(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.)
The Challenge
To understand why I feel we are lacking in our preparation of these men and women, let us look at only one necessary skill set, team radio communications. Certainly we could agree that it represents one of the key core elements critically necessary to prepper and survivalist groups. Yet, in most cases it is overlooked or minimized by group leadership. Instead, we relegate programming to the “commo guy” and hope that after stuff hits the fan (SHTF), group members will somehow magically demonstrate more interest. Please understand that I am in the same boat. In my own situation here, I find myself handing out pre-programmed “Fengs” to neighbors. Still, our goals should be that our group members are proficient in manually programming frequencies, or more importantly, programming and successfully making a specific contact.
With each passing year, the complexity of our communication training needs only increases. Although the analog radios could sometimes tax the patience of new members, the digital mobile radios (DMR) of today brought with them another layer of complexity. For us here, we maintain one model of dual-band analog HT, and one model dual band DMR. With either, the goal should be that members can manually program and transmit successfully, using the individual team radio for both voice and data transmission and reception. But now we added a small tablet or Android device to achieve a redneck burst transmission of sorts.
I am not saying that I have all the answers. That is of course why most of us are here at SurvivalBlog…to get more ideas and suggestions. Regarding this particular topic, I will refer you back to two excellent and frequent contributors, NC Scout and Tunnel Rabbit. They both have numerous articles regarding field communications and even antenna construction. There are days when I feel I should have those guys on speed dial! You can find their excellent presentations by first clicking on the Archives tab at the top of your screen. Then, click on Category and Date Archives. At the SurvivalBlog site you will also find a search box. Simply type in their names. Their articles will not disappoint you.
The last caution regarding selecting the instructor to teach radio communications is that not all Amateur Radio Operators (“hams”) may be well suited for the Trainer role. Even though I am a general class operator, I will be the first to say that many amateur operators can sometimes act disparagingly toward anyone who is not a “ham.” They fail to recognize that they should be fostering growth of team members who are still using the old citizen’s band or those that utilize MURS. Some of your recruits might possibly be using FRS/GMRS. These systems should not be discouraged. Rather, the true “Elmer” should be encouraging, helping candidates obtain the next level — especially regarding this critical “core” training element.
Although your situation may vary, I personally have no intention of using the local radio repeaters from field radios. This requires more complicated programming, which could lead to mistakes and greater frustration for your group members. Frankly, I feel for our location, we will be better served by listening and documenting the repeater transmissions of others. This paves the way for yet another potential role within your group. The collection of communications intelligence or COMINT.
Who knows? Your group might stretch their wings even further, creating their own S2 intelligence team. Again, an opportunity for further training. I will direct you to a YouTuber with several videos on this topic. The most recent: Citizen S2: Building an Intelligence Shop
What then is the goal?
In 1994 there was an excellent book, a treatise actually by Robert Asprey entitled War in the Shadows: The Guerrilla in History. A side note: As I was preparing this, I also learned Asprey had later written a Volume II, although I can not speak to the quality of the 2nd volume.
This brings me to my next point, which is our goal should be to train those within our groups to such proficiency that they in turn can train others. I believe that if our groups are sufficiently motivated, and truly interested in our cause, then we should ideally strive to train them to a level that they could assume the role of guerrillas…should the need actually arise. If we consider the concept of the Special Forces (SF) teams…otherwise known as Operation Detachment Alpha (ODA, or SFOD-A) teams we can at least visualize a training model. Similarly, I would direct you to the triad concept mentioned in the Patriots series of novels by Mr. Rawles. Although I can not speak to the idea’s origins, the concept is one I feel American patriots should consider. Certainly, one which I model here.
Qualities of a good training “chief”
Again, not all people are well-suited to serve as educators or trainers. Candidates should be able to motivate, encourage, and foster growth in their group or team. This is not to suggest that folks that have been found to be less well-suited for teaching roles do not have value. They simply may not be the best fit for the particular role of educator. It is your job, or depending on your group’s structure, possibly the role of a selection committee to find the best fit for your group members. You are of course the manager for your team!
Training Ideas
Personally, I want to see people’s weapons to jam during training. I want to replace people’s magazines with those I know to be slightly damaged, and present feeding problems. I want them to pick up their weapon at a moment’s notice, only to find tape obscuring their weapon’s sight (simulating damaged optics). Thus forcing them to use their backup iron sights, or ancillary red dot. I want them to run a few miles before putting them on the firing line. I want obstacles for them to face in a relatively controlled environment. Yes, you must run with them. You must be able to negotiate these obstacles yourself!
