June 2019

DON’T MISS: USING AGGRESSION TO WIN A FIGHT

DON’T LET A CARJACKER GET THE BEST OF YOU

IN THIS ISSUE:

HOW TO CLEAN THE RUST FROM A GUN

JUNE 2019

RAIN IS A BIG ENEMY IN THE WILD

IS BODY ARMOR A SMART SURVIVAL CHOICE?

HANDGUN DRILLS TO BOOST YOUR SKILLS

WOULD YOU MAKE IT THROUGH A HURRICANE?

LIVING IN A WORLD WITHOUT POWER and more…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019

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Contents

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FEATURED

WHY AGGRESSION IS YOUR BEST ALLY IN A FIGHT When you're in a street fight, getting aggressive can be one of your best allies. Because to successfully defend yourself, you need to have an aggressive mindset. One that initiates…

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DON'T LET A CARJACKER GET THE BEST OF YOU I shouldn't have to tell you about the recent rise in violent crimes, all you have to do is flick on the news and you'll hear horror stories from all over the country. If you're not wanting to…

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RAIN IS A BIG ENEMY IN THE WILD Rain is a massive downer when you're in the outdoors, especially when it just won't stop. It's almost relentless, and with time, you're wet. Your gear is wet. And everything you touch…

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HANDGUN DRILLS TO BOOST YOUR SKILLS There's no point to a handgun if you're not confident and comfortable using it, and it's a smart idea to level up your self-defensive skills with a few drills…

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LIVING IN A WORLD WITHOUT POWER No matter what crisis happens, one thing is for certain. When the grid goes down, the power shuts off. Now for most people, that's a temporary hassle, living without power for a couple…

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HOW TO CLEAN THE RUST FROM A GUN There's nothing worse than pulling a gun out of storage and seeing one of your prized possessions covered in rust. Left to its own devices, a small bit of surface rust will slowly…

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IS BODY ARMOR A SMART SURVIVAL CHOICE? When it comes to being prepared, tactically, there's no better option than body armor. Not only does it protect your vital organs from shrapnel from say a blast or an explosion, it can help…

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WOULD YOU MAKE IT THROUGH A HURRICANE? There's something completely primal about the force Mother Nature can wreak on a community, and with storm season coming in full swing, I thought it timely to run a piece on hurricanes…

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EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO FIGHT OFF THE BUGS There's nothing quite like the great outdoors, and I love every minute that my family and I spend in the wild. But that's just it. It's wild, and with the wilderness comes the plague of bugs that…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019

WHY AGGRESSION IS YOUR BEST ALLY IN A FIGHT When you're in a street fight, getting aggressive can be one of your best allies. Because to successfully defend yourself, you need to have an aggressive mindset. One that initiates and responds to the attacker, instead of waiting for them to come to you. Some people like to call this, "getting a little crazy" and I agree, no one wants to fight a crazy person. But there's a right way to do it, and a right way to channel your aggression. If you're just seeing red and swinging with no rhyme or reason, things could get ugly fast. DON'T GET INTO A FIGHT TO START WITH Now before we get into the article today, it's important to make this clear. The very best way to win a fight is to avoid getting in the fight to start with. That's your only guaranteed win. Step away from the fight, to avoid injury, or worse. Not only that, you should develop your own situational awareness. There are always people out there looking for a fight. Perhaps they're hanging around a bar stirring up trouble. Or tucked inside an alleyway wanting to jump you for your wallet.

The smart thing to do is be aware of your situation. Don't walk into dodgy areas, where you're going to get confronted by dodgy people. And if you are, be willing to swallow your pride and walk away. A few bruises to your ego is better than a few punches, which could land you in hospital. But often, you don't get a choice, so here's what to do next.

INITIATE AND THROW THE FIRST PUNCH Now this kind of goes against what most martial arts teach, but in my mind, the only way to get an initial advantage in a fight is to initiate. Especially if you're facing a bigger, stronger or more experienced opponent.

BRING OUT YOUR CRAZY FACTOR

You need to start the fight, and throw the first punch.

Imagine you see a tweaker walking down the street, twitching and obviously high on meth or some other substance. You probably won't want to cross paths with them, because you know they're unpredictable, and you never really know how it'll go, right?

I'm completely serious.

You need to channel your inner crazy factor. Demonstrate you're not actually scared but you're eager for the fight. Your goal is not only to "weird out" your opponent, but show them, make them believe you actually want the fight. And the crazier you are, the better your chances your opponent backs down because they decide it's not worth it. Think Tyson biting off Holyfield's ear, that's a crazy factor. Embrace it, no one wants to fight a crazy person.

