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…
How to survive a knife attack
Knife fights are rare – knife attacks on the other hand, and much more common. Knife attacks typically occur when the attacker is within arm’s reach of you but experts will say, anyone with a knife that is intent on attacking you is a threat as far as 30-feet away…
Escape from zip ties? It’s not as hard as you think to escape from plastic handcuffs
Plastic handcuffs (aka FlexiCuffs, Riot Cuffs, or Zip Ties) are popular with military and law enforcement officials when mass arrests are expected. Consisting of either two interlocking straps or a single cable tied around both wrists, they are cheaper, easier to carry, and less likely to spread communicable disease (plastic…
Making homemade deodorant in a survival situation.
How to make deodorant We've frequently mentioned on Wilderness Arena, two important aspects of survival that many may find surprising – cleanliness and state of mind. Cleanliness is important because in a primitive survival situation, something as small as a minor injury or unsanitary condition can be deadly. State…
The importance of soap and how to make it in a survival situation.
When you find yourself in a wilderness survival situation, cleanliness and hygiene are often not at the top of your list of priorities – but they should be. Maintaining proper hygiene in a survival situation is much more than just a mental or emotional boost. While you’re battling elements you…
How to read and use a topographic map in a survival situation.
Use of a topographic map in a survival situation Topographic maps describe the shape of the land and can be used (along with a compass) to help you locate natural and man-made features like woodlands, waterways, important buildings, and bridges. The information derived from a topographic map can help you…
Snipers – how they operate and how to avoid their gun sights
About professional snipers Professional snipers, particularly military-trained snipers, are well versed in marksmanship, field craft, reconnaissance, observation, surveillance, target acquisition and of course, camouflage. Avoiding a sniper attack can be nearly impossible but by understanding how they work, and following a few simple avoidance tactics, it’s possible you may…
How to open a metal can without using a can opener.
It happens to the best of us. You have the food but forgot the eating utensils or plates. When it comes to canned food, failing to bring the can opener may seem like an end-of-the-world disaster – unless you know these simple methods for opening a metal can without using…
