Get Outside and Walk

Re-entering friendly lines after a short walk. 

My days of all night movements with a 100lb ruck are long gone. But I can still get out there and walk around the neighborhood. 

You don’t have to do long distance to get a training benefit. Throw a ruck on and get outside. Even 20-30 minutes can make a noticeable difference. 

And if you can’t handle a ruck, just go walk. Just get outside and do something. It’s always a better answer than being sedentary. 

Evade and Survive: Starting Fires with Cotton Balls

High speed fire starting materials are all the rage.

They work well but they have a cost in money and time.

A simpler solution is cotton balls.

They are affordable and work almost all of the time.

Check out the video to see how easy cotton balls can be fired up.

Eric Dempsey
Master Sergeant, US Army Retired
ILRRPS Survival with Resistance to Interrogation Course Graduate
Evade and Survive Tactical Training and Equipment

Identifying Sounds Out in the Field: Stop and Listen!

During my morning coffee / SLLS halt I was focusing on all of the different sounds that I could hear during a light rain shower.

Being able to identify different sounds out in the field is an often underrated and forgotten skill set.

In a survival or field environment, the ability to identify different sounds can be a life saving skill.

This morning, I tried to count the different sounds by type.

Here are some of the distinct sounds heard from this morning's SLLS halt:

1. Rain and dripping water

2. A variety of birds (more than 5 types)

3. Vehicles in the distance

4. A car door closing

5. Adult and children's voices

6. Aircraft flying overhead (fixed wing)

7. Crickets / insects

8. A nearby vehicle starting

9. The backup beep of a truck

10. A squirrel climbing up a tree

11. A woodpecker tapping on a tree

12. Music playing in a car nearby

There are probably several more that I missed. But you get the idea.

Even though it was raining, during morning time, in a quiet neighborhood, there was still a lot going on.

Out in the field, in a tactical or survival scenario, hearing a branch snap, or the bushes rustle, could mean big trouble, or maybe it's your next meal.

There are distinct differences between a combat boot crunching deadfall and an animal moving through the bush.

It's obviously even more important at night, during low visibility conditions. 

Most people are complacent, take everything for granted, and do not pay attention to little details. 

If you venture outdoors, spend a few, quiet, still minutes in that environment, and acquaint yourself to the sounds. 

One day, it could be very important.

Eric Dempsey

Master Sergeant, US Army Retired

Evade and Survive Tactical Training and Equipment 

Hybeam Poplamp and Flashlight Review

Survival Life has their poplamp / flashlight on sale now!

Just cover 4.95 shipping while supplies last.

This is a great multipurpose light that would be a great addition to your camping gear, bug out bag, home, vehicle, boat or other kit.

Grab one now before they are gone! Go here!

Eric Dempsey
Master Sergeant,
US Army, Retired

The Survival Business Card is back in stock! Limited Numbers!

When tough times come and you need your gear the most, odds are it won't be close by.

Most people will be miles away from home when disaster strikes.

But Survival Life has found a tool that is small enough to fit in your wallet so you can always have something to help you even if it's just to get back to your gear.

Your every day carry (EDC) kit should really have something like this in it. It is roughly the size of a business card or credit card and fits in your wallet. I keep one in my wallet at all times.

This clever tool is an invaluable little gadget that fits in your wallet serves 11 cool functions.

It is a:

Can Opener
Knife Edge
Slotted/Flathead Screwdriver
Ruler
Bottle Cap Opener
4 Position Wrench
Wingnut Wrench
Saw Blade
Direction Ancillary Indicator
2 Position Wrench
Keychain/Lanyard Hole

Grab one today to make sure that no matter where you are, you're always prepared for an emergency situation.

They like to think of this little tool as their 'Survival Business Card' and I ALWAYS have it on me.

And Survival Life wants to give you the opportunity to keep one in your wallet too.

For FREE.

All they ask is that you take care of the shipping, and they will take care of the rest.

It took them a long time to get these back in stock so make sure that you grab one now.

They don't know how long these will last.

Get your Survival Business Card Here!

Eric Dempsey

Master Sergeant, US Army Retired

Wildlife Chronicles of Salem, AL: Sparrows Regain Control of Contested Area

New report from the "sights and sounds from the morning SLLS halt".

In a shocking development, elements of the sparrow forces have gained positive control of the contested battlespace in Area of Operations (AO) Backyard.

Today, the sparrow elements saturated the area with numerous forces and effectively seized control of the entire AO.

This was unexpected as the blue jay elements were far larger and more powerful. This brings merit to the old concept of strength in numbers.

A large force of sparrows were able to defeat their larger and more powerful enemy (blue jays) with determination, grit and tenacity.

It must be noted that ground elements of the lizard faction from the Backyard Security Forces were seen occupying observation posts throughout the AO.



It does raises some tactical questions about the future.

Will the sparrow elements be able to hold their ground?

What role did the lizard elements play in this operation?

Have the sparrow forces and the lizard element aligned themselves?

Will elements of the mockingjay or blue jay forces counter attack?

Time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates from this volatile region.

