Setting up your AR-15 correctly is essential for extracting maximum performance from the platform.

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Getting back to setting up your AR.

1. Length of pull

One of the first adjustments you should consider. Length of pull refers to the distance from the trigger to the end of the stock.

A properly adjusted length of pull ensures a comfortable and repeatable cheek weld, which is crucial for quick and accurate sight alignment.

Some will argue that a shorter length of pull is preferred for close-quarters engagements to enhance maneuverability, while slightly longer settings can provide additional stability for precision shooting.

Personally, I keep the same length of pull regardless of engagement range.

Keep in mind that if you’re wearing body armor or gear, you may need to shorten the LOP to prevent interference.

Steps for setting up an optimal length of pull.

1. Take your rifle and bend your dominant arm in the elbow so it’s at approximately 90 degrees (think showing off your bicep) and the rifle is pointing up. Adjust the buttstock so that it is touching your bicep while your arm is at 90 degrees.

2. Shorten the buttstock by one click. This provides a good starting point, but adjust further as necessary.

Red dot placement

Proper positioning of your red dot or optic is equally important.

The optic should be mounted on the upper receiver rail, positioned far enough forward to allow a wide field of view without compromising clarity.

Avoid mounting the optic on the handguard, as rail flex can cause a shift in zero.

If you want, you can ensure the optic aligns with your iron sights, whether in an absolute or lower 1/3 cowitness configuration. I personally run a 1/3 red dot hight with iron sights removed.

I’m not a big fan of the 2.26″ risers, but that’s just me.

Magnifier

If you are using a magnifier with your red dot, eye relief becomes a critical consideration.

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the lens that allows for a clear sight picture.

The magnifier should be positioned to enable a natural head position while aiming, ensuring you don’t need to strain or move excessively to achieve a clear view. If you find yourself struggling to find the dot when looking through the magnifier or see a lot of “scope shadow”, try moving your magnifier, either toward the stock or towards the red dot.

I keep my Vortex x3 all the way to the back of the rifle (the rear iron sight had to be removed).

Practicing transitions between the magnifier and red dot can help confirm the placement is ergonomic and functional.

Sling

A properly mounted sling enhances weapon retention, transitions, and overall handling.

Attach the front end of the sling near the barrel nut or forward on the handguard, while the rear end should be secured at the stock or buffer tube.

Two-point slings offer versatility, allowing for better control and stability, while single-point slings are more suited for close-quarters use. I always advise using a two point sling unless doing some very specific work.

It’s important to test various positions to ensure the sling does not interfere with your support hand, optics, or other accessories. Sling placement is probably the thing you play around with the most until you find a setup that works for you.

Weapon light

The light should be mounted on the handguard at either the 10 o’clock position or 2 o’clock to allow easy activation with your thumb.

I use a pressure switch on my rifle so I keep mine at 2 o’clock. Even if I wasn’t using a pressure switch, I would still keep it at 2 o’clock, as I use a C-clamp grip with my support hand which allows my thumb to activate the light.

Ideally, the light’s placement should not obstruct your grip or create unnecessary shadows.

Handgrip

Your grip and handstop placement can significantly affect control and recoil management.

Vertical grips, angled grips, or handstops should be positioned on the handguard to support your natural shooting stance.

Experiment with different placements to find the most comfortable and effective position for maintaining control and ensuring quick target transitions.

Also, experiment with different styles of hangrips until you find the perfect one for you.

Conclusion

To conclude, everything mentioned here is just guidelines.

Personalization and testing are key to refining your setup. No two shooters are the same, so tailoring your rifle to your specific needs and preferences is crucial.

Train and dry fire regularly, and you will identify areas for improvement and make small adjustments as necessary.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, leave them below or ping me on X.

For those new to the gun world, dry fire involves practicing with your firearm without live ammunition, focusing on foundational skills like grip, trigger control, and sight alignment.

Conducted in the safety of your home, a well-structured dry fire routine can significantly improve your shooting accuracy and confidence. It also saves you time (not having to go to the range) and money (not having to buy ammo).

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating an effective dry fire routine. Depending on your level of expertise, you can modify these to suit your needs. However, I always advocate going back to the fundamentals in your dry fire.

SAFETY FIRST!

As always when working on firearms, maximum emphasis is placed on safety, more so while handling weapons in your home.

1. Choose a Safe Area: Select a designated area in your home where there’s no risk of injury (to yourself or to others) or property damage. Ideally, ensure the backdrop is capable of stopping a projectile in case of an accidental discharge.

2. Clear Your Firearm: Double-check that your firearm is unloaded. Remove the magazine and visually and physically inspect the chamber. If you aren’t sure how to check if your firearm is clear, click here.

3. Remove Live Ammunition: Keep all live ammunition in a separate room to eliminate any possibility of mixing it with your dry fire session. This is a rule I have even when working with professionals. When try runs are performed, nor live ammo is allowed in the room/training area. Failure to adhere to this results in immediate removal from the training area.

4. Use Training Aids: Consider using snap caps or inert training rounds to protect your firearm’s firing pin and simulate real ammunition handling. Snap caps have the geometry of a round but are usually made of a plastic and are a bright color. I use them regularly to practice reloads/failure drills etc.

Gear and Setup

• Firearm: Your pistol of choice (again, ensure it’s unloaded).

• Holster: Use the holster you typically carry.

• Targets: Printable targets or sticky notes placed on a safe surface. I place a couple of post its on the wall.

• Timer or App: A shot timer or a smartphone app to track your progress.

• Gloves: I personally like to dry fire in my combat gloves. Without them you will inavitable gets scrapes and cuts on your hands.

Routine Breakdown

1. Warm-Up: Grip (5 minutes)

• Establishing a proper grip on your firearm.

• Don’t unholster the firearm; the goal is to rep getting a decent grip on your firearm while it’s in the holster.

• Grab the gun, visually inspect your grip, reset to a neutral position (hands by your side).

2. Trigger Control Drills (10 minutes)

• Wall Drill: Stand close to a wall with your sights on a target. Slowly press the trigger without disturbing the sight alignment.

• Coin Drill: Balance a coin (or a dummy round) on your front sight and press the trigger smoothly. The goal is to not disturb the coin/dummy round.

3. Draw and Presentation (10 minutes)

• Practice drawing your pistol from the holster and presenting it to the target.

• Start slowly, ensuring proper grip and sight alignment. Once you can do the entire process slowly, increase speed.

• Incorporate dry fire shots as you present to the target.

• This exercise combines exercises 1 and 2.

4. Reload Drills (5 minutes)

• Practice emergency reloads by dropping an empty magazine and inserting a fresh one.

• Focus on maintaining situational awareness and re-establishing your grip and sight picture quickly.

• NOTE: Dropping your mags won’t damage the mags, but it will damage your floor. So don’t be a dumbass.

Tips for Success

• Consistency is Key: Practice at least 3-4 times a week for 20-30 minutes per session.

• Focus on Fundamentals: Perfect your grip, stance, and trigger press before adding speed or complexity.

• Challenge Yourself: Gradually increase the difficulty of your drills by adding time constraints or incorporating complex movements. Use a shot timer or similar apps for your phone.

• Feedback: Record your sessions or practice with a partner to receive constructive criticism. Recording your sessions might seem like going overboard, but if you are serious about improving, a recording can give you crucial feedback.

