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The Defense Team Suggestions

2012-01-29T15:49:40Z

Welcome to our Team Blog Suggestions...

Personally, I look at it this way. What does a person contribute to the group and will they be a net plus or minus. Not everyone can contribute xXx in ammo, BUT might be able to help more with food, or shelter or.... Sure have a minimum of a case, BUT try to keep caliber differences to a minimum makes supply and swapping as needed easier, for those that say non common rounds are a negative, I'd like to make 2 points, if I may... One, in most SHTF situations, the ammo you have is all that you may ever have... and Two, If you can scrounge ammo, you will find the guns that take it, as the guns will last WAY longer then the ammo...

PLEASE, comment away, Comments are more then welcome... I love other idea's, criticism is fine, but I will ask for facts to back up your disagreement with me.

Keeping caliber differences to a minimum, the more different calibers,the harder it is on the Quarter Master for re-loading, supply and parts.We try to keep members in 6 calibers, 4 main and 4 "back-up" 7.62x39mm and 7.62x25 AK/SKS and Tokarev, personally, mine are Yugo models, M-59/66A2 SKS and a M-57 Yugo Tokarev copy, which is a copy of the old Colt '03 with the best of the 1911. All can use cast slugs as needed, just tin the lead for the higher velocity rounds.
12GA shotgun, either a pump or auto-loader, tho a double is not a bad thing, for ease of use. A 22rf, a good AR-7 that is good for small game and the younger members can handle with ease. 7.62 NATO, .45 ACP, 5.56 NATO and 9mm, tho don't encourage these. It makes spare parts and reloading a lot easier. but having a few, common others can be useful or good for bartering. You might ask, Why the AK/SKS? It's simple really.. Well that to. It's a simple & reliable gun,simple to clean,simple to teach to use, and not fussy about bullets.Just a good solid simple design. They are a lot less expensive and if you stay away from most of the made in China ones, well made out of good hard milled steel, not stamped. They are priced affordable, between$200-$300, up to $400 for an UN-issued mint one. A small stock of spare parts that will last 2 lifetimes can be had for $35 to $50. And the options are pretty limitless on them. They can get beat up, stored dirty, gotten wet, sandy and dirty and still work, an M-16/AR-15 M-4 and the like can't quite say that, specially for the price. Why not xXx gun. Mini-30, great gun, harder to get parts for and pricey. The7.62 x 39mm is a just a good all around cartridge. Why not a 5.56 NATO or ,223? fast and light bullet, really lacks a bit in stopping power.7.62 NATO (3.08?) lots of power, a bit harder on the un-trained or lightly trained shooter, most firearms in 7.62 NATO are pricey.
Why the Tokarev? Design, price and power. The 7.62 x 25mm in a pistol is a powerhouse, very flat shooter. easy to work, reliable and simple. Why not a 45? Have to say, I love them, but they are expensive and kick like a mule, tho they will stop a mule. Hard to train someone that's smaller in it's use without them developing a flinch. 9mm? just nothing special, it's a .38 in an auto pistol and is really an underpowered round, have to "double tap" most targets if not triple...Just look at the Miami FBI shoot out and the North Hollywood Bank Robbery shootings.
Others we can say we like? PPSh-41 and PPS-43, again simple and reliable,the 41 is like a Thompson SMG, just lighter, the 43 more like a M-3 "grease gun". The 43 is mainly stamped, like many AK's in fact the Semi-Auto PPS-43 has AK internals...

Now I understand some of you are like WTF.. It's not the first time that former Soviet Armaments where wrongly considered less that adequate.
There are not many things that the Soviets do well. Running a Country wasn't one of them, BUT one thing that they did seem to excel at tho is small arms.
This has been proven over and over, again and again.
I understand the "opposition" to the 7.62x25 & 7.62x39 cartridge due to it's "ethnicity"
However the complaints of the 7.62x25 or 7.62x39 and 7.62x54R cartridge are usually emotionally based, NOT technically based.
They do exactly what they wanted it to do and they do it very well.

In order..."Main Rifle/Carbine"
1-SKS, prefer non Made in China...Best a Yugo M59/66-A1 or A2
2- AK, again, prefer non Made in China...
3- Mosin-Nagant any of them are decent, a nice in-expensive bolt action rifle or carbine.
4-PPS-43 semi auto...For 300-400 Federal Reserve Fiat Notes Royal Tiger Imports OR www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct883.aspx OR can be built from part's kits...
5-PPS-41 semi auto...

