Dealing with Bugs & Pests in the Field

Click on the image for the video

    Interestingly enough, the most common question I receive when discussing Grunt things is "what about bugs and critters in the field?" Honestly, we're usually more concerned about the mission, but that does become a concern when we're static for long periods of time. This is especially true when you finally get to lay down for those two hours of "rest" in your patrol base. Over the last 22 years, I have developed a simple system that has rarely failed me. 

    First off, I have tried all the chemicals, but have never had any luck. I even tried the now-banned pure DEET on my cuffs and pants, only to awaken with tics or mosquitos having a picknick in those very spots. If the chemicals work for you, great - use them. However, you need consider that, just like with sunscreen, chemicals require a constant reapplication. The treated uniforms can only survive a few washes and drying cycles before they lose their protective properties. That is assuming that the treated uniform worked in the first place.

    As always, I apply the K.I.S.S. methodology, and approach this from a logical, field-expedient stance:

1. CLOTHING IS YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

    The standard issue 55/45 cotton/synthetic mixed uniforms are almost the perfect balance between breathability and protection. Those G-12 Delta Strike Pants are great for short assaults in hot weather, but mosquitos, especially the Southern monsters, will bite right through them. Try getting any rest for a few nights while dealing with that. You are already exhausted enough in the field. 

2. CLOSE, TIGHTEN & OVERLAP ALL CLOTHING AND LAYERS

    Pants should be bloused INTO your boots. Blousing strings and cords are for garrison only, and will fail in the field. Tuck your undershirt into your pants. Next, your LBE or "battle belt" will provide extra pressure around the other layers. Cuff your sleeves over your gloves. This is why many Grunts love the Nomex gloves. In addition to their many other benefits, they come up high on your wrists, providing overlap with your cuffs. Tape around your boots and cuffs if necessary. Yes, in many areas in the world, the deep woods are truly that miserable. Use a bug head net. They weigh nothing and provide both protection and added camouflage for your face and silhouette. Tuck the net into your collar, and close the collar as tight as possible. With the above measures, you may run into over-heating in the summer. It's up to you to find that balance between over-heating and not being eaten alive. Being a Southern boy myself, I usually preferred the latter.

3. WEAR COMBAT BOOTS

    I love my light, "technical" boots, but they do not support you in the field, especially when dealing with the terrain and critters. You cannot effectively blouse your pants into any of the tacticool boots, and combat boots offer valuable protection, from jagged rocks, sharp sticks, and even snake bites. I have personally been struck on two separate occasions by rattle snakes, and they were unable to penetrate the heavy canvas. Although I still felt the hard impact and dealt with bruising later on. If you are wearing all leather boots, even better. Keep in mind, however, the modern, suede combat boots will most likely not protect you in any of these situations. Again, finding that balance between mobility, breathability, and protection is up to you.

4. IF POSSIBLE, SLEEP WITH YOUR FOOD AWAY FROM YOU 

    I know this is not always feasible in the field, as security is always our main concern. That means you will most likely not be stringing up "bear bags" for your group. Well, unless you want to lose all your food and hygiene products, should you have to bugout quickly. Starving because of stupidity is never a good idea. However, you can at least keep your food and smelly hygiene products in a separate bag, and get them away from you. At a minimum, I always ensure my food and hygiene items are at least away from my face. The last thing you want is a critter going after your food right next to your head. Bonus: store your food close to your most annoying team mate.

5. MAN UP

    Grunt stuff is tough and nasty. As it turns out, the more time you spend laying in nature, the more you become nature. I found myself in hide-sites plenty of times in Ramadi, noticing a massive camel spider casually crawling on either me or my equipment. What would you do: maintain discipline or freak out, compromising your position? Maybe that's what separates the men from the boys. On the other hand, remember that most of these creepy crawlies, just like larger animals, often don't want anything to do with us. I can't tell you how many times I've watched unwanted friends simply use one of my limbs (or sniper veil) as a hang out spot, and then simply move on. You'll be fine. Also, most spider bites occur because you either inadvertently trapped one somewhere on you, or when reaching your hand into a dark space. Snakes may make their way into your shelter in the OP or Patrol Base, but once they detect your presence, they will almost always simply move on. Despite what I have read online, I have personally never had a snake "cozy up" to me while sleeping. I'm assuming they notice my heat, or maybe I just smell that bad, and they move on. I think the number one problem, often tied with mosquitos, are tics. However, follow all the steps above and that will give you the best chance at mitigating those. Don't forget to conduct a tic check after every FTX or overnighter. For some reason, they always prefer my privates. Fun.

WHAT ABOUT WILDLIFE?

    As I mentioned, most wildlife want nothing to do with us, especially in the true wilderness. The problem is, if you're around any place where humans camp, those animals, especially bears, have become habituated and no longer act properly around humans. For most of us, however, wildlife is usually not a threat. The best deterrent is to not bring in animals in the first place. Although you cannot setup bear bags in a tactical situation, you will have guard shifts. Someone must be awake at all times to detect an enemy, but they will also detect wildlife coming in. The most common infiltrators I have witnessed are wild pigs, often drawn in by our food. However, a light cough, grunt, or any "human sound" will send them running. Just deter them before they have entered your perimeter. Otherwise, they may trample your sleeping teammates. It works the same for bears. In a tactical situation, however, you need to be sure it is an animal, and not an enemy, and you should balance scaring an animal away vs giving away your position.

