking the warmth out of your body. There are several varieties available on the market. It’s simply a matter of choosing one that suits your own particular needs. I use my backpack as a headrest, and this also helps to keep my gear close to me.
Before going to sleep, I make sure that every piece of gear is repacked into my backpack. In case the wind knocks down my shelter, or I am forced to leave in a hurry; I won’t have to stop and look for my things. They are already packed.
I’ve used this shelter many times, and in all of the different seasons. This type of shelter has protected me from rain, snow, sleet, and early morning dew. It has never let me down. I've built this shelter with canvas and ponchos alike. It works in any situation, as long as the shelter is kept close to the ground, and protected from sudden wind gusts.
A single home-made fuel tab will keep the inside of this shelter toasty, even in sub-zero temperatures. The stove’s small flame quickly heats-up the shelter by reflecting from the emergency blanket. It only takes a few minutes to make it comfortable inside—even while a nasty blizzard is blowing outside of the shelter.
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