Main Sidearms...
1-Yugoslavian M-57 Tokarev..
M-57
M-57 Field Test
M-57 How to Field Strip
M-57 Overall Overview
2-CZ-52
3-Russian, Polish, Romanian or other TT-33 anything not, Made in China...
All of these you can get kit's to convert them to 9mm with a vary simple barrel/bushing swap.

Knife/tool/hatchet, Marbles Firemans hatched/ax. Oh, and if you get one, get the carry case. it's a nice belt set-up and has a whey stone in it to keep it sharp... Cost, with sheath, around 25..

Think about this for ease of training and reloading.
Most people in the New England area are not unlike most young men the USSR's Army conscripted in the Soviet Union, simple folk from rural areas.
Most have never fired a gun or fired at a moving target, save a couple of deer, betting they missed more then they hit...
When shooting a moving target it is not necessary to teach "leading the target"
The 7.62x25 is so fast at pistol ranges that it becomes very easy to hit a moving target and at greater distances too.
The cartridge in inherently very accurate.
It is the only pistol cartridge that will penetrate armor, many bad things these days wear armor. I personally shot a brown bear at under 20 yards twice in the head, the 1st a FMJ he 2nd a JHP, Winchester Silvertip. The bear kept coming, the next set of rounds when to center of mass and it dropped, BUT imagine my shock that 2 .45ACP round to the head didn't stop it...
What will a x25mm penetrate you ask? www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot29.htm >Click HERE and see for yourself...
These are just a few reasons why the Soviets picked it as their pistol cartridge.
The M-57, PPS-43, PPSh-41, T33 and the Czech CZ 52 (CZ-513 really) in the 7.62x25 caliber.
Re-loadable cartridge cases can be produced by reforming 5.56mm X 45 NATO.
RCBS sells a case trimming/reaming die to assist with the latter process..

Clothing?
I'd suggest Military woodland camo BDU's, they are in-expensive, since the military is phasing them out, and they blend into the New England countryside really well. Have a little extra? The Winter White or Urban (City) White camo mixes are great for winter.

Manuals, Here is a good start of military & survival manuals in zip and PDF formats.
www.stevespages.com/page7c.htm
www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/
www.truthistreason.net/16-survival-downloads-field-manuals-and-handbooks

100 items that disappeared first during Yugoslavia's Civil War.

2011-12-30T23:36:00Z

This is a list of the 100 items that disappeared first during Yugoslavia's Civil War. Remember, this is a country that hosted the Olympic games just a few years earlier in 1984. In 1990 the whole country started down the short road to Civil War. That finally returned to some sense of normalcy by 1996, tho some spots still have UM PeaceKeepers thru 2011.
I started this list in 1996 when I put English ad's in local papers there looking for an English speaking/writing pen pal. By 1999 this is what I had... It has been tweaked a bit here and there, but the basics remain unchanged...

1. Generators (Good cost. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target, maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to dry, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat

11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: PET PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won't heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Books.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)

21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene or old wood wired ones.)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Small canister use is dangerous without this)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels

31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)

41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)

51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)

71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullion/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog

81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts

91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens (funny)

From a Sarajevo War Survivor:

Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.

1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate near renewable food sources.

2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.

3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.

4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)

5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in bulk.

6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll have a lot of time on your hands.

7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else. people trades 3-7 DAYS of food for perfume or deodorant... Think about that for a moment...

8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches...

Militia Expenses, Can you afford not too?

2011-10-05T18:24:36Z

Militia Expenses, Can you afford not too?

Militia Expenses

It doesn't have to cost a lot of money to prepare yourself for militia duty.

Many militia participants have fabricated their own gear, adapted other gear for militia use, or have found a good source for inexpensive gear...

The dedicated militiaman can have an inexpensive bolt-action rifle, low-cost surplus camouflage, and other gear adapted for militia use.

The best thing you can start with is a firm, dedicated commitment to defending yourself, your family, your community, and your country. There are good militia people who are very willing to help you find or assemble low-cost, functional
gear. Contact your local militia people, or attend a training session, and ask around. We want you to be geared up and ready...

Military Surplus bolt-action rifles, SKS or even an AK... All can be found for under 400 Federal Reserve Fiat Notes each... Heck, Good Mosin-Nagant bolt guns are under 100...

