American Survival Guide - July 2018

How-to: Master Your Kephart Trio
FOOD
WATER
SHELTER
SECURITY Vol. 7 Issue 7
COMMS
HEALTH
FANTASTIC
VOYAGE
Probing the Path of a
Pernicious Projectile
ESEE’S
EXPAT FAMILY
Three Tough Knives
That Make the Cut
GO FROM
WORRIER
TO WARRIOR
5 Steps to Rise
Above the Everyman
PREVENTATIVE ACTION –
THE POOR MAN’S EVERYTHING YOU
NUCLEAR NEED TO KNOW NOW
THREAT
Dirty Bombs Are Too
Dangerous to Ignore
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FEATURES
12
POOR MAN’S NUCLEAR THREAT
Dirty bombs are too dangerous to ignore.
By Al J. Venter
30
GO FROM WORRIER
TO WARRIOR
Five steps to rise above the Everyman
By Brian M. Morris
48
SELF-RELIANCE 101
Valuable lessons learned from the Great
Depression
By Dana Benner
78
OVERPOWERING A BROKEN
GRID
Keeping the lights on when the electricity
stops flowing
By Dana Benner
98
FANTASTIC VOYAGE
Probing the path of a pernicious projectile
By Will Dabbs, M.D.
HOW-TO
22 78
WISDOM IN THE WORKPLACE
Make your workplace safer. 12 88
By Sean Curtis
106
WORKING WITH THE “KEPHART
TRIO”
Get the most out of your ax/knife/saw
combo.
By Reuben Bolieu
REVIEWS
40
ON-YOUR-BACK BUG-OUT
Gear-haulers from Major Surplus and
Voodoo Tactical
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THE 15-SHOT UTAS UTS-15
SHOTGUN
From ultimate police shotgun to dinosaur
slayer
By Will Dabbs, M.D.
88
ESEE’S EXPAT FAMILY
Three tough cutting tools
By Reuben Bolieu
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December—by Engaged Media, Inc.,
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4 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

106 40
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GEAR
GUIDE
58
HANDHELD POWERHOUSES
Brighter and better than ever
By Michael D’Angona
DEPARTMENTS
6
FIRST WORDS
30 68 8
NEW PRODUCTS
114
LAST WORDS
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[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 5

VOL. 7 ISSUE 07
EDITORIAL
Mike McCourt Editor
Kelly Nomura Executive Managing Editor
Amy Maclean Managing Editor
ARE YOU SAFE

DESIGN
Nadezda Sverdlova Art Director
CONTRIBUTORS
Steven Paul Barlow, Dana Benner, Reuben Bolieu, Sean Curtis,
Will Dabbs, M.D., Michael D'Angona, Brian M. Morris, Al J. Venter
AT WORK?
ADVERTISING
Bob Hulsy Ad Sales Director
(714) 200-1940
L
[email protected]
Casey Cliff ord Senior Account Executive
(714) 200-1982
Mark Pack Senior Account Executive
(714) 200-1939
Charles Dorr Account Executive
ike it or not, workplace violence is “a thing.” suggestions for making all work environments less suscepti- (714) 200-1931
Spencer Redmond Account Executive
It’s always been an issue on some level, ble to risk. As well as internal and external human concerns, (972) 448-4649
John Bartulin Account Executive
but it seems to have regularly gotten to Sean’s evaluation included natural and industrial threats to (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746
John Cabral Advertising Design
the point at which, rather than having to the safety and security of the workers in his building. Be sure Eric Gomez Advertising Traffic Coordinator
Gennifer Merriday Advertising Traffic Coordinator
be concerned about flying staplers or fist- to include those hazards in your own evaluation, should you
MARKETING
icuffs in a cubicle, it ends with one or more GSWs and a decide to perform or promote one. Michael Chadwick Digital Marketing & Media Coordinator
ton of media coverage. Of course, the mainstream media The degree to which your employer takes workplace OPERATIONS
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gives these unfortunate events a lot of play, because security and safety seriously can be a complicated sub- Parveen Kumar Newsstand and Circulation Analyst
Shailesh Khandelwal Subscriptions Manager
they boost ratings and fit their agenda ... but we’ll leave ject. If you feel their preparations lack in ways you can’t Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

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action to protect themselves. pation, you might be able to literally be the “master” Tom Conradi Group Publisher
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If you’re concerned about workplace violence or other of your workspace. Jason Mulroney Director of Content
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threats to your safety and security and how they can be No matter what steps your employer takes to mini- Syed Nazir Razik Digital Marketing Director
minimized or prepared for at work, I suggest you read Sean mize the potential threats to your safety and security, This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that
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—Mike McCourt

FEATURING: TRAVERSE PANT 2.0 AND 5.11 RECON® HALF-ZIP FLEECE
The right mindset, training and gear is what separates those who are ready and those who are not. 5.11 embodies
this mindset of preparedness. We make gear for those individuals who will Always Be Ready® for any mission.
1 2
3 4
1 2 3 4
Benchmade Pardue Coast PS600R SB Tactical SBL Pistol Peltor Sport Tactical 500
Hunter Fixed Blade Rechargeable Flashlight Stabilizing Brace Electronic Headphones
The new Pardue Hunter is a great all-around The PS600R flashlight runs on a lithium-ion SB Tactical’s Pistol Stabilizing Brace is a very Peltor’s new Sport Tactical 500 hearing
addition to your backwoods kit, even if you battery that is strong enough to power other low-profile, full-cavity brace. Its no-nonsense protectors use 3M SMART technology that
don’t use it to field dress a deer. Its smooth, small USB-compatible devices. You can design adapts to many platforms. The SBL suppresses harmful gunshot noise above 82
hand-friendly lines, Micarta handle slabs and also use four AA alkaline batteries in the fits all platforms with an AR-style pistol dBA and has a noise reduction rating (NRR) of
drop-point blade will make even extended included cartridge if you don’t have time buffer tube. It is compatible with receiver 26. Clear Voice Tracking makes it easier to hear
use feel like quick work. Its overall length is for a recharge. Twist the head to adjust the extension diameters of 1.1 to 1.25 inches. This speech to improve communication in noisy
7.96 inches, and its 3.48-inch blade is made beam from “flood” to “spot.” Lumen output product is ATF-compliant and includes an environments. It also increases the volume of
with CPM-S30V stainless steel. At slightly with the rechargeable battery ranges from adjustable, 1-inch-wide nylon strap to cus- low-level sounds so you are more aware of
more than 5 ounces, the Pardue Hunter car- 42 to 530, with respective runtimes from 35 tomize the fit. Its overall length is 7.8 inches, what’s going on around you. Its controls are
ries well in the included pressure-fit leather to 5.75 hours. Maximum beam distance is and it weighs in at 6.25 ounces. easy to use, and it has voice guidance so you
sheath that has an integrated guard. 686 feet, so you’ll have no trouble lighting don’t have to remove the headset to make
up your backyard or a parking lot. The poly- MSRP: $149.99 adjustments. Bluetooth compatibility allows
MSRP: $225 mer body is tough and textured for a good you to use the Tactical 500 with your smart-
www.SB-Tactical.com
grip. It is drop rated to 3 meters and water phone, and the recessed microphones reduce
www.Benchmade.com
resistant to IPX8 standards. irritating wind noise. These headphones fold to
a compact size and are designed to stay out of
MSRP: $100 the way when using long guns.
https://CoastPortland.com MSRP: $199.99
www.3M.com

F
or those preparing for any eventuality, there are some tools you just can’t have too many of. In a number of key catego-
ries, you’d be putting yourself at a severe disadvantage if you only had one implement in the group. So, here’s a selection
of some multiple-must-haves we culled from the aisles of the SHOT show that we wanted to share with you. Whether
they’re consumables, such as gloves, or implements you need to have stocked in multiple locations, such as lights and
knives, it really is OK to stock up on these essentials.
5 6
7 8
5 6 7 8
Kimber KHX Custom SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Streamlight TLR-8 Benchmade Infidel
The KHX Custom comes complete with Multi-Tool Weaponlight Fixed Blade
laser-equipped Hogue Enhanced Magrip
The new PowerAccess Deluxe has the most This new, rail-mounted tactical illuminator fea- Based on the classic Infidel OTF knife, this
G10 Grips and mainspring housing that
tools of any SOG product to date. Built with tures both a 500-lumen light and an integrat- double-edged, fixed-blade version is a
form an external magwell and continu-
SOG’s compound leverage system, it has the ed 640–660 nm red aiming laser. It fits a wide natural addition to the “family.” Use and
ous-wrap grip surface. Available in 9mm
expected pliers, grippers and two wire cutters, array of compact and full-framed weapons maintenance are simplified by having no
and .45ACP with eight-round magazines,
as well as a straight blade, saw and serrated-blade and is one of the smallest rail-mounted lights in moving parts, and delivery of the pointy end
the KHX Custom’s stainless steel and G10
scissors—all 2.75 inches long. You also get a Streamlight’s TLR series. Operate the TLR-8 in is streamlined, making it even more depend-
construction comes in at 38 ounces with
three-sided file, awl, can and bottle openers, laser-only, LED-only and dual-output modes. able than the original. The black-anodized,
an empty mag. It is 5.25 inches high and
and several other tools you should keep Runtimes with the included disposable CR123A billet aluminum handle is virtually inde-
8.7 inches long. The 5-inch stainless barrel
handy. The magnetic hex bit holder is fully lithium battery range from 1.5 hours when us- structible and provides good balance. Its
has a left-hand twist rate of 16. The hex
compatible with SOG’s hex bit kit. With all ing the LED only or the LED and laser; 18 hours overall length is 9.21 inches, and the D2 steel
pattern on the grips is repeated on the
this, and at 8.7 ounces and 6.8 inches overall, with laser only. The beam distance is 177 feet. blade is 4.52 inches long. At 5.11 ounces, it
slide to promote optimal control during
the PowerAccess Deluxe can tackle a ton of The “Safe Off ” feature prevents accidental is substantial without being too heavy; and
slide manipulations. The premium-grade
tasks. It includes a nylon sheath with 12-piece activation and inadvertent battery depletion. It the Boltaron sheath is Tek-Lok compatible
aluminum trigger is set with a pull of
hex kit with these bits: Phillips: #1, #2, #3; measures 2.15 x 1.18 x 1.5 inches and is made of and will mount in multiple locations.
approximately 4 to 5 pounds.
flathead: #3, #5, #7; Star drive: T6, T8, T10, 6000-series aluminum with a black-anodized
MSRP: $235
MSRP: Starting at $1,259 T20; and hex: 1.5mm, 2mm. finish. It is water resistant to the IPX7 standard.
MSRP: $94 MSRP: $350 www.Benchmade.com

www.KimberAmerica.com
www.SOGKnives.com www.Streamlight.com

9 10
11 12
9 10 11 12
Vertx Breacher Gloves Shield Sights Switchable Mission First Tactical Streamlight ProTac
You’ll notice the great fit of the pre-curved Interface Sight IWB Holster HPL USB Flashlight
fingers, Nomex IIIA flame-resistant interlock
Shield took the incredible performance and MFT has created a laser-precise, pas- The new ProTac High Performance, High
knit fabric and natural goat leather as soon
strength of its military-proven red-dot sight— sive-retention holster you can wear for Lumen flashlight delivers a variety of light
as you put these gloves on. Whether or not
the CQB/CQS—and made it even better. It IWB, OWB or appendix carry and right or outputs—with a maximum of 1,000 lumens
you’re breaking down doors, the reinforced
features four switchable reticles and brightness left handed. Holsters are hand-formed to light up large areas of your environment.
knuckle protection will reduce bangs and
adjustments. The brightness changes auto- of Boltaron polymer to provide less wear, The beam provides a combination of a broad
scrapes, and the strong hook-and-loop
matically, or you can use the manual mode to smoother draws and re-holstering, as well pattern for general lighting and a tight center
wrist closures will keep these gloves
set the sight to your desired setting. The SIS as superior fit and finish, and resistance to spot for concentrating on a specific target.
snugly on your hands. In addition, the tips
was designed by listening to customers and via chemicals and temperature fluctuations. Maximum beam distance is 1,227 feet. The
of the thumbs and middle fingers feature
real-world application feedback from Special The holster includes a 1.5-inch belt clip, beam can be dialed down to just 65 lumens,
conductive touch points that enable you to
Forces, law enforcement and military users and the user can adjust the cant to over 15 and the runtime ranges between 1.5 and 20
manipulate touch screens on smartphones
around the world. It weighs just 2.16 ounces percent. These holsters are available to fit hours when using the rechargeable lithi-
and other devices.
and has a matte-black anodized aluminum a variety of popular handguns. um-ion battery. You can also use an 18650
MSRP: $78.95 body. Programmable reticle options are 1MOA;
MSRP: $49.99
rechargeable lithium-ion or disposable
1MOA and ring; 8MOA and ring; and 8MOA. It is CR123A lithium batteries. The HPL USB is
www.Vertx.com water resistant at 1 meter for 30 minutes and
www.MissionFirstTactical.com 7.08 inches long, has a head diameter of 1.72
has an operating range of -51 to 120 degrees (F). inches and weighs just 9.24 ounces.
MSRP: $625.70 MSRP: $180–$200

www.ShieldPSD.com www.Streamlight.com

13 14
15 16
13 14 15 16
Vertx Weapon Guard SOG KeyTron Folding SOG-TAC California Coast FL85R Rechargeable
Concealed Carry Knife Special Auto Folder Focusing Headlamp
Guardian Shirts The KeyTron is a folder that fits right in with The SOG-TAC CA Special is the height The FL85R headlamp has an adjustable
everything on your keyring. It features a of discretion. As its name implies, it’s a beam that changes from “spot” to “flood”
These new Guardian Concealed Carry Shirts
1.8-inch clip-point blade made of 5Cr15MoV California-compliant automatic knife that with a twist of the head. The whole head
have a unique inner “skirt” you tuck into your
stainless steel on a slim, lightweight handle. brings the 1.9-inch AUS8 stainless steel tilts vertically for convenience. It has a red
pants to protect your skin and help keep the
With an overall length of 5.3 inches, it is large blade to bear in less than a heartbeat. The LED that lets you move in the dark without
shirt in place. This also eliminates the need
enough to handle simple cutting tasks; and, 3.9-inch, anodized 6061 aluminum handle losing night vision or alerting others to
to wear a t-shirt, so you’ll be cooler and
at 1.3 ounces, you might forget you’re carrying is hand-friendly and provides a solid grip your presence. It runs on a rechargeable
more comfortable on warm days. Vertx’s
it. The KeyTron also comes with a bottle on this 2.3-ounce folder. The blade release lithium-ion battery that can be charged
37.5 Technology is woven into the fabric to
opener and has its own keyring that opens button is set up for right-handed thumb inside or outside the case; or use three dis-
provide additional body core temperature
with a simple latch. With the KeyTron, you'll deployment. The pocket clip is reversible and posable AAA alkaline batteries. Using the
and humidity regulation. The Weapon Guard
have a knife as handy as your car keys. allows the knife to ride low in your pocket. rechargeable battery, light output ranges
semi-compression layer is attached to the
from 90 to 700 lumens, with runtimes of
shirt at the lower chest and extends down MSRP: $27 MSRP: $134 8.5 to 1.75 hours and beam distances of
to the waist. These shirts are available in
230 to 656 feet, respectively. The reflective
plain and solid-color short- and long-sleeved www.SOGKnives.com www.SOGKnives.com
strap is helmet compatible, and the whole
button-down shirts, as well as polos.
unit weighs just 4.5 ounces.
MSRP: $64.95
(short-sleeve button-down) MSRP: $125
www.Vertx.com https://CoastPortland.com

RADIOACTIVE "DIRTY BOMBS" ARE
TOO DANGEROUS TO IGNORE.
BY AL J. VENTER
© GETTY IMAGES
12 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY

[MARCH2018]
2018]
A
decade ago, Stratfor’s Fred material. And terrorist groups such as the Islamic
Burton wrote that “… since State are ready to buy."
the 9/11 attacks catapulted The very concept of this horrific threat is fright-
al-Qaeda to the ‘top of the ening, she suggested: a low-yield nuclear device
evil-doers' list’ in the United detonated by Islamic militants in downtown
States, one constant question has remained: Manhattan—or, more likely (because access
What is al Qaeda planning now? High among from the Middle East is easier) in London’s
the public's fears, fanned by certain events Golden Mile, which, in spite of Brexit, is still at
widely reported in the media, is that the Jihadi the heart of European finance.
network (or another like-minded group or Yet, these threats are nothing new. According
individual) will unleash a radiological dispersion to William Broad, writing in The New York Times
device (RDD), commonly referred to as a ‘Dirty on April 29, 2001, Saddam Hussein tested a
Bomb’ and it is feasible indeed that it might 1-ton radiological dispersal device in the desert
happen on American soil.” to the west of Baghdad prior to Gulf War 1.
Pundits in both London and Washington Broad’s article, under the heading, "Documents
tell us there is an 80 percent chance of such Reveal 1987 Bomb Test by Iraq," provides little
a device exploding in either city within the substantive detail. Nevertheless, supplementary
medium-term future. That could mean anything Defense Department sources suggest the Iraqi
from one to three years. dictator was impressed enough with the outcome
to demand that his nuclear scientists make the
LINKS TO RADICAL ISLAMISTS RDD integral to his arsenal—and on a significant
The authorities concerned point to al-Qaeda’s scale. Fortunately, U.S.-led coalition forces inter-
more-than-adequate record of being able to vened in Operation Desert Shield in August 1990,
cause massive destruction. What is not generally and we are aware of the consequences.
known is that this Islamic group has, for a long Among the most consistent debates
time, displayed an unusual interest in acquiring along the corridors of power in Washington,
the expertise to build exactly such a device. Whitehall and the Kremlin is whether nuclear,
Already in 2002, CNN’s David Ensor reported chemical or biological weapons will be the
that a hand-drawn diagram of an RDD bomb first to be used in upgraded weapons of mass
had been found in an al-Qaeda facility in the destruction (WMD) onslaughts against Western
mountains south of Kabul. That was followed cities by Islamic zealots.
by former CIA chief George Tenet telling the Islamic State is also known to have been
U.S. Congress that his people had uncovered preoccupied with weapons of mass destruction;
rudimentary diagrams of an unspecified nuclear although, before that terror group was crippled
weapon in a suspected al-Qaeda house in Kabul. by a multi-national task force that has not
The consensus is that it was RDD-related. yet finished its work, it hived off in a different
Tenet disclosed that al-Qaeda's nuclear effort direction and was using captive human victims
benefited from the help of two Pakistani nuclear to test a variety of chemical weapons it hopes to
scientists, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood and unleash on the unsuspecting.
Chaudiri Abdul Majeed, both directly linked to No question: RDDs tend to focus the mind.
disgraced Pakistani nuclear smuggler Abdul As things stand, say a variety of specialists,
Qadeer (A.Q.) Khan. an enhanced form of dirty bomb has the edge
The two men admitted they had long (although clearly, other options cannot be
discussions about developing nuclear weapons ignored. Nor are they).
with al-Qaeda officials in Afghanistan the year It is interesting that the United States inves-
before—which kind of makes one think ... . tigated "radiation weapons" in the 1940s and
Pamela Falk, a United Nations resident cor- 1950s for possible wartime use, but the con-
respondent, raised this exact issue in a Foreign cept was finally canned. One reason given at
Affairs “Snapshot” published April 4, 2017. She the time was that its deployment would have
summed up the threat in a single paragraph: been regarded by the civilized world as barbaric
"The world’s post–World War II nuclear ... not that conventional nuclear weapons are
non-proliferation commitments are crumbing. any less so.
Nations large and small, some with stable
governments, some with shaky or autocratic RDD INCIDENTS IN EUROPE
regimes want to join the nuclear club. An unin- What sets RDDs apart from weapons
tended consequence of this trend is the creation used by other dissident political groups is
of global gray and black markets for radioactive that al-Qaeda has shown an unusual and

historic interest in these weapons. Taking a cue from among the staunchest of its Islamic allies,
anti-Russian dissidents from mainly Islamic Chechnya have shown their hand several times with
RDDs in recent years.
In the late 1990s, a dirty bomb containing highly radioactive cesium 137 was placed in Moscow's
Izmailovsky Park by a group of Chechen militants under the command of Shamil Basayev.
The device was never detonated—somebody in the group tipped off the media; and Basayev let
it be known that he only wished to display the threat as a psychological weapon by directing a TV
crew to its location and possibly initiating a "media storm." Moreover, Basayev declared, if his hand
were forced by the Kremlin’s intransigence, his followers would go ahead and use it. Having been
involved in an attack that killed at least 330 people at a school a short while later (known as the
Beslan Massacre), this desperate band of Chechen fanatics clearly meant what it said.
There was apparently another attempt afterward to lay an RDD device in or around Moscow, but
neither details nor confirmation was ever made public. A third dirty bomb was uncovered a year later
at Argun, a town near Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. Unexploded, it was examined by Russian
weapons specialists, who found that its core material had been obtained from a local nuclear isotope
storage facility. The bomb was to have been boosted by two land mines that were thought to be
former Soviet TM-57 anti-tank mines.
A subsequent report revealed that the two Chechen militants involved were incapacitated after
carrying the extremely radioactive container a short distance, and one of the men subsequently
died. The consensus at the time was that, had the Grozny RDD been detonated, it would probably
have affected an area about three or four city blocks in extent and taken the authorities a year or
more to decontaminate.
It is significant that other reports relating to potential RDD attacks have emerged, and in the
broader context, we need to look at a comment made by Christopher Andrew in his book on British
Intelligence, Defense of the Realm: The Authorized History of MI5, released in London in 2009.
The official history of MI5 has various entries under this heading; and I quote:
‹ Above: This is an
information sheet THERE ARE FEW GOVERNMENTS THAT HAVE NOT GIVEN SERIOUS
from the Centers for
Disease Control that
explains radiological
ATTENTION TO THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ATTACK BY TERRORISTS
dispersal devices, or
“dirty bombs.” (Courte-
WHO MIGHT WISH TO DETONATE AN RDD DEVICE.
sy of https://emergency.
cdc.gov/radiation/pdf/
Infographic_
Radiological_
Dispersal_Device.pdf)
‹ Right: U.S. Customs

and Border Patrol
agents train in the de-
tection and handling of
hazardous materials,
including radioactive
dispersion devices
(RDDs).

