Suburban Survivalist Finally Moving West!

That’s right, after several years of looking for the right job east of the Mississippi; I’ve finally found it and am moving from the DC area! We are moving at the beginning of May and if I never see DC again that’d be just fine.

Two major things will be accomplished with this move. First, the probably impossible plan of bugging out 1,300 miles or more won’t be necessary WTSHTF because we’ll be well within a tank of gas of my parent’s farm in Nebraska (which is our family “retreat”). Even if we had to go on foot, the population where we’ll be is a small fraction of what we’d have on the east coast, and the terrain is much less challenging. Second, although we won’t actually be in Nebraska, we’ll be close enough to get home much more often to work on survival projects, go shooting, etc, so I’ll move from theory to practice in many areas.

Getting ready to move is why I haven’t been able to blog as much.

I’ve moved overseas and cross-country many times in my career and such moves often are an opportunity to make a fresh start. For example:

• While in the DC area I probably spoke survivalism/preparedness to one or two people I shouldn’t have, and aside from that am known in my office as a “gun nut.” So one goal is to seriously tighten up my operational security, or OPSEC. I probably will not discuss preparedness co-workers once I move, and will discuss firearms little if at all.
• Related to OPSEC, in the past two years I’ve purchased a substantial amount of survival items including all types of ammunition and firearms supplies, miscellaneous gear, storage food, silver, etc. Most of it was purchased online, leaving an easy to read trail of what caliber of weapons I have and in many cases what type (revealed by items purchases, like a Mini-14 scope mount). The UPS delivery man who goes to my parent’s house even commented on all the ammo he delivered in a short period of time last year. In the future I’ll try to make bulk ammo/gear purchases with cash at gun shows, or little by little at local shops, also with cash. Can’t do anything about the trail I’ve already left, but I can stop highlighting it.
• Following the move I’m not sure how much or even if I will continue to blog. My guess is that blogs like mine are not monitored now, or only loosely. That could change in the future and I may not want to have my thoughts and plans so nicely cataloged for those who might later be more interested. This includes big brother, or even if someone were to discover who or where I am. I’m on the fence abut this for now.

But for now it’s back to getting ready to move this family of five half way across the country! Moving is a always a hassle in general, moving three young children only compounds that, especially with the drive, but knowing we’ll no longer be trapped on the east coast if/when a major problem arises is priceless.

Book Review: The Last Pilgrims (Volume 1)

Michael Bunker’s The Last Pilgrims is a post-apocalyptic story set in Texas 20 years after a global economic collapse. The story centers around a large pacifist agrarian group called the Vallenses that are much like present day Amish, though they do have access to beer.

Beer is a good place to note that the book has many interesting bits of information on things I’d love to try or know how to do after a collapse. The beer is question isn’t what most of us would recognize as such, but made with a very old-world traditional method of brewing that actually produces antibiotics. This isn’t fiction, tetracycline has been found in he bones of Nubians who lived about 2,000 years ago. Another tip is that mesquite pods can be used to make coffee – highly caffeinated coffee. Aside from general ideas on preparing, these little or lesser known tips are why I read this sort of fiction.

The Vallenses were a group that practiced an agrarian and pacifist lifestyle before the collapse. Jonathan Wall is the pastor and leader of the group, while his former best friend Phillip commands a militia group that protects the Vallenses. Think Rangers protecting the Shire, or almost.

After the collapse countries dissolved into smaller kingdoms, one of which is Aztlan – taking the name used by some various Mexican nationalist movements that claim part of the U.S. southwest. The King of Aztlan has decided to wipe out the Vallenses, but the pacifist group refuses to fight, though the will flee.

Although the Vallenses won’t fight, or at least most of them, the Phillips militia does. There is a lot of back and forth, twists and turns, this book is part action-adventure. I recommend this book to anyone interested in this genre, but also just for the action.

The Last Pilgrims, as the title and nature of the main groups of actors suggests, also deals with religion, though not in a preachy or even very descriptive way. They pray, they have Christian values, but they don’t really get into it much. I’m Christian but I don’t think a non-Christian would feel put off by this book.

The author editorializes at times on the fundamental and systemic causes of the collapse, primarily the completely unsustainable lifestyle of most of the planet since the 20th century. I think most survivalists would agree with most of what he has to say about that. Personally, I wish our standard of living could stay nearly as good as it is now, but I just don’t think it’s possible.

There are a few negatives but I don’t think they detract too much. While the story, explanation of the cause of the collapse, and action was excellent, the dialogue was pretty wooden, with an exception or two it’s impossible to tell who’s talking. Also I thought the description of how prosperous the Vallenses community was and how well they lived probably painted a bit too rosy of a picture of post-collapse living, even 20 years later.