Conclusion

An at-home dry fire routine is a cost-effective and safe way to improve your pistol skills.

Following a decent dry fire routine can help you build the muscle memory and confidence needed for live-fire practice and real-world scenarios. I’ve personally seen my skills on the range noticebly increase after a few weeks of just dry fire (both in pistol skills and rife skills).

Remember, mastery comes through disciplined and intentional practice! Pick a goal for your dry fire session and work at it.

As always, leave your questions in the comments or reach out to me on X.

You’ve likely encountered the endless debate over gear. Everyone has a favorite brand, a must-have accessory, and, of course, a hot take on what you “really” need.

But here's the truth: don't get bogged down by choice paralysis

Weather you’ve bought a budget PSA or a God’s Chosen Rifle (HK 416), most rifles can be setup in the following way (in order of priority).

1. Sling

A sling is the holster for your rifle. It keeps everything secure and accessible.

Two-point adjustable slings are widely available, and honestly, most of them function similarly. One point slings are OK, but are only really used for CQB. Three point slings need to be burned.

Two-point slings are money.

Find one that’s comfortable, made from durable materials, and easy to adjust on the fly. That’s it. Don’t over complicate it. The Viking Tactics is a classic.

2. Red Dot

For most shooters, a red dot is adequate. It’s fast, intuitive, and keeps the focus on target acquisition. If you’re primary reason for owning a rifle is home defense, or going to the range with the boys, you don’t need anything better than a red dot. One could argue that LPVOs are a better choice, but all LPVOs suck at 1x and you probably won’t be shooting past 300-400 meters anyway.

Talking product wise, if you want the best value for your money, Holosun is a top contender.

They make reliable optics that won’t break the bank—just make sure you do your research to pick the model that fits your specific needs.

I personally have this one on my rifle.

3. Weapon Light

If you plan to use your rifle in low-light situations—whether for home defense or training—a weapon light is non-negotiable.

You need to be able to PID (positively identify) what you are about to shoot at. Some would argue lights are even more important than a red dot (especially for pistols).

I’d disagree, but a light is still #3 on my list of priorities.

When choosing a light, pick one whose manufacturer doesn’t have a contract with a DoD. As a rule, they are overpriced.

Regardless of brand, ensure it’s bright enough, has solid battery life, and is rugged enough for real-world conditions.

I use the Olight Odin Mini.

4. Magnifier

For those longer range shots, you need a magnifier.

A magnifier can extend your effective range without the bulk of a dedicated scope. The flip to the side when you’re not using them.
In fact, get one that comes with a QD (quick detach) mount and just remove it if you don’t expect to make those longer range shots.

Vortex is known for good-quality glass at reasonable prices, and their 3x Mini magnifier is a great companion for red dots. Alternatively, you can get a Sightmark or overpay for a Eotech.

5. Foregrip

Finally, the foregrip. While there are countless styles, lengths, and angles, the Magpul M-LOK AFG (Angled Fore Grip) is a straightforward, ergonomic choice. It helps maintain a comfortable hand position and can improve your weapon control during rapid fire or transitions.

Final Thoughts

Don’t get caught up in the endless arguments and brand wars. In my experience, people who spend the most time talking about gear, spend the least time training.

The key is to find reliable gear that fits your budget and shooting style, then invest time into practice and training.

Perfect gear won’t make you a perfect shooter. Keep it simple, focus on fundamentals, and enjoy the process of building your setup.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, post them bellow on ping me on X.

Note: This article contains affiliate links. Buying from these links gives me a small kickback at no cost to you and helps support the publication.

Part 1 ended with Russia securing it’s eastern border. In this post, we will cover Russia’s western expansion as well as how it ties into Russian present day conflict with Ukraine.

Western expansion saw Russia expand over present day Ukraine, Belarus and most of Poland. Russia then pivoted south, spreading towards the Caucasus and conquering the kingdoms of Armenia and Georgia.

Their period of conquest ended once they conquered central Asia, believing that if they don’t do it, Great Britain will.

One gets the impression Russia’s expansion was almost effortless, without any serious pushback. How can this be?

Mostly it come down to geography. Russia expanded into sparsely populated territories. In those days, expanding your empire simply meant reaching some territory and placing your flag (Insert Eddie Izzard bit). If there was no one to oppose your rule, you basically owned that land. So after solving the Mongol problem, Russia pretty much had an unopposed path all the way to the Pacific which it reached in 1633.

In their expansion to the Pacific, they mostly encountered nomads and herders who only wanted to be left alone, be it as part of the Russian or some other empire. It made no difference to the herders.

In the west and south-west Russian was able to take a large part of territory formally belonging the Ottoman empire, weakened from it’s war with the central European powers.

In fact, Russian waged a grand total of 11 wars (over a period of 300 years) against the Ottoman empire, methodically taking over its territories.

The early 18^th century saw a conflict between Russian and Sweden where Russian conquered the Baltic area (present day Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). Later, in the 19^th century, Russia took Finland form Sweden. As with the Ottoman empire, Russian fought a total of 11 wars against Sweden, ending Sweden’s status as a regional superpower.

In the first half of the 19^th century, the Russian Empire won the Russian – Persian war, gaining them Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

In 1860 they even go to war against the Chinese Qing empire conquering Manchuria.

So to summarize, the history of Russian can be seen as a constant cycle of waging war and preparing for the next war. The question remains to what end? World domination?

The answer differs based on who you ask. While the main imperative of every empire is to grow and expand, in Russia’s case it is just a continuation of the policies of Ivan the Terrible – Russia must expand its borders until it reaches natural barriers able to stop an invasion.

If we look at Russian territory today, this goal has mostly been fulfilled.

In the south Russia stretches to the Carcasses, protecting it from potential middle eastern threats. In central Asia it has reached the mountains Elbrus and Tian Shan, protecting it from Iran and China.

Southern natural barriers

In the east, Russia has reached the Pacific, defending it from China and Japan.

And finally, in the west it reached the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea. At one point after WW2 it even held a part of Germany, using it as a buffer zone against France and Britain (even the US).

So was this enough for Russia? As a rule empires want to expand, there is always something more to conquer.

To conclude, in the case of Russia there exist a centuries old idea – One that, in order to be safe, Russia has to be “wedged” between large natural barriers. However, the fall of the USSR saw a dissolution of this idea. Today, Russian views the vast planes in its borderlands in the same way as the Moscow duchy of old did, aware that it is only a mater of time until horsemen show up on the horizon.

From this perspective, Ukraine was always viewed as a threat. A large unconquered plain allowing potential invaders to enter Russian unchecked. Only now they wouldn’t be horseman but armored divisions rolling into Russia.

This is why the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO presents an unacceptable threat to Russia’s national security, and why Russia will do whatever it can to prevent that scenario. Any end of hostilities in Ukraine will probably include a guarantee that Ukraine will remain neutral.

Geographically speaking, Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning over 17 million square kilometers and 11 time zones.

It borders 16 countries, more than any other country in the world. Population wise, it ranks ninth with 144.2 million citizens.

But how, and why, did Russia become so large? The answer to this question provides insight into not only into current geopolitical goals, but also the root cause of it internal challenges.

