Survival Test: Do you have what it takes?

 

Scenario:

The tensions in the Mideast are rapidly escalating. Israel's Prime Minister calls for a bi-partisan United Nations investigation into claims that Lebanon's Hezbollah has acquired soviet chemical munitions from Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Several European countries, as well as the US cabinet quickly condemn the use of chemical weapons. Much saber rattling ensues over the course of two weeks.

A team of covert Hezbollah operatives infiltrate into the heart of Jerusalem, detonating a chemical weapon. 200 Israeli's die as a result of the explosion. Within minutes Israel's Civilian Defense Minister urges Israeli citizens to take precautionary measures against the introduction of biological and chemical attack.

The Israeli Defense Forces launch a massive missile barrage into Lebanon. IDF Fighter aircraft sweep across the desert to drop their heavy-ordinance payloads into Lebanon's major cities. Paratroopers seize key Hezbollah facilities and round-up Hezbollah leadership. American made M-1 Abrahams of the Israeli tank forces race across the desert towards the Lebanese borders. Helicopter gunships supporting Israeli troop-transport helicopters engage Hezbollah forces along the major highways leading into the heart of Beirut.

 

All across the globe there is outraged condemnation against Israel's punishing retaliatory strike into Lebanon. Vivid images of dead and dying Lebanese children quickly flood the news channels. Shaky videos emerge of IDF troops gunning down surrendering Hezbollah fighters.

The mid-east is once again embroiled in another major war...

Tension mount even higher as Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calls for the eradication of Israel; urging Syria, Egypt, Jordan, and other Islamic military powers to "Put an end to Israeli aggression".

Here in the US; the 82nd Airborne is placed on QRF (Quick Reaction Force) with a 4-hour recall. C-5, C-130, as well as C-141 aircraft are parked on the runways ready to go at a moment's notice.

The 5th Mechanized Infantry, along with other supporting elements begin preparations to deploy to the Mid-east theater. All across the US; military leaves and training exercise are cancelled, as the country ramps-up its war preparations.

Two Days Later:

Along the Golan Heights separating Israel from Syria, the armored and ground war reaches epic proportions as Jordanian and Syrian military units engage the Israeli s. The Negev desert of southern Israel once against is center-stage as Jordanian and Egyptian armored vehicles rumble across the Suez canal.

At 2:45 am a flight of Iranian Mig-30 Jet Aircraft streak across the Gulf Of Oman through Saudi Arabia. Armed with the latest Soviet built sophisticated air-to-ground rockets, they pound Tel Aviv and Haifa with laser guided munitions.

A submarine launched tactical nuclear weapon is introduced by the Iranian navy; the loss of life is staggering. The smoking ruins of Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jericho are testament to violence playing out in the region.

 

America responds by deploying the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as two Naval Carrier Task-Forces. 4000 US marines flood through the Red Sea. Countless American fighter aircraft roar across the night skies in route to their assigned bombing targets.

Expatriated Iranians in America begin their fifth column attacks against major American cities. Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, and other American cities come under assault by elements of Iranian Special Forces trained loyalists.

Explosive devices detonate in shopping malls, schools, churches, and government centers. Electrical and telephone stations are destroyed, and the drinking water reservoirs are poisoned. Home-made anthrax and other viruses are introduced into the air--many succumb to the biological attack against civilian targets. Escalating gunfire rips through quiet neighborhoods. Police forces are unable to quell the rising tide of violence. State Guard troops are deployed to protect critical infrastructure, and to restore peace within controlled areas.

Martial Law is quickly declared--road blocks and check points pop-up seemingly within minutes. Private firearms are quickly seized--many Americans die in a hail of gunfire refusing to relinquish their guns.

State militia and resistance units muster against government forces. Violent clashes occur almost around the clock in every major city in the country.

Life on the streets of America has just taken a radical left turn...

 

The Test:

· Are you cognizant of how the events in the Mid-East affects life in America?

