Two Letters Re: Force Multipliers for Retreat Groups

Dear Jim:
Regarding force multipliers, you touch on early warning with SIGINT, HUMINT and night vision, but I would argue that more immediate early warning through intrusion detection or perimeter security should be stressed as well:

If you are not aware of the bad guys approach, then all your other defensive measures are for naught.  Even just having a minute to muster a defense, instead of 10 seconds, could make all the difference.  Imagine an early warning on the approach of intruders at O-dark-thirty, with your entire team wide awake and suited up in defensive positions, vs. waking up to the sound of gunfire to mount a defense.

Some examples of perimeter security to give you early warning:

• Electronic motion detectors, or ground sensors. [Typically either passive IR or seismic.]

• Electronic hearing amplification. [JWR Adds: The Walker Game Ear hearing aids are very compact and have automatic noise suppression, so they work like electronic ear muffs.]

• A trip wire connected to tin cans, or a chemical light stick (visible light or IR) or blank cartridge. [JWR Adds: Magic Cube photographic flash cubes can also be set off, using a paper clip and a trip wire. It is quick and easy to use clear packing tape to attach them to a post, tree, or large bush. Magic Cubes are no longer manufactured but are still often sold on eBay and Craigslist.]

• Military grade thermal imaging scopes would be the ultimate for your OP, but are still $10,000 plus, the last time I checked

• Don’t forget the obvious – a cleared field to approach your homestead versus an overgrown field. How have other folks dealt with this issue?  What worked, what didn’t?

Regards, – OSOM

 

James,
Regarding force multipliers, I would like to mention body armor.  Obviously, protecting the main target area on the body “puts the odds in your favor” as we say.

Being in the business of selling body armor (I run BulletProofME) I am obviously partial to ballistic protection, but no less an authority than Boston T. Party lists body armor, along with night vision and secure radio communications as “… An order of magnitude advantage”. (See his book Boston on Surviving Y2K .) – Nick

Notes from JWR:

As of Monday, December 13, 2010, my preparedness course is now officially out of print.

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Today we present a guest article by Dr. Cynthia J. Koelker, a frequent content contributor to SurvivalBlog.

Ten Essential OTC Medications to Stockpile by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs really worth stockpiling?  As a family physician my answer is a resounding yes.  Most of the following were actually prescription medications when first released.  (In higher dosages, several still are.)  Although other OTC drugs are worth considering, these ten have been selected due to their ready availability, affordability, safety in both adults and children, and multi-use potential.  Used alone or in combination, they can effectively treat dozens of conditions including:  headache, fever, sore throats, ear ache, menstrual cramps, heartburn, arthritis, ulcers, diarrhea, allergies, hives, congestion, dizziness, mild anxiety, nausea, vomiting, poison ivy, athlete’s foot, ringworm, eczema, insomnia, backache, gout, diaper rash, yeast infections, and many more common illnesses. 

1.      Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) – Among the OTC anti-inflammatory medications, ibuprofen is probably the most versatile.  Primarily indicated for pain and inflammation, it may also be used to relieve headaches, earaches, sore throats, sinus pain, stiff neck, muscle strains, menstrual cramps, arthritis including gout, and back pain.  It is also effective at reducing fever and is generally safe for use in children.  It is not advisable for most stomach-related pain, although may decrease the pain of kidney stones, kidney infections, and possibly bladder infections.  The most common side effect is stomach irritation or heartburn.  When combined with acetaminophen it is nearly as effective as codeine, tramadol, or hydrocodone in relieving more severe pain. 

2.      Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Acetaminophen is the only OTC pain-reliever that is not an anti-inflammatory drug.  It will not irritate the stomach like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen.  It is useful for the same conditions as ibuprofen, though effectiveness varies according to patient.  As mentioned above, it may be combined with ibuprofen in full doses for more severe pain.  Side effects are very few, though in high dose, especially when combined with alcohol, it can lead to liver failure.  It is available in several pediatric dosages, both for pain relief and fever reduction.

3.      Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – An inexpensive antihistamine, diphenhydramine is primarily used for drainage due to respiratory infections and nasal allergies, in both adults and children.  It is also indicated for hives and itching, including itchy rashes such as poison ivy.  Although not all patients become drowsy when using diphenhydramine, many do so, making this medication useful for insomnia as well.  Some people find the drug relieves nausea or mild anxiety.

4.      Loperamide (Imodium) – The most effective OTC medication for diarrhea is loperamide, which is available both as tablet form and liquid for children.  It is often useful for relieving intestinal cramping.   

