Examples of tactical mission tasks in combat operations (tactical and offense series).
Tactical Mission Tasks The tactical mission tasks in this appendix describe the results or effects the commander wants to achieve—the what and why of a mission statement not previously addressed in this publication. A mission statement contains the who, what, when, where, and why associated with a specific operation. The…
Examples of basic tactical control measures in combat operations (tactical and offense series).
Basic Tactical Control Measures This article explains basic tactical control measures common to the conduct of offensive and defensive tasks. These control measures apply to both automated and hand-drawn graphic displays and overlays. This article portrays common control measures for use on situation maps, overlays, and annotated aerial photographs. They…
The complete guide to retreating in combat operations (tactical and offense series).
The Retrograde The Army categorizes the retrograde as one of three primary defensive tasks. The enemy may force these operations or a commander may execute them voluntarily. In either case, the higher commander of the force executing the operation must approve the retrograde. Retrograde operations are transitional operations; they are…
The complete guide to area defense in combat operations (tactical and offense series).
The Area Defense An area defense capitalizes on the strength inherent in a closely integrated defensive organization on the ground. The conduct of an area defense facilitates the consolidation and reconstitution of forces in order to transition to a focus on another element of decisive action, such as stability. The…
The complete guide to defensive tactics in combat operations (tactical and offense series).
Basics of the Defense Defensive actions alone normally cannot achieve a decision. Their purpose is to create conditions for a counteroffensive that allows Army forces to regain the initiative. Other reasons for conducting defensive actions include— Retaining decisive terrain or denying a vital area to the enemy. Attriting or fixing…
Cold Steel Spartan folding pocketknife review – classic Cold Steel quality in an aggressive design form makes an excellent foldable knife for self-defense.
To say the Spartan folding pocketknife is unique would be an understatement. Words used to describe this knife include solid, unyielding, indestructible, beastly, and a tank. Of course, being manufactured by Cold Steel, you wouldn’t expect anything less. About Cold Steel Cold Steel is an American maker of knives, swords,…
The complete tactical guide to pursuit of an enemy during combat operations (tactical and offense series).
Pursuit A pursuit differs from the exploitation in that its primary function is to complete the destruction of the targeted enemy force. Army doctrine regards a pursuit as an offensive task. Pursuit operations begin when an enemy force attempts to conduct retrograde operations. At that point, it becomes most vulnerable…
The complete tactical guide to exploiting the enemy after a combat operations attack (tactical and offense series).
Exploitation An exploitation takes full advantage of offensive success, following up initial gains, and making permanent the temporary effects already achieved. Commanders at all echelons exploit successful offensive actions. Attacks that succeed in annihilating a defending enemy are rare. Failure to aggressively exploit success at every turn may give the…
How to stay clean (and healthy) in the wilderness – even if no water is available.
Hygiene is a typical routine for most people but cleanliness in the wilderness is sometimes ignored by even the most devout germaphobe. In a wilderness survival setting, we tend to focus on food and water and forget that poor hygiene can lead to infestations, infections, and skin disease. Even eating…
How to identify Mountain Lion tracks and signs.
About Mountain Lions Mountain lions, also called cougars, may be found from the Canadian Yukon to the southern Andes of South America. They possess the largest territory of any wild mammal. Mountain lions are mostly solitary animals, preferring to hunt and sleep alone. A single male may require up to…
The complete tactical guide to attacking in combat operations (tactical and offense series).
Attack When the commander decides to attack, or the opportunity to attack occurs during combat operations, the execution of that attack must mass the effects of overwhelming combat power against selected portions of the enemy force with a tempo and intensity that cannot be matched by the enemy. The resulting…
Case Large Stockman pocketknife review – the legendary pocketknife you’ll pass on to your grandchildren.
Dating back to the 1800’s, Case pocketknives are an American legend. They’ve held their lofty standards for more than 100 years. With superior quality compared to most other brands, a case knife will last a lifetime – or longer. It’s no wonder so many collectors focus exclusively on collecting Case…
The complete tactical guide for movement to contact in combat operations (tactical and offense series).
