The ISG Team archive.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Hard Lessons: Hurricane Florence, Part 1
Ever wondered what happens when a community takes a hurricane on the chin? Michael Jenkins shares his story... and it's not a survival fantasy.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Bad Practice: Mission Critical Baby carrier and holster
Ever wondered why it's not a great idea to strap a gun to your baby, and your baby to your chest? Neither did we until we saw Mike Warren. Here's our rebuttal.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
Driving 301: Off-Road Expeditions
When it comes to off road sports or adventure, it's important to size up what you want to do. There's mudding, rock-crawling, wheeling, trails riding, off-road expeditions, there's overland travel, and all sorts of in-between. All require something just a little different of the driver, as well, but there are some universal principles. This is a very 'down and dirty' version that gives some ideas for what to expect when preparing for a trip. In future articles, we'll discuss more of the technique involved as well more specific information about things like setting up kitchens, roof-top tents, and camp sanitation.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Why URBEX?
Urban Exploration is a risky pursuit, often reserved for vandals and the social fringe. Why is it a valuable tool for training? We look at the unique qualities that URBEX provides the serious student of collapsed environment.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Why The Raven?
The Raven was selected to represent the ISG family due to it's legendary adaptability, it's problem solving, and it's commitment to it's community. In this article, we answer the question of "Why the Raven" in greater detail.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Water in Emergencies: Hazards and Purification
Water is a non-negotiable, high-use consumable. Said another way, you'll never not need it. Disasters restrict our access to clean water in a number of ways, so we have to have a plan that can stretch it's arms just a little further than circumstance. Join us as we discuss some ways to keep water clean and on hand in emergencies.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Water in Emergencies: Swiftwater and Floods
In this continuation of our "Water in Emergencies" series, we segue from threats of contamination and parasites to the physical threats presented by floods. In addition, we discuss how to identify surface water features in the swiftwater environment and identify what those features mean if you're trapped in swiftwater or are part of a rescue.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Hard Lessons: Urban Survival
When people talk about "Urban Survival", they loosely break into two camps: "It's not possible, bug out" and "hold down the block with your guns". Here's some real talk: There's urban collapse all around us right now, and having been exposed to a good deal of it, here are our "lessons learned" about the hard, cold reality of life on the streets.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Urban Skills: Emergency Rappelling
Most of the time when you encounter 'emergency rappelling', the topic is from the perspective of the rescuer and geared towards mountaineering and rock climbing. But what about the person who's looking for an expedient method of egress in the urban environment? Our team took what we learned from traditional rappelling and began to look through the urban landscape for when and where you might need an emergency rappelling device for the urban landscape. Join us for "Urban Skills: Emergency Rappelling".
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Urban Search and Rescue Codes
The X Code is one of the most ubiquitious images from disaster zones, but they're not alone... In this article, we discuss the use, meaning, and procedure around FEMA X-Codes, and explore the INSARAG's international coding system. If you found yourself in the Post-Disaster Environment, would you be able to read the signs?
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Understanding Emergencies
Survival is a beat to death cliche. Learn why the last 30 years of prepper culture can be left behind, and a sane, rational, and practical framework to managing emergencies is still relevant today. Understanding Emergencies is our flagship work, and it's purpose is to give you a clear understanding of how Integrated Skills Group views resilence and disaster management.
Arms Law
Jan 31, 2019
Traveling with Firearms - On the Road
In general, one can believe that if he conducts himself reasonably, he should be free from punishment. For most people who lack the time or interest in making a career of studying dumb laws, this is a pretty safe modus operandi. However, when it comes to guns, that isn’t always the case. Doing something that seems completely safe and reasonable with guns, in some states, can get you jailed. For this reason, traveling with guns is something that should be done with particular care, not just for safety related to the gun, but for safety from ridiculous laws.