5.      Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) – Pseudoephedrine is effective at relieving congestion of both the upper and lower respiratory tract due to most common causes including infection, allergy, chemical irritation, and mild asthma or bronchitis.  It frequently has a stimulatory effect, similar to caffeine.  The most common side effects are those resembling a burst of adrenaline:  rapid heart rate, palpitations, and increased blood pressure.  Years ago this drug was used in young children, even babies, though now most pediatricians do not advise it in patients younger than about six years old. 

6.      Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine) – This antiemetic drug is available both over the counter and by prescription.  It relieves nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and vertigo-like dizziness.  For some patients it causes drowsiness, and therefore may be used as a sleep aid.  It is related to medications for anxiety and may help with this as well.

7.      Ranitidine (Zantac) – Although several medications are available OTC for the treatment of heartburn, ulcers, and other acid-reducing conditions, ranitidine is among the best-tolerated, is inexpensive, and is also useful for relieving hives. Doctors often advise an acid-reducing medication such as ranitidine for patients who experience stomach upset when taking ibuprofen, though this must be done with caution.

8.      Hydrocortisone cream – The 1% version of hydrocortisone is the strongest steroid cream available over the counter.  It is safe for use in both adults and children in treating inflamed and/or itchy rashes such as eczema, poison ivy, diaper rash, and other minor genital irritations. 

9.      Bacitracin ointment – This ointment is best used to prevent skin infections when the integrity of the skin has been breached, as by an abrasion, laceration, insect bite, or sting.  It also may be used to treat a superficial skin infection such as a mildly infected wound or impetigo.  It is less likely to produce a topical skin allergy than other topical antibiotic preparations that contain neomycin.  It cannot be used to treat deeper infections, however, which generally require an antibiotic by mouth.

10.  Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) The same antifungal medication, clotrimazole, is contained in both Lotrimin and Gyne-Lotrimin.  Gyne-Lotrimin may be used to treat both female yeast infections and any other yeast or fungal infection that Lotrimin would treat, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, diaper rashes, and skin fold irritations.

Conclusion
For under $50 total a good supply of all of the above can be purchased.  Several of these medications are also available at higher doses by prescription, and may actually be less expensive if obtained from a physician (ranitidine, meclizine, loperamide, and diphenhydramine), even paying full price.  All of the above drugs and many more are discussed in detail in my book, 101 Ways to Save Money on Health Care. The book includes dozens of sections on treating yourself.  Available for under $10 online, the book offers practical advice on treating: respiratory infections, pink eye, sore throats, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, urinary infections, allergies, arthritis, acne, hemorrhoids, dermatitis, skin infection, lacerations, lice, carpal tunnel syndrome, warts, mental illness, asthma, COPD, depression, diabetes, enlarged prostate, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and much more.

JWR Adds: Dr. Koelker has recently started a new blog on TEOTWAWKI medicine at www.ArmageddonMedicine.net.

Force Multipliers for Retreat Groups

In the past 60 years military organizations of First World countries have often dominated their foes in combat because they’ve taken advantage of Force Multipliers. These are technologies or tactics that dramatically increase (“multiply”) their combat effectiveness. These multipliers are typified by electronic communications, aerial bombardment, intelligence gathering, rapid troop transport, electronic warfare, force concentration, and the use of precision guided “smart” munitions.

Similarly, I suspect that in a post-collapse world, Constitutional law and order will best be reestablished by those who stand ready to employ force multipliers of their own. These will likely include:

  • Uninterrupted radio communications to provide a rapid response security network. (I dubbed this The Neighborhood Watch on Steroids.)
  • Night vision (Starlight) equipment.
  • Flares. 26.5mm flare guns and Czech military surplus flares are presently fairly cheap and plentiful, but will become a precious commodity in TEOTWAWKI,. Stock up, especially on parachute flares to provide illumination that will give you the when defending ground at night.
  • Human Intelligence (HUMINT). Know what is going on in your neighborhood and region. Keep informed, and always keep your ears open. Take advantage of existing social networks.
  • Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). At the minimum, buy a couple of multi-band scanners. Having a spectrum analyzer that will allow you to visualize (and rapidly tune to) the spikes of your opponent’s communications would be a huge plus.
  • Long range weapons. In the civilian world, the .50 BMG is the clear choice for “Reach Out and Touch Someone” situations. Here in the U.S., .50 caliber is the bore diameter limit for military chamberings, unless you pay a $200 Federal transfer tax.
  • Guerilla tactics. Acquire key reference books, such as Total Resistance, Guerrilla Strategies, and Guerilla (by Charles W. Thayer).
  • Legal explosives and flame weapons. To start, do web searches on Thermite and Tannerite. Depending on the situation, these can be used in less-than-lethal or lethal modes.
  • Psychological Operations (PSYOPS). At the minimum, be prepared to use pamphleteering. Refrain from using heads on posts.
  • Off-grid power. Develop photovoltaic and micro-hydro power so that you will have electricity, even when everyone else in your region is living by candlelight.
  • Secure communications. Organized opponents may monitor CB, FRS, and GMRS communications, but using MURS or Marine Band can make interception less likely.
  • Operational Security (OPSEC). Stay hunkered down at your retreat and what and you have, and what you are doing private.
  • Cached food, fuel, and ammunition supplies. Stored food will give you the ability to avoid risky travel. Stored fuel will give you a mobility edge on your opponents, if and when you do travel. If you still have vehicles but your opponents are on foot, then you can “get there fustest, with the mostest.”