    Sadly I have to admit that I have yet to discover a gator-deterrent. My best advice is to simply be smart about where you decide to hole-up over night. Their nesting areas are generally around water banks, buried in mud. I always sleep away from water points and ensure to check for signs. That's about all I can offer on that subject. Again, this is the big boy world - deal with it.

Carry on! 

Principles of Patrolling

 

     *Click on the image to see a patrolling video

   

Whether you’re in a doomsday tactical scenario or simply patrolling the area around your homestead, the principles of patrolling are relevant, and should be applied. Unless you’re just going out for Instagram pictures, a patrol is not just “go out in the woods and walk around looking at stuff.” Even a basic property patrol should include some sort of planning. No, it does not have to be a full blown 5-paragraph Operations Order – a simple 5Ws, “who, what, when, where, why,” and a how, which is your concept of operations, will suffice. So, what are the principles, and how do we apply them?

1. Planning: gathering information, setting objectives, and creating a detailed plan of action. This includes identifying potential threats, establishing routes, and allocating resources (logistics). Effective planning ensures that patrols are conducted with a clear purpose and strategy. Every patrol should serve a specific purpose, and will often lead to further patrols or missions.

Example: you have recently purchased land in a rural area would like to get to know the area around your property. This could become an Area Reconnaissance: you want to identify all the trails in and out of your property, roads nearby, or other civil infrastructure in your area, as well as key terrain in that area. This initial reconnaissance will give you a great deal of intelligence, which will lead to follow on patrols. Next, you may conduct “Route Reconnaissance,” where you will learn more about those trails coming from the National Forest and into your property.

2. Reconnaissance: gathering information about the area to be patrolled. It includes identifying key locations, potential hazards, and points of interest. This information allows patrols to make informed decisions and respond effectively to any situation.

Back to the first example, before you head out for your Area Reconnaissance, you can conduct map reconnaissance on google maps, earth, or your own printed topo map, and already identify a lot of the key terrain in the area you will patrol.

3. Security: This includes maintaining communication, practicing situational awareness, and being prepared for any security threats.

Again with our property patrol: we develop a communications PACE plan with our family or neighbors, and can already begin to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for homestead defense and future patrols. “I am going here to do this, and should be back by this time. Unless I call you, if I am not back by this time, you should do this.” You will also be “reconnoitering” dead spots for comms while you are out, as well as testing your skills in mission planning and refining your SOP.

4. Control: maintaining discipline and order during patrols. It involves adhering to the established plan or SOPs, following chain of command, and ensuring that the patrol’s objectives are met. Control is essential for the safety and success of the patrol.

On your property Patrol or Area Reconnaissance, go ahead and practice light, sound, and litter discipline. Practice SLLS – stop, look, listen, smell; Get regular radio checks to rehearse and refine your PACE plan.

5. Common Sense: when working with groups, we encourage patrol teams to use their judgment and make decisions based on the situation at hand. Sounds like we should have a firm understanding of how to apply METTTC, right? While following established SOPs is important, common sense allows for flexibility and adaptability. How are we supposed to update, or refine our SOPs if we don’t even allow people to test them and adapt to begin with?

 

Let’s say your friend joins you on your property patrol. You can boil it all down to the 5Ws and the how, in about 5 minutes, so that he clearly understands what the point is. Now he knows how to best help you. Even better, he’ll take home those lessons for his own patrols. Maybe his patrols will gather intelligence that supports your own understanding of the local area. This can only improve your neighborhood’s security.

Now for the Types of Patrols. Don’t get too down in the weeds on these, as they have a military-specific context. However, you can apply most of these to even your standard property patrols alone, or with your group. The two categories of patrols are:

Reconnaissance Patrols: Area, zone, and route reconnaissance, Point Recon, Leader’s Recon, and more

Combat patrols: security, ambush, raid (mostly movements to contact) and presence patrols. You may utilize presence patrols on your property to deter unwanted activity in that area. Most of these can be applied to a Minuteman Scenario, and even a lone homesteader building on his knowledge of the area around his property.

 

MISSION ANALYSIS – HOW DO WE DECIDE AND PLAN THE PATROL?

We begin with the Operations Order (OPORD) – SMESC.  This is most likely unnecessary for the average community group, but if you don’t know where to start, this planning matrix helps you identify and organize all the critical information someone should know for a mission: What’s the scenario? What are we doing? How are we doing it? What personnel, toys, and food do we have? Who are we talking to, and how? -  just to keep it simple. Believe me, there are people who can debate OPORDs and all the fun variables around a mission for days. Just have a look at the tactical doctrine experts on Instagram. However, having key leaders build them every now and then is great practice. A barebones, clear and concise OPORD for a mission can be built in less than 15 minutes, and briefed to a team in 5 minutes. As long as everyone knows what the desired end state or (the whole point) is, the OPORD is good.

Although not a linear process, at some point we will begin utilizing the Troop Leading Procedures: this tool helps us manage our personnel and time more efficiently.

Next, we evaluate all the available intelligence that we already have on the area:

Intel from your previous patrols, map Reconnaissance, ASCOPE, google, interviewing people like simply talking to Billy Bob over at the smoke pit about what he saw last time he was out.

ASCOPE – if you want to know more about your local area, and you should, ASCOPE is the best matrix to keep you on track with pertinent information. You may come across the PMESII-ASCOPE crosswalk, just know that that is sometimes overkill, as it often leads to redundant information. ASCOPE helps you identify nearly every important fact about your area, the people, and the infrastructure. 