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“You need to channel your inner crazy factor…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019 cont. When you know the fight will eventually break out, channel your inner aggression and throw the first punch. Hopefully it'll catch your opponent off guard while he's still in your face. Land a solid punch to the jaw and you may even end the fight right then and there, clean and out with a single swing. USE EVERY ADVANTAGE YOU HAVE Remember, you're in a street fight here and there's no sense in being chivalrous. Your opponent isn't going to play nice, so get mad, get angry, and use every advantage you have at your disposal, and anything you can grab to use as a weapon. Your elbows are naturally all bone, and are great for striking your opponent's head in close range. Headbutts can shatter their nose. Bite them. Scratch. Tear their hear. Gouge their eyes. Aim for weak points like the neck, temple, or even their knees. And if you're fighting a guy, don't be afraid of a strong kick or a knee to the groin. Use every advantage you have. REMEMBER YOUR TRAINING In a professional fight, it's a given that the most aggressive fighter will win. They're the one initiating the attack, taking advantage of any openings, and ultimately, they prevail. In a street fight, things aren't always equal. Usually, it's the person with the most training and experience who wins a fight. The one who remembers to keep their guard up when striking. Who knows how to plant their feet and throw a powerful punch. Being aggressive doesn't mean you forget all of your self-defense training. The key is a balance, adding power and aggression to your fighting technique, while still being tactical in the fight.

DON'T STOP TILL IT'S OVER

Just be careful here.

Finally, it's important to make sure your opponent is down for the count before you step back.

It's possible to get caught up in the moment, and there's no shortage of horrible fight videos where someone has continued to strike when it's quite obvious their opponent is knocked out.

If you manage to gain the upper hand in a fight, don't hold back. That's an advantage you've created, and your chance to go in swinging and end the fight. Do not stop until your opponent is down, and knocked out. The last thing you want to happen is for them to recover, get a second wind or land a lucky shot, and now you're suddenly on the ropes. This is critical, especially if your opponent outweighs you or has more fighting experience. Keep punching till it's done. Until your opponent is unconscious, on the ground and poses no further threat.

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If you continue to strike them unnecessarily, you can deliver serious brain damage, even death. Once they're knocked out, the fight is over. That's when you stop. And once it's done, take a step back but don't drop your guard. There may be a friend coming to "help" the person you've just taken down. Don't let them get the drop on you. Only once you're sure it's safe, and the fight is over, should you use the opportunity you've created to escape.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019

DON'T LET A CARJACKER GET THE BEST OF YOU I shouldn't have to tell you about the recent rise in violent crimes, all you have to do is flick on the news and you'll hear horror stories from all over the country. If you're not wanting to become a victim yourself, you can't continue living in ignorance. In fact, it's crucial you're protected not only at home, but when you're in your car. You see, carjacking is becoming more and more commonplace. And while I've got no intention of becoming a victim, I'd like to share with you some insights to ensure you're protected too. Because criminals are getting crafty, and they've got many different ways to get you out of your car. Here's what they're doing. DON'T BE A VICTIM But before we get into their tricks, I want to make one element crystal-clear. Most car jackings are not random. The attacker has been watching and waiting, and identified you as an easy mark. But it's not just your gender, age or even race, what most criminals are looking for is how you present. Your body language tells a story, and there's a few things you can do to avoid being flagged as a potential target. • Make eye contact. It's a power move that indicates you're paying attention. • Walk with your chin up. Demonstrates confidence and presence in a situation. • Walk with a smooth and natural stride. Shows a purpose in your movement. • Walk at a reasonable speed. Too fast and you risk showing you're scared. BE AWARE OF SURROUNDINGS

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Now there's more to avoiding a carjacking than body language. You also need to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in a SHTF situation. When things get bad, it brings out the worst in people, and you can bet they'll do anything to keep their family's alive. And if you're fleeing a crisis, there are going to be desperate people, who want what you have.

Pay attention to your surroundings. • If someone looks out of place, ask yourself why. What are they doing there? • If an area feels dodgy, question it. Is it too dark? Could it hide someone's approach? • If a traffic stop doesn't feel right, be smart. Is this really a police checkpoint? And so on, and so on. The more you question everything around you, the better prepared you'll be if someone tries to pull a fast one on you. Because you've been expecting it, and you're ready to instantly react, whether it's to run, or whip out your pepper spray. HOW A CARJACKER WILL GET YOU OUT We've all seen the movies, the carjacker approaches the driver's door with a gun, demanding you get out. But in reality, they're often far subtler. Here's a few different ways a criminal will get you out of your car. In day to day life, many of these are common situations, so it's important to pay attention and make a call on what you want to do in that particular situation. But when the SHTF, you can bet I'm not going to be stopping for anything. It's just too damn risky. The staged accident. It could be a flat tire on an abandoned stretch of road, or a fake accident that gets you to slow down. Once you stop and get out, you're attacked, overpowered, and your car is taken. Be very wary stopping to help, especially in particular areas, at night, when you're not sure how many people are actually there.

