Tom Grounder, an NRA Certified Instructor and owner of Defensive Logic, is our guest author today. Tom is passionate about teaching people to be prepared to defend themselves. His philosophy on the subject is summed up in the name of his company: Defensive Logic. Personal security is best approached in a logical manner and with an individual approach. What is right and what works for me is very likely to be different than what is right for you. This is where the "logic" comes in to play.
On Saturday, July 19th, I will be joining Tom on his radio show, also called Defensive Logic. If you are local to Colorado Springs, you can find the show on 98.5 FM and 1040 AM. Or you can listen to the live streaming broadcast at
Click on the link, then on the banner at the top, click on "Listen LIVE I-25 Talk Colorado Springs"
Tom's program runs every Saturday from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Mountain Time.
Thank you, Tom, for this excellent article on the topic of preparing.
Thoughts and issues of
Security.
I do not consider myself a “dooms-dayer”,
“end of worlder” or even a survivalist as defined by many. I do however believe in the practice of self
defense. self reliance and being prepared.
I believe that for one “to not” consider this as a normal outlook on
life is a disservice to not only you as a human, but to your loved ones and
those whom you consider friends.
I have
a strong feeling that the direction of our society is driving very quickly
towards a deep and rapid decline. That
being said, I don’t believe that a cataclysmic event is absolutely on our
horizon. As an optimist I still think
that we can pull ourselves back.
Unfortunately I feel that we are at a tipping point that could go at any
time with the right push. What that
push may be…I don’t know. But I don’t
believe shoving your head in the sand is the way to approach the possibility. There will be enough of those types you may
have to contend with should events materialize and a social “tanking” becomes
reality.
It is becoming more apparent to me
that the need for personal security and scenarios of defense are issues that
not only require discussion, but should be seriously implemented and prepped
for by all.
The world, and our precarious place
in it, is rapidly evolving. To use the
term “tense and uncertain” is not out of line or context. I realize that some may feel that my
“vision” of the near future is over the top and perhaps totally
unrealistic. That being said here it is.
In light of the world scene (global
tensions, issues of debt, rising prices, unemployment and a clear decline in
moral standards)… I believe that a boiling point is close to its peak in this
country and world-wide. A scenario of
drastic actions in defense of you, your family, home and immediate neighbors could
be a real possibility. I’m not seeing
some “Mad Max” wasteland type of life, but I do believe that the reality of an
economic and social collapse of our nation and ramifications to our daily lives
could be very close at hand. Is it absolutely certain?? No,... but highly probable.
But as with anything else… fortune
and luck favors those who can think outside the box and prepare. I’m not talking about cutting all ties… packing
up the family and heading to the mountains. “Bugging Out” as it is called. I am no fan of the bug out scenario. To me, I can think very few situations that
would force me to leave my home. The
things we have worked for all our lives and have now…the home and its contents
are too critical to walk away from if you need not.
This includes family members as well
as tangible possessions. You have
shelter, protection from the elements, comfort items, the knowledge of the lay
of the land around you. Why would you
leave this for an uncertain condition in the boonies?? I do believe that the most crucial period
in the event of collapse (economically, power grid loss, food shortage, natural
disaster, whatever) will be an almost immediate social breakdown of common
decent standards. This critical time is
the “panic phase” in which the reality of what is happening has not fully
absorbed into the minds of the masses and panic reaction sets in. Grabbing of the supplies by any means is a
given.
Let’s take the most likely of disaster
scenarios. Not some off the hook
scenario like a Zombie Apocalypse or Alien Invasions…I’m talking real scenarios
that face us. My biggest concern is power
grid loss for extended time. The reason
is irrelevant. If you think this is
not a realistic situation, think again. If
you need to have validation…( Katrina, the East Coast Super Storm Sandy,
Tornados, a massive snowstorm, torrential flooding, terroristic attack on a city
infrastructure, power stations)…you can think of reasons yourself. Things can happen. The magnitude of them can
be small or massive.
Imagine the Boston
Marathon Bombing had the explosion been bigger.
How hard would it have been to create another fertilizer bomb like the
one used in Ok City? Being a veteran of
terrorist events from as far back in the late 70’s and early 80’s in Europe, I
have no doubt that it is just a matter of time before the technique of small
individual attacks (suicide bombers) on targets of lesser value, but higher
emotional impact (small town America) begin. Should such a loss of electrical
power occur, the time frame for such loss of power could and can far exceed 30
days with no end is in sight.
Grocery stores carry at best 3 to 4 days of
supplies based on the neighborhood it serves.
