Letter Re: Assessing Those Electromagnetic Pulse Risk Assessments

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) risk assessments have been published by journalists, defense analysts, and foreign policy experts. Unfortunately, some of these assessments rely on incomplete or incorrect information and give the mistaken impression that EMP is not an immediate threat. For example, STRATFOR Global Intelligence recently published a report titled “Gauging the Threat of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack.” The report assesses that the risk from an EMP attack is low because “the EMP threat has been around for more than half a century and there are a number of technical and practical variables that make a HEMP [High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse] attack using a nuclear warhead highly unlikely.”

STRATFOR is a well-respected organization that publishes many excellent reports on national security threats. However, this particular report is badly flawed, suffering from both analytical misconceptions and factual errors. Below I quote from the report, describing why this assessment should not be relied on. (STRATFOR generously allows republishing of its reports with the following statement: Gauging the Threat of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack is republished with permission of STRATFOR.)

“Only the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China possess both the mature warhead design and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability to conduct such an [EMP] attack from their own territory, and these same countries have possessed that capability for decades. (Shorter range missiles can achieve this altitude, but the center of the United States is still 1,000 kilometers from the Eastern Seaboard and more than 3,000 kilometers from the Western Seaboard — so just any old Scud missile won’t do.)”

The report makes the error of assuming that any EMP attack would be carried out with a single nuclear warhead that must be centered above the continental United States for maximum effect. An immediate result of any EMP attack would be the destruction of power grids within line-of-sight of the nuclear detonation. The continental United States has only three power grids—Eastern, Western, and Texas. Therefore, an effective EMP attack need not be a single detonation over the center of the US, but could instead consist of two separate detonations over the Eastern and Western power grids. Such an attack could easily be carried out by Scud missiles. Moreover, as the 9/11 attacks showed, it is well within the capability of terrorist organizations or rogue states to conduct simultaneous attacks.

The STRATFOR report states: “Countries that build nuclear weapons do so at great expense…Nuclear weapons also are developed as a deterrent to attack, not with the intention of immediately using them offensively. …In other words, for the countries capable of carrying out a HEMP attack, the principles of nuclear deterrence and the threat of a full-scale retaliatory strike continue to hold and govern, just as they did during the most tension-filled days of the Cold War.”

The report assumes that any country or group capable of conducting an EMP attack would share the mindset of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. There is a substantial body of thought that Iran in particular would not be subject to these same principals of nuclear deterrence. Bernard Lewis, the noted Middle Eastern scholar, has stated, “MAD, mutual assured destruction, [was effective] right through the cold war. Both sides had nuclear weapons. Neither side used them, because both sides knew the other would retaliate in kind. This will not work with a religious fanatic [like Ahmadinejad]. For him, mutual assured destruction is not a deterrent, it is an inducement.” While there is substantial debate over whether the position of Bernard Lewis and other scholars is correct, this position cannot be lightly dismissed.

The STRATFOR report also states: “One scenario that has been widely put forth is that the EMP threat emanates not from a global or regional power like Russia or China but from a rogue state or a transnational terrorist group that does not possess ICBMs but will use subterfuge to accomplish its mission without leaving any fingerprints. In this scenario, the rogue state or terrorist group loads a nuclear warhead and missile launcher aboard a cargo ship or tanker and then launches the missile from just off the coast in order to get the warhead into position over the target for a HEMP strike. This scenario would involve either a short-range ballistic missile to achieve a localized metropolitan strike or a longer-range (but not intercontinental) ballistic missile to reach the necessary position over the Eastern or Western seaboard or the Midwest to achieve a key coastline or continental strike…Any use of a nuclear weapon would be vigorously investigated and the nation that produced the weapon would be identified and would pay a heavy price for such an attack (there has been a large investment in the last decade in nuclear forensics). (Emphasis added.)”