There is an excellent web site called, conveniently, http://www.surplusrifle.com/

It is worth reading for more information about these fine old weapons.

These old warhorses have been around for awhile, and many may have seen action. Some countries still use these rifles in limited roles. For example, in Israel, old 98k Mausers may still be used by Civilian Guard snipers & countersnipers

There is nothing wrong with buying a military surplus rifle .

Many militia people that we know have several, and some of us keep buying them.
They are inexpensive, durable, and if you happen across a decent one, and do a little bit of work they can be very accurate.

One of the first considerations that someone usually has when thinking about getting involved in militia training is the cost of a rifle. You can find some old surplus bolt-action rifles today for right around one-hundred dollars. Sometimes,
you can even find them for less. Currently, M44 carbines in 7.62X54R are very affordable, and you may still be able
to find an 8mm Turkish Mauser for under 100 FRFN's as well. You may have some luck with online gun auctions . Check the gun shows or talk to some of your friendly local militia people for ideas on where to look.

If cost is truly an issue, then an old military bolt-action may also help by being chambered for very inexpensive ammunition.
(WARNING! This is not always the case...for example, even though the Swiss K31 Schmidt-Rubin has been coming down in price, ammo for it is currently priced rather high.)

Commonly available cheap ammunition is 7.62X54R, 7.62x51 NATO and 8mm.

WARNING!!! A great deal of military surplus ammo is CORROSIVE , especially 8mm and 7.62X54. Please be certain to use water or a water/ammonia mixture to remove any salt from your weapon, then clean as normal. Ask some of your local militia people.

We want to stress that many of us have these rifles, and nobody, nobody, nobody in the militia will look down upon you for having one. If you want to try one of these, come on out to the next training session, and we will let you shoot one of ours.

Get what you can afford, and learn how to use it to the best of your ability. An accurate bolt-action shooter will always be a good asset for the militia.

Adapting Gear for Militia Purposes

The types and amount of gear that you can use for militia-related purposes is pretty vast. If you can carry something
with it, wear it, strap it, tape it, or tie it to some kind of gear or rig, then it can be made "militia-worthy".

Hunting gear, of course, probably does not require any type of adaptation. Blaze orange hunting gear is out of the
question. Most hunting gear is set up to carry guns, ammo, game, food, or other gear. These all can serve well as militia gear.

Most camping gear can be used as militia gear. Bear in mind that some camping gear is set toward comfort instead of tactical functionality. Camping gear may require additional camouflage, and may also require strengthening at certain stress points. Check your stitching and any type of fasteners, if these seem weak, add more stitching, buttons, snaps, or whatever you may need. Keep a roll of 100 mile an hour tape (or duct tape) to fix your gear, if necessary.

A lot of gear that is used by students today can be applied to militia use. Backpacks, belt-pouches, and water bottle carriers that today's students carry with them can become tomorrow's militia gear. You can avoid the cost of these probably
expensive school items by finding military surplus gear, but if you have them already (if, for example, you are a student), then use them for militia duty. Mil-Sup gear can be had rather in-expensively, just ask, we'll help...

If you are handy with a (heavy duty) needle and (heavy duty) thread, then you can fabricate your own militia gear out of just about anything. Any type of heavy duty cloth, such as denim, can be dyed, folded, and stitched to make straps, suspenders, or other types of harnesses. (We admit that only a few militia people have done such a thing, as the regular surplus gear is very, very inexpensive, but we have seen this type of thing done.)

We have seen militia persons use fishing tackle boxes to carry their medical gear in, and small backpacks would work well for this, also.

A one-liter pop bottle carried with a strap has served as a canteen.

The type of gear you can adapt for militia use is really only limited by your imagination. It would be a good idea to observe militia people at training and get some thoughts on how to make or adapt your gear. Again, in most cases, military surplus gear is so inexpensive that it is not necessary to make or adapt your own, but it is nice to be able to, should the need arise.

Cheap Mail Order Suppliers

There are other suppliers out there, but these are the three that I always order stuff from.

Cheaper Than Dirt 2524 NE Loop 820 Fort Worth, TX 76106-1809

Major Surplus and Survival 435 W. Alondra, Gardena, CA, 90248

The Sportsman's Guide 411 Farwell Avenue, So. St. Paul, MN 55075-0239

http://www.CJLENTERPRIZE.com/ is a great online place that tends to gave good deals on gear.

