Opinion: Thoughts on Initiation and the Void, and their roles in Training and Masculinity

I’ve spent my life living, working, and growing with other men. I’m the oldest of five boys and was raised by a career Paratrooper. Push-ups, rope climbs and sit ups were how we were punished, and boxing was how us boys grew up settling our differences. (Sometimes with gloves, sometimes without…) Later I went into

Note to Fieldcraft Students this weekend

The forecast is calling for lots of rain during the class. The following are a few reminders:

Junk on the Bunk: Line 3A Gear and how I pack it

This is a combination of two other articles I have previously written, I combined them to add additional thoughts and for clarity. About three years ago one of my first articles was about what I liked to carry in my buttpack on my suspenders and belt mounted load bearing equipment (referred to as LBE from

“The Patrol” – by danmorgan76

The following chapters are the short story “The Patrol” by an old school Green Beret blogger that went by danmorgan76. Sadly he didn’t get to finish it before passing. I had the opportunity to correspond with him a couple times and from what I’ve been told by people who knew him personally is that he

Just out of curiosity…

I recently had my LJK backpack modified into a more suitable Patrol pack. I’m calling it my “Badlands Patrol Pack”. I think it’s a very practical patrol pack for my 3A gear setup. The LJK does this by itself, but it’s pretty much packed to the gills since I store my bulky water bottles and

Five minute project: DIY Cat Eyes

Cat Eyes are small glow in the dark strips usually placed on the back of a helmet, patrol cap or pack to help patrol members see each other when patrolling in pitch black conditions without the aid of night vision. If you’ve ever tried to follow someone in the dark with no lights you know

Marine Corps Association Tactical Decision Game Search Engine

I came across this after checking out the TDG book Mike from Von Steuben training shared. I would definitely check out the fire team and squad sized TDG’s. I thought it was interesting that they also include scenarios from the perspective of the insurgents as well.

“Mastering Tactics” by Maj. John F. Schmitt

Complements of Mike over at Von Steuben Training.

Class Announcement- Weaponize the Senses May 20-21, Livingston, MT

I’m advertising this for a friend who took the initiative to organize this class. It will be in Livingston, MT on May 20 and 21. Like I said I’m just advertising for it, please handle all signups and other business with Greenside Training themselves.

Individual Student Training AAR – “My Improvised Sleeping System” by PS

I thought the following was a good example of a low cost but effective setup. I applaud the reader for developing his own setup and taking the time to test it so that he knows what it is capable of. I’ll be adding my own thoughts in italics – BR I’m writing this as a