Basics of RECCE and Recon Kit (How to become DEADLY in the mountains, PART 1)

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Basics of Recce and recon is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. In the following 20-30 part series over the coming years I will be instructing and showing you every single thing I know about becoming deadly in the woods/mountains, from the basics to the advanced applications of Recce and recon. I hope that you enjoy this multi part series and are able to make yourself more proficient in this very crucial skill set.
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[@tonybythesea448]

Can’t wait for the garand thumb school of wilderness survival

[@A407RAC]

I misread as "Garand Thumb School of Wookies". Needless to say, I was confused (but not surprised)

[@PKBratney]

I'm gonna need a course in wilderness wi-fi location and foliage-based KZbin erotic comment puns.

[@SgtRudySmithbRet]

@@A407RAC I want that school

[@A407RAC]

@@SgtRudySmithbRet *loud wookie noises* also you get to shoot your choice of normal self-loaders, or WOOKIE BOWCASTERS WAAAGHHHH

[@Bursar60]

Would pay some decent coin to attend a week of that

[@joecardinal2930]

As a former recce soldier myself I have a huge tip that I'm surprised wasn't mentioned in this video: If you carry wet wipes/baby wipes (and you absolutely should) you carry them inside a ziplock bag in the inside pocket of your jacket so they don't freeze. Yes, wipes will freeze. For the dirty/used wipes you carry a spare ziplock bag which you keep in an exterior pack pocket to encourage it to freeze because it will stink less. For each one that you place in the discard bag, sprinkle in just a touch of foot powder, you can do this with your dirty next to skin clothing items (socks, underwear and t-shirt) as well, in their own bag obviously.

[@krisleal5350]

Well bro we aren’t going to the field for a couple weeks? He was just having fun with a cool rifle haha but you’re 100% spot on.

[@Valorius]

When did you doods decide that the term Recon was no longer cool enough?

[@joecardinal2930]

@@krisleal5350 if you go on a recce you should be prepared to be there for days. 👍

[@LANCEtheBOIL]

I'm disappointed he didn't say how good long pig is, because if shtf after a year that's going to be your only source of protein

[@erikmckaygunsmithing6470]

Right on did same in lrrs

[@tuomasnurmi7353]

I'm "just" a reservist from Finland but I have a lot of hiking experience. Here are some tips. 1) In your backpack pack all the heaviest equipment close to your back and as low as possible to minimize the burden. 2) On your pack synch first the hip straps on the front, then tighten the pack to your back with the side-hip straps, then clip the chest band, then adjust the top straps of yours shoulder straps, and only last tighten the lower straps on your shoulder straps to bring the pack close to your body. 3) Use waterproof bags for your sleeping bag, down jacket and clothes especially if you are operating in water or are in danger of falling into water. For example while skiing over streams or lakes. 4) Dried ready made home meals + dry soy make a cheap rations if you have water on the trail. But make sure you have the time and the fuel to prepare them. Remove air by making a hole, pressing out the air and taping it shut. Always make sure the food that you bring stays down and doesn't make you puke. Keep salts and sugars separate so you can adjust on the go. Real foods help a lot in avoiding gastro intestinal stress. 5) A small plastic bottle that can take boiling water can be used to heat your boots in camp to help them dry. The bottle can also be used to create a water purification system using sand, moss and coal. 6) News paper in the bottom of your boots helps to capture moisture in freezing conditions so your boots don't freeze from your feet sweating. Also wrapping your feet in plastic bags does the same job. 7) To dry clothes in freezing conditions in your sleeping bag put them in a plastic bag and place at the foot end of your sleeping bag with the mouth of the bag through the zipper so the moisture can get out. 8) Good tarry kindling can be found on stumps or injured trees that have died some time ago. Low dead branches, especially those in sunny places are usually dry and good firewood or kindling. High nitrogen bark such as birch bark is also excellent kindling. 9) Go as light as possible with your kit. This reduces the risk of injury and makes everything easier. 10) Prepare for blisters for the whole group. One person who's missing their skin from half their toes and both heels is going to drag the whole group. Test run your kit, wear in your boots in and use tape as a preventative measure + on the trail on hips, feet and nipples as needed (yes they can also chafe and get sore). 11) Use flip-flops or crocs + woolly socks in the camp to let your boots air out and dry. Crocks are also excellent for crossing streams.

[@SJ-yp7sy]

Wear Crocs? I'd rather be shot dead than be caught wearing Crocs! 😀Kidding- this is all great advice. Thank you for sharing!

[@7.62flavorsoffreedom2]

Not exactly sure what pack you use but with my army experience using an external frame pack putting your heavier items on top helps disperse the weight across the hips and shoulders easier. To each their own but it depends on the equipment you have that dictates how you set it up

[@romeo-manny]

This is awesome! I have been to Suomi before but I plan to return again and again. As a restless wanderer, I've found the white dunes to be as beautiful as the sights I once lived amongst in the deserts of the world. Its just one of those places with an experience money can never really buy haha. Will definitely remember the crocks tip for crossing streams and the plastic bottle technique! Kiitos!

[@albusking2966]

now im imagining some russian forces trying to take finland and getting rekt by a bunch of finnish chads wearing crocs XD

[@Blue_Collar_Bully_1776]

@@albusking2966 don't worry. Theyll have that strap put around the back of the ankle like they're locked in 4-low ready to rock

[@parkourmovementspkm2292]

He mentioned having a lighter, coming from an Arctic unit we have these things called Arctic necklace. It’s a lighter, chapstick, and 550 (parachord) taped together with 100 mph tape so you can create a “necklace” as the name implies. What this does is keeps the lighter warm with your body heat so it will always light and not freeze. Same goes for your chapstick. Chapstick is important in the cold weather because it keeps your lips moist and prevents cracking which happens in Arctic weather.

[@patrioticsaint2516]

You can also use the Chapstick to start a fire.

[@randy438]

Never forget your mixture of 4loko, adderall, and 5 hour energy. It significantly improves your movement speed and allows you to smell colors in the dark

[@RvBhalomaster]

I call that a 10 loko

[@204audi]

And gas station boner pills

[@mannys9130]

As an ADHD sufferer, Adderall and caffeine just give me focus and clarity and help me stay thin because I have almost no desire to eat. 😸 Gives me high blood pressure too. I went from 130/90 to 155/105 after starting it. Almost blew a gasket momma, holy shit! A BP med stopped me from having an aneurysm. 👌 Not gonna lie though, I'm pretty jealous that you regular people get to take Adderall and have meth-head energy. Unfair! 😸 I want to speed around too but no, I just get the ability to write an essay in one go like a normal person can on their own. Bulllllllllshit.

[@JohnnyK3886]

A+ 11/10 Camelbak juice

[@eddyflo2978]

No bathsalts & tiepods .?.?.? Noob 🙄

[@levinbell5925]

Remember that when filling up your water bottle or bag from a running water source, always point the opening downstream so that as little debris gets into the bottle as possible.

[@mylesharvey6488]

Using two liter bottles and a carved stick you can filter out pathogens. Getting ill while hiking sucks monkey balls.

[@blazer8082]

@@mylesharvey6488 How do you use the carved stick?

[@zacharygardner5923]

Better yet, just get a life straw that interfaces with your hydration bladder so you can guarantee you’re filtering out anything harmful….

[@chrisharker3526]

Always pack a sawyer squeeze filter so you don’t shit yerself

[@joshr805]

@@chrisharker3526 i use them and it has saved my life.

[@benharmon2817]

On the topic of unnatural smells, I do through-hiking in Appalachia quite often with friends. Last spring we were on a short, 4-day trek and came up on random campers bathing in a river. The wind was in our face and I could smell their soap from about 90-100 yards away. It was insane how much it stood out and that was just after 2 days into our trip.

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

Yep, when surfing some people, especially women reel out the lineup with their body care products like shampoo.

[@torstenernst]

Watching this made me remember a similar incident on the AT, where I crossed a road and smelled someone's perfume that had driven by earlier, I never saw or heard the vehicle. I had been out a couple months at that time and it was interesting to note how strong the sense of smell became. On another note, I have taken a bath with soap and later in the day, someone noted the taste of soap in their water after filling up in the same location. Artificial scents are pervasive!

[@Ranstone]

How to be undetectable: -Take old pair of moon boots. -Cut off sole of boot. -Tie soles of old moon boots *backward* onto your new pair with some boot bands. -Walk where you please, confusing your enemies as an invisible ghost. Thank you, I'll take my teaching position at the next Robin Sage whenever you're ready, thank you.

[@smorrow]

I'm too green to this to know if this is a shitpost.

[@Sieds.]

@@smorrow are you shrek?

[@autisticskeleton1041]

During the Vietnam War, the Vietnamese villagers of the Cu Chi district used to wear shoes with soles that were shaped so that the direction of their foot prints looked like they were headed in the opposite direction to trick the American soldiers. Ted Kaczynski attached soles from shoes smaller than what he wore to the bottoms of his actual shoes to disguise his shoe size.