Their conclusion is factually incorrect. First, a nuclear weapon detonated at high altitude would likely not leave sufficient material at ground level for forensic analysis. Second, the ability of the United States to conduct forensic nuclear analysis has been degrading, as made clear in a recent report by the National Resource Council titled “Nuclear Forensics: A Capability at Risk.” This report reads in part, “Although U.S. nuclear forensics capabilities are substantial and can be improved, right now they are fragile, under-resourced and, in some respects, deteriorating.” Lastly, any nuclear forensic analysis would require continued functioning of national labs such as Los Alamos National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory—a dubious proposition if the Western power grid is down.

The STRATFOR report concludes:

“When considering the EMP threat, it is important to recognize that it exists amid a myriad other threats, including related threats such as nuclear warfare and targeted, small-scale HPM attacks. Some things are more likely to occur than others, and there is only a limited amount of funding to monitor, harden against, and try to prevent, prepare for and manage them all. Clear-sighted, well-grounded and rational prioritization of threats is essential to the effective defense of the homeland. But each dollar spent on these efforts must be balanced against a dollar not spent on, for example, port security, which we believe is a far more likely and far more consequential vector for nuclear attack by a rogue state or non-state actor.”

Here the authors confuse the likelihood of various attack scenarios with the consequences of an attack. An EMP attack is of special concern because it would destroy one or more power grids, which are the underpinning of every other critical infrastructure. In contrast, a nuclear attack on a port city—even one as important as Los Angeles/Long Beach—would have a dramatic but localized effect.

In summary, the STRATFOR analysis of the EMP threat fails on two counts. First, the analysis misstates the likelihood of an EMP attack, in both the technical feasibility and motivations of rogue nations such as Iran. Second, the report never explicitly states the consequences of an EMP attack should the US power grids remain unprotected—the likely end of the United States as a functioning country.

The United States Congress is currently considering legislation to protect our power grids against EMP. While Survival Blog emphasizes individual and small group preparedness, another important means of preparation is government action. Should you find the EMP threat credible, please contact your elected representatives. If even 1% of preppers did this, it would represent the equivalent of a tidal wave of letters to Congress. – Thomas P.



Economics and Investing:

John Tamny predicts: The U.S. Goes Back to the Gold Standard. (Thanks to “T Moo” for the link.)

B.B. sent us this: Homebuyer tax credit: 950,000 must repay

Jonathan C. flagged this: Outlook Gloomy at Secret Billionaire Meeting. “They saw the United States in a long-term slow growth environment with the near-term risk of recession quite real,”

Items from The Economatrix:

US Mint Running Out of Silver (and Excuses)

The Lights Have Officially Gone Out in the US

Union Pension Funds, the States, and Financial Ruin

Sustainability Key to Global Economic Health, World Leaders Warn



Inflation Watch:

Fear As Food Prices Soar

Video: DeLaughter Says Food Inflation to Drive Farmland Demand

Reader L.C. wrote: “I feed my family mostly certified organic foods. We deal primarily with local farmers for our meat and produce and dairy needs, but the kids do like a hot dog every now and again. So I have been buying Applegate Farms organic hot dogs from the local organic market for years. The price in the last couple years has been $5.79 for a package of 8. Today at the market they had a “brand new look” on the new packaging. The price is the same, but the package now contains 7 hot dogs. So if your favorite brand suddenly has a brightly-colored new label – Beware!”



Odds ‘n Sods:

Heck sent us the link to a great article on utilitarian bicycles.

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Speaking of bikes, Reader W.H. notes: “There are several great videos and plans on the net for rail bikes, both with and without motors. I thought this version [with Spanish narration] was neat because it could be broken down.” (See the SurvivalBlog Archives for several articles and letter on rail bikes like this one, including some important safety provisos.)

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Condie Rice tells of Bush row after 9/11. Here is an amazing quote that sounds like something out of the movie Dr. Strangelove: “Rice revealed that the bunker beneath the White House where she was sheltering with Dick Cheney began to run out of air. ‘There were so many people in the bunker that the oxygen levels started dropping and the secret service came in and said we’ve got to get some people out of here. They literally went around telling people that they weren’t essential and they had to leave.’ Government communication systems were failing and Bush had to resort to an unsecured line to talk to Washington. Rice said: ‘Despite all of the sophisticated hierarchy, sophisticated command and control equipment that we had, at that moment much of it didn’t function very well and people instead did whatever they could to communicate messages.'” (Thanks to “Mr. Smith” for the link.)

