A combat tracker squad needs to travel as light as possible, but still carry the right equipment to survive on the battlefield. In order for the tracker and his squad to successfully perform their combat tracking mission, mobility will be key. The trackers ability to react to the enemy is reduced when overburdened with a heavy load, which will cause physical/mental fatigue and place the trackers in danger when needing to rapidly react to enemy contact.

The trackers combat load is the mission-essential equipment required to fight and survive in the environment he’s operating in. He can’t be expected to carry gear for every possible contingency or combat situation, rather his load-out must be based on his particular mission and the ability to remain mobile but combat effective. When deciding on equipment, choose items that are light and multipurpose. Fighting loads must be light so that the tracker may remain alert, agile and stealthy.

Mission essential equipment is broken down into three categories:

• Level 1: Describes the uniform and equipment that is worn by the individual tracker. These items are the uniform, boots, belt, dog tags, compass, tourniquet and any other survival items carried on his person.
• Level 2: Describes the fighting load carried by the tracker which should not exceed 48 pounds. These items are typically the trackers individual weapon, basic load of ammunition and load bearing equipment.
• Level 3: Describes the approach-march load carried for extended operations, which should not exceed 72 pounds (including your fighting load.)

Level 1

1. Camouflage Jacket. With 1″ square piece of infrared identification, friend or foe (IFF) tape attached.
2. Camouflage Headgear. With a 1″ square piece of Infrared IFF tape placed on the top of the headgear for identification by friendly air.
3. Signal Device. Phoenix IR-15 programmable transmitter with a 9V battery for marking one’s own position at night and a 10″x10″ orange signal square cut from a VS-17 Panel. This panel is used as a recognition signal device for linking up with other ground elements.
4. Identification Tags.
5. SAR Eclipse Signal Device. The SAR Eclipse device is very compact and has been tested and observed out to 10 miles during daylight conditions.
6. INOVA Microlight. This small flash light comes in white, green, blue and red colors and is perfect for signaling or conducting map checks at night.
7. Signal Mirror. Besides using a signal mirror for signaling, applying camouflage or shaving, it’s also a good piece of equipment to deflect and manipulate light in order to view details of an impression.
8. Whistle. A whistle comes in handy when having to signal commands to other friendly elements over gunfire.

9. Magnetic Compass. Although a GPS is a good piece of equipment, it will never take the place of good compass.

10. Camouflage Trousers.
11. Trouser Rigger’s Belt.
12. Lighter.
13. Notebook. This notebook is used to record information gained during the mission, along with footprint data cards.
14. Map, Protractor and Lead Pencil.
15. Field Expedient Patch Kit. To quickly repair minor rips or tears to the uniform during a mission.
16. Rations. Should be high energy food items.
17. Boots.