Looking for Gear?

In addition to the excellent suppliers above, there are other places you can look for low-cost militia gear.

Gun Shows and military surplus stores are good places to look. The camping/hunting section of sporting good stores and even department stores can all be good places to look for gear.

But you can also find good usable militia gear at garage/yard sales, thrift stores, such as those operated by The
Salvation Army , and you can even find some decent stuff at your local "dollar store".

Thrift stores can be good sources for used sleeping bags, blankets (to make your own sleeping bag?), clothing that may be useful (some of it may require being dyed), and used pots and pans that you wouldn't mind taking to the field. In one recent trip, a militia member found several good insulated bottles (thermos type and other), replacement globes for an oil lamp, "beater" cookware, and several sleeping bags. All of these were very cheap. Even if you are not interested in using any of this as your primary gear, it may serve well as "car gear" for your trunk, back-up gear, or gear to keep on hand for your
neighbors/fellow militia people/Uncle Frank. Some of us are always upgrading, so extra gear can be borrowed, bartered and haggled for if not outright have it...

The dollar store may be a good place to find inexpensive medical gear, and possibly other useful stuff. In one recent excursion, we found dollar tarps (for covering your gear or making a field-expedient shelter), rope, foot powder, band-aids, and various useful medication, like triple antibiotic ointment.

Also, we would be remiss in our duties if we failed to mention that most experienced militia people have accrued a vast soiree of gear, some of which they may be willing to part with cheaply, or in exchange for something else.

Low Budget Field Rations

MRE's can be expensive, and certain prepared, dehydrated camping food can cost even more. You don't really need either. The quickest and least costly of field rations might be Ramen Noodles. They are very cheap in bulk...

This is 30 days food, and it's good, for less then 100 FRFN's It can be broken up to be carried easily... www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11649759

You can dehydrate your own food using just your oven on a very low setting. This will be much cheaper than buying dehydrated food, you can make all you want, you don't need an expensive dehydrator, and as a bonus, your house will smell nice.

You can also fall back on a tried-and-true, time tested field ration staple:

Basic Hardtack

2 c Flour
1/2 tb Salt (optional)
1/2 tb Sugar (optional)
1/2 c Water

Mix flour, salt (optional), sugar (optional), and water. Using hands or rolling pin,
flatten dough on floured cloth until 1/4-inch thick. Score with a knife if
desired. Bake on cookie sheet in 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. Break into
pieces as needed. You may have to soak this in water or other liquid to be able
to chew it. Some have even soaked hardtack in coffee, or fried it in some kind
of grease. But, it will last a long time, and can keep you going if necessary.

You can also assemble your own MRE-type of meal out of regular grocery store components, as seen below. This meal contains a small can of stew, a fruit cup, a juice box, raisins, crackers, and other assorted stuff like napkins and plastic ware. These cost less than MREs to assemble, especially when components are purchased in bulk. Again, many of us are here to help...

Also,as mentioned above, CostCo Chef's Banquet ARK 1 Month Food Storage Supply, 330 Servings, Up to 15 Year Shelf Life, under 100 FRFN's delivered to your door... Just add water, great for light weight and long term...

www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11649759

Low Budget Sleeping Bags

The first thing to do here would be to check at your local Salvation Army or other thrift store. One militia member found a five dollar sleeping bag at one of these stores that he carried and used for a couple of years. If there are no sleeping bags there, then pick up whatever blankets that you can find, with wool being the best option. (Sometimes, the mail order
suppliers listed elsewhere on this page have military surplus wool blankets for a very reasonable price. They also sometimes have fairly inexpensive bags, too.) A couple of good heavy blankets should do the trick, get a third if the weather
is really cold. You can even fold your blankets over and stitch them partially up the open side.

Now, pick up a couple of dollar store tarps, and tie these together for use as the shell of your sleeping bag. Be careful, however, to not have a completely airtight seal between your tarps, because you will not want to trap any of your body's moisture. If you cannot find a cheap sleeping pad, then an extra blanket may help as cushioning, or if it is available, you
can always use straw or grass. (Don't knock it, this works.)

If it would be less costly, consider surplus cold weather garments to keep you warm, and then keep your bag light. You may be able to find real bargains on surplus parkas, and a good one of these will reduce your need for a heavier bag.