"The Islamist threat, and especially the that have emerged over the years.
ambition of a British Hindu convert to Islam, It starts by explaining what exactly is involved: A dirty bomb, or radiological dispersion device, is
Dhiren Barot[,] to explode a dirty nuclear a bomb that combines conventional explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive materials in
bomb in Britain, is sobering by contrast." solid, liquid or gaseous form. A dirty bomb is intended to disperse radioactive material into a small,
Barot told his revolutionary colleagues prior to localized area around an explosion. The main purpose of a dirty bomb is to frighten people and
his arrest that "for the time we do not have the contaminate buildings or land.
contacts to enable us to purchase such items." It then explains the difference between a dirty bomb and the kind of nuclear bombs dropped on
Barot was sentenced to 30 years in prison. the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II: There is a big difference.
What emerged during the trial was that he The atomic explosions that occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki were caused by nuclear weapons.
had been picked by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, A dirty bomb, by contrast, is a conventional explosive device that has been adapted to spread
the chief al-Qaeda planner behind the 9/11 radioactive material and contaminate “only” a small area. Because the material will disperse as a
‹ Far left: The author
attack in New York, to explode an RDD result of the explosion, areas near the blast will be contaminated. The level of contamination will discusses dirty bombs in
bomb in London. great detail in his book,
Nuclear Terror: The Bomb
In the United States not long afterward, and Other Weapons of
al-Qaeda operative Jose Padilla (aka Abdulla Mass Destruction in the
Wrong Hands.
al-Muhajir) was arrested in Chicago in May
‹ Near left: This book
2002 while he was on a scouting mission for provides comprehen-
a Jihadi operation to attack the city with an sive explanations of
threats posed by a
RDD. He was subsequently tried, found guilty dirty bomb attack and
and is currently serving prison time. includes informa-
tion for preparing a
response should you
be exposed to such an
GOVERNMENT PREPARATION event.
FOR POTENTIAL THREATS
American agencies are taking very seriously ‹ Below: There are vir-
tually no restrictions
the threat of terrorists detonating dirty to the size or shape
bombs within their cities. The New York of dirty bombs. While
it's unlikely bad actors
State Department of Health, for instance, would try to smuggle
an RDD across a U.S.
has drawn up comprehensive guidelines as
border, agents from
to how the public should react if such an Customs and Border
Patrol include that
event takes place. These "ground rules" are possibility in their
instructive and come from several studies training.
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES

› Right: An RDD
could be built to fit
into a harmless-look-
ing piece of luggage.
› Below: The compo-

nents for a dirty bomb
are relatively simple
to assemble once the
radioactive material
has been acquired.
› Bottom: Bags that

contain radioactive
waste from the nuclear
power plant accident
in Fukushima, Japan,
await movement to a
more secure location.
depend on how much radioactive material was in the bomb, as well as the weather conditions at
the time of the blast.
From there, it goes on to instruct what to do should there be such a blast in your city: If a dirty
bomb goes off in your city, it will probably not affect you unless the explosion is very close to your
location. Keep televisions or radios tuned to local news networks for information. Remember that
this bomb will likely affect a small area.
Also discussed is what to do if you are close to such a detonation: The biggest danger is from the
force of the explosion. As with any exposure to potential contamination, the following precautions
will reduce your risk.
• Move away from the immediate area—at least several blocks from the explosion—and go
indoors. This will reduce exposure to any radioactive airborne dust.
• If feasible, remove your clothes and seal them in a plastic bag. Save them to allow for future
testing of the clothing for radiation contamination.
• Take a shower (using a mild soap) to wash off dust and dirt. This will reduce total radiation
exposure if the explosive device contained radioactive material.
• More information involving emergency response is given, including telephone numbers and a
variety of websites that provide additional information. The most prominent of these, apart from
Atlanta's CDC and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Radiation Protection Program (www.NRC.
gov; [301] 415-8200) is the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA (www.FEMA.gov;
[202] 646-4600).
Although European cities tend to be a lot more low key with regard to such threats, there is no
question that every major European conurbation has made preparations for just such an eventuality.
However, for obvious reasons, details are kept secret.
I recall being in San Francisco when I got word that a major security exercise would be taking
place the next day. I applied to attend, and even though I had been given access to various sensitive
American government installations over the years, I was denied access. After the terror bombings of
the World Trade Center in New York, there were many changes to the kind of security measures (or
lack thereof) previously imposed. What immediately came into effect within all U.S. government

PUNDITS IN BOTH LONDON AND
WASHINGTON TELL US THERE IS AN 80
PERCENT CHANCE OF SUCH A DEVICE
EXPLODING IN EITHER CITY WITHIN THE
BASIC FACTS
MEDIUM-TERM FUTURE. THAT COULD MEAN
ANYTHING FROM ONE TO THREE YEARS.
ABOUT
RADIOLOGICAL
WEAPONS
agencies was that foreign nationals like myself (with a British passport) were, in the ordinary course
of events, required to give three months’ notice of visiting any facility regarded as “classified.”
EFFECTS OF DIRTY BOMBS

In medical terms, Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) is a collection of health effects that are • Radiological dispersion devices (RDDs) are also known as “dirty
present within a day or so of exposure to high amounts of ionizing radiation. The radiation causes bombs.”
cellular degradation due to damage to DNA and other key molecular structures within the cells in • The purpose of these devices is to cause panic, disrupt normal
various tissues. In turn, this destruction, particularly because it affects the ability of cells to divide activities and contaminate specific areas. Injuries and physical
normally, causes the symptoms. The symptoms can begin within one or two hours and could last destruction of the environment are not primary targets for RDDs,
for several months. These medical terms refer to acute medical problems rather than ones that but they can result as well.
develop after a prolonged period. • Contaminated areas are likely to be uninhabitable for years.
The onset and type of symptoms depend on the radiation exposure. Relatively smaller doses • Radioactive materials, such as cesium 137, cobalt 60, plutonium
result in gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea and vomiting, as well as symptoms related to oxide, strontium 90 and uranium oxide, are dispersed with the
falling blood counts, and predisposition to infection and bleeding. Relatively larger doses can result detonation of explosives.
in neurological effects, including—but not limited to—seizures, tremors, lethargy and rapid death. • There are numerous potential sources for the radioactive materials
Treatment of Acute Radiation Syndrome is generally supportive, with blood transfusions and used in RDDs. Some options include commercial sites, medical/research
antibiotics, along with some more-aggressive treatments (such as bone marrow transfusions) facilities and atomic waste disposal locations.
being required in extreme cases.
‹ Far left: Two trainees

check the condition of a
"victim" of an RDD attack.
‹ Near left, top:

© GETTY IMAGES
Radiation detection
devices will enable first
responders and investi-
gators to determine the
scope and severity of
the attack.
‹ Near left, bottom:

First responders,
who typically run
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
toward the danger

zone, will be among
those at greatest risk
to injury and illness
from RDD attacks.

‹ Near left: Mexican
authorities investigate
a vehicle that was
involved in the theft of
radioactive materials
from a laboratory in
Tultepec, Mexico.
‹ Far left: This casing

of a spent cancer-treat-
ing radiation device
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
was found in a village
in Mexico after it was
stolen and its radio-
active cobalt 60 was
removed.
It is also worth mentioning that Israel car-

ried out a four-year series of tests on nuclear
explosives to measure the effects, were "hos-
tile forces" ever to use them against Israel
(according to Israel’s Haaretz daily newspaper
on June 8, 2015). Indeed, while the average
Israeli is not prepared to discuss the issue
with those who visit their country, the reality
that weapons of destruction, especially dirty
bombs, might be deployed against their cities
is palpable. Speak to those in the know, and
they will give details as to how this threat has
progressed in other countries. Russia apart,
© GETTY IMAGES
the United States, as we have seen, is also on
the firing line.
ACCESSIBILITY OF RADIOACTIVE › Above: Spent nuclear fuel rods are routinely transported to storage facilities via railroad and other
methods. Many are concerned that these methods are not secure enough from determined terrorists
MATERIALS who would use these materials to construct dirty bombs.
Apart from convicted terrorist Dhiren Barot,
take another example: In January 2009, a search of the Maine home of James G. Cummings, a white supremacist who had been shot and killed
leaked FBI report described the results of a by his wife. Investigators found four 1-gallon containers of 35 percent hydrogen peroxide, uranium,
thorium, lithium metal, aluminum powder, beryllium, boron, black iron oxide and magnesium. Also
found was literature on how to build dirty bombs and information about cesium 137, strontium 90
and cobalt 60—all radioactive materials. Officials confirmed the veracity of the report but stated
that the public was never at risk.
SOURCES
It goes a lot further elsewhere. In Central Asia, concern about RDDs intensified notably following
disclosures made by Abu Zubaydah, a senior al-Qaeda official who told his captors that the terror
movement was interested in producing a dirty bomb.
"Also, they know exactly how to do it," were his words—something about which intelligence
Pamela Falk: "The Dirty Bomb Threat: Too Dangerous to Do agencies everywhere took notice. He said that this knowledge included the use of cesium 137. Even
Nothing," Foreign Affairs, April 4, 2017 worse, said a linked source, al-Qaeda seriously considered arming these bombs with spent fuel cells
The author deals with dirty bombs in great detail in chapter 6 (from dismantled former Soviet Union nuclear submarines currently being taken apart in Russia’s far
of his latest book, Nuclear Terror: The Bomb and Other Weapons northern Kola Peninsula), along with an explosive charge at the core.
of Mass Destruction in the Wrong Hands, published by Pen and Certainly, if detonated in a built-up city area such as downtown Manhattan, damage, both direct
Sword Books; March 2018. and collateral, would be catastrophic. It would possibly take years to remove all radioactive traces.
The website, http://Bellona.org/work-areas/nuclear-issues, A Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report for the U.S. Congress on radiological dispersal
will give the reader a sobering picture of what has been going devices at about the same time all this was going down went some distance toward focusing public
on, legally and illegally, since Soviet times, with regard to the attention on efforts to counter the use of this weapon. It declared that an RDD attack " … might
dismantling of nuclear submarines on the Kola Peninsula. cause casualties, economic damage and, potentially, public panic.” The impact of an RDD attack,
it said, “would depend on many variables, such as meteorological conditions, type and amount of
radioactive material, duration of exposure and method of dispersal."
Consequently, in a sense, RDDs might be referred to as “weapons of mass disruption,” rather

SOME EXPERTS BELIEVE THAT TERRORISTS COULD, than of destruction.
WITHOUT GREAT DIFFICULTY, OBTAIN HIGHLY The report goes on: " … both the threat posed
by terrorist RDD use and the magnitude of
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL (SUCH AS ABANDONED FUEL impact are matters of some contention."
CELLS FROM A FORMER SOVIET NUCLEAR SUBMARINE Some experts believe that terrorists could,
BEING DISMANTLED). without great difficulty, obtain highly radio-

active material (such as abandoned fuel cells
from a former Soviet nuclear submarine being
dismantled). Much of this work was done at
the Russian naval base on the Kola Peninsula in
the extreme northwestern corner of the country
and not far from Norway. This was one of the
reasons the Oslo/Brussels-founded Bellona
Foundation is focused on what is happening in a
vast region adjacent to the city of Murmansk.
Of significant concern in this regard are the
burgeoning numbers of incidents that involve
internationally linked nuclear smugglers.
According to the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), they’re increasing exponentially
by the year.
Prior to his retirement, the outgoing
director-general of the IAEA disclosed that
the Vienna-based United Nations watchdog
organization was aware of hundreds of cases of
nuclear smuggling each year, much of it linked
to uranium or plutonium. IAEA investigators
believe that those involved from former Eastern
© GETTY IMAGES
bloc countries are rarely ideologically motivated.

Rather, they’re interested only in the money;
and it is of little concern to many of them
‹ Abandoned Soviet-era nuclear submarines might be a source for radioactive materials for RDDs.
whether cities or people are contaminated by
deadly radiation. "The fear, essentially, is that
© GETTY IMAGES
the criminals may have no qualms about selling

to Jihadist groups," declared the IAEA report.
PLANTING AN RDD WILL NOT BE A

PROBLEM
Others assert that radiation sources intense
enough to cause casualties in an RDD attack
would be injurious to the terrorists during
acquisition and use. The argument about
terrorists falling victim to their own destructive
devices is viewed by some as superfluous—or,
as one authority suggested to this author, do
those who compile these reports not read the
daily newspapers? More to the point: Islamic
zealots have proved many times in recent years
that no matter what the risk, radiation sickness
or otherwise, they would be happy to die for
the cause in order to achieve their objectives.
Suicide bombers are clearly a common feature
of today’s fundamentalist Islamic world.
Al Qaeda’s Abu Hamza al-Muhajir actually
called for Muslim scientists to join the organiza-
‹ This Soviet submarine is being scavenged for any number of materials. Its nuclear fuel could be among the items being tion and experiment with radioactive devices for
removed from it.
use against coalition troops.

THE PRINCIPLE OBJECTIVE OF DETONATING AN RDD IS
TO CREATE PANIC ON A MASSIVE SCALE, WHICH WOULD
UNQUESTIONABLY HAPPEN SHOULD THE ATTACK TAKE PLACE
IN THE HEART OF ANY MAJOR CITY.
EFFECTS OF A DIRTY BOMB ‹ This warning sign is

posted outside Pripyat,
This brings us to what a radiological dispersal Ukraine, where the
device or dirty bomb is all about. In the Chernobyl nuclear
power plant disaster
simplest terms, these devices are intended to occurred in 1986.
While this event was
disperse radiation. In a large RDD blast within significantly more
the confines of a city, there would obviously powerful than a likely
dirty bomb, a potent
be a number of casualties, including people RDD will contaminate
exposed to the actual blast. They would suc- an area for years.
cumb to the effects of the chemical explosion,

as with a conventional bomb, and the shrapnel
that it disperses.
As one former nuclear physicist (who wishes
to remain anonymous) told me, it is extremely
unlikely that there will be such a vast amount
of radioactive material in the immediate
vicinity of an RDD blast that people would
die right there from radiation. Acute radiation
effects, including death, will only appear in
the days, weeks or months that follow the
exposure, he explained.
The main purpose of a dirty bomb is to
contaminate the surroundings and to disrupt
normal commercial and other activities for an
extended period. Most salient, the principle
objective of detonating an RDD is to create panic
on a massive scale, which would unquestionably
happen should the attack take place in the heart
of any major city.
© GETTY IMAGES
HOW ARE WE COUNTERING THE
THREAT?
That raises the question: What is the gov-
ernment doing about the threat? The answer
basically is: A lot! There are few governments Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is able to almost immediately map the probable
that have not given serious attention to the spread of hazardous material accidentally or intentionally released into the atmosphere. According
possibility of an attack by terrorists who might to its website, its primary function is to support Department of Energy (DoE) and Department of
wish to detonate an RDD device. Defense (DoD) sites, as well as DoE consequence management (CM) teams for radiological releases
In the West, there have been multiple strides through the DoE's Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) program. This security body is
toward creating emergency bodies that would able to provide a series of multi-scale atmospheric flow and dispersion models for a wide range of
deal with such emergencies. They are classified hazards, and it can do this on a local, regional and a continental scale (which would cover the entire
and rarely make the news—for several reasons. United States) or internationally.
In the first place, the authorities do not want The National Guard WMD Civil Support Team has been quietly and efficiently established for
the enemy to be aware of specifics of counter- rapid deployment to assist a local incident commander in determining the nature and extent of an
measures; and secondly, when such things are attack or incident. This organization is geared to provide expert technical advice on WMD response
made public, they tend to alarm the populace. operations, as well as to help identify and support the arrival of follow-on state and federal military
With dirty bombs, it is important to accept response assets. Essentially, these are joint units and can consist of both Army and Air National
that there is a series of measures in place that Guard personnel, with some of these units commanded by Air National Guard lieutenant colonels.
would go into effect as soon as unwarranted The Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (WMD-CST) supports local and state
radioactivity is detected. These include: authorities at domestic WMD/NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical warfare) incident sites by iden-
The National Atmospheric Release tifying agents and substances, assessing current and projected consequences, advising on response
Advisory Center (NARAC) at California’s measures and assisting with requests for additional military support.

© GETTY IMAGES

[MARCH2018]
2018]
HOW TO MAKE YOUR
WORKPLACE SAFER
BY SEAN CURTIS

W
› Right: Chances
e often dedicate a are, if you can see
great deal of consid- the threat, they
can see you. You
eration and discussion should have secure
to post-apocalyptic and discreet hiding
locations planned
survival scenarios—or, before a deranged
attacker comes
perhaps more reasonably, societal upheaval walking into your
settings—as a result of which we need to bug building.
out or bug in to endure. While one is a little
more likely than the other, real threats face
us every day in the place we spend 40 or more
hours a week: the workplace.
Have you given much thought to workplace
survival? Have you considered what threats
truly await you? Sure, you probably figured out
pretty quickly that Carl has halitosis, and Sarah
loves to talk about her cats, but those traps › Below: Consider
how you might
are not truly life threatening. Have you done a deal with long
risk assessment on your workplace? hallways in your
workplace. You are
Considering the amount of time we dedicate statistically better When approaching the work environment, it is often difficult to assess with a cool, analytical
to working, we really should detect, analyze, off running from an mind. You must divest yourself of your attachments and look at your workplace as you would a
active killer than
mitigate and prepare for real threats there. hiding from one. place that is not so familiar.
ONCE YOU HAVE A GOOD IDEA OF THE HIGHER-PROBABILITY THREATS YOU

FACE, YOU NEED TO ASK YOURSELF WHAT MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE TO
MINIMIZE THEIR IMPACT BEFORE THEY HAPPEN.

Take stock of your assets and liabilities; then,
give some focus to the very real threats that
could happen there. Label these with your best
guess of probability, and then mitigate what
you can. Sometimes, you can affect change
for the entire office; other times, you must rely
and focus solely on yourself.
Take a look at these threats with the
concepts of maximum protection of life and
self-preservation in mind.
NATURAL THREATS
When conducting a threat analysis, we can
divide our categories into man-made and
natural. While the “natural” category usually
includes weather events, earthquakes, fires
and the like, man-made events can be a bit
‹ Above: This tanker car is carrying 33,700 gallons of propane. Note the proximity to buildings. Have a
plan for this. It doesn’t have to explode; a simple leak could force an evacuation outside your normal more complex and require different responses.
planned route.
Take a look at the real natural threats in your
area. Research when they last happened and
seek any data concerning when they might
happen again. For instance, a tsunami is highly
improbable in Colorado, but wildfire is defi-
nitely a consideration. If you work in Hawaii, a
blizzard is a minimal risk, but volcanoes will be
on your list if one is nearby.
You must give an honest assessment to each
of the threats relevant to your area and have a
planned response for each of them. Speak with
someone who has worked at your workplace
for a long time and find out what has histori-
cally occurred. Then, find out how leadership
responded. There are likely valuable lessons
for you to discover. Learn from the failures and
successes of your predecessors.
‹ Above: Some situations, such as small office fires, can be addressed by staff until first responders My office has historically high-profile risks
arrive. Know where fire extinguishers and hoses are located—and how to use them. from floods, tornadoes, blizzards and wildfires.
On the other end of the scale, there are minimal
risks for earthquakes.
MAN-MADE THREATS
This category is as complex as the human
mind. Essentially, there two categories of risk:
external and internal. External and/or internal
threats could involve workplace violence,
including active killer scenarios. They could
also include bombings, arson and a category
of incidents such as deliberate power outages
and hazmat threats.
External risks represent all the individuals
outside the employ of your agency or business.
These could be customers or complete
strangers. If you work at a textile plant, and
the customers you serve are dealers who push
the final product on to consumers, you can
‹ Above: Workplace invasions often develop into hostage situations. Reduce the chances of this likely relegate this to minimal risk. However, if
happening to you by knowing nearby hiding places and escape routes.
you work for a company or government agency

‹ Architectural
structures, such as
this faux wall, can
sometimes hide
exits and other
assets needed in
emergencies.
IF YOU CANNOT
IMPRESS UPON
LEADERSHIP THE
IMPORTANCE OF
PREPARATION, YOU
HAVE THE SOLE
RESPONSIBILITY TO
SAVE YOURSELF IN
TIMES OF CRISIS.
‹ While the exit sign pointed out this escape route, there ‹ Key card or fob access can help prevent a great deal of
is no indication on the other side of this wall for the fire unwanted access, as well as provide the ability to track
for which you might have a hand in affecting extinguisher. comings and goings.
major life changes for your customers—say, the
Department of Human Services—this could
very likely become a high-risk scenario. If you’re
making or communicating decisions for people
that have very real, life-altering consequences,
it would be wise to equate high emotion with
higher potential risk.
Internal threats are either your co-workers
or people related to them. If one of your peers
has an abusive spouse and they come to the
workplace to settle some personal score, this
could create ramifications for everyone at
work. Likewise, workplace bullying, affairs
and terminations are also potential triggers
for health hazards. Keep in mind that people ‹ While this is a strong deterrent for unauthorized access, it ‹ Double doors with panic bars are pretty standard in many
must be implemented with training so that “tailgaters” do not offices and public buildings. These are also equipped with
do not “snap,” as we often hear. Workplace follow authorized personnel through an entry point. magnetic releases that allow them to close at the push of a
remote button.