· What is the "Trigger" that predicates a response from you during these events?

· Considering the immediate disruption to America's supply-chain distribution system; would you have the capacity to feed yourself for an extended period of time?

· Do you have the ability and willingness to endure the harshness of a prolonged crisis?

· How would you react to an armed-incursion into your neighborhood by militant Iranian loyalist?

· When faced with State Guard troops demanding the surrender of your firearms; how will you react?

· If you are planning to Bug Out--do you have a Safe Area to evacuate to?

· Are you planning on Bugging Out yourself, or will others be accompanying you?

· Do you have the necessary supplies cached for such an emergency?

· If you are under doctor's care--how will you continue treatment?

· Have you considered the physiological impact such an event could have on your children?

· Are you actually prepared for this type of scenario?

 

This test doesn't have any right or wrong answers. It's designed to get you to start thinking in terms of reality based survival strategies. If you think that this scenario is far-fetched; then I would offer that you haven't taken the time to explore the existential threats that we as a country face. Take a very close look at the World Events that are occurring at this very moment; and you will quickly understand the significance of how such a scenario might play-out in real world situations.

Fundamentally there is absolutely nothing that you and I can do about the events in the Mid-East. We are all victims to one degree, or another. What we can do, is to prepare our families for these eventualities, and do our very best to make contact with people that share our views and opinions.

This means "shucking" those ill-conceived notions about Bugging Out and living off the land. That might work for awhile--but at some point you will have to resupply yourself. Those that use this "crutch" are in for a very rude awakening when SHTF. They will either perish in a few weeks, or somebody's gonna' put a bullet into their chest when they are caught stealing from other survivalists.

Take the time to walk across the street and get to know your neighbors. Form alliances with like-minded people that agree to band-together during a crisis. You cannot do this alone. There is safety and strength in numbers--small groups have a much better chance at surviving a crisis, than the "lone wolf" survivalist does.

During these terrible times, you can only own the piece of real-estate that your feet occupy. There's always going to be people out there that are more violent. more intelligent in the ways of conflict, and more apt to take your life for a measly can of beef jerky. Human kind has always revert to this type of "survival" during adversities. Our history is filled with stories of these atrocities. Do not make the false assumption that you are immune to it.

This is the main reason that I started The Alaska Watchmen Group. During a crisis, I want to be surrounded by people that I can trust, and people that I can count on when SHTF. We talk on the phone, meet at the pizza parlor, and conduct classes and training sessions together. When things go radically south there's no doubt in my mind that Alaska watchmen will come together as a group. That is what we are all about. Our families are part of an extended family group. I would take a bullet for anyone in this group, and if a member dies during a crisis, their kids become my kids. That my friends is real survival--not internet based survival.

I urge each of you to consider this in the long-term perspective. There is no other way...

 

BuzzNet Tags: Franke Schein,Alaska Watchmen Group,Survivalists,War With Iran,Survival Strategies,Survival Planning,Bugging Out

 

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So You Think You’re A Survivalist?

At the age of eight years old I had made-up my mind that I wanted to be a Mountain Man.

By the time I was Ten, I had read nearly everything published about survival. At the tender age of 11; I ran away from home to chase those dreams…

Over the course of the next year, (I didn’t know it at the time) but I executed a Tactical Bug Out from the deadly swamps of Florida, along a route that took me through backwoods of Georgia and Tennessee. I eventually settled myself down in the Daniel Boone National Forest—Koomer Ridge Kentucky. I was twelve years old at the time.

Along the way I managed to elude a boatload of police, truant officers, and nefarious people that were out to either capture me, or hurt me. The world was a different place back then, but it was nonetheless as dangerous place for a skinny eleven year old kid. Sexual predators, druggies, modern-day slave traders, and a host of others roamed the streets and countryside looking to take advantage of children. Gangs of every description plied their violence wherever they could; and farmers were likely to “shoot first” when confronted with a “chicken Stealing” runaway kid.

