mr.white

Good morning, it's a great day to start some realistic training.

If you're still training to patrol in the woods, but not in your own neighborhood you're missing a huge point. If your neighborhood is the wooods, go into to town and roll around a bit.

Wars are won in the city. The fight is for the human resource. Look, we're already portrayed as mindless fear mongers, instead of rational reality based individuals. Most people are mass media consumers. They believe what they see on TV. Prove them wrong.

The only way to do that is to interact with the people you'll likely be entering the fire with.

Practical application:
Concealed carry.
Concealed carry range time.
EDC.
Community Engagement Patrols.
Patronize local business, let them get to know you.

God bless, and press on.

White

My wife doesn't read my blog. So, before you think this is blatant ass kissing it's not. I also don't do that, it's lying.

My wife has overcome some very difficult problems to become a Godly and outstanding example to our family.  I'm not going to share the hardships in detail. She was raised in a broken home, had to deal with emotional and physical abuse, and sometimes horrible step parents. She had to endure an expedition to a foreign country for two weeks, a husband husband deployed for sixteen months during the most dangerous time of the Iraq war and countless other problems I've caused.

All of these obsticles, issues, problems, life events or whatever you want to call them, have shaped her into an amazing human. One which I love more than any other.

She's an amazing human and I'm honored to spend my life with her.

Social media can be addictive. Scrolling through feeds to... Do what? Be better informed, seek the truth, or stay in contact with friends and family? Social media has become so many things to so many of us. it's a tool. Some people are putting it to great use.

I have a speculation: The memes that we create about topics are being used against us. We would typically create these memes for their humorous and sarcastic value, but they can make points quite well. They can also be used to misinform or divert the truth.

With all the insanity going on in the world we are being lead by the nose through it. We, as a world, are building to an event. My speculation is that the misinformation in these memes contributes. It sounds like a drop in the bucket I know, but with so much Social Media consumption, I don't think it's that small.

These propoganda posters hiding ad memes are designed to mislead. Take a popular one for example:

This looks legitimate. Especially given the President's percieved lack of action against any Muslim. But this is in fact false. It's just a curtain. It's a curtain used at the White House on countless occasions. See, the same can be done in opposition.

Yet, I myself, and countless others "Like" and "Share" it. Because it fits our narrative. We have theories about how things work, or are. But we have to live in the truth. Speculation without evidence is fruitless. We can chase our tails all we want, but if we don't produce evidence we won't be able to move forward into the action phase.

The meme, for instance, fits the narrative that the President is a closet Muslim. There is other evidence to support this. However: The conclusion can not be assertained because we cannot know what's in his heart. Just because we don't see him praying 5 times a day doesn't mean he isn't a Muslim. His support of terrorist groups, and unwillingness to call terrorism what it is, and his Radical Iranian advisor would indicate he has an affection toward them of some kind. However the meme is still untrue. The gold curtain is still just a curtain. We can have all the evidence we want, but, at the end of the day, what we're coming up against is impossible to prove unless there's an admission... under trial... or... Anyway...

Subtle pieces like these memes, I think, play a bigger roll in the over all picture. If used by nefarious people for nafarious purposes, they can help to shape opinion.

Pay close attention to what you "Like" and "Share." Fact check it. I'm guilty of it too and Sam Culper is excellent at calling me out on it.

Pay close attention to that hesitation when you're about to share something you think is seducuous, possibly offensive, or the Government wouldn't like it. That feeling, that's your Rights and freedoms being squashed from inside. That's the artillery of weaponized culture. That's political correctness in action.

Post and share what you want. Just make sure it's accurate. Because the cause you hurt may be your own.

Very simply put. It's go time. I have absolutely zero dilusions that ISIS is going to use the "Refugees" as a Trojan horse. In that case they're already here.

It's now a question of when, where and how. Not if, we get hit again.

I highly recommend that you carry your gear in your vehicle, and a weapon on your person at all times, and at least one spare magazine. This means everywhere. Is it worth your job? I don't know, is a rule written by an insurance lawyer who will never see you or come to your funeral, worth following. Especially one that violates you're 2nd Amendment Right.

