Make your own compact, portable survival/bugout bag – as small as a fanny pack!
When creating bugout bags, a collection of supplies required to survive an unexpected event, most survivalists use a backpack to hold the survival supplies. The size and maneuverability of backpacks make them ideal choices for survival kits. Their large size however, can be a constraint. That doesn’t have to…
How to make gunpowder in the wild (all it takes is charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate)
In a survival situation, primitive tools will get you by but for maximum survivability, you need mechanical weapons and explosives – and nothing beats the time-tested combustive mixture – gunpowder. Gunpowder is the earliest known chemical explosive. It burns fast (flash fast) and if placed inside a sealed container…
A study of assassination- purported CIA guidebook to assassinations provides self-defense lessons for survivalists.
The 19-page document below is a transcript of a file title "A Study of Assassination". It is believed to have been published by the CIA in 1953 and as the title suggests, acts as a rudimentary guide to assassinations. For survivalists, it serves as a useful countermeasure and tactical…
Scary – To get gun license, Massachusetts city requires written essay, graded solely by police chief
Firearm restrictions are tightening like a noose in Lowell, Massachusetts with the heavy arm of the law pulling tightly on the rope. Gun rights advocated are livid over a new city law which requires residents applying for a gun license to write “an essay” explaining why they believe they…
How to build primitive weapons and tools from natural bone, rocks, shells, antlers, or animal teeth
Man has been working rocks, stone, and bone into tools, utensils, and weapons for millions of years. Given its abundance in nature, rocks and bone are perfect materials for making tools and weapons in an emergency wilderness survival situation. How are tools and weapons constructed from rocks? All stone-working methods…
Complete list of supplies needed for a backpacking/hiking/camping trip
To become a proficient survivalist, you must practice and there's no better way to put your survival skills to use than backpacking and hiking treks into the wilderness. Even for a simple day hike, you will require supplies, tools, and sustenance for the trip. Below is a complete list of…
The CIA provides details on NBC/CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) attacks
The following was taken from a CIA pamphlet published in 2007 warning of potential Al-Qa'ida terrorist attacks. The pamphlet lists various CBRN attack vectors with details on the agent used in the attack, symptoms and signs, and treatment (first aid) options. More information on NBC/CBRN attacks can be found in…
What the Army Field Manual tells us about surviving nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks
The following document is an appendix taken from the US Army Field Manual. The topic is tactical and emergency operations in a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attack (see this CIA report for details on various types of attack vectors). The document, which provides excellent insight into the tactics and procedures…
Top 120 cities at risk for a Nuclear, biological, nuclear (NBC/CBRN) attack
A Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attack, also known as a CBRN or NBC attack, is an attack against an area using hazardous material to promote widespread damage, typically utilized in a terrorist-type attack. The US Army’s domestic preparedness division lists the following cities/states as the top 120 cities at…
How to defend against a car bomb – all about explosive devices and how to protect yourself from their deadly blasts
About car bombs Car bombs are a commonly used weapon for assassinations, terrorism, or guerrilla warfare. They are easy to hide, cheap to construct, and leave behind little forensic evidence. In addition, the gasoline in the automobile’s fuel tanks magnify the force of the explosion. Where car bombs are typically…
Guns, violence, and mass shootings in the United States – the real reason behind America’s shooting epidemic
The question of gun control Naturally, when a mass shooting occurs and the media bombards the public with anti-gun rhetoric, we become concerned and wonder, “Would the country indeed be safer if gun ownership was restricted – or more tightly controlled?” The truth is, with regards to the level of…
How to communicate with Morse code (using visual, audio, and pressure forms of communication)
About Morse Code Morse code (not "Morris code") is a method of transmitting textual messages using a series of patterns. Each text unit in the pattern can be represented (or reproduced) using on-off tones (sound), flashing lights, or clicks representing "dots" and "dashes" (known as dits and dahs). The traditional…
How to use hand and arm signals (visual signaling) to communicate silently
In a military or survival situation where silence must be maintained in order to mask your presence from an enemy, foe, or target, several types of non-verbal communication (visual signals) are available including flags, pyrotechnic, chemical lights, ground-to-air signals, and hand and arm signals. The United States Army Field Manual 21-60 lays out the…
How to identify Black Bear tracks and signs.