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
Toxic Masculinity: Don't knock it 'til you try it
The American Psychological Association has found traditional masculine values to be 'toxic'. In this article, we pick apart some of the APA's findings, and offer a perspective on masculinity that's fallen dim under society's erraticism. We discuss why these values are an ancestral treasure, a link to our own history, and how - as men and women who honor those who gave us this world we've inherited - we owe it to our forebearers to stay strong.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
The "Not in the face!" School of Violence
Let's tackle a hard truth: Not everyone who gives advice should. When it comes to fighting for your life, it pays to be discerning. In this article, we call out some "not in the face!" instructors who need to rethink their approch, and we give some thoughts on not getting killed (or beat savagely) from our experiences.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Hard Lessons: The Non-Permissive Environment
Here's some gritty, controversial thoughts on "non-permissive environments". Despite the FBI's acknowledgment that Citizens have an overwhelmingly positive influence on active shooters, there are still places and states that citizens can't legally apply their rights. In this article, we discuss the moral, legal, and functional aspects of carrying weapons in the non-permissive environment both domestically and abroad. Short story and disclaimer: have other options, but know the ropes. This is for 'informational' purposes only...
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
The Look of Substance: Tactical Pageantry
Too often, instructors and teachers are relying on their credentials to validate their expertise. The problem is this: It's experience that's relevant. Plenty of professionals have little experience, and fewer yet can make that relevant. So what should you look for? Glad you asked.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
The “Core Four” of EDC
There are countless posts and topics on "everyday carry", and most are written by people with only a vague notion of what it means to be useful. In this article, we discuss the primary four tools that help us overcome both circumstance, and our own physiological deficiencies... Join us for "The Core Four of EDC".
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
The Best Medicine: Lessons from Afghanistan
In this account from Afghanistan, ISG author Aaron details a series of events that occurred over a couple months and culminated in some advice regarding the best medicine a doctor can prescribe. It serves both as an autobiographical account, a story of the daily life of the Afghan, and a homage to those who died to make the story possible. Part love story, part tragedy, we hope you join us in The Deep End for "The Best Medicine".
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Subsistence Gardening: Keyhole Gardens
KEYHOLE GARDENING Check out this Simple, Productive Gardening Method Interested in healthy fruit and vegetables grown using organic gardening techniques? Would you like to be at least partly self-sufficient in food production? Glyphosate — a non-specific herbicide that is a principal ingredient in Monsanto’s Round-Up — is present in trace amounts in at least some of the store-bought food we eat and water we drink. The World Health Organization has stated that glyphosate is a “probable human carcinogen” while the state of California declared it to be a human carcinogen. Meet keyhole gardening — an important development in growing healthy food at home.
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
The Strength of the Pack
In "The Strength of the Pack", we traverse an intellectual landscape spanning 2400 years, across various cultures to pull together some common themes in functional groups. Specifically, why do some groups become "greater than the sum of their parts", while others fracture, faction, and disintegrate? Using examples spanning from Aristotle, Kipling, Erickson, and Google, we make the case that the single most crucial crop you can cultivate is trust. Join us for "The Strength of the Pack".
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Fact to Action: Active Shooters
The results of the FBI's study of active shooters, this article examines their findings and discusses the actionable steps we can take to stop active shooters, if we find ourselves in an active shooter crisis.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Spheres of Violence 1: Overview
Often times, self-protection experts claim to know how to solve criminal problems, but does expertise in warfare or policing translate to violence in the civilian world? In this article, we discuss the different types of violence, the source of our training in how to fight it, and how more often than not, we're only hearing one half of the story. Join us to take a peek behind the dark curtain of reality and into the minds of violent offenders in "Spheres of Violence".
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Relevant Training
In this article, we discuss why it's important that we emphasize relevance in our training. If we truly want to be more capable people, striking out blindly will lead to years of taking bad advice, following bad examples, and underdevelopment. What we want is to explain how and why the ability to self assess and identify relevant training is critical to your ability to grow out of our society's "learned helplessness".
