Year: 2014


Notes from HJL:

It looks like things are beginning to move quickly in Ukraine. This came in yesterday: US issues travel warning as armed men seize two Crimean airports. Per Spetsnaz military doctrine, airports are always the first objective. This establishes what the U.S. military calls an “airhead”, thus bypassing border defenses. Then today, Putin asked for and recieved permission from parliment to use the military in Ukraine. The parliament apparently also wants their ambassador pulled from Washington DC. Of course, the U.S. is apparently hamstrung. Despite warnings from Obama, Russia is moving forward with their plans. We knew clear back in 2008 …


Staying Warm In An LP/OP, by M.E.

Hugh, recently B.B. wrote asking for readers’ input on how a listening post/observation post (LP/OP) occupant can stay warm during extremely cold weather. His letter, and your reply, generated some self-reflection as I begin retirement in a few months after a 30+ year Army career, which spanned both active duty and National Guard service. During that time I served on active duty as an artillery forward observer to both Infantry and Armor companies and was branched Infantry for most of my National Guard service. I suspect that B.B. will find that his biggest problem will not be one of staying …


Letter Re: Ammunition Shortages

The article on ammunition, shortages, and government purchases was very informative and well written. Here is a very simple way to look at the shortages that occur from a mathematical perspective. Assume that 20 million rounds of .22 are available every single day. That would be 40,000 boxes of 500 rounds each. Fifty states get 800 boxes each. Fifty retailers per state get 16 boxes each. I cannot tell you how much ammo the U.S. can manufacture or import, but I do not think it is anywhere near the level of demand created by our current government’s stance on the …


Letter: Timing of Collapse

Sir: There has been some debate as to whether ‘the Collapse’ will precipitate quickly or not. I think it will depend on the immediate cause of the collapse. I was in the Ba’ath Party Headquarters in Baghdad in 2003 a couple of days after our cruise missiles hit it, starting the war. It was though Saddam Hussein was there watching a movie, but he was not. I walked through the Headquarters, and saw blood and brain tissue on the walls. I found a cruise missile fan blade on the roof. All the carpets, vases, pictures, furniture, et cetera had been …


Economics and Investing:

Bye Bye Bitcoin, Hello Hard Assets Household debt first increase in 4 years largely driven by massive increases in student debt. Items from The Economatrix: Applications For US Jobless Benefits Rise To 348K The Affordable Care Act’s Multiple Taxes Confidence Improves as Americans Grow More Upbeat About Economy The Coming Silver Storm: The Public Is Not Prepared


Odds ‘n Sods:

Connecticut officer says woman sounds ‘anti-American’ for questioning gun control law – RBS o o o WBB sent in this video concerning the CIA and their goals: GigaOM Structure:Data 2013. Of particular interest is their prioritizing social media (even though the vast majority of social media users are U.S. citizens.) Also of interest is the CIA’s determination that your smartphone’s ID is better than a fingerprint and they can get it even if your phone is “off”. o o o Noah’s ark project in Ky. to move forward – P.M. o o o Need to reload your 12 gauge and …



Notes from HJL:

Today we present another entry for Round 51 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $11,000+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value), A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value), A $300 gift certificate …


Why Your Family Will NOT Survive the Economic Collapse, by A.Y.

What I’m about to leave you with will most likely be the most ignored, neglected, and probably hated article you will read. What I’m going to say is the most overlooked aspect of the average person’s life, but it is most important second only to your eternal salvation. This will be primarily directed at the males, because if your families do not survive, it is your fault. One thing the old testament military and any member of the current military will tell you is that when you are in charge, you take the blame for the failure. Most men in …


Letter: Lists

Hi. I just found your blog. God bless you! I am seriously interested in protecting my family and have been organizing and preparing for whatever may happen even though I’m stuck here in the NYC area for now. I never found a blog describing a perspective on possible events that mirrors my own so closely before. Look, I am practical, and was a good Boy Scout. “Be prepared,” always made a lot of sense to me as a motto to live by. We might have to be self-sufficient for two days, two weeks, two months, or two years (in the …


Letter RE: A Forgotten Prep and Barter Item

Dear HJL, I have gone back and, over a period of time, reviewed all of the entries in SurvivalBlog since its inception in 2005, plus numerous other survival forums. Among the most commonly posted forum inquiries are questions such as, “What do I need to add to my BOB/GOOD bag, BOL storage, et cetera?” Also, many ask, “What would be a good barter item for after the SHTF?” Last evening, I reached up to remove an item from a shelf in the shop. I was very glad that I had it on hand and realized that I did not recall …



Odds ‘n Sods:

Living with progressive values. New York City is at it again, proposing a bill that would allow city workers to enter any buildings that receive tax credits without permission or warrants. – M.W. o o o An interesting read sent in by B.B. – Warriors vs. Mercenaries. There is a huge difference between the two types in military and law enforcement. o o o Wondering why our university students are so confused about liberty? D.S. sent this in: 20 of the most obnoxious quotes from college professors o o o Progressivism as a Weapon of Mass Destruction – JFJ o …