I learned hard, and I learned real quick the ways and manners of becoming a young survivalist. I grew up in the woods, and later migrated to the streets of America’s biggest cities. Cities that offered food, shelter, and a new lifestyle. A life of running with the violent street gangs—most of whom were runaway’s themselves. They were the outcast that society didn’t talk about, and the media only mentioned when one of their dead body was found in some ditch or garbage dumpster.

Many of these runaway kids ended-up in “Snuff Films” that were widely circulated at the time. Some stranger would offer food, money, shelter, and friendship. Only to later drug the kid, and film them being sexually abused—and then murder them by slitting their throat on camera. Many young boys and girls lost their lives to these “snuffers” as they were called in those days.

But I never forgot my “survivalist country-boy” roots; as often I would grab my backpack and start walking out of the city to reacquaint myself with the forest dwellers. For months I would play in the woods; hunting, trapping, fishing, stealing grub where I could, and doing my very best to keep the law from capturing me.

Twice I was cornered and caught by Park Rangers and Police that were just a little smarter than I was. Twice they locked me up in a Juvenile Detention Center. A prison for little kids; a finishing school for young career criminals. Bellevue Kentucky along the Ohio river was a very bad place at the time. Louisville's Juvenile Detention Center was the pits. Once the guards closed those steel doors at night; it was every kid for himself. You learned how to fight, how to quickly incapacitate, and how to be a Man at 14 years old. It was one of those “Do or Die!” experiences that came with the territory, and came with the time.

Each time that they locked me up—I would plan, and later execute my escape. Sometimes it took weeks or months, other times just a matter of days. Give me one single chance to “rabbit”—and then color me GONE. Twice I made my escape back into the forests of Kentucky and Tennessee. They never caught me again. I’d had enough of that crap to suit me the rest of my life.

Life in the woods was severe. The nights were cold, the hunger pangs omnipresent, the thought of being captured never out of my mind. When it rained I got wet. When it snowed I was cold. Bathing was done in the creek or ponds. Drinking water was boiled in an old tomato can. Wild edible plants were plentiful, but toilet paper was the Grand Prize. A steady diet of fish and greens will quickly convince you of this…

I stole what I could, when I could, and where I could. Nothing was safe around me. My first .22 rifle was acquired from a broke-down pickup truck on a rainy backwoods Kentucky dirt road. I learned how to shoot for meat, how to dry it out, and it helped to ease the constant hunger.

Fishing for catfish became a “hunger easing” passion. Bank lines, spear fishing, netting, and bow fishing were added to the survival skill-set. Snares and traps that I learned from reading the US Army Survival Manual kept me busy running the trap line. Some days would be good, others days were real bad. You took the bad with the good. There was no place to fall back to, and no choice but to put the left foot in front of the right.

Wild onions, potatoes, carrots, and a host of other veggies and fruits added to the (sometimes) daily meal. Supplemented with rabbit, squirrel, coon and possum; the meat helped to add protein to vitamin-deficient diet. The hides were used for many things—but mostly I traded them for cigarettes and .22 ammunition.

Other people lived out there in the forest. Most were criminals hiding out from the law, others were operating moonshine stills, or growing marijuana crops. All were dangerous people when surprised or confronted, but I learned how to barter with them; once that they understood that I was a run-away kid.

The “Bush Hippies” and “Back To Nature” crowd flooded the woods in the late 1970’s. They built earth-shelters houses, cute little cabins, and got themselves back to nature. But on the side they dealt in drugs, illegal guns, and often times formed their own little gangs. Gangs reminiscent of the Charles Manson’s “Helter Skelter” crowd. Being around these devil worshipping freaks brought another level of a dangerous element to the survival mix. A few people ended-up as human sacrifices to this crowd.

My home was a small earthen cave—a former bear den. I could barley stand up in it, but it was small, and easy to heat in the winter months. I learned how to keep the fires small, how to NOT draw attention to myself, and that no matter how nice that fire feels—I was still cold to the bones.