Photo credit: Steve Creek
http://stevecreek.com/house-sparrows-are-birds/

Eric Dempsey
Master Sergeant, US Army Retired
Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Wildlife Chronicles of Salem, AL: The Blue Jay

In this episode of "sights and sounds from the SLLS halt", a new dominant force has emerged.

Last week, mockingbird factions remained in positive control of the battle space in AO (area of operations) Backyard.

Recent developments indicate a shift in power, that could upset the balance of forces and stability in the region.

Reports from the LP/OP (listening post/observation post), indicate the presence of forces from the blue jay element.

It appears that highly mobile, agile and hostile units from the blue jay forces successfully conducted a cordon and search of the entire AO.

All opposing forces from the red cardinal, sparrow and mockingbird elements have been routed and have not been seen in the AO since the time of this report.

It is believed that the routed forces are regrouping and planning for a counteroffensive.

The blue jay forces have reportedly established several blocking positions and engagement areas on the eastern and western boundaries of the AO.

They are also conducting routine combat air patrols to protect the newly conquered airspace.

Blue jay elements have also been reported in over watch positions along all key avenues of approach into the AO.

The LP/OP will continue to provide us with near real time intelligence, that we can use to keep you updated on new developments in the AO.

Will the blue jay forces dominate the region?

Are the badly bruised but not defeated forces of the free bird coalition going to counterattack?

Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for breaking updates from the LP/OP.

Photo credit:

Henry T. McLin

https://www.flickr.com/photos/hmclin/483181607/

Eric Dempsey
Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Free Mini-multitool Giveaway

Survival Life is giving a limited number of these handy mini-multi tools away for free.

Great addition to your EDC kit or key chain. Also makes for a great gift. 

Get yours here:

Free EDT Mini-Multitool

Grab one while supplies last. 

Eric

Get your Survival Business Card for FREE while supplies last!

The Survival Business Card

This is the perfect emergency multi-tool that you can keep on you at all times.

It weighs next to nothing and slides right in your pocket.

The last time I offered these for FREE, we gave away every single one of these (including the one that I personally kept in my wallet!) in a matter of days.

Click here to get yours now.

When I ran out of stock I got a ton of emails from people asking if they could get more, when I would have them back in stock, etc, etc...

Then, about a week after I shipped them all out, I started getting emails from people telling me their stories of how the tool actually came in handy!

I was very excited to hear all of this, and I sat up late that night trying to find more suppliers that could send me some more of the survival business cards.

It took a while but I finally got more of them!

So here's the deal...

They're FREE!

Yep, just like last time, all you have to do is take care of the shipping and I will send them right to your door.

So what's the catch?

I have a limited supply and you need to grab yours free, right now, before they're gone again.

Grab these four FREE survival tools now while supplies last!

Grab these four FREE survival kit items for free. Just cover a small shipping fee.

A great deal with big value.

These small tools are discreet and fit into any survival kit.

 

Get your FREE Credit Card Knife here

 Get your FREE EDT Multi-Tool here

Get your FREE Fire Kable Paracord Wrist Bracelet here

Get your FREE EverStryke Match here


Eric Dempsey
Master Sergeant, U.S. Army Retired
Ranger qualified, Infantry
Afghanistan & Iraq veteran with the 101st Airborne Division
NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Weight Loss Specialist
Masters Degree in Exercise Science
Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Nutrition Lesson From ILRRPS

The nutrition lesson from the international long-range reconnaissance patrol school (ILRRPS) in southern Germany. 

In 1989, I attended the winter patrol course at the international long-range reconnaissance patrol school. 

This course taught LRRP patrolling operations in Alpine and winter, mountainous environments. 

The physical demands of operating in an Alpine mountain environment are very high. 

Nutrition and hydration are vital keys to success. 

In addition to our standard rations that we were issued, we were also given large quantities of German chocolate bars. 

Some were plain chocolate while others had chocolate and nuts. 

The fundamental nutrition lesson from the ILRRPS course was to eat a little, a lot. 

This concept of eating a little, a lot, is a fundamental concept used throughout many different styles of nutrition and fitness training as in bodybuilding and other body transformation programs. 

Using this concept provides your body with a steady stream of fuel so that your body does not become catabolic and start eating itself for nutrients. 

Preserving lean body mass during extended operations is critical for survival. 

This also provides for maintaining energy levels and prevents early fatigue.

Operating in mountain environments during the winter requires many calories and it makes every task very difficult. 

Without constant fueling, you'd become fatigued very quickly and the odds of you completing your mission would be degraded. 

It is an old concept in the nutrition and fitness worlds but it is one that is proven and has been a constant throughout the ages. You can't go wrong with it. 

So anytime you're outdoors, plan for constant nutrition by carrying items that are easily storable and that you can have readily available; such as trail mixes, beef jerky and food items of a similar nature.

Fuel the machine properly and it will perform at amazing levels for you. 

Remember the ILRRPS lesson- when in doubt, eat a little, a lot. 

Eric Dempsey

MS, NASM C.P.T.

Master Sergeant,

U.S. Army Retired