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Obviously, Russia wasn't always this big. In fact, it origins can be traced to the 9^th century around Kiev, present day capital city of Ukraine (notice the irony), as the first east Slavic country – Kievan Rus. It was a relatively small kingdom which remained small until the Mongols invaded in the 13^th century.

The 13^th century saw the entire region conquered by Mongols, at it was only in the 14^th century when Russians starting pushing the Mongols back.

Nevertheless, this period of Mongol conquest brought new innovations and technologies from the east, technologies which the Russians adopted.

At the same time, Moscow (first mentioned in 1147) became a prosperous and influential city forming the Grand Duchy of Moscow.

 The Muscovites gazed to the east and saw a gaping problem – and this problem would define Russian geopolitical interest for the following millennia.

They saw plains, vast flat plains forming no natural barriers all the way to China. These flat step lands were perfect invasion venues for nomadic mounted nations such as the Mongols. In fact, the steps were perfect for any mounted invader while at the same time being extremely difficult to defend.

This brings us to the first dilemma the Muscovites faced. Where do you place your defenses? Every fortress will be overrun by a determined attacker. It those days of permanent conflict, it was natural barriers and natural hard points that were of paramount importance. Rivers, but more so mountains. The bigger the better!

If one looks at a topographical map of Russia, they would notice it is in fact flat. About 1300 km east of Moscow, you reach the Ural mountains spanning North – South. The Urals however aren’t tall enough to deter a determined attacker (1895 meters).

Therefore, the Russian tzars determined their dilemma can be solved in one of two ways: Either they will conquer, or they will get conquered. They chose the former.

They started looking east, conquering until the reached a natural barrier to provide Russia security. As it happens, that barrier turned out to be the Pacific ocean.

Naturally, all of this territory wasn’t conquered at once. However, by 1700 the Russians had already conquered the majority of the Asian steppes.

A key point in Russian history was the rule of Ivan the Terrible, who in 1547 proclaimed himself to be the first Russian Tzar transforming the Duchy of Moscow into the Russian empire which hasn’t stopped spreading since.

An animation illustrating the territorial expansion of the Russian Empire

After this, Siberia was conquered, mostly by hunters and trappers searching for fur. There was no real push-back as Siberia was inhabited by small tribes unable to field any type of organized defense. While seemingly insignificant, this event marks a pivotal movement in Russian history – the beginning of a multi-ethnic Russian Empire.

Only after Russian felt secure in it’s eastern border did it start looking West…

In the next post, we will continue exploring the Russian Empires expansion to the west as well as the wars with the Ottoman Empire an contextualize it within present day events.

In case of a great continental war in Europe, US troops would disembark in one of five European harbors and would be shipped via preplanned routes to the hypothetical front line. The location of these harbors as well as the proposed routers are shown bellow.

The primary plan is for US troops to land in the Dutch ports before being transported by train through Germany towards Poland. The alternative plans are in place in case Russian preemptively strike the Dutch port of Rotterdam.

In the case where Russians destroy the northern ports (1,5), NATO would focus on the ports in Italy, Greece and Turkey (2,3,4). Route 2 would involve Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary, routes 3 and 4 Bulgaria and Romania.

What is interesting is that NATO armies will not be limited by local laws, meaning the will be able to transport goods without border checks. A potential hotbed of smuggling.

It should be noted that NATO officials have warned they only have 5% of the necessary air defense to cover its eastern flank, which also translates to its ability to defend key logistical centers. This is potentially worrisome after observing the situation in Ukraine, where RAF specifically and successfully targets Ukrainian logistical centers (as one does in war).

The solution of this is the abandonment of the large logistical bases we saw during GWOT in Iraq and Afghanistan, as it is assumed they would be attacked and destroyed early in the conflict. However, the issue of air defense is a constant - you can never have enough air defense.

Another potential issue is that some NATO members, trying not to antagonize Russia, might not allow their territory to be used for troop transport. Namely, these are Hungary and Turkey. However, it is assumed they will cave under pressure from the rest of NATO states.

Finally, the possibility that all of this is a red herring has to be mentioned. All of this could be NATO disinformation placed to divert Russian attention from actual plans for troop movements.

Alternative options are Spain and Portugal, however these would result in a lot longer land travel time.

Moreover, the traditional self defense posts will continue soon.

Lets get into it.

1. Ukraine

A major development that happened this week is the USA and Germany giving Ukraine permission to use Western supplied ordinance to hit targets within Russia.

Until now, the Ukrainians were only allowed to use Western supplied ordinance within contested Ukrainian territory.

Russian president Vladimir Putin responded to this decision, issuing a statement that this „Could cause an escalation of the current conflict and lead to a global conflict“ stating that the use of Western long range ordinance requires Ukraine to have access to Western satellites, intelligence and military support, solidifying his claim that the war in Ukraine as actually against the entire NATO alliance.

This statement is paradoxical as Russias official stance is that the occupied Ukrainian regions are part of Russia – meaning Ukraine has been using Western ordinance to strike targets in Russia since the start of the war.

On the front, it looks like Russian troops have regained their momentum. During the course of the Russian winter offensive along the entire front, Ukraine was able to take the offensive only in Crimea, using unmanned drones and forcing the Russian fleet to retreat east.

On the operational level, the six Russian groups attacked along the entire front, with the goal of forcing the Ukrainian army do deploy their strategic reserves. The tactical goal of the Russian Armed Forces was to subsequently surround and destroy those reserves. 

Without going to deep onto the logistical part of the war (a topic for another post), it is pretty clear that the war is not going well for Ukraine.

The common consensus is that the Russian Winter Offensive is about the be followed by a Summer Offensive.

2. Israel

International pressure on Israel has intensified with Brazil withdrawing its ambassador to Israel and Mexico announcing it plans to join South Afrika in its lawsuit on the Internation Crimes Tribunal. Both Israel and its partner the USA have stated these pressures will not influence their policy towards Gaza.

The Chairman of the Israel National Security Council has stated they expect the military operation in Gaza to continue for 7 more months in order to eradicate Hamas in Gaza.

At least 940 000 people where displaced for the city of Rafah after Israel increased hostilities and ordered the city to be evacuated. As of now, these people have been evacuated however it is unknown where they will be resettled.

As of today (2024-06-03), an assistant to the Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is considering accepting a ceasefire proposal issued by US president Biden. Will follow how this develops.

This has been the first post in what is planned to be a new recuring series. If you want more content like this, or have some other topics you want covered, let me know in the comments.

Gaining full maturity under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, this theory advocates for a unified Russian cultural and political sphere that extends beyond the country's geographical borders

The concept of the "Russian World" (Русский мир ,Russkiy Mir) traces its roots to the post-Soviet identity crisis in Russia. Facing a Russia that has drastically lost its geopolitical influence, the Russian World theory emerged as a means to reclaim its lost influence and reassert its cultural and historical significance.

So basically cope.

This theory is anchored in the belief that Russia is not merely a nation-state but a civilization-state with a unique cultural mission and a responsibility to protect its people and heritage, wherever they may be. This last part important, because the dissolution of the Soviet Union left a significant number of Russian speaker outside what is today Russia.

The key points of the theory are:

• Cultural Unity: Shared language, religion, and historical experiences are seen as creating a unique "Russian World" civilization.