[@gregdunn6040]

@@smorrow an experienced tracker will be able to tell what you're doing as the impressions will be deeper at the toes instead of the heel, reversed from normal walking. You can change the shape of the track but weight distribution is harder to change.

[@JamesWillmus]

The tread of the boot should be filed down so that one end is taller than the other. That can simulate the proper weight distribution.

[@SuperVonKiller]

In central NC we have the army SF Q-course. I worked this for 15 years in 18Charlie and the culmination exercise Robin Sage, as a guerrilla role player. The students would come to Sage at the end of the q-course, fresh off working against a time clock. As a result they storm through the woods like a herd of elephants! One of the task I was given was to slow them down, teach them to move in the woods again. Staying off sticks, lifting you feet, even when exhausted, rather than shuffling your feet through a noisy bed of leaves was easy, a couple of reminders was all that was needed. Our environment had a rise and fall in elevation around 5 to 8 hundred ft, thus the tendency to grab a sapling or small tree, especially going up, was the problem. When tired and under a load it's almost impossible to get guys to understand, when you grab that tree and it moves, your observable silhouette becomes the height of that tree. Movement in the woodline attracts the eye more than color. Just my two cents. There's a lot more lessons but too much to put here..

[@Kevin-fj5oe]

Isn't grabbing things also leave clues for tracker?

[@JayWalker-qj1kv]

Bro if you made some video content or blog or podcast on field craft, I think that shit would get eaten up real fast. I was a 68W only for a few years, been a Firefighter/paramedic ever since. Miss that part of the Army, getting back into that big time. I also think anyone with a brain sees what's on the horizon. I'd be all ears for whatever you got brother. 🤜🤛 ✝️🇺🇲

[@JPFB-yp6pw]

More comments please

[@fcztyuo876b6]

Ironically you guys operated on our property many times in Moore County. Give me some details man!

[@ThatGuy-sc5rx]

@@JayWalker-qj1kv without outing papa Garand too much. It seems he is very aware too and intelligently doing his part to assist his fellow citizens like a true patriot. Can tell by his grin he enjoys it too.

[@aaronsanborn4291]

Use the natural sounds like wind to cover the sound of your movement, never set your foot down until you know exactly what's under it. I used to stalk white tail deer in the Maine woods as a teenager. I also spent 15+ years as a Scout in the Army.

[@aztronomy7457]

I used to stalk my neighbor 2 doors down. I'm going to try your tips and see how they work out!

[@bryananderson3772]

@@aztronomy7457 we want pictures

[@chadwalton54]

@@aztronomy7457 LOL

[@aaronsanborn4291]

@managerial conclusions Try catching them in an open field with a bow...

[@aaronsanborn4291]

I also served in a Mountain Infantry Company my last few years in the Army. Mountain and Cold Weather Warfare was our specialty.

[@Blue_Jackal]

11B Army dude here. Weird thing I've noticed while setting up ambushes and various recce missions is that people don't usually see what they're not expecting to see. As long as you don't stand out, you don't need to be absolutely blended in, so long as there is no expectation of your presence there. With zero movement and moderate concealment - most people would simply glance over your location without a second thought because they're either not LOOKING for a concealed person or they're expecting to see something else. Brain programs itself to see what it's looking for and to ignore something it's not unless said thing they observe stands out enough to be noticed. Note; Trained spotters or those who are on a higher status of alert will generally be harder to hide from, so the use of near perfect concealment and movement is therefore necessary. TLDR; If you don't stand out and they're not expecting to see you, they probably won't see you. If they're looking for you then it's harder to hide from them.

[@kingpat2948]

Wow army dude

[@patrioticsaint2516]

Hey Jackal 6-Romeo, what's your thought on "Never Look at or Watch" hostiles that are passing by?

[@Blue_Jackal]

@@patrioticsaint2516 From a tactical standpoint, it doesn't make sense. In my profession, if you see a hostile then you're always thinking about your ROE and you're on a hair trigger for combat. If you see an enemy before they see you, you're in the best possible situation combat can allow. Depending on the situation, enemy number/ equipment, and your mission - I'd be in a very good position as a squad leader if I see them first. Now, assuming I'm just on a patrol and my squad identifies them as enemy combatants, I'd immediately set up a hasty ambush and report what's going on to higher. Assuming it's an opposing patrol of lightly armored infantry, and we have a numerical advantage, I'd almost 100% engage. But to answer your original question instead of throwing out hypotheticals, I don't believe in the superstition of not looking directly at an enemy if I see them first. I'm watching everything, analysing everything, and planning everything based on what I observe.

[@Blue_Jackal]

@@kingpat2948 Army dude is less pompous to say than "11B Army infantryman with 4 years service and 2 combat deployments under my belt to fall back on as validation for my opinion". Nah, I'll stick with Army dude lol.

[@Blue_Jackal]

@mattbrown-lr2iz uhh Callous and scarred. I’m confused 😂

[@donaldschmidt449]

SLLS is probably the best piece of info I got from this video because you really don't pay attention so much when your just out hiking but walking and keeping pace and etc. But now that I've heard this SLLS I've been training myself to do it even if I'm just outside with my daughter now its become just something I do thank you so much!!!

[@kyleheins]

I learned SLLS in CAP SAREX as a teenager, I put it into practice whenever I go out, be it hiking, hunting, reenacting, or shopping downtown. It meshed well with the general awareness I learned in self defense classes before that and was really neat to see the tactics and methodology it came out of in the manuals of the 19th century (U.S. Army).

[@LetsFigureIt0ut]

Very small thing on the LOOK part of slls. In Marine Sere a tip we were given was scan right to left. Since we read left to right and do most things that way, if you scan that way you're more prone to gloss over stuff. Going against the grain feels weird, but it has worked numerous times for me.

[@travelingspartan2035]

The current Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks issued in BCT says the same thing. I used it when I was on guard at the southwestern border.

[@charleslee4528]

That's also taught as the best way to spot aircraft.

[@internal_dialogue9290]

Great tip

[@xXrandomryzeXx]

Oh shit. You can even test that in your room and it actually works...damn thanks for the tip.

[@ACarbonellBeceiro]

Very interesting, thanks

[@itsapittie]

Nicely done. I was a military reconnaissance specialist so long ago that almost none of this equipment existed but the principles haven't changed. I definitely would have loved a modern water filter. Iodine tastes nasty. The other biggie is the modern lightweight sleeping bag. "Back in the day" sleeping bags were so heavy and bulky that we just didn't carry them. I've spent many a night rolled up in a poncho and liner. Travel light, freeze at night as we used to say. I would add that a good combo is silk socks with wool socks over them. Turn the wool socks inside out so the nap is on the outside. Blisters are caused by friction, not by pressure. By wearing silk socks that sort of stick to your skin, you transfer a lot of the "slippage" from the interface between your foot and the sock to the interface between the silk sock and the wool sock. It makes a big difference. Resist the urge to carry too much stuff. There are all kinds of things that would be really nice to have under some circumstances. We used to call that "snivel gear." Ounces become pounds and pounds become injuries. We were pretty rigorously restricted to 35 pounds plus water and ammunition. I didn't know why at the time but many years (and a medical degree) later, I understand it. An adult male can carry 20-25% of his lean body mass day after day essentially forever without injury. At 50% he can carry it for a couple of weeks. Above 50% you will be injured. Not might be injured -- *will* be injured. It may not show up immediately but someday you will pay for it.

[@bitkrusher5948]

I CARRIED ALMOST A HUNDRED POUNDS ON HUMPS IN THE CORPS AT 132 LBS SO YOUR SAYING MOST ALL MY PAIN AT 52 IS FROM THAT ?

[@mparker548]

@@bitkrusher5948 I would look into spinal compression injuries if it’s a serious question

[@Indylimburg]

Interesting about the percentages one can carry.

[@tomhickman1006]

Take MSM, Glucosamine & Chondroitin. Include a good quality Collagen supplement to your diet. You will heal. Keep moving forward.

[@itsapittie]

@@bitkrusher5948 I'm saying that from a medical perspective, there's no doubt a significant part of it is.

[@davidnewton580]

I usually taught the W's of clothing to my Boy Scouts for hiking. The inner W is for wicking moisture away from your body. We usually recommended polypropylene. The second W is for warmth, we usually went with polar fleece. The outer layer W's stood for wind, wet weather. Usually nylon. Also, another tip for socks - socks have an inner seam at the toes. Flip the sock inside out and the seam will not be rubbing on your toes or feet.

[@davidbooher5559]

I just discovered a few months ago that by wearing my boxer shorts and shirts inside out, the seams aren’t rubbing against my skin. Obviously, when I’m out in public my shirts are not reversed.

[@ChrisFowlerNH]

My facial hair is turning gray and I'm pushing fifty, but I spent years as a Backcountry SAR TECH and Wilderness EMT. That paired with a long law forcement career... I feel I am well prepared for any challenges that may arise. Really looking forward to catching this entire series. Keep up the good work guys. ❤️ Us old guys are more than happy to pass the torch of experience and knowledge to those of you whose backs haven't given out yet 😉😂

[@barnesm44]

The smell thing is real. I don't consider myself to have a good sense of smell, but during one exercise we spent about a week in an urban hidesite. Our mission was to avoid detection, and the instructors would try and sneak in on us at random times with tear gas grenades. However they went home at night and were able to shower everyday. I could smell the detergent and deodorant and what not from quite a distance away, giving us a good amount of warning time.