As a suggestion, make them assemble their weapons…on the line, insert a magazine, and then attempt to hit multiple targets, and within a reasonable time limit. Understand what I am advocating is not for your new people. It’s not for the guy (or gal) that until three months ago has never picked up a firearm, and even now has only put a few hundred rounds downrange. I believe that challenging your people beyond the paper and steel targets is necessary. If well planned and executed, and with proper supervision, you will elevate their confidence with their weapons proficiency. With proper guidance, your members will be able to program a simplex radio transmission to a specific target radio and frequency.
Add other seemingly unrelated tasks to your firearms training. Admittedly, because ours is a private range in the middle of Ozarks woodlands I have an advantage over the group that lives on the outskirts of Witchita, Kansas, or some other suburb in the USA. For me, I want to hand them a compass and waterproof map marked with their current drop-off position and the position of their target. Provide them three additional waypoints on the map that they must hit, and that they must record the azimuths for. On a notepad, they must mark their azimuth readings from one point to another in the route to their firing position. Yes, they will know roughly how to get to the firearms range, but they can still mark the reading. This ensures they know how to work the problem! Now add another variable. Let them do it in the dark with observers along the route. If they break light discipline, then they are a “NO GO”!
Add fire starting to the equation…or, as in our case, there is a stream nearby. From their initial drop-off point, they must first take a route to water, purify it, and then return to the firing lane…all the while marking their waypoints and azimuth readings on a notepad. Add good patrol techniques to the checklist. Remember: Encourage, encourage, encourage!
So they now can complete these problems without difficulty. Great! Add that they have just found a person along the route who is wounded or has other medical needs. They must assess the problem, and treat it appropriately. Only then can they navigate the course originally provided while evacuating the patient. Yes, I keep a length of one-inch tubular nylon on my kit at all times. The old leg charge pouch (the single charge) from Eagle Industries works great for storage of the improvised litter (fan-folded) on the back of my vest. If you prefer, make it into a lobster tail. If you don’t know some of the variations of carrying using these devices, then I would direct you to the many videos on YouTube. Here are just two examples:
For the aforementioned scenario, it might likewise be advantageous to have your group’s medical person there at the location of the wounded, injured, or sick person. He or she can provide guidance, but only after the group has tried to work the problem. If needed… bring in a professional (paramedic, RN, physician) should those in training have difficulty, or lack the necessary knowledge to treat appropriately. This medical professional could then intervene, directing their efforts.
So, let’s say that one or two of your members has a drone with thermal capability. Great, now you have another variable for them. For us here, we have a state forest nearby. For this drill, you will not need firearms, although paintball guns might be interesting if allowed by your state forest service. Take your people out in two-person teams. Drop them off and present their situation. They have just engaged an enemy element as a guerrilla unit. They are now to retreat, and try to blend into the native environment. They will have a drone over them (on station) in 10 minutes. Their task is to evade the drone to the best of their ability, with any legal means necessary, and with only the items in their personal gear. Provide them the location of the pickup vehicle. This later location should not be known to the drone operator. Remember, the information or “intelligence” collected from drone activity can then be forwarded to your intelligence people…even if it is only a one-man shop.
This next drill should be performed at night, and without weapons. Those members with night vision capability can and should be allowed to use them. The team or group must evade an OPFOR element while striving to reach a specific objective. If their light sources are discovered, and thus they are discovered, then they must cook the hamburgers and clean up, the following day. Yes, for larger groups this might take most of the night. Remember to always promote TEAM!
You can always make the challenge fun, certainly rewarding, and interesting while achieving your goals. If you are the range officer, then you should always strive to maintain the safety of your group members. If you are the leader of your group, the organizer, or simply the person in charge of firearms training, I believe you have a responsibility to seek ways to push your people beyond the mundane. Help them to achieve that level of confidence that they can overcome the obstacles that life will throw at them. The proficiency to succeed when life is throwing them Schumer Sandwiches!
This article is written as food for thought. I encourage leaders to find ways to help their people achieve these goals, and thus gain confidence in what will soon likely be a challenging, if not overwhelming environment.
Shalom