Think through some likely situations and the force multipliers that you could prepare to employ. And, as always, avoid breaking the law. A Federal prison is a very bad place to be when TSHTF.

As you read my book “How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It” and as you work your way through the SurvivalBlog archives–best accomplished with the Search box–be sure take notes on potential force multipliers.

Once you have a list of force multipliers that are within your budget, then gather the references, lay in the tools and supplies, and finally practice the requisite skills.

Letter Re: Assembling a Survival Library

Dear Editor:
There is a wonderful source for free e-books called Project Gutenberg.  The books are free because the Copyright for these books has expired in the United States. (They may still be copyrighted in other countries). So anybody may make verbatim or non-verbatim copies of those works.  

This is a wonderful source of information.  They will even send free cds and dvds that have as many as 29,000 books each if you request.  You can find books on a multitude of ‘How To’ subjects from a time when doing it yourself was the only option.   

Of course you can find many of the literary classics including Shakespeare and original writings by and about our Founding Fathers as well.  

When I ordered my DVD, I received two copies.  One for myself and one to give away to a friend.  They encourage making copies and giving those away too.  Check out the CD and DVD Project link at the bottom of the page to download or request copies to be mailed to you.  

They offer many opportunities to contribute if you aren’t in a situation to donate money (neither of which are required).  It definitely is worth anything that you can do to help this project that is working to provide knowledge to everyone who wants it at no charge.  

Regards, – Teka

Economics and Investing:

Several readers pointed us to this New York Times article: A Secretive Banking Elite Rules Trading in Derivatives

Patron Mark mentioned some commentary about the debt problems in blue states that makes a compelling case that severe hard times are inevitable.

Cheryl N. sent this: Why Use Gold As Money?

Social Security advocates fear payroll tax cut. (Thanks to Sue C. for the link.)

Bram flagged this news item: Australia Overhauls Banking Rules

Odds ‘n Sods:

Dr. John Waterman will be hosting a two hour show on The Prepper Podcast about herbal medicine. That show will air on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Central Time.

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I just noticed that Amazon.com has dropped the price of my book “How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It” to just $6.98. This is their lowest price ever, so it would be a good opportunity to get a short stack, for Christmas presents. (Hint, hint.)

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H1N1 virus returns, already claiming lives of 10 British adults with early signs that illness has spread to other European countries. (Thanks to KAF for the link.)   

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F.G. sent this: Representative Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman [, Utah], wants to declare the Browning model 1911 .45-caliber pistol Utah’s state gun. F.G.’s comment: “What’s not to like? (A lot, if you’re a anti-gun Tribune reporter.)” FWIW, your editor would like to make the birthday of John Moses Browning a National Holiday.

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Also courtesy of F.G.: Top 10 States People Are Fleeing: New York, Illinois and Louisiana are expected to lose more residents than they gain this year. Given California’s budget crisis, I suspect that California will soon join the list. Speaking of fleeing, I’ve had five different blog readers and consulting clients mention that they are making mid-winter relocations to Idaho or Montana. That sort of action only comes from strong conviction. This by the way parallels the recent moves by Chuck Baldwin’s entire extended family, also in the dead of winter, to Montana. Obviously, some folks are feeling the need to move, immediately.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Most of the central banks have a lot of Ph.D.s, with no real world experience. They have read books, but have not been in the trench to “feel” what it is truly like. This is why government employees rarely have anything worthwhile that will ever contribute to society. There is not a single economic statistic that is even valid, no less any plausible guide as to what is going on. There are manipulated so much to try and influence the ‘public confidence’ that it becomes a joke.” – Imprisoned economist Martin A. Armstrong

Notes from JWR:

The publisher’s on-hand supply of the Rawles Gets Your Ready Family Preparedness Course has now sold out. However, the publisher will still honor the sale price and take orders until midnight Sunday (Pacific time). But for any orders that are received in the last few hours of the sale, customers will have a 3-to-4 week wait to receive their orders. As of Monday, December 13, 2010, the course will be officially out of print.