The drive home. You're followed from a regular location, like your work, back to your house where the attacker blocks your car in and jumps you for your car. If you ever notice you're being followed, do not go home or anywhere isolated. Call a friend, or the police, drive somewhere public, and for goodness sake, don't get out of your car. LOCKING DOWN YOUR CAR Staying alert is all well and good, but there are a few things I would also recommend doing if you are particularly concerned about being carjacked. They sound like common sense, but one of these tips may just save your life. • Once you get into your car and start it up, lock the doors immediately. • Keep your windows up, especially if you've slowed down or stopped in traffic. • Leave space in front of your car at traffic lights to escape if you need to do a fast exit.

The intentional crash. By intentionally driving into you, a criminal gives you a perfectly good reason to stop, get out of your car, and interact with them. And that's often all the chance they need to pull a gun or a knife, and get you to hand over your keys. If you suspect something funny is going on in a crash, report it to the cops and do not stop your car.

• Don't park where you need to get out in an unlit area, or remote parking lot.

The fake traffic stop. With a handful of lights and some traffic cones, criminals will stage a fake traffic stop to catch you unawares. Again, you need to be paying attention, and if something doesn't feel right, call the police. Perhaps it's the missing cop car, or the uniform is not quite right. Don't get out until you're sure it's safe.

The key to avoiding a carjacking is to use your head. Don't give a criminal the opportunity, whether it's painting yourself as an ideal target, entering a situation where you're vulnerable, or even failing to do a basic step, like locking the doors on your car. That's how you'll avoid becoming another statistic. Stay safe everyone.

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• Don't stand at your car fumbling with your keys, get them ready as you approach. • If something feels off about a situation, leave. You can always pick up your car later.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019 Pack your gear in heavy-duty Ziploc bags. Once sealed, the plastic adds another layer of protection against any water, ideal if you're in a wet location, or perhaps as just a failsafe in case you drop your kit or take a fall when you're crossing a river or a stream. I started doing this years ago. It makes it easy to coordinate my stuff (I've got color-coded Ziplocs I bought especially for this), and even if I do happen to get water in my bag, there's a good chance my kit will stay dry. COVER YOUR CAMP Being rained on sucks, especially when it hasn't let up for hours and hours on end. But you'll be surprised at just how much more fun it becomes when you can create some overhead cover. To change your clothes, eat a meal in piece, or start rummaging through your backpack without flooding it with water. It's also a great place to hang any wet gear while you sleep, and perhaps get it a little dry before the morning.

RAIN IS A BIG ENEMY IN THE WILD Rain is a massive downer when you're in the outdoors, especially when it just won't stop. It's almost relentless, and with time, you're wet. Your gear is wet. And everything you touch, everywhere you walk, is made more difficult by the onslaught of the rain. Trouble is, not too many people go into this when they talk about the outdoors, hiking or even bugging out. You may see a tarp or a raincoat on a list of "must have" bug out gear, but the importance of it isn't made, and that's a challenge.

CHANGE OUT WET CLOTHES Once you get wet but you're still needing to move around, you need to stop and change. You need to stay dry. Don't suffer with a wet pair of socks, or damp underwear because you're "almost there," or you're already wet. Stop, and take the time to change out your wet clothes. Water plus the friction that comes from continuing to hike is a recipe for disaster, and you don't want to spend the next few days laid up with chafing, blisters and rashes, right?

PACK FOR THE RAIN

WATERPROOF BACKPACK

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Without the right gear, you won't be able to stay dry. Yes, it adds extra weight to your kit that you may not want to carry, but mother nature is unpredictable. Just because it's sunny in the morning, or the forecast doesn't call for rain, doesn't mean it won't happen.

Unless you're using a dry bag for your gear, it's a good idea to buy a waterproofing spray and give your backpack (boots too) a good spray. It's not 100% perfect, but in my mind even if it stops 60 or 70 percent of water soaking into the bag it's a good move.

Ensure you've got a way to keep yourself dry, which could be as simple as bringing along a waterproof jacket and pair of pants, and a dry change of clothes (don't forget extra socks and underwear). Gaiters are a fantastic addition, and of course you should already have a pair of waterproof boots. If not, invest in a pair now.

I'd also recommend getting a waterproof cover for your backpack, to create an outer shield against the rain for even more protection. USE PLASTIC ZIPLOC BAGS This is the simplest and most costeffective waterproofing option.

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Always pack a light tarp and some paracord to create a light shelter. Being able to strip off your raincoat before getting into your tent will do wonders in keeping it dry inside. DON'T SIT DOWN As nice as it is to put your feet up and sit down, in the rain that's the last thing you want to do. Because everything is so damn wet. The water will soak into your butt and knees, which isn't just uncomfortable, it's also going to start leeching away the warmth in your body. What you want to do instead is a squat. Essentially, you're sitting 95% of the way down, but you're not letting your butt touch the ground. It's not as comfortable hovering like this that's for sure, but you won't get wet. With a little practice, you'll find this position almost becomes a habit, when you're bending down to tend to the fire, or taking a break for a quick bite, you squat, and don't risk getting yourself all dirty and wet. Staying dry when you're in the outdoors is easy when it's not raining. But once the skies open up, it's critical you've prepared the right gear and waterproofing equipment, and are being a little smart with your pack to ensure you're not soaked through. Because that's a recipe for disaster.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019

HANDGUN DRILLS TO BOOST YOUR SKILLS Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot.