Normally I prefer books that get more into the mechanics of the collapse rather than years or decades down the road, but found that I’m sort of getting burned out on that and this book was a welcomed change of pace. Even so, there are several flashbacks that describe events of the collapse, so some of that itch is scratched. Also welcomed was the fact that it’s very well written and edited, not so common for self-published post-apocalypse books and a real pleasure.

Disclaimer: I was provided a free Kindle version of The Last Pilgrims to review.

Burying Head in Sand Will Do No Good

Those Damn Government Workers

As the economy has declined over the past several years we’ve all become more aware of federal spending issues, and it has become fashionable to bash those lazy, can’t-be-fired, overpaid government employees. A study by the Heritage Foundation in 2010 and another by the Congressional Budget Office in 2012 both found that federal employees are paid more than those in the private sector.

Guess what: I’m a government civilian employee, a fed. Yes, one of the snakes out to crush the life out of you.

Don’t worry, I’m not a secret socialist, this is not to disagree with the fact that some feds as a whole are paid more, and you’ll never hear me calling for more government, just the opposite. The federal government is getting smaller now and much deeper cuts will come. This is to add some context that media summaries of the larger reports don’t stress enough.

I decided to work for the government because I wanted to be in a certain field where you pretty much must be either a fed, government contractor, or military, and I’ve been all of those things at one point or another. As a side note, before I was evil I was stupid. Back when I came into the federal workforce and the economy was good, many people felt those taking government jobs, or even going into the military with a commission, were idiots, a lot more could be made in the private sector. Times change.

This is longwinded but has a point. From a survivalist’s vantage, if you think collapse is immanent you may not care much what goes on with the government as long as it doesn’t affect you directly before that happens. Fair enough. I tend to see us as being in a slow collapse right now that could trigger a fast one unexpectedly and must eventually if nothing changes, but it could also drag on for many years or even decades. Though I think it unlikely, we as a country and civilization could somehow not collapse with enough dumb luck (our politicians sure aren’t going to fix what’s wrong).

If this slow collapse we’re in does take a long time to wind down to TEOTWAWKI, how and where we cut the government does actually matter. In part how we can defend ourselves, but also how the rest of the world deals with us – especially in trade – is due in no small part to our military power. The Department of Defense is 35% of the federal civilian workforce. Unfocused budged can easily hurting our national defense.

This could affect our access to energy, other imports, policies on exports, etc. that would in turn influence inflation/deflation, what goods we have, and of course jobs. Maintaining some global influence will be important as long as we’re in this slow collapse.

In the larger scheme of things, we could cut defense out of the budget entirely and in a few years mandated increases in Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and interest on the national debt would eat up that savings – and we’d not have a defense/military.

I’m not saying that because I’m in defense and trying to save my job. Being on the inside I can say yes we need to cut a lot but we’d better be damned careful where we do cut. We do have a lot of deadwood. There are people that are not productive, there are departments or divisions or offices that are redundant or of no real use. On the other side of that, we need to cut carefully and there are some dedicated folks who give it 110%.

Some of this anti-fed sentiment seemed to have fueled part of the rationale for a government shutdown in late 2011. The shutdown is an examples of something that sounds like a good idea but isn’t, unintended consequences. Yeah, let’s stick it to those government employees; give them a taste of furlough!

The problem is that government shutdowns end up costing the government more, even if federal employees aren’t paid for the time they’re off. I’m not saying this because I’m a fed, I’m saying this because it is in reality a lose-lose situation and I don’t want my tax dollars pissed away any more than the next guy.

Getting back to those reports and the public opinions they help drive. The studies control for years of experience, location, etc. One problem with this is that many of those in defense actually have occupations are not in the civilian workforce, but are comprised of highly educated employees. Many have security clearances and other specialized skills that just don’t translate that well.

That is the case with where I work, there is no good private sector comparison. We all have at least a four-year degree (most have advanced degrees), clearances, perhaps another language, and specialized experience and training. Where I work even the janitors have security clearances and get higher pay for it.

In this time of slow collapse the government is finally starting to downsize. Right now it’s mostly through attrition. Eventually it will be through axing entire departments, if we get that far if and before a fast/total collapse.

What can any of us do about it? Besides voting for candidates that we think will cut the budget with some thought and research, not a whole lot. But this doesn’t mean you’re helpless, you can add this to your list of indications and warnings that help you gauge where we’re at. Understanding they “why” can help you determine the “what” to do about it best for you. Sometimes that’s all we can do.

The cuts are coming for all of government and tougher times for everyone, but how it happens will probably matter. If we’re going to go down anyway, I’d rather not have the U.S. end up being China’s or even Russia’s bitch before it does.

And next time the anti-fed bashing begins, remember it’s not as black and white as some say. There are sometimes unintended consequences. Some feds are on your side.