We are the first responders. Not to take away from EMS and LEO, but I've never thought of you that way. Especially not after some of the wait times I've experienced. You're spread too thin. It's time that we take back the First Responder label, take the onus on ourselves.

Be Prepared.

Get trained first, and we can square away gear quick. Get ready to see some ridiculous laws get in acted after the first strike, like more gun control, and reduction of travel, check points etc. Figure out a way to keep your tools and gear, and avoid all of them.

I highly recommend reading this article, as it's word for word what I would tell you to carry and purchase if you haven't already.
http://bearingarms.com/front-lines-now-train-fight/

If you're just joining us, then there are resources and you are welcome here.

Most people in this community realize that pushing others down to pull yourself up, only makes you weaker. Working together to bring each other up, brings us all up. So, find someone to train you up. If you're in the Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove, Veneta, Yoncolla, Cheshire, Junction City, area, email me and I'll try and find you a group, or you can train with us.

Train hard. The war starts tomorrow.

The Basic Equipment class went great.  I was going to attempt to make these classes into paid courses. But, I've learned something.

If you hold a course, even on something people value and believe is worth the money, but don't get the money up front, you won't make a dime. I gave this course away and one third invited showed up.

So, putting the learning experience into action. I will host the courses as public services to our group and local groups like them. These classes will be donation only, all funds (FRN's, gift cards, barter items, chickens...) going into a slush fund for the groups I am active in. This will help fund group buys and other training, including sending members to other courses.

I won't be opening these classes to the public at large. A person needs to be vetted by myself or group members for attendance. The follow on classes will be in the Eugene area and surrounding suburbs.

If you would like to reach me for a consult or, to join in on classes, please email me through one of the links.

If you have ideas for courses you'd like to see, please email me.

Any questions of any kind, email me.

Starting to see a trend here?

I'll have the slide show in the store for download as soon as I get that portion squared away. Check the store for gear I approve of and other tid bits. I'll always tell you if I purchased it, or if it was given, or I am being paid to review it. We can't go anywhere unless we're honest.

We concluded the basic equipment beta course today. Excellent group of students! Very positive response. A lot of information was given out.

Equipment is a harsh mistress. It's expensive, and it's hard to figure out in the beginning, and fine tuning is something that can take decades.

With the lessons taught in this class I give you the foundation to avoid the pitfalls of spending money on equipment that doesn't fit your need or won't hold up.

This is an area specific class but the concepts can be applied to any area.

A few Items covered:

•  Three Tiered Gear Philosophy.
•  Wilderness and Urban.
•  Concepts of Combat with the equipment.
•  Belt criteria
•  Plate carrier selection
•  Chest Rig type and selection
•  Implimintation in different environments.

This course will be available through my store. This course is a basic course but it is the prerequisite for any rifle or pistol course. Basic safe handling is a requirement, and fundimental weapons knowledge is essential.

This is a course I wish was available a long time ago. It would have saved me thousands of dollars in equipment purchases.

Personal equipment assessments and evaluations are available available an additional cost. Why? Because to do personal equipment evaluations, each one taking an hour to two hours or more would take all week.

But those that attended today will receive one free of charge.

Thank you for your support.

Look for this course and others coming soon to the GMW store.

It's not that I'm an expert. I just happen to see a need and I want to help. I love teaching and I love training Soldiers. it's the core of what drives me as an NCO.

I'd also rather that we sweat together in training and not bleed on the battlefield.

So, I'm going to start teaching classes. When I get some of them run through a couple iterations I'll post dates and times here, along with AAR'S from them. Relavent materials from the classes will be there for those who want them.

I'm going to teach two levels: Fundimental and Advanced. These will be taught once a month on rotation. Locations will change based on class type and size. Please attend the basic courses first and then the advanced.