About Black Bear Black bears, a medium-sized bear, are omnivores with diets that vary greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but will leave forests in search of food. Sometimes black bears are attracted to human communities because of the immediate availability of food. The American black…
How to identify Gray Wolf tracks and signs.
About Gray Wolves The gray wolf (aka timber wolf or western wolf) is native to the wilderness areas of North America, Eurasia, and many parts of Africa. The male wolf weighs just under 100 lbs. while the female wolf weighs between 79 and 85 lbs. Its winter fur is long…
How to track a person in the wilderness – and avoid being tracked by a human being yourself.
To track a human being, make sure you first understand how to track an animal. The concepts involved are similar except of course, you are dealing with a person which is a much smarter target and thus, will attempt to use deception to throw you off the trail. Preparing to…
Animal tracking and signs guide – how to track any animal (even people).
Tracks and signs (collectively termed “spoor” by trackers) include any kind of mark or disturbance left by the passing or activity of an animal or person. Because anything that touches an object leaves a trace, tracks and signs can be found everywhere. With knowledge and practice (tracking animals is both…
How to identify mule deer tracks and signs.
About Mule deer Mule deer are indigenous to western North America and are named for their large ears. Unlike the related White-tailed deer, mule deer are generally more association with land west of the Missouri River, more specifically with the Rocky Mountain region of North America. The most noticeable…
How to identify white-tailed deer tracks and signs.
About White-tailed deer White-tailed deer are native to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America. White-tail deer have also been introduced to New Zealand, Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Bahamas, Lesser Antilles, and some countries in Europe, such as Finland, the Czech Republic, and Serbia. …
Jade Helm 15 military operation – what you need to know about the historic military exercise to be conducted on civilian soil
See here for detailed article explaining Jade Helm and the controversy surrounding the historic military exercise to take place on civilian soil. Known as: Jade Helm or Jade Helm 15 Jade Helm operation motto: Master the Human Domain” Purpose: Not known. Said to be (1) exercise to condition special operations forces…
New Leatherman Tread bracelet combines 25 tools into a functional wearable multi-tool
Finally, a functional multi-tool that can be worn on the wrist and act as a watchband – and it looks great too. The Leatherman Tread is constructed of high strength, corrosion resistant 17-4 stainless steel and incorporates 2-3 functional tools, including box wrenches, screwdrivers, glass breaker, punch tools, and…
Preparing acorns to be a nutritious source of food
Acorns as source of food Many people are not aware that acorns are edible. Acorns are high in protein, fiber, carbohydrates, fats, calcium, and other minerals and with tannins removed, they offer a sweetish taste making them an excellent option for use in stews and breads. The best tasting acorns come…
How to protect against gas (chemical) and viral (biological) attacks – respirators are key to survival
How to recognize a gas attack It's true, some gases are odorless and colorless and near impossible to detect but in many cases, there are signs that a gas attack is occurring. Obviously, look for vapors trailing from a low flying aircraft. In many attacks, there were reports of…
Parts of the body that can be used as weapons, target areas, and immobilizing pressure points.
Weapons of the Body In a close combat situation, many people consider the fists as the only weapon of the body. Fists are important in close combat, but in fact, there are many other body parts that can be used as an effective weapon in a combat situation. Hands and…
The five tactical rules to follow in a close combat situation.
The following are key tactical concepts that should be followed in a close combat situation. Each rule by itself is not a standalone idea but rather is intended to be combined with the other rules to achieve an effect that is greater than their separate sum. Achieving a Decision Achieving…