These days I look back onto those primitive days of my youth with resignation that I could have perished. But I am thankful that GOD allowed me to survive through those times, and grow into the Man that I have become today. I have been blessed in many ways; and I am humbled by the experiences.

I’ve watched some of the YouTube survival videos being posted out there. I have learned a few things here and there. It surprises me that there are so many people out there waning to live the life that I lived at a young age. Yet; I think that they don’t realize what they are wishing for. What Mother Nature has in store for them.

It’s pretty easy to fantasize about living off the land—but the stark reality isn’t as simple as what one would expect. The elements necessary to live off the land require more than gear and equipment. It requires skills and patience. It also requires a reality based survival plan—not the bullshit that I’ve seen on the internet.

Forget all that “Dual Survival” crap and come back to reality. Bear Gillis and Survivor Man have nothing in common with real survival. Their shows are teaching people to take unnecessary risks, and that it’s possible to live off the land anywhere. That’s why very few of their shows are done during the winter months. The few that I have watched, always end up with them “finding” what they need at “exactly” the right time. In real life it doesn’t work that way.

Here in Alaska—seven experienced mountain climbers have perished on Mount McKinley. These are the people that climb mountains for a living, and as a serious hobby. In some parts of Alaska, people walk out into the woods, and are never heard from again--EVER!

Executing a Bug Out should be the last thing on a survivalist's mind. Bugging Out should be a last option when everything else fails. But then the real world of survivalism actually begins. Here’s what I think about bugging out:

• You will not be alone out there.
• Shooting a gun will get people’s attention that will do you harm.
• Camp fires will give away your position.
• Flashlights a night are signals to “Come Steal My Shtuff” cuz’ I’m stupid.
• Food should replace battery operated gear.
• Night Vision devices are a waste of time in the field.
• Over-reliance on technology will get you in trouble, or dead.
• You cannot live out of your Bug Out Bag forever.
• If you have no Safe Area to bug-out towards—you are already a victim.
• Wild edible plants are hard to find under three feet of snow.
• You gotta’ sleep sometime, that's when people like me “ghost” into your camp and take you stuff and life!

 

In a real survival situation, you have to understand that you will not be able to just head out into the woods and set-up a clandestine survival camp. The longer that you remain in one area, the more of the area’s resources you will use, and thus you will have to travel farther away from camp to get meat and veggies. That’s when you are most exposed, because your camp is a stationary area that will be easy to ambush. Never stay in one area more than 48-hours. Even then, you have to change sleeping areas several times, or set-up a decoy camp to draw the “bushwhackers’ into your own ambush site.

For those survival crisis that has you feeling government or UN troops—I got some real bad news for you: If you head into the woods you have already lost!

Make no mistake about it; the technology is on their side. They have all the cool toys and sophisticated weapons. Forward Looking Infrared Radar, Thermal Imaging, Satellite Movement Detection, Satellite Movement Tracking, Ambient Temperature Tracking, Chlorophyll Based Tracking Sensors, Sound Sensors, Movement Sensors, Heat & Light Sensors—most of these platforms are both airborne and space based devices. You will never even know that you are being watched and tracked. It would be better if you stayed in the cities and melted into the framework of what’s going on. When the Soviets invaded Poland in 1968, that’s what the Polish resistance did. They stayed hidden in plain sight, and caused the Russian Bear much grief.

If you think that you have what it takes to survive out there by yourself when being hunted by seasoned and experienced troops. Think Again! You have absolutely no chance against the military special forces, I don’t care what country their from. Rambo was a fictional Hollywood character—and you ain’t  him!

 

Your days will be filled with fright and fear. If you don’t believe that—then you have never been exposed to bullets screaming by your right ear. Your night will be cold because if you build a campfire to stay warm—you will probably never awaken.