violence studies have revealed that approximately 85 percent of people broadcast their intentions
before they act. They either tell someone close to them or often post things on social media.
That’s a huge clue ... if you can catch wind of it.
In 2004, a man in Granby, Colorado, terrorized an entire town when he began mowing down
buildings with an armored bulldozer he’d welded up in his shop. This took a lot of planning and
effort. Some townspeople were aware of his displeasure with the town board regarding a zoning
dispute for some time. The attack stymied the local constabulary—until the bulldozer got stuck
and the driver shot himself.
Remember that the primary objective of law enforcement in any type of active killer scenario is
to immediately engage and stop the threat. Therefore, do not present yourself in a threatening
manner. Evacuate with hands up, and provide any details about the shooter’s whereabouts and
description if you can. Do not expect police to stop and attend to your wounds if the killer is still
active. Move quickly away from danger, hopefully to a prearranged muster point.
My workplace is high risk because of the nature of the job, along with the fact that there is a
railroad line immediately outside that transports hazardous materials on a daily basis. For me,
both external and internal threats are always a consideration.
MITIGATION
Once you have a good idea of the higher-probability threats you face, you need to ask yourself
what measures you can take to minimize their impact before they happen.
For instance, creating a culture of collective safety can pay major dividends. By rewarding
behaviors that improve the safekeeping of everyone at the workplace, you increase your effective
outreach and detection. When everyone realizes security is their responsibility, they chip in and
report things, thereby improving leadership’s awareness and giving them more time to react. Keep
‹ Many people in the author’s office did not know about exits on the oppo- in mind that security is always at odds with convenience, and there can be an office culture or
site side of the building from where they worked. Get familiar with all your
exits, including windows. co-workers who will resist these initiatives.
Physical security measures can be assessed and updated to reflect evolving threats. Consider how
airport security changed after 9/11. A locked door or keycard access system might just make the
difference in deterring an external threat. Perhaps a camera system might give you the reaction time
you need to save lives.
Stock your workplace with first aid and survival supplies. This might seem odd at first blush, but
if you have to shelter in place for any period of time, it’s a great investment.
RESPONSES TO THREATS
Regardless of the category, there are three general responses: evacuation, sheltering in place
and active killer.
Evacuation is pretty clear-cut and should be practiced at least once annually. Have a mus-
ter or reunification point at which attendance can be checked against a continually updated
list of employees. Make sure employees understand the endgame so they can deviate from a
specific plan if need be, as long as they reach the reunification point or communicate with a
supervisor by contingency.
Sheltering in place minimizes risk from external threats such as tornadoes or earthquakes. Have
a plan to gather in internal rooms or other appropriate spaces that are clear of glass windows and
other potential hazards. Have these rooms stocked with emergency supplies. The greatest threat
of earthquakes in First World countries is to people fleeing buildings and being struck by falling
debris such as bricks or broken glass, so do what you can to reduce exposure to these hazards.
The active killer category is pretty straightforward. You need only look at the world news any
given week to find reference to this growing threat.
The U.S. government has suggested “Run, Hide, Fight” as a response priority list in these scenarios.
While this is a great plan, it is not a training method. “ALICE,” which stands for Alert, Lockdown,
EXTERNAL RISKS REPRESENT ALL THE

INDIVIDUALS OUTSIDE THE EMPLOY OF YOUR
AGENCY OR BUSINESS. THESE COULD BE
‹ How does your workplace interface with the public? Higher-risk locations
should consider implementing deterrents and safeguards. CUSTOMERS OR COMPLETE STRANGERS.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE STUDIES HAVE REVEALED THAT
APPROXIMATELY 85 PERCENT OF PEOPLE BROADCAST THEIR
INTENTIONS BEFORE THEY ACT. THEY EITHER TELL SOMEONE
CLOSE TO THEM OR OFTEN POST THINGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
THAT’S A HUGE CLUE ... IF YOU CAN CATCH WIND OF IT.
Inform, Counter and Evacuate, is a comprehen- this is an evacuation, sheltering in place or an active killer response. It can also include how to handle
sive system that teaches people option-based security systems (such as key-coded doors) and procedures (such as challenging people who try to
responses to active killer threats. By training in ride your coattails through a secure entry).
ALICE, employees learn to prioritize avoidance Employees who practice established responses to various threats will know how to act without wast-
by fleeing a life-threatening scenario. Only ing precious time. In active killer scenarios, I cannot stress enough that you need to evacuate the build-
when this possibility is exhausted do we need ing. When we consider that the response for threats such as fire, hazmat and flooding is to move away
to hide or fight; and, if forced into this scenario, from them, it’s ridiculous to think that we should react differently for an active killer scenario. Lockdown
we set the battleground to our advantage and and fighting should be choices of last resort, so strive to get out of, and away from, the situation.
arm ourselves with anything available. In my workplace, we have trained many of the employees in first aid and CPR. We also have trained
in ALICE, sheltering in place and evacuations.
TRAINING
“Training” first refers to practicing your best COMMUNICATION
procedures within your workplace, whether Comms usually fail in emergencies; it’s "Murphy’s Law" at its best. Whether the cellular system
› Not only will these

mirrors help you
keep your coffee
in your cup, they
can provide critical
information before
you commit to a
turn when making
an escape during an
active killer or fire
scenario.
› A peep hole is
sometimes a great
solution to seeing ‹ Above: With this
who’s on the other simple system in-
side of the door. That stalled, no employees
would compromise need answer the door
the fire rating of the blindly.
doors shown here,
however, so a cam-
era/monitor system
was installed.
S O U R C E S
ALICE Training Institute

(330) 661-0106
www.ALICETraining.com
Disaster Preparedness
Planning
www.Ready.gov
Everbridge, Inc.
(888) 366-4911
www.Everbridge.com ‹ Near left: First aid
boxes such as this one
U.S. Department of are often installed in
Homeland Security common employee
www.DHS.gov/active-shooter- areas. Make sure they
preparedness are kept stocked and
updated so they are
ready in case of an
emergency.

‹ Left: Each employee
in their work area
needs at least a pri-
mary and secondary
route to escape the
building, depending
on the threat.
‹ Below: Elevators are

almost always a bad
plan in emergencies.
They are not fast
enough and could
be disabled in fire
or extreme weather
situations.
COMMS USUALLY FAIL IN EMERGENCIES; about what routes you might take to get home
IT’S "MURPHY’S LAW" AT ITS BEST. and what supplies you might need to get
‹ Bottom: Consider
WHETHER THE CELLULAR SYSTEM there. Think about contingencies and com-
plicated incidents. Then, lay out some basic
what kind of weather
your access control
BECOMES OVERWHELMED OR ELECTRICAL plans. Any effort you invest now will save you
devices might be ex-
posed to, and choose
SERVICE FAILS, YOU SHOULD STRIVE FOR time in a true emergency. accordingly.
REDUNDANCY.
becomes overwhelmed or electrical service fails, you should strive for redundancy.
A PA (public address) system is extremely effective and can be used to communicate live data
to responders and evacuees. Sometimes, a bullhorn or good, old-fashioned yelling can get the
job done. Regardless, have primary, secondary and tertiary backup plans.
Training can often override the need for communication, but if a train derailment suddenly
requires you to evacuate via different routes than those you previously trained with, you need to
be able to notify employees of the deviation of plan.
My office has access to a program called Everbridge. All employees are signed up, and emergency
communiqués can be sent out via cellphone or computer should the need arise. Having the capability
to call an audible during a crisis outside your trained procedures is paramount.
LONE WOLF OR ALPHA

Depending on the receptivity of leadership to your threat assessment, you might find yourself
making survival decisions in a vacuum.
If you can promote this idea without an attached stigma, run with it. More leaders are willing
to consider emergency planning as a result of the prevalent threat of active shooters providing
ample examples in so many workplaces. No leader wants to appear unprepared—even if the
preparatory efforts only appear to mitigate liability.
Use this to your advantage. Look for training and support resources within your local govern-
ment and utilize any allocated funds wisely to net the greatest benefit to your threat paradigm.
An armed guard might be a great resource, but simple controlled points of entry, accompanied by
strict training and enforcement on procedures, might be a wiser investment.
If you cannot impress upon leadership the importance of preparation, you have the sole respon-
sibility to save yourself in times of crisis. Study your work environment and consider how best to
escape it; get creative!
Evaluate what threats you might actually face, and think about what you can do to personally
mitigate them. Keep supplies in your office or vehicle that will enable you to get home. Think

THE WAY
FROM
WORRIER
TO
FOLLOW THESE FIVE STEPS TO
RISE ABOVE THE EVERYMAN.
BY BRIAN M. MORRIS
WARRIOR
[MARCH2018]
2018]
© GETTY IMAGES

› Right: ‘You can pre-
vent your opponent
from defeating you
through defense, but
you cannot defeat him
without taking the
offensive.” —Sun Tzu,
renowned Chinese
general and author of
The Art of War
© GETTY IMAGES
I
n the minds of many preppers and sur-
vivalists, the pinnacle self-reliance and THE WARRIOR FIGHTS WITH THEIR MIND,
apex survivor skill is not to procure food BODY AND SOUL, AND WHILE THEY HAVE
or build a solid shelter; it’s to execute the
EMOTIONS, THEY MUST MASTER KEEPING
role of the guardian and protector.
Many of the scenarios we prepare for cause us THEM AT BAY IN ORDER TO FIGHT WITHOUT
to anticipate having to protect lives and defend LETTING THEM INTERFERE WITH THEIR
supplies and other possessions with lethal
CLARITY AND LUCIDITY.
force, in effect having to become a warrior. If
we’re honest, we hope it will never come to
that. But, if we are to go down that path, be
effective and prevail, there are some topics
besides stocking an armory that need to be
addressed before the time comes.
So, you want to be a warrior? The path to
becoming a warrior is not an easy one, because
at its core is discipline. A warrior is a master of
spherical awareness, ever vigilant with their
head on a swivel. They know their operational
environment, can improvise, adapt and over-
come all adversities, and while they’re able to
accept that they aren’t invincible, they never run
from adversity; instead, they face it head-on.
The warrior fights with their mind, body
and soul, and while they have emotions, they
must master keeping them at bay in order to
› The samurai are fight without letting them interfere with their
© GETTY IMAGES
respected as great clarity and lucidity.

warriors of their time.
They believed that None of these things will come easily, so do
“tomorrow’s battle is not be discouraged. The only path to mastering
won during today’s
practice.” anything, particularly the warrior arts, is via hard

ANY TIME YOU LOOK
AT PEOPLE WHO
ARE SUCCESSFUL,
YOU’LL LEARN
THAT IT USUALLY
HAPPENED BECAUSE
THEY WERE ABLE TO
GET REALLY GOOD
AT A FEW THINGS
BY REPEATING
© GETTY IMAGES
THEM UNTIL THEY
EXCELLED AT THEM.
work and due diligence. means being able to set aside or subdue your ‹ Above, left: Sun Tzu,
renowned Chinese
It is particularly difficult to master anything in the physical world until you conquer the demons fear and anxiety so as not to panic in the face general and author of
in your own head that foster such impediments as fear, anxiety, panic and self-doubt. Once you of danger and to diminish self-doubt and The Art of War, wrote,
“Victorious warriors
are able to eliminate these counterproductive and debilitating thoughts, you can move forward in project self-confidence toward the eyes of win first and then go
to war, while defeated
mastering the warrior mindset. any opponent. Confucius once said, “He who warriors go to war first
conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” and then seek to win.”
• OVERCOME YOUR INTERNAL ROADBLOCKS TO SUCCESS. Once you learn to subdue your fear and vanquish ‹ Above, right: As
Bruce Lee once said, “I
The root of fear, anxiety, panic and self-doubt is the lack of experience. Having a warrior mindset panic, you will be on your way to achieving the
fear not the man who
has practiced 10,000
kicks once, but I fear
the man who has prac-
ticed one kick 10,000
times.”
‹ Left: Learning
to control one's
emotions, maintain
internal order and find
ways to achieve the
objective during the
fog of war are skills a
© GETTY IMAGES
person must master to

become an effective
warrior. (Photo:
Chris Hondros/Getty
Images)

‹ Left: "If you are
short of everything
but the enemy, you
are in the combat
zone.” —Murphy’s
Laws of Combat
‹ Below: Special
Forces soldiers often
© GETTY IMAGES
jump from airplanes
at altitudes in excess
of 30,000 feet. This
is to either defeat
radar surveillance
by deploying their
chutes at 4,000 feet
warrior mindset. The biggest contributor to actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who or fewer or to pilot
their parachutes to a
fear and panic is the unknown. The best way to spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achieve- distant landing zone.
conquer the unknown is to not only face it but to ment, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall Jumpers must use
GPS waypoints and
dive, head first, into it. By immersing yourself in never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." terrain features and
your fear, you will achieve “stress inoculation,” as What defines you as a true warrior is your ability to face danger. That doesn’t mean you want to correct their courses
to navigate to their
a result of which you will be able to function and be a hero or that you’re some kind of a superman, because I can tell you from personal experience objective.
think with clarity, even under conditions for which
your previous response would have been panic.
© GETTY IMAGES
• A WARRIOR NEVER RUNS FROM
ADVERSITY.
Being a warrior is about showing up to the
fight when every bone in your body tells you to
run in the opposite direction. It’s about striving
for greatness so that you know either the
elation of high achievement and victory or the
pain of defeat; but in any case, you can hold
up your head proudly, knowing you showed up
at the fight as opposed to running.
In his 1910 “Citizenship in a Republic” speech,
Theodore Roosevelt said,
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man
who points out how the strong man stumbles,
or where the doer of deeds could have done
them better. The credit belongs to the man
who is actually in the arena, whose face is
marred by dust and sweat and blood; who
strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short
again and again, because there is no effort
without error and shortcoming; but who does

STRESS
INOCULATION
TRAINING
Stress inoculation training (SIT) has been used successfully to
prepare those about to enter highly stressful situations—such as
the military, law enforcement and other high-risk occupations—
for the pressures they will inevitably face.
By being exposed to various types of challenging situa-
tions, developing and mastering skills to manage the stress,
and continued application and practice of the techniques
developed, people are able to manage their fears so they can
perform at necessary levels when they’re encountered in the
workplace and elsewhere.
There have been a number of studies conducted that also
evaluated the benefits of this approach in areas such as fear of
flying, enrollment in law school and athletes’ anxieties.
that one of the most difficult things to do is to

© GETTY IMAGES
override the basic human instinct to protect

yourself. You must have the discipline to counter
your innate instinct for survival to then run
‹ Lucius Annaeus Seneca was a 1st-century Roman philosopher who said, “A gem cannot be polished ‹ Below, left: Winston toward the gunfire. It’s having that mentality
without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.” In other words, if we don’t get out of our comfort Churchill was a noted that you’re going to put yourself into the fight,
zone and overcome serious challenges, we will not become better than we are. and respected states-
man, but perhaps his particularly if you are connected to those who
highest calling was
are in the fight, to get in there and to help them,
A WARRIOR’S HEART IS NOT AFRAID OF as a motivator of his
people and his armed no matter what.
DEATH AS MUCH AS IT FEARS A LIFE LIVED forces. He is quoted
as saying, “Success is
WITHOUT HONOR, LOYALTY AND STANDING not final, failure is not

fatal: It is the courage
• A WARRIOR MINDSET MEANS
HAVING THE DISCIPLINE TO
UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT.
to continue that
counts.”
BECOME EXTREMELY GOOD AT
DOING JUST A FEW THINGS.
Any time you look at people who are suc-
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
cessful, you’ll learn that it usually happened

because they were able to get really good
at a few things by repeating them until they
excelled at them. A couple of the other traits
of successful people are that they are able to
learn from other people’s mistakes and can
look at other successful people and under-
stand why they succeeded. They then apply
those learnings to their own life.
I try to do that as much as possible. When
‹ Near left: George S. Patton Jr. was a renowned

battlefield general who is known for being
successful because he was aggressive when the
situation called for it. There is a lot to be learned
from this comment: “Lead me, follow me, or get
the hell out of my way.”

© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
› Above, left: Being
a true warrior with
there’s something I don’t know about, I find
honor is a difficult someone who is good at it. I observe how they
and complex chal-
lenge, especially in do it, and then, I just try to, basically, mimic
environments that are what they are doing.
short on morals and
ethics. This Japanese We’ve all heard the term, “Jack of all trades,
proverb provides
some simple, but
master of none.” One thing I have always tried
worthwhile, guidance: to do is stay good at a few skills. The way
“Be strong when you
are weak, brave when to do that is to pick out the skills that you
you are scared, and believe are most important to maintain and
humble when you are
victorious.” then make practicing those skills an integral
part of your day.
› Above, right: "No The way to master a skill is to learn how
combat-ready unit to do it the right way, establish the proper
has ever passed
inspection.” — technique and practice it regularly. If you’re
Murphy’s Laws of
Combat
practicing bad technique, you’ll just get really
good at doing something wrong. In addition,
it’s important to remember that all skills are
perishable: Just because you are the master of
a skill today does not guarantee you will be a
master five years—without practice—from now.
Dedication to daily practice is the best way to
maintain your skills.
• A WARRIOR IS FLEXIBLE AND

KNOWS HOW TO IMPROVISE,
ADAPT AND OVERCOME.
It’s also important to remember that
› Right: Because techniques sometimes need to change when
we see it on t-shirts situations change; it is up to you to learn or
and stickers doesn’t
make George relearn what you need to know in order to
Orwell’s statement,
“People sleep peace-
maintain mastery of your chosen discipline.
ably in their beds at For instance, when I was in the Special Forces,
night only because
rough men stand it was imperative that I be highly proficient
ready to do violence at transitioning from my rifle to my pistol as
© GETTY IMAGES
on their behalf ... ,”

any less true. And rapidly as possible in case my rifle ran out of
today, he could add
“and women” to his
bullets or malfunctioned.
assertion. Now that I’m retired from the military, proficiency

ASG-1610-Elite Suvival Systems 7/18/16 11:16 AM Page 1
THE PATH TO
BECOMING A
WARRIOR IS
NOT AN EASY
ONE, BECAUSE
AT ITS CORE IS
DISCIPLINE.
Back Issues Available
Call Us:
1.800.764.6278
www.engagedmediamags.com

ON A ONCE YOU LEARN TO SUBDUE YOUR FEAR
AND VANQUISH PANIC, YOU WILL BE ON
PERSONAL YOUR WAY TO ACHIEVING THE WARRIOR
MINDSET.
NOTE
I would like to share an example of my personal experience with
the stress inoculation training being used successfully in the military.
I have always been deathly afraid of heights. But when I decided
to join the U.S. Army, I realized that this was one fear I would have
to overcome if I were to become an effective warrior.
That said, in my 25 years in the Army—starting as an infantry
soldier, then as a paratrooper and ultimately serving as a Green
Beret—I had no shortage of challenges that took me well off the
ground. On the low end, I had to maneuver over high obstacles,
climb 50-foot ropes and rappel off of 100-foot towers. I got
to soar above the trees in a SPIES (Special Patrol Insertion/
Extraction System) rig after a jungle extraction and did some
fast-roping out of helicopters hovering 90 feet above the ground.
© GETTY IMAGES
By using the techniques I learned in training, I was able to do

some static line parachuting with full combat equipment into
drop zones around the globe from 800 feet.
My greatest challenge came when I jumped from a perfectly
good airplane at 25,000 feet into the dark of night. and the battle at Thermopylae (which is taught at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy and in the U.S.
I had oxygen, 80 pounds of equipment and a ram-air parachute Marine Basic Course at Quantico), author Steven Pressfield wrote about how the Spartans trained:
on my back and my weapon strapped to my side. I flew myself "The hardship of the exercises is intended less to strengthen the back than to toughen the
at high altitude for over an hour and then landed in a postage mind. The Spartans say that any army may win while it still has its legs under it; the real test
stamp-sized landing zone many miles away from where I had comes when all strength is fled and the men must produce victory on will alone."
exited the aircraft. I was able to do all these things—not because Having the will to fight on and not quit is more of a trait than it is something you can
I am particularly courageous, but simply because I learned how “learn” through conditioning. A warrior never leaves a fallen comrade behind and only needs
to inoculate myself from my own fears to develop the discipline to look to his left and right to find a reason not to quit and to keep the will to drive on until
needed to control them to a point at which I could do my job. the war is won.
© GETTY IMAGES
in this skill is no longer necessary, because I don’t

carry a rifle all the time. I do, however, always carry
a concealed pistol. The physical act of drawing a
pistol from a concealed holster is much different
than drawing from a leg holster, so it was back
to the drawing board for me. I had to learn and
practice a new technique to become as proficient
and lethal as I had been in the past.
Remember: You can’t just rest easy and › Right: HALO (High
Altitude Low Opening)
expect skills to stay with you for life because and HAHO (High
you knew how to do them a long time ago. You Altitude High Opening)
parachutists jump
should continue to practice, modifying your from heights between
15,000 and 35,000 feet.
technique if necessary, no matter how good This extreme form of
you are at any given discipline. parachuting is not for
the faint at heart and
would certainly pose
• NEVER QUIT! a great challenge to
anyone with a phobia
In his epic novel, Gates of Fire, about the Spartans of heights!