• Beyond Ethnicity: While ethnicity plays a role, the theory extends to anyone who identifies with Russian culture, regardless of ancestry

• "Protecting" Compatriots: The Russian government feels a duty to protect the rights and interests of ethnic Russians and Russian-speaking minorities living abroad, particularly if they feel threatened

• Countering the West: The "Russian World" is often presented as an alternative to Western liberalism and a bulwark against its perceived encroachment.

In theory, the Russian World concept is to be accomplished by strategically applying Russian soft power. In recent years, the Russian government has spent vast resources in a drive to promote Russian culture, primarily through the common attribute of Orthodox Christianity.

Here, The Russian Orthodox Church plays a pivotal role in promoting Russian values and has often aligned with the state’s foreign policy, especially in areas with Orthodox Christian populations. At this point, The Russian Orthodox Church is pretty much an extended arm of the Russian government

Other avenues of Russian influence are via cultural diplomacy, where Russia has established cultural centers and Russian schools abroad to nurture a sense of Russian identity among the diaspora as well as a media outreach campaign, where Russian media outlets broadcast in multiple languages to shape perceptions and spread Russia's viewpoint on global affairs.

The geopolitical use of the Russian World theory is most evident in Russia’s recent military actions and foreign policy decisions. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the support for separatist movements in Eastern Ukraine are justified through the need to protect Russian-speaking populations, and Putin has argued that Ukraine is inherently part of the Russian World due to historical and cultural ties.

This doctrine has also been evident in Russia's involvement in regions like the Baltic states and Central Asia, where large Russian-speaking communities exist. In fact, the Russian speaking population has been traditionally been a major disruptive factor in the Baltic states, resulting in them being justifiable nervous after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

However, these countries are all NATO allies, making an overt invasion by Russia unlikely. Nevertheless, the soft power techniques outlined above my still be used to assert pressure on the Baltic states and cause government sponsored civil disturbances

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At the national level, the Russian government has enacted laws and policies that facilitate the integration of Russian speakers from abroad into the Russian Federation. These include simplified processes for acquiring Russian citizenship and laws aimed at protecting the rights of Russian speakers, regardless of their country of residence. Such measures reinforce the concept of a greater Russian world that transcends national boundaries.

Surprising no one, The Russian World theory has been met with significant skepticism and opposition on the international stage. Critics argue that it serves as a pretext for Russian expansionism and infringes on the sovereignty of other nations, basically a form of Russian neo imperialism.

Countries with significant Russian-speaking populations, particularly those in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, view this theory as a threat to their territorial integrity and political independence. These feeling have only intensified after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Western nations and international organizations have also expressed concerns about the implications of this theory for global security and the rule of law. Sanctions and diplomatic pressures have been used to counteract Russia’s assertive policies that stem from the Russian World ideology.

So to summarize, The Russian World theory is a powerful expression of Russia's desire to regain its status as a leading global power.

By weaving together cultural, political, and military strands, Russia seeks to create a sphere of influence that adheres to its interests and historical narratives.

However, the theory remains contentious, posing challenges to the principles of national sovereignty and international norms. As the global situation evolves, the impact of the Russian World theory will likely remain a critical factor in Eurasian geopolitics, driving both Russian foreign policy as well as Western strategic thinking.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the first post on this topic.

If there are specific topic you would like to see covered, drop a comment.

Pistols can be categorized based on their firing mechanisms into two main types: striker-fired and hammer-fired. Both designs serve the same purpose—to fire a bullet—but they do so using different mechanisms. Understanding the basic components and operation of each can provide insight into their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

Striker-Fired Pistols

Basic Components:

• Striker Mechanism: A striker-fired pistol uses a spring-loaded firing pin, known as a striker, to hit the primer of the cartridge. The striker is contained within the slide and is directly acted upon by the trigger pull.

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The curriculum systematically breaks down the training process into manageable sections, covering everything from the foundational knowledge required to handle a firearm safely to the advanced tactics needed for effective self-defense. Here's a breakdown of the main points

1. Basic Training

This section emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals of firearms, including different types of pistols and ammunition. It also covers essential skills such as proper stance, grip, sighting, and trigger control. Safety protocols are paramount, highlighting how to handle, store, and transport firearms responsibly.

2. Legal Considerations

Training in self-defense isn't solely about handling a weapon; it's also crucial to be knowledgeable about the laws that govern self-defense and firearm use. This includes understanding the legal framework within which one can use a firearm to defend oneself, such as the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws, and knowing the requirements for carrying permits and recognizing areas where firearms are prohibited.

3. Advanced Training

Beyond the basics, advanced training focuses on defensive shooting techniques and scenario-based exercises that simulate real-life situations, such as home invasions or confrontations in public spaces. It also introduces stress management strategies to help individuals make rational decisions under pressure.

4. Tactical Training

This aspect delves into more specialized skills, including close-quarters combat, understanding the use of force continuum, and techniques for disarming attackers. It's designed to prepare individuals for a range of scenarios where self-defense may require more than just shooting skills.

5. Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining a firearm in optimal condition is essential for safety and reliability. This part of the training covers regular cleaning, inspection, repair, and the proper rotation of ammunition to ensure that the firearm functions correctly when needed.

6. Continuous Learning

Self-defense training is an ongoing process. This section encourages continued education through advanced courses, recertification, and self-evaluation to refine skills and stay updated on best practices.

7. Community and Legal Awareness

Finally, being part of a supportive community and staying informed about changes in laws affecting firearm use and self-defense rights are crucial for anyone committed to responsible gun ownership and use for self-defense.

Overall, this structured approach to training emphasizes not only the physical skills required to use a pistol effectively but also the mental, legal, and ethical considerations that come with carrying and potentially using a firearm for self-defense.

As can be discerned from this post, this topic runs deep and there is a lot to cover. By the end, I am confident this will be the most comprehensive guide to pistol use on the internet.

Next paid post will focus on understanding the mechanical operation of a pistol.

As always, stay safe.

Mastering pistol shooting is a challenging endeavor, demanding a strong understanding of fundamentals.

But before we even get to the actual firearms, we need to go over some ground rules.

The rules outlined in this post are crucial to handling firearms in a safe and responsible way.

Read this post, then read it again.

Then read it a third time and re-read it until you've memorized and internalized all of the concepts. Only then can you start thinking about owning a firearm.

This attitude toward firearm safety might seem over the top, but I stand behind it 100%.

Firearms, whether used for hunting, sport shooting, or personal defense, demand a high level of responsibility and understanding of safety protocols.

Mishandling firearms can lead to tragic accident, making following the rules of firearms safety an imperative.

Basic Firearms Rules

There a 4 basic firearms rules which are designed to minimize the risk of accidental discharges, injuries, and fatalities. They are taught by every respectable organization and school in the world.

The rules are:

Rule 1. Treat Every Firearm as if It Were Loaded

One of the fundamental rules of firearm safety is to always treat a firearm as if it is loaded, even if you believe it to be unloaded. This mindset encourages caution and prevents complacency, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.

In practice, this means that every single time you pick up a firearm, you check if it’s loaded.

Doesn’t matter if it was in your safe, and you are sure you placed it there unloaded

You pick up a gun, you check if it’s loaded.

Rule 2. Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction

The muzzle of a firearm should always be pointed in a safe direction, meaning a direction where a negligent discharge would not cause injury or damage.

 This rule is crucial for preventing accidental shootings and should be followed at all times, whether you're on the range, hunting, or cleaning your firearm.