It will be empty of most usable items within 12 to 36 hours of the
event.
Procurement of food, shelter, viable
goods, medical supplies, weapons, amunition (there is no limit to this list)…
will be sought by others that did not foresee and plan ahead. In a very short period, (hours or less) the
fear and panic turns to simple, basic survival. The panic grab turns to a hostile and
brutally violent procurement event. The
rule becomes “Get what you can to survive”.
What I want you to remember most of all is
simple in its concept… If
you have prepared and have stored supplies, this will be sought out by those
who failed to take such measures.
Predatory humans will be looking of it.
Sharing with you is not in their plan.
Taking it from you is!! For you, defending it will be inevitable.
The mindset of “I cannot or will not take a
life”….due to a moral conflict is beyond my understanding. Your life and that of you families will be
at stake here. Will you really just let
it happen?? If you’re inclined to think that you may be able to reason with
these people, keep in mind that their mindset is survival rooted in fear and
panic. The capacity for reasoning is
limited if not non-existent. You’re
kidding yourself if you think you can talk them into simply moving on.
It is naïve to think that you will be
able to appeal to their humanity and good will.
Survival trumps any and all decent human or “Christian” traits that may
have existed. Do not think that I am
abandoning the belief in God or faith itself.
I believe! I believe God will be
there, but you have a responsibility to take part in your defense. I also believe that God expects us to take
measures to defend ourselves. I believe
that God helps those who help themselves.
We will come back to faith later in this.
Like most of us, few are owners of
large, isolated parcels of land. You’re
generally surrounded on all sides by neighbors. You home is your castle. It’s not easy to walk away from. And you certainly have no desire to give it
up.
Unfortunately, our general
lifestyles have created little “camps” of isolationist that for the most part, might
know the names of those living close to them,
but few can recall the names of someone outside of a 3 to 5 house range
in either direction up the street. In
the event of a crisis, this little neighborhood of yours, (your street, block,
whatever), will become your best chance at initial survival should the time
come. No doubt that safety is favored by
numbers and thus the ability to present a formidable defense.
But knowing who those persons are and
what they are capable of is crucial. Again,
imagine the most basic of a crisis event…a complete, long term failure of the
power grid in which all electrical power is lost for an extended time. By extended I suggest a minimal of 30+ days
and or beyond. The longer it goes, the
worse the effect is across the masses.
Foods supplies dwindle to nothing in a matter of days. Easy fuel dispensing is over
immediately. No lights. Electric cooking is gone! Refrigeration is
gone! In certain areas water flow may be
reduced substantially or lost altogether.
Water treatment facilities will fail to operate. Potable water will be tough to find within 5
to 10 days. There is more to consider so
at this point let your mind wander. But stay in reality mode. So if you’re hoping to have some kind of
neighborhood interaction and begin your prep,… try this.
PREPARATION: The key to beginning a plan of
defense is getting to know your neighbors.
Throw a block party if you must.
Drag your grill out front.
Illicit help and get a simple burgers and dogs fare going…encourage them
to bring a side. Make it kid
friendly! I would always suggest that
you make it as alcohol free as possible.
This is not out of some moral concern.
You want to know your neighbors as they are…clear headed and
“normal”. Be the spokesman if needed. At some point, and maybe not at this
particular event, start engaging in conversation regarding your views and
explain this is why you are getting to know who is around you. If it feels right, address the group. You may never get to this at a party/gathering.
Often the effect you have is gradual.
Over time more neighbors get to know what you’re about and they either accept
it or they don’t. If you do get the opportunity to
address a group, be prepared!! Be honest
in your reason. Explain that as a
source of protection, the collective eyes and ears of the camp are the best
line of defense. Get names on papers,
addresses, names and ages of children, PHONE NUMBERS!!! Make a roster and pass it around to all the
neighbors.
This simple beginning will
yield incredible info and increase your ability to actively protect! Keep this in mind, should a calamity
happen, in most cities and towns, small neighborhoods, a simple block of homes,
your street, will become individual zones of activity and security. Each small block can and most likely will
become instant, contained camps.
The inhabitants of these “camps” will
be reliant of each other for support, help and very likely, survival. There
is always safety in numbers. But the
numbers must be controlled in a crisis situation. The harsh reality is that it may be necessary
to “cull” those that are clearly a threat to the security and safety of the
camp.