[@rhettdavis6415]

Using dead down spray of detergent on your clothes helps kill unnatural scents

[@chucke728]

Is it just me? When you spend a week...or so in the field...you can always smell somebody else's bo before you realize you smell like a goat yourself?!!

[@GamerMarine89]

@@chucke728 human brain nose blinds itself to your own scent. At least I'm pretty sure that's why, it's like when smokers can't smell the scent of cigs on them.

[@maxmorris7025]

Not sure about humans but you can smell an elk or bear from about thirty feet with some wind.

[@ABCKorpi]

You can also smell if a fireplace was still smouldering when it started raining or if it was already cold. If there was rain in the last few hours and you can smell the fireplace was still hot, you know somebody is not far away

[@Fast85FoxGT]

If anyone was interested I highly recommend watching the Jocko Podcasts with John Stryker Meyer. He was MACVSOG during the late 60s/1970 in Vietnam. He talks about the gear he took and the jungle conditions they dealt with. He also goes into detail about how they stacked mags upon mags for their CAR15's. The stories get insane when he talks about his encounters with the NVA/VC.

[@jacobthomas90]

yeah i have read his books, and he always was talking about how they would carry like 20 mags each for their CARs...

[@shanecaldwell8995]

His book ‘Across the Fence’ gets into very great details about doing RECCEs in the jungle

[@jordanfrancisco27]

MACV SOG missions were indeed insane. Just another day in SOG Tilt often says.

[@ryanjones4917]

John has his own podcast as well.

[@BR-vp2dz]

Hands down my favorite set of Jocko interviews.

[@thewobblywelder8362]

This is where you need to be heading with all of your videos sir! Love the knowledge you’re sharing! And you’re passionate about it!

[@chaseh6254]

While I'm late to the party in watching some of these really great videos, I just thought I'd throw in one set of tiny (but crucial) items I never hear mentioned that should be included in any 'boo-boo packs.' And, that is a good pair of nail clippers and a couple of tiny emery boards to file your nails. This is for finger nails and toe nails. I can't count how many times I've been out in the woodlands far away from anything and friggin' snag/tear my nail on something --- then, that f'er catches on EVERYTHING! Sucks. Never forget these small, but very important items. ;)

[@wolfofmagdalene92]

Bro this is a life tip as well.

[@davidbooher5559]

Thinking about it, a set of tweezers might come in handy. Getting splinters/thorns out of one’s skin is a bitch otherwise.

[@PNWDad206]

One of the things you learn from large amount of time in the mountains is how to see and navigate the terrain. One day it just clicks and you begin to be able to “feel” the best route. Can’t be taught it comes from time.

[@GarandThumb]

Truth

[@ichewtoast111]

Mountain biking has taught me this.

[@Eddiep80]

@@GarandThumb Hey Mike what’s your thoughts on using game trails to cover ground in the mountains? I always kinda stick to or around them to travel with out tromping through brush. Also what’s a good method to conceal your footprint in a sandy desert environment. Ive seen Mexican Cartel and Smugglers use carpet around their shoes. But to a seasoned tracker even these can be spotted, much harder but still can be seen. whenever possible I try to stick to stepping on rocks so my foot doesn’t touch the sand. but sometimes its not possible. Suggestions?…

[@abramrexjoaquin7513]

@@GarandThumb 25:00 Literally watching this on my phone...

[@cachecaver]

@@Eddiep80 Game trails can give you interesting clues to making it through difficult terrain. If you are in a cliffy area the best defined trails will likely be the best way through and maybe the only way to get through. They can also be pretty helpful getting through thick bushes too. However, don't just follow them blindly they can disappear pretty fast.

[@walterp380]

Hunting with an experienced mentor is invaluable for learning to "slip" through the woods and identify "sign". We call it "still hunting", employing the exact stop, look, listen technique. Also, deer will teach the keen observer patience, caution and strategy for avoiding detection. A wise buck may stand motionless for an hour when suspicious or let you walk right past him before slipping off, and prefer thick cover and skirt/scout open areas before stepping out in view. (I'm not military but it strikes me that bucks will hang back watching less experienced deer move forward much like patrols put cherries on point ahead of the others.) When in nature, do as the animals do to stay alive. Just my 2 cents...I appreciate all the great info here!

[@tylertapp131]

Couldnt of said it better myself. I too learned alot of the same things just through livin the lifestyle growing up. Never was in the military either but alot of it does seem to parallel in the ideas of how to become better at the tasks.

[@danielmaine45]

Agreed....I think a great deal of the skill sets from this video can be learned from a person doing "still" or "spot and stalk" hunting for whitetail deer...not being in a tree stand mind you.

[@theunofficialresults231]

Leaving my tree stand one evening walking up a pretty steep hill, not stomping around but not quietly moving out either, like a nice, slow steady pace, I looked to my right and 25 yards across the ditch was a doe and nice 8 point just watching me walk by. They were both processed that night.

[@Delta_Seven]

holy shit as dumb as it may sound I actually understood all of that xD I used to play a game with a buddy called Call of the Wild and I can't BEGIN to explain how many bucks I've walked past in wooded areas and didn't see them till they turned tail and ran

[@notamexican91]

Exactly this. Every time I hunt I bring as little pack as possible, use no scent blocker, and often times "hide" in plain sight while in the woods (kneel in a low spot amongst aromatic plants and primarily rely on hearing and smell). In a way, it makes that grizzled old 8 point on my wall worth far more than anything I can see at the local Cabelas. That's the way my forefathers took game, and I'll be damned if I'm going to reinvent the wheel.

[@Jeff5969]

“We will have 10-20 videos in the next few years”…. Damn you grand thumb, you know what you have to do!

[@samshaw8448]

Thanks for putting what you know and have learned, on here for anyone to see. And be better prepared for a situation, should one pop up. Love watching!!! So keep em coming!! And thank you and everyone else that has served, for your sacrifice and your service to our country. Thank you!!!

[@woden__]

My dad was a backcountry ranger and an emergency fire responder for wildfires. For a long time his entire job was backpacking through wilderness. His top two tips are 1, never read Pet Cemetary alone in the middle of the mountains, and 2 if your lost in the mountains or in any wilderness of any kind, go downhill. "Even if you have no idea where it goes downhill, piss on the ground and whichever direction your pee goes is where you go"

[@ThatGuy-sc5rx]

Sounds like a way to end up stuck down a canyon lost with no way to get back up and even more out of reception and view.

[@theinfamoust4670]

The odds of hitting a road or a river is practically 100%. I grew up in Western MT and this is very good advice because most of the main roads and towns are not at the top of the mountain.

[@phantom4E2]

very cool, too bad that advice doesn't work in EU forests, the deeper you go off trail, the more dense trees get

[@woden__]

@@phantom4E2 well if your already off the trail i geuss, but yeah european forests are wild and undisturbed so maybe some different advice is needed there

[@jasonkings6721]

@@woden__ wtf theve been there for 5000 years weve been here for 200

[@msantifort]

Thanks for torturing me at SERE training. I would rather stay in the woods for another 3 weeks than to spend another week in a prisoner of war camp. It taught me one thing, don't become a prisoner, period. Former B-52 tailgunner, went to Fairchild in the mid eighties. Actually learned a lot from you guys and for some reason remember all of it 36 years later. Great training.

[@brandyhouston2105]

Training/torturing what's the difference..? being caught.

[@fulanfulan7811]

garand thumb taught me water survival back when, didn't even realize it was him until after. anyway, good to see him back in his element, I.E. the woods

[@em34ev3r]

hahaa love this comment.

[@SpartakMs83]

AMEN! 1# lesson I learned at SERE was dont get fucking caught.

[@TP-ie3hj]

It would not matter if you were able to evade they just grab you at the rally point. Everyone goes to meet the bearded one. At least in the eighties...

[@justlikethesimulations6895]

I could listen to Garand talk about this for 10 hours and still not get bored I have a military background and know a lot of this stuff but it's nice to hear other perspectives. Love the channel keep it up.

[@mikeforester3963]

28:00 Quick point on that. If you have the opportunity to get your map (properly!) printed on cloth, do it. An outdoor outfitter over here in Germany offered this for a couple of years and I've got a topographical map of my surroundings as a literal handkerchief. No worries about paper getting wet or tearing.

[@deancarr4507]

"Recce rifle" really seems to just be the norm for a rifle setup and I think it's a good thing we are going back to the longer barrel lengths. CQB is such a slim sliver of combat, and the number 1 type of combat you should avoid. Being out in the wilderness, the extra velocity and effective engagement distance will be your friend

[@DILLIGAF88]

A recce rifle is the best option in my opinion. It is truly the jack of all trades😏

[@Ontarianmm]

Except, in a self-defense case, it is CQB ranges.