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Reading Terrain
In this addition of Level Up, we discuss terrain, how it affects travel, how we can use it to our advantage, and how to turn it into an advantage. Please join us as we lay the foundation for a fundemental outdoorsman's skill: reading terrain.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Question the Experts
Question the Experts is the culmination of our series on Relevant and Contextual training. In this, we discuss not only why we should continually question the experts (and allow ourselves to be questioned), but how to do so. Without getting into lengthy discussions about rhetoric or the like, we present some meaningful and actionable ways to engage people without turning conversations into battles of ego.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Purpose Makes Us Stronger
At the core of culture is purpose; this concept unites or divides us, and when we find ourselves in a society that doesn't require it, purpose evaporates. In this article, we discuss why purpose is essential to our culture at ISG, and how we find purpose to drive us forward.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
One Handed Shooting
This article introduces the practical main situations in which one handed shooting is a non-negotiable skill. Join us as we discuss each, and look at the data and experiences that led to our conclusion. One handed shooting is a pistol skill that is often over-looked, or dismissed. At ISG, we live by the words "Always do the hard thing first". Here, we'll justify our insistence that anyone who carries a handgun should be able to operated it one handed.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Off-Grid Energy: Solar
There's a lot of Solar Power 'fan fiction' going around, and just about everyone's disaster plan includes the ubiquitious "alternative energy". Here's the long and short of Solar Power after several years of testing. The bottom line? Don't overestimate what you'll get out of Solar Power. Find out how we reached that conclusion in "Off-Grid Power: Solar".
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Picking Locks: Non-Destructive Bypass
Picking locks isn't just for criminals. Having the ability to bypass locks comes in handy in daily life as a way to assist your friends and family, as well as solve your own problems without having to call a locksmith. The tools are legal in most states and a few hours of training can have you working your way around lost or misplaced keys without having to rekey a door or cut a lock off. As a part of a well rounded skill profile, understanding security is an essential part, and there's no better way to understand it than to challenge it. Join us for "Non-Destructive Bypass".
Adventure
Apr 25, 2018
Nature: The Beautiful Psychopath
Nature is becoming a more and more common place for people to spend time, but is her accessibility masking her cruel nature? In this article, we look at the grim reality: That nature is a murderous, impartial force that can test us at any time. Do you make time to consider how to beat her at her own game?
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: The "Carrington Event"
There is a lot of talk about EMP bringing civilization to it's knees. In this article we discuss why that's not likely given that we've had major EMP events in recent history that didn't cause much damage. We discuss what causes EMP vulnerabilities, the science behind superheated gasses, and rational preparations you can make that will insulate you against weaponized EMP.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Super-Eruptions
One of the "who's who" of disaster lore, the Volcanic Super-eruption is a pop culture favorite. Our goal is stopping the propagation of bad information, but with this one, there's a lot to consider. If you've ever wanted a realistic,sourced brief on the threat of super-volcanoes, we've got it for you. Join us for "Mythbusting: Super-eruptions".
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Failure Is Bad
Many, many times in the course of any discipline, you will fail. Sometimes a little, sometimes spectacularly. We created this article because of the things you don't see in the age of instant digital entertainment: Failure.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Enough Guns
Guns are not a talisman. In this article, we discuss the myth that you can't have too many guns, and how to prioritize in such a way that the guns you have are useful and used with proficiency and maturity. It won't be as boring as it sounds. Mugatu is in it.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Climate Disasters
Every week or so, we hear renewed calls to action regarding some sort of major climate shift that's going to wreck havoc on our society and globe. While it's fine to ask "what if this were true?" it's also smart to address the matter from a scientific perspective. Drawing on over a decade of experience in Earth Science, Meteorology, and Climate, this article starts on the ground floor and addresses some of the myths surrounding runaway climate changes. When they DO occur, it's probably not for the reasons you expect...
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Bug Out Vehicles
There are endless discussions of what the ultimate bug out vehicle is, but what does that mean? We take a look at exaggerated claims, off-road necessities, and the right mindset to solve problems. The vehicle is just another tool that gives us options, so don't think of it as something just for bugging out. A well set up rig can mean not only a little greater preparedness, but also an open door to some sweet, sweet adventuring.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Bug Out Bag and Bugging Out
Survivalists and preppers have popularized the idea of "bugging out", but the reality is this: If you leave your home on foot with only what you can carry, you're not a survivalist, you're a refugee. Join us as we discuss why you don't need to start with the idea of bugging out as a plan.