Rule 3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot

Your finger should rest outside the trigger guard and off the trigger until you are absolutely ready to fire.

This prevents unintentional firing, which can occur from sudden movements or disturbances.

In the past week (as of writing this, 2024-03-24), there has been some discussion about certain ex Tier 1 members advocating for CQB operations with the safety off and the finger on the trigger.

This is wrong.

Rule 4. Be Sure of Your Target and What is Beyond It

Before firing, always identify your target, ensure it is what you intend to shoot, and be aware of what is beyond it.

 Bullets can travel great distances and penetrate through various materials, potentially causing harm beyond the intended target.

More Rules

Additional to the 4 basic rules of firearms safety, there are some other rules you should internalize before starting your journey of a firearm – owner.

Eyes and Ears protection

Shooting can cause irreparable damage to your eyesight and hearing.

As someone who occasionally suffers from tinnitus (a ringing in the ears that doesn’t go away), caused by repeated exposure to loud noises, I can promise you it’s not fun.

Before seriously going to the range, invest in a nice pair of active hearing protectors.

Additionally, shooting is basically causing mini controlled explosions. These explosions sometimes yeet particles or spent casings in the direction of your face (or your shooting partners face).

For this reason, invest in a good piece of eye protection.

Keep Your Firearms Secured

This depends on your local laws, but I advocate for buying a gun safe and keeping your guns and ammo secured at all time.

You do not want to live with the consequences of your spouse or child finding an unattended firearm and causing a negligent discharge.

If you live in an area where you feel unsafe in your home, keep the firearm on you or within eyesight at all times.

Never Use a Firearm Under the Influence

This is pretty straightforward.

Firearms and intoxicates are a recipe for a bad time. Be responsible.

Educate Yourself and Stay Informed

Being a responsible firearm owner means continually educating yourself on safe handling practices and staying informed about laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership and use in your area.

Know when it is legal to use your firearm and the legal ramifications of doing so.

Have a lawyer friend.

Conclusion

Adhering to these safety rules is essential for anyone handling firearms.

Safety is not just a personal responsibility but a communal one.

By practicing these guidelines, you can ensure a safer environment not just for yourself but for everyone around you.

 Remember, the key to firearm safety lies in education, discipline, and respect for the power of the weapon in your hands.

Stay safe, stay informed, and always prioritize the well-being of yourself and those around you.

In fact, I usually list them as “item 0” of every trauma kit, meaning even if you don’t have a trauma kit you should still have a tourniquets on your person (or vehicle, EDC,…).

However.

Carrying a TQ is not enough, you have to know to store it, how to stage it and how to use it.

For this reason I’ve decided to write this bonus post, focusing only on TQs.

A Reality Check

If you're reading this, chances are you're a civilian in a developed country, where emergency services are typically less than 10 minutes away.

However, in cases of severe bleeding, those minutes can mean the difference between life and death, underlining the critical role of tourniquets (TQs).

While it's unlikely you'll face gunshot wounds or blast injuries, serious cuts from machinery, chainsaws, or car accidents are realistic scenarios.

A crucial reminder: before using a TQ in an emergency, be aware of the legal implications. Incorrect application leading to limb loss could result in legal action against you.

How and When to Use a Tourniquet

When the situation escalates and you're facing a limb gushing blood like a horror movie scene, it's TQ time. Here’s the lowdown on how and when to apply it, quick and dirty style:

Read more

Whether you're a first responder, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who believes in being ready for the unexpected, understanding how to curate the contents of your trauma kit is fundamental.. From the critical elements that should form the backbone of any kit, to specialized items for unique scenarios, we'll guide you through creating a trauma kit that is not only comprehensive but also customized to serve you best when seconds count. 

Buying a trauma kit vs making your own

Before I get into it, lets talk about building you own trauma kit vs buying a pre-made one.

Members of the armed forces usually don’t have a say and are issued a prepacked IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) to be used by the designated medic in case of injury.

For everyone else, I always recommend building your own trauma kit as opposed to buying a pre-made one.

There are several reason for this:

1. Quality control - by buying each component of your trauma kit, you can be sure they are quality and not fakes or cheap alternatives. We are talking about life saving equipment here, can you risk not having the absolute best?

2. Familiarity - assembling your own trauma kit forces you to become familiar with each product and allows you to pack it in a way that suits you.  I’ve personally seen people owning pre-made trauma kits where the tourniquet was still in the original wrapper (and obviously not properly staged).

   Sadly, most people opt for purchasing a pre-made trauma kit and believe their responsibility is fulfilled without ever bothering to open it.

3. Customization - the ability to tailor its contents to your specific needs and activities. This means you can include items that are most relevant to the types of injuries you're most likely to encounter, whether you're involved in outdoor activities, tactical operations, or work in a particular industrial setting.

4. Cost - putting together your own trauma kit will invariably be more cost-effective compared to purchasing a pre-made one. It's just basic economics—the seller of the pre-made kit needs to turn a profit.

The Core Building Blocks of a Trauma Kit

The composition of a trauma kit stands as the cornerstone of effective first aid response. Each item listed serves a critical role, aiming to address a wide range of life threatening injuries.

As we delve into the building blocks of a trauma kit, it's essential to recognize the diversity of tools and supplies that can be included, each selected with the purpose of saving lives and stabilizing emergencies until professional medical help is available.

Clicking on the embedded link will take you to the items I personally recommend and carry in my trauma kit.

1. Tourniquet: This item is listed as first on the list although I would rather place it in 0 place. I.e., a tourniquet is something that should be easily accessible and carried separately from you trauma kit. Although, i do suggest having and extra one on the trauma kit itself. 

A high-quality tourniquet like the Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) or the Special Operation Forces Tactical Tourniquet (SOFTT) is crucial for stopping life-threatening hemorrhages from extremity wounds. It work by constricting the blood flow to in injure appendage, effectively stopping the bleed.

2. Pressure dressing (aka. Israeli Dressing) - For bleeding wounds where a tourniquet isn’t applicable, it is essential for managing bleeding and providing initial wound care. It has a nice feature that it serves as both a pressure applicator and a primary dressing.

3. Hemostatic Agent: Commonly known as QuikClot, a hemostatic agent is used to accelerate blood clotting when applied to a wound. Mostly used on wounds where bleeding can’t be stoped by a tourniquet or pressure dressing. 

   It comes in granular form (which is poured onto a wound) or pre-applied to combat gauze, the second being my preferred option. 

It has to be noted that QuikClot is not absorb able meaning it needs to be physically removed before the wound can close (read: it has to be cut out). This is the main reason a prefer it as a gauze.

4. Chest Seal: A chest seal is primarily used for gun shot wounds in the chest. A vented chest seal can prevent tension pneumothorax, a condition when air gets trapped in the area between the lungs and the chest wall, leading to increased pressure in the chest. This pressure buildup compresses the lung on the effected side severely impairing respiratory and circulatory function. 

5. Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) (with Lube!): Ensuring an open airway is crucial in trauma care. An NPA is used to secure the airway of an unconscious casualty when a simple chin-lift maneuver is insufficient 

6. Bandages and gauze - A variety of sterile bandages and gauze pads are necessary for dressing wounds, absorbing blood, and providing support to injured areas. Gauze can also be used to “pack wounds”, i.e. shove the gauze into the wound in order to reduce bleeding.