As with most camp operations, there
will quickly emerge a leader. This
position will be crucial to organizing security, determination of welfare and
delegation of responsibilities. Once the
alpha is identified, support and assume a role according to your abilities,
experience and expertise. If a specific “alpha” does not emerge during
your party, expect it to be you. Take
the challenge and do the best you can. Regardless
of who is the designated leader, a chain of command must be established in the
event of a loss.
COLLECTIVE TALENT: As you get to know your closest
neighbors… who has what talents? Who has what abilities? This is very important to learn. A community is made up of personalities and
abilities…all different, but equally important to create a sense of “normal”. Not all are defenders and fighters. Perhaps you have a person with an engineering
background, mechanical abilities, a medical professional, a teacher, a
spiritual minister, builder, carpenter, growers, someone with canning abilities,
hunters, and so on! Know who these
people are if you can.
Regardless of their contribution and
skills, they may be called on to perform a duty for which they were not
prepared for and had never thought of in the capacity that you’re asking. Bear in mind that some persons can never take
a role of a fighter, or defender. Know
who these people are and do all you can to avoid pressing them into such
events.
BELIEFS: This is touchy subject. Make your own determinations here. For me, I look at it this way. “Among all
persons, the desire to be safe and have a place in a group of those determined
to have that security… will (and should) trump any and all issue of what some
may perceive God to be and what your differences may be to that.” I can look
past a person’s religious followings of faith, or lack of, if they are willing
to co-exist for survival and the good of the camp.
Me personally I believe in God. Faith
is central to my family. I’m far from
perfect in my actions to be “right with God” and whatever that brings me when
I’m called,…so be it. But I try. I believe that in a crisis, God
will expect me to stand my ground and if my role is to defend the members of my
family or group / neighbors with deadly force to ensure their and my survival,
I will meet that challenge with no hesitation.
Religious conversions in crisis
events are a sure thing. Many will begin
to turn to it, others will lose it. I
personally believe that in a camp as I described, if you have a spiritual base
and leadership in the form of a pastor or minister (ordained or not), you have
a core of morality that must be present.
It will make the tasks that we
all may face easier to deal with if a strong spiritual refuge is among you. It grounds you.
TACTICAL ABILITIES: The reality of this is the need for a
defined mission oriented defense goal for your community or camp. Each person should have a clear understanding
that looting and raids by those seeking to get what they can is an undeniable
fact of any disaster, crisis or event that disrupts the normal flow of our
lives. Generally, at the onset of the
event, there is a vast amount of mass mobs that will clear a shopping district
of goods.
Homes that have been evacuated by
either choice or by order become prime targets for thieves and those seeking
shelter. Law Enforcement resources are
dispersed very thin or may not exist at this point and responding to a call for
a home invasion to protect your home and those around you is not practical to
expect.
This is your responsibility. The interesting thing about this is that it
always has been. This sits at the root
of our nation and its founding principles.
Keep in mind, the term “tactical
ability” is not limited to combat action or whatever so many feel is depicted
in any number of movies, TV shows and video games. True tactical security allows you sustain!!!!! To have, to use, to live, to have a life,
and to defend it with distinct advantages and with whatever degree of ferocity
is needed based on the nature of the threat.
VIOLENCE OF ACTION: This is a serious conversation
here. Have you ever really sat down and
pondered this? What is your capability
should you be faced with a scenario that can very quickly evolve into a life or
death situation?
Like so many other things, few of us really
face this issue. In the event of a crisis
( and if you need an example again, Katrina and most recently Sandy on the east
coast ) riots, looting, murder and many
other violent crimes against those that could not defend themselves in the wake
of the storm did and will occur!!!! This will be no different in the future and
has been a constant in every crisis situation in the past on this planet. The media covers all the tragedy, but there
was very little coverage of the neighbors that banned together and pooled their
resources to collectively survive. I
can assure you that each crisis has such examples. For you, you must determine now that if you
are faced with a threat to your survivability (included family members or even
the group)… to what degree will you go to protect it??
Violence of action determines not
only the amount of force unleashed but most importantly, the speed and
prejudice in which it is delivered! The
rule I teach in firearm training for defense is “AVOID & DE-ESCALATE! Avoid the confrontation if you can. If you
cannot, give every opportunity to allow de-escalation. Keep in mind these options could be
exhausted in seconds.
But if you can look into yourself
after a confrontation in which you took a life and you can say that you
exhausted the options of avoidance and de-escalation to your adversary, then go
about your day and look back no further.
GET SERIOUS IN TRAINING AND
PREPARATION: To many…
often in the camp, within our families and others we may know, the idea of a
firearm is a scary thing. It is something they cannot see themselves using our
even being around. And I don’t see them
as wrong. This is a personal feeling
that is based in real and tangible fears for them. Firearms can be dangerous. People can be hurt by them in innocent ways. You may never get these folks to change their
minds and you must learn to adapt to that.