Gear Reviews Part 2 of 3

Part 2 covers fore grips, sling mounts, and various items that attach to weaver/picatinny rail. Included are mostly things I consider keepers, but also a few pieces of junk to avoid. I’ll keep it brief and try to link to sites with reviews for additional info. When included prices are rounded to the nearest dollar.

AR-15 Low Profile Vertical Fore Grip Aluminum. This is a quick release grip, had a storage area that’s well sealed, and I think it was around $20 or $25 from CTD. Aside from being a little heavy, this is a great grip for the price. If your weapon isn’t too heavy, I recommend this.

Tacstar Front Folding Gun Grip, $24. Difficult to get on the rail, took five minutes to get it back off the first time, so expect some saw/file work to make it fit right. The grip is comfortable and folds either direction, but rattles. I’m luke warm on this one.

OD Green Polymer Vertical foregrip Battle Grip 1913 Picatinny or weaver Rail Configuration, $8. About what you’d expect for eight bucks, but comfortable and solid enough, and I prefer it the to the folding grip above, especially if you’ll put in on something and leave it there awhile. Also good as a backup or loaner grip.

Tapco AR-15 Low-Profile Mini Vertical Forward Grip, $20. This is just a good grip and at an ok price – highly recommended. This knock off is of the same quality for a bit less.

UTG Low-Profile Deluxe Universal Picatinny & Swivel-Stud Bipod, $26. This bipod is outstanding for the price. Functional, solid, and rugged. I’ve been using one for a couple years and have several around the house. It attached to picatinny rail, but includes an adapter to attached to sling swivel studs. Back in the day when he used to do more of the short, useful gear reviews, Nutnfancy did one on this bipod.

TMS Rail Mounted QD Quick Detach Push Button Sling Swivel w/ Base. I got mine for about $12 a set, looks like they’re going for $17 now. These are nice if you want to move your sling around to different rifles. Of the set I got, one of the push buttons took a few seconds to set and could come out if it didn’t, so quality control may vary.

AR-15 Quick Detach Sling Swivel UTG Leapers Solid Steel 1 1/4″ Sling Loop Picatinny Mounting Base, $12. Does what it’s supposed to do, great price, recommended. Like a lot of UTG stuff it’s make of steel and heavy, but that’s why it’s tough.

AR-15 .5″ High 5.7″ Long 13 Slot Low Profile Riser Mount UTG Leapers Picatinny Rail Quick Detach Riser Mount, $8. Got this so I could put my Eotech 512 up a bit higher than co-witness – but the knobs that hold this to the rifle interfere and the red dot can’t be mounted! Not good for a 512, you may have better luck with other optics.

UTG 11mm to Weaver Adapter, Adjustable, $9. This clamps to .22 caliber or airgun rifles with the narrower 11 base so you can attach a red dot or use regular scope rings. Very nice if you want to move scopes around to try them out on different rifles. It works exactly as advertised and you can’t beat the price, recommended.

UTG Full Size G36 Picatinny Rail Set, $13. I used these rails to attached to various synthetic stocks that didn’t already have them so I can attached grips, bipods, lights, etc. Does the job, fair quality, won’t break the bank.

Gear Reviews Part 1 of 3

Over the last couple of years I’ve purchased a lot of gear. The list got longish so I’ll break it into three parts. Part 1 covers holsters, slings, mag pouches, etc. Included are mostly things I consider keepers, but also a few pieces of junk to avoid. I’ll keep it brief and try to link to sites with reviews for additional info. When included prices are rounded to the nearest dollar.

Fobus Roto Thumb Break Holsters, $37. I’m not a big fan of Serpa holsters as rocks and dirt can jam the button and effectively lock your pistol in. I do like these Fobus holsters, that hold with retention and also have a thumb break if extra security is needed.

Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster by UTG, $14. Surprisingly this turned out to be a decent shoulder holster. I don’t plan on using it a lot, but thought I should have one just in case, maybe I want to have easy access while on a long drive, etc. Well made and comfortable enough, definitely not pricey.

ModGear Fanny Pack Concealable Pistol Holster. Got this for trips to national and state parks after the law changed a few years ago. I’m not a fanny pack kinda guy, but like the shoulder holster, wanted the option. It’s well made and can hold a full-sized pistol and extra magazines.

ModGear Glock Ambidextrous Holster. I needed a spare generic holster so tried this. Unlike some other ModGear stuff I’ve been pleased with, this was kind of a piece of crap. Doesn’t seem well made, snap never worked right (fixable with pliers, but can’t be trusted). Only upside is that the mag pouch is removable.

ModGear Fold Out Dump Pouch, $12. These things are great, my brothers and I have a bunch. Compact and out of the way until needed, attach solidly, well made, and they don’t flop around. We also use them to hold shot shell or loose cartridges for the Mosin Nagant.

ModGear Triple Pistol Mag Pouch Holds Three High Capacity Mags, $12. Well made, simple, not too pricey, we have lot of theses in OD and coyote brown.