First up is: Basic Equipment. After investing a massive amount of time and money into equipment, and having worn more than my fair share of equipment that both worked and did not. On top of, being trained by experts in the field, and asking a ton of questions about their equipment and why they use it, in conjunction with hours upon hours of research; As well as training Soldiers in how to setup and use their gear. I take the newly awakened through the basics of the three tiered gear philosophy. Why it works and what is required for it, and how to best employ it.

We look at what constitutes good construction in equipment, placement and purchasing. We discuss overt, covert and transitional equipment. What is appropriate for where and when.

We use our gear in basic handling drills, and body positioning drills.

We shake out individual gear, buy sell and trade. Somethings work for some people and others do not.

We do an area clean up, police brass and then do a live egress.

That's an overview of my Fundimental Equipment course.

Coming Soon...

Email me if you're interested or have questions: gravemrwhite@unseen.is

Prices and participation may vary. Available only in the lower 48 unless all expenses paid for a full week to include hunting ajd fishing tags in Alaska and teriyaki chicken and sushi in Hawaii. Void where prohibited unless appropriate officials are bribed.

The micro team. This is something I am very familiar with. There is something about having a well put together team operating with you and around you, and knowing you helped bring all these people together. Being able to make new friends is something I enjoy a lot. My small group of friends are considered family. I was very fortunate to be with a small platoon of exceptional people just before I got out of the military. It was the best send off I could have had. I called them my Platoon Family.

Developing bonds like this isn't easy and it isnt something that happens overnight. One of the reasons the list of the things I will not do for my Platoon Family is so short, and so bile risingly imoral is because its reciprocated. Same goes for my small group. These are the people you will go hand in hand to prison, or the executioners noose with. They call, you show up with a shovel and lime. Thats your small group.

Lone Wolves:
You absolutely have your place. There's no doubt. But I will say, its better logistically to have a small group. Or just report to a small group. If you and my team are going after the same Nazi Cannibal San Fransiscan, and my squad spots you. How are we supposed to know you're not one of them? ... Nope, our telepathy anntenna broke. Try again at the respawn point. Same goes for us, if we're not checking into a higher HQ of some kind then we're going to be stepping on someones piece. Then you step on ours and suddenly falices are being trodden under foot everywhere. If you're going to Merc, at least check in. I can understand bounties. Otherwise, do your due diligence.

Micro Team Composition:

Having a well rounded team is something to strive for. But lets face it, where are you going to find all the MOS's (jobs) of an A Team (Special Forces small team) in civilian land? Even year one post SHTF? So, do the best you can. An excellent start is: Everyman a rifleman. See Mosbys post on Training to the standard. Briefly: If I have a small group in Utah and I have a small group in the dead center of Seattle do you think their Rifleman stadards will be the same? The empahsis will likely be placed on different skills. Yes, each should be able to hit a target at 300 meters. But I'm willing to wager, if they're smart, one will focus more on CRM (Close Range Marksmanship) and one on LRM (Long Range Marksmanship). Set a standard. Get together and make a set of srandards to shoot for... or at, whatever the case may be. Having specialties is great, say, being the commo guy. No one can flip freqs and run radios like you! But you still need to hit that 300, just like me. You still need to clear a room of 4 targets in 3 seconds flat - or whatever. Lets use our Seattle example - I'm using Seattle as an example for a completely urban engagement area. You are likely going to need a specialized person for entry. All kinds of entry. I believe in the SEAL teams thats an actual MOS identifier. In our Utah example, you may need a Tracker or a wilderness survival expert. Your specializations will be different no matter where you go or what threat you meet. Learn them now.

What are you? Are you the team builder, the intel analyst, the Sniper, the Doc, the cook (believe me, this person and the medic are treated like kings), whatever you are, figure it out. If you take a personal inventory and find out your the knot tying guy. Well guess what, you have a specialty. Figure out how to be a benefit to your group. Maybe you're the camp breaker. You setup and tare down the patrol bases. There are literally all kinds of specialties. My advice is: Be a German Shepard; first at nothing, second at everything.

Have a specialty, and meet, then exceed, the standards.