The principle idea of a firearm for protection and for provisions is as
old as far back as the late 1400,s and beyond. It is a part of our heritage and our duty as Americans to heed the words of our founding
fathers to be the most independent, resourceful, and FREE
people on the planet. It is your duty to
carry this into the future for your family and for them to carry forward for
their families.
I could opt to face the
challenges of the future without…but I would far prefer to be well armed and
trained. Why??? In a crisis world where an injury that we
normally think of as repairable or healable, won’t be so if immediate medical
attention is not available or simple antibiotics are not. Standards of cleanliness may decline due to
lack of basic things we take for granted. The first luxury that will become in short
supply could be water. Injuries, small
and thought of as a “boo-boo” can become infected, and fester to a point of
death. Over time our bodies have become
less able to ward off the effects of infections on their own. Until we rebuild
that ability we must be careful.
The lack of simple cleaning abilities/items
like soap, anti-biotic ointments and a band-aids (and the fact that our bodies
have lost certain abilities to fight such infections due to modern medicine)
can cause what was once a small inconsequential cut to become a life
threatening issue. This is something
that I cannot risk for myself or family.
I want to have the greatest advantage… in the worst situations that can
occur… that I can provide. I feel it is
your duty to yourself and your family to provide it as well.
A cut that festers to infection can
take only a few days to a couple of weeks to weaken you or even end your life
in a few of months. Being in good
health and acquiring firearms for defense and procurement is essential. What’s the most important reason to get and learn to use
firearms????? Your aggressors will have them and will use
them against you! Stay fit and rifle up!
As you begin to come closer to the neighbors
that you know you can depend on, learn what their resources are. What weapons and calibers do you have in
common? Do you know their level of
proficiency in shooting? What is yours
for that matter? Are you a stand up
“static” shooter from behind a bench on line at your local range? Or do you actually practice the discipline of
shooting under pressure?
Do you practice draws? In the event of home intruder / invasion...do
you know the sounds of your home? Do you know the creaks, pops and distinct
noise that you can associate with someone moving in your home?
Do you know how to clear you
home? Where are your fire / no fire
zones? What are the “fatal funnels” for you and your
threat? What is your best area of
control for defense and offense… your “God Spot”?
Are you completely up on the
ballistics of rounds used in your home defense weapons? What are the penetration abilities? What lies behind walls that may be a back
drop to gunfire?
Another concern that is often looked over is
the reaction of your family. Can you be
sure that your family will be out of any zones that may hold a fire fight?
Do your kids know what to do? Of those old enough to handle a firearm, do
they know the proper technique? Have they shot them before? Do they know how to gain access to them? All of this should be considered long before
you are in the situation and need to know.
GET YOUR FAMLY, FRIENDS,
NEIGHBOR (s) TO A RANGE.
If you have specific expertise in the area of firearms, offer your
knowledge to those that lack it.
The most rewarding thing that I ever
do is turn someone on to the joy of shooting and awaken a defensive posture in
them! You may very well change their life.
And you very well may have to rely on
them to help save yours
SHOOT, SHOOT AND SHOOT SOME
MORE: There is no
substitute for trigger time and training in different scenarios. Most states, and Colorado is abundant…have federal
lands that allows open shooting. In such
areas…your imagination is the limit to the scenarios that you can create to
train on. Be creative!! Shoot at varying distances, angles, firing
from prone, kneeling, on your back, behind cover, wounded wing one arm...weak
side. Do a static shoot, and then sprint
as fast as you can away from the shooting point and sprint back. Do the same shoot, do it under a time
constraint then see how your skills deteriorate!
Studies show that regardless of your training
level or expertise when your adrenaline and stress level is elevated, your fine
motor skills diminish. Your vision
tunnels and hearing will often become directional and go into a mode of
filtering. It’s termed as “auditory
exclusion”.
There is much to learn if you choose
to be more prepared and this is just a skimming of the surface. Take it as far
and you like. Range time is not feasible
to many with the lack of ammunition. Practice indoor “dry fire” exercises with
snap caps. Although not legal in most
city limits, a BB or pellet rifle is a great way to keep up on shooting skills
in with little cost and no noise to the neighborhood.
This is not intended to make you live a
ridiculous life of prepping by going nuts. Be reasonable. Look at what you can do to help you and your
family sustain for a minimum of three to six months.
Get started now! It is never too late!
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