 

And finally; for those off you that are heading out into the bush at the first signs of SHTF—what is your wife gonna’ say about that? Do you think that she’s gonna’ want to drag herself and the kids out into the cold dark countryside where Bad People with guns are waiting?  Better think about that little scenario, before you head off into your Bug Out Experience.

 

Like anything else that I have written; these are my own ideas, and the way that I work things out. They work for me, they might work for you—or not. It was written from the heart, and not to proclaim that anyone is doing things wrong, or that I’m right. It is what it is, and if you take exception to it—Tough Shit--Deal With It!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Bug Out Book Video Introduction

THREAT SCENARIO: Medical Pandemic

One of the more prevalent threat scenarios that we face these days are the threats of a major medical pandemic that affects the entire country.

Considering the many foreign (Mid-Eastern) scientists that are in the employ of North Korea, Iran, China, and Russia; it shouldn’t come as a surprise if these nefarious denizens of hatred were to unleash a biological virus against America, or its interests abroad.

The fabled Center For Disease Control (CDC) is unable to cope with even minor-localized outbreaks of infections—one could not hope to have any quick reactionary assistance or control apparatuses in-place, if an attack were launched simultaneously in different areas of the country.

Lets examine this a little closer:

The Spanish Flu struck the world between 1918 to 1919: It was first identified in Kansas in March 1918. Six months later it became a world-wide epidemic which killed 500-Million people. Some estimates put the dead at twice that number. In the United States, 675,000 people perished due to this virus.

The virus was recently reconstructed by exhuming the remains of dead victims found in Alaska’s permafrost. What’s uncanny about this virus; the recent and much published H1N1 virus has a core structure that is similar to The Spanish Flu. The first strains of the Spanish Flu appeared in Camp Funston Kansas—a military base. The Flu decimated the American Expeditionary Force that was preparing to head to Europe in World War-1. It delayed the American forces for several months, and reduced their mobility and unit strength  factors by half. That’s why the US was late in getting into World War One.

Between 1957 to 1958 the Asian Flu killed-off another 70,000 Americans, and over two million deaths globally.

The "Hong Kong Flu" (H3N2) of 1968–1969 Killed about 34,000 people in the United States. A million more people around the globe died as a result of this Flu. The virus is still in circulation today.

Tuberculosis is still a rampant disease which has claimed on-third of the world’s population at a rate of one new infection per second. 8-Million people have the disease—and two million of them will die. During the 20th century this disease has killed well over 100-million people; and it continues to claim more lives every second of every day.

Currently there are other more violent diseases out there: Hemorrhagic fever such as Ebola have the capacity to rapidly spread through a population. In the event of a massive infection rate among America’s population. The CDC and FEMA would be forced to “vector” the contagious area by guaranteeing the victims. That means you die in your own home—cut off from the outside world. Imagine this scenario on a national scale. The CDC and FEMA can’t even get first aid supplies o Hurricane Katrina victims—imagine what would happen during a major virus outbreak.

It’s a very well documented and published fact that record numbers of Russian, Pakistani, Turkish, and Afghani scientists are working for the Axis of Evil in the medical-weapons research fields. It wouldn’t be all that difficult to introduce a Spanish Flu  (type) virus that is even more resistant to antibiotics—thus lengthening the time that it would take the CDC to manufacture an antibiotic-cure.

To date the H5N1 Avian Flu has spread across Europe at an alarming rate. Already 60 people have died of this virus which got its origins from an American Laboratory in October 2004 when 3,700 “test Kits” were accidentally sent around the world. This virus is the original strain of the 1957 Avian Flu virus.

 

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Bachmann To America: Prepare yourself

 

In a recent interview with Glenn Beck; Michelle Bachmann states that when Europe’s financial situation finally crumbles; America will feel the immediate effects—particularly our families.

She continues by advising that Americans should prepare themselves by stockpiling food, water, and other necessary supplies. She also made some vague references to a “Military Disruption”. Beck tried to push her on the subject; but she didn’t elaborate beyond that.