Level 2

1. Load Bearing Equipment (LBE). In this case a Tactical Tailor MAV, Split Front rig.
2. Radio.
3. Magazines. No more than a basic combat load of ammunition for the weapon system should be carried on the LBE.
4. Electrical Tape. To secure items together while in the field.
5. Colored Surveyors Tape. For marking the last known sign.
6. GPS. The GPS is a good piece of equipment that can track the route of the squad and give the squad’s precise location. However, don’t become over reliant on technology that’s battery operated. When not pinpointing your location, keep the GPS turned off to conserve the battery life.
7. Strobe Light with IR Cover. For signaling friendly forces.
8. Multi-Tool. These are great for making small repairs and typically have a knife, file, flat tip and philips head screw driver, can opener and pliers.
9. Spare Batteries. Enough for all your equipment during the operation. When acquiring equipment, choose items that require the same type of batteries. AA batteries are compact and common enough that they can be found just about anywhere in the world.
10. Weapons Oil and Brush. A bottle of oil to protect and lubricate your equipment is essential in any environment. A shaving brush is also useful for brushing dust and debris from equipment.
11. Measuring Device. For taking measurements of impressions or showing scale when taking pictures.
12. Headlamp. A headlamp is a good item to have when it’s important to have both hands free such as conducting a prisoner search or some other type of exploitation.
13. 550 Cord. 25-30 feet of cordage should be carried for repairing, tying or lashing items.
14. Knife Sharpener. Carrying a sharpener is essential, as your knife won’t do you any good if it’s not sharp.
15. Camouflage Face Cream.
16. Water Bottles.
17. Knife. A multipurpose knife that has at least a six inch blade should be carried. The knife should be heavy, sharp and versatile enough to use for building shelter, various survival tasks or in use as a fighting knife. The knife pictured above was a collaborative design between the author and custom knife make Jeff Crowner.
18. Smoke Grenade. For screening or signaling.
19. Fragmentation Grenades. At least two fragmentation grenades should be carried when on patrol.
20. Individual First Aid Kit. This kit provides the necessary equipment to perform Self-Aid/Buddy-Aid and addresses the two leading causes of death on the battlefield, extremity hemorrhage and airway obstruction. Kit in photo includes: Tourniquet, (2) Elastic Bandages, Gauze Bandage 4-1/2″, Adhesive Surgical Tape , Airway Nasopharyngeal Airway, (4) Exam Gloves, (2) Pri-Med Gauze Bandages, EMS Shears, Triangular Bandage and Water Purification Tablets.
21. Gloves. Used to camouflage and protect the hands from sharp objects.
22. Mag-Lite Flashlight/Blast Match. The Mag-Lite is for tracking during night time conditions. A Blast Match is another great fire producing survival tool designed for all-weather use and can be operated with one hand in case of injury.

23. Rifle. The rifle that is issued. Contrary to popular belief, soldiers and Law Enforcement alike don’t get to pick and choose their weapon system or the caliber it shoots. No matter what type of weapon is issued, the operator needs to be an expert with it.
24. Weapon Accessories. Optical scopes or red dot sights may be required for the mission depending on METT-T. Also, a Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Light is good to have for operations at night.

Level 3

1. Ruck Sack. This piece of equipment holds all mission essential equipment that’s to be carried by the tracker for extended operations. The size of this pack is dictated by the amount of equipment the tracker will need to sustain himself until a resupply can be requested. The estimated time on operation, terrain operating in and weather conditions the trackers will have to endure are all be factors to be considered.
2. Rations. Enough rations for 48-72 hours should be carried.
3. 3-Liter Hydration System. The tracker needs to carry enough water to last for the duration of the operation, or until a suitable water source is found, or resupply occurs. Water is always consumed from the pack first. Should the pack be dropped for any reason during the operation the tracker should have full canteens on his LBE.
4. Carlton’s CAT PAWS (Super Sneakers). CAT PAWS are a great item to place over the soles of the boot so the tracker can conceal his own tracks.
5. VIPER Hood. The Viper hood breaks up the recognizable and familiar outline and shape of the human head and shoulders. The best aspect of the Viper is that it is designed to be worn in conjunction with the trackers combat equipment without interfering with the trackers ability to get to the pouches on his LBE.
6. Large Trash Bag. For waterproofing or to store trash while on an operation.
7. Weapons Cleaning Kit. This kit should be capable of maintaining your weapon in a field environment. At a minimum, the kit should contain a bore brush, chamber brush, cleaning rod, slotted tip for patches, patches, CLP, lens brush for optics and an all-purpose utility brush.
8. Night Vision Device. Night vision is required when conducting operations at night.
9. Spare Magazines. Three extra loaded magazines.
10. Binoculars. Should be used whenever possible to detect the enemy from a distance. They also provide a larger field of view than a monocular or scope.
11. VS-17 Panel. The VS17 Signal Panel can be laid out on the ground to identify troop positions to friendly aircraft or to identify where help is needed.
12. E-Tool. The E-Tool is a lightweight collapsible spade shovel that can dig or chop.
13. Hammock. Depending on the operational environment, a hammock may be essential for staying dry when bedding down for the night.
14. Sewing and Equipment Repair Kit. This should include sewing thread, needles and safety pins.
15. Hygiene Kit. Minimal hygiene items such as nail clippers, tooth brush, tooth paste and small wash rag.
16. Compression Sack or Waterproof Bag.
17. Basha/Tarp. This needs to be large enough to provide protection from the elements as a shelter, or used as a makeshift litter to transport a casualty.
18. Sleeping Gear. Depending on the environment, this could range from a sleeping system with a ground mat for extreme temperatures, to a poncho liner for more tropical climates.
19. Gore-Tex Bivy. The bivy provides a waterproof, breathable cover that keeps out wind, snow and rain.
20. Bungee Cords. For quick lashing of items such as the tarp.
21. 550 Cord. 25-30 feet of cordage should be carried for repairing, tying or lashing items.
22. Spare Socks. Foot maintenance is imperative! Dry clean socks will help prevent blisters, hotspots and athlete’s foot.