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Elite Flee Drug War in Mexico’s Number Three City. (Thanks to D.G. for the link.)





Notes from JWR:

Tomorrow is the last day of the big sale at Ready Made Resources on Mountain House freeze-dried foods. Be sure to order soon.

 —

Today we present another entry for Round 30 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include:

First Prize: A.) 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 between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $400, and B.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 30 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.



Managing Medication Withdrawal in a Prolonged Crisis, by Charles D.

As a pastoral and chemical dependency counselor who has worked in a variety of mental health, ministry and addiction settings, I would like to address one of the unique mental and behavioral health needs that may be experienced in a prolonged disaster. More specifically, I will speak to the possibility of running out of psychiatric and pain medication, and the non-medical ways of dealing with pain and mental health symptoms as well as medication withdrawal.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost 58 million adults in the US (one in four) suffer from mental illness, and 45% of those meet the criteria for two or more mental health diagnoses (these numbers do not include children, and the number of children with mental illness is rising). The vast majority of these folks are on medication. Additionally, there are many millions of people taking opiate pain medication on a regular basis for chronic pain. You or someone you love may be taking medication for one or more of these conditions.

Ideally, one should store an adequate supply of medication prior to a crisis event. This can be accomplished through several means: getting an extra prescription from your doctor that you purchase with cash, ordering a 90 day supply (if your insurance allows this), early ordering of refills, or by utilizing a reputable foreign pharmacy (cash, with prescription, but at a much lower cost). It is difficult to plan for every contingency, and in a prolonged disaster, it is likely that your medication will run out. The purpose of having an adequate supply is, in my opinion, to give you the option to safely wean yourself from the medication if it appears that the supply chain will not be reestablished before your bottles are empty.

Once you do have a legally-acquired supply, rotate it. Use the oldest first, and replace it with the new refills. It’s also important that you utilize some OPSEC regarding what you have stashed away, medications included. Your medication and preparedness supplies are your business, nobody else’s. You might even want to keep your medication in a safe or lock box if it is at particular risk of theft. There are plenty of addicts and dealers that would love to get their hands on that medication, particularly if it is in short supply.

If possible, you should begin to reduce your dependence on medications as much as possible before a crisis occurs. If you have chronic knee pain and need Vicodin on a daily basis, for instance, now is the time to lose that extra thirty pounds. Positive lifestyle changes now, can reduce dependence on medications when they are no longer available. A medical taper is much easier when you have medication, your family doctor to supervise it and your insurance company to assist with paying the costs. It’s also easier when your life isn’t complicated with such things such as making water potable, bartering for foodstuffs and bugging out to the boonies.

There are a couple of options as far as weaning yourself from the medication, and both should be supervised by a medical professional (preferably a psychiatrist or family doctor). The first option is to slowly wean yourself from the medication. Again, this should be done under the supervision of a medical professional if at all possible. A gradual taper will reduce the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms (or what the pharmaceutical industry euphemistically calls “discontinuation syndrome”). Discontinuation syndrome is experienced with many antidepressants and antipsychotics. Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, ataxia (problems with muscle coordination), paresthesia (“pins and needles” feeling on the skin), numbness, headache, lethargy, insomnia, nightmares, vivid/unpleasant dreams, tremors, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Around 80% of people taking antidepressants have some of these symptoms when they stop their medication. A gradual taper will also reduce the likelihood of seizures if one is coming off benzodiazepines (minor tranquilizers like Xanax or Klonipin) or, to a lesser extent, barbiturates. The Ashton Manual an excellent resource to help learn about benzodiazepine withdrawal and discontinuation. It recommends a reduction of 2.5% per week (10% per month), so it would take ten months to come off of a benzodiazepine (or other medication) using this method. The second method is a quick taper, which might necessitate the substitution of another drug (in the same class) that is not in short supply. It should be noted that a quick taper usually increases the risk of seizure, so medical monitoring is crucial. An example of a quick taper would be a doctor switching someone from Xanax to Klonipin over the course of a couple months, then weaning them off the Klonipin. In a prolonged crisis, a taper of some sort is by far more preferable to an abrupt cessation of medication, but there will be plenty of people who do not prepare and suddenly run out of medication. This can create a host of problems, both mentally and physically.