7. Medical tape - used to secure bandages, dressings and devices (IV lines …) in place.

8. Trauma Shears - Compact shears purpose built to cut through clothing or gear in order to gain access to a wound without causing further harm to the casualty.

9. Gloves - Nitril gloves to prevent the person administrating first aid from blood borne pathogens. They can also be used to identify non obvious or secondary wounds. When talking color, go blue (never black). Blood is visible on blue gloves, not so much on black. The importance of this will be discussed in the next post!

BONUS ITMES

10. Boo Boo stuff - Moleskin/blister prevention, ibuprofen, band aids... Stuff that don’t exactly fit under “trauma care” but are still useful to have on you, especially in your EDC trauma bag. 

Some other context specific stuff worth considering:

Antiseptic wipes - For cleaning around wounds when water and soap are not available. Especially useful for hikers/people who work in dense forests. Those cuts and scrapes from branches can get easily get infected.

Burn Dressing: A specialized dressing for burn injuries can help in pain relief and preventing contamination. I’ve linked an entire burn kit, but you can get an individual dressing.

Splinting Materials: For stabilizing fractures or sprains in the field. If you’ve ever have to walk with a broken leg, you’ll really appreciate a splint (don’t ask me how I know)

Thermal Blanket: A compact, reflective blanket can prevent hypothermia in shock victims. They are light and take almost no space, I always carry one in my EDC. Also, I always carry 5 in my car trauma kit, one for every family member and passenger.

Eye Shield: Protection for treating eye injuries.

Sharpie Marker: For marking the time a tourniquet was applied directly on the device and patient.

Instructional Booklet: A compact guide on how to use the contents of the IFAK effectively. A laminated card outlying the steps of MARCH algorithm 

Assembling Your Gear

While this list covers the essentials, the contents of an IFAK should be customized based on individual training, experience, and the specific risks associated with the intended activities or missions. For instance, someone with advanced medical training might include additional tools like a decompression needle for tension pneumothorax.

Regarding how to carry your trauma gear, you don’t need any expensive military pouches. The trauma kit in my car is literally an old backpack I've packed with trauma gear. Same for my trauma supplies at home.

For my everyday carry (EDC) I usually carry a 5.11 backpack with a small 5.11 IFAK (no 5.11 jokes please). This covers all of my EDC essentials.

The only other time I carry a dedicated IFAK puch is on my plate carrier. Even then, I carry an additional vacuum packed of collection of “stop the bleed” trauma supplies in my pants cargo pocket.

Conclusion

The IFAK is not a one-size-fits-all kit; it requires thoughtful consideration of what to include based on the scenarios one is likely to encounter.

The aim is to be prepared for the most common types of injuries that can be immediately life-threatening.

Regular review and updates to the kit, based on evolving needs and after each use, ensure that the IFAK remains a reliable resource in critical moments.

Equally important to the contents of an IFAK is the training in how to use them. Regularly scheduled training sessions, ideally under the guidance of medical professionals, ensure that individuals are prepared to use their IFAK effectively in an emergency. 

Owning all of this life saving gear is useless if you don’t know how to use it.

That is why in my next post I’ll be revisiting the MARCH algorithm, a systematic approach used in trauma care, prioritizing the treatment of the most life-threatening injuries first.

DISCLAIMER: This article contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, it comes at no extra cost to you. However, it does support me and enables me to keep bringing you great content. You should have this first aid gear anyway, might as well use the link. I appreciate your support! None of this is medical advice. Do your own research and get training.

In the realm of layering for cold weather, there can be a lot of varying opinions and ideas. However, I like to stick to the fundamental three-layer system which has never failed me.

The primary objectives of the layering system are to keep you warm and dry. "Dry" implies managing moisture both from within your clothing (sweat) and outside (rain, snow, etc.). To achieve this, your layering system should effectively vent excess heat to maintain comfort.

Therefore, a well-balanced layering system not only keeps you warm but also allows your clothing to dry while you're on the move, wicking moisture away. It's important to note that waterproof layers are typically used only during heavy rain or wet conditions, as part of this layered approach.

The three layers are:

1.      Base Layer (Moisture Management): The base layer is the layer closest to your skin. Its primary function is to manage moisture by wicking sweat away from the body. This is crucial because moisture trapped against the skin can lead to a significant loss of body heat. Materials like merino wool, polyester, or synthetic blends are often used for base layers because they are good at wicking moisture while remaining lightweight and comfortable. The base layer can consist of long underwear, tights, and long-sleeve tops, depending on the temperature and activity level.

2.      Mid Layer (Insulation): The mid layer is responsible for insulation and is designed to retain body heat to protect you from the cold. This layer traps air close to your body, creating a warm barrier. Materials like fleece, down, or synthetic insulators are common choices for the mid layer. The thickness and weight of the mid layer can vary greatly depending on the conditions. For example, a light fleece might be sufficient for mild conditions, while a thick down jacket would be necessary in more extreme cold. This layer often includes items like fleece jackets, down vests, or insulated sweaters.

3.      Outer Layer (Protection): The outer layer, also known as the shell layer, is your primary defense against external elements like wind, rain, and snow. This layer should be windproof, waterproof, and breathable to protect against the elements while allowing moisture from the body to escape to prevent overheating. Materials like Gore-Tex or other waterproof/breathable fabrics are typical for this layer. The outer layer includes items like shell jackets, snow pants, and waterproof coats. It’s crucial for this layer to be adjustable, as weather conditions can change rapidly.

Each layer has its specific function, but together, they work synergistically to keep the body warm, dry, and protected in cold weather conditions. The ability to add or remove layers based on temperature and activity level is a key advantage of this system.

The Base layer: Your First Line of Defense

As previously mentioned, the primary role of your base layer is to ensure you stay dry and comfortable, which is particularly critical in cold weather conditions.

Read more

This post is the first in of two posts covering cold weather gear.

In this post we’ll be covering the science of cold, how layering works as well as the dangers and injuries that can be caused by cold exposure.

The next post will focus on the layers themselves, how to choose materials and the tradeoffs when using a certain material. Finally, I’ll provide some products I recommend.

We're going to break down the essentials of staying warm and dry at temperatures at, or bellow, zero. Drawing on the expertise of military pros and outdoor experts, we'll reveal the strategies and equipment that have been proven in some of the harshest cold weather environments.

Surviving in cold weather environments presents a unique challenge. Cold weather relentlessly saps your body's thermal energy, ultimately leading to the dangerous condition of hypothermia. It's an inevitable battle that no clothing system can entirely win; some heat loss will always occur.

To counteract this heat loss, your body must burn calories to maintain its temperature. This can be achieved through movement or rapid muscle contractions, commonly recognized as shivering. However, when you've depleted your energy reserves and can no longer generate heat, maintaining your body's warmth becomes impossible, and survival becomes precarious.

Cold, in essence, is the natural state of things, with an absolute zero temperature of -273.15°C, as measured in space, representing the ultimate level of coldness. Therefore, there's no such thing as "cold energy" – only heat that can raise the temperature of objects above this extreme cold baseline.

The sensation of freezing occurs when our body struggles to maintain its core temperature of 37°C. It's important to note that feeling cold doesn't automatically translate to hypothermia, which is a more severe condition.