4. As you move back shout out "GET BACK OR I'M GOING TO SHOOT"

Look not only at your target, but what's behind it, before you shoot.

Because these last few years, tactics and techniques traditionally reserved for the military and police forces are now available to civilians. And that's the whole point of this article today. To share with you what's common sense to me, and give you a couple of drills you can use to level up your shooting skills.

5. Engage your target and double tap twice in their center mass.

Now before we get started I want to remind you the importance of being ready to fire. Whenever you practice, keep your gun up. With your gun up, you shave seconds off your time to engage, which could be the seconds that save your life in a real fire fight.

6. When you've landed two successful shots, move back again and repeat.

BUT DON'T FORGET SAFETY

FALLING BACK SAFELY

I mention this first because it's imperative. Before you start doing any sort of drills with your handgun, you need to know your way around your gun. You need to know the four rules of responsible gun handling, and always practice dry-firing the drills first.

When you're in a gun fight your ultimate goal is survival. Do not go towards the bad guy in a gun fight, even if you've got a full clip, you're firing as you do so. retreating as you go.

There's no point to a handgun if you're not confident and comfortable using it, and it's a smart idea to level up your self-defensive skills with a few drills.

Not only will it save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on ammunition, it'll help you g et comfortable with all of these before it gets unsafe. And that's important too. Four rules of responsible gun handling: Always handle a gun as if it's loaded. Never point your gun at anything you don't want to destroy.

That's how you win. You live to fight another day. Because survival is what's important, survival for your family, for your friends, for all the people who rely on you. Here's how it works. 1. Start with your pistol holstered or concealed. 2. With your arms at your side, shake them and get loose. 3. At the count of three, draw your weapon and bring it up to bear.

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7. Rinse and repeat this drill until you're comfortable with your retreat. 8. Continue working on it until you're consistently landing all of your shots.

“Never point your gun at anything you don’t want to destroy”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019 cont. The key here is to get comfortable with your accuracy as you're safely falling back, but to also give fair warning to your intended target. Just in case you end up in the wrong side of a courtroom, you need to have your back covered as well. RAPID POSITION CHANGE When you're being shot at the last thing you want to do is stay still. This allows your attacker to get a bearing on you, and with a little time, he'll figure out his aim and you're going to be getting hit. It's a smart idea to keep your attacker on their toes, and keep moving. Of course, practicing this live can be difficult, and the goal here isn't to shoot. Your ultimate goal is to move, which makes this a great drill to run dry. Here's how. 1. Start with your pistol holstered or concealed. 2. With your arms at your side, shake t hem and get loose. 3. At the count of three, draw your weapon and bring it up to bear. 4. But at the last second, change direction. 5. You can move forward to cover, or back. 6. You can move to the left or right.

I actually really like practicing this one down at the airsoft range, where you end up with bruises as a harsh reminder you've been too slow.

4. Clear the jam, and continue shooting.

JAM AND RECOVER

6. Continue working on it until you're almost robot-like in your precision reload.

7. The goal is to get out of your attackers line of sight as fast as possible.

It's a fact of life your handgun will jam at some point, and the trick here is to not let it get to you, so you can continue firing defensively at your target.

8. Consider adding obstacles and cover to the training area.

This is a simple drill, and works great if you're at the range with a partner.

9. Time yourself as you move, and repeat until you're comfortable moving fast.

1. Get your partner to load your mags, with a dummy round or snap cap included.

The key here is speed.

2. Run through your normal firing drills, until you get to the dummy round.

If you're being shot at you want to move as fast as possible, confounding the aim of your attacker so you stand the greatest chances of getting away without a bullet wound.

3. When it hits, you'll be surprised, much like if it happened in a real fire fight.

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5. Rinse and repeat this drill until you're comfortable rapidly dealing with a jam.

The key here is knowing what to do when things go wrong, so you're not surprised or caught off-guard in a really dangerous situation. The better you can react, and the faster, the greater your chances of survival. These three drills seem simple at the surface, but master these and you'll be well on your way to becoming a defensive shooter, and stand a much better chance to make it out of a shootout in one piece. And that's all that counts.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019

LIVING IN A WORLD WITHOUT POWER No matter what crisis happens, one thing is for certain. When the grid goes down, the power shuts off. Now for most people, that's a temporary hassle, living without power for a couple of hours isn't really a cause for concern. But with time, it all starts to snowball. We are so reliant on power, without it, things are going to get bad, real fast. THE LIGHTS WILL SLOWLY SWITCH OFF It's only a matter of time until all of the batteries run out and the generators run dry. That means no indoor lighting, no heat during winter, and no ability to rely on anything that plugs into a socket. Solution: In addition an off-the-grid power source, you need to incorporate products and practices into your lifestyle that don't require electricity. Like a furnace for heating, gas or even a wood stove, and manual appliances that don't need to be plugged in. PHONE SERVICE AND THE INTERNET GOES DOWN Without power, it's only a matter of time until the charge you have in your laptop or phone finally dies. That means a loss of connection, updates, and the knowledge we have come to rely on online.