Warning Order (WARNO) -  usually an abbreviated OPORD for smaller units. They might be for individual missions (patrols) that support the larger, main mission. It also follows the same format as the OPORD. As an example: Defend the Compound and Surrounding area, might be your main OPORD that is 20 pages long and is constantly updated. Your WARNO will be the 5 paragraph for each patrol or mission you conduct to support that OPORD. Therefore, many paragraphs, such as the situation may not need to be changed – in fact, the only paragraph that may change will be the mission. In a smaller group, the WARNO will most likely be your planning tool.

We cannot discuss mission analysis and planning without METT-TC | OAKOC -  the absolute bread and butter of decision making. Nearly everything you do from planning to execution is filtered through these Matrices. Use OAKOC for offensive and defensive operations, tactical movements, establishing patrol bases and OPs, providing route security, and nearly every other tactical decision you make.

Although patrolling is one major task, it actually includes 100s of other skillsets and tasks. Which means by conducting just one organized patrol, you are actually training and refining many other skills simultaneously. In the future, we will cover some of the other major skills and tasks: land navigation and map reading, communications and comms security, and reporting, and a lot more.

For now, let’s talk about a few other relevant components of a patrol: Patrol Bases and OPs, Rally Points, and Traveling.

Most references discuss three types of movement: traveling, traveling overwatch, or bounding overwatch. Each method serves a specific purpose and is chosen through (you guessed it) METTTC and OAKOC.

Traveling is exactly what it sounds like: one person, a team, or multiple teams moving together to either a rally point or objective, as one element.

Traveling overwatch is when teams (or individuals) split up into different elements. One element follows the main route while the other provides overwatch, usually for security purposes. They can move simultaneously or one at a time while the overwatch element scans the area or route for enemy activity or, in our minuteman case, any other dangers to the team.

Bounding Overwatch is typically used when “contact with the enemy is expected.” Each element maneuvers as quickly as possible while the other provides overwatch. The main difference between traveling and bounding overwatch is the expectation of contact with an enemy force. Now, your route planning through OAKOC will be strictly focused on moving as quickly as possible while also being prepared for contact.

Keep in mind that you might use all three multiple times, or just one method during a patrol. It is not a linear process.

FM 3-21.8

We always use some sort of formation for teams. Wedge and file will be the most common. Of course, it’s all filtered through METTTC and OAKOC, surprise. If you understand the principles, this process doesn’t need to be rigid, or over complicated. Your formation depends completely on METTTC, OAKOC, and your own judgement. Practicing different formations and explaining why each is used bolsters the control and common sense principles. Basically everyone on your team should know which formation to use without you having to tell them constantly.

Danger Areas

 *click on the image for a video on an LDA crossing

A danger area is any section of your route where cover and concealment cannot be utilized. Linear includes roads, trails, or short breaks in the forest, such as for power lines. Circular is essentially all others, like farm or open fields. This is another topic that could be beat to death in the tacticool forums, but it’s best to just stick to the basics and implement the principles of security, control, and common sense. 

Here are a few basics to crossing a danger area:

• Sections before the danger area are also a threat. People sit along roads, camp just off of trails, and humans naturally congregate around open areas and just inside the forest
• Identify danger areas during map and route reconnaissance, and if you discover a new one, adjust before walking right to the edge
• If possible, establish an ORP and send the smallest unit possible to reconnoiter the danger area, utilizing SLLS while waiting
• Try to cross LDAs at the bend or curve to limit how far away a possible enemy will see you cross and limit exposure
• Try to flank or skirt around circular danger areas. If that is not feasible, send a small scouting element along one of your flanks for security
• Issue or remind personnel of link-up SOPs and what to do if contact is made
• Establish a far side security: this small element conducts a rapid reconnaissance on the other side and provides security for the main body’s crossing
• Establish near side security: this small element remains until the main body has crossed
• Once everyone has crossed, conduct SLLS to determine if you were detected and get accountability of all personnel and equipment
• If METTTC and OAKOC permit, avoid danger areas completely
• If you’re the lone homesteader, you’ll probably just conduct 30 minute SLLS, cross, and then do another 30 minutes of SLLS.

Nearly every danger area crossing will look almost completely different than previous crossings. Just remember: security, control, and common sense. At the very least ask, “how can we cross this without being seen, heard, and shot at, and if we are shot at, how do we not die while trying to regroup?”

Camouflage  

  *click on the image for a video on OPs

Camouflage is crucial during both movement and when occupying a position. I’ve often noticed teams walking nonchalantly through an AO as if they’re going for a Sunday walk, only caring about their camouflage once they reach their destination. Don’t ever believe you own the area, and only have to be stealthy once you get to an objective. As usual, camouflage is also not a rigid process that must be debated endlessly. Follow the basic principles, use common sense, go out and practice, and you will do fine. There are many acronyms but they all cover the same principles. I was taught CCSSM:

Color and contrast

Most of your uniform should match the area you are operating in. You should not contrast the colors in your area, and your mixed clothing should not contrast each other. The same goes with your equipment. As an example, I often wear faded Summer OCP bottoms that matches the tall grass, and the M81 top, which fits the greenery off the ground. Both are very worn and do not contrast one another. Fun fact, you could wear OD green in almost every environment and be just fine. For new clothing, conduct a ghillie wash: get your clothing soaked and drag it all through your area so it gets worn and takes up the local environment. In sniper school we swam through a cold lake and then low crawled 100m, but you can just do it in your back yard. The more worn your clothing is, the better.