[@wildripeach1]

I just bought an 18" Ruger MPR would this qualify as a RECCE Rifle...

[@primalj_2a433]

@@Ontarianmm Kyle Rittenhouse used a 16" barrel in defense and it was very close distance

[@jonathangros1086]

@@spray006 maybe a SCAR-H with an 16’ barrel will be enough

[@bearpaw9204]

One other thing, don’t wear all your layers when you start hiking. Sweat will cool your core down very quickly. Layer up when you stop, switch out sweaty socks, ant under garments if time allows.

[@ericmalmros1725]

Always start a hike on the cold side for sure. Good advise😃

[@colindowns3691]

I've always gone with the saying "Be bold, start cold" when backcountry skiing. Otherwise 5 minutes into your skin up the mountain you'll be stopping to de-layer

[@MadAtMax.300Blackout]

I grew up in the mountains in the NE. Ive always been thankful for that.

[@lycanthropenoir9596]

Probably the best instructor on youtube. You explain things clearly.

[@icescrew1]

This what I've been waiting for. Thanks to my extremely strange parents I was allowed to wander the SW Mountains and Deserts, alone, armed, on foot and horseback. From about 9 years old. They never knew where I was, or when I was coming home. That single shot 22 kept me fed. Later it became elk hunting and technical climbing. I was blessed to have those opportunities. I've been layin here with covid pneumonia feelin sorry for my and just saw this. This is something I really needed. Thanks.

[@musketmerve1436]

Tumeric tea helped me a lot when I was sick.

[@EVLfreak666]

Drink water, change your socks and do some meth. You'll be fine in 2 days tops.

[@Dagreat12d]

Boy if you don't go get a vaccine

[@notmefrfr]

@@Dagreat12d no.

[@DowntownDeuce2]

@@Dagreat12d OR, he could be like my EMS partner who was buried last week, as a result of immunocompromise and congestive heart failure upon receiving the EMS mandated vaccine (I took the pension instead, and encourage others to do the same; people get the government they deserve). I'm sure the man knows what's best for himself, and doesn't need the advice of others, especially considering his background. 12D must be a shoe size, it is certainly not an MOS; as 12D are familiar with anatomy and physiology.

[@andrewbain5510]

"... And there are worse camos out there.." UCP cries softly in the distance

[@derekdimatteo6991]

I dyed a whole UCP rifleman kit with Rit Dye (Kelly Green) and it went from "grandmother's couch" to "cyka blyat" That is to say, it's pretty effective in Appalachia now

[@xSP3CTREx]

@@derekdimatteo6991 Adapt and Overcome! XD

[@reaganriddle]

@@derekdimatteo6991 out of curiosity what state r u from? I’m from NC.

[@derekdimatteo6991]

@@reaganriddle Western Pa

[@dom4591]

I never understood why the US spent 3 billion dollars to dress their soldiers in a camo that isn't even camo lol...

[@Johnson11c]

I really appreciate these types of videos. It's helped me alot. Few other SF and SOF guys I follow have taught me more outside the army then I would have ever learned being in the dang infantry. Keep up the great work brother

[@personalaccount8914]

I don't think you have any idea what you're talking about. You would absolutely learn this stuff in the infantry. Basically everything garand thumb talks about is taught in the infantry.

[@Johnson11c]

@personalaccount8914 actually I didn't because I had very shitty leadership bit you know my life and my unit better than me right? Oh ok yeah you lived my life at 2-3 inf regt fort lewis yeah ok. Keep moving cause you don't know what your talking about

[@PyroRob69]

Great to see someone discuss weight distribution for a backpack. It should and will change all day long, depending on the terrain, pack weight, etc

[@jamesalexander6417]

Birds are an excellent early warning system. They will often see threats a long time before you do because they perch up in the trees. If a group of birds is perched in a tree, the ones highest up will fly away first when a threat is spotted. If the ones lower down fly away in the same direction then you can bet that something is moving through the forest and coming from the opposite direction that the birds flew.

[@andyreeves3860]

Is there sound

[@rodneywinstead2739]

Used that in hunting many times.

[@bighands69]

@James Alexander Where did you read that crap.

[@andrewkoehler5386]

Nice. A few bird species will alert you to the presence of snakes (at least here in TX) but presumably elsewhere too.

[@snteevveetns]

@@bighands69 I’ve lived what he explained, in a few environments. So get out and see for yourself

[@ironcladnomad5639]

What’s really cool about a lot of what you covered is how well it transfers to the non-combat environment of Search & Rescue with just a bit of a perspective shift. Whereas SLLS is useful to you for avoiding contact, it’s useful to us in tracking down someone who’s lost and well off the beaten path.

[@MrMagnaniman]

It's useful for hunting, too, or just being part of nature. Being aware of your surroundings and able to survive your environment is something we can benefit from anywhere we are.

[@tomthumb9533]

The premise of the training is to "get over" your environment so you can get to the enemy; but the last part is totally optional.

[@eng5691]

@Schöner Albtraum Try finding a First Responder medical course to take. Its traditionally one step below EMT Basic and gives you a good starting point to learn basic med skills so when you make the jump to EMT its not so difficult or foreign. As far as S&R most Sheriff Departments in the US handle SAR duties contact them for info and qualifications for joining. They typically use volunteers as well as paid staff. Also if you have a local volunteer Fire Department that could be a good resource.

[@jamespierson9472]

This was one of my favorite garand thumb videos but I have to say, there has been very little on this channel dedicated to this series. And I think this series is the most important thing that garandthumb could do. Personally I can’t believe he’s able to produce so many videos about inane concepts like outdated weapons and reviews of new weapons and whatnot, but his actual knowledge is still not being spread at all to us. We want to know what you know GT! Screw the non-disclosure agreement the civilians can have a little tradecraft as a treat! Tough topics like thermal, radio, tracking+counter tracking should get serious videos with serious guests. I know you promised over the course of the next couple years we’d see more on this but I don’t see why you can make so many videos that are mostly just entertainment and not deliver on something huge like this that would really get people interested.

[@shitwardtesticles4840]

I agree wholeheartedly man. Its a shame he kinda gave up on it

[@kyleheins]

He just made more recently, in the past month. They aren't labeled as part of the series but he mentions them as part of it in the intros. Not sure what's up with that but at least the info is still being put out, regardless of its title.

[@RobinReedCoach]

That was super helpful and revealed a few missing pieces in my setup - thank you, Garand.

[@CountryWolf_TX]

Refreshing bringing it back to the “old school” of Garandthumb YT. Great job Dr Jones (NJ License only)

[@wanderpump]

Great segment! Thank you. Again, I am from USSR, Soviet Army 84 -86, after 6 month of boot camp ended up with a specialty of Laser Targeting Systems Specialist... basically T-80 targeting systems tech. But... I had to start with basics, with the scope and how environment factors in, etc. Spent a lot of time just hugging the dirt for hours and hours recording what I see through it, how environment changes, how it's different through out 24 hours, different time of year... This was awesome. I didn't make sniper school, and even after I wrote a report to my commanding officer asking to be transferred to Afghanistan (oh yeah, wanted to become a member of Communist Party too - different story there) I was refused (thankfully). But... the craft is what I appreciate. Lucky to be somewhat related to it, to all of you guys and the community. Really appreciate this here. Thank you. Let's go Brandon. (Apologies - a little drunk. Naturally.)

[@austingx8295]

Awesome to hear! We don’t get much info from soviet vets, so it’s always nice to hear! Let’s go Brandon!

[@jaynikk758]

Very cool story sir thank you for sharing, cheers from USA, Let's Go Brandon

[@DanielMendoza-qq5pv]

Holy shit that’s cool man

[@jeffreyallen3796]

Привет wanderpump

[@arttheclown9458]

Dude this is a nice read. Id love to hear more about Soviet vets. Cheers from the U.S 🍻

[@brett2222]

for some background i'm not a highly trained soldier but i do go back packing quite often. And putting the heaviest gear towards the bottom of your pack and putting the things that you will need easy access to (snacks, water, etc) on the outer pouches of your pack. pouches like the hip pouches, top pouches, and side pockets that most good quality packs include. this is helpful because if your leaning back the pack wont try to pull you

[@scooterboy901]

love that he mentioned "halfway through the pct" because thats about exactly where i currently live. Tons of through hikers coming into my little town off the pct to grab groceries and other things and I frequently use the pct to access climbing in the area.

[@samisuhonen9815]

When it came to camouflage, one of the first and most basic things we were taught in the Finnish army, was movement. A human eye mostly detects other beings based on movement. Even if your camouflage isn't picture perfect, as long as you manage to be completely still, eliminating all unnecessary movement, you're almost invisible. Another good tip for actually making your camouflage blend in, was to break the unnatural shapes of your body, weapon, and kit. Use the branches you find naturally, careful not to take too much material from one spot, to not give away the fact that enemy combatants used the location recently for camouflage Take the natural branches, leaves, moss, and dirt of the environment you're in, attach the vegetation onto your gear. Break the shape of your human silhouette, and that of your weapon. Smear dirt onto your exposed skin, especially if you're pale. If you're a princess, you can use a makeup kit for this.