WATER DOESN'T COME OUT OF THE TAP

THE MILITARY WILL STEAL YOUR GUNS

Without power the water company isn't going to be able to keep the pipes pressurized, and this means you'll not have any water when you turn the taps. No water for showers or cleaning. No water for cooking, and if you're anywhere urban, this is going to be your biggest and most serious problem.

Of course, this will be done as a "means to protect the people" as armed civilians is one of the biggest threats to those in power. Once martial law is declared the military can do what they like, and that includes breaking into your home and stealing weapons intended as your last line of defense.

Solution: Start stocking up on water now, and consider installing a rain catchment system, tapping a well on your property, or whatever it is you can do to replenish your water supply.

Solution: Create multiple caches of guns so you've always got a means to arm yourself, and get comfortable with alternative weapons, like a crossbow.

STORES ARE STRIPPED BARE Walk a supermarket now and it seems ridiculous they could run out of food, but they will. Often these are the first to go during a crisis, without power to keep the refrigeration running, anything that's not canned or on the shelf will perish quickly. Plus, no power means no lights, and you can bet looters will hit these stores as soon as night falls. Solution: Start stockpiling your own supply of food, so you're not reliant on a supermarket, the government, or anyone else for your next meal. GAS STATIONS HAVE NO GAS

C A S H Q U I C K LY B E C O M E S WORTHLESS All that money in your bank account is useless when the power is out, because you won't be able to withdraw it, even if you go directly to the bank. That's right, in a severe blackout you won't even be able to take out the money from your account that's actually yours. Solution: Get a safe and have an emergency stash of cash just in case, and it doesn't hurt to stock up on good barter items, like heavy spirits, cigarettes, and ammunition. THINGS WILL GET NASTY FAST

Of course, even if you’ve got a solution for your home, like solar cells or perhaps a generator, there's no guarantees that the phone and internet companies can get their services up while the power is down.

Probably the biggest spanner-in-theworks will be the supply of gas. People will start to hoard it for their generators at the first sign of trouble, and with the power down the pumps will fail, if they’re not emptied already. Without gas, you won't be able to travel any, or even keen your lights on.

Without power, the utilities we've all come to rely on will grind to a halt, and it'll only take a few weeks for things to get particularly nasty. Sewage lines will back up, trash will fester on the streets with no one to collect it. And that becomes a breeding ground for rats and other pests, as well as nasty bacteria that will make you incredibly sick.

Solution: Incorporate alternative communication channels into your survival plans, and ensure you've got ready access to the information you need, offline, just in case.

Solution: Start stockpiling gas to keep your generator and vehicles running, but also consider alternatives like bicycles, and electric vehicles you can recharge with your solar set up.

Solution: Create a plan with your neighbors for the sanitary disposal of waste, remembering that it's disposed at least 250 feet from any homes, or any source of water.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019 Oh, and never store your guns in their holsters. They can trap moisture from the air, and the chemicals in the leather and materials will discolor your gun over time. Don't do it. WHEN IT ALL GOES WRONG But sometimes, no matter what you've done and how hard you tried to keep it at bay, you're rewarded with a rusty gun. First, you need to check the severity. Surface rust can be wiped off, but if there's deeper pits and grooves my advice is to "bite the bullet" and take it to a professional gunsmith for an evaluation, repair and finish. If it's not quite that bad, the follow along these steps. 1. Soak a rage in rust remover, wipe your gun so it's wet and let it sit. 2. The instructions on the bottle should specify, but usually it's 5 minutes.

HOW TO CLEAN THE RUST FROM A GUN There's nothing worse than pulling a gun out of storage and seeing one of your prized possessions covered in rust. Left to its own devices, a small bit of surface rust will slowly grow, spread, and do a massive amount of damage to your firearms. A scary threat, especially if you're planning to rely on your guns and ammunition when the SHTF. WHY ARE MY GUNS RUSTING? When there's moisture in the air, or in a damp location like a buried survival cache, the water on the metal of your guns causes a chemical reaction. Converting the iron in the metal to iron oxide, or what we know as rust. You'll notice this as a reddish-brown discoloration, often accompanied by a fine powder. Surface rust can be easily wiped away, and is usually a result from moisture in the air. While deeper deposits typically occur when your guns have gotten wet and have been stored incorrectly. There's a couple of factors that play a big role here. If you're in an area that's particularly humid, or near to the sea with a higher percentage of salt in the air, you need to factor this into your gun storage. Dried salts from the sweat in your hands last time on the shooting range can start your guns rusting, especially if you don't clean your guns afterwards.

