@strych9-oj9uz

I don't disagree with any of this but one of the things people seem not to consider in "being prepared" is what they can do outside the gun world that contributes to community, the gun world and to preparedness in general. 

I live kinda out in the middle of nowhere and we had a guy move in with his family down the road about a year back. About six months after he moved in he showed on the fence line to my pasture waving at me in this sort of awkward way like a shy person would. So, I went over and talked to him. He wanted to know how to get to know people, integrate into the community and generally be an asset. 

So, I asked him what he had in terms of skills, gear etc and he actually went into a bunch of guns and comms stuff. Talking to him some more, I looked at him and told him that he was not going to like this from a cool-guy point of view, but honestly, he didn't need a bunch more gun related gear, at least not yet. What he needed to do was realize where he was and prioritize that, so go into town and instead of $5K worth of high speed gear for that cool LVPO, spend $1200-$1500 on a decent chainsaw with the associated PPE and a quality winch for his truck and then order some tires if he didn't have that covered.

He looked at me kinda crestfallen and I assumed he thought I was a jerk. Then we the first semi-serious snowstorm. Later in the day he pulls up with this giant grin on his face. Turns out those new tires were clutch and he'd already used the winch... could I show him how to deal with the part of this tree that had come down so he'd know how to do it in the future? 

Now, why'd I tell him that, ultimately? Because everyone out here has more guns than you can shake a stick at, most of us have our own range and if you see someone with a lot of gray hair there's about a 50/50 shot they're a HAM, so your LVPO or that sweet DMR or that awesome CQB setup doesn't make you an asset and neither does your radio gear. But being able to help clear a road or get an old lady's path to church opened up or being able to take groceries to her, well, that's going to be viewed as an asset and you lending a hand when maybe you don't need to. That kind of helpfulness and charity will get people to talk to you and start to trust you. 

Being an asset like that is a form of outreach and it works both ways. If you're helpful like that to your neighbors, even in a suburb, they're less likely to view you with suspicion because you own body armor and a grip of scary firearms. This opens the door for a higher level of gun related outreach.

@MagicPrepper

Thanks for the discussion. Very humble and reasonable.

@XxLeggZxX

When you say certain individuals know what works, what you mean by that is that works for THEM.  They do have the experience for sure, but look at any of those guys kit, within the same experience and training, and you'll realize very quickly they're VERY individualized on how they set their stuff up (just an observation from seeing and listening to what they show and tell).

@ukraine_technomanchy

Fucked up my back when I was a volunteer, lost a lot of weight, so most of what I do is Drone, FPV and network/comms.

@rjh8395

At the end of the day any minuteman/militia is going to be doing the best they can with what they’ve got. I really appreciate the big army infantry guys because they preach fundamentals and basic drills. And they are general purpose as hell. That information is infinitely more useful than what a delta seal sniper took on a specific mission.

@postandghost9391

Thank you for the message. Its important for us to remember not to get so lost in preparation, because then we lose the life happening around us as we are distracted by our fears.

@ThomasShue

Subbed.  Old dudes who can’t run, but can still ruk for miles and miles and never give up, they can still fight!   That’s me.  I can’t run 2 miles for time, but I can walk 20 miles no problem.  I’ve been an outdoors man my whole
Life. I can shoot, and most of all I am an armorer.   I’m an army of ONE these days, when you get old, the young fellas dont have time for ya anymore.   

I’m in KC and wish I had a tribe to work with.   If you know any good dudes, please help me connect.

@JK13A

You posted last night and this morning about what videos we want to see. These are the types of videos I like to see from you. I think they are good in the prepared citizen and minuteman community to remind people that there are tons of aspects to this.

@BxKRs

I usually don’t find a lot of value in videos that are longer than 15 minutes—they are usually mostly fluff—but this was well worth the listen.  Thank you brother.

@MrKakemann1

I have nothing to add to this summary of a capable minuteman.

But i will say IF you don't have the ability to be the "cool guy" assulter/recce/etc. There are plenty of jobs and skills needed that will 100% be an asset to your community.

@Brett235

Some of us are at the point in life, 50+, that have bad backs, hips, shoulders and neck issues. We are worn out from manual labor jobs our whole life. Being prepared is different for every person. For me it isn't about having the best firearms training or the most expensive gear, it's more about having enough money put back in case I get to where I can't work. It's about having enough supplies such as food, water and medications, to last if a bad weather event shuts the power down for extended periods of time. I have a safe full of firearms and two shelves full of ammunition, but if I can't feed myself in the middle of a winter storm those firearms aren't going to do me any good.

@NorthernNutcase

I’ve been meaning to watch this video for a few days now. I’ve been eyeing a new build and this helped bring be back to earth. Proficiency is gonna be more important than my need for cool stuff. I need to train more. As well as work on my other skills. I’m a heavy equipment mechanic by trade and I think that’s my greatest asset. I wanna be able to keep my family and future group going. As well as defend it.

@FU5ELPOLLO

This is the video that the community needed. Radio video would be dope.

@fire1996fly

When I was looking for an opportunity to work on my fitness, I stumbled upon Mammoth March. They have supported 20 mile hikes in a combination of trails and asphalt in several states. I’ve used these hikes as an opportunity to get into the woods, stay fit, and see about different kits. Most (maybe all) of their hikes are in state parks, so I’ve tested camping equipment. Rain or shine, 30-90 degree temperatures, they have their events. It’s been a fun adventure with approximately 1200 hikers per event.

@dogmush

Timely video man.  I think you're right, too many folks are chasing gear and trying to buy skill instead of doing the work.  Granted, some folks aren't lucky enough to have a good place to train and run gear, but you gotta find a way to do it.  Way more important than which optic or mag pouch to run.

@Maine307

we called it brilliance of the basic, during my time in the Marines,.. drills drills drills of basics hour after hours..paid off for soo many of us

@randymicallef3545

Really helpful video, encouraging and informative.  The fact is I'm 55 and I know my limitations, I'm working towards getting more fit and improving my health, but I'm realistic about who I am and what can do. I've been focusing pretty heavily on First Aid and knowing what to do in an emergency situation, being able to help treat wounded who are going hard.

@livingfree8070

Im happy you went over this not enough tubers talk about the basics, I learned along time ago with what I do when all else fails go back to the basics. 

Thanks for your channel

@willkietzman1121

I just like being well-rounded while not amazing at one thing to being good at multiple things. That's how I build my setups.

@Dirminor

Community is more important than even developing the basic infantry tactics. If you’re alone, you’re dead. Also I feel like everyone is obsessed with being this special operator minuteman type and nobody talks about being a more clandestine resistance force like the classic OSS, SOE, SAS, etc. in WWII era. Plain clothes conducting sabotage, espionage, recon, etc. goes a long way in wearing down the enemy.