Opiate medications can cause dependence even in recommended dosages, so withdrawal is often an issue. The symptoms in withdrawal run from very mild to very uncomfortable. Withdrawal from opiate pain medication such as morphine, codeine, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet, Tramadol, Propoxyphene and other natural derivatives or synthetic mimics is rarely fatal in healthy adults. Those in severe withdrawal often feel like they are dying. The symptoms are so severe that medical interventions today include allowing addiction to continue indefinitely (methadone clinics) and “detox under anesthesia”.  Nevertheless, complete freedom from opiates is indeed possible, even without any medical intervention unless medical problems arise. Within 12 hours after the first missed dose of medication, withdrawal begins. Symptoms can include agitation, anxiety, muscle aches, increased tearing, insomnia, runny nose, sweating and yawning. Later on, symptoms become more severe, and can include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dilated pupils, goose bumps, nausea, and vomiting. Care for a detoxing person like you would anyone else experiencing those symptoms. Be aware that there may be intense drug-seeking behavior at times, but generally people just feel like they have a bad case of the flu. True addicts will tell you that opiate pain medication is the only thing that helps with this “flu”. Keep them hydrated. Symptoms will subside in 2-3 days.
Dealing with chronic pain without access to medication is not easy  to think or talk about, but it is a distinct possibility. You can only stock up on so much prescription medication, Ben-Gay and Tylenol. Heat and cold therapy can help with pain, as can massage, chiropractic techniques, stretches, exercise and even hypnosis. Talk to your doctor about non-medical ways to deal with pain and begin to research alternative therapies. The time to learn about these things and become proficient in their use is before we need to use them full-time.

If someone in your group is experiencing medication withdrawal, there are some things that can be done to ease their discomfort. Support is important, so as long as they are not in a medical crisis, they should be encouraged to talk to someone, preferably someone with some experience helping hurting people – a doctor, nurse, minister, counselor – you get the idea. The next step is creating some sense of balance. Try to get them on some sort of schedule. This will be particularly difficult in a disaster, but it must be done. The body rejuvenates itself as we sleep, so sleep is essential. They should also be given tasks to do – as much as they are able. Keep them busy. A healthy diet, exercise, plenty of water, a multivitamin and some omega 3 fatty acids (found in fish oil and fatty fish, such as salmon) can also go a long way to help. Finding some time for spiritual growth through prayer and scripture reading as well as studies with other believers has been beneficial for many. Massage, pet therapy (even just having a pet around), art, music, reading, even dance are all things that can help people on the road to recovery. Try to make some time for a couple of these healthy activities. These strategies are helpful for anyone not only for withdrawal from psychiatric and pain medication, but for anyone under intense stress. Their use promotes mental, physical and spiritual health, and they should be a part of every comprehensive self-care strategy.

Herbs are also a possibility, and some herbs can help with mental health symptoms or even ease the physical symptoms of withdrawal itself. Their use is beyond the scope of this article, but if you have them and know how to use them, Valerian, Kava Kava, St. John’s Wort, and even Vitamin B-12 supplements (and the B vitamins in general) all have practical applications in a protracted disaster. Melatonin can help with sleep patterns (as can a sleep mask and a set of ear plugs). Herbals should only be given as a temporary measure, however, as they may have a similar mechanism of action as the prescription drugs they are replacing. The ultimate aim is to get the person to be comfortable experiencing life without any pharmacological assistance.