3. Rub with the rag, and the rust should wipe off as you're doing it.

You'll notice this happening as the rust will appear in a fingerprint-like design from where you've been holding it. The good news is that these kinds of surface rust are easily reparable.

4. If not, try a copper brush, just be gentle and preserve the finish.

A NATURAL BARRIER AGAINST RUST

6. Anything more aggressive is going to damage your finish.

Of course, a guns first barrier of defense against rust is the finish a manufacturer has applied to the metal of the gun. Modern guns use a variety of finishes, from the nitrocarburizing that's common on handguns to the non-metallic options like Cerakote. Stainless steel guns will rust too.

7. Once you're done, carefully inspect the pitting for any tine rust deposits.

BASICS OF RUST PREVENTION

10. Wipe it dry, then finish with your preferred gun lube of choice.

The simplest strategy to prevent rust is to make it a habit of wiping your guns down. I use a clean but oiled rag, and store them in a cool, dry place. You may even want to throw in some silica moisture control packs to help drop any water in the air, and of course, if you've been using your gun and it happens to get wet, dry it completely before you put it away. If by chance, you've managed to drop your gun in water, you will need to go a little extreme. Stripping the parts down and using high-pressured air to clean and dry it completely. If it was salt water it went in, clean it very thoroughly. It will rust if you don’t.

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5. If still not, switch to 0000 steel wool and try again.

8. If you miss any, the rust will return quite aggressively, so be sure. 9. Once you're done, wipe your gun down with a clean rag and cleaner.

And that's all there is to it. Just remember, if the damage is quite severe, your best bet is to have it professionally evaluated by a quality gun smith, they may even recommend refinishing the gun to protect against further damage in future. Because the real reason to even have a gun in the first place is self-defense, and a rusty firearm is very likely to fail, misfire or simply not work when you need it most. Take care of your weapons, cleaning and lubing them regularly, and they'll last many lifetimes.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019

IS BODY ARMOR A SMART SURVIVAL CHOICE? When it comes to being prepared, there's no better option than body armor. Not only does it protect your vital organs from shrapnel, it can help you survive a knife attack or even a bullet. There's a reason military personnel, private contractors, and even bodyguards wear body armor. It could save their life. In a crisis, you want every edge you can get. But body armor isn't always practical. In fact, a full plate set is probably far too heavy to ever be of any use, unless of course your house has come under a full-scale attack and you're fighting for your very life. Then by all means, suit up. But reality isn't always going to give you the time to prepare, and wearing this level of body armor at all times, just in case, isn't a smart option. So, what are your options? THEY TYPES OF BODY ARMOR AVAILABLE I'm not going dive into the details of the different levels of body armor, but it's important to know the key differences in the types when you're considering this level of protection. You've probably heard of a "bullet proof vest," right? They're soft, the most common, and come in a variety of thicknesses which correspond to the types of bullet they can stop.

“body armor will make you harder to take down…”

Thicker vests will stop more powerful rounds. The most heavy-duty vests will have slots for ceramic or titanium plates and are known as plated vests. These will even stop high-velocity rounds, depending on the particular vest. Separate to this, are the stab-proof vests, constructed from different materials to stop knife and blade attacks. Inside the Kevlar is usually a series of laminated plates, that offer a different kind of protection, from a cutting or stabbing attack. Some vests even offer a combination of these twpo types of protection for the greatest versatility. Depending on the threat you're most likely to face, it's important to choose your body armor accordingly, so you're adequately protected but not going overkill. WHAT GETS PROTECTED? Body armor is designed to protect your most vulnerable areas, your torso and all the organs inside, as well as your sides and back. Your arms and legs are much better able to survive a stab or bullet wound than one that goes right through your stomach. Again, it's impossible to protect your entire body unless you're riding the fight out in a tank, but I'll take any edge I can get. And body armor will make you harder to take down, and harder to kill. Good qualities when the SHTF. DON'T FORGET YOUR OPSEC Now this debate comes up a lot when you start talking about day to day life after a SHTF event. Because you've now got a target on your back every time you leave the house. Even more so if it looks like you've adequately prepared. Because it stands to reason, if you're decked out in the best survival gear, anyone who is struggling or "going without" is going to be looking at you with greedy eyes. Wondering what else you may have stored or tucked away back at home, if you had the foresight to buy body armor. You've effectively painted a target on your back. For anyone who is running low on ammunition, food, stores, or whatever other supplies they're imagining you having tucked away at home, when they're out scoping potential targets you can bet the dude in full body armor will be their first target.