Shape

The fastest giveaway is our silhouette, from head to shoulders. You can spend a day working on your cammo, have tons of money in a ghillie suit, but if your head and shoulders silhouette is not accounted for, you WILL be easily spotted. A simple sniper veil or cammo net draped over you breaks up your silhouette easily.  Just consider that you may have to move quickly, and you could lose those.

If you’re in the wilderness: avoid sharp points, straight edges and angles, which is why we paint our rifles.

Shine

Ensure all metal is painted or sharpied, and that all lenses are covered. I am a budget dude so I use 90MPH tape on lenses, then I just remove the tape when I am working. Draping my sniper veil over everything still allows me to see, but there is no longer a shine or reflection. Don’t forget about your watch face. Also consider how you and your equipment look under night vision. A great deal of tactical gear and clothing shines, especially with IR pointed at it. A quick matt spray paint job can help subdue new clothing and equipment that shines. PCCs/PCIs should include a NODs check as well.

Movement

Movement is also one of the fastest giveaways. Humans eyes have developed to easily detect movement, even at great distances. This is why we must understand OAKOC and know how to use the terrain to our advantage. Coupled with solid land nav skills, knowing the terrain can make you a ghost to anyone looking for you.

Other considerations: sound and smell. Both can be detected at great distances, and can be the first alerts an enemy picks up on.

Camouflage should be considered before, during, and after movement. In static positions, we continually improve our camouflage, if the situation allows it. Just remember, all the work you are doing in your Patrol Base or OP is movement, which may render your efforts useless. Remember the principle of control? As always, utilize METTTC to make those calls. A good way to train on these principles is to have one group trying to spot another, and then switch. If you know what to look for, that aids in your ability to hide and mitigate detection. Lastly, do not think about camouflage simply from the aspect of where you think the enemy is: you must consider all directions and avenues of approach, including from the air.

Rally Points, Patrol Bases, and Observation Posts (OP)

Whenever we are headed to a destination, we should place stops along the route: this is a Rally Point. These stops allow personnel to rest, adjust equipment, we conduct SLLS for security, we drink water, we enforce personnel and equipment accountability, and we might make a comms check with our HQ or other element. If we’re in vehicles, this could also be when we slow down to allow others to catch up. Sometimes we make major turns for vehicles a “check point,” so everyone knows exactly where we are, and where to go if something happens with the convoy. If the rally point has already been designed and briefed beforehand, the leader can simply call out “turning south at checkpoint 1, new Rally Point.” Now everyone knows where to meet if there’s a break in contact or emergency. These points can be pre-determined during mission analysis, or called out on the ground; however, leaders should prepare to create at least a few rally points between major objectives.  It sucks to lose a friendly element and not realize it until hours later. Now you get to find each other in the dark – great.

You may have heard the term Objective Rally Point or ORP. This is simply the last rally point before the objective, where leaders accomplish many tasks: we confirm we are in the right spot, the mission is a go, we review emergency plans with the team, and we may send out a smaller element to conduct a leader’s recon for the next phase of our mission. The ORP involves a lot of critical tasks, mostly concerning security and preparing for upcoming missions. As an example, your ORP might conclude at dawn, when you have everyone dismount their NODs instead of keeping them on their heads for no reason. Yup, I see ya Instagram.

Then we have the Patrol Base, your home away from home. Patrol Bases are used to plan and support follow on missions or patrols. You may have an Area Reconnaissance where you have to hike in for 2 days. You may be conducting reconnaissance at night but need to halt during the day. We do not just set up camps and go to sleep. There must be an organized procedure for how we maintain security, while allowing the unit to rest and prepare for the next mission. By doctrine, patrol bases should not be occupied for more than 24 hours and, depending on your situation, you may want to reduce that to 12 hours. The longer dudes sit in one position, the more complacent they become, and the more likely they will generate trash and waste to leave behind. This is also why we do not use the same area for a patrol base twice. You should adjust as necessary, but the priorities of work in the Patrol Base are: 1. Continuous security, Withdrawal plan creation and dissemination, Communication, follow-on Mission Preparation and Planning, Weapons and Equipment Maintenance, Water Resupply, Mess Plan, rest. Notice how eating and sleeping are dead last. At night your security may be 50%, while during the day it may be 75% awake. As usual, we use METTTC and OAKOC to determine our Patrol Base location, its activities, as well as the time spent occupying it.

The Observation Post, often misused during the GWOT, is not simply a position where two dudes go to sit and watch an area. The OP supports a larger element, serves a crucial purpose, and is meticulously planned. Typically we emplace OPs connected with Patrol Bases and ORPs, to enhance their security. Site selection is heavily METTTC and OAKOC dependent, shocker, but a few key factors are that the OP is within range of your weapon capabilities so you can support them, it can detect possible enemy activity near your patrol base, and can quickly be occupied and broken down. Also consider how far personnel must travel to replace OP members. You don’t want two guys traversing horrible terrain for hours just because you really want an OP on that other hill top. This means you have to consider routes to and from the OP so members don’t get lost or compromised. The number of personnel occupying an OP depends on, you got it, METTTC, especially how long the OP will last. If the OP is connected to your compound, you may have 4 personnel rotating through it every 12 hours for months. Now consider all that traffic to and from the OP, and all the possible waste and litter between the two. An OP could also be used as a radio relay position, to enhance comms.