Medications are very important, and we often hear about stocking up, but there are many folks who will run out of medication that helps them function without physical and emotional pain. I pray that this article will assist the preparedness community in becoming aware of this issue, preparing for it, and meeting the needs of such people when a crisis does occur.

References:

The Ashton Manual: Benzodiazepines – How They Work and How To Withdraw, Ashton, Heather C, 2002.

Management of Withdrawal Syndromes and Relapse Prevention in Drug and Alcohol Dependence;  Miller, et. al; American Family Physician; American Association of Family Physicians, July, 1998 

What Is Discontinuation Syndrome?

Substance Abuse, Anger, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Amen, Daniel G.; Brain in the News, March, 2008

Medline Plus entry on Vitamin B-12 (National Institutes of Health):

Natural Treatments for Anxiety and Depression; Amen, Daniel G; Brain in the News, December, 2009 





Letter Re: A Visual New Zealand Earthquake Web Site

Hey Jim

It has been a while since I’ve written, but we still read you every day. Have a look at this site, with a map that show the recent Christchurch New Zealand earthquake and it aftershocks. It provides a very graphic ‘time to relocate’ signal for anybody with a little common sense.

Regards, – Joe Ordinary Voortrekker



Letter Re: Airsoft for Survival Training Adventure

Jim,
You nailed it with your caveat to the guest article “Airsoft for Survival Training Adventure”.

I work at a military college with ROTC cadets, and unfortunately have to spend a lot of time “unteaching” the deadly habits they developed with paintball and Airsoft. I’ve seen the same in the military, especially when conducting urban training- people grossly under-estimate the penetrating power of modern small arms. Examples are soldiers attempting to engage a tiny exposed portion of a target, when the rest of the enemy soldier was concealed behind an interior house wall, or a storage shed, or a similar worthless barrier [that could easily be penetrated by rifle fire.] A lot of us with service overseas can attest to even cinder block walls failing to protect folks who had chosen “cover” poorly.

It can be good training, but it must be balanced with a mix of more realistic tactical experiences or else folks risk developing deadly habits in terms of their use of cover and concealment. – Todd in Virginia



Economics and Investing:

Rosenberg: Here Are 13 Signs That We’re Actually in a Depression Right Now. (Thanks to P.D. for the link.)

Greg G. sent us this: Michael Burry is Long Farmable Land, and Agrees With Paulson on Gold (But Not the Other “Recovery” Themes). (Greg’s observations: “Michael Burry, a famous hedge fund manager has stopped investing other people’s money altogether and has gone ‘all in’ on farmable land with water on site and physical gold. I think that this guy is a undercover prepper.”)

Americans Saving More as Debt, Job Worries Mount.

Steve K. mentioned the “I Want Your Money” Official HD Movie Trailer.

Items from The Economatrix:

Celente: Market Self-Deception Continues on the Flimsiest of Excuses

Fed Banks: ‘Widespread Signs of Deceleration’ in Economy

Obama Added More to National Debt in First 19 Months than all Presidents from Washington to Reagan

US Loses Ground in Competitiveness Report

Consumer Credit in US Fell $3.6 Billion in July, Fed Says

OECD Cuts Global Economic Growth Forecasts

Debts Build Ugly Stress Between Parents, Kids



Odds ‘n Sods:

M.O.B. sent us a link to an article about MREs: A Taste of Home in Foil Packets and Powder

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An easy-to-make and free project for survivalist time-telling: The Ring Sundial. (Thanks to Jeff S. for the link.)

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M.& K. sent this: Asteroid Near-Misses Actually Common, Scientists Say

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The Nanny State Run Amok: Toy guns will have to be licensed in Queensland under new firearms laws. My advice to Australians: Take The Gap.



Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first [month].
And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
And ye shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel, and [that] I [am] the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.” – Joel 2:21-32 (KJV)



Notes from JWR:

Today marks the ninth anniversary of a dark day in history. I’ll be flying my flag today. I cannot help but ask: Has our nation adopted a substantive civil defense preparedness program, since 9-11-01? No. Have any individuals? Yes. But we are in the minority.

