Urban SHTF - Using Center Axis Relock

If any of you reading this, have ever played Splinter Cell: Conviction, or any Splinter Cell game after Conviction, you probably wondered what shooting style is being used. Well its called Center Axis Relock. 

Unlike the standard Weaver or Isosceles stances, Center Axis Relock or CAR is not a stance, its an entire system. Developed by Paul Castle, the CAR systems intended use was for LEO and military personnel. It was developed for close quarters battle shooting environments. Examples like coming around corners, low stances, shooting from a sitting position and many other problems are solved with the CAR system. 

I have done a little studying on this system, and the conclusion is I LOVE IT! Now mind you, I have never used it in a real world application, but it seems that it would greatly serve its intended purpose. 

First off, I have never been instructed in the CAR system, but I plan to at some point.

Now, one thing I notice about the CAR system, with pistol shooting, the gun is kept at a 45 degree angle. In videos on Youtube, some people hold the gun at 90. I can understand 45 but not 90. With the hands griped on the weapon in the fashion that they are, the elbow in the front is used for defense and retention. After practicing a little bit, at 45 degrees the front elbow is comfortable and able to be used in a defensive fashion. At 90 degrees, this doesn't seem nearly as possible. I guess someone who is trained in the system would be better able to explain it.

When it comes to rifles and compact/sub machine weapons, I can see how the CAR system can be used efficiently. It actually looks pretty badass when used properly.

Here is an example of how the CAR System can be used if you are in your vehicle: http://youtu.be/7-dSY2ONN1Y

One thing of many that I really like about this shooting system, is how versatile it is. Having practiced, it is very easy to switch from one position to another. What I mean by this is being able to go from Weaver to CAR to Isosceles to Weaver and back to CAR. One thing to keep in mind, the CAR System is for short distances. This is where its versatility comes into use. Like the video above, 4 targets, 1 driver side, passenger side, and 2 on the rear. Using a pistol, CAR System for the driver side target, Weaver for the one on the passenger side and CAR again for the 2 in the rear. 

This is how I would do it anyways. Everyone is different. I would switch from CAR to Weaver when moving to the 2nd target, for the fact that you don't have to switch which hand is on the trigger. Just position your body towards the passenger side target and fire away. From here you can switch to the left handed CAR pistol hand position, and eliminate the last 2 targets from behind by firing over your shoulder.

This is a small example of how efficient the CAR System can be.

Urban Survival Planning – Reconnaissance and Security Patrols

Urban Survival Planning – Reconnaissance and Security Patrols

So here is a cool article that I found through Prepper Central: http://preppercentral.com/?p=4626.

It just talks about security teams and recon teams in post SHTF. What the difference is and the who, what, where and whens to use them. 

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Truck Home: Turn Oil Tanker Trucks to Slick Trailer Homes

Truck Home: Turn Oil Tanker Trucks to Slick Trailer Homes



Here is another very awesome idea if you happen to come across an oil tanker truck.

Rules of Engagement When Chaos Rules the City - Preparing for shtf

Rules of Engagement When Chaos Rules the City - Preparing for shtf



Here is a great post about engaging an enemy in an urban environment SHTF.

The Gray Man

The Gray Man

The Gray Man concept is the idea of staying off other people's radars. Pretty much going unnoticed when other people are around. This concept is key because in a SHTF situation, you will have people, that if you catch their attention, will come and take your gear and most likely your life.

Now the Gray Man idea is sort of a sensitive subject. People online argue about different aspects of it. Like what you should wear, how to behave, what not to carry etc. 

In my opinion, I feel that certain colors should be worn. Black, brown, gray, dark green, OD green, tan, coyote. Flat, dry colors I feel are the best because it blends in with the surroundings. Also if you think about it, the human eye is attracted to a few different things. Shiny objects, movement, and bright colors. I feel that a good Gray Man would be avoiding the first and the last. 

I read online somewhere a long time ago, that if you choose to go unnoticed, you should wear dark colors. I have tried this and it works pretty well. For example, when going out to a night club, single men who are looking for women or just attention, when wearing brighter colors, will attract that attention. Women also do the same thing. People in situations like a night club, show off everything they have to offer. Low cut shirts, men wearing button up shirts and leaving the top open etc. 

Being the gray man is the complete opposite. You do not want to show off what you have. If others don't know what you have, then they cannot want it.