[ Click on the picture below to watch the video ]

In essence; Bachmann states that families should have at least a 30-day food supply squirreled away for the coming hard times. She urges people to NOT make a run on the banks, but to keep enough cash on hand to get through the crisis.

 

 

 

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Survivalism: Why Are You Preparing?

 
 
What is survivalism really all about?
Here’s how Wikipedia defines as “survivalism”; a very well written article:
Survivalism is a movement of individuals or groups (called survivalists or sometimes preppers) who are actively preparing for future possible disruptions in local, regional, national, or international social or political order. Survivalists often prepare for this anticipated disruption by having emergency medical training, stockpiling food and water, preparing for self-defense and self-sufficiency, and/or building structures that will help them survive or "disappear" (e.g., a survival retreat or underground shelter).
Anticipated disruptions include the following:

• Clusters of natural disasters, patterns of apocalyptic planetary crises, or Earth Changes (tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, severe thunderstorms, etc.)
• A disaster caused by the activities of humankind (chemical spills, release of radioactive materials, nuclear or conventional war, oppressive governments, etc.)
• The general collapse of society (caused by the shortage or unavailability of electricity, fuel, food, water, etc.)
• Financial disruption or economic collapse (caused by monetary manipulation, hyperinflation, deflation, depression, etc.)
• A sudden pandemic spreading through the world population
• Widespread chaos or some other unexplained apocalyptic event

I watched this movement gain a footing in the early eighties, and then morph into what we see these days. Along this journey I have also watched certain elements within the movement change as well. Whereas people used to join community based survival groups; the trend these days has edged towards a more “lone wolf” brand of survivalists.

The biggest transformation that I have seen; is the all consuming efforts that many survivalists put into killing-off each other. The over-reliance on high-tech devices, and the spiraling downfall of long-term food storage strategies, suggest to me that many [so called] survivalists aren’t really into survivalism itself; but more focused on anarchistic fantasies of running-amok on the streets that are devoid of societal control. I am of the firm belief that this type of "survivalist" has spent (way) too much time playing violent video games; and hasn't really taken the steps necessary to establish a real survival plan.

Over the years I have interviewed and spoken with potential candidates that wanted to join The Alaska Watchmen Group. I'll admit that I am "picky" when it comes to who is allowed into the group; but that's part of my job as the Commander--to weed out those malcontents that due to their anarchistic nature, pose a risk to the group members, and might in some way pose a risk to our well laid plan and strategies. I'm also looking for "Team Players" that have the ability to integrate their skills and knowledge into the overall scope and objectives of the group.

It would surprise you to hear the things that I've heard, when asking a very simple, and very direct question: "What are your biggest concerns regarding survivalism?"

It's during this stage of the interview that I listen for certain "keywords" that might give me some insight about the candidate that I am sharing a cup of coffee with. It's uncanny, but I always hear the same thing; perhaps in a different way, but nonetheless, it's like hearing the same song on the radio--over, and over, and over...

I listen intently, (and oftentimes amused) as the candidate outlines their plans, ideas, and preparations that he or she has undertaken. I smile and nod my head politely when they delve into the New World Order conspiracies theories; or the endless equations that have already pre-determined the fate of the human race. Or how they intend to be the last hope of mankind--singlehandedly staving off the hordes of brigands with accurate and devastating machinegun fire--thereby winning the affections of several well-endowed females left to repopulate the world.

What I find most distressing, is the fact that many of the people that I have interviewed, are already so far gone; that to bring them back into The Real World of survivalism would become a monumental task. It's not that I'm unwilling; it's just that I'm actually tired of trying to convince, or at least make them understand that it's not illegal to be a survivalist, and that hiding out in the woods isn't such a good idea after all.

I do my very best to make them understand that our survival strategies are based on group consensus, as well as sound and strategic plans that encompass a wide variety of stratagems, rather than some tyrannical War-Lord fantasies of grabbing the Bug Out Bag and heading for the nearest exit ramp into the woods.