Today we present another entry for Round 30 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include:

First Prize: A.) 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 between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $400, and B.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 30 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.



My Family Preparing for TEOTWAWKI, by Peter B.

Five years ago I really started watching the economy and the way the whole world was going. I started preparing then. I recently purchased two of JWR’s books. Both are great resources for those who have no idea of how to do things in a back to basic scenario. Being a former Eagle Scout, military man and a current Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), I already have skills to rely on. I never thought that being high tech was good, so I have centered on a low tech plan. “KISS” (keep it simple, stupid) is my motto. The easier the better and most unskilled people can learn quickly. My budget is not huge so I have to really think about what are important and needed verses wanting to have. Here is what we did to prepare for TEOTWAWKI.

First have a plan. If you have other like minded people talk about it, then decide on what you will do, stay or bug out. I prefer the bug out as there will likely be a lot of panicked people out there. Second have a set point to meet, preferably way outside the urban setting. A lot of states have a gazetteer map of you state. These are good because they offer both topographical, city, and land maps with easy to find reference points along top and bottom. Make sure each one of your groups has one and has the area remarked so it is easy to find in the chaos. If you have a retreat that’s the best. Make sure its rural and away from the big cities. If your like me because money is tight, have an area picked out where you can build something and regroup. Someplace to hold up that is defensible until other plans can be made or you meet someone willing to let you stay and hold up. Good field defenses can be made out of logs and dirt. Its inexpensive and easy to find. A good book on making field defensive fortifications can be found in most US armed forces manuals and can be found at most guns shows, half price book stores etc. Earthen retreats are also naturally camouflaged. Even with that said be prepared to move if its compromised. Have an alternate spot picked out and ready to move into.

Second is food. MREs are good because they don’t need water. Have a good supply (we personally have a three month freeze dried emergency food supply outside our normal stocked pantry) of bug out food. I used a company called “Daily Bread”. They had here three-month supply based on a family of five instead of the usual 1 person supply. The price was comparable and they took split payments making it affordable for a public servant’s salary like mine. Water is also a must as much as you can stock. We have a small two burner propane stove with a small stock of propane (we live in the desert and it gets hot so we don’t store a lot) for it. I also bought two folding metal back pack stoves. They are easy to use and can burn anything, wood, coal heat tabs etc. Water also can be gotten from outside sources, creeks, streams etc. These can be boiled and clarified for human use. There are several good books on this and other skills so I won’t suggest any. Having said that I also got each one in my family two (cause two is one and one is none) US military canteens with cups. They fit on a belt easily and take up less space than a mess kit. So with freeze dried food I can use the folding stove to heat the water from a canteen or other source and in some cases boil it to kill bacteria in the metal canteen cups. Then add the food and in 10 minutes your meal is done. Afterward, you have one cup to clean, fold up the small stove and your off. I also found a three piece interlocking silverware set sold as a four pack. So each member has silverware. All easily compact and easy to carry.

Three is a good vehicle. I currently own a 1994 Chevrolet 1500 4×4 Suburban. It was a former Forestry Vehicle (cost me just $2,000) so it was well maintained. It has 82,000 miles on it now. Its our only vehicle at this time (went through some hard times lately with wife being sick). I keep up the maintenance on it so it’s ready to go. I don’t leave the tank under 3\4 full (We are currently looking to secure a diesel crew cab pickup truck. With dual tanks and possibly a third. Keeping those tanks full and having a lot of non-perishable stuff pre-loaded in the bed, better choice of fuel and range with three tanks). It’s a good tough vehicle and has been around a long time and is reliable. If you don’t own a good SUV or truck I would suggest highly securing one. Trucks and SUVs are a lot tougher than cars and most have four wheel drive and can go anywhere. And if you need to push through something you have a lot more weight than a car. With my Suburban I have a 42 gallon tank and with the third seat removed I can reliably store all our G.O.O.D. gear. My vehicle is a pretty simple 350 4 bolt main Chevy engine. I bought the Haynes manual for the whole vehicle and the engine and electronics manual. Most repairs on this can be made from the top of the hood. I do most of the maintenance myself so I learn how to work on it. When I was younger I hung around my grandfather a lot. He was a self educated man having grown up in the depression. He had a natural skill at figuring things out and knowing how to fix them. So I got a good hands on education at fixing stuff. When I don’t know how to do something I call a good friend of mine who was a mechanic by trade . He comes over and helps me, shows me what to do. In trade my wife usually feeds him well. As far as tools go I usually go to Harbor Freight. They are decent tools at lower cost.