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‹ The large Mojo Load-Out Bag is a great grab-and-go bag
you can throw in the trunk of your car when bugging out by
vehicle. It has a large capacity and an assortment of pockets
for keeping gear organized. (Photo: Voodoo Tactical)
HIT THE ROAD OR THE TRAIL

WITH THESE GREAT GEAR-
HAULERS FROM VOODOO
TACTICAL AND MAJOR SURPLUS
ON-YOUR
BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
-BACK
40
BUG-OUT
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]
I
› Above: The Large ’m continually on the lookout for the American military unit.)
Tobago Cargo Pack
has been the author’s
best ways to tote my equipment so I can Here, I’ve picked a cross-section of my favorites. Each excels at a particular bug-out mission, but
favorite over the years. have it with me when I need it. the overall objective for every one of them is the same: to get your gear to where you’re going.
It offers great capacity,
versatility, rugged con- That goes when I’m on a wilderness
struction and carry hunt, backcountry hike or stowing VOODOO TACTICAL LARGE TOBAGO CARGO PACK
comfort and is avail-
able in several color emergency gear in a car or canoe for a “just-in- When I find a great product, I never want to risk going without it. With that in mind, I have to confess
and camo patterns.
These three are the
case” scenario. Daypacks, backpacks, military that I now own three Large Tobago Cargo Packs.
author’s own packs. packs, range bags, shoulder sacks, fanny packs, The Tobago is simply the best, most versatile pack I’ve ever used. It has a large, 75-liter capacity; plenty
duffels—I’ve tried them all. of compartments and pockets within compartments to keep gear organized; and it is well-made, with
Along the way, I’ve used several products thick nylon fabric and heavy-duty zippers.
from Major Surplus & Survival and its tactical The Tobago carries heavy loads easily. It has contoured, padded shoulder straps that are kept in
specialty subsidiary, Voodoo Tactical. Some place with a sternum strap. It has padded lumbar support and a padded hip belt that supports a lot
I’ve used extensively. of the weight. Together, they keep the pack from shifting when covering difficult terrain.
Major Surplus & Survival offers genuine There’s a rigid back support in its own zippered compartment that also helps with carrying heavy
military surplus gear and new, military-style loads comfortably. That back support is removable; with it removed, the pack can be stuffed more
gear at affordable prices. Voodoo Tactical easily into small spaces, such as into a kayak or car trunk. That zippered compartment is also a great
provides top-of-the-line tactical gear designed place to tuck topo maps and notebooks.
for heavy-duty use. Much of that gear is in use The pack has the natural, low profile of a smaller rucksack, unlike top-heavy conventional back-
by military and law enforcement units around packs. That allows you to travel through thick brush easily, climbing over blow-downs without losing
the globe. (I once had to wait for a Tobago pack balance or getting hung up on low-hanging branches.
in Coyote Brown, because the company was The Tobago has two large main compartments. The first and largest has tie-down straps to
filling a large order for that item from a South secure a water bladder or other gear and two zippered mesh compartments. There are ports both

› Below: The large Tobago pack features a removable
left and right at the top of the pack to run water bladder hoses. They are closed off with Velcro flaps rigid back support in its own zippered compartment.
when not in use. With it installed, heavy loads can be carried more com-
fortably. Without it, the pack can be more easily stuffed
The second large compartment has three divider pockets to keep gear organized, as well as a into small areas, such as in a canoe or kayak.
radio pouch and slots for pens or other small gear. I usually stick a sharpening rod in one and a
ferro rod in another.
There’s a smaller, zippered pocket on each side of the pack as well. These are great for a compass,
flashlight, whistle, insect repellent, first aid kit, alcohol stove, fire-starting kit and other small items
you want to keep handy. There’s also a long, zippered pocket on the back of the pack near the
bottom. That’s where I usually place a couple of 50-foot lengths of paracord and a bathroom kit—
trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer—for when I’m literally “on the go.”
There are MOLLE gear attachment points all over the pack that allow you to customize the pack
however you want. I’ve used them at times to attach an additional utility pouch, machete, shotgun
scabbard and, on the shoulder straps, a pistol holster and fixed-blade knife.
There are compression straps on the top and bottom on each side of the pack. As a
result, you don’t have to switch packs when traveling light. You can cinch down the
straps to keep gear from rattling around when carrying lighter loads. I’ve used those
compression straps for securing other gear on the outside of the pack, such as a
sleeping pad, backpacking tent, camera tripod and protective fishing rod tube. I
always keep a pair of nylon straps in the pack in case I want to lash something
to the bottom of the pack, such as a sleeping bag or bulky hunting jacket.
For overnight or gone for good, the Tobago Cargo Pack is the one I’d choose.
When you consider its $99.95 price tag, this Voodoo Tactical pack is one of
the best values on the market.
THE TOBAGO IS SIMPLY THE BEST, MOST

VERSATILE PACK I’VE EVER USED. IT HAS
A LARGE, 75-LITER CAPACITY; PLENTY
OF COMPARTMENTS AND POCKETS
WITHIN COMPARTMENTS TO KEEP
GEAR ORGANIZED; AND IT IS WELL-
MADE, WITH THICK NYLON FABRIC
AND HEAVY-DUTY ZIPPERS.
› Far right: The Voodoo packs are MOLLE-com-
patible. Additional utility pouches, cartridge
carriers, magazine pouches and first aid bags
are available to accessorize them as you
like. Pictured here with the Tobago pack is
a Voodoo Tactical shotgun scabbard that
can be attached to the pack via its MOLLE
attachments or carried separately with its own
shoulder strap.
Large Tobago Cargo

Pack
Specifications
• Dimensions: 20x19x12 inches
• Capacity: 75 liters
• Colors: Woodland camo, olive drab,
› Near right: The large Tobago pack is fitted
with contoured, padded shoulder straps, a coyote brown, black, ACU digital camo,
sternum strap to keep the pack in place and, MultiCam
to help carry the load, a padded hip belt.
MSRP: $99.95 ($143.95 for MultiCam)

PRAETORIAN RIFLE PACK LITE
When you have to travel fast and light with
minimal gear, a smaller pack is sometimes
best. Maybe you have a place to stash heavier
gear, or maybe you’ve established a temporary
base camp—a place to hunker down.
I’ve used two smaller Voodoo Tactical packs
for several years. The first is the Mini Tobago, an
excellent pack for hunting, day hikes or when
bugging out with just the basics. The second is
the Discreet Raven Pack, a heavy-duty daypack
with a more-subdued, less-military look to it
for traveling, especially in urban environments,
when I don’t want to draw attention.
But this time around, I decided to put another
Voodoo Tactical pack to the test. The Praetorian
Rifle Pack Lite has some unusual capabilities for
a daypack and lots of “cool” factor.
The entire back panel of the pack is actually
a large, padded flap secured by a zipper and
six adjustable, quick-release buckles. Open
the flap, and a compartment is revealed that
allows for carrying any long gun from 29 to
58 inches long.
A fold-down pouch with adjustable straps
‹ Above: The large Mojo Load-Out Bag is
a great grab-and-go bag you can throw in
the trunk of your car when bugging out
by vehicle. It has a large capacity and an
assortment of pockets for keeping gear
organized. (Photo: Voodoo Tactical)
‹ Near left: The Praetorian Rifle

Pack Lite is about the size of a
typical daypack, but with its padded
laptop compartment and rifle carrier
system, it has far greater versatility.
(Photo: Voodoo Tactical)
‹ Far left: The Praetorian’s shoulder

straps and waist belt are well padded
for all-day comfort. (Photo: Voodoo
Tactical)
Praetorian Rifle
Pack Lite
Specifications
• Dimensions: 20x12x7.5 inches ‹ Bottom left: The Praetorian Rifle Pack
• Capacity: 30 liters Lite, while not offering the capacity of
• Colors: Olive drab, coyote brown, black larger packs, does provide a handy way
to carry a long gun while still protecting
MSRP: $111.95 it from bumps and bruises.

Mojo Loadout Bag
with Backpack
Straps
Specifications
• Dimensions: 39x18x15 inches
• Colors: Olive drab, coyote brown,
black, MultiCam
MSRP: $111.95 ($191.95 MultiCam)
› Top right: The Mojo Load-Out Bag can be carried with the carry handles wrapped together or with the
provided shoulder strap. A backpack strap harness is also included.
› Middle right: The large Mojo Load-Out Bag comes with a quick-attach backpack strap harness that
stores in its own compartment on the bottom of the bag—very handy if you suddenly find yourself
afoot.
cradles the butt of a rifle or shotgun, while additional straps secure the receiver and barrel for
muzzle-up carry. Close the back panel, and you’re ready to go with the rifle protected—lessening the
chance of a scope from being knocked out of zero. A nylon sleeve is provided to cover the barrel and
further protect a long gun from the weather. Also included is another adjustable carrier that gives you
the option of transporting a long gun muzzle down.
Another padded compartment, accessible with full-length zippers on each side, is perfect for stow-
ing a laptop computer. In that compartment, there’s also a removable pistol holster that secures via
Velcro in various positions within that compartment.
While this compartment increases the Praetorian’s overall capacity to 30 liters, I would probably add
a utility pouch for small survival gear (knife, compass, fire kit) while using the padded compartment
for a water bladder. Extensive external MOLLE webbing provides numerous attachment points for
add-ons, giving this pack great versatility. And when you’re not using the pack to transport a rifle, you
can add pouches to the MOLLE webbing inside that flapped gun compartment.
The Praetorian Rifle Pack Lite has padded shoulder straps and a waist belt. Mesh padding where the
pack contacts your back is designed to keep you cool and comfortable.
MOJO LOAD-OUT BAG WITH BACKPACK STRAPS

The large Mojo Load-Out Bag is a great grab-and-go bag that you can throw in the trunk of your car
when bugging out by vehicle. It has an enormous, 173-liter capacity, with one large main compartment
and an assortment of 11 external pockets for keeping gear organized.
The main compartment is accessed through the two top zippers that run the length of the bag with
joined zipper pulls, providing a wide-mouth opening that makes it easy to add or remove gear.
I wish I had had one of these bags when I was a police officer, because it would have made an excel-
lent patrol bag, to be kept in a vehicle to carry the many extras (backup flashlights, raincoats, extra
handcuffs, rubber gloves, binocular, tools and many other pieces of gear) that are sometimes needed
in law enforcement.
‹ Above: The Mojo Load-Out Bag features two
As a bug-out bag, this Mojo Load-Out Bag excels. There are compartments for everything, enabling zippers along the entire length of the bag to
you to keep your gear separated and undamaged when transporting your gear over rough roads. Two provide a wide opening to access gear.

Mil-Spec Plus ‹ Near left: The Mil-Spec Plus 70-Liter Back-
pack comes with a removable rain cover to
70-Liter Backpack keep your pack and gear protected from the
weather. (Photo: Voodoo Tactical)
Specifications
• Dimensions: 16x12.5x31 inches
• Colors: Blue, green, red
MSRP: $159.95
‹ Far left: Numerous convenient

external pockets on the Mil-Spec
Plus 70-Liter Backpack enable
you to keep frequently used gear
close at hand.
‹ Below, left: The Mil-Spec Plus 70-Liter

Backpack is offered in blue (shown),
green and red. (Photo: Voodoo Tactical)
‹ Below, right: The Mil-Spec Plus 70-Liter

Backpack has the look of a bag intended
more for civilian backpackers than
military operators, but it is a large, very
capable pack suitable for multi-day jour-
neys. (Photo: Voodoo Tactical)
compression straps on each end of the bag also

help keep your gear stabilized.
You probably won’t need more capacity
than this bag offers, but you can add MOLLE
pouches and other gear to the outside web-
bing along one entire side of the bag. The bag
also features D-rings around the top for adding
straps or lashing gear.
The bag features a wraparound carry handle
in the center and an adjustable, removable
padded shoulder strap. And, in the event your
vehicle breaks down and you find yourself
afoot, there’s a shoulder strap harness stowed
in a special compartment on the outside
bottom of the bag that allows you to carry the
Mojo as a huge backpack.
MIL-SPEC PLUS 70-LITER

BACKPACK
If a more-traditional backpack suits you bet-
ter, Major Surplus and Survival offers its Mil-
Spec Plus 70-Liter Backpack. It’s a top-loading
pack constructed of lightweight ripstop nylon
and offers enough capacity for multi-day
excursions. This one has been flying under the

ESSENTIAL PACK FEATURES
While there are different packs for different through the vast depths of my pack as if it from damage—especially smaller items, such
purposes, there are some constants—things I were lip gloss tossed into the bottom of my as a flashlight, compass, GPS unit, cell phone
look for in any pack for any mission. wife’s handbag. Having a variety of pockets or two-way radio, whistle, fire-starting kit,
or compartments within the pack helps keep multi-tool, first aid kit, etc.
1. SUFFICIENT SPACE.. If I’m choosing a my gear organized, accessible and protected
bug-out bag or pack, it has to have enough
room in it, not only for my survival gear, spare
clothing, guns and ammo, but also for water
containers and food to last for several days. If
I’m choosing a daypack, it has to have room
for my necessities; that is, the minimalist gear I
need to improvise everything I might need in a
survival situation, including building a shelter,
starting a fire and cooking meals.
2. COMFORTABLE CARRY. Holding enough
gear is useless in a pack if I struggle to carry it
every step of the way. Is the pack stable, or is
it constantly shifting? Do the straps dig into
my shoulders, or are they sufficiently padded
and shaped? Does it have a waist belt, and is it
positioned for my body size to support a good
amount of the pack’s weight?
3. RUGGED CONSTRUCTION. I need to
depend on a pack in extreme conditions. I don’t
need it to fall apart when the going gets rough.
I don’t need to lose gear because of broken
zippers or the bottoms ripping out of pockets.
4. SEVERAL COMPARTMENTS. When I
reach for a piece of gear, I might need it now.
I don’t want to have to rummage around
radar because it has the quality and features bag compartment is separated from the large main compartment by a nylon flap attached ‹ Above: Other smaller
Voodoo Tactical packs
that outclass many of the more-expensive with two adjustable straps. Unfastening the straps allows you to open the inside of the pack the author has used
“name brand” packs. to create one cavernous space. with good results are
the Mini Tobago (left)
The top flap includes a zippered electronics A removable rain cover is included—an extra expense with most other packs—and it is and the Raven Discreet
Pack.
pocket with two internal zipper pockets and contained in a dedicated pocket in the top flap. Straps are included, both top and bottom,
earphone port. There’s also a covered water for lashing a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, jackets, tent or other bulky items. Two gear loops are
bladder port leading from the main com- also provided on the outside bottom for ice axes or other tools. Straps on the back of the pack
partment. Under the top flap, the top collar provide a place to lash collapsible trekking poles too.
of the pack has a drawstring closure with a The Mil-Spec Plus 70-Liter Backpack features an aluminum frame and back stays for carry-
cord lock. That collar has an extension sleeve ing heavy loads. Dual-density, foam-padded shoulder straps and waist belt provide support.
that pulls up to make use of the pack’s full The entire shoulder harness and the padded back panel are adjustable to the size of your S O U R C E S
capacity. There’s zippered access to the main torso, helping keep the pack comfortable over the miles.
Major Surplus and Survival
compartment from the side as well. (800) 441-8855
Along each side of the pack is a zippered STUFF ’EM AS YOU LIKE www.MajorSurplus.com
pocket at the top and an open-topped Major Surplus & Survival and Voodoo Tactical have the packs and bags you need to keep Voodoo Tactical
water bottle pocket at the bottom. There’s a your emergency preps and survival gear ready to go. What you decide to put in those bug-out (877) 586-6366
www.VoodooTactical.net
zippered sleeping bag storage compartment bags is up to you. (Before I get started on that, let’s leave it for now—it's a topic deserving of
at the bottom of the pack. Inside, the sleeping its own article).

VALUABLE LESSONS LEARNED
FROM THE GREAT DEPRESSION
BY DANA BENNER
© GETTY IMAGES

› Right: Because no one knows
what tomorrow will bring, now is
© GETTY IMAGES
the best time to examine your fi-
nances and skill sets to see where
you can improve your chances to
thrive in an economic bust.
W
hile we can never
change history,
wise people learn
from it. A good
example of this is
the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s.
The stock market collapsed, and banks,
factories and businesses closed their doors.
What little money people had been able to
save was gone.
It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Many people
lost everything they had. Farms and homes
were foreclosed on. Droughts and poor
farming practices turned valuable productive Although times have changed—with some changes for the better and others not so much—this
farmland into dustbowls, and prices for food calamity could still happen to us today. These days, we rely too much on social programs to see
‹ Below: During the
and other items soared. What little money Great Depression, us through the rough times. We are overly dependent on technology to do our work and on the
lines at soup kitch-
that was available wasn’t enough to purchase ens were common. government to get us through when things go badly.
what was needed. Jobs were lost, and there Even as good as The good news is that the principles learned by our forebears almost 100 years ago still apply
times are today,
were no social services available to fall back there is often not today ... that is, if we are willing to learn from them.
on as there are today. People had to learn to enough food at soup My parents were children during the Great Depression, my father being born in 1919 and
kitchens and food
be resourceful and frugal ... or perish. banks. my mother in 1920. They came from two very different backgrounds, two different sets
of circumstances and two different ways of dealing with them. My mother came from a
© GETTY IMAGES
family of four, and her father hunted and fished to help keep food on the table. My father
came from a family of six, and, although nobody in that family hunted or fished, they were
resourceful in other ways.
What both families had in common was that they used their determination, wits and skills to
make it through. The lessons they learned the hard way were instilled in me as I grew up. Those
lessons have served me well, and I continue to use them today.
THE SIMPLE THINGS

What would you do if your money were worthless? How about if you lost your job and had no
money to purchase food, clothing or keep a roof over your head? How would you deal with the
issues that we consider mundane today, such as darning a pair of socks or patching the holes
in your pants or shirts? Could you make your own clothes if you had to? Could you whip up a
meal out of almost nothing? These are all things my parents learned to do and, thankfully, they
taught me to do the same.
My father’s mother taught him how to sew and cook, and while neither one was “his thing,”
he could do them if he had to. My mother made it a point to teach me how to sew and cook;
ALTHOUGH THE TIMES HAVE CHANGED,

AND THERE ARE MORE SAFEGUARDS IN
PLACE, BAD THINGS STILL CAN, AND WILL,
HAPPEN ON A LARGE SCALE. IF HISTORY
TEACHES US ANYTHING, IT IS THAT SOME
© GETTY IMAGES
PEOPLE WILL BE PREPARED, AND SOME
(PROBABLY MORE) WILL NOT.
‹ Above: The Great Depression was a worldwide event, as can be seen in this
photo of a food line in France.

‹ Left: When the credit
do if you had no money to spare on new socks, or cards are maxed and
© GETTY IMAGES
there were no store? When all the money you do you're out of cash,
you can still trade
have has to go to keeping a roof over your head your wallet. Bartering,
and food in your stomach, you will have to fix whether it's goods or
services, is a key way
what you have and make do. for you to acquire
necessities.
The ability to sew is basic, but it has many
other implications besides fixing clothing.
Your skill with a needle and thread could help
in an emergency survival situation. Perhaps
the strap on your pack lets go, or your sleep-
ing bag gets a tear. Maybe you need to make a
fishing net or sew up a wound. The principles
of sewing apply in all these cases, and you
just never know when this skill will come in
handy. This is why I keep a small sewing kit in
my bag at all times ... just in case.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
OPPORTUNITIES
Never waste an opportunity to acquire
food and other important supplies, because
this is knowledge I have benefitted from more than once. I don’t sew with a sewing machine. you never know when you will get another
She taught me how to use a needle and thread, because what would you do if you didn’t have a chance. My father’s father worked at a little
sewing machine or the power to run it? grocery store during the Great Depression. It ‹ Below: Tough times
cause immense
When I was growing up, I would watch my mother darn my socks and patch my clothes. We did didn’t pay much, but at least he had a job. mental and emotional
not have much money, so she made sure she got the most out of the money we did spend. Her One thing that he could do was take home strains on families and
children. Make having
way of thinking was, Why spend the money to replace something if it can be repaired? fruit and vegetables and sometimes, meat, healthy, supportive
Why is something as mundane as sewing important? In today’s throwaway world, many of us have that were about to go bad and couldn’t be and positive personal
relationships a top
lost this skill. If we get a hole in our socks, we throw them away and buy a new pair. What would you sold. He had no vehicle, so he would walk priority.
© GETTY IMAGES

› Do whatever needs
to be done. In this
case, it means gather-
ing sap to make maple
syrup.
© GETTY IMAGES
home carrying these items. WE ARE OVERLY DEPENDENT ON
My grandparents would go through the food TECHNOLOGY TO DO OUR WORK AND ON
and salvage what they could. Meat would
have to be cooked right away, because there
THE GOVERNMENT TO GET US THROUGH
were no refrigerators as we know them today. WHEN THINGS GO BADLY.
They had an icebox, but it only kept things
© GETTY IMAGES
cool when they could afford, or even get,
ice. Fruit and vegetables that couldn’t wait
another day were made into breads or were
eaten right away. Anything left over would
end up in a stew or soup for the next day.
That was a rare opportunity my grandfather
had; he took advantage of it, and my grand-
parents made sure nothing went to waste.
Compare this with how much good food we
throw away every day because we have had
our fill or don’t like leftovers.
As mentioned before, my mother’s father
hunted. Using an old shotgun, he would
shoot grouse, rabbits and squirrels. He also
taught my mother how to hunt. In turn, she
taught me. Because shot shells cost money,
and they couldn’t afford to buy shells, they
› Learn a trade that had to make every shot count. Every oppor-
will be in demand—
whether times are tunity was exploited to its maximum. My
good or bad. Fixing
cars and trucks could grandfather would get more shells when he
earn you some extra could by either buying them—or, more often
money; alternatively,
you could barter your than not—by trading a nice, fat rabbit for a
skills. handful of rounds. A few more rounds meant

MY FATHER’S MOTHER TAUGHT HIM HOW TO SEW AND COOK,
AND WHILE NEITHER ONE WAS “HIS THING,” HE COULD DO THEM
IF HE HAD TO.
‹ Left: Teaching her
son to sew, this mother
is giving him a skill that
is very likely to come in
handy in the future.
‹ Below, left: With the

right tools, a little help
from a reference book
and some patience,
you’ll find you can
address most basic
plumbing, carpentry
and electrical repairs.
‹ Below, right: Fruit

© GETTY IMAGES
doesn’t stay good for

long. Learning how to
can and to make jam
will make that fruit
last much longer and
broaden your menu
options. These are also
another meal or two. rely on your own skills to get things done. Today, we have the advantage of many ways to learn great trade items.
Today, just as then, we need to take advan- how to do everything from electrical work to welding. There are literally tons of informational
tage of every opportunity that is presented. books, videos and online instruction on virtually every topic. I have a bookcase full of them in ‹ Bottom, right: Hunt-
ing is just one way to
Unlike during the 1920s and ’30s, we have case I need them. I prefer books over relying on technology, simply because books are going to put food on the table.
refrigeration available to us. I hunt and fish as
© GETTY IMAGES
much as I can, stocking my freezer with game
and fish. I barter for those things I can’t get
on my own. I keep my pantry stocked with
canned goods and emergency food, such as
Paleo Meals to Go, Mountain House and MRE
Star. I purchase them when I have a little
extra money. Buy these items when they are
on sale, and keep them on hand. You never
know when you will need them.
ACQUIRE A TRADE
During the Great Depression, your own
© GETTY IMAGES
skills were what got you through. You
© GETTY IMAGES
couldn’t afford to pay a roofer, plumber or

a mechanic, so you needed to be able to fix
things on your own.
My father learned very early how to fix
anything mechanical. He learned the hard
way—by taking things apart and then put-
ting them back together. He soon became
pretty good at it and was even able to make
a little extra money for the family by fixing
other people’s things.
‹ Above: Never waste anything! This carcass is being
In an emergency situation, you will need to boiled down to be turned into a soup or stew.

› Right: Even in
be available and functional, and access to today's "healthy"
technology might not. economy, many
people live paycheck
to paycheck. Whether
MONEY or not you are one of
them, look for ways
We all know that "money makes the world to reduce expenses
by doing things you
go around." But money, especially paper mon- usually pay others to
ey, is only as good as the government that is do or make for you.
backing it. Those physical dollar bills are not

really “money”; instead, they are promissory
notes backed by the U.S. government for the
value printed on them.
What happens if there is a government
failure? If the economy collapses, the value
of that “money” drops, because the tangible
things you need to buy become more valuable.
THE PHYSICAL
DOLLAR BILLS
ARE NOT REALLY
“MONEY”;
INSTEAD, THEY › Below: Based on
ARE PROMISSORY the metal it is made
of, "hard currency”
NOTES BACKED has its own value. In
a survival situation,
BY THE U.S. gold and silver (from
any country) will
GOVERNMENT FOR have the same value.