Home Made Camouflage

Used, military surplus clothing is among the cheapest you can find, especially if you are size medium or smaller. However, if you are not on the smallish side, or if your money is really too tight, you can easily make your own camo with some cheap dye and a magic marker or two.

Just twist and dip some parts of some durable clothing into a bucket with dye in it, and alternate green, black, or brown. Add a few strokes or blotches with magic marker, and you will have passable camo clothing. This same can be applied to your gear, blankets, and whatever.

Try to use tough, loose-fitting clothes, and hopefully these will have a good amount of pockets.

Major xXx Marching Tips

2011-08-14T14:36:16Z

Major xXx's Ruck Marching Tips

MAJ xXx's Top 10 Marching Tips Plus a bonus

1. Powder your piggies. Your feet will sweat profusely during a road march. Damp feet blister easily. The best way to keep your feet comfortable and avoid excess blistering is to powder your feet before you start. Use Gold Bond, talc, corn starch, or any brand of commercial baby powder. Sprinkle powder on your bare feet, then put your socks on. Put a light coat of powder on the outside of your socks, and then dust the inside of your boots with a little more powder. Remember, lightly coat everything with powder - don't dump the powder in big globs. If you do, those big globs will become big wet globs when your feet sweat and you'll be road marching with a boot full of biscuit dough.

[NOTE: Trim your toenails, too!]

2. Wear only one pair of socks. Wearing more than one pair of socks will not keep your feet warm nor will it keep them from blistering. All it will do is make your feet sweat and lessen blood circulation meaning your feet will freeze faster in the cold and blister more easily on road marches. When road marching, wear one pair of clean, dry, cotton socks. For what its worth, some soldiers recommend wearing a pair of women's knee high hose under their cotton socks to reduce friction. I have never tried this - one, because I am not secure enough in my manhood, and two, because I could never find the right color hose to match my rucksack.

3. Wear the right boots. It is difficult to overstate the importance of wearing the right boots when road marching. Generally speaking, this is a matter of personal preference. There are countless types of boots on the market, and no one particular boot is the preferred model. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits correctly. Remember, your feet will swell as you road march so boots that are too tight to start with will quickly become a problem. Along those same lines, make sure your boots match the climate you'll be operating in. Cold weather boots are a bad call for road marching. They are usually heavy, and due to their special design, they will roast your feet in short order.

Lots of soldiers prefer the Army jungle boot for road marching. It is relatively light weight (most of the boot is canvas), it keeps your foot as cool as possible, and it is fairly easy to break in. The last point is key. No matter what boots you chose make sure you break them in before you start road marching in them. Breaking in boots is not rocket science, you just have to wear them a lot. Often, soldiers will wear a pair of boots around the house to help break them in. Another thing to consider is getting your boots resoled. If you are going to be spending time in the field or doing a lot of road marching, I highly recommend having at least one pair of boots with ribbed soles. Finally, it is a good idea to invest in a set of quality inserts for your road marching boots. Dr. Scholls and others make a variety of styles. BTW--go ahead and pay the extra few bucks to get a good set. If you buy cheap inserts, they will get soggy with sweat and crinkle up while you are road marching and your feet will become blister factories. You can shop for boots, inserts, and soles at military clothing sales stores or at one of the many on-line warehouse stores geared toward soldiers (US Cavalry, Ranger Joes, HSGear).

4. Basic Foot first-aid. Blisters are an inevitable part of road marching. There is not much you can do about a blister during a road march, however when you are done and ready to deal with the blister, I recommend the following: wash the affected area with anti-bacterial soap, then take a small scalpel or razor blade and make a small, linear incision at the edge of the blister. Gently drain the fluid at the incision then pat the area dry with a clean, dry cloth. Apply some type of anti-bacterial ointment like Neosporin or Bacitracin to the incision then place a band-aid over the deflated blister. Keep the area as clean and dry as possible until the blister heals. If you have problem areas or hotspots on your feet, apply moleskin (a commercial product found in the foot care section of the store) before you road march. BTW - always keep some extra moleskin in your ruck.