Fourth are firearms. I have heard a lot of people talking about whether to have or not to have. I am a firm believer in the “right to bear arms”, but I also have a lot of training with guns. So if you have never used one get trained on safe handling and use of them first. Don’t just go out and buy one and think you can shoot. Having a gun is serious business and requires a lot maturity, safety and practice. Over the past five years I have tried to minimize having too many different calibers. I suggest finding out what you are comfortable shooting and what works for you. Go to the local indoor shooting range and spend a little money and time renting different guns to try. This way you can figure out what works for you before you dump a ton of cash on something you can’t shoot. Secondly again “KISS”, don’t go out and buy the most expensive gun with all the toys. Nothing makes up for the skill of being able to hit what you are shooting at. Example…Mr. Weekend Warrior with money to blow has never shot a gun but he goes out and buys an AR-15 for lets say $2000 that has all the latest and greatest gadgets. He rarely shoots it and has it for just in case. Now Mr. Middle Class has let’s say a Russian Mosin Nagant M-44 bolt action rifle that he purchased at Big 5 Sporting goods for $99. He goes out and shoots regularly and knows his gun. He doesn’t have all the bells and whistles on it but he knows how to shoot it and can really reach out and touch whatever he wants if he needs to. It severs dual purposes, defensive and hunting. Ammo is inexpensive for most old military rifles and there is a large surplus on the market. Whatever you choose to do make sure you know how to use the tool you are carrying. I personally have two Mosin’s and they are quite accurate. Ammo is inexpensive. I can buy 440 rounds [of corrosively-primed ammunition] in a sealed tin for roughly $85. I also suggest a good .22 handgun or rifle. They are inexpensive and you can carry a lot of rounds on you. A good caliber pistol is essential as a secondary weapon (Most LEOs carry two on them for this reason). I would suggest also a good shotgun, pump action preferred. You can hunt and defend yourself at the same time. With so many rounds for these guns it is so multipurpose. I would suggest if you decide on a shotgun get one with a turkey barrel. They are usually a little heavier barrel and are straighter than a smooth bore. I personally have made accurate body shots at the target range with slugs at 100 yards. So if I had one long gun to choose from it would be a pump action shotgun with a turkey barrel and rifle sights. You can hunt small game, large game, have close in protection with buckshot or reach out and touch something if you had to. Over the past two years I have tried really hard not to have to many calibers. I have three Glock 9mms. All have interchangeable parts and can use the same ammo and magazines. I have two Hungarian PA-63s in 9×18 Makarov. I got these in trade but they have turned out to be a simple robust pistol. Again they use the same mags, interchangeable parts and ammo. I have two Mosin Nagants. These are simple robust bolt rifles. Again, interchangeable parts, and commonality of ammo. I also used the “buy in pairs” .22 caliber pistols, rifles, shotguns and AK-47s. Do you see a trend here? Most Eastern European weapons where built with more loose tolerances than US made weapons. They are simple to use, very robust and less expensive than a lot of US made weapons. They work, and keep on working.

