For a fine example of superior performance under extraordinary stress, check out FAUDA on Netflix. It fictionalizes the operations of the mistavrim, the deep cover counter-terror units of the Israeli Defense Force. Similar to the "pseudo ops" of the SAS in Malaya,...
I like coffee. I like coffeeshops. I like the smell and taste of good coffee, and I tolerate bad coffee when there's nothing else to drink. I like the social aspect of coffee. I like sitting with friends and enjoying a convivial conversation on just about anything...
I get asked, often, to take a look at videotape from various combat athletes. For one reason or another I might not be able to go to them or they to me, or it's just easier for both parties to look at video and then confer via phone or e-mail. I thought it might be...
Here's an Old Guy showing the Young Guns how it's done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TuNSB9jkpyQ My friends all know my love of post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction; this gem by the astonishing duo of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is...
During a past life, when I toted a gun for a living, I had the privilege and benefit of training and working with the very best operators of my era. One of those men was Lofty Wiseman. I met Loft during the first CQB Services training course offered in the United...
I just realized I haven't posted for a week and a half. All three of you who actually follow this blog, thanks for your patience! I've come in off a three month road trip. One thing I worked on while on the road is a series of posts I'll be putting up on John Robb's...
Last week the international special operations community lost a respected member. Last week I lost a friend. Rich Smith was my friend and today I remember and honor him. I first met Rich in 2006, at an invitation-only training event I presented in the UK. I knew Rich...
I've just come off an epic road trip with my 11 year old son. Our summer road trips are a tradition we started when he was six years old. In 2007 I had just received medical clearance to go back to work, and had just started at my first "regular" job after continuous...
I have a lot of scars. Over one hundred on my body, and who knows how many others on my psyche, LOL. But there's one scar, an X on the palm of my right hand, that's all about friendship. I have a friend who, when I was young, was like an older brother to me. Not a...