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The key, is to find a balance. Getting equipment that's going to help you stay alive, but without showcasing just how well you've prepared beforehand. My advice, is, and always will be, that you need to do your best to look like everyone else. And the best body armor (unless you're about to engage in an allout war of course, because then OPSEC goes out the window), is soft vests that are thin enough to be relatively unseen, when worn under your clothes. Of course, nothing is completely invisible to the trained eye, but you don't want to make it obvious, that's for sure. MY CHOICE FOR BODY ARMOR What I've found works for me, is a much thinner choice for body armor. I get some (but not complete) protection, using my Level II vest. It's strong enough to withstand a 9mm round, but thin enough that I can wear it under my clothes without it being immediately obvious. It's not flattering that's for sure, but under a big jacket or even a hoodie, you'll never know it's there. Protected, but it's not obvious. Because a full plated set of body armor just isn't practical. It's heavy, you'll never use it as part of your everyday carry or even your bug out, and heaven forbid you wear it for more than 20 or 30 minutes or so. It's awkward, and everyone who sees you in it is going to wonder what the heck you're doing. Ultimately, deciding whether to invest in body armor is a personal choice. It may not stop every attack, especially if you're like me and get a lower level vest, but it is an added layer of protection that you wouldn't get with just a jacket and shirt. And when the SHTF that little bit extra could mean all the difference between staying alive, or not.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019

WOULD YOU MAKE IT THROUGH A HURRICANE? There's something completely primal about the force Mother Nature can wreak on a community, and with storm season coming in full swing, I thought it timely to run a piece on hurricanes. Namely, what you can do now to better prepare, and how to safely make it through every aspect of the storm. If you get it wrong, the consequences will be catastrophic, not only for your home, but you risk your very life. WHAT TO START PREPARING By now I'm sure you already have a good stockpile of supplies in order, if not, it's a good time to start putting this together. I'd recommend having at a bare minimum 72 hours' worth of food, water, and other key survival necessities (like a generator to keep your power on, and enough fuel to keep it running). A month's worth of survival supplies is better, and you should ultimately be working towards a stockpile that'll last a year.

That way, you've got everything you need at home (and ideally a minimal stockpile at another, second location, as your bug out), and don't have to venture out in search of basic supplies in the immediate aftermath. Second on the list are your fortifications.

you are recommended to evacuate, it's best to do this as fast as possible. Having your go-bags packed and ready will speed up the operation, as well as having a full tank of gas in your car so you don't need to stop. Pay close attention to the emergency broadcasts on the news and radio, they may alert

Hurricanes are rated on a scale that essentially categories how powerful it is. From Level 1, which might break a few branches off a tree, to Level 5 storms that will level your home and wipe out roads. Of course, there's not much you can do against a Level 5 storm, but simple addition to your home will greatly reduce the damage you see at all other levels. HOW TO SAFELY EVACUATE Being aware of the situation as it unfolds is key during a hurricane, because if the situation worsens and

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“working towards a stockpile that’ll last a year...”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019 GET THE FOLLOWING PREPARED IN YOUR HOME: • Installing storm shutters (or having thick ply pre-cut and ready to screw on) • Installing roof clips to stop yours being torn off when the hurricane hits • Bringing in any outdoor furniture so it doesn't get tossed around in the storm • Trimming back any large trees or branches (especially if they're above your home) • Ensure all of your storm drains and gutters are flowing freely to send the water away • Ensure any important items are stored in waterproof containers above flood lines • Having a go-bag packed and ready to evacuate at a moment's notice

cont. you to potential hazards or certain areas to avoid, but the key is to simply get on the road as fast as possible, and put as much distance between your family and the storm as you can. Important here is to have adequate maps and a route in mind (along with alternatives if a particular thoroughfare is blocked), and you've got safe locations prepared in advance where you can ride out the storm. This may be in a bug out location several counties over, a friend or relatives home in another city, even just a booking at a hotel, make sure you know where you're going so you aren't aimlessly driving around. HUNKERING DOWN TO SURVIVE If an evacuation wasn't an option, you can still survive. Perhaps you didn't make it out in time, or the storm escalated quickly and you're now stuck at home. You still have options, and it's time to start preparing. Get these done quickly, as best as you're able. Create a safe room, preferably an interior room with no windows, on the lowest level of your home. It should also be where your survival stockpile of gear is kept. Fortify it as best you can, and bring in everything you need to spend the next 72 hours in the room.

Turn off your gas lines at the source, otherwise you risk creating a massive fire hazard should one of the pipes get damaged or fail. If you can, switching your electricity and water off at the mains is also a smart idea, but this may not be practical. Use your judgement here. Barricade the interior of all windows with furniture, move closets into position as a support, wedge mattresses up against the window frames, anything you can do to better support these weak points in your home. Some people even recommend hanging and nailing tarps and/or blankets to prevent against the glass blow out, but that's up to you. If the storm hits particularly hard, you may want to take refuge under a table in your safe room, to provide an added level of overhead cover should your house go down. The last thing you want is an injury from a falling beam or debris in addition to the crisis. Then it's just a matter of staying indoors and continue monitoring the situation, giving the storm plenty of time to pass. Often, a lull in the winds is the eye of the storm, and the worst is yet to come. So make sure you're paying close attention, and don't venture out until it's safe.