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. Here's a couple examples that we'll firmly debunk, and a few ways to gut check assertions made by the Dunning-Krueger's club.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Your LifeStraw isn't good enough.
Mythbusting takes on the issue of straw-type filters and gives our look at why we've moved away from them for higher output, user friendly, end-user servicable filters. In this article, we'll make the case that a $20 filter is going to give you $20 worth of protection against one of the world's most serious, common diseases and they're wholly inadequate for small groups, families, or bad conditions.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Move, Shoot, Communicate
Few things are paid more lip service than "move shoot communicate". In this article, we take a look at an example of why we can't just throw the phrase around and expect it to do the work. Without timing, tact, and dosage, it's meaningless. Join us as we lay out how to make the phrase meaningful, and the skills you'll need if you want to be able to move, shoot, and communicate.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Mobility Training
One of our most basic elements of personal preparedness is what we call mobility. While mobility spans from travel on foot to piloting specialized craft, in this first of the series we discuss individual mobility and how to prepare for it. This article is meant to shed light on the fallacy surrounding "bugging out" and other similar concepts, and ties directly to our work on how to pack, outfit, and prepare for any situation. Join us for "Level Up: Mobility".
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Medical Emergency: Infection
This article is the account Harold and Rachele Tycksen; Harold was affected by a swift moving bacterial infection that led to an amputation of most of his foot. With their permission, we discuss some of the signs and symptoms that led to the infection, some of the history of infections, and relay the experiences the Tycksen's encountered as they fought desperately against the clock to stop an infection that could have taken Harold's life.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Man's Worst Enemy
Learn how man's best friend can turn into your worst enemy during times of crisis. We disect the common problems with feral animals, vermin, and insects as they relate to the post-disaster environment. In addition to a simple breakdown of diseases, we discuss the skills necessary to treat problems brought on by living in close proximity with animals during hard times.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Low Light Tactics for the Regular Person
Low light problems are difficult to navigate when they're 'cut and dry', but how about in an emergency when there is no backup, medical evac, or night vision in your logistic chain? The citizen faces the most difficult challenges of all, and the low light environment is no exception. In this article, we discuss how light works with our eyes, and how tactics and technique can help us minimize our risks in the low light environment.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Everyday Carry: Everybody's Wrong
One of the first things you'll hear when you decide to take up self-defense is "EDC". In this article, we summarize all the experiences we've had, and hone the subject to fine point. With facts, citations, and drawing on a broad base of skill and experience, we define what EDC is really about: matching your ability and equipment in a way that makes you always an asset.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Lines of Equipment: Everyday Carry Concepts
The concept of EDC has been beat to death. In this article, we develop a rational, reasonable template for items to carry everyday, and we further categorize them into "routine" and Emergency" tools. We discuss their placement and accessibility, and the discretion and training require to use them effectively.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Lines of Equipment 2: Sustainment
Perhaps the most flogged topic in all of preparation is the "Bug out Bag". This article is dedicated to punctuating the fact that if you bug out on foot with nothing but your backpack, you've failed. We discuss the origin of the phrase, some of the critical elements of planning, and of course, why the backpack is still an integral part of almost everything we do at ISG. Don't fall for the fallacy, a Bug Out Bag is acceptance of failure. Sustainment bags keep your plans on track.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Reading The Sky
Discover the science behind the old wive's tales and adages such as "red sky at night", or "dew on the grass". In this article, our prior Air Force Meteorologist and USGS field science liason describes how observations can lead to accurate predicitions about weather conditions. Whether you're planning a trip, camping, or just want to know what you should wear, "Reading the Sky" is a introduction to weather observation that will leave you with useful information used to make basic predictions.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Lock Tower
In this installment of Level Up, we're discussing one of the components of our training room: the 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. Further, they're easy to build with even the most basic tools.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Herb Spiral
In this edition of "Level Up", we discuss the construction of an Herb Sprial for backyard and urban gardening. The simple construction and utility of the design makes it an excellent addition to your resilience plan. Herbs might not keep you alive, but they'll certainly make your efforts taste better.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
Driving 101: Basic Skills
Driving courses in the tactical world have become little more than tactical tourism. The majority of the popularized tactics on this subject have no real civilian context, and only serve to introduce bad habits. In this article, we discuss the nuts and bolts of tactics behind the wheel; it's not fancy, it's not complicated, it's absolute mastery of the basics and awareness. Join us for Driving 101.