© GETTY IMAGES
In today’s world, this
THE VALUE PRINTED

means we should all
have some invest-
ments in gold and/or
ON THEM. silver.
© GETTY IMAGES

NEVER WASTE AN OPPORTUNITY TO
ACQUIRE FOOD AND OTHER IMPORTANT
SUPPLIES, BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW
WHEN YOU WILL GET ANOTHER CHANCE.
TOOLS YOU
CAN’T LIVE
WITHOUT
Whether you need to fix your car, a broken pipe or your roof, you will
need tools. Here is a list of basic tools you should have on hand.
© GETTY IMAGES
• Wrenches: A good set of wrenches, both standard and metric,
in various sizes should always be on hand. Although adjustable
wrenches will do in a pinch, nothing replaces a regular wrench.
• Pipe wrench: Sometimes called a “monkey wrench,” this wrench
is a lifesaver when trying to repair a broken water pipe, because it is
designed to fit pipes and pipe fittings.
• Hammer: Make sure you have a good claw hammer, not one of
those “dollar store” specials. You want it to last. Believe me: You will
probably use it often.
• Screwdrivers: Keep handy some good, old-fashioned hand
screw drivers in both Phillips and standard configurations.
REFERENCE
BOOKS
Today, we rely way too much on our electronics. Where will you turn
if that technology goes away?
For that reason, I own books that cover everything from medical
to mechanical topics. I recommend that you also have these
books on hand.
• The Survival Medicine Handbook, by Joseph Alton, M.D., and Amy

Alton, A.R.N.P. Doctors don’t work for free, so you might need to take
© GETTY IMAGES
care of some things yourself. This book tells you how.

• Reader’s Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual. This book has
been around for many years and covers everything from plumbing
› Above: Learn now how to cook and bake from scratch. In tough times, one of the first expenses and electrical to woodworking. It is a great reference if you need
people cut is eating out.
to fix something.
• Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book. Now in its 15th edition, this
That is what happened during the Great Depression. Those who got by didn’t do so by amass- was my mother’s cookbook (when she used one). This book teaches
ing huge amounts of dollar bills. They did so by using gold and silver coinage. “Hard currency” you how to do everything from scratch and is an invaluable reference.
is what it is called. It has its own value that is based on the metal it is made of. In a survival
situation, gold and silver (from any country) will have more value than paper money.
In today’s world, this means we should all be investing what we can, when we can, in gold and
silver. I’m not talking about purchasing gold and silver stocks. I’m talking about purchasing hard

... TAKE A LOOK BACK AND LEARN FROM THE PEOPLE
WHO CAME BEFORE US. WHILE THE TIMES AND SPECIFIC
CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CHANGED, THE PRINCIPLES AND
RISKS HAVE NOT.
© GETTY IMAGES
coinage. You can buy gold and silver coins, We have all heard about people who have dug up jars of silver coins buried by people looking to ‹ Above: Small gold
and silver bars are
specialty coins or even bars on the open keep them safe. They did this because they didn’t trust the banks (remember, banks went under harder than coins to
market. Stay away from “clad” coins, because during the Great Depression and during the banking crisis 10 years ago). I don’t recommend doing exchange in common
transactions, but they
they are made from another metal and then that, but just keep them safe. are a good way to
preserve your wealth
plated in gold or silver. Purchase items made Although the times have changed, and there are more safeguards in place, bad things still can, and can be effective
from as much gold or silver as possible. and will, happen on a large scale. If history teaches us anything, it is that some people will be for larger trades and
purchases.
After you make your purchase, don’t run prepared, and some (probably more) will not.
around bragging or showing them off. Flash- In our age of computers, cell phones and government-sponsored social services, it is very
ing your assets will make you a target—if not easy to get complacent and forget the knowledge and skills needed to keep it together when
now, then later—when the SHTF and people times get tough.
become desperate. Store your gold and silver This article discusses just a few of these lessons, so take a look back and learn from the people
in a safe place, and then leave it there until who came before us. While the times and specific circumstances have changed, the principles
you need it. and risks have not.

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BOLD
AND
BRIGHT
HANDHELD POWERHOUSES THAT
WILL GUIDE THE WAY
BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA
B
eing out in the dark can be hikers in the dead of night, handheld flash-
very scary. It can instantly lights of all sizes, styles and purposes can
intensify already-jittery help pierce the veil of night and allow the
nerves and increase fears wielder to regain control of the situation.
that might otherwise seem A simple flashlight can put a person’s
unjustified or even silly when the same area worries and misplaced fears far behind
is illuminated in the light of day. In addition, them while providing them the means to
not knowing what is ahead of you or lurking continue onward if lost, emit a signal to
around the next corner, rock or tree can result rescuers or send a message to anyone out
in unforeseen injuries, making a wrong turn, to do them harm that they are not
which could prove equally disastrous, or a defenseless target.
becoming the target of an unknown stalker Flashlights serve many purposes; it’s
bent on making you his next victim. time to “shine some light” on these vital
But, like fire providing comfort to weary emergency tools.

SOG Bladelight Folding Mini
Overview Specifications
In the dark and carrying this knife? You’ll • Output: 45 lumens
have no problem at all! Sporting twin LED • Runtime: 4 hours
lights on its handle, this knife will act as a • Overall length: 7 inches
flashlight for all sorts of projects, and it will • Closed length: 4 inches
also help you find your way when the sun • Reversible, low-carry belt clip
has set for the day. CR2032 lithium batteries • Aluminum and glass-reinforced
keep this light burning brightly for up to 240 handle
minutes. Fully water resistant, this go-to
MSRP
light is perfect for marine or heavy-rainfall
$80
environments. A sharp blade and brilliant
illumination—what more could you ask for? URL
www.SOGKnives.com
Pak-Lite Dual Red LED Flasher

A flashing red light signals others to be • Minimum 50-hour runtime
cautious or draws attention to a dire situ- • Single or dual LED modes
ation, and this little number performs that • Attaches to included 9-volt alkaline
to perfection. Tiny enough to be stored in battery
your pants pocket, mini-gear bag or even the • Gold-plated toggle contacts
palm of your hand, this powerful red beacon • Additional accessory options
cuts the darkness of night with long-running available
LEDs. Use it on your bike, the rear of your
MSRP
trailer or to send a distress signal while lost
$19.99
in the wild. In clear weather conditions, it can
be seen over a mile away. URL
www.9VLight.com

SOG Dark Energy DE-06
Flashlight
Producing a blinding 687 lumens, this • Overall length: 5.95 inches
palm-sized flashlight utilizes five modes • Weight: 4.80 ounces
at the touch of a single button. Just scroll • Black hard-anodized finish
through them to activate the full, “100%” • Integrated belt clip
power mode, the “40%” power, “reading,” • Rechargeable 18650 battery
“tactical” and “strobe” features. Its outer
MSRP
shell is tough as nails and will hold up to
$194
the rigors of the outdoors while remaining
firm within your grasp. Sporting nearly 100 URL
minutes of runtime at full power and a www.SOGKnives.com
staggering 97 hours in reading mode, this
pocket-sized unit lights it up in a big way.
Ledlenser MT10 Flashlight

An important component of your bug-out • Output range: 1,000 (“high”), 10
bag or emergency kit, this high-powered (“low”) lumens
flashlight performs multiple functions to • Runtime range: 6 (“high”), 144
help keep you and your family safe. Three (“low”) hours
power settings and a strobe signaler ensure • Beam is adjustable from “spot” to
just the right amount of light needed for “flood”
your task or attract others to your location. • Length: 5.04 inches
An energy-saving mode preserves precious • Weight: 5.50 ounces
power, while its battery indicator alerts • Includes Li-ion rechargeable
you when a charge is needed. A belt clip is battery
included for easy carrying.
MSRP
$80
URL
www.LedLenserUSA.com

Ledlenser MH10 Headlamp
Hands-free light where you need it, when • Output range: 600 (“high”), 10
you need it. The MH10 projects up to 600 (“low”) lumens
lumens of light directly onto the task at • Runtime range: 10 (“high”), 120
hand. Sporting an advanced focusing beam, (“low”) hours
temperature control system and smart • Includes a lens filter set
light technology, this simple-to-use lamp • Weight: 9.31 ounces
is amazingly advanced. The unit comes
MSRP
complete with a travel case, USB charger
$80
and Li-ion rechargeable battery.
URL
Ledlenser MT18 Flashlight

This flashlight is big and bold! Delivering an • Output range: 3,000 (“high”), 30
incredible 3,000 lumens on full power, the (“low”) lumens
MT18 brightens up the darkest room, trail or • Runtime range: 5 (“high”), 96
wherever you find yourself in the blackness (“low”) hours
of night. It features an energy-saving mode, • Rechargeable Li-ion battery
battery indicator, charge indicator and trans- • Beam adjusts from “spot” to
portation lock, all contained within its highly “flood”
durable shell. It’s water resistant, recharge- • Weight: 21.87 ounces
able and, best of all, it gives you peace of • Length: 6.73 inches
mind when it’s firmly in your hand.
MSRP
$199
URL

Fenix HL40R Focusable
Rechargeable Headlamp
Want a lightweight, comfortable feel and • Output range: 600 (“high”), 4
one of the most feature-rich headlamps on (“low”) lumens
the market today? Then, this model is for • Runtime range: 1.33 (“high”), 200
you. Featuring a 600-lumen burst down to (“low”) hours
a 4-lumen steady light, this lamp sports six • Rainproof and dustproof
lighting modes—perfect for diverse exploring • Beam adjusts from “spot” to
or survival tasks. The unit’s battery indicator “flood”
lets you know when it’s time to charge its • Weight: 4.60 ounces
built-in battery via a convenient USB port.
MSRP
The headlamp’s overlapping band ensures a
$80
snug, comfy fit.
URL
www.FenixLighting.com
Fenix TK25 White and

Red LED Flashlight
An amalgamation of a high-performance • White output range: 1,000 (“high”),
white LED flashlight and a red LED hunting or 15 (“low”) lumens
tactical light, this handheld light transitions • White runtime range: 2 (“high”), 110
with just a simple twist of the head. Featuring (“low”) hours
four levels of white light, a maximum output • Red output range: 310 (“high”), 10
of 1,000 lumens and a beam distance of (“low”) lumens
nearly 750 feet, this lamp redefines the word, • Red runtime range: 2.5 (“high”), 100
“powerful.” Its red output maxes out at an (“low”) hours
incredible 310 lumens—powerful enough to • Functional tail switch for output
break through the darkest forest or a pitch- selection
black urban tactical setting. It’s compatible • Weight: 5.52 ounces
with one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or
MSRP
two 3V CR123A lithium batteries.
$120
URL

Fenix TK72R Rechargeable
Flashlight
This monster exudes pure power! Sporting an • Output range: 9,000 (“high”), 100
incredibly blinding 9,000 lumens and project- (“low”) lumens
ing a beam more than 300 yards, this flash- • Runtime range: 0.83 (“high”), 50
light is one of the most powerful handheld (“low”) hours
lights on the market. Three stainless steel • Constructed of durable, high-
buttons control its brightness, while its OLED strength aluminum
display shows the flashlight’s status, including • Micro USB charging; USB discharging
brightness, runtime and remaining battery • Weight: 14.5 ounces (without
level. The included battery pack is micro-USB batteries)
rechargeable and can also be used to charge
MSRP
other devices. The unit is waterproof and dust
$329.95
proof and built super-durably to handle even
the most rugged environments. URL
Pelican 2780 Headlamp

Experience piercing LED light ahead of you, • Output range: 430 (“high”), 53
directly in front of you—or, when combined, (“low”) lumens
nearly all around you. This amazing head- • Runtime range: 1.5 (“high”), 12
lamp offers three output levels to provide (“low”) hours
you with just the right amount of light for • Head pivots vertically through 60
the task at hand. Combine all this with the degrees
“flashing” mode, which is perfect for alerting • 4 AA batteries included
rescuers in the darkness. A comfortable fit • Weight: 8.8 ounces (with batteries)
and easy-to-change settings round out this
MSRP
must-have nighttime aid.
$68.74
URL
www.Pelican.com

Lifelight Emergency Hand-Crank
Flashlight
This hand-powered emergency flashlight • Integrated USB phone charger
brightens the trail ahead ... and does a whole • Rainproof outer shell
lot more. Integrated within its easy-to- • Impact-resistant plastic
find black-and-orange shell is a window • Includes lithium-ion rechargeable
breaker, seat belt cutter, compass, cellphone battery
charger—and, of course, a traditional and
MSRP
signaling flashlight. Running low on power?
$39.95
Just crank the handle and bring the unit back
up to its fullest potential. This flashlight is URL
perfect for campers, hikers, explorers and www.CynergyHome.com
anyone preparing for the unexpected.
PowerTac E9R Flashlight

The E9R features a powerful CREE XM-L2 • Output range: 1,020 (“high”), 1
LED that’s capable of emitting a stagger- (“low”) lumens
ing 1,020 lumens, a signaling strobe and • Runtime range: 2.2 (“high”), 305
“memory” mode to keep your settings as you (“low”) hours
like them. This multi-fuel light is powered by • “Memory” mode automatically
either two CR123A or RCR123A (rechargeable) recalls last mode used
batteries or one 18650 rechargeable battery. • Crenelated bezel on head and tail
It comes complete with holster, battery tube, for self-defense
lanyard and spare O-rings. • Tempered glass; resistant to breakage
or scratches
• Impact-resistant to 2 meters
MSRP
$143.95
URL
www.PowerTac.com

PowerTac E20 Flashlight
Performance, functionality and reliability all • Output: 1,180 lumens
come together to form this everyday-carry • Runtime: 25 hours
flashlight. Projecting 1,180 lumens at max- • Aircraft-grade aluminum casing
imum, this compact light doesn’t sacrifice • Impact resistant
power for its pocket-sized design. Its tail • Waterproof and submersible
cap is magnetic, allowing you to mount
MSRP
the light on any ferrous metal surface for
$54.95
hands-free use. An integrated belt clip
keeps the unit nearby, while the recharge- URL
able battery keeps the light burning brightly www.PowerTac.com
wherever and whenever you need it. A
charging cable is included.
Streamlight Microstream USB

Pocket Flashlight
Tiny enough to fit in the palm of your hand • Output range: 250 (“high”), 50
or clipped to the brim of a baseball cap, this (“low”) lumens
250-lumen-output light is small yet incredibly • Runtime range: 1.5 (“high”), 3.5
powerful. Construction features include a (“low”) hours
rechargeable lithium-ion cell pack battery, • Pocket-sized for everyday-carry use
integrated attachment clip and durable • USB rechargeable; includes USB
outer case to endure the rigors of continuous cord and lanyard
everyday use. The Microstream is the perfect • Weight: 1.20 ounces
backup light when facing the darkness ahead.
MSRP
$50
URL
www.StreamLight.com

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FROM ULTIMATE POLICE SHOTGUN
TO DINOSAUR SLAYER BY WILL DABBS, M.D.

R
yland Jaans was a warrior stood fully fifteen meters long. For a variety of reasons, the details of which now seemed fairly insignificant,
working in a zoo. Born in the Indominus was now roaming free. As part of the Animal Containment Unit or ACU, it was now time for
post-apartheid South Africa, Ryland to earn his keep.
Jaans had enlisted in the SADF In minutes, Jaans was in his gear and had his primary weapon charged. The gun he carried was a
(South African Defence Force) UTAS UTS-15, a twin-magazine Information Age 12-bore with an integral white light illuminator, a
as soon as he was eligible. After a fruitful stint laser designator, and fifteen rounds of sabot slug chaos onboard. If anything would stop Indominus
in the South African Special Forces, he had it should be this.
plied his trade across the expanse of the Dark The ACU squad had the advantage of technology and communications, but that didn’t count for
Continent. The contacts he had made had much. Indominus burst out of the jungle foliage with a mass and ferocity that exceeded literally
taken him from Cape Town to Kandahar.
When he got the text from an ex-British SAS
mate about serious money to be had running
THE UTS-15 BEGAN IN 2006 AS A REQUEST
security on an island full of dinosaurs, he ON BEHALF OF SMITH & WESSON TO
made the call. Now six months into his stint TURKISH COMPANY UTAS TO PRODUCE THE
with InGen, the dinosaur-growing subsidiary
of Masrani Global, he found he was turning
“ULTIMATE POLICE SHOTGUN.” SIX YEARS
the easiest cash of his brief hard life. Tasked LATER, THE UTS-15 PRODUCTION MODELS
with containment should any of the bitier FIRST DREW BREATH, AND THEY WERE
dinos escape their lodgings, Ryland had spent
a little time training and a lot of time in front
RADICAL SMOKE POLES, INDEED.
‹ Below: The muzzle of of Call of Duty.
the UTS-15 is threaded
for Beretta-style choke Indominus rex was the apex predator. Genet-
tubes. The included ically-engineered to be the nastiest terrestrial
muzzle device sports
scary-looking teeth. organism ever to draw breath, this hybrid carnosaur
‹ Left, middle: The UTAS UTS-15

sports a full-length Picatinny rail
up top for optics.
‹ Left, bottom: A pivoting lever selects which of

the magazine tubes will feed the action.

› Near right: The fiber-reinforced
UTAS UTS-15
butt plate has an energy-absorbing Specifications
recoil pad that is 1 inch thick. • Caliber: 12-gauge
• Action: Manual pump
› Far right: The safety • Length: 28.3 inches
on the UTS-15 is found in • Barrel length: 18.5 inches
the same spot as that of
the M4. • Weight: 6.9 pounds (empty)
• Magazine capacity: 14+1
MSRP: $1,099
› Below: The UTS-15 is

arguably the coolest-looking
firearm in a decade. Radical,
innovative and mean, the
UTS-15 is a remarkable piece
of engineering.
AS IS THE CASE WITH ANY ADVANCED

WEAPON, LEARN THE GUN AND RESPECT
ITS UNIQUE CHARACTER.
anything else on earth. True to his constitution, Ryland stood his ground while others ran, cycling week or two since real flesh-and-blood
through fully half a dozen heavy 12-gauge rounds. However, this creature weighed as much as a dinosaurs roamed the plains. However, the
respectable whale and moved with the grace and speed of a jungle feline. The thing shrugged off concept of resurrecting extinct predators
the 12-gauge slugs with ease before dipping its head and biting Ryland Jaans in half. via the newly refined art of cloning has
And now, back to the real world … . spawned no less than four big budget
Michael Crichton’s seminal work, Jurassic Park, notwithstanding, it has been at least a movies. The 2015 hit, Jurassic World, was,

‹ Top left: The ejection port on the UTSA-15 is
protected by a dust cover held in place with a
rare-earth magnet. Despite its bullpup design,
the right-sided ejection was not a problem
when firing the gun from either shoulder.
‹ Middle left: The UTS-15 will

carry a full 15 rounds of 2.75-
inch chaos onboard.
‹ Bottom left: The bullpup

UTS-15 is an effective com-
bat scattergun when run
by a disciplined shooter.
THE ACTION IS
REMARKABLY NOVEL AND
IS PROTECTED FROM THE
ELEMENTS BY A PIVOTING
POLYMER COVER.

for a time, the most lucrative movie in history not helmed by James Cameron. It was in this once the lead starts flying.
awesome flick that our fictional character, Ryland Jaans, wielded his UTS-15 in an ill-fated There is a full-length Picatinny rail up top
effort at managing the liberated Indominus. for optics, and the pistol grip nicely mimics
But while the Indominus rex is pure fiction, the UTS-15 is not. that of an M4 in familiarity and utility. The
The UTS-15 is a radical application of some storied technology. The shotgun as a combat weapon widespread use of environment-resistant
dates back to the 1700s. James Fennimore Cooper, the author of The Last of the Mohicans, first polymers keeps the empty weight of the gun
coined the term. British Redcoats packed their .75-caliber Brown Bess muskets with a little buckshot at a mere 6.9 pounds. Despite the gun’s full-
from time to time, and the venerable scattergun helped establish the American colonies. Now, some length and nonrestricted 18.5-inch barrel, the
two and a half centuries later, the state of the art has evolved significantly. bullpup design keeps the overall length less
than most otherwise unadorned black rifles.
THE UTS-15
The UTS-15 began in 2006 as a request on behalf of Smith & Wesson to Turkish company DETAILS
UTAS to produce the “ultimate police shotgun.” Six years later, the UTS-15 production models To load the gun, pop open the two load-
first drew breath, and they were radical smoke poles, indeed. And while the road has been a bit ing gate covers that protect the rear aspect
rocky, the UTS-15 offers some unique capabilities. of each loading tube and insert rounds, one
The UTS-15 is all fiber-reinforced polymer and Information Age tech. The gun feeds from a at a time. This is a tedious process, as is
brace of seven-round tubular magazines and incorporates into its chassis both an integral white the case with any tube-fed shotgun. How-
light illuminator and red laser sight. The light puts out about 200 lumens, and both the light ever, the tubes are more easily accessed on
and laser feed from common batteries. the top than the bottom. Additionally, with
The action is a manual pump-driven bullpup of novel architecture. The gun’s twin magazine 15 rounds on board, you don’t have to do as
tubes ride above the barrel. They feed either one at a time or alternately, based on the position › Below, right: There much reloading as might be the case with
are loading ports on
of a pivoting magazine selection lever located atop the gun. While in theory, this would allow both sides of the gun. a lesser shotgun.
the operator to load one tube with one sort of ammo and the other with something else, the Spring-loaded covers Once the magazine tubes are topped off,
keep them sealed
practicalities of armed combat make it unlikely that most of us could keep track of such details when not in use. you snap the loading doors shut. There
THE GUN EJECTS OUT OF THE RIGHT

SIDE ONLY, BUT THE PORT IS SO LOW
THAT I CAN RUN THE GUN
LEFT HANDED WITHOUT
THROWING EMPTY HULLS
DOWN MY SHIRT OR INTO
MY FACE.
› Above: A pivoting polymer

cover protects the action of the
UTS-15.
› Far right: Numbered slots

along the forearm allow
you to keep track of rounds
remaining at a glance.

