Basic Survival Equipment by Michael Ironwolf

Basic Survival Equipment
                              By
                      Michael Ironwolf

For the last several weeks we have observed semi-catastrophic
natural disasters occur first in the islands of the caribbean and
South Carolina (hurricane Hugo) followed closely by the medium
scale earthquake in San Francisco. At this point, it becomes
quite easy to place the blame for the suffering caused by these
disasters on the people involved (inadequate preparation, failure
to evacuate) or their government (lack of emergency food supplies,
poor building/highway construction).

As a survival oriented person you have already learned that even
amongst the few million “conservative” members of the population
you are in the minority and are most likely considered an outcast
or a “strange” individual. You also understand that the “masses”
CANNOT be educated into survival. Their socialist mindset expects
“someone else” (authority figure) to take care of their needs.
The very IDEA of possibly having to prepare for a hardship of
any kind threatens to DESTROY their frame of reality and thus
everything they believe in. The government on the other hand, is
in the business of PEOPLE CONTROL. Period. It does not care for the
individual citizens welfare an so it CANNOT prepare for it. The
government system can only react to a given situation. This takes
varying amounts of time. The longer the time, the greater the
people suffer. It is no surprise then to conclude that disaster
survival is a personal choice and the responsibility belongs to
each individual citizen.

In any survival situation, the basic needs of food, water and shelter
must be met as well as personal protection from those attempting
to appropriate YOUR food, water and shelter. We should expect an
increase in the number of individuals interested in survival. In
addition, after observing the lawlessness that occurred in St. Croix
what with the military HELPING the looters, we should also expect
some “SOFT Survivalists” (NO GUNS) to become “Hard Survivalists”
(LOTS OF GUNS). Please welcome them into our ranks. (They didn’t
know any better). This basic list of individual equipment will
give anyone, veteran or newbie, a place to start obtaining the
hardware they will need in the very near future.

The following list of equipment should be considered a BASIC
load and will continue to be improved as finances permit.
Ideally, your “Bug Out Bag” is utilized to provide for your
needs enroute to your retreat site or if relocation is
necessary due to pursuit by an invading army or secret police.

Your personal equipment demands the best that money can buy. In
almost every case this is government issue or contract overrun
produced equipment. Take advantage of the millions of dollars
of R & D the government has done and buy things that will
literally last decades if properly maintained.

            Mandatory Basic Equipment Survey Checklist

3   Bag, Duffle, G.I., Nylon, Type II, O.D.
1   Belt, Pistol, Nylon, LC-2, O.D.
1   Harness, LBE “Y” or “H”, Nylon, O.D.
2   Cover, Canteen, Nylon, O.D., 1 qt.
1   Cup, Canteen, Steel, 1 qt.
2   Canteen, Plastic, O.D., 1 qt.
3   Opener, Can, P-38, Steel or Aluminum
1   Utensil, Eating, Knife/Fork/Spoon
1   Kit, Mess, G.I.,   Steel or Aluminum
3   Matches, Waterproof/Windproof, Survival, Boat
2   Knife, Combat, U.S.M.C. K-Bar or Equiv
2   Pouch, Magazine, G.I., Nylon, O.D., 3 X 30 rd.
1   Shovel, Tri-fold, (G.I. Reconditioned NOT Chinese Import !)
1   Cover, Shovel, Nylon or Neoprene
1   Buttpack w/carrying Strap, G.I., O.D. (Nylon or Web)
1   Sling, Silent, 1 1/4″ or M60 GPMG
1   Compass, Lensmatic, G.I., O.D., Tritium
1   Compass, Backup (Silva or Equiv)
1   Blanket, G.I., O.D., 80% Wool
1   Bag, Sleeping, G.I., O.D., Intermediate (Synthetic NOT Down)
2   Pouch, First Aid/Compass, Empty
1   Flashlight, Anglehead, O.D. or Black
1   Frame, Ruck, ALICE, LC-2 (or LC-1)
1   Ruck, ALICE, large or medium, G.I., Nylon, O.D.
1   Pr. Straps, Shoulder, Quick Release, ALICE, LC-2,(or LC-1)
1   Waist Belt, ALICE LC-2 (only)
1   Bladder, Canteen, 5 qt.
1   Poncho, Camo, Nylon , G.I., (1 req’d., 2 recommended)
1   Poncho, O.D., Rubber, G.I.
1   Liner, Poncho, Camouflage
1   pr. Pants, Rain, O.D. or Camo
1   Case, Map, Assault Systems type, Small
1   Kit, 1st Aid, Parachutist, Complete
1   Stove, Special Forces, ESBIT Type, Small
9   Hexamine, Bar, Heating (For Stove)
1   Carbiner, Steel, Black, (Search & Rescue Type)
1   Webbing, Tubular, 1″ Black, Swiss seat, 14′ long
1   Mirror, Distress, Signal, 2′ X 3″, G.I.
3   Repellent, Insect, G.I.
2   Stick, Camo.,Shades-Loam,light green,Sand,White,Etc.
1   Balm, Lip, Artic
1   Balm, Lip, Hot Climate (With #35 Sunscreen)
2   Bot Tab, Water Purifier (Potable Aqua) (Iodine NOT Chlorine)
1   Filter, Water, Micro-ceramic, (First Need)
2   Soap, Ivory (UNSCENTED)
2   Toothbrush/Toothpaste
1   Razor
1   Washcloth, O.D.
1   Towel, O.D.
1   Can, Silicone, Waterproofing Spray
4   Ration, MRE, G.I., Current Manufacture