We must also discuss military doctrine that does NOT apply to our world.  While you may have to improve your position slightly, you should not be sawing, chopping, and rearranging the forest for a temporary position, for many reasons:

1. You have neither the man power nor the time
2. You’re creating a ton of extra noise and movement, which will eventually be heard or seen. And unlike the military, you do not have a platoon on QRF or gun ships to come in and save you when your bushcrafting has gotten you compromised and overrun
3. If we are out in possibly contested areas, we must implement a strict “leave no trace” mentality. I have never seen a group of grunts able to break down an OP where they have cleared the forest, and return the site to even close to normal. Now anyone who comes through later knows someone has been there, and that they also know some tactics

If you find yourself in a possible Patrol Base or OP location where bushcrafting is required to improve the area, you have made a lot of bad decisions up to that point. You can

A: create an ORP and develop a new plan and site for the patrol base or

B: in a training environment, learn the lesson that you need to work on your understanding of OAKOC, your map recon, and overall planning

 

While the military is afforded the forgiveness of massive errors in mission analysis and planning, you are not. You do not have the resources, the man power, or the equipment to go save every patrol that could have just spent an extra 15 minutes developing a better plan. In addition, just like all these principles we have discussed, no SOP or plan should be treated as gospel. It sucks, you may have spent 8 hours planning every variable and deciding the perfect Patrol Base location, only to find out on the ground that it is a horrible spot. You must be mature, wise, and flexible enough to recognize your error, and plan a new patrol base location. You’ll get picked on, but you'll hopefully survive.

In summary, following the basic principles of patrolling and the associated tasks is quite simple and easy to train. Start with a simple OPORD or WARNO, “what you want to accomplish,” and begin planning. Again, a clear and well written small unit OPORD should take you no more than 15 minutes to create, and no more than 5 minutes to brief. Always be sure to get a back brief from your members to ensure they understand the mission, and do not skip out on PCC and PCIs. Conduct your PCC and PCIs at least 30 minutes prior to movement, which allows teammates time to actually correct their deficiencies. Utilize your acronyms to help you plan and organize your information and decisions and if you forget everything else, just remember: KISS: KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID.

Stay tuned for further discussions on: Line of Departures, Reporting, Communications, and more.

OUT

Further Reading:

US Army FM 3-21.8: Infantry Rifle Platoon & Squad

US Army Infantry Small Unit Mountain Operations

Professional Citizen Project, Citizen Manual 2: Reconnaissance

     Professional Citizen Project, Citizen Manual 8: The Modern Minuteman

     

 

SERE Challenge 4 is in the books!

SERE Challenge Season 4 Scenario

    In SERE Challenge Season 4, the scenario escalates with a significantly enhanced opposing force (OPFOR), Los Espartanos, who wield advanced technological advantages and exploit their home-field dominance. Two agents, Ryan and Hunter, infiltrate this Cartel-controlled region for reconnaissance and to disrupt operations, but the odds are stacked heavily against them. The OPFOR’s bolstered capabilities—likely including drones, surveillance systems, or tracking tech—combined with their intimate knowledge of the large, rugged mountainous terrain make evasion a near-impossible feat. The agents’ mission begins with covert intelligence-gathering deep in enemy territory, but Los Espartanos’ heightened vigilance and tech edge quickly jeopardize their cover. If detected, Ryan and Hunter could face capture, thrusting them into a brutal resistance phase where they endure interrogation and confinement under the Cartel’s watch. 

    Breaking free, they enter the evasion stage, tasked with navigating the expansive, unforgiving mountains to reach an extraction point. However, the OPFOR’s superior tools and familiarity with every ridge, pass, and hideout turn the landscape into a relentless trap, amplifying the challenge. This setup pushes the SERE principles to their limits: survival demands resourcefulness against scarce supplies, evasion pits them against an omnipresent foe, and resistance tests their resolve under pressure. The technological and territorial advantages of Los Espartanos make Season 4 a grueling, near-insurmountable trial, emphasizing raw skill and mental toughness in a scenario where detection feels inevitable.

    SERE Challenge Season 4 has been the most complicated event so far, with the production of the show being improved as well. Future SERE Challenge events will no longer be turned into a full-production show afterward. Instead, we will focus on making the event on the ground the main event, with a short follow-up video that simply discusses how the event unfolded, with numerous highlights. As for the event on the ground, we plan to expand the scenarios to involve more personnel and more tactics. Lastly, all future SERE Episodes and related content will be migrated back to the Grunt Proof Channel.

You can watch Season 4 HERE

 For anyone wanting to push themselves or their team on some of the best training grounds in the country, reach out to us via email.

Carry on!

The Observation Post

A Lesson on Observation Posts (OP)

    During the GWOT we started slanting known definitions, mostly out of misunderstandings and no time to correct them. Or, everyone knew the terms were overly-generalized, but no one cared to correct the issue. A good example of this is the Observation Post (OP). In GWOT, we established many OPs along main supply routes, on roof tops in the cities; sometimes a patrol would turn into an overnight OP. Sometimes you will see training during which an individual goes and just sits in a position for a few hours, and will call it an OP. 

    Most veterans understand the extremely generalized usage of the term; however, this may mislead the average citizen, who does not understand what an OP actual is, and what it is utilized for. As it turns out, Observation Posts serve very specific tasks and purposes. FM 3-21.8 Infantry Rifle & Platoon (the updated FM 7-8) 3-93. An observation post provides the primary security in the defense. Observation posts provide early warning of impending enemy contact by reporting direction, distance, and size. It detects the enemy early and sends accurate reports to the platoon. The platoon leader establishes observation posts along the most likely enemy avenues of approach into the position or into the area of operation. Leaders ensure that observation posts (mounted or dismounted) have communication with the platoon. 3-94. Early detection reduces the risk of the enemy overrunning the observation post. Observation post may be equipped with a Javelin command launch unit; class 1 unmanned aircraft system; seismic, acoustic, or frequency detecting sensors to increase its ability to detect the enemy. They may receive infrared trip flares, infrared parachute flares, infrared M203 or M320 rounds, and even infrared mortar round support to illuminate the enemy. The platoon leader weighs the advantages and disadvantages of using infrared illumination when the enemy is known to have night vision devices that detect infrared light. 