5. Avoid snivel gear. Wearing any kind of cold weather gear (e.g. long johns, polypro tops, sweaters, Gore-Tex jackets) is generally a bad idea when road marching. Unless it’s extremely cold --like Korea or Fort Drum cold--I recommend going with just a brown shirt under your BDU blouse. You may be a bit uncomfortable initially, but once you start moving with all that weight on your back you will warm up very quickly. The last thing you want to do is have to stop, take off your ruck, your LCE, and your BDU blouse so you can remove a piece of hot gear (which will then have to be stowed). While you're doing that kabuki dance, the rest of the unit will leave you eating their dust.

6. Consider going “out there.” If you’re a fan of the TV show Seinfeld, you’ve probably seen the episode where Kramer decides stop wearing underwear. In describing his newfound freedom to Jerry he excitedly exclaims: “I’m out there, Jerry, and I’m lovin’ every minute of it!" I hesitate to delve into this topic for fear of offending people or sounding juvenile, but the truth is infantrymen and other soldiers who spend a lot of time in the woods rarely wear underwear either on road marches or in the field. Underwear gets damp as you sweat, it gets wet when it rains, and anything wet and clammy next to the skin, especially in that area of the body, rapidly causes chafing. Personal preferences vary, but you may want to consider going sans-skivvies when road marching. Who knows, you might end up like Kramer, out there and lovin’ every minute of it. BTW -- if you decide to go this route, keep your decision to yourself. There is such a thing as too much information, even among friends.

7. Powder your privates. As long as we’re talking about stuff like underwear, it’s worthwhile to remind you to make sure you are dry and comfortable downstairs. Prior to your road march put a light coat of powder on your bottom and in your crotch area. Those places will chafe very quickly and there is nothing worse than having a heavy ruck, five miles to go, and a case of atomic monkey butt. If you do chafe, or you have a specific hotspot down there that is very prone to chafing, I highly recommend a product called Desitin (if you are a parent, you are probably already familiar with it). You will find it in the baby care section of the store. It is a white cream that comes in a tube and it is made for babies with diaper rash, but it works great on adult chafing as well. Put it on the affected area and you will be amazed at how quickly and completely it works.

8. Streamline your equipment. Take the time to get your gear squared away. By that, I mean adjust your LCE so that it rides below your ruck. Secure all of the loose straps, buckles, and webbing with rubber bands or 100 mph tape. The less stuff you have flapping and flopping the better. The same goes for your ruck. Pack it so that you don’t have bulky or sharp objects stabbing you in the back. Roll and secure straps, pockets, and other things that drag, flap, or bounce. Talk to people who have done this for a while and you’ll pick up lots of good tips on how to secure and pad your gear to make it more comfortable. Also, these days there are lots of commercial off the shelf products designed specifically for making a soldier’s gear more comfortable. Military clothing sales stores (especially those on posts with infantry divisions) will have lots of this stuff. So will stores like US Cavalry and Ranger Joes. These and other places all have websites, so finding accessories of this type isn’t hard to do.

9. Empty your pockets. This may sound overly simplistic, but you would be surprised at how many people don’t do it. Remember, the key to comfortable road marching is reducing friction. Anything that rubs against your body will do so over and over again as you road march. Something as seemingly insignificant as a set of keys, a wallet, a pen, or a can of Copenhagen in your pocket will become a major friction point before you know it. If you are rucking any distance at all, a small item will rub a big raw spot in a hurry.

10. Drink water. It is essential that you hydrate before, during, and after you road march. Yes, I said during. The canteens in your LCE are not there for show. Fill them with cool water and take periodic drinks while road marching. It takes practice, but you will quickly get the hang of drinking on the move. If you perspire a lot, you might consider purchasing a Camelback or some other high speed hydration device. For what its worth, I think the Camelback is one of the greatest inventions of the modern world. It is has been a Godsend for soldiers, especially those who spend a lot of time in the field. The night before a road march, hydrate until your urine is clear. Be advised, said hydration should be done with water, versus other beverages, especially the adult, malted variety of beverage. Consuming mass quantities of alcohol, especially a diuretic like beer, the night before a road march is a recipe for disaster. Trust me, it is tough to regain your credibility as an officer and a leader if you end up as a heat casualty quivering and sniveling in the fetal position on the side of the road during a road march. Finally, continue to hydrate after you road march. It will ease soreness and muscle aches.

11. (Bonus Tip) You don’t have to like it; you just have to do it. The toughest 6 inches of any road march is directly between your ears. And while there is nothing remotely enjoyable about strapping a heavy bag on your back and walking several miles, remember, like anything unpleasant, it won’t last forever. Commit yourself to staying mentally tough and putting one foot in front of the other for as long as it takes to get the job done.