In the temperature range between 36.9°C and 35.1°C, discomfort sets in. Even when our core temperature is within a healthy range, our skin's sensory receptors can make us perceive a sensation of being "cold." This discomfort is particularly noticeable when we're stationary. The good news is that, just like adapting to any sensory experience, our body can acclimatize to this feeling if regularly exposed to cold conditions.

However, when our core temperature starts to drop, we begin to feel uncomfortable, and our body goes into overdrive to generate additional heat, leading to a natural urge to move. Simultaneously, our brain signals us to seek shelter and warmth. Once our core temperature continues to decline, the risk of progressing to hypothermia becomes imminent.

While the distance from the Earth's core generally results in nearly imperceptible changes in environmental temperature, elevation is a significant influencing factor. As you ascend in altitude, the atmosphere becomes progressively thinner, diminishing its ability to conduct heat effectively, and subsequently, the air becomes less warm.

A useful rule of thumb is that for every 1000 meters of elevation gained, the temperature tends to drop by approximately 6°C. This principle implies that even minor changes in elevation can make your surroundings noticeably cooler, with a variance of one to three degrees colder than what you might be accustomed to in lower-altitude environments.

The conversion is also true for depressions or lower-altitude areas; for every 1000 meters of depth, you can generally expect the environmental temperature to rise by approximately 6°C. These elevation and depression-related temperature fluctuations can have a substantial impact on the local climate and conditions.

Understanding Wind Chill

The concept of wind chill is rooted in thermodynamics.

There's a common misconception that the wind itself is colder than the surrounding temperature. In reality, the wind shares the same temperature as the outdoor environment.

The real challenge lies in the fact that every gust of fresh air carries away heat from your body. As a result, your body loses heat rapidly when exposed to wind. In the short term, this can lead to discomfort or even numbness due to wind chill. Over an extended period, you may begin to experience the effects of freezing, as your body struggles to compensate for the heat loss.

To combat wind chill, you don't need a substantial amount of insulation. Materials like dense woven nylon or three-layer laminates such as Gore Tex can serve as effective windstoppers, helping to minimize the heat-robbing effects of the wind and keeping you warmer in blustery conditions.

Understanding Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics encompasses the fundamental principles governing the transfer of heat energy. Since coldness represents the natural state of everything, it can't be transferred itself. However, various objects and gases possess different abilities to conduct thermal energy, commonly known as heat.

Air, for instance, is a relatively poor conductor of heat, which is why heat loss becomes more pronounced when you encounter more efficient conductors like water. Thermodynamics always come into play when one element makes direct contact with something colder. In such cases, the heat energy flows from the warmer object to the colder one.

In our context, these conductors of heat are elements like cold air, rain, moisture, and sweat. Understanding the principles of thermodynamics is essential for comprehending the science behind effective layering to stay warm and comfortable in cold weather conditions.

Understanding Hydrodynamics

Hydrodynamics might sound complex, but we'll simplify it for clarity. Water always seeks the path of least resistance; it inherently looks for ways to move. We can influence and guide how water moves away from our bodies by understanding this principle.

Let's start at the beginning. When our body produces moisture, the first stage is vaporized sweat, which is water in the form of dispersed molecules. In this stage, it moves upward and attempts to permeate clothing and fabric on its own.

However, when the air can no longer accommodate this vaporized water, we start to get wet. At this point, we're producing liquid water that runs along our body, cooling us more than desired. In fact, excessive sweat can even lead to hypothermia, as it needs to be efficiently moved away from our body.

The process of moving sweat away from our bodies is known as "capillary action." This involves numerous small fibers that wick away moisture due to molecular interactions. This is why it's crucial to have wicking fabrics close to your skin, as they help manage and redirect moisture away from your body, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable in various conditions.

The Role of Centralization

Centralization is a survival mechanism that kicks in when our body struggles to maintain its core temperature. Since blood serves as the carrier of body heat, our body adapts by restricting blood flow to specific areas, such as our extremities and facial features. The initial signs of centralization often manifest as cold fingers.

Even when centralization isn't immediately necessary, factors like wind chill can trigger this response. That's why it's crucial to always cover our extremities and head to preserve heat. Wearing items like long johns or lightweight insulated pants can help insulate our legs, while winter socks, over boots, and felt insoles are effective at maintaining warmth in our feet.

Consuming hot beverages regularly can also contribute to keeping our core temperature up, thereby assisting in preventing centralization. However, it's important to recognize that all of these measures primarily focus on preserving the warmth of our core, which is essential for our overall well-being in cold conditions.

Cold weather injuries

Frostbite

Frostbite, a cold weather-related injury, is often associated with, but not limited to, the presence of hypothermia. At its core, frostbite is the freezing of a part of your body at the cellular level.

It typically begins with reduced blood flow and skin appearing reddish, eventually progressing to the crystallization of tissue and blood due to extreme cold. Thanks to the body's natural centralization response, extremities and facial features, such as the nose, are particularly vulnerable to frostbite.

Frostbite is categorized into four grades, similar to how we classify burn injuries. In the field, treating frostbite involves several steps:

1. Immediately reduce exposure to wind, rain, and snow.

2. Gently warm the affected limb or body part with indirect heat, such as placing a handwarmer near the groin area.

3. Encourage the affected person to drink hot beverages to raise their core temperature.

4. Dry the affected body part and change wet clothing.

5. Patients with 2nd degree frostbite or higher require extended medical treatment as soon as possible.

Prompt action and proper care are essential to minimize the damage caused by frostbite and increase the chances of a full recovery.

Trench Feet

Trench feet fall into the category of non-freezing cold-water injuries (NFCWI). It's worth noting that skin irritations with similar names associated with hot and humid conditions are technically not trench feet but referred to as WWIF (Warm Water Immersion Feet).

Trench feet occur due to prolonged exposure to cold moisture, especially when wearing cotton socks and heavy boots, or when snow or water enters the boot. While wicking socks can help mitigate the effects, they should be changed at least once daily. Moisture invariably damages the keratin fibers in your skin, causing tissue damage. This moisture-induced harm is an unavoidable effect, and the only solution is to thoroughly dry the feet.

Trench feet result from the combination of tissue deterioration and capillary constriction due to centralization, a natural response to cold conditions by the body. The best approach is prevention, which includes:

• Regular feet inspections

• Changing socks at least twice a day

• Wearing high-quality socks

• Recognizing that drying affected feet alone is not a sufficient standalone treatment

By taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing trench feet and maintain your foot health in cold and wet conditions.

Chilblains

Chilblains are skin irritations that affect only a certain percentage of individuals when exposed to cold weather. While generally annoying, chilblains are considered harmless. However, they can sometimes be confused with more serious conditions like trench feet or frostbite, which can lead to misdiagnosis and a lack of appropriate medical attention.

Chilblains can appear on various parts of the body, including the hands, face, or feet, further complicating their identification. It's crucial to differentiate them from more severe cold-related conditions. When chilblains affect the nose, hands, or feet, it's important to check for common symptoms associated with frostbite, including:

• Numbness in the affected body part.

• Skin hardening.

• Deterioration of the skin over time.

• The presence of black or blue spots.

If none of these symptoms are present, the patient can be given hot liquids and instructed to change socks, gloves, or cover their face to keep warm. Chilblains typically don't require extensive medical treatment. However, if they become excessively large or problematic, they can be covered with a thick bandage if possible.