Ace Case Shoulder Magazine Pouch Holds Six 30-Round Magazines, $14. Another good buy. This holds three mags on either side, AR and Mini-14 mags fit fine, not sure about AK. Could also put a radio, etc. in one pouch. Got this when my SHTF concept was to grab the rifle and throw on the mag pouch (rather than a vest).

Cobra One Point Sling Quick Detach Snaps on Both Sides. I didn’t care for this, especially for anything heavier than an SU-61C. Probably a good buy for standing in one spot or if you really like single point, but I keep it only as a backup.

Speedy Two Point Sling Universal Fit and 1 1/4″ Nylon Webbing, ~$20. I have a few of these, ok webbing and easy to adjust, well made. Black is fine, the OD green is a bit bright, not sure about the tan/coyote.

MOLLE II Desert Triple 3 Mag Ammo Pouch, $8. Tough, cheap, does the job, can attach things to the outside (another of the same, pistol mag pouches, etc.). The only thing I don’t like is the color, but it’s still a great deal for the price.

UPDATE: Forgot to include the Blackhawk Spec Ops Holster, ~$40-65. This holster sits lower than a hip holster but not as low as a normal drop holster, it’s about in-between. I really like it, but it’s not something you wear to the mall or even the range (I prefer the Fobus for that). The flap will protect in inclement weather, brush, etc., but can be kept open. For me drop down holsters flop around if running, I just don’t like them. Coats or a vest can interfere with a hip holster. This holster take care of both those issue in my experience. Also see the Nutnfancy review which will run this to ground.

Book Review: Our End of the Lake

Our End of the Lake, by Ron Foster, is about a man named Dave who finds himself in Atlanta, about 180 miles from home when a solar storm causes an apparently world-wide EMP event. He’s also cut off from the bug out bag in the back of his car, on the far side of the city in the wrong direction.

Dave is former Army, a moderately advanced prepper, probably in his 50s, and had just been hired on with FEMA the morning of the EMP event. So like many of the main characters in survival fiction, Dave is leaps and bounds ahead of the general public.

Unlike some depictions of FEMA employees as spineless, remora-like commies, Dave’s new boss, Jack, “was a grizzled old First Sergeant from the Vietnam era that had retired from the Army.” The boss, a few other employees and Dave were in a bar celebrating his new job – fairly carefree drinking is a theme throughout the book.

The power goes out and the FEMA guys quickly figure out what happened. As FEMA has no real plan to deal with such an event, Dave sets off for home on foot with a younger co-worker who needs to travel most of the same route.

Feeling naked without a pack and preparing for a long hike on foot, one of the first things Dave does is steal a drop cloth and some rope from an unattended painters van to make a horseshoe pack (complete with illustration). This is the first of a good bit of looting framed as scavenging that takes place throughout the story, enough to render Rawles catatonic.

This is a good place to note that the author picks out tips and little tricks that might be useful and turns them into a teaching moment with instructions. Some of these are useful, a few are strange, such as very detailed instructions later in the book for starting a vintage tractor that was unaffected by the EMP.

Since this is in the first few days of the event, things aren’t as dangerous as they will become, and they take the highway towards their destination. The do a good job of looting vehicles along the way, end up meeting some really nice people and getting slightly liquored up.

When they make it to the rural destination of the younger co-worker, again everyone is nice, everyone is pitching in to prepare, there is a fantastic BBQ, Dave make a deal to use an antique tractor to drive the rest of the way to his home, and there is a good bit of drinking.

Dave makes it home to his mother and makes contact with his ex-girlfriend, also a prepper. They pull in a few close friends and work on stockpiling as much food and supplies as they can, and they do pretty well. Although it’s now been many days since the EMP, they run into no real security issues, and there is some drinking going on.

They soon decide to leave their city before things fall apart and get dangerous. Using the tractor to pull a trailer with their supplies, they make their way to a secluded lake where they have a friend.

Once at the lake, they find most cabins deserted and commence systematic looting. They talk about security and firearms, meet some really nice people, had a feast of sorts, do some drinking, etc.

I don’t harp too much on the grammatical and spelling errors (glass houses and all) found in most recent self-published survival fiction, but the Kindle version had some annoying formatting issues that need to be dealt with.

And if you can’t tell, I fault the author with making the apocalypse sound sort of like a good time where you’ll meet a lot of nice folks and get comfortably numbed with booze, sounds like a party. Aside from sounding like a feel-good party, in a real situation like this if you start looting like Dave and crew were, you’d probably get shot fairly quickly.

Also, this book is sold as, “the complete Prepper Trilogy Containing Books 1-3,” which may be used to justify the $7.25 price tag, but seemed about as long as an average book.

Overall this is a fair read, but I’d borrow if from the library rather than buy.