                 Mandatory Clothing Survey Checklist

1   pr. Boots, Combat or Jungle
1   pr. Laces, Boot
3   pr. Socks, O.D., cushion Sole or Equiv.
3   Shirts, T.,Choice of: O.D.,Black, AIRR, or Camo
1   pr. Shells, gloves, D3A
1   pr. Liners, gloves, D3A, wool, O.D.
1   Sweater, Wool, Choice of O.D.,Black, or Camo. ONLY
1   Sweater, Acrylic, Same as above, ONLY IF ALLERGIC to WOOL
1   Belt, Pants
1   set Long Underwear, Black, Thermax
2   set Pants and Shirt set, Fatigue, Camouflage, Ripstop
        G.I.Woodland, G.I.Tigerstripe Viet-Nam
1   Jacket, Field, M65          Pattern of Uniform Chosen.
1   Liner, Jacket, Field, M-65
1   Cap, Patrol, Ear Flaps,     Pattern Of Uniform Chosen
1   Cap, Boonie,                Pattern Of Uniform Chosen

               Minimum Weapon Requirement

1   Rifle, Colt AR-15
1   Kit, Cleaning (Rod, Patches, Oil)
1   Case, Kit, Cleaning
7   Magazine, Colt AR-15, 30 Round
600 Rounds .223 Ammunition

1   Pistol, U.S. Govt Issue Type
            .45 Cal Colt Govt
            9mm Beretta 92F
            9mm SIG SAUER P226
3   Magazine, Pistol, 15 Round
200 Rounds Ammunition

Tips & Tricks :

1. The ammunition requirements are BARE MINIMUM. Should you be
   forced to defend yourself, you and your team could eat up
   a case of 1000 rounds in 6 or 7 MINUTES! Stock up now !

2. Always purchase surplus used excellent/very good or contract
   production overruns. DO NOT BUY overseas imports (except for
   Korean Jungle Boots..OK) or reproductions. You NEED the
   tough mil spec construction/materials.

3. Your sleeping bag should ALWAYS be synthetic (holifil) or
   equivalent. DO NOT USE GOOSE DOWN. It gets wet, you freeze.
   You freeze, You die.

4. Water purification tablets should be IODINE based. Chlorine
   based tablets do not kill giardia parasites.

5. Use an unscented soap like ivory. Its cheap, keeps for
   a long time and is a good CATFISH BAIT for fishing. In
   addition, heavy perfume scents can be detected by animals
   in the bush (2 & 4 footed animals)

6. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the new fabrics to make
   like more comfortable. Gortex (waterproof), Thermax (warmth)
   and Kevlar (antiballistic) are very useful. In addition,
   use of silicone waterproofing spray on cammies, boots, packs
   and sleeping bags is recommended.

7. When packing your kit ALWAYS distribute the weight evenly.
   Remember that someone besides an adult male (wife,children)
   may be forced to “get started” without you.

8. The construction of your “Bug Out Bag” is a personal project
   and should reflect your personal needs. It is not a good idea
   to buy a cute little prepackaged “survival bag”, set it in
   the closet and forget it. Remember that 35-40% of the cost of
   that product is “profit” to the dealer. Good equipment at
   good prices can be had at small surplus stores, gun shows
   and even better deals can be had by mail order.

If you are a serious equipment buyer, immediately purchase the
Live Free Report on “Buying Surplus” for an EXCELLENT background
on equipment purchasing. Next time we will discuss current sources
of military equipment and surplus.

This equipment list is an expanded version of a list originally
posted on Ken Segers Survival Bulletin Board 821-2815 St Louis.
Support your survival computer bulletin boards.

For a complete list of reports on preparedness subjects and the most
recent version of “Survival Sources” please send a LSASE and $1 To:
Research Reports  P.O. Box 42003-214  Phoenix, AZ  85080=8A