Vetting Your Small Group:

This, for me, is a ridiculously long process. I do independent background checks, have mental dossiers on people, and begin to apply their specialties to missions and possible scenerios. They have no clue I do this... Until now, but its a process. But, and this bares noting, I do not compartmentalize the humanity from the skillset. They are still who they are. I am a firm believer that people in a battlespace can turn into little green Army Men really quickly from the TOC (Tactical Operations Center, usually a first or second echelon headquarters). These are the men I will stand beside when I hang for crimes against the "State." If they catch us... and are willing to pay that heavy of a toll to do so. So, be very careful not to seperate the skill from the man. Without the man, the skill is meaningless.

Testing... Testing people is bullcrap. Setting up some kind of test to see how they will react in a non-training environment is just being a douche. There are certain circumstances I believe it is necessary, but they rarely present themselves. Cav said it perfectly, people can only fake it for so long. So, if you are properly vetting, you wont need to "test" people. If you just hang out with them, you'll see if they're statist douche nozzels or not. You'll know if they are faking the funk. Listen to what they say, pay much closer attention to what they do.

Recently I've come to terms with the fact that I'm not Frost from CSG, I can't run eight six inch steels plus a reload in two and a half seconds, while checking my secure tablet. I'm not Sam Culper, I can't gather information and form intelligence out of it while running a real life SIGINT exorcise with SPARKS, while drinking turmeric tea. I'm not John Mosby, I can't roll out with 190 pounds of gear, and carry a Private over each shoulder while booting the LT in the ass. I'm not Nate Gushwa lifting five-hundered-fucking-pounds off the ground.

It was heart breaking but I got over it. Who I am, is me. What I do naturally is team build. It's some what of an odd skill to have, but it's something that I really enjoy doing. I am able to assemble people I am surrounded by into a group and accomplish a task. It might be messy, and we might not all be super great friends after, but we'll get the job done, or we'll cohere together and form an even deeper team and accomplish even more.

Identifying problems:
What I hear more often than anything in our community is our inability to come together as a group... Just like every other group out there. I just got done listening to Sam and Cav talk about exactly this. The whole time I was nodding my head as they discussed the Oath Keepers and III% being fractured and split into multiple little factions. Why? Well, there's about a billion different reasons, probably 100 reasons for each little faction. But none of that matters. Because we're still divided. We're still looking at each other saying "No, you have to be a IIIper like this... Not like that, like THIS!" we're standing there preaching a message that the choirs' already heard and agrees with, for the most part, while the people behind us are starting to get up and leave. We're focused on keeping a group of people who believe the same basic ideals of: True Liberty, True Freedom, and Limited Governance, together instead of looking over our shoulder and seeing there are a bunch of people watching us.

As a community we have a Ministry, sales pitch, mission, whatever you want to call it, based in our actions. What we do and say. One of my favorite things to do is find hobbies in people. I love to see where their imagination takes them when they're not providing for their families of themselves. Keep in mind that there is always a tie in. Since being a rational person implies we think about what's around us and how it effects us, we "prepare" for instances that may occur to prevent us from living a normal life as we see it currently. What does that have to do with hobbies? All hobbies tie into rational preparedness. Reach really deep and think of something completely unrelated. Video games? Maybe origami? What about landscaping? These become causeways of conversation for you to interject some truth. Take a sixteen year old guy who's interested in reading medieval fantasy novels. What on earth could that have to do with preparedness or team building? If we separate the person, and the person I am thinking of is an awesome kid, from the perceived team member niche to identify specific traits we need to accomplish a mission we find:

• He's young and healthy. Properly trained he could be an outstanding asset to a team for simple physical prowess.
• He has an interest in a code of honor and ethics.
• He has an interest and practices some of the austere living conditions and skill sets of the time period (Fletching, Squiring, and Ferrying).
• He reads closely and can spot typos in published works.
• He is able to retain a lot of what is read.
• He is observant.
• Excellent with horses.