It's worth noting that chilblains are relatively rare, and those who are prone to them often have prior experience and knowledge about their occurrence.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body is unable to maintain its core temperature. Once the core temperature drops below 35°C, it becomes highly unlikely that an individual can recover from it without the assistance of external heat sources, such as hot beverages, handwarmers, Ready Heat packs, or extensive insulation.

Hypothermia is generally categorized into four degrees:

• Mild Hypothermia: Characterized by being awake and shivering, with a core temperature ranging between 32°C and 35°C.

• Moderate Hypothermia: Individuals with moderate hypothermia become drowsy and stop shivering, with core temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C.

• Severe Hypothermia: At this stage, the person is unconscious, with core temperatures falling between 20°C and 28°C.

• Profound Hypothermia: In this critical condition, there are no vital signs, and the core temperature drops below 20°C.

Recognizing the degree of hypothermia and providing appropriate care and warmth is crucial to prevent further deterioration and ensure the person's safety.

Essential Preventive Measures

In cold weather conditions, prioritizing prevention is crucial as cold-related injuries can have lasting effects. To help safeguard yourself in the cold, consider these preventive guidelines:

1.      Maintain Adequate Caloric Intake: Consume approximately 125% of your caloric needs based on your level of physical activity. A well-nourished body is better equipped to generate and retain heat.

2.      Stay Hydrated: Aim to drink at least 6 liters of water a day. Utilize isotonic and hot beverages to maintain hydration and warmth.

3.      Active Heat Sources: In static situations, make use of active heat sources like hand warmers to keep warm.

4.      Choose Moisture-Wicking Underwear: Opt for moisture-wicking underwear rather than cotton, as it helps manage sweat and moisture.

5.      Balanced Layering: Strike a balance between insulating and protective garments to avoid excessive sweating, which can lead to moisture-related cold injuries.

6.      Avoid Super Tight Underwear: Tight undergarments can restrict blood circulation, leading to cold-related issues. Choose comfortably fitting clothing.

7.      Proper Headwear: Wear suitable headwear to retain heat, as a significant amount of body heat can escape through the head.

8.      Leverage Movement-Generated Heat: Use the heat generated by physical activity to your advantage in staying warm.

9.      Carry Spare Dry Clothing: Have dry spare underwear and socks readily accessible to change into when needed.

10.  Protect Your Legs: Don't underestimate the importance of leg coverage; consider wearing long johns to insulate your lower body.

11.  Close Gaps: Seal gaps in your clothing system by using scarfs and gloves to minimize exposure to cold air.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of cold-related injuries and maintain your well-being in challenging cold weather conditions.

This is the end of Part 1, Part 2 will focus more on proper layering and actually choosing you cold weather gear.

Stay safe.

I didn't plan on writing a post about first aid this early, but recent events have convinced me that this is something everyone should know.

A wise man once said that knowing how to plug holes is just as important as knowing how to make holes.

It was me. I said that.

The MARCH algorithms is an essential part of TCCC – Tactical Combat Casualty Care. While developed for military use, I have seen it successfully adapted in a civilian context on multiple occasions.

It is my firm belief that the MARCH algorithm should be known by everyone who wants to have the ability to help himself or others in case of a casualty event.

First of all, hat is the point of TCCC/MARCH?

TCCC was developed using best practices for medical treatment form the point of injury to evacuation to a medical facility.

Simply put, the goal of applying MARCH is to keep a casualty alive in the field until proper care can be provided. 

The success of TCCC has been well documented and it has been used to save countless lives.

Lets get down to the MARCH algorithm.  The MARCH  acronym stands for:

M – Massive haemorrhage

A – Airway

R – Respiration

C – Circulation

H – Hypothermia/head injury

and it is used to remember the proper order of treatment.

CAVEAT!!: Before starting to apply the MARCH algorithm, you need to be sure the area you are operating in is secure.

In a combat environment, this means the enemy has been neutralized and the casualty has been moved away from the immediate combat zone.

In the case of an active shooter, your main goal should be to neutralize the active shooter before starting to apply first aid.

So, lets break down the algorithm

1. Massive hemorrhage

A.k.a. bleeding, is the primary treatable cause of death from traumatic injury. In fact, over 90% of post 9/11 USA combat deaths were from hemorrhage induced injuries.

Read that again.

When treating bleeding we have two main courses of action.

If the source of the bleeding in on a limb, apply a tourniquet (pictured).

Pictured is the CAT-T tourniquet. I won’t claim that it’s the best tourniquet, but its one I’ve trained with and use. It works. That’s good enough for me.

In fact, if I could recommend one thing for you to carry everywhere you go, it’s a TQT. You’ll probably never need it. But if you need it, you *REALLY* need it.

How to apply the tourniquet? I could write an entire thread only on that topic.

Basically, the most common advice is to apply it *high and tight*  meaning you slap it on as high on the wounded limb as possible. Then you turn the windless (the stick) as far as it will go. And then some more. It will hurt. But hurting is better than bleading to death.

The second way to stop the bleed, when applying a TQT is not an option, is packing the wound. This one is simple.

1.       Take gauze

2.       Shove gauze into the wound as far as it goes

2. Airway

Check if the casualty’s airway is clear.

Is the casualty yelling? It means the airway is clear.

So does crying, cursing, complaining.

No sound? Check the airway. Best be is to visually check the airway for obstructions and audibly check if the casualty is breathing. If we are not sure, time to insert the NPA.

Pro tip – lube that baby up like there’s no tomorrow.

Another thing you can do is a Cricothyroidotomy AKA a Cric. If you are learning about TCCC from this substack, pretend you didn’t read the last sentence and move on.

NOTE: BowTiedFireFighter wrote a very extensive substack post on airway management, go check it out!

3.       Respiration

Having a hole in your chest often has the nasty side effect of developing atension pneumothorax (PTX).

Basically, air trapped in the chest cavity begins pushing on the lung tissues and heart causing an inability to breathe and inducing a cardiac arrest.

Fortunately, this is easily preventable.  Slap on a chest seal over the entry wound (don’t forget to check for exit wound, those need a chest seal too!!).

Using a needle chest decompression (NCD) is also an option. If you are learning about TCCC from this substack, pretend you didn’t read the last sentence and move on (Déjà vu?).

4.       Circulation

At this point, you want to determine if the casualty is falling into shock. Falling into shock is no bueno.

The telltale signs of shock are:

a)       Increased pulse (>120/min) or slow pulse (<50/min)

b)      Perfusion – cold, clammy skin; blue lips, altered mental state (“I’m gonna apply for BUDS and be a SEAL!”, MF, we’re army)

c)       Blood pressure  - low blood pressure

5.       Hypothermia

Hypotermia means the casualty is very cold. What you want to do is make them warm.

If the casualty has wet clothes, remove them and replace with dry clothes. Wrap casualty in foil blanket. Track temperature.

If possible, provide warm liquids.

Thats is, a very high level overview of the MARCH algorithm. While the advice in this post are actionably, my advise is to get in person training if possible.

As always, I’m open for any questions.

Thank you for reading

Stay safe!

NOTE: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL, LEGAL, LIFE OR RELATIONSHIP ADVICE. SERIOUSLY, CHECK YOUR LOCAL LIABILITY LAWS. GET TRAINING. BE SMART.