[@bighands69]

Your peripheral vision will pick out odd shapes that do not blend in. So trying to form soft lines with your surroundings is key. Means of doing that is to actually use leaves and other things as part of that camouflage. If it is an option moving in low light will decrease movement detection. If you are facing the sun it means it acts like a lamp to light your position up so if you are moving on a known area having the sun at you back also helps.

[@Callsignfirefly]

That is what I wait for movement that is probly my most important tools be patient don’t move Listen especially in the woods even in low light As spits of light comes through the trees fare away h can see that spot go dark that’s your movement then you know there are enemie movement as I hold they are not then it’s to late for them dead before the heat the shot 45/70 308 DFD death from distance

[@larryh502]

Also, people who are black or brown still need to use camo face paint since all skin regardless of color shines/reflects light that can give you away- same as sunlight glinting off a scope lens.

[@annoyedchef7124]

@@willbraun3008 Yes we do. E4 Sissi here. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sissi_(Finnish_light_infantry)

[@annoyedchef7124]

@@willbraun3008 And there is nothing light in light infantry

[@bknox617]

A rule that I was taught and still set up my gear this way. Live out of your ruck, fight out of your kit, survive out of your uniform. Snivel and comfort items belong in the ruck, they make life better. When I make contact I drop the ruck so I’m more maneuverable, aka my kit rarely comes off. My basic survival equipment stays on my person. Water purification, a way to carry water, fire (always carry two lighters), cordage, compass, knife, some small source of food (you could eat a power bar, but you can also use it as bait for something else to eat), and I generally try to keep a water proof layer on me but sometimes that isn’t possible. Lastly, spf chapstick is often an overlooked item, but it’s nice to have. Wind chapped and sunburned lips suck.

[@paulwest8575]

Cool fact I learned is that Med teams in inaccessible areas carry 2 types of pain meds (NSAID/Acetaminophen) + Benadryl equivalent. The Benadryl acts as a booster for the 2 pain meds and you administer all three as a emergency Morphine-strength pain replacement. Not to mention the Benadryl is good for allergies/bites, etc. although it makes you drowsy of course.

[@shoemender972]

That's not going to be morphine strength.

[@williamhutchins479]

​@@shoemender972when you can't get morphine anything helps.

[@Alexafm416]

​@shoemender972 it's not necessarily morphine strength but it's pretty fucking strong

[@scardinals1]

Water filtration tip: I use a hydration bladder with a Sawyer Mini Filter attached on the hose (I cut my hose around my chest area and watch it on both ends there). That way you can do a "grab and go" by dumping your bladder in unfiltered mountain water and when you suck to hydrate, it filters while going through the hose. This is very helpful when you're on the move, like chasing elk in the mountains or stalking humans lol!

[@ThunderTaco206]

SLLS also can really help keep you grounded in the moment. First casualty I had as a medic during my first firefight in Iraq, I started to freeze up. I remembered one of my EMT side instructors telling us about SLLS as a tool not just for situational awareness but for mindfulness. Brought me right back, and I got the job done.

[@muttoj77]

Same with scuba diving. Instead of SLLS we use SBTA. Stop, Breathe, Think and Act. Fear is no. 1 cause of troubles underwater. Sometimes you just need to stop what you’re doing and clear your head with calm breathing. Then when calm start thinking again. Remind your training and act accordingly.

[@mitchellnelms7572]

That can also help you in a defensive situation. The more calm you are, the more effective you'll be at stopping your threat. There was a reason we did things a thousand times in the Army in the worst possible conditions, to make the training almost instinctual.

[@alexandergutierrez7440]

We’ve seen garland thumb evolve. From his infancy on KZbin being a reg larper (no offense) to his rebellious phase being a scientist, to his retro age, to his phase on Russian guns he truly is the chosen one

[@justiron2999]

@@Unhallowed_Saint Well he's definitely cosplayed so I don't think that he would mind too much lol.

[@superfamilyallosauridae6505]

@@Unhallowed_Saint larper, not at all. but he really do lay the tacticool on thick, you can't deny that.

[@hahahey6761]

@@Unhallowed_Saint all military personnel are larpers

[@milohall5447]

Some "intro to playing the Banjo" lessons would make this buck a real terror wielding war fighter shredder out there... it's 2 am the embers are out, you're wrapped in your wobble and fading fast,,, then you hear a distant banjo playing ,,,,,,

[@skyyalexander]

Garland Thumb. His holiday moniker.

[@docmagicked5016]

That surprise gets me every time

[@NoahMcGehee]

I love the woods I do a lot of training and I honestly loved this video there’s so much more to learn

[@huttonmr]

If you’ve ever had an unfounded confidence in your ability to survive in the woods, go ahead and hit that subscribe button.

[@tyrthemaimed7957]

Something else to touch on in regards to smell coming from my grandfather (173rd airborne during vietnam) is if you are a smoker DO NOT smoke out in the field, apparently that smell carries far. And then on apparel something I think many backpackers and hunters will say, synthetic base layers will keep more smells than wool. Also remember in the woods always bring gloves, you never know when its going to get cold enough to make life miserable because your hands are exposed, also its an extra layer of protection against scrapes and other boo boos

[@0WickedSensation0]

I made a comment about how we could smell Iraqis hiding because of the cigarette smell all the time, also Do NOT wear deodorant/cologne, have to be aware of the foods you eat as well.

[@siberg6257]

@@0WickedSensation0 another pagan brother here? Heil Wotan

[@f-ducket4586]

100% Gloves! Cold and wet digits suck but a hand injury can range from nuisance to debilitating. Cut and impact resistant gloves are inexpensive insurance in the woods.

[@exoticflavorsBulls]

I guess they don't do smoking teepees anymore smoke them if you got them one lit cigarette can be seen for miles But hey that was Desert Shield and storm

[@gregkrueger331]

That’s why so many guys dip now.

[@spoonskill7080]

Thanks for the education. Real truth when you talked about moving off-trail. In the jungle, we deployed in four-man teams, setting up LPOP's to catch insurgents. Moving thru undulating, foliage dense terrain is not for the weak of heart. Put a lot of thought in your load and how you balance it on your body. I like to say, you're the creator of your own misery or comfort. It can impact your effectiveness.

[@polgaming8107]

Need more like this, these how to become deadly/survival are my favourite garandthumb vids

[@youwillneverguess]

My two cents are less war fighting and more just spending time in the woods and mountains of the PWN. There are a lot of mountain rivers here which make a lot of noise, which will help conceal your location but will also conceal others from you. Do what you need to do and get away from that river. Don't forget to dummy cord anything you don't want to lose! I try to avoid sleeping on the ground so a hammock and sil nylon tarp are super lightweight and miles more comfortable especially with an under quilt for cold weather. A bit of care needs to be exercised when selecting a location to hang your hammock though, so be aware. Also, a dry sack or two never hurt anyone. You can use them to haul water, make a pillow and keep important shit dry like socks, a fire starting kit and electronics. In freezing temperatures, water and wet wipes go in your sleeping bag with you. Don't try to wipe your ass with a frozen wet wipe. You will regret it.

[@TheRealChrisShades]

What do you do with the wet wipes once you have used them? Not trying to be funny, genuinely curious. I’m not a big outdoorsy person.

[@canabiss8297]

@@TheRealChrisShades bury them like you would a body. outdoor weather will break them down easily, even moreso when in the dirt to get chomped on by worms and other bugs

[@youwillneverguess]

@@TheRealChrisShades Good question. What Canabiss said. Remember, one of those S's is for Smell. And Don't forget the look too. If it looks like someone dug a small hole to take a dump, there are probably people nearby...

[@TheRealChrisShades]

@@canabiss8297 Cool thanks. I was thinking probably bury it but wanted to make sure that’s what you do. @MattK thanks for your reply too. After watching this video and several seasons of the walking dead, I have come to the conclusion that I am too “soft” LOL

[@christopher2206]

I would put it in a ziploc bag.

[@carlreeves6108]

I am pumped about this I remember way back when you said this would be a series and I’ve looked forward to it since. Growing up in the Ozarks of Arkansas and the delta half and half. Sunkin lands and mountains are my area of civilian operation.

[@CaesarGB]

I live in Southern Missouri not far from the Ozarks!

[@reaganriddle]

Appalachians here. Mountain terrain is simple to those familiar, and ridiculous to those who aren’t.

[@notmefrfr]

I'm here in the Ozarks of Arkansas too. Thankful to live where I live every day.

[@justinbarton9662]

From the Ozarks and also Cyprus bayou in Arkansas. Now I live in the Smokey's.

[@johnfagan1938]

Hell yeah I'm from ar near the ozarks

[@DavyCrosier]

I just got back from a weeklong orientation course for a K-8th outdoor survival school. I didn’t shower for a week, and would only wash the skin exposed from clothing. When I put on a clean pair of pants after getting home, it was really weird smelling the laundry detergent so strongly.