I explain that our group members consist of men, women, children and elderly--that living in a tent while sustaining ourselves on MRE's when a bad-ass-blizzard is howling outside, or the temperature drops down to -50 below zero--isn't an option unless the worst of the worst situations were to occur.

I lay it all out in the most polite way that I am able to muster--that our group is a tight knit group that plans, prepares, and trains together for all eventualities; whether these events are man-made, or natural disasters.

Sometimes I see the light go-on behind their eyes. Other times they look away--and that tells me what I need to know about the candidates mindset. That no matter what I say, or what I attempt to explain--their "lone wolf" mind will not allow them to see the truth of reality.

For example; I interviewed a candidate a few months ago. We arrived at a local coffee shop, and before we even had the chance to get to know each other, he's begins the interview by telling me about the cabin that he built for himself on a bluff overlooking the ocean. For another hour I hear about how he's building a sustainable community, a magnetic-motor that uses magnets to generate electricity, and how he intends to grow his own vegetables, raise meat animals, and live the life of an Off-Gridder.

I brought my Executive Officer to the meeting because I wanted him to get a feel for the candidate. The candidate made an instant hit with my XO. Against my better judgment, I allowed the candidate to get past my strict criteria. You see; I already knew that this guy wouldn't be a good fit for the group. So I invited him to the next meeting, and also made him understand that he would have to sit in front of the group members and explain himself, answer questions from the membership; and afterward we would have a group vote to either allow him into our group, or send him packing.

For two hours the group interviewed him. Pointed questions were asked, and he answered each one directly. I'm here to tell you--I've got some members that are very serious about survivalism They asked direct questions, and expected nothing but direct answer. I sat on the side-lines remembering that these are the people that have wives, husbands, and children. That their questions weren't out of line--it is after all a matter of trust, and a matter of life and death for them.

I've got some really good members. Even though they ALL had some reservation about him-he was voted into the group under a probationary status. But each member confided to me that the candidate wouldn't last more than one month, if that long. I agreed to give him a chance.

Over the next few weeks I detailed certain members to help the "new guy" get squared away with supplies. We began a series of training sessions to bring him up to speed on our communications network, and trained him how our Tactical Alert Call Tree Systems works.

Within a few weeks the guy quits the group. I asked him why, and he told me that he was already a year ahead of the group, and that since we hadn't helped him finish building his little compound--that we were not welcome to share in its bounty. (Okay By ME!)

The reality is this: the candidate wasn't really about survival--he was all about sustainability AFTER a crisis event. He was wanting our group to come help him build-up his compound, perform as a security detachment, and to provide him with a ready-made harem of female group members.

He was focused on living out whatever SHTF event in his little cabin on the ocean; and no matter what happens in the future—that’s where he was going. I did my best to make him understand that he really needed to explore a Plan-B option. That if something were to occur in the southern part of Alaska, our group would be heading to one of our Northern Safe Area. He wanted no part of that plan—no matter what happens, this guy was going to ride it out in the south.

I didn't even bother to say anything; just wished him well and deleted his membership from the rolls. The sad thing is this: he's not the only person that I have interviewed that thinks along these lines. It's an all too common mindset these days.

My mantra is; "All The Beans And Bullets That You Have; Don't Mean Squat--Unless You Got Somebody Watching Yer' Back !"

So that brings us back to square one: what is survivalism really all about?

It’s about getting ready for crisis and disasters; as opposed to conspiracy theories that are a “dime a dozen”. It’s about insuring the perpetuity of our families, our neighbors, and our community during times of crisis. It’s also about understanding the monumental task and responsibility that comes with carrying the title “survivalist”.

The job also entails doing your very best to make other  [so called] survivalists understand that living out of a Bug Out Bag in the State Park; while trying to protect the family and kids—is for the foolish and unprepared. Come to Alaska sometime in January and let me show you what I mean…

[ 62 Below Zero ]

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