Dragoons Rules of Survival #1

Rule Number 1- Do Not Neglect the Primary Weapon.

Kyle- This is part one of an ongoing series of the Dragoons Rules of Survival. Every person should develop their own set of rules that dictates their life. These are ours, and most are just as applicable in every day life as they are in an emergency or survival situation. Take 'em or leave 'em, apply what you like to your world, and develop your own Rules.


    In the survival and preparedness community, just like all others, sexy sells. Firearms, high speed bags, gear, even bandages and light weight food options. A lot of people focus on the nicest AR-15 with the newest gear they saw in a gun magazine. They stack ammo and mags deep for their rifle and pistol, make sure they are clean, well lubed, and combat or range ready at all times. All that is excellent! The rifle is what most people in the military call their "primary weapon." For the common person trying to prepare, I believe it is a different situation entirely. YOU are your primary weapon. There are basically two parts preparing you to be a fully functional, well rounded, primary weapon in the fight to survive. I will break down the first part after the jump.

#1. Do Not Neglect the Primary Weapon

    Part One- Physical

    What good is a well thought out bug out plan and a high speed fifty pound bug out bag full of the best survival equipment money can buy if you can't climb a flight of stairs with it on without getting winded? The key here is to train in a practical manner. The Army PT standard for a run is two miles on a time limit depending on the soldier's age. I can tell you I never ran two miles in combat. I also know that most soldiers could not run two miles with their boots, battle rattle, and a ruck on.
    The point I am getting across is this... If you are just now trying to develop your primary weapon, your body, focus on the realities. (Obviously, if you have health issues, consult a doctor, and tell him what you want to do.) Do you need to be able to run a 10k? I don't think so. I'm not saying you shouldn't run. There could definitely be some running involved in a survival situation. My personal rule is this though... If I can't outrun it in a mile, it is time to stand and fight! As far as running goes, I focus on sprints. That IS a form of locomotion I used in combat zones.
    Let's go back to the bug out plan and the bag associated. Many preparedness minded individuals start with their bug out bag. It's sexy. Everybody loves the bag that  has all the answers. How heavy is yours? Have you put it on and moved it under your own power for a few miles? Let me ask you this... how long is your bug out route? The shoe-leather express is nobody's "Plan A." The  first time you hit a roadblock or blow a tire, it may move up the list though. You need to be able to take that BOB and whatever other mission essential equipment (maybe that bad-ass AR previously mentioned) and do as we say in the Army. "Charlie Mike." The game isn't over when your ride goes down. Your family will look to you to be able to ruck up and push on. They need to be able to do the same. (Train as a Team)
    Physical fitness has never been easy for me. I envy those who running comes natural... I have a small bit of hatred for those who seem to enjoy it. I keep on trying to make myself better, week by week. I do love walking though, especially with a rucksack, 40 pounds or so, and a time objective. Start out where you are comfortable. Sprint. Ruck. Jog.... and keep your objective in mind. Unless you just want to be able to run a 10k (that makes you a better man than I), don't worry about super long distance running. If you have a 50 pound bug out bag, put that on and do three miles, if you can. If you can't, drop weight, and figure out how you would make that work in an emergency.

Prepare Today, Prevail Tomorrow
14AUG2012

Had to split Rule Number One into A and B. Part two is incoming.