The ISG Team archive.
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
The Train
The old American Experiment is on some troubling tracks. Here are some thoughts on what we can do.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Inauguration Day
A short blog post bringing some perspective to the wider world as we navigate Inauguration Day.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: The Makarov
In this article, we will outline below why we believe that the Makarov should be considered as a well-rounded compact EDC carry gun for OCONUS use.Enter the Mak
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Mythbusting: Baofengs Radios
You see these radios everywhere; influencers trying to look technically competent post pictures of their Baofengs constantly. Why is that bad? Let's dive in.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
The Definitive IFAK Article
The one-stop-shop article for what you need and where to get it. No marketed or paid-for premade solutions here.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
2020: Basic Training for the Decade
Here's to hoping for a safe, happy, and productive 2021 - while acknowledging that it was very likely the first in a series of very troubled years.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Special Forces Worship
The preparedness community loves guns, and our SF units are the major leagues of using them. But is right for them right for us?
Tactical
May 14, 2018
The myth and legend of the Gray Man
While blending in is an entirely reasonable goal, we discuss why so often the lip service paid to 'being gray' sells the concept woefully short.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Spheres of Violence 1: Overview
Real talk: Your experience probably isn't relevant. Here's how to strip it to its parts, and use what is to solve the toughest problems.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
Building an ISG Rig: The 80-Series Diesel Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser is one of the ISG family's iconic pieces of equipment. Have you ever wondered about owning a diesel? We tackle the reasons, pros, cons.
Adventure
Apr 25, 2018
Maudlow
Contrary to the “Hills have Eyes” myths perpetrated by Hollywood’s effete, rural America is a lost, lonely place that deserves understanding, not ridicule.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Bad practice: Is your spouse is a Liability?
The case of Mark and Patricia McCloskey have one dramatic lesson to be learned - if you're not discussing security with your family, you're wrong.
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
Spheres of Violence 3: The Universal Language
Those encouraging violence in our society are trapping us in a deadly game. We discuss the outcomes and consequences of the "Boys of Low Standing" and violence.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
Building an ISG Rig 2: The Land Cruiser
The 80-series Land Cruiser is riding a wave of well-deserved popularity right now. If you've ever considered what it'd take to rebuild one, we've got answers.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
Driving 401: Immobilized Vehicle
The vast majority of vehicle tactics courses try and directly translate military, security contractor, or police tactics for civilian use. Here's our take.
K9 Emergencies 101: Bleeding Control
Your dogs get hurt, too. Learn to apply the skills and acquire the equipment needed for everything you'll want to keep your puppers safe from catastrophe.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
Driving 301: Off-Road Expeditions
Once you've got your vehicle and some basic driving skills, it's time to get out and enjoy them. Here's a quick look at how to get the most out of your trips.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Triage for Responder Zero
A quick and dirty guide on triage for non-medical personnel.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Concussions, the Silent Epidemic
One in Four Americans report to having suffered a concussion, but not nearly that amount know what to do about it.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Radio Communication 201: Short Range HAM Radio Operation
In this article, Drew breaks down the basics of short-range HAM radio, bands, and operations to better understand their pros and cons in the US and abroad.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Trust your Gut: Reading People
A tremendous amount of what we communicate is done without saying a word. We look at some of the things to look for when interacting with people.
The Training Mindset
Here at ISG, we talk much on the topic of “mindset” as it applies to situations - here we discuss mindset as it relates to training.
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
Civil War Huckleberries
The US hasn't quite yet committed itself to a full-scale civil war, but the friction is causing smoke. Here are our thoughts on how this might play out.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Your LifeStraw isn't good enough.
If you're looking at anything more than a stroll through the woods with reasonably clean water, you need a real water filter.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Selecting a Backpack
From the mundane to the opulent, we've tested a wide variety of backpacks for sustainment, fieldcraft, and emergencies. Here are some of our takeaways.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Intro to K9 Emergencies: IFAK Composition
Dogs get hurt, too. What you need to patch them up isn't all-too-different from what you'd use on yourself, but the differences are important.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: The "Carrington Event" and Solar Cycle Doom
EMP has been a boogieman for preppers and survivalists for years. Did you know it's largely outdated and based on fiction? We bring out the science. Check it.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
Building an ISG Rig 3: Land Rover Discovery II Roverhaul
The Land Rover Discovery II was a vampire of the car world, notoriously sucking owners dry with repair bills. They also had some superhuman capability off road.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Collecting Hammers and the Pillars of Skill Building
There's an adage in the training world; "tools for the toolbox". but are people really building a complete and useful panoply of skills, or collecting hammers?