    Although infrared and thermal equipment within the platoon enables the platoon to see the observation post at a greater distance, the observation post should not be positioned outside the range of the platoon’s small-arms weapons. 3-95. To further reduce the risk of fratricide, observation posts use GPS to navigate to the exit and entry point in the platoon’s position. The platoon leader ensures he submits an observation post location to the company team commander to ensure a no fire area is established around each observation post position. 

    As you can see, an OP typically is associated with the Patrol Base of a Squad or Platoon. A unit cannot defend their Patrol Base without an OP - on the other end, an OP cannot be supported at all unless it is connected to a Patrol Base. One last note: although the Marines use the term "LP/OP," to include Listening Posts, the Army does not. The Army shifted to just using "OP" because, the listening part is what is referred to as an "implied task." Basically, if you are observing, you are also listening. Unlike the rest of the Army, the Infantry tries to reduce redundancies! 

Patrol Bases and OPs are just 10% of what we cover in the online academies and on-site SUT courses: https://www.gruntproof.us/p/training.html 

Carry on

Veteran Gate-Keeping

Major Points:

• American Citizens can and should know basic "military" tactics and doctrine, and should regularly train these skills
• I value every second I spent "serving;" however, if I am completely honest, I'd have to admit that at least 1/3 the time I spent in the Infantry was a demonstrable waste of time and tax dollars
• Any veteran that openly trashes "civilians" for training most likely has a corrupt reason, and it often comes down to money
• Instead of living on disability and past fame, experienced combat veterans should be continuing to serve by teaching their fellow citizens every valuable skill and tactic they know
• Military training should be viewed as a buffet: learn and train the valuable skills, and discard all the bureaucratic, politically-poisoned wastefulness

   

 There seems to be a rise in bro-vets desperately trying to gate-keep knowledge and training. Too many talking heads seem to be very uncomfortable with "civilians" learning the same skills and information that they had to suffer through endless bureaucracy in an extremely politically-correct institution, in order to learn. Fun fact: every military unit spends (wastes) at least 40 hours per year just sitting in a classroom, being force-fed political correctness and being nice to one another. We literally have to take yearly classes on how why we should not rape one another. 

Why should American Citizens know tactics and military doctrine?

Why do some veterans have a problem with this idea?

    First, I have to cover my background, because we all know that's what the bro-vets will attack first. I did my time in the Army Infantry, serving in a deployment to Baghdad from 2003-2004, and then later to Ar Ramadi from 2005-2006. I finished my service in the Reserves, in Europe, mostly doing Civil Affairs, and deployed to Afghanistan as a "CA guy." Baghdad was a cake walk. As a 19 year old kid, I got paid (a lot) to walk around a city with a SAW (machine gun). Besides regular mortar and rocket attacks, and a massive car bomb on our checkpoint, Baghdad was relatively safe. Ramadi was exactly what we all expected war to be like: brutal. If you've read about The Battle of Ramadi, or heard the stories from guys like Jocko Willink, it's that Ramadi. Unfortunately, very few Americans only care about the SOF side of Ramadi and Fallujah. We took fire daily, and almost every road had bombs in it. EFPs (Explosively Formed Projectiles) were the norm. We lost many good kids there. That was the first time we painfully learned that the US Military is in fact not invincible, as basic training led us to believe. In fact, it seemed like we had no chance against supposed "untrained" and undisciplined guerillas. Every day they managed to defeat our expensive technology and crush any morale we still had left. Now, on to the debate.

    Understanding American history is crucial to understanding why America is so amazing, why we have a 2nd Amendment, and why American Citizens must be prepared....for anything. This great history begins with the Minutemen. The Minutemen were citizens who trained at least six times per month, usually double that of the Militia. Unlike the Continental (federal) Army and Militia, the Minutemen came from the very community they supported. An unknown fact is that both the organized militias and the Continental Army often looked down on the Minutemen. Why? They were viewed as backwoods rednecks who lacked skills and discipline. They did not wear standardized uniforms, and did not stand in formation or march. They did not conduct "drills" like their British-raised, "professional" counterparts. Yes, most of the Continental Army's drills and ceremonies were copied directly from the British. Funny how that works. The bottom line is, there was a slight amount of hatred for the Minutemen. Doesn't this sound very familiar? In fact, these days a common complaint from the bro-vets is that the average "civilian" does not know how to train, has poor equipment, and lacks discipline. And yet, these veterans propagate the very ignorance the American Military has suffered in every single guerilla war we have dealt with. It's possible that the "1984ing" of this history has been purposeful, but few "professional" soldiers understand how crucial the Minutemen were to America's success in the Revolution, and how critical they still are today. Also, don't get me started on the word "professional" being blindly applied to the average modern service member. A five minute Google search will bust that myth like an old balloon. Drunk and disorderly, DUIs, rapes, and general misconduct are almost daily occurrences in the "professional" military. As a Squad Leader, in Germany, I was called every single weekend either because a Soldier was arrested for a DUI, had beaten his wife, or was involved in a fight with German locals. Every weekend is not an exaggeration. Very "professional," right? How is this possible? I personally believe it is the combination of lowered standards, and the fact that the US Military ignorantly prioritizes quantity over quality. I was often verbally reprimanded for stating that our numbers could be cut in half and we'd be better off by raising and actually enforcing our standards. You can imagine which type of "leader" had a problem with me saying such things.