WINCHESTER
PDX-1
DEFENDER
12-GAUGE
ROUNDS
The hull is flat black plastic, while the high-base head is fin-
ished in a dull black oxide. The overall effect transmits a certain
sinister seriousness. You can tell this round is going to be bad
news downrange at a glance.
The primary payload is a 1-ounce rifled slug. Most slug
loads stop there. The PDX-1 Defender, however, also packs THE GUN’S TWIN MAGAZINE TUBES RIDE
three 00 plated buckshot atop the slug, nestled within Grex
ABOVE THE BARREL. THEY FEED EITHER
buffering material. A variation on the Revolutionary War-era
buck-and-ball load, the end result is the finest defensive ONE AT A TIME OR ALTERNATELY, BASED ON
shotgun round ever produced. THE POSITION OF A PIVOTING MAGAZINE
The slug tracks to the point of aim and carries just as much
SELECTION LEVER LOCATED ATOP THE GUN.
horsepower as might any 1-ounce slug load. The three plated
buckshot disperse enough to compensate for aiming errors in
high-stress situations. The shot pattern stays tight through most
typical defensive shotguns and flies at around 1,150 fps.
None of us ever wants to use our defensive firearms for real.
The legal, spiritual and moral baggage associated with such stuff
is better left unmolested. However, if you ever do pick up your
defensive shotgun in anger, you don’t want the fight to last long.
Nothing stops the conflict faster than the Winchester
PDX-1 Defender 12-gauge round.
are slots cut in the magazines that will let › Winchester’s PDX-1
you keep track of the rounds remaining at a Defender defensive
rounds represent
glance. The bolt-release button is located on some remarkably fear-
some technology.
the bottom rear of the gun underneath the
buttstock. Depress this catch and cycle the
gun vigorously via the reciprocating forearm.
The action is remarkably novel and is
protected from the elements by a pivoting
polymer cover. The magazine selection switch
is a rotating affair located above the rear
aspect of the magazine tubes. Point the › At appropriate
ranges, the venerable
switch in one direction or the other to select a 12-bore carries more
magazine tube. Leave it in the center, and the downrange horse-
power than any other
gun alternates from each magazine. handheld firearm.
The barrel is threaded to accept Ber- This Winchester PDX-1
round did the deed at
etta-style choke tubes. The gun comes with 15 meters.

a particularly sinister skeletonized version sporting some vicious-looking
teeth. And should you wish to be the coolest turkey hunter in the uni-
CNC mill
verse, there is even a barrel extension. The light and laser are managed
via a rotating bilateral switch located just above the trigger guard. The
for any size shop,
unilateral safety is in the expected spot and operates like that of an M4.
There is a spring-loaded ejection port cover that is held in place with a
located anywhere
rare-earth magnet.
× Machine parts from
PRACTICAL TACTICAL aluminum or steel
The UTS-15 is now on its third production mark, and the latest versions
× Precision manufacturing
are intended to rectify the purported ills of the previous guns. My copy is
in your garage
an early variant, so it offers an unvarnished review. Having run mine for
several years now, I can offer a somewhat informed perspective. × Compact footprint
The UTS-15 is an exceptionally advanced combat shotgun. As a result,

it has its own quirks. Learn the gun and run it appropriately, and it is reli- × Plug in anywhere
able and effective. However, much like a Ferrari or a Bugatti, the action is with 120 Vac
notoriously intolerant of sloth.
The gun is designed to be cycled vigorously. Run it as if you mean it,
and I have found that the UTS-15 cycles reliably and well. However, run CNC
mill
the slide tepidly or worse, and it will lock up with deplorable regularity. star
ting
at
To clear the action, you pivot up the action cover and manually remove
$4
the offending round. However, if you operate the gun with authority, you
shouldn’t have to.
950
The light and laser are neat but not as spunky as most dedicated units,
such as those from Streamlight or Surefire. At 200 lumens, most current
weapon lights are two to three times more powerful. Even so, this means
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THE BARREL IS THREADED TO ACCEPT BERETTA-STYLE
CHOKE TUBES. THE GUN COMES WITH A PARTICULARLY
SINISTER SKELETONIZED VERSION SPORTING SOME VICIOUS-
LOOKING TEETH. AND SHOULD YOU WISH TO BE THE COOLEST
TURKEY HUNTER IN THE UNIVERSE, THERE IS EVEN A BARREL
EXTENSION.
that batteries do last longer. starters, the gun is just scary as heck. That’s the reason the Jurassic World guys chose to use ‹ At 200 lumens, the
weapon light included
Recoil is typical for a 12-gauge, although it to arm their dinosaur-hunting ACU in the movie. Spooky aesthetics will make you either with the UTAS UTS-15
is not bright by current
the broad, soft recoil pad does a splendid job roundly feared ... or the first one shot in a true survival situation. standards, but the bat-
of distributing the gun’s inevitable violence. The gun’s action is typically maligned by those who have not taken the time to train on tery life is favorable.
The gun ejects out of the right side only, it and learn its personality. While an AK47 is, indeed, more stupid-proof, I have also had
but the port is so low that I can run the gun short-stroke failures in my Remington 870s before. Nobody seems to be screaming that this
left-handed without throwing empty hulls century-old warhorse is anything less than a superlative combat tool. As is the case with any
down my shirt or into my face. With a proper advanced weapon, learn the gun and respect its unique character.
optic in place, the gun will drop slugs right The quality of manufacture and workmanship on my gun is superlative—something I
where you want them out to any reasonable have come to expect from Turkish-made firearms. While the Turks do not enjoy the gener-
shotgun engagement ranges. There is a pair ational legacy that many more-familiar domestic brands might, they do a bang-up job of S O U R C E S
of reversible sling swivels mounted on the making guns. I have yet to encounter a Turkish-made firearm that was not well executed
UTAS-USA
side of the gun—where they should be. and nicely finished. (847) 768-1011
Should your survival plan call for a whole lot of firepower in a compact package, the UTS-15 www.UTAS-USA.com
SURVIVAL APPLICATIONS was designed from the outset to answer that call. Handy, maneuverable and hard-hitting, the Winchester
So, where does the UTS-15 fall within the UTS-15 represents the cutting edge in modern scattergun technology. It also looks like it fell www.Winchester.com
pantheon of modern survival firearms? For off the set of the latest science fiction blockbuster—which, in point of fact, it did.

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KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON WHEN
THE ELECTRICITY STOPS FLOWING
BY DANA BENNER

© GETTY IMAGES

I
IF THINGS GET VERY BAD, WE’LL LOSE always hear stories about what will
happen if the SHTF and we lose every-
POWER, COMMUNICATIONS AND thing that we have come to consider
COMPUTERS. WE WILL LOSE READY “normal.” I have heard these same
ACCESS TO FOOD AND WATER AND MOST, stories since I was a kid in the 1960s,
and they all claimed we would be thrown back
IF NOT ALL, MODERN CONVENIENCES. into the Stone Age.
› Right: When there
While I find that to be highly unlikely, I do feel
is no electricity we face a real threat to our way of life from
coming from your
utility provider, natural disasters, terrorism and war. If things get
you'll have to make very bad, we’ll lose power, communications and
some serious choices
about what you'll computers. We will lose ready access to food and
be able to run with
your backup power
water and most, if not all, modern conveniences.
source. But, will we be totally helpless? Not if we plan.
I am not a big fan of technology, but it has given
us the tools that will enable us to deal with bad
things when they do happen.
What will you do when the world goes black?
In our modern world, we rely almost complete-
› Below: It will be
some time before the ly upon electricity and electronics. Electronic
power company's devices run our lives. We do our banking online.
technicians will be
able to get to this We communicate using cell phones, and we
home. In the mean-
navigate using GPS. Even our vehicles operate
© GETTY IMAGES
time, the residents
will need to find using multiple onboard computers. The power
alternate sources
for water, heat and grids and public water and transportation
electricity.
© GETTY IMAGES

‹ Left: When the
power goes out, crews
will work to restore it
quickly—if they can.
‹ Below, left: After Hur-

ricane Sandy, many
of New York City's
residents had few
options for alternative
sources of electricity.
(Photo: Mario Tama/
Getty Images)
‹ Below, right: When

destructive storms
strike, affected cus-
tomers often number
in the millions. Your
street might have to
wait weeks for the
repairmen to arrive.
‹ Bottom, left: Installa-

tion of a whole-house
power backup system
isn't cheap, but the
right system will keep
© GETTY IMAGES
your gadgets and

gizmos working when
everyone around you
is reading by candle-
light.
systems rely upon electricity and computers to

operate. If they go down, most people will have
no power or running water.
In this article, I will discuss how you can
prepare now to be ready to handle this
real-life situation.
ADJUST YOUR PERSPECTIVE

We have all been there: A severe storm knocks
out the power. All goes dark. It is fun and games
... until you realize that your refrigerator and
© GETTY IMAGES
furnace have stopped working. Most of the time,

there is really nothing to worry about, because
© GETTY IMAGES
the electric crews are out there, restoring power

quickly so that the disruption is short-lived. ‹ Bottom, right: Land lines could be down, and cell service is spotty.
Two-way radios such as this Midland GTX might be your best option for
However, what happens if the power stays out staying in touch.
for more than a few hours? Perhaps it could be
days—or even weeks—before power is restored.
What if this situation goes on for months? Are
you ready to respond to a situation such as this?
In order to make it through an extended
outage, you need to think long term. You need
to plan ahead and have multiple plans in place.
How will you keep things running? Which devices
can you live without?
The fact is that when the power goes out, you
never really know when it’ll come back on. Your
plans should factor in short-term outages, from
a few hours up to a day or two, as well as long-
© GETTY IMAGES
term outages of a week or more.

What if something really bad happens, and
the power grid is lost? What then? Although

PORTABLE
SOLAR PANELS
Whether you are on the move or sheltering in place, you will most
likely need power. Here are three portable solar systems I believe in—
and rely on—to generate the power I need, no matter where I am.
•BioLite Solar Panel 10+: Charge cell phones, tablets and other
gear using the 10-watt solar panel. You can even store power in its
3000mAh battery.
•Bushnell PowerSync SolarWrap Mini: Of all my units, this
© GETTY IMAGES
solar panel is the lightest and most portable—but don’t let its size
deceive you. Its sensitive panel collects energy even in low-light
situations and stores it in long-life lithium-ion batteries.
•SunJack 14 Watt Portable Solar Charger: Small enough to fit ‹ While a generator might not be possible in this location, some solar panels will keep your small
in a backpack, the SunJack uses a 14-watt panel that will not only devices running.
charge your devices or run a light or two, it also stores energy in its
it is scary to think about, it could happen, so you need to be prepared. You need multiple ways of
3.0 Quick Charge battery pack.
generating power just in case any or all of them are needed. The trick is to start simple and prepare
‹ The BioLite now. Waiting until something happens is not the time try to figure things out.
Solar Panel 10+
folds up and can
be easily carried BATTERIES
in a backpack.
There is no such thing as having too many batteries. Always have plenty of D, C, AA and AAA
batteries on hand. They will be needed to run flashlights, radios, smoke and carbon dioxide meters,
and to charge cell phones, among other things.
The problem with standard batteries, even the best ones, is that they lose power over time. The
trick, if there is one, is to review your battery supply every few months and discard the ones that
aren’t up to par. I use a volt meter to test all my batteries on a regular basis.
Stock up on batteries when things are good, and make sure you purchase good batteries. Don’t
‹ The Bushnell
Powersync Solar
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS HAVING TOO
Wrap is one
of the lightest MANY BATTERIES. ALWAYS HAVE PLENTY
portable solar
panels. It stores OF D, C, AA AND AAA BATTERIES ON HAND.
power in its
internal bat-
teries.
© GETTY IMAGES
‹ The SunJack
portable solar
panel has four
separate panels
that can be
opened up for
maximum solar
collection.The
author is using
his SunJack solar
panel to charge his
Bushnell Rubicon
headlamp.
‹ Good-quality rechargeable batteries are your best bet for economical backup power for your small
equipment and devices.

© GETTY IMAGES ‹ Left: If you have a
generator, be sure you
test it periodically. Mix
fuel stabilizer in with
your gas to ensure
it will be ready to go
when the lights go out.
‹ Top: The generator

below is connected
to a dedicated line
into the house. This is
much safer and more
convenient than using
an extension cord.
‹ Bottom: This control

panel controls every-
thing on the BioLite
Solar Home 620, in-
cluding the amount of
power being used.
cheap-out and get the discount batteries, because “you get what you pay for.” Batteries will be the
first thing to sell out during a power outage, so keep plenty on hand now.
Buying batteries can get pretty expensive; for that reason, I also have rechargeable batteries on
hand. Rechargeable batteries are no good unless you keep them charged, so do this while you have
power to do so or be ready to rig chargers to solar panels. I always keep a few sets fully charged at
all times in case I need them.
FLASHLIGHTS
My rule of thumb is to keep a good flashlight in every room, which obviates having to carry one
around and potentially misplacing it. I also have rechargeable headlamps in my gear, which allow
me to work hands-free. Last, but not least, I keep a few water-rechargeable lights on hand just
for good measure.
GENERATORS
Generators are great—as long as you have fuel to run them. I have two generators: One runs on
propane and one on gasoline, so I have the ability to use multiple fuels. If the power is out for more
than two hours, I will fire one of them up. The key here is to make sure I keep them in working order
and have enough fuel for both generators to run for two weeks.
When using a generator, it is important to do so safely. Never run a generator inside a building,
and make sure to cut off the connection to the power company’s electrical service main line (consult
your utility company or a qualified electrician to find out how to do this). This will prevent you from
electrifying the main line, where workers are trying to restore power. Have an electrician install a
transfer switch to make using your generator easier and safe.
I only power my refrigerator, furnace and sump pump, but depending on the capacity of your
generator, the choice is yours. Note that the more drain you put on your generator, the more fuel
you will use. Because there is no way to know how long the power will be out, I choose to conserve
my fuel by keeping the electrical load minimal.
Remember: If you have no power, chances are that the gas station and propane vendor will not have

‹ Far left: Even small
streams can provide
you with some of the
power you will need.
‹ Near left: Moving

water is a reliable
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
source of power. You
can harness some
of that power with a
simple water wheel.
it either. Once your fuel is gone, you’ll have to

go to your backup power plan. I make a habit
of shutting down my generator every two hours
for an hour just to conserve fuel.
ALTERNATIVE SOURCES
› Right: Windmills
have been used for Being proactive is better than being reactive.
more than 1,000
years to pump water, Investing in alternative power sources, such as
process grain and solar, wind and water power generation, could
perform other work.
Today, you can buy be an answer to potential interruptions in
windmills to gener- service from the power grid. I am not speaking
ate electric power
day and night. about large commercial operations; rather, this
HOMEMADE
WINDMILLS
AND WATER
WHEELS
© GETTY IMAGES
Wind and water are some of the most reliable sources of power
there are. There is no fuel to worry about, and the best news is INVESTING IN ALTERNATIVE POWER
that you can make devices that harness their power from items
SOURCES, SUCH AS SOLAR, WIND AND
you might have around the home or can readily obtain.
For both, you will need some way of converting the energy cre- WATER POWER GENERATION, COULD BE AN
ated by their movement into electric power. For that, you will ANSWER TO POTENTIAL INTERRUPTIONS IN
need some sort of generator and a converter. The generator can
SERVICE FROM THE POWER GRID.
be a re-tasked automobile generator or alternator that you can
pick up at a junkyard. The converter, which turns DC to AC, can would be for your personal needs.
come off an old travel trailer. You’ll need to have this device, Consider mounting fixed solar panels on the roofs of your home, barn, shed or on ground mounts to
because household current is AC. generate power for your home. If you don’t want, or can’t afford, to cover your roof or yard with solar
Capturing this power is fairly simple, and there are literally panels, you can do what I did: Purchase a BioLite Solar Home 620-power light and radio system. This
hundreds of ways to put it together. There are plans available, kit comes with a 6-watt solar panel and a 20-watt/hour battery. With a full charge, this will keep
or you can design your own. Just do some research, and then the devices in the kit working for hours. There are lots of options for static and portable solar panels,
use what works for you. including some that are great for just keeping batteries and cell phones charged. Some can even
generate enough electricity to power lights (see the sidebar on page 82).
Expanding your options: If you live near a stream, you can assemble a simple hydroelectric generating

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› Near right: Wind
turbines are great
for generating large
amounts of power, and
their use is expanding
every year.
› Far right: The

Midland E+ Radio
allows the author to
listen to AM and FM
radio stations, as well
© GETTY IMAGES
as emergency NOAA
broadcasts. The E+
Radio can also be used
to charge other small
devices.
‹ Left: Solar panels

continually improve
in efficiency and
cost-effectiveness.
Many people have
installed roof panels
© GETTY IMAGES
to reduce their
electricity costs and
ensure they have
power when the grid
goes down.
IN ORDER TO MAKE IT THROUGH AN EXTENDED OUTAGE, YOU S O U R C E S
NEED TO THINK LONG TERM. YOU NEED TO PLAN AHEAD AND BioLite, Inc.
HAVE MULTIPLE PLANS IN PLACE. (844) 424-6548

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Bushnell
system. You can also build a simple windmill to radios to communicate with family, friends and first responders. I use Midland GXT 1050P radios that (800) 423-3537
generate power (see the sidebar on page 84). offer a way to communicate and also allow me to scan and monitor emergency broadcasts, including www.Bushnell.com
the NOAA frequencies. Eton Corporation
(650) 903-3866
COMMUNICATIONS To stay in touch with the news and alerts, you will need a radio that can pick up AM and FM
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Keeping in touch with the outside world is stations, as well as emergency broadcasts. You can use a battery-powered radio or a cranking
Midland USA
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rescue efforts and other important information. new; the military started using this technology many decades ago. However, it has been perfected https://MidlandUSA.com
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radio and communicate with first responders via Clearly, there’s no need to live in fear of reverting back to life in the Stone Age if you lose elec-
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COMMUNICATIONS
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aving a plan for when SHTF isn’t going to do you much good
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[MARCH2018]
2018]
THREE TOUGH TOOLS TAKE ON ALL YOUR CUTTING TASKS.
BY REUBEN BOLIEU

‹ Below: It might look a little rugged and out
of place, but the CL-1 cleaver is an asset in any
kitchen.
THE EXPAT LINE WILL EXPAND WITH
DIFFERENT TOOLS, DESIGNS AND
COLLABORATIONS MADE BY TOP-NOTCH
MANUFACTURERS, OVERSEAS, IN LATIN
AMERICA AND THE UNITED STATES. KEEP
AN EYE OUT FOR NEW, OUT-OF-THE-
BOX DESIGNS FROM EXPAT KNIVES—
MASTERMINDED BY ESEE.
E
xpat—Someone who has left his or her homeland to live or work in another country,
usually for a long period of time.
EXPAT KNIVES
Expat Knives, named after a long-time and highly seasoned associate of the
ESEE team (it’s complicated, so be sure to read the sidebar on page 96), is a new division of
ESEE Knives. Simply put, ESEE, a die–hard, made-in-the-USA knife company, now offers a line
of quality knives from a number of regions around the world with the Expat series. There will be
different tools, designs and collaborations made by top-notch manufacturers—some overseas,
some in Latin America and some in the USA.
CLEAVER FEVER
The first collaboration with Expat and ESEE is the American-made CL-1 cleaver. Although once
a more permanent resident of the kitchen, the cleaver is making a strong showing elsewhere.
The CL-1 cleaver is made in Idaho and is a perfect combination of old-world materials and New
‹ Center: The cleaver was used to process an entire chicken to make soup.
From the quartering of the chicken to chopping all the vegetables, the CL-1
delivered.
‹ Below: Whether your kitchen is indoors or out, the Expat

cleaver should be a staple in your chef’s arsenal.