[@fishrrelaxing9361]

Returning to a bunch of old videos now that my knowledge and expertise has grown.. The most overlooked thing was glanced in here for 30seconds and moved on from.. Being able to adjust your pack on the fly to elevations and give a part of your body a rest from taking the brunt of the weight.. I’ve learned not to losses the hip belt to adjust off the hips as much as tightening the shoulder straps to put more load on the shoulders.. lessening the shoulder straps when walking down hill shifting more weight to the hips for better center of gravity.. cinching up the shoulders or even loosening or unbuckling the hip when going up hill for better balance.. It’s much less a fatigue issue as it is adjustment to going up hill or down hill to better balance yourself.. anyone who’s packed off trail with big elevation changes knows.. uphill it you don’t want you pack feeling like it’s pulling you backwards down the hill you’re already hunched and leaning forward.. downhill moving the weight down keeps your pack from wanting to push you face first in the dirt.. As I fatigue when on flat land I’ll adjust to give parts of the body a rest but the majority of pack adjustments come for better balance on very steep and uneven terrain ..

[@Gunthusiest]

I also wanna say this. Even in the hot environments, ALWAYS keep a fleece cap somewhere on you. It's always colder at night, and a fleece cap will make your life so much easier.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

Another use for the fleece cap is to mufffle a cough. When you feel it coming on, take off your cap and kinda bury it in the leaves, dirt,etc., then cough into it. The sound will not travel nearly as far.

[@rickpetersonphotography]

Great video! Here are a few tips from my years as a recon/sniper… 1) Don’t forget to take full advantage of noise (planes, trains and automobiles) as a great time to move quickly. The noise will mask your branch breaking and vegetation smashing. 2) If you get tangled up in bushes or tree vines, don’t go into full-on MMA with the greenery, it will give your position away in a heartbeat. 3) Treat your feet like your crotch! Keep it dry, keep it clean and avoid chafing!!! 4) Keep food bars in your pockets for EASY and QUICK energy. 5) keep that TP or small butt-wipe handy for the stop, drop and go! (Don’t forget to bury it!) Cheers!

[@MavGamingTv]

The stop drop and go, love it xD

[@FrenchieOutdoors]

Better off carrying ziplocks to carry out your business and wet wipes, leaves no groundsign

[@theoldleafybeard]

In the countryside, some of us clean our a## with smooth stones. ;) Not mil, but civilian - might help you guys too though. Less waste and more resources avail at hand!

[@duncanp1987]

E

[@mattfrank6804]

#1 is an excellent point. I take full advantage of low-flying planes and wind gusts when still hunting. Great time to cover ground quickly.

[@SP_3333]

Nice camo. My poppa taught me how to be an efficient off trail silent hunter in the Allegheny mountains. Awareness, head up eyes on. Silence is key as is breath control. Also, take B-vites qd to keep the mosquitoes away. They hate the taste/smell of your blood heavily laden with the B. Life Straw products are good for water purification too. Nice vid Gar.

[@beebester4106]

The most important tool to have especially in the Pacific Northwest is a long machete with a leather sheath. I attach it directly to my webgear/kidney belt. I work in the woods off trail doing forestry work daily and I won't leave the truck without my compass and machete. Get youself a 28" Ontario Knife brand. There is no better one that I know of.

[@jasongillette3119]

Gets bant of ig Starts making sustainment and recce content GT on a war path now and I MA FUCKING LOVING IT

[@juanp2136]

This vid is, and the energy it brings, is considerably different from your past ones. I see what you're doing. Thank you flannel bro.

[@tomthumb9533]

He's got an absurd level of special training

[@danielmorton4306]

That's "flannel daddy" to you.

[@billytaglis3586]

GT , You're a real Patriot for doing These videos I appreciate them so much... Thank you

[@Nzcowboy]

I live and hunt in similar conditions in New Zealand and have been doing so my whole life but it’s reassuring to know sills. Definitely something to practice the most

[@__z4ne__823]

Hey bro i in nz as well a im trng to get into the hills during the new trout season and bring a rifle with me. Any advice or tips you could recommend👍

[@Nzcowboy]

@@__z4ne__823 Hey man. Sounds like a good time. We don’t have any predators to worry about in Nz so only thing I would pack for would be the weather. I pretty much live off my quad bike most days so I pack everything I can even if it’s a 20 degree day it can easily get to 5 degrees in a matter of minutes. Cold and wet is the worst way to be 🤙🏻

[@marcusburgess9393]

Daddythumb I’m an infanteer in the British Army, and I’m surprised at how different you keep your kit as opposed to us. All of our kit would be waterproofed in ‘dry bags’ or ‘canoe bags’ which can be submerged under water and still stay bone dry. This includes a big dry bag for our doss bag (sleeping bag), which would be inside a bivvy bag inside the dry bag, with no compression sack as its a nightmare to get away in the dark or cold when under stress. Nearly all our food is rations mixed with a healthy dose of pot noodle or other complete waste of space food. Talcum powder for days. Great for model kits, never used for it’s actual purpose. Also drybagged. Most lads would use either a camalbac or munro daysack, or bergen wise for longer periods the PLCE bergens we used to get issued are extremely popular after being tailored with a few extra pouches and a basha pouch. Definitely worth looking into. Big up for the stitched bush hat, cut the brim down to 4/5 stitch rings max and rehem for maximum allyness. Cheers, 🇬🇧

[@You-were-seen-kid]

Irish Army here, we pretty much modelled our Recce sop's from the British, not sure if you lads have updated your sop's but I was amazed at how little gear he was actually carrying! Our recce syllabus is alot of weight appreciation. Glad to see you lads go for pot noodles rather than an all day vegetarian breakfast haha

[@Phantom8589]

Did a few Recce ops, absolutely agree water proof bags are a must. I would also wear gaiters, keeping feet dry especially in adverse mountain weather is essential. The old adage "travel light freeze at night" holds true.

[@nzKnut]

Bro i would definitely get a crush sack that opens easy (i.e. squishable vented dry bag) for your bivvy and sleeping bag.

[@GarandThumb]

Appreciate all the info! Love my Brits

[@Phantom8589]

@@GarandThumb From one Lowlife to Another .... 🤘🏼

[@TFNorth]

For the odd mortar guy with the unfortunate (or fortunate- depending on your idea of fun) job of being a 60mm gunner on a recce in mountainous terrain: you may find yourself in a situation where you are primary source of fires. You may be outside the range of bigger guns and may have to pop off prior to CAS being called. My squad found this out over a decade ago in Afghanistan, as we'd often be attached as a singleton to a patrol. You can either distribute your rounds (1 per patrol mate) and create a cache once you set in a position, which would allow you to pack all your basic survival amenities, personal weapon and combat ammo load, MBITR batteries, bipod legs, base plate, site, and a single aiming stake (as if precision matters at this point). Another configuration that me and another 11chuck figured out is the pack-mule configuration for situations where you have to go out with a sniper over-watch, in which the patrol element is smaller and they may already be overburdened each with personal weapons, sniper rifle and in my era it was 1 guy with a barrett, 1 guy with m110, sniper team leader with spotting equiptment and tacsat, and a saw gunner (usually my AG). In this configuration you're mostly just there to lob ordinance in handheld mode in the event the position is compromised. On your person you should only have your tube, a sidearm, and 12 rnds HE quick (possibly 2 illum) at almost 5lbs each, by now you're looking at just under 60lbs on your back. This leaves your AG with the 1 crew served weapon on the patrol team carrying all his combat load- your personal weapon and magazines, and all your survival kit. The bottom line is that in a team scenario each person doesn't have to carry a self contained kit... stuff could get divvied out. Sorry this was a long winded rant.

[@citysurvival3257]

11C 🙌🏽

[@handstandmanstan4185]

Your long winded rant does not go unrecognized, thank you

[@That_Guy5575]

I'm just a little civilian who likes to learn, and the odds of me ever needing to know this info is slim, but never zero. Thank you for your service and knowledge.

[@BIGREDTECH]

My best friend was a mortar man in the marines. He loved every minute of it.. part of suicide charlie. That’s all I know lol

[@bommie]

11C love 😍 Cheers from another Chuck in Alaska, 1-501st PIR.

[@Plastikdoom]

I go with wool base layers, can’t beat good merino wool, sire it’s spendy, but out lasts synthetics and is warmer, especially when wet. Plus it has the benefits of if you get blown up/lit on fire, it doesn’t melt into you.

[@jensjohnsen2762]

I Was a recce in the danish sf unit SSR i love your vids Mike! We can't own Any fun wepons here so this is a great fix for a ex-sf recce keep up the good work mate

[@BlackHawk295]

The biggest thing I remember from doing SERE in NC back in 2015 during evasion is to absolutely never go internal. Once you shut down and start focusing on how bad everything sucks you're gonna make mistakes and eventually "give up" and stop caring. Love these kinds of videos, looking forward to more fieldcraft type stuff!