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Today we present another entry for Round 32 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 $795, 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 250 round case of 12 Gauge Hornady TAP FPD 2-3/4″ OO buckshot ammo, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $240 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, B.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials, and C.) 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 32 ends on January 31st, 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.

Assembling a Survival Library, by Jim E.

I know that I would be preaching to the choir telling SurvivalBlog readers to have a well-stocked survival library but I just can’t help my self.  I’ve read most of the archives and I must admit I was unable to find exactly what I was thinking about in terms of building and maintaining a survival library.  Everyone that is even a casual reader of this blog knows that knowledge is far superior to having a lot of neat toys and gizmos. The truth is, knowledge is king when it comes to survival, and knowledge can only be obtained in basically three ways: trial and error (experience), other people (apprenticeship) and from books (study). 

When it comes to the area of survival, experience is the worst way of learning something because life is usually on the line.  The next best way of learning about survival is to know someone that is an expert, as of yet I don’t know any experts personally.  So that leaves finding information that has been written down and learning from it.  Books have been historically recognized as one of the most influential tools in teaching people and because of this they have also been recognized as one of the most dangerous.  Throughout history evil dictators, evil organizations and cults have taken great pains to prevent people from reading “dangerous” books.  Books contain ideas and ideas are dangerous.  The survival library that I am suggesting will focus on three different but equally important areas; Skills, entertainment and ideology.  I’m going to look at each one of these areas separately.

Skills—this is the first place a survivalist should have invested in concerning survival skills.  Books that cover things like survival in the wild were the first on my shelf because it’s interesting (and the show ‘man vs. wild’ might have had something to do with it).  When I started I bought every book on the subject.  I now consider myself an expert on starting a fire with two sticks (and a lighter), building a expedient shelter and finding north using my watch (which I don’t own).  I noticed though that after a while I was very heavy in survival situation books which I never used because the only out doors I saw was from my front door to the car.  I then discovered the exciting world of prepping.  I have started to buy books on all sorts of skills that could be used in TEOTWAWKI, things like gardening and animal husbandry were educational and will be very valuable one day.  There are many areas that are more than just survival but they are going to be useful for the rebuilding of society.  Just to make it easier I’ll make a list other things that I have started to or will be added to my library.

  • Soap making
  • Shoe making
  • Candle making
  • Wood gas conversions for vehicles
  • Manual machine design and construction
  • Paper making
  • Retreat construction
  • Weapons smithing
  • Blacksmithing
  • Cheese making
  • Beer and wine making
  • Canning and drying food
  • Making antibiotics (I own it and I don’t understand it…but someone will)

You get the idea that to rebuild society we will need skills to do this.  It’s sad that we have lost the ability to do certain things that were once done.  For instance did you know that in the middle ages they could make stained glass windows with such pretty colors, and they can’t be duplicated today?  The ability has been lost.  Of course who cares about some stupid pretty glass but what if some of the skills that we have today are forever lost?  We could be heralded as a truly wise man if we had the forethought to preserve these skills in writing for future generations!   

The next area of importance is the area of entertainment.  While we give this a cursory head nod, it is not really an important issue, if we look at what is written in SurvivalBlog.  Just stop and think about how entertainment oriented our society has become then this area will take on new meaning and importance.  Our highest paid people in America tend to be actors, sports stars and cartoon characters, which should show what importance this area has on American life.  While a book is not the same as a movie it is very close.  The movie is by far and above less valuable than a good book.  You’ve heard that the book was better than the movie?  That’s because the movie represents something less.  The theater that we have in our mind is better than any special effects or actors skill.  Some of the greatest books ever written were mainly written for entertainment purposes.  I personally have a printed copy of The SurvivalBlog Bookshelf list with extra books mentioned in the blog and I am feverishly working on buying all of them, the list is over 12 pages long double column.  Entertainment will be something that people will need even if they don’t realize it.  The ability to leave our current situation, and take a mental odyssey to never-never-land, Narnia or the Land of Oz is so very important!  Especially in a situation where normal sucks, such a TEOTWAWKI or our favorite sports team looses, whichever. 

The final and most important aspect of a good library is that it offers ideology.  What I’m saying is that history is full of examples of books that have influenced all of society.  For example look at the changes the Bible has brought about; Vikings used to raid, rape and pillage until some of the women they brought back home taught them the truths found in the Bible, and their whole society changed.  They no longer went on raiding parties but started churches.  If you ever have the chance to read about the Sabine women it’s very interesting. 