    So, what is the role of the modern Minuteman? Well, most would agree that it is the same as it was 250 years ago: to defend their communities and support larger operations if necessary. This purpose cannot be served without training, equipment, and the stewardship from experienced men. It's no different than groups like the Boy Scouts stewarding their valuable tradition. This purpose also requires the support of the local community. In the early days, Minutemen were funded by their communities - their neighbors, friends, and family. Today, often called MAG (Mutual Assistance Groups), the same applies. Most MAGs use donations, member dues, and other means of income to fund their training and development. I believe this is also a reason for the bro vets to hate them. In the military, we were paid very well, and often over-paid, to do our job. I always felt blessed to get paid to workout every morning, and then play with guns and practice tactics. What a job! Minutemen and MAGs have to go the extra mile. Most of these men have full time jobs, families, and other obligations, and do not receive tax dollars to do their "tactical" duties. Imagine if your average 23 year old Infantry Team Leader had to not only plan and manage training, but he had to figure out how to fund it and where to host it as well. Imagine if that same Team Leader also had to work with a local community in order to even train. I love the guys I served with, but most of them couldn't even plan a patrol. Not every veteran is a leader, and even many of the leaders had their hand held throughout their service. I often joke that serving in the Army is like Kindergarten for adult men. So long as you don't murder anyone, you cannot get fired, and will always get promoted. The point is, what is the typical stereotype of a GWOT veteran these days? Overweight, lazy, stoned daily, and living on disability, constantly reminiscing about the good old days. Why aren't they out there teaching? I sincerely believe that it's because our Oath is not properly understood. In fact, many service members have never even read the Constitution that our oath was created for. This fact should be more disturbing to Americans Citizens, but I doubt even know about it.

    What if every combat veteran got involved in his community, and started training people? What if, instead of trashing his neighbors for doing something...anything at all, he decided to help? Maybe it's too easy to sit around telling war stories about our tax-payer funded vacations to the Middle East. Meanwhile, most veterans do have major complaints about this country and our future. We swore an oath to this country and our Constitution, yet that oath ended for most veterans as soon as they separated. Why?

    Modern Minutemen support their communities in many ways, all year round: disaster response, mass casualty events, and community events. Let's imagine, however, that the US was actually invaded again. Who would respond to that threat? Across all branches, the US Military boasts about 1.3 million Active Duty personnel. Only about 5% of those are in combat-related fields. If we were to follow the "instruction manual" (the Constitution), those numbers would be cut by 99%, because our Founders never wanted a full time standing army. Why? Because of why we fought a Revolution in the first place. Regardless, does anyone believe that these puny numbers could stop any major attack on US soil? One would have to be delusional. What would happen if such a catastrophic event did occur? The same thing we did 250 years ago: The federalists would look to all those local and state Militias, as well as all the Minutemen to step in and pick up the slack. I believe, however, these "non professionals" would actually lead the way. In fact, judging by how crippled and demoralized our current servicemembers are today, thanks to endless bureaucracy and political correctness, Americans would be lucky if just 50% of those Active Duty personnel even reported for duty. Then, the slow machine of bureaucracy would ensure that the federal army wouldn't even have a plan of action until a few months have passed. During this time, who is doing all the fighting? Who would be organizing, arming, equipping, and putting up the first counter attacks? Who would be sabotaging enemy convoys and supply routes?  The modern Minutemen, that's who. To be brutally honest, the main priority of the US Military would be to check all the servicemember's dental records and ensure their shots were up to date, before any movement could occur. Then, they'd all be standing in line to sign for their nearly deadlined vehicles. Next, they'd have to drive 4 hours away to beg for ammo from the depot. That is, assuming the Master Sergeant is still there, and the Soldiers have the proper paperwork. Meanwhile, the Minutemen would be in the mountains, or in the swamps, fulfilling their duties. 

    Am I claiming that the modern Minuteman is capable of taking on a large, organized military? Absolutely not, as that is not their job, and it never was. The role of the Minuteman is to serve and defend the community in which he resides. Based on the American model, every neighborhood or village should have a group that performs this role. Do American Citizens honestly expect the US Military to show up to their remote area and save them? As we have seen in every natural disaster, every year, the feds are the last people to show up, and usually end up causing the most problems. Sure, they can help people weeks and months after the fact, but someone must be there to act as the events unfold. Whether it is a response to natural disasters, or actual fighting, this role has belonged to, and will also belong to the Minuteman, and then the State Militia. 

    To be honest, there are a lot of outstanding combat veterans who are doing great things in this world. Completely off the internet and social media, they tirelessly work to steward their experiences and knowledge to citizens. They do this not for a paycheck, not for the credit, and usually not even for the fun of training with other like-minded people. They do it because it is necessary - it is invaluable, and they fully understand this duty. Most of these veterans remember their Oath on a daily basis, and they do their best to serve in every way they can. If this method of service is simply by teaching basic skills and tactics to their neighbors, then so be it. It could also be in the form of basic medical courses from an old combat Medic. Any veteran who has a problem with this stewardship, should re-evaluate his own morals, as many of these same bro vets are doing the same thing, but they only do it for fame and a paycheck. As it turns out, the famous words, "di oppressor liber," have just become a marketing term, misused by many to gain credit on social media, collect an easy paycheck, and then trash any "civilian" who just wants to be a good, prepared, American Citizen. They hate the fact that someone can cherry-pick good information, dispose of all the useless, wasteful, bureaucratic garbage we faced in the military, put together an efficient training plan, and train the average American. They despise seeing men do this for free, without going through all the proper bro vet channels. 