[@isaacfenigsohn3839]

Interesting! Are you referring to focusing on your feelings and discomfort or fear as internal? (Rather than the steps necessary for the task)

[@atxjaphotos4217]

@@isaacfenigsohn3839 I think he means anything internal but especially any negative emotion. Aside from the next item on my mental checklist to get me out of danger, my focus would be on my environment to evade the people that want to kill/capture me. Hopefully he'll let us know.

[@RandyMan696]

That’s why you carry 60 mg oxi. LoL all Sf Do

[@BlackHawk295]

@@isaacfenigsohn3839 From what I've seen it can be a bit of both. But definitely focusing on discomfort and pain seems to cause it more often when rucking in the woods

[@joebenson528]

When you said "back in" I was expecting 19** not 2015 lmao

[@prylosecorsomething3194]

As a lifelong rural mainer I've gotta say. Up here in the deep woods the weather's as much of a threat as any opposing force. If it's cold as fuck out and you're not prepared for it you'll be dead before you ever see anybody. There's also the fact that nobody remembers to wear sunglasses in the winter, even though they'll end up snow blind without a set.

[@dashifusheffield2568]

Thank for your videos. I know you can say everything, but what you makes a difference. I have boys that were in the military that can help too.

[@CS-xo4kh]

A lot of excellent information ! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@shadowguy525]

The soothing voice of Papa Thumb while power pushing in a truck stop bathroom stall just hits different!

[@donlimbargo5865]

What's the point in starting a 30 minute long video if you are power pushing?? That's where the shorts come in handy lol

[@tuurd]

30 minute vid, I'm gonna use a shower credit and poop in private to not be disturbed by the grunting and assplosions of the neighbors.

[@randyhelton3310]

I can't understand how anyone can give garand a thumbs down he tries to teach people and is down to earth

[@nuggetsaltshaker9520]

They're probably all misclicks

[@lt6873]

They are from Brandon and pals

[@HE7R0D]

They're homophobic. That's why.

[@MichaelAMyers1957]

@@HE7R0D what's that have to do with the video ? Is Mr thumb a pole smoker ?

[@seven_sixtwo]

@@MichaelAMyers1957 He must be really bad at it then given the fact he has a wife and kid.

[@davidsollinger8886]

Hunting deer in the PA mountains one year me and my buddy creeped threw the wood's. We did a 8 mile circle up, down, across mountain and across creek's and up creek bottom's nice and slow. Took us 8 hour's.

[@doejohn8674]

My experience is more on the outdoor wilderness hiking side in the PNW/Canada: smells also attract wild animals (bears and such), so if you pack food, take some that doesn't attract them, we used to pack it between trees on a rope high above the ground, a bit away from campsites.

[@efoxneo]

This is a good series Lord Garand Thumb. As a former Canuck recce guy, I am so glad we have similar doctrine on kit and procedure in the bush. We used to cut the brims on our field (boonie) caps and some would put wire in the edge of the brim so it could be formed to your liking. The RSM would loose his shit if he saw guys do that, even in Trashcanistan, but that's why we would have a cut down field cap and a parade/garrison cap.

[@ThatGuy-sc5rx]

@@GewoonNee not everyone sits on the couch trolling

[@itsapittie]

Yep, I used to put wire in the brim and shape it. Some guys cut down the brim but I never did because I liked the protection. Kind of an aside, but I've never understood military leadership's irrational hatred for the boonie hat. Except for the helmet, it's the only military headgear that actually serves some non-ceremonial purpose.

[@xecidex]

@@GewoonNee as another fellow Canuck infantry but not recce, all he said is true so idk what ur saying

[@SpetsnazBear-3710]

@@GewoonNee Jealous much... Seek professional help 'kiddo'.

[@SpetsnazBear-3710]

@@xecidex Cheers... From a Family of PPCLI-Airborne (up until 1991)

[@imying72]

As a lifetime mountain kid in Appalachia... The sentiment is greatly appreciated. can't wait to hear what you have to say vs what I've learned over a lifetime of being out in the bush. Can't wait. Ps... you got some serious shine on that gps unit. ;)

[@DougFordsr]

Great video. Going to a training in 2 weeks and look forward to learning more from you as well.

[@ironofithaka8357]

I just love how warfare and setup changes location to location. What one would rock out in the boulder mountains of Oklahoma/north texas would not work in say the applachia’s. With oklahoma I would place a huge emphasis on lightweight breathable equipment and the ability to carry lots of water. The dry summers and winters are brutal and pair that with lack of water, that can blow you out fast.

[@Cult1022]

"Get out and use your gear" probably the best sentence today. Walking the PCT was exactly that - all my preparation and army training coulnd't teach me what 10 days of hiking in the wilderness did.

[@tomthumb9533]

You get stingy AF on weight/pack space if you have to hump it for days/weeks/months. The smallest axe/knife/flashlight/tool that does the damn job is all you'll care about. Portable water collection & filtration devices, medical equipment, power generation generation, and ammunition are of paramount importance. You can skimp on just about everything else =/

[@katarjin]

Any tips on the PCT? planning to do it in a year or so...once I get back in shape. (slow going...but going)

[@tomthumb9533]

@@katarjin hydrate to where you are urinating frequently beforehand

[@Nomad-vaulter-HP2]

I’ve grown up in the PWN forests and the Olympic and cascade mountains, a lot of people I’ve noticed that come up here and don’t know how unpredictable and erratic the weather is here. You really have to listen and watch the wind because squalls blow in and blow out like crazy and you’ll barely have warning. When I go hiking my friend and I check out places that we could hide out a squall as we go up the mountain. We keep them in mind and will go off the trail to check for good spots to possibly weather a squall while hiking on not optimal day (most days here). It takes time to really get to know the forests here and the mountains but once you know them it will serve you well

[@brzozowskipl]

IM very impressed. I'm looking forward to the next movie.

[@hotmetal459]

We just received a 30 minute lecture that would have cost the government 10k per soldier. Thanks again Mike!

[@bulletproofbuddha8624]

And no ppt safety brief!

[@felixdewinter3484]

Yeah, the difference is Soldiers actually have authority and are in a job where they actually use these skills. The rest is just larping and needs to be called out for what it is.

[@jimclarkjd4123]

@@felixdewinter3484 Ok boomer

[@felixdewinter3484]

@@jimclarkjd4123 I'm not wrong kid. That's the country we live in. A civilian who goes and does a "recce" on another person in this country gets arrested for stalking or whatever. If you want to talk about ultra-lite backpacking in a national forest or hiking in general, I'm all about it. But don't come here thinking you as a civilian can somehow insert yourself into the American wilderness to do ops like your a Soldier or somewhere. If you want that experience or the authority to do it, I can take you down to the local recruiting office and we'll get you hooked up with an 11X option 40 contract and you can have all the experience at being a Soldier that your body can handle.

[@zachv1942]

@@felixdewinter3484 not really dude. You can do recon. It's called hunting on BLM/WMA lolz

[@ACarbonellBeceiro]

I've been taught to usually pack every "sensible" item in its own waterproof plastic bag with zip closing. For example, the socks shown on top of the bag should be stored like that. It adds no weight and having dry socks after crossing a river or having a hell of a night is LIFE. The same approach would apply to lots of different equipment... more clothing, electronic stuff, etc. Great vid!

[@KodamaOM01]

+1 to ziplocks from a backpacking perspective. A decent-quality ziplock bag can also serve as a compression aid. If it's not a clothing item I'm using frequently (like a rain layer), it's easy to place that ziplocked item under your body weight and seal it up for space savings. You can also label or color-code them easily, or repurpose them to hold trash or other waste you don't want to leave behind.

[@denmanfite3156]

Hell and who doesn't want a bunch of sealed plastic bags in a pinch. Great idea.

[@benk3438]

I put a large trash bag on the inside of my pack and put everything inside there. Keeps everything dry and adds almost no weight, even without a pack cover

[@xXMc1ovinXx]

you can actually also get something called a rucksack insert, basiclly after you ziplocked all your kit individually, usually you put it inside this insert which is an additional layer of water proofing, note if you dont wanna spend 30 bucks, garbage bags always work ahah theybjust tend to rip a lot easier, and this adds negligable amount of weight. 8 years in the CAD army and the insert is probably the best addition to my kit ive ever bought

[@shanecaldwell8995]

@@xXMc1ovinXx is an inset different then a wet weather bag? They issue us wet weather bags now and I always take it with me when we are in the field

[@wesleydynna8411]

One of the best videos I have seen. Superb

[@floornuts8422]

Just a heads up for anyone using a similar type of water filtration system (I have the same one he uses in this video): Once you use these types of water filters, you need to be careful not to expose them to freezing conditions. Once they have been exposed to below freezing temps, the expansion of ice crystals inside from any residual water from prior use will often damage the fibers and membranes that otherwise clean your water supply. Depending on which filter you get, they don't run too high in price, so you may want to consider bringing two or three with you if your weight and space requirements allow it. I don't have any experience with them failing as I've never exposed mine to freezing temps, but I imagine finding out the hard way that the warnings are accurate, and thus shitting your brains out non-stop in a warzone or while trying to survive until rescue, is a bad, bad time.