Fifth is gear. You can buy so many different types of gear. There is so many to choose from. And the prices range from cheap to I wouldn’t pay $2,000 for a backpack. If you have a family like me and a civil servants pay, you got to get the most from your dollar (not that it will be worth anything anytime soon). I personally bought good quality used ALICE packs and frames for my family. They are tough, roomy and work. I have carried one before and you can’t kill them. There are a lot of sites that have wholesale bargain prices like my personal favorite the sportsman’s guide. I have found a lot of things there that were discounted and if you’re a club member you usually get 5-10 dollars off the price and discounted shipping. The products I have ordered are good quality surplus items that are battle tested and work. Again learn your gear, try it out cause if you don’t know how to use it its worthless. Also look around your house first, you can find a lot of useful stuff to put in your gear before you go spend a lot of money (have personally went out and bought stuff then found something similar at home I could have used and saved money) so check first then go out and buy. You can find good quality new and used BDUs and sometimes you can find deals like 5 sets for $25. They are durable and have lots of pockets. Good quality boots are essential so here you will spend a little money. I like Bates LEO boots. Lace up fronts with side zippers. I have a pair that I bought five years ago. I still wear them for kick’in around in. I also had a pair that I was wearing at work and had to get real wet to save a family from drowning. I let them dry for a day. I still use them for duty use and they have shown no ill effects from getting wet. Socks are also essential you can find 12 packs at Costco for a low price. Good folding knives and sheath knives also a must. Again you can find them a most sporting goods stores like Big 5 when they have sales. Medical kits are important. I put together my own in a back pack that has a portable stretcher inside. Has two side zip detachable pouches that hold medicines, surgical tools, bandages etc. I also like the Medic M17 bag. You can get them for around $150 to $200, depending on which site you go to. One kit has pretty much everything you need. Dental temporary fillings and picks are important too. You can find temporary dental filling at Wal-mart for about $2.50. Most surgical tools and Dental picks you can find inexpensively at your local gun shows. You can also find a wide array of medical supplies there also, trauma bandages, sutures etc., that you can’t find in the local drug store. Costco is a great place to find big packs of pain relievers, vitamins etc. So finding good discount gear is affordable, you just have to look. 

The most single important thing you can do in my opinion though is learn. Train to survive. Take classes on firearms, self defense and living on little to nothing. No one can prepare for every scenario. I live everyday life not knowing what I am going to walk into being a LEO. So because of that I have taken every course I could, first aid, dealing with stressful situation, self defense, combat handgun, rifle and shotgun etc. In the end your mind is the most dangerous and best weapon you could ever have. I believe in being a jack of all trades master of none, so I am well rounded. Be prepared for stress it’s going to happen. There are a couple of good books on the psychology of combat and killing by a great man, Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman. I have personally attended his seminars and read his books they have great insight on what to expect and how to deal with it. Any good books you can get your hands on, and I mean good reputable authors not some fly by night writer, read them and then read it again. It’s not necessarily the ability to remember but rather the ability to recall what you learned when you are presented with a situation. When it happens it’s like a file in the back of your head that surfaces and you go, wow I remember reading this somewhere and I can do this. Believe me there are so many things that I do day to day that people ask me how do you remember all that stuff, how can you multitask without thinking about it. Well for one I read a lot, two I train all the time so it is instinctive, three I have a mindset that I am going to get through this and survive. It becomes instinctive. Think about it everyday you do things without having to think about it. So add survival skills, combat skills and mental preparation to your every day life. Before long you won’t even have to think about it, you will just react. You have to believe in yourself and be confident that you can do this. If you panic your no good. Be a sheep dog…..be a warrior.” Be a leader, not a herd animal. There’s an old saying amongst warrior types…”Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil….For I am the biggest baddest guy in this valley”. Usually there are some colorful metaphors added but I will keep it clean. Having a winning survival mindset is imperative. If you believe it, it will happen. If you believe you can do it you will. Just remember to temper it will common sense. Get your spouse and children involved too. You can teach your kids valuable skills without making it look gloomy. Take them camping, learn to build fires, pitch a tent, cook over a fire. Take them to a shooting range, my kids love to go as a family and learn the skills to shoot while having fun. Changing the oil in the car, etc. Anything you can do together is valuable and good family time.
Oh and don’t forget to buy silver, probably the only currency we will have to fall back on. Be safe, prepare, be a good Christian, help others when you can because in the end we will rebuild and carry on!