Don’t quit, and before you know it, you’ll be done. Then you can hang out, tell war stories, and tell the younger soldiers how things used to be back when it was hard.

Welcome to The Cheshire County Militia

2010-11-23T21:40:00Z

Welcome to The Cheshire County Militia

We are a group of people dedicated to the preservation of the American way and preserving our history. We feel that if we educate people and prepare them for whatever may happen. Being prepared is never a bad thing and knowing US history, traditions, the Constitution and laws can only benefit all of us...

Our core membership is mostly comprised of people that are prepared. We have banded together for mutual support, just like the days of old, helping thy neighbor. We help organize training events as well as charity donations for the community...

A good site for prep info and a wonderful forum for chat and meeting others. www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/ Really, it can't be beat...

If you want to know more, feel free to join us on our discussion's and comments. This is just starting out, but we hope it will grow. Registration is not needed. Comments are encouraged within certain parameters, see below.
Thanks and good luck. We're all going to need it!
Please check back soon for new entries. We're a new group in South-Western NH and are looking to meet local or semi local, like minded friendly people. I got the thought's for this after President Obama's "Corpse" man comment in Feb 2010 when he confused a heroic US Navy corpsman with undead foot soldier... So I figure, we must need to be ready for anything. We feel that if we are prepared to survive a zombie CorpseMan outbreak or invasion, we would be prepared for anything else that may come our way. Yes, it sounds a bit silly, I agree, BUT even the CDC says it's good. Besides any natural disaster, civil unrest, war or pandemic infection...nothing can come close to the horror and devastation of a zombie outbreak, so our members will be prepared to survive anything.

Here in NH and they have, what would seem to be rather illegal and UN-constitutional state laws regarding Militia.
They seem to be in direct contrast to the US & State Constitution and the US 2nd Amendment, BUT more on this state law later...

On here and in out group, racism will not be tolerated. Political UN-correctness WILL be tolerated and encouraged. Disagree with our thoughts? Please back up your disagreements. Please be respectful and no name calling crap.
This site nor it's owners & members do not promote or tolerate Offensive Actions or Violence...

Liberty is not a cruise ship full of pampered passengers, Liberty is a Man of War, and we are all crew ready to DEFEND it...

Obama 4-Feb-2010 "Corpsman" NOT "CorpseMan"

We hope to get a group together in the spirit of the original 1700's militia.
We are a private organization dependent on our members. Think of us a re re-enactment group, family friendly and helpful to each other and the community...
We wish to live by Article 2A of the NH state constitution that says, "All persons have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves, their families,their property and the state." And Article 24 of the NH state constitution says "A well regulated militia is the proper, natural, and sure defense,of a state." We should depend on each other and not the Government for help and our well being. The US Constitution and even the NH State Constitution seem to be counter to New Hampshire, Rev. Stat. Ann. § 111:15...
Any group under the control of the Governor or Government is not a Militia, by definition. I stand by the believe that while a Militia might serve under the governor, if it is mandatory and controlled by the Government, it is an army or State Guard, not a Militia...

The Citizen Militia IS: A deterrent, defensive force. A first response mechanism, to assist in times of disaster (i.e. hurricane, floods, etc). A chain of command (within each group) which we can use to offer leadership and assistance to our fellow citizens, community and families. To defend against all enemies foreign and domestic.

The Citizen Militia is NOT: An offensive force. A racist or subversive group. A private army subject to the dictates of any individual, corporation, or other private group. An organization formed for sustained combat operations (a ‘standing army’). To be used as a forum or launching point to any particular or religious agenda. We would like to clearly state that we are committed to a posture of defense, and do not advocate the unlawful overthrow, targeting of or overthrow of our form of government by any person(s. This site is a place for the independent militia Groups to come together to share training techniques, and teach the correct, unvarnished history of our Republic our State, the formation or our Constitution and Bill of Rights; teach & promote participatory citizenship.

We support HCR-6, (http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2009/HCR0006.html) Please, look it up and let your rep's know how you feel.

"Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom." --John F. Kennedy

This site is dedicated to all of those Americans who have made the "Ultimate Sacrifice" in the defense of their Constitution. From the Patriots of Lexington Green to the present day anonymous militiaman who readies each day in quiet fury.