News & Events
May 6, 2019
Particle Collider to Blame for 2020, leading scientists say
Breaking news: Leading scientists believe act of slamming together "God particles" may have awakened cosmic wrath.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Understanding Emergencies
The foundation of Integrated Skills Group, Understanding Emergencies is the lens through which we view every potential problem and find solutions. Start Here.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: The Revolver
Grandpappy's revolver might not be the ideal weapon for concealed carry anymore, but you should still know how to pick up and run one efficiently. Learn more.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
CAT TQ 101
The Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) from North American Rescue is easily the most ubiquitous tourniquet in the North American landscape. Heres some tips.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Bug Out Vehicles
Bug out Vehicles buck the ISG trend of eye-rollingly bad concepts; they actually serve a dual purpose. Join us as we discuss the benefits of an Off-Road Rig.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Pistol Shooting Drills 201
A collection of warm-up pistol drills to work at on the range. Focusing on the fundamentals and marksmanship.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Ruth Stout's "No Work Gardening" Method
If you're looking to plant a garden but don't have the time for digging and soil amendment, give this a try. All you need is hay, seeds, and a patch of ground.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Lines of Equipment 2: Sustainment
The Bug out Bag is one of the most flogged and flawed concepts out there. Learn how to sustain yourself with the right equipment instead of trying to bug out.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
A Primer on Protective Masks
With disaster management, it's common to hear talk about Gas Masks. Are they useful? Not until they are, and then... with caveats. Here's our take.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Field Health: Introduction to Field Health Concerns
Most of the discussion around medical concerns are geared towards the Type I emergency. What about the longer term threats to health? Join us to dive deeper.
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
Gell-Mann Amnesia and Group Identity
Schopenhauer said "All truth passes through 3 stages". Here we discuss why ridicule and violent opposition are the defenses of weak organizations.
Adventure
Apr 25, 2018
Neosho Falls
In the interest of both history and adventure, we often travel to place that have been left behind. This is one of their stories.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Everyday Carry: Everybody's Wrong
In this article, we define what EDC is really about: matching your ability and equipment in a way that makes you always an asset.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Escape and Evasion 201: The Lam
Have you ever considered what it's like to be hunted by other humans? In E&E2, we discuss trying to actually escape and some of the things you can expect.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Urban Search and Rescue Codes
Have you ever seen the X on abandon homes during emergencies? Here, we decode the FEMA X-code, as well as INSARAG's codes.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Hard Lessons: Urban Survival
You want to talk about what it's like living in the urban landscape in a collapse? Here's some real talk: it's right here, in front of our faces.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Escape and Evasion 301: Harsh Reality
There's no shortage of 'counter-custody' courses teaching citizens how to escape captivity. Let's discuss the best way to escape: planning and avoidance.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Escape and Evasion 101: Overview
The worst case scenario for most people is illegal detention by criminals or hostile states. We discuss some myths and consideratons about E&E.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Super-Eruptions
Ever worried about the Yellowstone Caldera blowing it's top? We've got some solid information on why you should give eruptions serious thought.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: Running the AK
The AK's popularity has rocketed with American shooters in the last decade, but have the techniques kept pace? We say "not even a little". Learn to run the AK.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Subsistence Gardening: Starting a Garden
Starting a garden can be a daunting task. In this article, ISG author and master gardener Barry V. gives his some thoughts on how to start a subsistence garden.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Picking Locks: Non-Destructive Bypass
When discretion matters, knowing how to defeat security without leaving a trail of destruction is invaluable. Join us as we discuss defeating physical security.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Don't be a Parrot
ISG's take on why 'safety in numbers' is crippling an honest discussion on the state of the self-protection industry. Join us outside the mainstream.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Responder Zero
Before those with the authority to help, those who choose whether or not they have the capacity to help are on scene. If your time comes, will you be an asset?
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
The Seeds of (unconventional) War
2020 gifted us a strike on a top Iranian official right off the bat. Here's our take on what it means for us.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
A Primer on Radio Communication
We take communications perilously for granted; in the age of cell phones, what are some other options for emergencies and adventuring? Drew explains.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
COVID19 and the Type III Emergency
With COVID19 making big waves around the world today, it's time to weigh in on some of the writing on the wall, what we can do about it, and what we can't.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Medical Skills: Don't forget the basics
Often, discussions of medical equipment center around wound packing, tourniquets, and chest seals... but what are we missing when we skip straight to trauma?
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Hard Lessons: The Non-Permissive Environment
Think you know about the non-permissive environment? We give some hard lessons about laws, ethics, and methods of staying under the radar.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
The Thin Blue Line
The Thin Blue Line is supposed to represent stalwart defenders holding off chaos from the masses. Check us out for our perspective on the real threats.
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
Toxic Masculinity: Don't knock it 'til you try it
You've probably heard of toxic masculinity. You've probably heard the outrage on both sides. Want the reality without the politics? Check us out.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Bad Practice: Dual Wielding
Chances are you already know that trying to shoot two long guns at once is a bad idea... we tackle the topic from a rational perspective in "Dual Wielding".
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
After Action: Street Race Wreck
In this review of a street race wreck, the ISG team discusses skills and tools to be an asset in a medical emergency.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Bad Practice: Bad Holsters
Holsters are one of the first places people default to "It works for me" logic. Here's why that really means "I've never really tested it."
