SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, we look at new Federal identification requirements.
“REAL ID” Will Be Required in May, 2025
The statist MSN reports: TSA Makes Final Ruling on Real ID Requirements at Airport Checkpoints. Here is a quote:
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a final rule in the Federal Register allowing passengers to use driver’s licenses at airport security checkpoints and in entrances to federal buildings for identification until REAL ID enforcement begins on May 7, 2025.
Effective November 25, 2024, this final rule allows states to apply to TSA for a temporary waiver of certain REAL ID requirements written in the REAL ID regulations. Once approved, those states Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDLs) will continue to be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints.”
JWR’s Comment: This is yet another reason to keep your passports updated. Even if you carry a driver’s license without a “star”, your passport will still be acceptable ID for flights or for entering Federal facilities.
The Americans Prepping for a Second Civil War
Sam B. mentioned this, published by the leftist/statist/Kamalaist New Yorker: The Americans Prepping for a Second Civil War.
Living Off the Land — With or Without the Land
Reader C.B. sent this from the leftist Washington Post: A new generation embraces living off the land — with or without the land.
Ukraine is Losing a War of Attrition
From the leftist Washington Post: Ukraine is bleeding out. It cannot fight forever. JWR’s Comments: At this stage, I believe that our government should shift toward training and equipping a huge “stay behind” Ukranian army of resistance, for the inevitable Russian takeover of part — or all — of Ukraine. Just imagine several million well-oiled 9mm Makarov pistols — each of them with a half-dozen magazines and 500 rounds of ammunition. Oh, and a few hand grenades and MON-50 Claymore mine clones for good measure. All of those goodies could be packed in small, separate waterproof caching containers. Those would be the requisite tools for a war that the Russians could never win.
Itchy Boots: Season 8
The intrepid Dutch solo motorcyclist Noraly Schoenmaker has resumed her world travels. This time she is on a restored and modified 1987 Ténéré bike. In transit eastward, she is now traveling through some beautiful countryside in Western Türkiye (Turkey.) See: 850 kilometers through Turkey 🇹🇷 on my 1987 Yamaha Ténéré XT600.
Pentagon Drops 51 Disqualifying Recruitment Conditions
If you listen carefully, you can hear the faint sound of war drums: Pentagon drops 51 disqualifying conditions as part of recruiting push.
Students Rule Out Schools Due to State Politics
Reader C.B. set this: Colleges left helpless as students rule out schools due to state politics. The article begins:
“Colleges and universities find themselves increasingly trapped with the politics of the state where they reside.
As state legislatures pass sweeping measures on everything from abortion to LGBTQ rights, more than a quarter of students, representing both sides of the aisle, are writing off schools simply based on where they are. And there’s not much the colleges can do.”
A Wave Of Illegal Immigrants Expected After The Election
B.C. sent this from The Federalist: Mexico Is Holding Back A Massive Wave Of Illegal Immigrants That Will Break After The Election.
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