A less positive example is Adolf Hitler’s book Mein Kampf (My Struggle).  This book inspired an entire nation to rally around this young idealist and then to try and expand (growing room) eastward all the while killing six million Jews.  Ideas are the most important thing that can be preserved, more than food, guns and gear combined.  Ideas are what build every great society and also what has destroyed every great society.  America is a prime example of a people that had an idea and used to form a more perfect union.  Of course new ideas have come in and destroyed the once industrious nation into a nation of beggars.  Socialism is nothing more than an idea that when implemented ends in starvation. 

What we have here is an opportunity to shape the society after the end of the world into a society that will be strong based on ideals that have been proven to work.  Ideas like the Christian work ethic (Robinson Crusoe, The Swiss Family Robinson, Little House on the Prairie), charity (A Tale of Two Cities, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ ), Sacrifice (The Chronicles of Narnia, Captains Courageous).  The list goes on and on.  The fact is that most of the great influential novels of our history were written from a Christian point of view.  Of course we don’t know that because we don’t read the books anymore.  There are many people that think that the book ‘Ben Hur’ is about a chariot race and this shows that ignorance of the American people but it’s also our greatest opportunity.  We can influence how people think and subsequently how they will act.  It’s too great of an opportunity to pass up.  So go out and find the books that have influenced western civilization and buy them, one day they will be useful for the information, entertainment and most importantly of all, the mind changing ideas they contain.

Letter Re: Evidence that Physical Silver is in Short Supply

James,  
An interesting trend to make note of: Here in the Great White North, ScotiaBank (one of our Big Five banks) sells physical bullion through it’s investing arm: ScotiaMocatta.   I simply walk to the main branch in my municipality, make an order at the bullion desk, pay cash, and walk out with a number of 1 ounce silver bars (or whatever precious metal suits your tastes. I find gold too cumbersome at $1,420 per ounce to be useful for trade/barter WTSHTF…)  

As of last week, the 100 ounce silver bars were no longer available either online, or through the bullion desk at the main branch here in town.   Now, neither are the 10 ounce silver bars.  And I’m told that, if their mint is making them, it’s going to take a while as they’re having problems with fulfillment shipments of raw silver.  Wondering when the 1 ounce bars are going to reach the same conclusion…   Keep Your Powder Dry, and God Bless!   – J. in the Great White North

Two Letters Re: Building a Dryer Lint Stove

Sir:
I have made something similar and would agree it is and easy and cheep way to make a reliable stove.  In my instance I have used Altoid cans and I personally like the size and having the lid attached.  I like that there is no “where did I put that lid” problems. – Jason H.

Hi Jim and readers,
Brian C. mentioned his stove. I was  fascinated with the dryer lint stove idea,  I do it a little different, many many years ago, and a long long time ago, I learned a similar way of making a stove, but we used a alternate method using long strips of corrugated card board box material  cut just a little narrower than the tuna can, and wound very tightly into the tuna can, and using paraffin for fuel. They work very similar to Brian’s stove, and spread the heat quite well. I use a lot of wax in my business, So every now and then I make up a few stoves, and place them in my G.O.O.D. bags.  One stove is good for about one meal, or warming a tent.  I think they would be great as part of small kits made up for charity as mentioned in one of the other pieces I read today. Blessings and Merry Christmas, – Dave M.

Economics and Investing:

David C. suggested a good interview with John Williams of ShadowStats, wherein he outlines the case for hyperinflationary depression in 6-to-9 months. 

Regulators close banks in Michigan, Pennsylvania. The number just goes up and up…151 banks thusfar in 2010. (Thanks to Kelly D. for the link.)

Glenn Beck Warns of Food Riots, Martial Law & Gun Confiscations. (Thanks to H.W. for the link.)

Items from The Economatrix:

Gold, Silver, Copper Hit Record Highs On Weakening Dollar

It’s Not IF The Euro Collapses, But WHEN

Zero Permanent Jobs Were Created By The Stimulus

Global Bond Route Deepens On US Fiscal Worries

Odds ‘n Sods:

Newsweek asks: Are We Running Out of Antibiotics?

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Reader F.J. suggested: How to Make a Secret Book Safe

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Camping Survival has added several interesting new products to their line.

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Reader F.G. sent this: “An acclaimed outdoorsman who wrote movingly about testing himself against nature is presumed dead after a crocodile snatched him from his kayak while he led an American expedition from the source of the White Nile into the heart of Congo.” K.T.’s wry comment: “Sadly, his ‘test against nature’, failed. He and his friends also failed the ‘Carry a very large caliber handgun on your belt in Crocodile Country’, test.”