Again, when deciding on equipment, choose items that are light and multipurpose. Fighting loads must be light so that the tracker may remain alert, agile and stealthy.

This original article was published by http://www.itstactical.com/ and written by John Hurth Read Article »

There are a lot of things that you could be carrying as part of your every day carry (EDC) gear. The problem is that you probably don’t have enough room to carry everything that you’d need in case of emergency. Getting some of these things can be pretty inexpensive if you just keep with the basics.

There’s a whole following of people who make budget EDC kits that fit into an Altoids tin. I have one myself, and it’d be pretty awesome if I had it with me if I were stuck somewhere, but I find that even though it packs a lot of stuff, it’s a fairly bulky item to carry so I don’t always put it in my pocket. It now sits in a pouch as a part of my motorcycle EDC kit. When I have room though (and don’t forget to grab it), it goes in my on-person kit. The kind of EDC kit I’m talking about here today is spread out in different pockets, including on your keychain. That makes it easier to fit. I’ll have some more posts later about how to make an altoids tin EDC kit or a pouch kit.

Read Article »

• By Liz Klimas, www.theblaze.com
• View Original
• December 16th, 2013

Hunters in the dead of winter might want to put on brown woodsy camouflage, but they’ll need a whole other set for early fall or spring when there’s likely more greenery.

For the hunter who doesn’t have much room in his dresser drawers for each season’s gear, the outdoors store Cabela’s created a temperature-sensitive camo that adjusts colors to the appropriate season.

Cabela’s ColorPhase camo changes its pattern color based on the outdoor temperature.Photo by: Photo credits: Cabela’s

The ColorPhase camo is touted by the store as “the world’s first camouflage clothing to be printed with rapid-change, temperature-activated dye.” When it’s warmer, the pattern will include “vivid greens,” but when the temperature drops below a certain degree, the “greens morph to late-season shades of brown.”

The different colors based on temperature.Photo by: Image source: Cabela’s

Watch Cabelas promo video about the camouflage gear:

Popular Science recently named the camo that “gives hunters chameleon-like powers” as one of its “Best of What’s New 2013.”

(H/T: Gizmodo)

Read Article »

Several years ago me and a buddy took a week long camping trip up to northern Washington State to search for Bigfoot. It was really about the camping, but to see the big man would have been cool. Anyways, we made a documentary about it to share with friends back home. Turned out ok, was a real nice trip, and the video wasn't bad.So, I posted it on vimeo and then forgot about it.

Well, last night I received an email from the creator of BlogdogIt about some link backs he had been chasing and found (or created) a page that showcased our video. Check it out!

I just wanted to create this post to thank him for the heads up. Thanks my friend!

Read Article »

Have you been camping or fishing and wanted a cheap and easy way to smoke fish at your site?

Most fish smokers are large, cumbersome things that cost $100 or more. If you would like to be able to smoke a trout at the side of the river, you'll want a smoker that can be used with your gas or alcohol stove and is portable. This one was made for less than $20, takes no time to make, works very well and can be dropped into a backpack for a day fishing trip. It isn’t intended to smoke enough fish to feed an army, but will take about 4 reasonable sized trout fillets. Follow Instructable user lucyfanclub to find out how. Read Article »

So, we tried to go camping today. The past several months it has been raining and in the 40's - just nasty. But this weekend was supposed to be clear and in the 60's! Yippee! Packed the gear, loaded the dog and headed out to our favorite camping site, Saddle Mountain.