Another idea, is that you should probably do the same thing that others are doing in the area. So lets say that you are trying to move through a part of the city. You see a group of 2-3 people scavenging for items. You should be scavenging too. Use this to move through the area. Do not let your guard down though.

Eye contact. Making eye contact with certain individuals can initiate suspicion. Avoid this whenever possible. 

If at some point you are engaged in conversation with another person in SHTF, try to relate to them. Don't sympathize but just relate. This will make them feel like you have an understanding and they will feel that they can trust you. Think social engineering. You can almost always talk yourself out of a sticky situation.

There is much more for me to add to this post so I will be doing so at a later time.

Here is a good video on The Gray Man.

Urbanocalypse Gear

Starting out, prepping for an apocalyptic scenario can be EXTREMELY overwhelming. I feel overwhelmed all the time when looking at things on the internet. Looking at other peoples bug out bags, EDC (Every Day Carry) kits, 72 hour bags, underground bunkers and so on. 

So a little advice. Buy a small cheap kit, do some research and build it from there. I guarantee this is the absolute best way to start. 

For clarification; EDC or also known as Every Day Carry. This will be a few set of items that you will carry with you every day. These items may consist of things like: folding pocket knife, multitool, paracord, mini bic lighter, safety pins, lockpick set, water bottle, hand sanitizer, deodorant, pens, permanent marker, notepad, flashlight, napkins, and a pocket survival kit. 

Now you might be thinking why I carry a pocket survival kit in my EDC. I figure since it has items I still may very well need in a survival situation, why not take it if it fits? 

Obviously, I have a bag that I carry all these items with me in. Yes I take it to work and yes I take it everywhere else I go. NO I am not joking. My girlfriend thinks I'm crazy, but that's what its for right? You never know what is going to happen and when it might happen.

Another name for this kit you might see is GHB or get home bag. 

A Bugout Bag on the other hand, is for just that, bugging out. In other words, when SHTF and you need to leave to safer ground, this bag has all the proper essentials to get you there. 

The following is a vague list of items that you MAY need in your Bugout Bag or BOB:
Water bottle
Camelbak
duct tape
fishing supplies
firestarter supplies
water purification supplies
Tent 
Tarp
sleeping bag
bed roll
sharpening stone
Climbing rope
Backpack
Sleeping bag
Bed roll
Tarp
Paracord 100ft.
shovel
knife (fixed blade)
multitool
cooking supplies
-canteen
-mini stove
-mess kit
-silverware
Fishing gear
-fishing line
-hooks
-bobbers
-weights
Firestarting gear
-stormproof matches
-bic lighter
-fire striker/blast match
-petroleum cotton balls
Water purification
-life straw
-water purification tabs
-MMS (miracle mineral solution)
Pen
Permanant marker
Notebook

Compass
Gas Mask

Now mind you this is just a VERY basic list of the items you can put into your own BOB. All the items on this list will vary greatly depending on your location, route and many other factors. Just remember this when building your BOB, your very life may depend on EVERY item inside this bag. So make sure that EVERYTHING inside it has a use. I cannot stress this enough. All the time I see contents of peoples BOB's posted online. I always wonder why they have the things they do. In this case, its always good to just ask. They may see a need for an item that you never thought of.

Once you get your BOB all set up, go out and take a day hike with it. Go out and take a week long hike with it or just even 3 days. If you have items that you didn't use, reconsider them. There is no need for extra weight.

A good way to get started on a BOB is to give yourself a budget, say maybe $200-$300. Buy a bag, doesn't really matter what kind, but I suggest a military type bag. Here is what I use for my current BOB. I suggest staying away from the camouflage gear. I say this only because in my opinion, it will draw unwanted attention to you. Most people see camouflage and they think military or militia. You can still have good, military grade gear and not the military look. Also, not all military gear is the best gear. There are some very good hiking bags that people use. Just stay away from the bright colors like blue, orange, yellow, red, etc.

The very next thing on your list should be a good knife. They say that's all you really need to survive is a good knife and the skills to use it. Personally I own a 6 inch, combat K-bar and I love it!

After you get the bag and knife, just go through your list and go to Amazon.com and start adding to the wishlist. If you are tight on money like me, and happen to go over budget, just save and wait. You will get it eventually.

You can buy Bugout bags premade online. They can cost you anywhere from $60 in excess of $1,000. I personally do not suggest doing this. The cheap ones have crappy gear and the expensive ones are just that, expensive. Just do what works for you.