The list goes on, when you detach the person from the skills and abilities you begin to see people as commodities. I fight very hard against that. I feel that is something that Tyrants do. I prefer to see the person as a whole. I believe that our weaknesses just like our strengths make us assets. When you're building a team having people who mesh up with strengths and weaknesses creates a much stronger team. How could those skills be useful? Well if you have no weapons, a bunch of horses, and need to move from point A to point B. He's a good resource to have.

If I have a physical limitation, but I'm hell on a keyboard, I need Boots. Guys who can follow directions and use their legs where I may not have any. If I am prone to depression, I need a squad leader who is going to push and pull in just the right manner to motivate me, not bully me. If I turn into an absolute whiny bitch when I'm hungry, my spotters going to need to know to feed me when I start acting like Roseanne. Finding people who are strong where others are weak, and not asshats about it is difficult, but not impossible.

Actions:
For those of us who are driven by action, often times keeping our mouth shut and just doing is best. If we aren't an awesome verbal communicator, or written communicator, we can communicate by picking up a shovel digging beside our neighbors. One of my favorite exorcises is to stop where I am and think: "If crap cut loose right now. Who would have my back." This exorcise is for your immediate area. If you're at home, in your boxers, with your cat. It's you and Fluffy. That's your QRF (Quick Reaction Force), that's your Cavalry. That's it. It doesn't have to be. What if Mr. Rogers across the street could help too? What can he do, he's 89 years old with a bad hip and can barely pick up a rifle? Well, this war isn't going to be won by bullets, not if we can prevent it. It'll be won, before it gets started, by convincing him you're not one of those "long haired hippy punks listening to all that rap music." His vote matters just as much as yours does, at least we all perceive that it does, who knows anymore. But I digress.

Mr. Rogers is going to remember that time when you helped him rake those leaves he couldn't get to, and spread that bark, and hang Christmas lights. He'll also remember that time you invited him over to dinner, he didn't go, but he still thought it was nice. So when the MRAP full of DHS Ranger SEAL SF's come to a screeching hault outside, and you, by the grace of God slip out the back. You can circle around to Mr. Rogers place and hide in his crawl space for a couple hours. He might have even let you store a small duffel bag there, you know, just in case your house burnt down? All of that is a form of team building.

If we're going to say we believe in each other, as a whole Nation, regardless of our differences, then we better start raking each others leaves.

Most of us consider team building more as squad building. While thats hugely valuable, it's macro versus micro. I have a group of guys I train with. We're all safe, we're all proficient - I at least pretend to be - and we are all current on events. Building a squad is a micro event. You have to look at your selves as a family, a brotherhood. Not everyone is going to get along, not everyone is going to be as proficient in a skill set, but we all work together to accomplish the mission at hand.

As a squad we all have to train together every week, and we spend the hours we're not training, talking about it... Back to reality. Have you tried to get 5-8 people together at one place at one time? Its like hurding cats. Once a month barely happens. So, based on this, do we really think if some emergency kicks off all of us Avengers are going to assemble? Not bloody likely! If you're, or were, an NCO you need to be training squad leaders not squad mates. A patrol class is great, an OpOrder class is better. We, the prepared ones, will be looked to. Because we saw something coming and we got our crap together before it got here. I would encourage you as Veterans, LEO's, EMT's, and anyone with a solid base on this, start training squad leaders, so they can train others.

Especially you SOF guys. We NEED you. We will pay you!

Lets use a practical example:
If two shit bags with training, tools and a half baked plan can send all of Paris into lock down, imagine what it would be like if there were dozens of these small teams. Imagine instead of being batshit crazy douche bags who assasinated satirists and a fellow Muslim, they were fighting against an tyrannical police state straight out of 1984. See how long its already taken the French to get them? All ribbing aside, the French do have their crap pretty well together, and its taken them two days to wrangle these murdering goat sodamizers into an industrial district. If FREEFOR had to, it could. Easily. But it wouldnt get very far without team building.

Go, build a team. Start next door amd move on down the block. The life you save may be your own.