Well, we drove the hour out there and when we arrived, the place was covered in snow and the temperature had dropped to the low 30's. Check out the pictures to see what it looked like. It goes without saying that we turned around and will wait a few more weekends for the weather to warm up some.

Not Happy

Read Article »

One item that we often mention should go into your emergency kit is some way to start a fire. Even if you're in the woods and kindling is plentiful (or worse, it's not and the old kindling around is wet), it always helps to have something that will give your fire a boost, whether you're out camping or you're in trouble and waiting for help. This simple trick involves a couple of cotton balls and some plastic drinking straws—in a few minutes, you'll have tiny fire starting kits that fit into any emergency kit.

Making them is easy—just cut a segment of drinking straw, pull off a little cotton from a cotton ball or pad, and stuff it into the straw. Seal both ends with a little heat so your cotton won't get wet if your emergency kit does, and you're all finished. You do need to make sure to use the right kind of straw, or else the plastic may not melt and seal easily, or you can dip the ends in wax to get the same effect. When you need it, just break or cut the straw to get at the dry cotton inside and light it.

You could even go a step further and add a dab of vaseline or chap-stick to your cotton to make it easier to burn. If this isn't up your alley, maybe some char cloth is a better addition to your kit, but it's a high-maintenance option. Aside from a lighter or some matches, how do you make sure your emergency kit can always start a fire? Share your survival tips in the comments below.

This post is taken from instructables.com Read Article »

Zombie-pocalypse? Psh, f*cking bring it. This Mossberg Just-In-Case kit includes a 12-gauge Mossberg 500 Pump-Action, resealable storage bag, waterproof carrying tube, as well as a "Survival Kit in a Can," multi-tool and serrated knife. Don't forget to bring your own shells—and lots of them—there are seven billion potential brain-suckers out there. Check it out!

This post is taken from Gizmodo.com Read Article »

Hey all. Got our first opportunity to go camping this weekend, and we implemented a plan with our daughter that we hadn't really thought of before and wanted to pass it on to you. It's a great idea and worked very well.

My wife had purchased a book bag for our daughter that came with it's own tent and whistle. The whistle was great. On the whistle there was a compass, a magnifying glass, and a flint striker. The whole assembly was kinda cheaply made, and next time I'm gonna get her a 'nice one' like in the picture below. But what was amazing was the whistle itself. I tied a loop in it with some para-cord to hang around her neck. Keep reading below to learn how to put it to good use.

Read Article »

Well friends. I have a confession to make. I was going to produce a new video on how to start a fire in the snow. Ya see, last night we got quite a bit, and when I woke this morning and saw the fresh layer covering everything, I thought, "This will be an excellent opportunity to make that video!" I'm sure you can see where this is going.....I didn't make the video.

I had started off with the best intentions. Camera set up? Check. Spot picked out? Check. Tender ready? Check. Well, not really. I had wanted to create the video to show what to do if you really didn't have anything but a wad of dryer lent and a flint stick. This was my downfall. You see, with living in the Pacific Northwest EVERYTHING is soaked to the core, and the snow sure didn't help. I couldn't find anything that would light with anything short of a gallon of gasoline. Which brings me to the main point:

If you are to venture into the wilderness, especially with your family - you need to be prepared for anything. Bring one, two, even three methods to light a fire. The way to have gotten this fire started would be with a lighter and fire starter sticks. We're not Bear Grills or Survivor Man, we are a family out having fun in the woods and we need to be prepared to do such. Don't misunderstand me, skills like that are paramount,  but what's the saying? Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

I could have made a video on something as simple as lighting a fire starter log, but what would be the fun in that? I am left to collect my thoughts, gather my bearings (and dignity) and will, at some point, re-address this video.

Read Article »

For the first Video How-To, I decided to show you how I split firewood for the fireplace and when taking bundles to the campsite when I know that the local wood will be wet.