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WHAT HAPPENS IN THE AFTERMATH? The sense of calm that settles after a storm will allow you to breathe a big sigh of relief, but there's still plenty of danger. Wait until you get the "all clear" from your local authorities before venturing too far from your home. You never know what potential hazards are there. • Power lines down with live cables • Gas lines broken and leaking flammable fumes • Water mains burst and creating localized flooding And then comes the clean-up. By all means help out, but don't put your own safety at risk to speed this up. If you are venturing out, wear protective clothing, stay away from murky flood waters, and if a situation like a collapsed home looks a little dodgy, don't risk it. Keeping a cool head will ensure you, and your family, make it through a hurricane unscathed.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019

EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO FIGHT OFF THE BUGS There's nothing quite like the great outdoors, and I love every minute that my family and I spend in the wild. But that's just it. It's wild, and with the wilderness comes the plague of bugs that seek to wreak havoc on your vacation and make your life miserable. I'm all for keeping the bugs at bay, but when you start researching natural remedies, they become a little impractical.

Moths and other nasties are attracted to the light, so you're ridding your camp of these, and the smoke actually provides a barrier that mosquitoes don't like. If I haven't prepared any bug repellants at all, I'll keep a handful of green leaves nearby and toss these onto the fire throughout the night. The smokier it is, the better it serves to keep the bugs away. If you're somewhere particularly bad, I'd actually recommend creating two or three additional fires.

Spraying your entire campsite with vinegar is one that gets thrown around a lot, because the bugs hate the smell. Well so do most people. And the acetic acid in white vinegar can also damage and stain your tent. Not cool.

Think of these like backup little smoke generators, that help to create a ring effect so you're effectively building a larger cloud of smoke.

So, here's what you should do instead.

But more than just smoke, there are few particular smells that the bugs just cannot stand.

START A FIRE (OR SEVERAL) The first thing you should always do once you make camp is start a fire. Fire is life in the wild, and you will need it to purify collected water, stay warm as the temperature drops, and even provide light and a means to cook your food. But fire is a great bug repellant.

SMOKE OUT THE BUGS

Citronella oil is one, and if you're headed to a particularly bad campsite, having a couple of citronella lanterns burning will not only provide a little light, but will keep the bugs at bay. Personally, I like mosquito coils, they're easy to set burning on a can or a bottle (or the stand that comes with the pack),

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and strategically placed around camp will create a little respite. This is a far easier solution than maintaining three or four separate fires, and is what I normally do, they're easy to pack in my kit, rather light, and work great. If you're looking for a natural solution, sage works a treat. Of course, if you're taking it from the wild don't devastate an entire plant to give yourself a couple of hours bugfree, a few leaves from few separate and healthy plants will work great. Just add the leaves to your fire.

“The first thing you should always do… is start a fire”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JUNE 2019 cont.

WEAR COVERALL CLOTHING

CLOSE OFF YOUR TENT

On our last trip I actually raided my wife's garden for a couple of bunches of lavender, it produced a similar effect and also quite a pleasant smell that lingered on our clothes.

Of course, the less skin you have exposed, the better. It's a simple fact, and one many people fail to implement effectively when they're in the wild.

It's also important that your tent has the ability to fully close, especially if you're in an area where there's high concentrations of bugs and other nasties. Check that there are no breaks or tears in the seams, and always keep it closed during the day.

COVER YOURSELF WITH DEET There's a reason DEET is the most popular choice for an insect repellant, is that it works so damn well. Of course, the higher percentage of DEET in a product the better, and you can buy these in both spray and cream form, depending on your personal preference. I like a spray as I can also give my tent, backpack and jacket a once over, which pretty much eliminates any pesky mosquitoes coming near me until it wears off. DEET is the single most effective way to fight off the bugs, especially if you're still hiking or making your way to camp. Because you don't want to be covered on bug bites in just the first hour or so of your adventure into the wild. Spray yourself, and be protected.

Just because it's a little warm is no excuse to wear short shorts or a singlet. The bugs will feast on you. Wear pants that cover down to your feet effectively, and even consider gaiters to stop leeches and mosquitoes from getting into your ankles and your shoes. Loose, long-sleeved shirts will protect your waist and arms, and while eager mosquitoes may bite through it, it's a good layer to spray with insect repellant so you're not putting this straight on your skin. Oh, and don't forget a good floppy hat, and for best results take a deep breath (so you're not breathing it in) and give everything a good spray with your insect repellant. You'll need to reapply this every couple of hours, but coverall clothing doused in insect repellant is probably your best bet to keep the bugs away until you set up camp for the night.

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If it's hot, you can always open the sides to let the air flow in, but keep the insect screens shut. I also like to spray the entrance of my tent with a little insect repellant too, so they don't gather on the fly screen and find their way in if you're coming and going during the night. There's nothing worse than trying to sleep with a mosquito buzzing in your ear. Keeping the bugs at bay when you're camping requires a little preparation, a little forward thinking, and that you're a little proactive in taking the right steps to shield your camp and yourself from all the little nasties that want to feast on you when you're in the wild. Do it right, and you'll start enjoying your time in the outdoors again.