› The blade of the CL-1 is finished in black
oxide, which gives the tool a worldly look,
similar to your grandfather’s butcher
knives. The stout, 3/16-inch-thick 1095
carbon steel is as at home in the kitchen
as it is in the woods.
› The first offering from ESEE’s
Expat Knives
Expat series is a big, burly
cleaver. Well-suited for wilder-
ness and camp chores, it is a
formidable tool in the kitchen. Cleaver CL-1
Specifications
• Overall length: 11.5 inches
• Blade length: 6.25 inches
• Handle length: 5.25 inches
• Blade width: 3.25 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.188 inch
• Blade steel: 1095 high carbon
• Weight: 25.5 ounces
• Handle: Black G10
• Sheath: Leather
MSRP: $276.50
ALTHOUGH ONCE A MORE PERMANENT

RESIDENT OF THE KITCHEN, THE
CLEAVER IS MAKING A STRONG SHOWING the work—I still had to prepare potatoes,
carrots, celery, onions, parsley and garlic.
ELSEWHERE. I prefer a larger chef’s knife or even a Filipino
bolo to prepare food with, so the heavy cleaver
Age technology, high-carbon 1095 steel for the blade and thick, American-raised leather for the wasn’t too different for me. I used a similar
sheath. This hunk of steel is not a flimsy Chinese cleaver; it is a camp and kitchen all-purpose technique for cutting potatoes and garlic,
tool. It will ready your campfire to get some good cooking coals while you process your peppers, allowing that one is way larger and that the
chicken, onions and tomatoes for kabobs. smaller garlic took more finesse and control.
I enjoy cooking in the outdoors quite a bit, so my attention gravitated toward the cleaver I generally make a number of scoring cuts
instantly. However, rather than do a regular type of “camp cooking” scenario, I decided to keep it vertically, followed by a series of scores
indoors, because there are fewer limitations. horizontally, leaving a bit of the garlic or
My first impression of the cleaver was that it had some heft. It wasn’t a typical Chinese-style potatoes intact to help keep them together.
cleaver, which can be used as chef’s knife due to its lightweight, thin blade. Expat’s Cleaver Then, they are simply cut using a rock-chop-
is 25 ounces with a 3/16 -inch-thick hunk of steel, just perfect for one of my favorite things to ping technique, via which the blade rocks
cook—chicken soup. When I received this cleaver for testing, it was winter in the Northeast. from heel to point. This results in a nice dice
Nothing goes down like a hot bowl of soup upon returning from the snowy woods, so I put the or small squares for potatoes. This is usually
cleaver to work. done with onions, but for the soup, I kept
I decided to quarter a whole chicken and use certain parts for the soup and save the rest for the the pieces bigger. I did the same with the
freezer. Quartering a chicken uses a combination of finesse and some chopping. carrots and celery, because simple, larger
The cleaver was nice and sharp, so that made the work go faster. Mostly, I was cutting around chunks work for me.
joints, along with occasionally pounding on the spine of the cleaver to help get through some bone Chopping parsley and chives was no
and cartilage. Separating the backbone from the carcass was where I got the chance to use a little problem for the cleaver, because it is truly
power cleaving through the ribs. This was no problem at all; even when chopping off the ends of meant for the kitchen. I also chopped a
the bones on the drumsticks, the blade never nicked or dulled. However, the chicken was only half frozen lamb bone to see if there would be

‹ Far left: The Expat Libertariat machete, with wal-
nut handle scales and a 1075 carbon-steel blade, is a
stout, formidable blade meant for hard use.
‹ Near left: The author used

the Libertariat as a draw knife
to smooth out the knots on
the lean-to poles for a newly
built camp. The hole in the
blade helped the author get a
positive grip on the tool.
‹ Far left, middle: The Libertariat has

a handle that smoothly transitions
into the blade, allowing the author to
get close up when making notches for
stakes or traps.
THE EXPAT’S SHORT MACHETE (FROM

EL SALVADOR) IS THE LIBERTARIAT.
IT HAS A STOUT, THICKER-THAN-
AVERAGE MACHETE BLADE SUITABLE
FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA OR NORTH
AMERICA DUE TO THEIR HARDER TREES.
any edge-chipping or -rolling, but bone and wood are just no match for the Rowen heat-treat!
THE HEFTY MACHETE

The Expat’s short machete (from El Salvador) is the Libertariat. It has a stout, thicker-than-average
machete blade suitable for Southeast Asia or North America due to their harder trees. One outstand-
ing feature is the utility of the large hole on the front portion of the blade. It has a couple of uses: One
is putting a stick inside to help get a better grip when using it as a draw knife. The other is that it can
be hung up on nail or hook in the tool shed or camp.
The handle is made of walnut scales and includes a lanyard hole. The stout blade is meant to be
a tool, so the flat front can be an improvised digger or thought of as a safety feature that won’t
stab a person accidentally while the machete is in transport or while you are working with it.
A machete has a role and region in which it thrives. The Libertariat machete is a shorter-than-aver-
age, Latin-patterned machete with a thicker blade. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Thicker, shorter
machetes have a place in the North American wilderness, gaining in popularity, especially over the last
10 years or so.
American-production knife companies and custom knife makers have been capitalizing on this,
and there has been an influx of overseas parangs, bolos and goloks finding their way here as well.
Blades from Southeast Asia have thicker and shorter blades than most machetes; it isn’t any
wonder why American knife-lovers have gravitated toward them. The Expat Libertariat reminds
me of a straight-bladed, short parang I saw available in Penang, Malaysia, along with a similar
pattern in Thailand.
› Above: The Libertariat is put to work chop- I first used the Libertariat while helping a friend build his semi-permanent camp. We used saws,
ping some green hardwood branches for
stakes and utensils from a downed tree. The hatchets and knives over the course of about a week. At one point, we had no ax with us ... but
author chops low behind him in a down- I had the Libertariat. A bow saw did the heavy cutting for the large ridgepole and the bed logs.
ward path for the safest follow-through.
However, the Libertariat did the majority of the limbing and trimming of the lean-to poles, as

well as making all the stakes. It also helped get rid of the knots on the bed logs and lean-to ‹ The Expat Libertariat machete is a stout
able tool for both “civilized” or rugged
poles, which were going to be fitted with a tarp (the smallest rough spot or protrusion on a adventures. It comes with walnut scales,
piece of wood can tear a hole in a tarp over a matter of weeks, so the poles that were touching a 1075 carbon-steel blade and a canvas
sheath with a belt loop.
the tarp needed to be smooth).
I employed the Libertariat as a draw knife to help smooth out the lean-to poles. I put a stick
through the small hole toward the tip as a handle for a more-positive hold when drawing the
knife back and forth. It was also used to get the bed logs in order. This did not require too
much precision—mostly a few chops to even out the lumps.
Four or more large stakes are needed to keep a raised log bed steady. The
Libertariat chopped through green beech wood that was between
‹ Above: A simple
fish-roasting pole was
made with the Echo-7
by splitting the stick,
shaving down the
wood contacting the
fish and sharpening
a couple of skewers
to hold the fish inside
the pole.
‹ Left: The Echo-7 was

used to split the stick
to fit the fish to the
pole.
Expat Knives
Libertariat Machete
Specifications
• Overall length: 14 inches
• Blade length: 9 inches
• Handle length: 5 inches
• Blade width: 2 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.188 inch
• Blade steel: 1075 carbon steel
• Weight: 16 ounces
• Handle: Walnut
› Far right, top: Whether you venture
into the North American wilder- • Sheath: Canvas
ness or the darkest jungle, pack the
MSRP: $79.99
Libertariat machete for a little extra
survival insurance.
› Far right, bottom: The Expat Libertariat

machete, with walnut handle scales and a
1075 carbon-steel blade, is a stout, formida-
ble blade meant for hard use.

‹ Below: Sleek, smooth and very capable, the
Expat Medellin folder is a must-have item for TWINE AND 550 PARACORD WERE NO MATCH
FOR THE MEDELLIN BLADE; NEITHER WAS
your next adventure. The super-sharp AUS-8
blade comes sharp out of the box and is easier
to sharpen than most stainless steels.
DUCT TAPE. TIP STRENGTH WAS GOOD WHEN
USED TO PUNCTURE THIN-GAUGE METAL
FOR MAKING A HOBO STOVE AND ON FOOD
CANS FOR CERTAIN CRAFTS.
the thickness of a broomstick and a wrist. To make the "dinosaur"-sized
stakes, I chopped a chisel point on the ends rather than a conventional
point. It works just as well, if not better, at getting them pounded
into the ground.
This is where I really felt the absence of the ax, but everything was done just
as well with the Libertariat. Only technique needed to be altered (which is a
true woodsman skill): Making the stop cut in the notches was done with a strong
chop, and the notch, rather than being carved out, was chopped out as the stake
was turned upside down. The chamfering of the top portion to be pounded on was
chopped, not carved, on these large stakes.
When making utensils and smaller stakes using smaller branches, the Libertariat was per-
fectly suited for these tasks (sometimes, with the help of a baton). The Libertariat will most
likely be kept in the camp as the resident machete/beater.
FAMILIAR FOLDER
The Medellin, the company’s utility folding knife, is newer than the other two offerings, but
it is perhaps a little more recognizable—not for its namesake once being known as the most
dangerous city in the world and home of the Medellín drug cartel founded by Pablo Escobar.
Rather, it is recognizable because the classic ESEE-3 knife has gone foldable. Almost identical
in blade shape, handle thickness and overall length, the Medellin is built to be rugged in use, yet
smooth and fluid when deployed.
The framelock handle adds simplicity and strength to the tool. The reversible pocket clip (tip
Expat Knives up or tip down) and AUS-8 blade round out the package nicely.
Medellin Folder The Medellin folding knife is a completely different offering from the Expat series than the
Specifications cleaver. The made-in-Taiwan folder is a hard-working, compact utility knife. It rides low in the
• Blade length: 3.5 inches pocket and has a slim design, so there’s no bulk to be concerned with. I carried it tip down and
• Open length: 8.38 inches
• Closed length: 4.8 inches
• Blade width: 1.13 inches
‹ Near left: Fit and finish on the Medellin folder
• Blade thickness: 0.115 inch are what you'd expect from ESEE, and the jimping
• Blade steel: AUS-8 stainless on the spine is effective without being overdone.
• Weight: 4.1 ounces
• Handle: Black Zytel
MSRP: $84
‹ Far left, bottom: The pocket clip can be attached in

either a tip-up or tip-down position. The steel frame
lock is rigid, yet thin and comfortable.

› Far right, top: When pushed into the outdoors, the
Medellin delivered. Making a sharp point, a fuzz stick
for fire and a common tent/tarp stake comprises
basic bushcraft chores—for which the knife received
flying colors.
› Near right: The Medellin’s

textured scale is made of a
high-impact plastic-and-glass
composite called Zytel.
› Far right, bottom: The blade shape

of the EXPAT Medellin is a replica
of the classic flagship ESEE-3 blade.
A hair thinner than the blade of the
ESEE-3, the Medellin’s is a real slicer
and carver for utility and outdoors
use.
› The folding knife version of the classic ESEE-3. From overall length to The thin framelock design wasn’t always
blade shape, the Medellin offers a slightly smaller version of the venerable
ESEE flagship knife. comfortable when gripping hard and
doing some tasks, but it was strong. Grip-
ping the knife tightly just ensured that
found all working parts fluid. This knife felt very reminiscent of the ESEE-3 blade ... because it the lock wouldn’t disengage.
is practically its twin. The blade shape, length and width are the same as the classic ESEE-3, so As an added test, while wearing leather
using it felt more familiar than if I were using a new knife. gloves, I held the knife reversed at the end
As a utility tool, the blade bit deeply into plastic zip ties, cutting them in short order. The blade of the handle and gave it a few thumps on
had no trouble cutting through thin steel, because its tough edge was aggressive enough for the the back of the spine on a solid surface.
task. I cut a lot of thin steel wire—similar to snare wire—for hanging pictures. The edge seemed Cheap, low-quality folding knives will
perfect for all sorts of utility chores, such as cutting through cardboard boxes and plastic nylon often buckle, and the lock will give. Nev-
packaging straps. Twine and 550 paracord were no match for the Medellin blade; neither was ertheless, I tried it with the Medellin and
duct tape. Tip strength was good when used to puncture thin-gauge metal for making a hobo was happy to see it remained strong—even
stove and on food cans for certain crafts. more that: I didn’t cut myself. (However, I

don’t recommend trying this test!)
ABOUT
I was pleasantly surprised when the Medellin was pushed into woodworking service. It
performed three very basic bushcraft chores in the woods (to check its chops in case the knife
needed to be used as a bug-out blade).
EXPAT Making something as simple as a stake will tell you a lot about a knife and how it handles. I
made a stake for a tarp (I always have a few on hand for the times a stake needs to be replaced,
which seems all too often in my camp). I formed a deep stop cut in a dry piece of beech wood
and then carved out the typical “7” notch on one end. The opposite end got a point that would
As I mentioned, it’s complicated. Expat Knives was, indeed,
go into the rocky ground.
named after a long-time and highly seasoned associate: “Expat,”
Next, I made a simple fuzz stick out of a chunk of maple. This is something I’ve done countless
who has been a student, translator and instructor for Randall’s
times with the ESEE-3. Sure enough—the blade shape made the wood curl where I wanted it to
Adventure Training. He’s an inventor, a writer, traveler and a fire-
and just seemed altogether ... well, familiar. Lastly, I just put a sharp point on the end of a green
arms instructor. He speaks a couple of languages, and he’s logged
stick to see how the Medellin would fare on green wood.
a lot of time overseas.
All three bush chores went off without a hitch and were just as easy as if I were using the ESEE-3.
While working in some of the more-sketchy corners of South
The only thing I want to add about the Medellin is how the pocket clip can dig into the hand a bit
America, Expat contacted ESEE in search of high-quality,
when making stakes or force is applied on harder cutting tasks. Then, again, it’s a utility folder and
worst-case-scenario jungle survival training.
not meant for full-on woodwork.
Thus began a close association that has lasted for more
AUS-8 steel is a decent folding knife steel that is actually not too hard for the average user
than 15 years. Expat has logged thousands of miles through-
to sharpen. I used a small, ceramic pocket crock-stick (in a “v” shape)—nothing more—to bring
out the Third World—sometimes, with the ESEE team—but
back the edge.
always with ESEE products. From armored motorcades in
The Expat line will expand with different tools, designs and collaborations made by top-notch man-
Colombia and trekking in the Himalayas to earthquakes in El
ufacturers, overseas, in Latin America and the United States. Keep an eye out for new, out-of-the-box
Salvador and hunting in the Balkans, ESEE knives have been
designs from Expat Knives—masterminded by ESEE.
Expat’s constant companions.
Whatever your adventure, Expat Knives products are designed to enhance it and enable
Throughout his time overseas, he developed some unique
you to thrive.
insights on tools and the nature of adventure and is cur-
rently working with ESEE to bring innovative designs and
experiences to others.
What began with a cleaver will end up with … well, who
knows? That’s the whole point of the “Expat experience.”
› The flagship ESEE-3 next to the Expat

Medellin folder with AUS-8 stainless steel
blade. Minus the choil, it is the spitting
image of the carbon-steel ESEE-3.
S O U R C E
ESEE Knives
(256) 613-0372
www.ESEEKnives.com

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PROBING THE PATH OF A PERNICIOUS
PROJECTILE
BY WILL DABBS, M.D.
K
nowing how a bullet works when it leaves the barrel might
help you understand what to expect when it hits its target.
It weighs 124 grains (about 8 grams), and it sits in the
dark for weeks, months or even years. It gets jostled,
shaken and bumped incessantly during that time.
Depending on how it is carried, it can also accumulate a fair amount
of pocket lint within its gaping maw. It is a SIG Sauer V-Crown 9mm
hollowpoint bullet, and it is about to earn its keep.
For such a modest, inert thing, it embodies a shocking amount of
technology. The case is nickel plated for corrosion resistance, smooth
feeding and long life. The powder is specially formulated for consistent
performance and low flash. The primer is the best man can produce.
It is, however, in the bullet where the real magic happens. That’s the
payload—the warhead, if you will—and that is the limiting reagent to
the cartridge’s overall performance.
The SIG V-Crown bullet is marketed as a “hollowpoint within a hollow-
point.” I didn’t really understand that very well until I saw it in action.
Now, it makes perfect sense.
The lead slug nestles tightly within the jacket material, held in place
by a cannelure crimped circumferentially around the bullet’s waist. This
mechanical interface is what tends to keep the lead core and the jacket
together during the violence that is to come. The geometry and scoring
of the V-shaped snout, hence the name, give the angry end of the thing
an antiseptically sinister, although utilitarian, appearance. The cone
described within the nose of the contraption tapers down into a point
in the center. From this apex there is another small, but intentional,

THE GEOMETRY AND SCORING OF THE
‹ Looking like
perfectly sinister
flowers in bloom,
SIG's V-Crown rounds
are state-of-the-art
V-SHAPED SNOUT, HENCE THE NAME,
show-stoppers for
bad guys.
GIVE THE ANGRY END OF THE THING
AN ANTISEPTICALLY SINISTER,
ALTHOUGH UTILITARIAN,
APPEARANCE.
star-shaped void formed down into the core. Every miniscule snippet of the bullet’s geometry has
some intentional purpose.
SIG Sauer burns through twice as much ballistic gelatin as the entire rest of the country com-
bined. I’ve seen this up close, and it’s obscene. The V-Crown bullet is the end result of a simply
ridiculous amount of R&D.
SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS

It’s never expected. If you knew it were coming, you’d either avoid the situation or buy yourself
a tank. However, it always seems to drop out of the clear, blue sky. In this case, it took place
inside a vehicle.
Here, we will eschew the combat details in favor of physics ... with a little human anatomy
tossed in for flavor.
The Glock 43 is up and out in a flash. The finger indexes from the side of the trigger guard to the

trigger, automatically depressing the blade safety in the trigger face and rendering the system a tiny 9mm hole saw, the V-Crown round cuts
live. The index finger of the right hand exerts about 5.5 pounds of force on the appendage, a perfect circle in the top of the seat, bores
further compressing the striker past its tripping point. The striker slams forward under spring through the intervening foam and cuts a
pressure and vigorously dents the face of the primer. second perfect circle through the front. It then
‹ The Glock G43
The primer face is relatively soft and deforms readily in response to the impact of the firing travels about another foot before the next is a compact, yet
pin. A small quantity of shock-sensitive primer material is compressed between the primer face phase of its trek. powerful, defensive
handgun. Despite its
and the anvil of the primer. Mechanical deformation and a subsequent rapid increase in pressure small dimensions,
conspire to raise the temperature of the material past its flashpoint, and the stuff conflagrates. THE PLOT THICKENS the gun throws
disproportionately
The resulting jet of hot plasma is directed through the flash hole in the base of the cartridge and Our next barrier is denim. Everybody owns a effective rounds.
ignites the powder within.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS

The powder contains its own oxidizer, so it burns independently of outside air. Underwater, outer
space or sealed in a plastic bag—it doesn’t matter. This rapid reaction releases a large volume of hot,
high-pressure gas. The chamber of the weapon supports the walls and base of the cartridge, so all
that energy is directed against the butt of the bullet. The bullet, therefore, accelerates from 0
to about 1,100 feet per second in 3.39 inches, suffering underneath an accelerative force
some 66,500 times that of gravity.
The G43’s barrel twist rate is one turn in 9.84 inches. That means the
bullet spins one revolution for every 0.82 feet. At 1,100 feet per
second, if my math is correct, that puts the bullet spinning
at a bit north of 80,000 rpm at the muzzle.
In this particular case, the projectile travels
about 3 feet and then contacts the seat
cushion of a pickup truck. Spinning like a

‹ Below: SIG's V-Crown "hollowpoint
within a hollowpoint" looks tame at
rest but is all business once it leaves
the barrel.
‹ Far left: Initially fairly sleek and aero-

dynamic, the SIG V-Crown hollowpoint
turns into an efficient plow when it hits
"pay dirt."
‹ Near left: Every miniscule

aspect of the SIG V-Crown
bullet is designed with a
particular end result in mind.
The deployment and terminal
performance of this high-tech
defensive round is the product
of a great deal of science.
‹ Left, bottom: This

ain’t your daddy’s pistol
bullet.

‹ Modern defensive
ammunition such
as this SIG V-Crown
124-grain 9mm
Parabellum is the
product of immense
R&D efforts.
THE SIG V-CROWN BULLET IS MARKETED

AS A “HOLLOWPOINT WITHIN A HOLLOWPOINT.”
I DIDN’T REALLY UNDERSTAND THAT VERY WELL UNTIL I SAW IT
IN ACTION.
pair of blue jeans, and that is what was wrapped around this particular leg on this particular day. complicated and heterogeneous to categorize
The bullet has not slowed appreciably, so it snips through the thin cotton cloth with the same readily. Human males are about 60 percent
aplomb with which it transited the truck seat. Now, things get interesting. water; females are closer to 55 percent.
Skin is the largest organ in the human body. Its primary function is to separate you from Because the owner of this leg is in possession
the rest of the world; when intact, it does a simply splendid job of that. Skin also serves as a of both X and Y chromosomes, that means his
support matrix for untold miles of nerves and capillaries, as well as sundry other bits, such as tissues are at the higher concentration. As a
hair and apocrine sweat glands. The delicate interplay among all that complicated stuff helps result, fluid dynamics now become the decisive
regulate your body temperature, prevents contamination, hinders infection and precipitates a factor in how our sordid, little tale unfolds.
delightful little endorphin boost whenever your bride brushes your arm as she walks by in the Unlike gases, liquids are incompressible. That
kitchen. Skin is a remarkably pliable and elastic material that is purpose-designed to resist means pressure at one point is transmitted
puncture, abrasion and tearing. in real time to other contiguous fluids. It is
It never stood a chance. this peculiar property that allows the pilot to
manipulate the control surfaces of an airliner. It
OUR BULLET GOES TO WORK also allows you to apply the brakes to stop your
The rapidly spinning projectile cuts through the outer layer of skin as easily as it has everything car when your son’s soccer ball unexpectedly
else thus far and dives vigorously inside. It encounters a soft, warm, wet hydraulic medium too bounces across your path.

The bullet is still travelling really fast, so ‹ Right: The SIG
V-Crown bullet
this surrounding wet, gooey amalgam strug- is described as a
“hollowpoint within
gles mightily yet fails to get out of the way. a hollowpoint.”
The subsequent hydraulic pressure exerts The secondary
star-shaped void is
a truly immense force against the interior visible at the apex of
of the V-Crown’s hollowpoint cavity. This the bullet’s mouth.
force drives the lead core to mechanically

deform outward against the jacket material,
fracturing at its predetermined failure points
such that the various components of the
bullet now expand outward like the petals
of a flower.
These expanding petals hugely increase the
surface area of the transiting bullet, magnify-
ing the mechanical braking force and spilling
energy into what is rapidly becoming a bloody
great mess. The bullet yaws a bit, ripping and
tearing as its linear and rotational velocities ‹ Below: We spend
decrease violently.
untold hours on the
range practicing
THE BULLET, THEREFORE, ACCELERATES
In this particular case, the bullet tore with our defensive
handguns. The real FROM 0 TO ABOUT 1,100 FEET PER SECOND
through muscle, fascia and sundry goo
without striking bone, nerves or plumbing
action, when the
trigger is pulled on a IN 3.39 INCHES, SUFFERING UNDERNEATH
of consequence. That’s the amazing power
human target, takes
place in the oper- AN ACCELERATIVE FORCE SOME 66,500
TIMES THAT OF GRAVITY.
ating room. (Photo:
of randomness: It’s always better to be Unsplash.com)

lucky than good. WHERE THE ENTRANCE WOUND WAS A
The bullet has torn completely through this
human calf in a millisecond and now tents
RELATIVELY CUTE, LITTLE 9MM HOLE, THE
against the skin on the far side. This time, the EXIT IS JAGGED AND CLOSER TO 4 INCHES.
device is fully deployed and much slower but
still spinning like a jagged metal dervish. It
carves through the skin from the inside like a
table saw through a hot dog. Unlike its entry,
its exit is thoroughly devoid of elegance:
Where the entrance wound was a relatively
cute, little 9mm hole, the exit is jagged and
closer to 4 inches.
Much spent, the fully deployed bullet
now zips across the cab of the truck and
lodges in the facing door, denting the steel
deeply enough to secure the now-weary
projectile in place.
THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH ‹ Above: The exit wound was closer to 4 inches, ripping roughly along
the long axis of the limb.
The subject of this dark, little physics
experiment was fairly fit and healthy. He told ‹ Left: The entrance wound was a relatively tidy defect not much larger
than the 9mm bullet diameter. Entrance wounds frequently belie the
me the initial impact felt like being hit with a mischief that lurks within.
baseball bat. He had maybe a 30-second grace
period after the bullet’s initial impact. During
that time, he could have moved, thought and
fought—as long as he didn’t try to put weight
on the injured limb. After the 30-second mark,
however, he was done.
Up to that point, the entire event had
been traumatic but relatively painless.
After that moment, the pain became
exquisite and debilitating. The wound also
began to bleed with vigor. The immediate
application of direct pressure kept things
from going truly sideways.
THE REST OF THE STORY

The ER staff cleaned and irrigated the
wound and then closed it with a combina-
tion of sutures and surgical staples. Owing to
the bullet’s fortuitous track, nothing about
the event was immediately life-threatening. these four bits as passengers, transported them into the leg parenchyma and then deposited ‹ Above, left: Diffuse
ecchymosis (bruising)
However, the pain did not abate, and the them there before continuing on its trek. Once the offending objects were removed and the along the wound
surrounding flesh grew red and angry. Nearly wound was vigorously scrubbed, everything healed up nicely, albeit with a little help from track gives some idea
regarding the carnage
a week later, the surgical team opened the some aggressive antibiotic therapy. inside.
offended leg back up to take a peek inside. ‹ Above, center: Imme-
The culprits were actually an odd amalgam: DENOUEMENT diately after the wound
was closed in the ER, it
Within the cavernous defect were found There are lessons aplenty to be derived from this sordid episode. For starters, these are actually looked pretty
two hole-cutter bits of Naugahyde, a little not your granddad’s FMJ bullets. High-tech rounds such as the SIG V-Crown are hugely more good. A subsequent
wound infection pre-
cylinder of foam rubber and a scrap of denim. efficient than their predecessors of even a single generation prior. cipitated by retained
debris complicated
Naugahyde is an artificial leather substitute This was a peripheral shot, and it was thoroughly effective at expeditiously taking the fight matters quite a bit.
used in the manufacture of automobile seats. out of a determined combatant. Had the same bullet wrought its mischief among critical
‹ Above, right: After
It consists of a knit fabric backing surrounded organs, the ending would not have been nearly so bonny. a thorough operative
by a polyvinyl chloride plastic coating. In Pack the biggest gun you can comfortably pack, along with the best defensive ammo debridement and some
aggressive antibiotic
its natural state, the stuff is also awash in you can afford. If ever called upon to serve for real, expect these remarkable Information therapy, the wound
opportunistic microorganisms. Age bullets to give their lives enthusiastically for the cause. Do your part, and they should began to heal properly.
It seems the transiting bullet picked up reliably do theirs.