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".
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Cloud Genera
In previous entries, we've discussed some of the basic physics of meteorology, so that you can better understand signs in the sky when you're out. In this article, we talk about how to "read the sky"; the clouds you see are indications of what's happening up there, so being aware of some of the basics can be a great benefit in getting ahead of Nature's wrath.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Level Up: Backyard Chickens
Chickens are a great addition to any yard. Not only do they keep bugs away, but they're a self-replenishing source of protein. As a part of a small urban ecosystem, they can be used to great affect to keep your family with eggs and occasionally, meat. We discuss our 3 year experiment with backyard chickens, as well as some of the intitial reservations, care and handling, and what to expect.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
The ISG Land Cruiser: Intro
Few vehicles have a pedigree as well established as the Toyota Land Cruiser In this article, we discuss why the HDJ81 Land Cruiser was the ideal choice for the Author's "do all" vehicle. From recreation to emergency evacuation, we talk honestly about the capabilities and complications of owning an older, imported, and rare Turbo Diesel Land Cruiser. If you've ever been curious about owning one of these, check us out!
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Home Security Audit
The ISG home security audit that follows is designed to identify security risks and provide individuals with basic personal security recommendations that can be used to protect them and their homes.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Hardware and Software
There's an adage in skill building: There's "Software" and "Hardware". Does this analogy really do the situation justice, or is there a *lot* more to it? We say the latter. Check us out and find out why.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Hard Lessons: Fights
In this work, we discuss some hard, personal lessons learned through violence. From being beat, to handing out some hurt, the ISG team's goal is to highlight some of the common themes that unfold in the kinds of encounters the civilian could face if they can't avoid violence. This look gives a personal, practical, and raw view of the cause and effect of fighting and how it affects your life.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: The Revolver
In this "Guns of ISG" presentation, we discuss the revolver from a practical view and then discuss hands on methods for running them as efficiently as possible. While the revolver suffers some limitations, it's still well worth your time to familiarize yourself with some simple best practice.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: Running the AK
The AK is gaining popularity with American shooters, and with it's recent popularity there is a lot of bad information circulating. In this article, we tackle the misinformation surrounding the AK platform, give reasoning on why the most commonly taught procedures are incorrect, and how we can run the AK rifle as efficiently as possible. We'll give you the how and why surrounding the platform, and discuss with AK, why the devil is really in the details.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: Why the Handgun?
If you've ever considered owning a handgun, or had to advice someone who's made the decision, there are myriad questions that surface. This article was created to address them, reenforce them with lessons on mindset, and provide a reliable source of information on selecting and carrying a handgun, outlining a training plan, considering some of the handgun's strengths and weaknesses in various environments, and how to avoid some common pitfalls.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: Introduction
In our introduction to the Guns of ISG, we discuss the foudnational skills, some of our most basic thinking, and our guiding philosophy when it comes to skill at arms. At ISG, we believe that gun ownership is 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. Join us as we discuss what we view as the bedrock of understanding that responsibility.
The Deep End
Jun 24, 2018
The Great Reset
Why go through all this trouble? ISG's culture is a long, lonely road filled with humility and hardship. Why do we do it? Because nothing stays the same. We live in a gilded age, and eventually, we'll pass a world of less on to our children. ISG is our gambit. Our hope that we can take enough of what our forebearers knew, and hand it to a generation increasingly out of touch with what makes living worth while. This article provides the context and the scienfitic evidence for The Great Reset.