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Bad Practice: G-Wrap
In this Article, we confront the "G-Wrap" technique and give our thoughts on why this technique doesn't hold up based on our experiences in real world fights.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Bad Practice: "Advanced" courses for Beginners
Classes aren't your opportunity to self-promote. If you show up underready as a student, or allow it as an instructor, you're wrong. Here's how to avoid that.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Be Judgmental
Society has tried to condition judgment out of us, but making judgments is a cruicial part of seeing problems before they blindside you. Find out how here.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Deep Concealment and Cold Weather
Cold weather means changing your layers a bit. The ISG team tested different carry methods to determine which were best... read on to see our results.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: Introduction
We believe that guns are a responsibility, in addition to being a right. You owe it to those with whom you share a free society to be an asset, not a liability.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: The Shotgun
The shotgun is the bastard child of the gun world, and for good reason, but you should still know these techniques for running one better than the enemy.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Everyday Awareness and Schrödinger's Cat
Awareness is more than sitting in the back corner or knowing where the exits are. We go beyond the clichés to bring you *actionable* situational awareness.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Mobility Training
One of the most underrated physical abilities is those which help you move your body through the world. Find out how equipment impacts your performance.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: 4Sevens Quark QT2L Flashlight
A good, durable, and efficient hand held torch is a crucial piece of equipment for the ISG lifestyle. We review the 4Sevens QT2L after years of use.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: Gerber MP400
A good multi-tool bridges the gap between uselessness and the ability to perform small fixes. After years of use, we discuss the Gerber MP400.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: Isle Royale Mini
A good canvas bag has the classic elements of good looks, rugged construction, and generational durability... but at what cost? Check out our thoughts.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Lines of Equipment: Everyday Carry Concepts
The topic of EDC as you've never seen it before: without the opinion. We discuss the topic from the ground up, using reasoning and experience.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Off-Grid Energy: Solar
Do you think having a solar panel in your bug out bag is going to keep you in technology? ...about that... We say it isn't that easy.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: Why the Handgun?
It's said 'handguns are to fight your way to a rifle'. That's nonsense. The handgun is often ideal, but you'll need to put in work to be an asset.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Lock Tower
The lock tower is an easy way to keep your practice material for lock sport in a convenient, simple, and somewhat realistic location.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
Driving 101: Basic Skills
Part of our game plan is telling people things they don't want to hear, so let's start with this: Statistically, you probably suck at driving.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Low Light Tactics for the Regular Person
In this article we discuss how light works with our eyes, and how tactics and technique can help us minimize risk in the low light environment as citizens.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
One Handed Shooting
One of the main strengths of the handgun is the ability to use it one handed. Here's the case that you should be spending WAY more time building this skill.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Course Review: Shivworks ECQC
ECQC is perhaps the one course that truly defines the ISG approach to weapons handling. Check our review for why we view it as the "gold standard" in training.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: Katadyne Vario Water Filter
No other item you pack is as important as your water filter. After years of testing, we break the silence on the Katadyne Vario and it's pros and cons.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: Saddleback Leather Backpack
Saddleback Leather claims "they'll fight over it when you're dead" of their backpack. After breaking a snap, we're ready to discuss why they may not have to.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Destructive Entry Overview
In an emergency, you may need to quickly gain access to resources without worrying about breaking stuff. Introducing "destructive entry".
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Don't Wear the Juice 2: Resiliency and Competence
In this follow up to our article on Dunning-Kruger's effect, we discuss how training properly creates a web of competence that counteracts incompetence.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Glossary of Terms
This glossary is an easy reference to some of the terminology commonly used in preparedness circles.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Man's Worst Enemy
How do animals vector disease and infestations during emergencies? Learn how man's best friend can turn into your worst enemy during times of crisis.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Medical Emergency: Infection
Here we tell the story of Harold Tycksen who fought desperately against the clock to stop an infection that nearly cost him his life and changed his life.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: "Tampons stop bleeding" and other Fairytales
Do you ever get tired of gun culture's endless stream of cliches, anachronisms, and tropes? Yeah. Us too. Gut check the Dunning Kruger's club.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Español para Norte Americanos
If you've ever wanted a simple primer with some phrases in Spanish, we've created one for you to both learn from, and use in the field.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Home Security Audit
Do you think your home security is up to par? Check out our audit, print it off, and see how your security holds up.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Herb Spiral
The simple construction and utility of the design makes it an excellent addition to your resilience plan that adds flavor and character to your yard.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Hard Lessons: Bring a Knife to a Gunfight
In this article we discuss when and how knives should be considered as an option on the self-protection spectrum. Ignore the clichés and study the short blade.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Don't Wear the Juice 1: Dunning-Kruger's Effect
Often, the loudest voices, the best circulated ideas, and the boldest assertions are from people who know little or nothing about what they're talking about.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: Wolverine 1000-Mile Boots
Good boots are a thing of beauty, and these days, disposable. The 1000-mile boot is made to last... but is it competitive with modern hiking boots?
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Carry The Fire
In ancient times, firebearers rode ahead protecting coals to light a signal fire for their tribe. In our time, we strive to do the same with our culture.
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
The Great Reset
Eventually, all things break down. This article gives the scientific reasoning for ISG's existence. With care, our culture will continue after our society dies.