    It's sad, really, but it only shines a bright light on their ill-intended motives to join the military in the first place. Many of these veterans never fully understood their Oath, and how all of this is crucial in stewarding American Freedom and our irreplaceable way of life. For me, personally, I would much rather work with the guy who works 50 hours per week, has a strong family, and still finds the time to work with his fellow citizens, over the typical gate-keeping bro-vet looking for fame and fortune, any day. I understand this stance will draw a lot of fire from my so-called "brothers," and that's fine. Our brotherhood ended as soon as we either separated or transferred to other units anyway. I am aware that I am not part of the club, and that is completely fine with me. 

    "I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same." 

Citizen's Oath

The Wildfire Prep Checklist

 

Once the time comes, you won't be thinking clearly enough to just put things together. Your family will also be running around lost. Put together a simple checklist, gather the supplies beforehand, and rehearse your plans with your family. Then, when the time comes, simply execute.

EARLY WARNING & UPDATES

Watch Duty App is the best I have seen. You will receive alerts based on your location and can even adjust how large the coverage area is. If you have a HAM radio, make sure it is programmed to the local repeaters to get updates while on the move. Your cell towers may not be functioning, or the network may be too bogged down.

THE CHECKLIST

1. Know the routes you can take and rehearse them during different times to estimate the traffic. If you live in a densely-populated area, you may have to escape on foot

2. Know how you are leaving: in a vehicle, or on foot?

3. Gather, organize, and stage supplies where they are easy to find and will not be disturbed:

• 3 quarts of water per person
• 2600 calories of food or snacks per person
• first aid kit with burn cream and ointments, and masks or shemaghs
• fire blanket or a few for a family
• some camping gear if you are on foot
• a pack to carry it all with
• a box to throw it all into your vehicle

4. Before leaving

• Turn off all gas sources
• Turn on sprinklers that are pointed at crucial spots (optional)
• Don't forget your pets!

REHEARSALS

No plan is good without being rehearsed and refined. Practice your plan at least a few times before the season, and involve all family members. Start from your designated alert, and how you alert your family, and begin executing the plan. Your kids will have fun with it, your family will feel more confident, and you will be able to test your plan to find errors and then improve it

    Growing up in hurricane zones, and then being deployed all over taught guys like me to always be prepared to move in a minute's notice. Not everyone has the luxury of valuable experience. However, anyone can create a simple plan and checklist, rehearse the plan with their family, and be better prepared. DON'T BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD!

The Most Real World Survival & Outdoor Challenge

 

SERE CHALLENGE ON IMDb

The SERE Challenge, initially known as the "Survival Games," was established in 2021 as a unique, real-world survival and evasion competition. Here's a comprehensive summary of its evolution through the seasons: 

Season 1 (2021): Concept: The first season was straightforward, focusing on evasion. Coleman Outdoors and Stokermatic, two experienced outdoorsmen, competed to see who could evade an enemy and reach an extraction point first. The winner was determined by either being the first to reach extraction or by not getting captured. Notable Features: This season set a high standard for authenticity in survival shows, eschewing a Hollywood budget or production crew, emphasizing real-world scenarios. The competition featured no staged content, with contestants having no prior knowledge of what they would face. 

Season 2 (2022): Evolution: Season 2 expanded the original concept by introducing the full SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) elements. New Components: Captivity Phase: Each contestant was initially captured, subjected to below-freezing temperatures, uncomfortable positions, and interrogations for up to six hours before escaping. Evasion Phase: Post-escape, contestants had to navigate to an extraction point using limited equipment and guidance, making the challenge more intense. Outcome: The season highlighted the physical and mental demands of SERE training with contestants like Brent (Brent0331) and Jared (2 Alpha Solutions) competing under these new, harsher conditions. 

Season 3 (2023-2024): Increased Difficulty: Season 3 escalated the challenge by introducing a 24-hour real-world training scenario followed by another 24-hour captivity phase, making it the most demanding season yet. The Crisis: A scenario-based mission was added, simulating a real-world crisis to test the contestants' ability to operate under extended stress and uncertainty. Authenticity and Funding: Like previous seasons, this one maintained its grassroots approach, with limited funding from viewers and sponsors, ensuring the event's authenticity remained high. 

Season 4 (2025): Anticipated Challenges: Extended Duration: There's an indication that the challenges might extend beyond previous time frames, possibly incorporating longer evasion or survival segments. Enhanced Scenarios: Building on "The Crisis," Season 4 might introduce even more complex and dynamic scenarios, potentially involving multi-day operations or varied environments to test adaptability and endurance. Technological Integration: Given the trend in survival shows to incorporate technology, Season 4 might see the use of advanced survival gadgets or tech for navigation or communication, making the challenge about using technology wisely in survival situations. Team Dynamics: There's a possibility that team-based challenges could be introduced, focusing on cooperation under stress, perhaps mirroring real-world SERE team scenarios where collective survival is key. While exact details for Season 4 are speculative based on the progression of past seasons, the SERE Challenge continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what survival and evasion training can look like in a competition format. The focus remains on realism, skill application, and the psychological endurance of participants, making it a standout event in the landscape of survival competitions. 

WATCH THE SERE CHALLENGE