Technical
Jan 31, 2019
Glossary of Terms
When you're trying to learn something new, technical jargon and lingo often make the process frustrating enough to just turn people away. We want anyone, of any skill and knowledge level, to be able to come to ISG and learn. This glossary is an easy reference to some of the terminology commonly used in preparedness circles. Quite a few of them we think are ridiculous, but we'll share them so if you see us reference them, you'll be able to easily figure out what we'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?
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: The Hill People Gear Umlindi
ISG gives its opinion on the Hill People Gear Umlindi.
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.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: Katadyne Vario Water Filter
If you've considered a water filter, take a look at our first backpack water filter. Survival 'experts' often recommend lightweight bag type filters or straws, but apart from being cheap, easy to break, and tough to use, they lack the longevity that a purpose built filter offers. Water is a non-negotiable, consumable, high-priority item. If there's one place you don't want to skimp, it's here. Join us as we discuss why.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: Isle Royale Mini
Canvas backpacks have been an iconic feature of the hard-nosed explorer for generations, and the Frost River Isle Royale Mini looked to be true. So how did it's shortcomings almost land it on eBay, and what was it that turned it into an incredible field pack that earn the author's respect? Take a look as we peer into the good, the bad, and the great looking Isle Royale mini.
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: Gerber Downrange Tomahawk
One of the most versatile pieces of gear, this Tomahawk has done everything from drawning blood to demolishing and contruction. Here are our thoughts.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Gear Review: 4Sevens Quark QT2L Flashlight
There are plenty of good lights on the market, and in this review, we discuss the QT2L from 4Sevens. For $60, it surprised us. Find out how.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Guns of ISG: The Pump Shotgun
The shotgun is a polarizing tool; there are those who love it and hate it... all for the wrong reasons. In reality, the Shotgun doesn't compete well with modern autoloading rifles, but there are places in which the pump action shotgun is a ubiquitous, hard use tool. If you had to press one in to service, could you do so effectively? We tackle that question and more in "Guns of ISG: Pump Shotgun".
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Everyday Awareness and Schrödinger's Cat
Join us as we take a look at the difference between conceptual awareness and applied awareness. Don't be the guy who has to have the seat in the back corner. Awereness isn't about fixed habits, it's about being sharp enough to bend any situation to your advantage. We discuss some of the problems with transitional spaces, and explore Kim's Game and how you can sharpen your awareness.
Level Up
Apr 26, 2018
Español para Norte Americanos
If you've ever found yourself at a literal loss for words when interacting with Spanish speakers - whether at home or abroad - this primer gives some useful phrases and vocabulary for travel and emergencies. Meant to be easily referenced, it has directions in English and Spanish with some explanations oh pronounciation and literal meaning. Give it a look before you need it, then print it and keep it with your kit. It might come in handy.
Mobility
Jan 31, 2019
Driving 201: Road Tactics
In Road Tactics, we discuss some preventative maintenance, and we get into the meat and potatoes of tactics behind the wheel. Additionally, we discuss communications, route planning, the role of passengers in a vehicle, moving in a group, and anecdotes that illustrate why "tactics" are more than just gun play. Please join us for our article "Driving 201: Road Tactics".
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.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Don't Wear the Juice 1: Dunning-Kruger's Effect
The Dunning-Kruger effect is one of the most powerful vulnerabilities in the human mind. Often, the loudest, most forceful voices, the best circulated ideas, and the boldest assertions are from people who know little or nothing about what they're talking about. In this article, we discuss the history of the Dunning-Kruger Effect while exploring ways we can audit our information sources for reliability.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Deep Concealment and Cold Weather
You've probably heard the phrase "dress around your gun", but does that tell us anything useful? Carrying a firearm means balancing capability with practicality, and when the seasons change, we may have to as well. Today, we're going to look at a variety of carry methods with a few different sized weapons to discuss which is the fastest, most secure, and most practical. Short version: "the best" is a fraudulent term.