AN AX,
A KNIFE
AND
A SAW

HOW TO SAFELY AND
EFFICIENTLY GET
THE MOST OUT OF
THE KEPHART TRIO
S
BY REUBEN BOLIEU
urvival tools, in my opinion, are

tools that most avid outdoors-
men carry on excursions as
part of their camping gear and
survival kits or in their bug-out
bags. Historically, knives, saws, hatchets,
tomahawks and axes have taken on the bulk
of the work in these situations.
While there is some functional crossover,
each has its strengths, and all come with a
certain degree of risk for injury. As with all
tools, understanding the proper use and
techniques for the task at hand will make your
experience both productive and safe.
Above all, remember that a sharper-edged
tool is a safer-edged tool. Dull blades require
more force to cut, and excessive force leads to
accidents and injuries.
Here, we’ll get into the basics of each of the
three tools often referred to as the “Nessmuk”
or “Kephart Trio,” which is a tool system used to
perform camp crafts and enhance wilderness
living, rather than a one-tool-to-do-all scenario.
KNIVES
Safety and success are all in the grip, and
there are several common and effective tech-
niques for getting the most out of your knife.
Forehand Grip. The forehand grip is, by far,
the most common way of holding and using a
knife. Hold the handle in a firm, fist-type grip
with your pinky toward the butt of the handle
and the edge facing away from you. Cutting
heavy cordage, tree roots, making fuzz sticks
or sharpening a point on the end of a stick can
all be done with this grip.
Whittling wood or making fuzz sticks for a

fire with this grip is very efficient. Be sure to ‹ Right: Scandinavians
normally use three
keep your arm locked, and use your whole tools for their camps:
a puukko, bowsaw
body in a slow, smooth motion while applying and ax. These three
constant pressure. This will help keep fuzz Finnish cutting tools
are common in North
sticks nice and even. America as well.
On the safety side of things, keeping your
elbow in a locked position will save you, in
the long run, from unnecessary jarring of
that joint, which can lead to injuries such as
tennis elbow. Avoid placing your thumb on
the spine while whittling, because this will put
uneven pressure on the project and give you
less-than-desirable fuzz sticks. This is defi-
nitely a task for which practice makes perfect.
Be careful when following through on your
cutting motion, especially when cutting some-
thing that provides a bit more resistance than
‹ Below: The forehand
normal or expected.
SAFETY AND SUCCESS ARE ALL IN THE GRIP,
grip is also used for
making fuzz sticks. The
Chest Lever Grip. When employing the
author recommends
chest lever grip, the cutting edge is actually keeping the thumb
off the spine, because
AND THERE ARE SEVERAL COMMON AND
facing the knuckles of the hand, and the this is where most
people go wrong when
EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES FOR GETTING THE
thumb rests on the flat of the blade or top
of the handle scales for support. Bend your
making fuzz sticks for
a fire.
MOST OUT OF YOUR KNIFE.
elbow and position your knife hand across your chest with the spine facing the chest and the
edge facing out.
Bring the project hand up to meet the cutting edge. The cut is accomplished by using your
shoulders and back muscles with a chest-out motion, pulling your bent arms away from each
other. This makes for a powerful and controlled cut. This position is unique, because it can also
be used for fine tip work on a spear or similar sharp stick when combined with the push cut.
The advantage of this grip is that you can have the blade at chest level right under your eyes for
very controlled cuts. Most of all, it is a very safe grip, because the knife is not flailing around when
you follow through.
Batoning. Using a baton in conjunction with a knife is a very effective way of getting heavy
work done with a small tool. Limbing small trees and splitting wrist-thick pieces of wood can
easily be done with the help of a stout baton.
To split a piece of wood lengthwise, simply stand the piece of wood on end and use your “off”
hand to place the knife edge on the end of the wood. With the other hand, use a stout stick to
hammer the spine of the knife blade into the wood. As the knife sinks in, continue hammering the
top of the blade until the wood is cleanly split.
Unless the wood is relatively soft, never twist the knife while it’s in the wood, or you could
damage the knife. Be aware of any rocks or gravel in the path of the knife that could damage
the cutting edge.
When batoning in a cross-grain fashion, make sure to baton the spine directly over the wood to
ensure the best possible energy transfer and lessen the stress on the knife, as well as the shock
on the hand supporting the knife handle. It is a good idea to baton at angles as if you were cut-
ting with an ax, which will create a V-shaped notch, weakening the wood enough to break it. This
will save time and energy and protect your knife from unnecessary hard use.
AXES
I will use the term, “ax,” to also represent a hatchet/tomahawk. This section will deal with
processing downed wood, because this is what you’ll be cutting most often.
Chopping. Regardless of the task, when chopping, back up your work by putting the area to be cut
on another piece of wood. This will give you the best energy transfer and ensure your bit doesn’t get
buried in the ground ... or worse—bone! Chopping a small log that is on the ground in a horizontal
position should be done from a kneeling or sitting position. The forearm and ax handle should both
be kept parallel at the moment of impact and thereafter. This is known as the “parallel plane.” If the

BUSH KNIVES
What makes for a good bushcrafting knife? Talk about a
divisive question!
For me, comfort and function have to be considered
when selecting a knife solely for bushcraft. “The simpler,
the better” definitely applies here. In my opinion, sharp
carbon steel and a comfortable handle are must-haves for
a good bush knife.
Blade length varies between 3½ and 4½ inches. The blade
should have a point sharp enough to penetrate deep into
wood for drilling with minimum effort. Spear points and
drop points are both quite popular for this type of work.
Blade thickness is usually in the area of 3/32 to 5/32 inch.
The spine of a carbon-steel blade should have a 90-degree
‹ A chest-lever grip is a safe way to cut with power. For a powerful or smooth cut, keep your elbows angle so it can be used as a striker for a firesteel.
bent; pull back with the shoulders. Note that the knife is sideways, facing away from the body.
Handles should be fairly simple and free of any prede-
termined finger notches to optimize the freedom needed
for the many different grips and positions required in
basic bushcrafting. A small guard, if any, is sufficient for
a good bush knife. The grinds vary from Scandinavian,
with one large single bevel, to a convex edge. While most
American-made bushcraft knives feature a flat grind with
a convex or V-grind, as long as the edge is sharp and easily
maintained, you will be off to a good start.
hand and forearm(s) are kept above the point

of impact, it causes the bit to continue in the
path back toward you. The longer the handle,
the safer the tool is to use.
‹ A chest-lever grip is also very good for controlled, fine detailed work. The author prefers this grip for Chop the log with alternating angled strokes
both powerful cuts and light carving.
to form a V-shaped cut. Make the starting
width of the V cut approximately the same
distance as the diameter of the log. If at all
possible, roll the log over after chopping about
halfway through for more-efficient cutting.
Another option for chopping through a log
is to make four separate and parallel angled
chops in one direction and then make four
chops at the opposite angle that overlap the
first four, thus chipping out the first four cuts.
Another technique is to chop halfway through
the log from one side, move to the opposite side
of the log and resume chopping from that side.
Typically, this is meant for larger-diameter wood
and longer-handled axes.
One-handed chopping with a short handle
means getting up close and personal with the
wood, hovering over it and still keeping the
‹ The author is using a forehand grip to cut a wedge from hardwood. This is a powerful and safe grip. parallel plane. Chopping while using two hands
All cuts should always be away from yourself and other people. with a 19-inch-or-longer handle is the best way

‹ Near left: Splitting long or thick wood can be
done by using a hammer stick (baton) to drive the
head deeper into the split in the wood. It is safer
and more controlled than chopping through. The
position might seem a little awkward at first, but it
is easier than using a heavier, cumbersome ax.
‹ Far left: When chopping logs, stand behind the

log with your legs shoulder width apart, and keep
the parallel plane with the cutting bit. Make the
initial cut as wide as the log’s diameter.
to control the bit and get more power out of a

lighter tool. Accuracy counts much more than
a hard, blundering chop. Practice is paramount
for using an ax accurately and safely!
Limbing. This task is best done on a
downed tree while standing on the opposite
AX SAFETY
side of the trunk from the branches being cut,
using the trunk as a protector log. Chop the
branches close to the trunk of the tree and in
the direction of growth.
There are no minor injuries when it comes to an ax or any chopping tools. The impact of Splitting. The disadvantage of a lighter
such tools can be devastating to a limb or body part. Be aware of the follow-through of tomahawk is that it lacks the weight needed
your swings and the direction of the cutting edge at all times. for splitting wood. In the conventional way
Hatchets are dangerous because of their short handles, which can often injure a knee or of using an ax or hatchet, the log is placed
shin on the follow-through or after a glancing blow. The same happens with a machete. vertically on a chopping block and then split
The longer handles of a half or full ax, as well as some tomahawks, will be safer in that using the tool’s weight and the wedge shape
the cutting bit will be more likely to dig into the ground rather than come back toward you. ‹ Below: The author is of the head. There are other ways, however.
using a short-handled ax
Never chop above your head; keep work as close to the ground as possible. It is always safer (tomahawk) one-handed Selecting wood for making a fire is a matter of
with a hatchet or short-handled tomahawk to kneel down, with the task in front of you. from a kneeling position. using your brain and not choosing wood that’s
This is a safe position,
Impact-resistant sunglasses or safety glasses will keep your eyes safe from sharp chips that because he is also using too thick. Anything thicker than wrist/bicep
a protector log in front thickness can be used as larger fuel.
will undoubtedly be airborne when chopping. Always keep the wood you’re cutting at a safe,
of him.
parallel plane to the ground or other solid support when splitting or chopping.
If possible, don’t use heavy cutting tools after dark. In addition, safety with any type of ax
or knife starts by having a reliable sheath for carry and storage. Combining know-how with
experience will put you on the fast track to safety and enhance your chances of survivability.
‹ Above: Working on an incline, the larger ax is used while the author is in a sitting position. Notice
that the large V cut is about the same width as the diameter of the tree.

‹ The safest way to
split small-diameter
logs is in a kneeling
position. After driving
the head into the log,
pull the handle away
from the log perpen-
dicular to the cut to
split it apart.
Not everyone is accurate when swinging REGARDLESS OF THE TASK, WHEN

chopping tools. Batoning with an ax allows the
user to create precise, intentional splits in wood
CHOPPING, BACK UP YOUR WORK BY
rather than a potentially dangerous chop. PUTTING THE AREA TO BE CUT ON ANOTHER
An easy way to split wood with an ax is by PIECE OF WOOD. THIS WILL GIVE YOU THE
holding the handle and the wood parallel,
placing the ax bit at the top end of the small
BEST ENERGY TRANSFER AND ENSURE
log and raising the two up about a foot. Then, YOUR BIT DOESN’T GET BURIED IN THE
bring them both down together on a chopping GROUND ... OR WORSE—BONE!
block. This will drive the bit into the wood and
create a split. Just pull the handle and wood
apart in opposite directions (like shears) to
finish the split. This is the safest way to split
small-diameter wood. Do not attempt to chop
into the top of the log first—this is a common
thing people try to do when first using this
method. Simply let the momentum of the ax
bit do the work. Naturally, softer wood will be
easier to split than harder, knotted-up wood,
so be patient and practice.
Fine work with an ax should be limited to
smaller splits for kindling. Making fuzz sticks for
fire with an ax is a little more advanced. To think
otherwise is fooling yourself. So, use a small
knife for anything requiring real craftsmanship.
SAWS
Used correctly, a saw will easily outcut an ax
or large chopping blade. A saw will not slice
› This is an example of a trio the author has used

for years: a TOPS C.U.B. knife, Corona 10-inch fold-
ing saw and an H&B Forge Large Camp Ax.

‹ Far left: The author
is using the knee
method to saw
smaller-diameter
wood with a folding
saw in a safe and
controlled manner.
He is gripping the
saw toward the back
of the handle for
added leverage.
‹ Near left: A large

folding saw can do
a lot of work—safely.
This 10-inch Corona
Razor Tooth Saw
made quick work of
these cuts.
› Right: Safely hold

the wood on the
other side of the
saw blade to protect
your hand from cuts
if the saw skips out.
Note that the small
branch below the cut
is resting on a rock
to keep the wood
stable while it is
being cut.
S O U R C E S
Corona Tools
(800) 847-7863
www.CoronaToolsUSA.com
ESEE Knives bread, split or chop wood, blaze a trail or skin game. Yet, its attributes are just as productive and Use the cross-arm method until the spine
(256) 613-0372 useful. When using a large chopping tool, it’s possible to have a few bad swings that produce of the saw blade is deep in the wood; then,
www.ESEEKnives.com
no results (other than wasting energy or dinging the edge). However, with a saw, as long as the adjust to the more-natural comfortable
Fiskars
(866) 348-5661 blade is in the cut, every pull counts, and there is less wasted motion and risk of injury. grip with the free hand. Alternatively, begin
www.Fiskars.com To use a saw correctly is to use a saw ... safely! When attempting to cut a downed log, first sawing with two hands if the log is immobile.
H&B Forge make sure it isn’t too large for the saw’s blade. When making the initial cut with the saw, place We want the saw to shred through wood
(419) 895-1856
www.HBForge.com the blade where you want to make the cut and cross your free hand over the saw and grip the expeditiously, but getting cut in the process
ML Knives log. This might seem a little awkward at first, but if the saw blade skips out while establishing is counterproductive. Speed is of the essence,
(518) 843-7216 the cut, it will only rub against your free hand’s inner forearm with the spine. Most people will but safety is paramount.
www.ML-Knives.com
place their free hand near the saw blade when they are making the initial cut. If the saw blade Cutting a branch from a standing tree can
TOPS Knives
(208) 542-0113 skips around while trying to establish itself in the log, it will leave the most uneven gash on the be done by holding the branch with the free
www.TopsKnives.com top of the knuckles of your free hand. I have seen more cuts from saw teeth skipping around and hand and making a cut through the bark on
landing on the hand than from knives. the underside first. Then, cut the top of the

A SAW WILL NOT SLICE BREAD,
SPLIT OR CHOP WOOD, BLAZE
A TRAIL OR SKIN GAME. YET,
ITS ATTRIBUTES ARE JUST AS
PRODUCTIVE AND USEFUL.
Find us on
branch above the first cut, and the branch will break cleanly without the bark
stripping off unevenly and unnecessarily damaging the tree.
When sawing small branches or trees on the ground, use the knee method.
Simply put your weak-side knee on the ground and place the wood in the
bend of your strong side knee (your right knee if sawing right-handedly). This
will help secure the wood, along with the free hand holding the other end.
Saw the wood on the outboard side of the bent knee.
Compared to swinging a chopping tool, using a saw offers much more
control and is safer. Cutting overhead with a saw is safer than with a chopper.
I read in a woodcraft book that there are no minor injuries with a hatchet or Discover the
ax. This is true, so for cutting branches up high, use a saw!
When out practicing your bushcraft and camp-making skills, remember that
world of firearms at
the basics are the most important aspect of proper tool use. No matter what your fingertips.
we do, the basics always come back to us, so keep them simple and precise ...
and make sure you practice.
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DOOM AND BLOOM, LLC.............................................................................................................57
ELITE SURVIVAL SYSTEMS .......................................................................................................37
MAJOR SURPLUS & SURVIVAL ............................................................................................... 39
SIMPLISAFE...................................................................................................................................85
SKB CASES .....................................................................................................................................67
TOPS K NIVES ................................................................................................................................115
TORMACH LLC ...............................................................................................................................75
WORLD GONE SILENT................................................................................................................ 87
‹ Reach through frame or bow saws to hold the piece of wood until the blade’s
spine is below the surface. This protects the hand that is stabilizing the wood from
cuts if the saw skips out. The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Survival Guide readers.
American Survival Guide is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

A HOUSE DIVIDED
AGAINST ITSELF
CANNOT STAND
A
BY BRIAN MORRIS
s we prepare for our annual Independence Day celebra- see today, and that seems unusual compared with the past. Whether it’s reality
tions, it occurred to me that this year, more than most, we or perception, the discord in America seems to increase daily and simultaneously
should take a moment to reflect on the reason we have this stems from, and feeds, the wanton disregard of others’ rights—simply because
national day of recognition. they disagree with the opinions of another. There are so many points of contention
At this time, we pay homage to the brave souls who fought so among groups and individuals who have a multitude of perspectives and agendas,
hard against overwhelming odds to break free of the chains of servitude to a king many of which are petty; and the divergent opinions are expressed so vociferously
whose power was not earned or even granted to him by “his” people but rather and emotionally that it’s often difficult to find topics and causes we can agree on.
flowed through his ancestors to him as part of a royal birthright. While we still have the right to disagree with each other, one might expect more
We declared our independence as a free and sovereign nation—no longer subser- unity to come from a people who share and enjoy the rights and freedoms that
vient to a single person, royal family or foreign country, but rather to be governed, were earned and preserved for us and our descendants at such a great cost. With
as Abraham Lincoln said almost 100 years later, " … of the people, by the people, today’s fixation on individual rights and the precedence of one’s own desires and
for the people … ." opinions over the whole, we are called to remember a passage Lincoln borrowed
As revolutionary and exemplary as our constitution was, it took some time and from the Bible when he made his “House Divided” speech. Thinking about this
a number of amendments to get it to where it is today. Rights and freedoms and year’s Independence Day reminds me, more than ever, that “a house divided
other bits of fine-tuning were added with 27 amendments. Some took only a few against itself cannot stand.”
months to pass, while one—the 27th—took more than 200 years to be ratified. (Is it Because we are independent of foreign masters, the freedoms, rights and privi-
surprising that the 27th Amendment relates to when laws affecting Congressional leges we have could be lost by our own hand because of our lost vision as a nation,
salaries take effect?) particularly of that simple principle of majority rule. We see all too often today that
On this day, we should be proud and humbled that other countries have used our public policy and political processes are being driven by a very small, but vocal and
constitution as a guide when they gained independence and needed to construct media-savvy, contingent of people who think the country should be reshaped to
a similar document. Nations that predate ours have made less progress for their their design. In effect, to use the words of Walt Kelly, “We have met the enemy, and
people over more time. he is us.”
Even with the readily apparent success that the “American Experiment” has On this Independence Day, let’s recall the dedication to the greater good that the
achieved, the path to where we are today has not been straight and level. There founding fathers and their followers shared and worked toward and find ways in
have been missteps, barriers and delays, as with all great journeys, and there will which we can do the same to preserve the way of life that makes the United States
always be a need for Americans to work together on new and serious challenges of America the exemplary nation it is.
© GETTY IMAGES
that litter the path into the future. Then, we can focus on the highly anticipated trips to the beach, as well as back-
So, why is this Independence Day different than most others? In my mind, this yard cookouts and get-togethers with family and friends.
difference is simply because of the great degree of social and political strife we Have a safe and happy Independence Day.

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What are some of the main topics covered in the magazine?

What are some of the main topics covered in the magazine?

What safety tips are provided for the workplace?

What safety tips are provided for the workplace?

How-to: Master Your Kephart Trio

U.S. $8.99 JULY 2018 DISPLAY UNTIL 6/19/18

4 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

Some articles in this issue might

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 5

ARE YOU SAFE

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

6 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

8 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

MSRP: $94 MSRP: $350 www.Benchmade.com

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 9

MSRP: $625.70 MSRP: $180–$200

10 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 11

12 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 13

‹ Right: U.S. Customs

14 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 15

› Below: The compo-

› Bottom: Bags that

16 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

EFFECTS OF DIRTY BOMBS

‹ Far left: Two trainees

‹ Near left, top:

‹ Near left, bottom:

toward the danger

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 17

‹ Far left: This casing

It is also worth mentioning that Israel car-

18 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

BEING DISMANTLED). without great difficulty, obtain highly radio-

bloc countries are rarely ideologically motivated.

the criminals may have no qualms about selling

PLANTING AN RDD WILL NOT BE A

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 19

EFFECTS OF A DIRTY BOMB ‹ This warning sign is

cumb to the effects of the chemical explosion,

20 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

22 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 23

ONCE YOU HAVE A GOOD IDEA OF THE HIGHER-PROBABILITY THREATS YOU

24 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 25

26 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

EXTERNAL RISKS REPRESENT ALL THE

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 27

› Not only will these

ALICE Training Institute

28 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

‹ Below: Elevators are

LONE WOLF OR ALPHA

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 29

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 31

respected as great clarity and lucidity.

32 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2018]

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