Have you ever taken a class?

[Rockrivr1]

Lately my enthusiasm for buying new guns has shifted. With everything that has been going on in the world today, (terrorism, weather disasters etc) I'm starting to put more of an emphasis on survival in the event of a SHTF or other type of disaster. With that said, I've shifted my "buying new toys" fund to getting my disaster preparations up to snuff. I've created BOBs for me and my family along with stocking up on ammo, MREs, water purification, cold weather clothing, and first aid kits etc.

One of the things I've noticed is that in the actual event of a disaster or SHTF scenario I'll have the equipment and supplies needed but not necessarily the knowledge to support me and mine. Even in normal times, I'm not really sure how I would handle someone coming at me with a knife to mug me where I couldn't get to my gun in time. While I would hope that I'd be able to fend for myself, I really don't know. This leads me to why I started this post.

I'd like to start taking some classes on defensive tactics, survival, close quarter defense etc. I've looked online for places in the North East, but most seemed to be geared towards Law Enforcement personnel and I haven't found any that go into Survival during a SHTF scenario or something similar. Can anyone suggest what would be good classes to take to cover what I'm looking for? Also, does anyone know of a place in the North East that does this type of training? I'm not against traveling for a weekend to take a class, but closer to home would be better.

I appreciate any help with this. Thanks

 

[Brigrat]

Bootcamp, and combat training...Does that count?

Seriously though, I do take classes related to defensive tactics, and firearms use, but not so much survival. If you find any classes related specifically towards SHTF/Survival, post them.

 

[Ala Dan]

U. S. Army and as a civilian LEO; far too many to name. Current
updated ones consist of only firearms, and self D'.


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[fjolnirsson]

I've heard good stuff about this guy, and I have one of his books, which is pretty darn good.

http://www.trackerschool.com/

If I recall correctly, he is located on the east coast. If you can't travel that far, perhaps he can refer you to a colleague closer to your area?

Edited to add: Looks like he's moving from New Jersey to Florida. Sorry. Probably no good for you.

 

[buzz_knox]

I've taken LFI 1 and 2, and Awerbuck's Tac Rifle and HITT courses. I recommend all four, as well as anything Awerbuck teaches.

 

[ALS]

Try Blackwater out side of Norfolk Va. just over the NC border.
This links to their schedual for the year.
http://www.blackwaterusa.com/new/2004btc.html
Main link: http://www.blackwaterusa.com/

Also there is Lethal Force Institute by Concord NH.

Which is very good for pistol skills in combat situations.

http://www.ayoob.com/

 

[Lupine]

Don't forget basic first aid and CPR, both available through the Red Cross. In preparation for any kind of incident in which you're on your own for at least a while, it seems to make sense to prioritize your training according to the liklihood that you'll need to use it, either on your own family or on your neighbors, in "normal times" or SHTF scenarios.

Good post.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Book of Buckskinning, Vol 1-8. Someone at the Traditional Muzzle Loading Forum was selling the entire set for a mere $100. Too much? Then an old '50-'70's Boy Scout Handbook.

 

[Trebor]

My advice is to start with the basics and work up from there. Along the way you'll pick up skills usefull for small scale emergencies short of SHTF and you may also find new hobbies.

Not everything should be "defense," or "weapons" oriented. There are plenty of skill sets that can help keep you alive that don't involve weapons. Don't make the mistake of neglecting these vital skills in favor of the more flashy (and, frankly, more fun) weapons skills.

I'd start with Basic First Aid and CPR training. You can then go to EMT or Paramedic training if you like, but everyone should know Basic First Aid/CPR at a minumum. You could also get an instructor cert in the basics to help others stay safe and keep your knowledge fresh.

Improve your swimming skills. You never know when you might take an unexpected swim. If you don't know how to swim, learn. If you are already a strong swimmer, consider getting your Red Cross "Lifesaver" cert. Even if you aren't a lifeguard, you may need to pull someone out of the water sometime and it would be nice to know the right techniques ahead of time.

If you are in a cold climate, learn the proper technique for ice rescues and how to treat hypothermia.

For weapons and mindset training, I highly reccomend Mass Ayoob's LFI 1. He's in New Hampshire, but he also teaches on the road, so you should be able to find a class near you. There are more advanced "tactical" gun schools out there, but none with the same mix of mindset and skills. Like anything, you can take the weapons training as high as you want to go, but LFI is a great place to start.

Past that, look at your geographic location and figure out what skills would be handy. Learn some outdoor wilderness skills and start hiking and camping to put them to use. Learn the traditional Boy Scout type stuff, like how to start a fire without matches and how to build a shelter with just a knife and what you find in the woods. Learn the practical treatment of blisters and hiking related injuries. Learn cold weather survival techniques and put them in practice. A lot of this stuff sounds simple until you try it for real. Practice it and the experience you gain could save your life someday.

Learn how to use and care for a good knife. A knife is the most useful tool in the woods.

Every outdoor skill you learn to do with modern methods and tools can be duplicated with primitive methods and tools. This can ragne from learning to navigate with a map and compass instead of GPS to things like learning how to flake your own stone knives and how to tan your own leather. Take it as far as your interest carries you.

Just fill your head with knowledge. It helps if you enjoy what your learning, even if it doesn't have much "practical" use right at the moment. Do if for the joy of doing it and you'll have the skills when you need them.