After cutting logs with a chainsaw I use a wedge ax to cut the logs into smaller pieces, and then use a hatchet and hammer to break those into even smaller pieces for kindling to get the fire started.

Let me know how you like this video and give me ideas for future ones you would want to see.

*remember to exercise safety when using sharp tools Read Article »

When you are out camping you will need to, at some point, cook some food. The kids are hungry and Beef Jerky and Nutri-Grain bars aren't cutting it any more. What to do?

Well, you could cook over the fire. Do you have a grate? Maybe the fire pit where you're camping does, if so, great! But, what if it doesn't? What if you are camping in an area with a camp fire restriction? What if you just want a quick cup of black  tar (ya know - camp coffee)?  "Get to the point" you say....enter the MSR 'Pocket Rocket Stove'.

We have been using this little stove for awhile now and absolutely love it. We usually have this little guy set up on the table to cook a second course, be it beans, rice, or what have you, and of course to heat up that cup of good Ol' Mississippi Mud Water (again....coffee. To much?)

The burner comes packed in a plastic housing with lid, both of which are very durable and very compact. The bottles are small as well, and the actual burner can be used with any bottle of butane gas as long as the threads match up. Very convenient and very useful. A must have for anyone who spends any amount of time camping. The only downside is the price. At around $30-$40 it may be hard to make the initial investment, but let me tell ya, it pays for itself after the first night.

Go ahead and get yours, you won't regret it. These things can be purchased from any outdoor store or online. Click the link to purchase or read others reviews on Amazon.

Read Article »

So you've gotten to your campsite, your unloading the truck and putting up the tent. The kids are running around, excited to be outside, the wife and dog are about to go for a quick walk, now FREEZE............

It is at this moment that we are the most prone to minor accidents like bumps, scratches, sprains and bruising, due to the fact that everyone is excited and everyone is really hands on getting the site set up and exploring the immediate area.   The first step to basic first aid is awareness.

Read Article »

Were are we going to camp?

This is a familiar question. It's Friday afternoon, the kids are out of school, the family has agreed that this weekend "we're going camping". Only problem........WHERE?

While this might not be such a big problem if you've lived in an area a long time and know all the locations, if your new, or just starting out, there are a few questions that will need to be addressed, like where is the best location? Will there be any fees? Can we bring our pets? And so on.....

The first thing to do is the most obvious, what is that commercial? State Farm, "ask your friends and family". I'm sure someone has stayed at a place or knows someone who has stayed somewhere where they had a great time and highly recommends it. Take their advice.

Second would be to call around, are there parks in your area? Call them and see what they have. Check the yellow pages (who does that anymore?) or online. Hey, if you have a Verizon Android phone (advertisement you say?) there is an app available called ALOQA in there it list everything around you from restaurants to theaters to outdoor activities. It will list campsites in your area. Give it a shot.

The next (and my favorite) is to check and see what America has set aside for you to camp on (Ha Ha). I'm talking state parks and national parks and forests. I love the National Forests, they offer the most flexibility when it comes to camping. In the forest you are able to camp pretty much anywhere as long as it's, I believe, 100ft from the road. I'm not really a 'Disney World' camper, where your surrounded by people and they have every amenity known to man, so getting out in a Nat. Forest away from it all is nice.

Check a map, see what is around you, and then decide what would be best for you and your family. Follow the links below to find out about camping, rules and laws, and what's available in you area.

Reserve America - Great site to look for and reserve campsites in you area.

National Park Service -  Find Parks in your area

National Forest - Find a National Forest in your area

And when all else fails (or before you try anything else) google it! Use your resources, do a little home work, and find the place that you'll all love.

Happy Camping! Read Article »

This is the first video I did of a camping trip we took to the campgrounds at Saddle Mountain in Northern Oregon.

Just a regular trip with the Family and the Ol' Dog, Mr. Leon. It doesn't take much to have a great time. The kids are easily entertained with making S'mores, poking the fire (make sure they observe basic safety) and exploring the wilderness. If you take the time to show them how fun it can be and teach them basic skills such as setting up tents and building fires it will be something that they take with them the rest of there life.

Read Article »