And to all the police, firefighters and medical personnel that every day put their own life on the line to save ours.

When you see a Veteran stop and shake his/her hand and say "THANK YOU"
If your reading this, Thank a teacher, if your reading this in English, Thank a Vet.

"What is war about, pain death and destruction. The Question one might ask is
what type hardships did this rifle see and undergo...Never glorify war,
understand what men are forced to do for their country and their
survival. Yours is not to approve, yours is to teach living history to others.
Every sword has two edges , every story two sides, you hear what your told
to hear, your duty is to hear the truth weather you approve or not of
what you find."

Very good reading, www.nh.gov/constitution/constitution.html

[Art.] 2-a. [The Bearing of Arms.] All persons have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves, their families, their property and the state.
Adopted December 1, 1982

[Art.] 7. [State Sovereignty.] The people of this state have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and independent state; and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction, and right,pertaining thereto, which is not, or may not hereafter be, by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in congress assembled.

Adopted June 2, 1784

[Art.] 10. [Right of Revolution.] Government being instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security, of the whole community, and not for the private interest or emolument of anyone man, family, or class of men; therefore, whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to reform the old, or establish a new government. The doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power, and oppression, is absurd,slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.

Adopted June 2, 1784

[Art.] 22. [Free Speech; Liberty of the Press.] Free speech and liberty of the press are essential to the security of freedom in a state: They ought, therefore, to be inviolably preserved.

Adopted June 2, 1784, Amended 1968 to include free speech.

[Art.] 24. [Militia.] A well regulated militia is the proper, natural, and sure defense, of a state.

Adopted June 2, 1784

[Art.] 32. [Rights of Assembly, Instruction, and Petition.]The people have a right, in an orderly and peaceable manner, to assemble and consult upon the common good, give instructions to their representatives, and to request of the legislative body, by way of petition or remonstrance, redress of the wrongs done them, and of the grievances they suffer.

Adopted June 2, 1784

NOW, no state law can trump these.. that require an amendment to the US Constitution or the State one..
So, is New Hampshire, Rev. Stat. Ann. § 111:15 Constitutional under BOTH the US Constitution AND the State of New Hampshire's? That is the question that lawyers and courts may have to decide... sadly, gone are the days when the common people could understand the laws we have to live by. Now you almost HAVE to be a "Philadelphia Lawyer" to understand them...
RE: 111:15 Armed Civilian Groups. – No organization, society, club, post, order, league or other combination of persons, or civil group, or any members thereof, are authorized to assume any semblance of military organization or character by bearing or possessing rifles, pistols, sabres, clubs, or military weapons of any kind, or wearing a military uniform of any kind. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section or taking part in such military organization shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person; and any rifles, pistols, sabres, clubs or other military weapons used in violation hereof shall be forfeited. This section shall not apply to regularly constituted military units under state or federal laws; and nothing in this section shall be construed as forbidding the possession and use of rifles for color guards or firing squad purposes, or the wearing of uniforms of a military character, by an organization composed wholly of veteran soldiers who participated in any war of the United States, or by any other recognized fraternal group of long-standing in the community which uses rifles or sabres merely as a part of its ritualistic exercises and which is not specifically disapproved by the President of the United States, the Department of Defense, or the governor.
Source. 1941, 46:15. RL 144:15. RSA 111:15. 1973, 528:42. 1981, 327:7, eff. Aug. 16, 1981

Militia

...of the Several States of the Union and of the United States of America.

We believe in the great liberalism of the Founding Fathers that all men are created equal with certain Creator endowed unalienable Rights recognized and protected by the Constitution for the United States of America. We oppose all forms of tyranny. We believe in the Right to keep and bear arms in defense of the individual, the state,and the Constitution for the united States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic.

The Oath of the Second Continental Army of the Republic

''I, (your name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution for the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.''

"A well regulated Militia being necessary to the Security of a Free State the Right of the People to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." Article 2, Bill of Rights

" Whenever governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia, in order to raise an army upon their ruins." - Rep. Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts

Amendments 11 through 27

Bill of Rights

Constitution for the united States of America

Declaration of Independence

A bit about me. I'm Richard, the fonder of this little site.

I served in the USAF for 6+years as a Weapon Systems Specialist.

17+ years teaching & training small unit tactics, Head of an aggressor team and squad.

2+ years as an Army MP and worked in the armory as well.