Firearm Skills
May 14, 2018
Carrying Crossdraw: Don't
It's not often we tackle a topic like this, but after seeing pistols carried crossdraw outside the waistband twice in one day, we figured maybe the information needed to see the light of day. In it, we discuss the cascade of problems this carry method can present relative to other methods. While it might be too late to chance these guys' minds, if we get the knowledge out now, we might be able to insulate future generations of armed citizens from falling into the trap of bad practice.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Course Review: Urban Defense
In this review, Author Aaron details some of the lessons learned from Paul Howe's excellent "Urban Defense Course". With an emphasis on operating in the collapsed urban environment, Paul draws on his experiences as a Delta Force professional and his time serving in nations in varying states of collapse.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Course Review: Shivworks ECQC
Please join us for an inside look at what to expect when attending Shivwork's ECQC course. One of the most practical, relevant, and challenging personal defense courses available, ISG returned to ECQC to test their skills against other dedicated shooters and martial artists to learn how to better survive violence in an uncertain world.
Reviews
Jan 31, 2019
Course Review: Response to Active Shooter Medical
Ever wonder how you and your family would manage if you found yourself wounded by an active shooter? Today's article reviews a training course designed to test your ability to transition between saving lives and stopping the carnage.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Contextual Training
In this second article in our series, we discuss context as it applies to skill development. This is a more advanced look that tries to explain why structured plans to achieve our goals are necessary; Develop the skill, apply the skill, gain experience, and reassess. Find out the nuts and bolts of the process with us here, for Context in Training.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Carry The Fire
In this work, we discuss the origins and culture around the phrase "carrying the fire", and how it's origin relates to our mission. The idea of carrying the fire comes from the embers kept in a firehorn, which would be carried by the strong and reliable who rode ahead to start a fire for the tribe.
Mythbusting
Apr 26, 2018
Mythbusting: Preppers and Car Fires
YouTube is a modern vaudville where the strangest things draw crowds . As such, it can be entertaining, but the information you get there should be taken with a grain of salt. If there is a myth that needs busting, it's that YouTube + Preppers = reliable information. Nothing could be further from the truth and in this article we tackle a pretty egregious example of how "prepping" does NOT equal preparedness.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Hard Lessons: Bring a Knife to a Gunfight
The old Adage "don't bring a knife to a gunfight" is an antique rooted in some fact. The truth of the matter though isn't quite as simple. In this article, we discuss when and how knives should be considered as an option on the self-protection spectrum. Join us for Hard Lessons: Bring a Knife to a Gunfight.
Mindset
Apr 25, 2018
Be Judgmental
When we want someone to understand us, we say "Look!". What we see is an integral part of how we interpret our world and we have hundreds of thousands of years of biological refinement in our corner. How then, do we reconcile social demands that we shouldn't "judgmental"? Short answer: We don't. Here's why.
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 and extensive force on force training. We thank the author for being inviting of criticism and hope this is productive and stimulates good dialog.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Bad Practice: Dual Wielding
It should probably go without saying, but 'dual wielding' long arms is a bad idea. In a "you can't be serious" episode of "Bad Practice", we discuss Wyatt West Tactical's gunjitsu approach to having two longarms in play at the same time is not even a bad idea, because calling it an 'idea' implies consideration.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Bad Practice: Bad Holsters
In this, we discuss one of the most important items the concealed carrier can purchase: your holster. Within, we'll trap the good, the bad, and the ugly of holsters while acknowledging that no one will work perfectly for everybody.
Tactical
May 14, 2018
Bad Practice: "Advanced" courses for Beginners
Instructors and students both have the responsibility of identifying whether or not a student is ready for the material presented. In this article, we take a look at a young woman who's entirely unprepared for the tasks being asked of her, and instead of remedial attention, she's continually placed in situations she's unable to handle. Oh yeah, and the time to review your class isn't while the class is in session.