[@Medici0045]

So either bury it deep into insulation in the pack, or keep it close to the body right? Cause there’s no way to proper dry them.

[@floornuts8422]

@@Medici0045 That's correct, as far as needing to use it in a sub-freezing environment. If you can guarantee it won't be exposed to sub-freezing temps once water has passed through it, you should be fine. Once it is exposed to freezing temps long enough to form ice on the inside, however, there is no way to be sure it "survived" short of tearing it apart and looking at the membrane with a microscope.

[@RodCornholio]

Quite true. If the device is transported via "checked baggage" there have been reports of it getting below freezing temperatures on a long distance international flight - over an ocean. Best to have it in the passenger cabin with you.

[@mjolnirswrath23]

Or... Development of a strong immune system so you dont care about the water contamination.. I grew up in northern Arizona mountains.. dad and gramps taught me Desert mountain survival training gramps was an instructor for YMCA and NRA , also taught Police Marksmanship. Rifle pistol Marksmanship was a sheriff and ww2 army Air corps drill sergeant. Dad was Vietnam SEAL 65 to 68 ECMR.. MOST people now days have no exposure to sunlight, pathogens or immunity.. a paper cut Will kill these people.. Ive been a carpenter 25 years , the practice of taking a water bottle sitting at a jobsite for something to drink our of or using a stray h2.5 to use as a utensil from a can of food is common practice, ALSO you can boil or sterilize water quite easily in MANY ways. By the primary means of your survival will be having a strong immune system.. cuts lacerations, impalement etc are common in mountain terrain. Hére in Arizona we have scrub oak , gasoline plants , cacti , catsclaw bushes, scorpions, deadly Beetles, whiptails, centipedes tarantulas black widows brown recluses etc... MOST people wouldn't survive... And MANY undiscovered mines, holes , caverns mountain lions coyote, skunks " nasty mean bastard's "

[@HaloDude557]

Cody We your body is already immune to waterborne bacteria… the response is fever and shitting it all out, water included…

[@andreykot8504]

8:20 I remember an interview with a Soviet veteran of the Afghan war explained that in the early phases of the war the afghan fighters could detect Soviet troops from a large distance- the smell of soaps and colognes and deodorants was swooped down from the mountains towards rivers, and carried away, so later in the war, wearing cologne became taboo within the Soviet contingent in Afghanistan.

[@BeefJherky]

Makes you wonder how long we have been fighting by smell. I can imagine the same with the Roman legions and the Barbarians. They could very well have smelt the Romans long before they even saw them.

[@shahsaud2625]

@@BeefJherky I would put it the other way around

[@torstenscott7571]

@@BeefJherky the Roman diet was saturated with garlic, onions, and Mediterranean spices that would have made them stand out even more.

[@mr.cancer7270]

I’ve been very lucky with my family so most of this is not a stranger to me. My grandfather was in the air force for 20 years so he had extensive training with this kinda stuff also I have been hunting and tracking elk all over the Rockies off trail since I was a child

[@danielreyes7297]

I love the plug for Established Titles! Great cause! Because we need the planet. Not the other way around.

[@georgekoribanic2524]

Okay Garand Thumb. I feel personally singled out something major. When you said "Appalachia" my heart dropped. I was literally thinking "lol wouldn't it be funny if he said something about some kid in the south in the backwoods who knows these mountains like the back of his hand." I'm giddy with excitement. I've been practicing wilderness living and primitive survival skills and native american lifestyle (idk how tf to word it lol just living off the land like the Choctaw and Cherokee and Chickasaw) ever since I was a wee little shit here in North Carolina. Everything from going out in the woods with just the clothes on my back and a knife & timing myself to see how long it takes me to get a fire going, my record is somewhere around 2 hours give or take a bit and thats making a fire with a bow drill using my shoe laces. ( Bonus points cause i was drizzling starting halfway through it.) AAAHHHH Papa Thumb I just got soooo much more respect for you my man. This is the coolest thing ever, dawg. Get some!!! (Sorry I kind of sound turbo retarded but this is too awesome to be real life rn!!!!)

[@dontfallyoumighthurtyourse4694]

Appalachia blue ridge bois represent!

[@longrangevoodoo4480]

These are our mountains. We just let some folks borrow them. Even the animals.

[@jonathanblaine4121]

Came to make a cheeky joke about having been summoned by those words myself. Hey to y'all from the Cumberland Gap. Not there right now, but I won't have far to go if I need to ;)

[@Powerhaus88]

Puts the yee in the haww or it gets the hose again

[@cammclendon4024]

Errybody gangsta till the trees start singing country roads

[@godzillaplayz4908]

One thing I've learnt just from hunting and just passed down family knowledge it's that nature knows when you are the odd ball in there. The more you interact with nature the more you learn how to not disturb it because one spooked animal can give a hint of something is off in that area.

[@patrioticsaint2516]

So TRUE! Another aspect of learning this trait, is that a spooked animal will resound throughout a Field, Forest, and any other place where critters reign: I myself listen for the absence of Crickets. If I'm walking too loud (or Carelessly) the Crickets will go quiet. That will in turn, quiet other critters... All things that experienced hunters and Trackers listen for!

[@davidsaunders7118]

Boy them critters be gettin the fuck outta dodge 😂

[@spartin1173]

Also the basics of learning about a particular environment and how you should be moving through it you can learn from how the other animals behave using mountains as an example big cats and elk both know how to keep a low profile in mountain terrain elk know where to lay so they can see everything below them but cant be seen coming over the ridgeline big cats like mountain lions know what paths to take to avoid easy sightlines and how to blend in on approach the animals around us were born for these conditions we’re the strangers so learn how they do it and add to it with your equipment and skills nature knows what its doing learn what it will teach

[@UrbTac-7]

Your rifle builds are great! Love it!

[@beefstuart8769]

I indirectly train for this in Colorado as a preparedness step. Couple of thoughts. 1) definitely hike off-trail. You get to see stuff most folks don’t, you won’t see anyone else and it’s far more challenging as Mike mentioned. You’re also forced to use at least some form of land nav skill. Hike in deep with your kit in your pack, kit up and test your gear in the woods...but with privacy. 2) I take a HT ham radio and practice simplex comms using different antennas depending on frequencies (2m, 70cm, GMRS, FRS). Good time and place to practice especially with a buddy or team. 3) the ECWCS grid fleece is my goto for my climate. Breathes extremely well, cheap and is pretty warm. I avoid camo patterns but wear earth tones. 4) the old school M65 pant liners are an AWESOME, dirt cheap cold weather over pant. Super easy to don and doff and you don’t even need to remove your boots. Great for winter camp or other static situations. 5) Kahtoola Microspikes have saved my ass numerous times on ice and snow. Great for snowy/icy terrain that doesn’t require a full crampon but still sketchy enough to need extra traction. 6) skip the military or tactical boots and get a propper pair of mountaineering boots. I like Scarpa and Lowa because they fit my (narrowish) feet well and are extremely well made for this kind of use and supporting heavy loads. They’re also crampon compatible. Buy once cry once. 7) Train. I try to get out regularly but in between, as part of a normal workout routine, I throw on a pack with 40lbs of weight and walk up and down my stairs in my house for an hour or two.

[@dcyphyr]

68 likes on this comment ! Come on Guys, just one more!

[@MrSmith223]

@@dcyphyr there you go..

[@dcyphyr]

@@MrSmith223 *fist bump*

[@daven953]

Big yes to the micro spikes. I have 2 pair. Don't need to concus my melon again.

[@KR-bn4bg]

Those mountaineering boots you're talking about, are they gore tex/waterproof as well?

[@patrickcurtis11]

Zip ties are also fast and really nice to keep. I’ve been laughed at over it, until I put up an expedient shelter with a tarp and branches in like five minutes. But they can work for a lot of different stuff, even gear failure: especially GI issue stuff and you don’t have time to figure it out. Zip tie it. Sometimes 550 cord can be to slick, or 90 mile an hour tap can get wet. (I carry all that stuff too, not dogging on it). Just food for thought.

[@SJ-yp7sy]

Zip-ties are excellent as long as you have clippers/scissors to remove them. It took me 3 accidents and 16 stitches in total to finally learn to avoid using a knife if possible. Should carry trauma shears in your pack anyway.

[@patrickcurtis11]

@@SJ-yp7sy you can also trip the lock with the tip of the zip tie or a small flathead screwdriver. It’s nice because I’m most cases you can reuse them that way. Sorry about those stitches. I know what your talking about. It can be very difficult and dangerous using a knife.

[@SJ-yp7sy]

@@patrickcurtis11 Thanks. At least I learned before I put my knife through my thigh. =)

[@alanwilliams9074]

If you need to cut a fence, use a zip-tie top and bottom to make it look intact except by close inspection.

[@zerberus_ms]

Israeli Defence Force (IDF) use them ALL THE TIME. They're extremely good, especially considering the fact that you can "tie" them into each other, creating a larger zip-tie if you ever need one.

[@lordrudimus]

More on this series please. One Cascade running fool to another!