Movement to Contact When necessary, commanders order subordinates to conduct a movement to contact regardless of which element of decisive action is currently dominant—offense, defense, or stability. Commanders conduct a movement to contact to create favorable conditions for subsequent tactical tasks. A commander conducts a movement to contact when the…
Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Multi-Tool Pocket Knife – the most functional knife on the market is perfect for outdoor survival tasks.
The Swiss Army Trekker pocketknife, formally known as the Victorinox Swiss Army One-hand Trekker Multi-tool pocketknife is one of the best everyday-carry (EDC) knives I’ve come across to date. Its optimal size and legendary Victorinox quality make it a joy to carry and its intelligent choice of tools and ingenious…
The complete guide to tactical offense in combat operations (tactical and offense series).
Basics of the Offense Offensive actions are combat operations conducted to defeat and destroy enemy forces and seize terrain, resources, and population centers. They impose the commander’s will on the enemy. A commander may also conduct offensive actions to deprive the enemy of resources, seize decisive terrain, deceive or divert…
How to make homemade tear gas.
Police use tear gas to maintain control of crowds or cause them to disperse. For citizen survival scenarios, you can use tear gas to ward off enemies, disengage dangerous animals, or to make a location temporarily inhabitable by people. Commercial forms of tear gas are often designated CN (chloroacetophenone) or…
Ka-Bar fighting knife product review – America’s choice for military knives is the best all-around outdoor knife money can buy.
Wilderness Arena Score: 97/100 It’s arguably the most famous fixed-blade knife design in the world. Produced by Ka-Bar, who has knife-manufacturing experience dating back to 1898, and built in the USA (Olean, New York), the Ka-Bar Fighting Knife has been used by military since 1942. Ka-Bar’s fighting knife is an…
Flexcut Micro Tools product review – you won’t find a better wood carving knife on the market.
Wilderness Arena Score: 92/100 Flexcut knives and micro tools A good pocket knife will suffice for most whittling tasks but nothing beats a tool specifically designed for carving wood. A wood carving or whittling knife will have a substantial handle for easy gripping which lets you carve longer without getting…
How to stockpile water in an emergency – how to treat and store water for long-term use
The average family of four uses about 400 gallons of water per day but you can get by with much less. According to government guidelines, for emergencies, it is recommended you store at least one gallon of water per person. About ¾ of the water would be used for consumption…
How to plan, develop, and lead a guerilla warfare combat mission
Guerilla warfare involves leading a small group of soldiers, such as armed civilians, while using unorthodox military tactics including ambushes, sabotage, raids, and hit-and-run attacks, to fight a larger, more organized (and typically state-sponsored) enemy. Operations typically include a variety of strong surprise attacks against transportation routes, individual groups,…
Here’s a list of companies that have cut ties with the NRA – in case you want to, you know, boycott them or something
Yeah, they may get a little bit wacky sometimes, but the NRA is without a doubt the greatest supporter, and influencer, of Americans' rights to own guns. With fear running rampant, many companies are using the mass-shooting epidemic as a marketing ploy and are turning against the NRA – and…
How to survive a nuclear attack and shelter against radioactive fallout debris
What is nuclear fallout? Fallout refers to the process by which wind carries radioactive materials through the air. After a nuclear bomb or other nuclear explosive device is detonated, residual radioactive material is propelled into the upper atmosphere. The material then falls from the sky, showering earth with radioactive debris.…
How to build a door-covered or pole-covered trench shelter for protection against elements, natural disasters, and nuclear fallout
Covered trench shelters utilize the massive density and inherent strength of packed soil to create a protective shelter suitable for protection against natural and wartime elements including biological and nuclear fallout. Trench shelters also provide excellent wind and blast protection. Typical trench shelter plans fall into two categories, differentiated…
How to make a basic clean earth filter (filtering water with gravel and dirt)
The most basic of water filters is the clean earth filter. Although not ideal for producing crystal clear clean drinking water, it does have the added advantage of filtering out some components that other filters are unable to remove. For instance, a basic clean earth filter can filter out…
How to make and deploy thermite for explosives, in-the-field welding, signaling and more
All about thermite What is thermite? Thermite is an easy-to-make compound that creates an explosive exothermic reaction, producing a brief burst of extremely high temperature – enough to weld metal, explode steam, and even burn through concrete. Thermite, typically made from aluminum and iron oxide (rust), differs from gunpowder…
