We Fight Monsters

For our modern day he is the GUNFIGHTER WRITER WILDMAN MONK: Man of Action, Man of Intellect, Man of Emotion, Man of Spirit. Consider the Athenian ideal of a balanced education. From the book Greek Realities: Life and Thought in Ancient Greece, By Finley Hooper “They could play some flute but should not neglect wrestling.” They avoided the excesses of life. They might focus on music or philosophy but spent enough time so that their bodies did not become soft.” He identifies issues, gathers information on the threats, devises a plan, and executes it successfully.

We breed boys to be sheep and allow wolves to be shepherds, and if we don't right that wrong, we're going to have a nation of weak hearts when it's time to fight the heartless.

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John Valentine sits down with Drug War Veteran and non-permissive environment specialist Ed Calderon of Ed's Manifesto. Ed is a non-permissive environment specialist and published author with operational experience along the Mexican-American border. This was originally episode 27 from Spotterup.

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Originally published Feb 10, 2020 GEORGETOWN Spotter Up Combatives contributor John Valentine is joined by Cliff Byerly and Devin Crinklaw. The guys sit down to discuss CQB methods like limited penetration and behavior based reactions of criminal actors. Follow them online at @hillcountrycombatives and @inextremistg CLIFF has been a Marine for over 20 years (with 12 years of active duty), with the majority of his military career spent serving as a reconnaissance team leader. His several deployments included Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 & 1991, and to Somalia in 1992, and he finished his active duty service in San Diego as a drill instructor. In 1996 Cliff left the military and joined the Los Angeles PD, where he worked patrol and with gangs and narcotics. In 2003, he took a break from police work to deploy to Iraq yet again for OIF I as a team leader with 4th Force Reconnaissance. Cliff has instructor certifications in LAPD Arrest and Control, S.P.E.A.R. System™ and S.P.E.A.R. Tactical Ground Combatives, Combat Focus Shooting, Red Zone Weapons Defense level 2, Red Zone Adaptive Striking, Krav Maga Force Training Division Police, Military Combat & Marksmanship, Range Safety Officer, and level 2 Crossfit Trainer. Mr. Byerly was the Lead Instructor with the Police & Military Division for BTS, and is currently the founder of his new company Hill Country Combatives. Cliff believes in realistic, progressive, injury-free training, but his years in the Corps combined with his non-ironic addiction to “Kill Cliff” energy drinks fuel a poorly-concealed disdain for hippies, people that fail to stay in shape, and general weakness. Cliff is probably not the best person to train with if you don’t want to be called a “special snowflake” or some combination of swear word plus “tard” when you make a mistake. However, for the rest of us, Cliff’s priceless real world experience, humor, and colorful language with SoCal surfer-boy delivery, make every course he conducts a tactical treat. These truths, combined with the fact that he may actually be Nathan’s spirit animal, make him a treasured member of the Borderland Training team, and his ability to make you tactically proficient is matched only by his genuine concern for our men that put themselves in harm’s way. DEVIN has a professional training background that spans 3 decades specifically in the area of personal security, combative tactics and self defense. 18 year veteran of Law enforcement (6 Reserve and 12 full-time). Areas of expertise include: research and practice of combative skills, behavior based tactics for Military and Law enforcement, empty hand/edged weapons and gunfighting training programs for govt. and qualified civilian personnel. Concealed Carry instruction and High Risk Environment Training for Military Special Operations and Faith based Mission groups. Devin is the owner of In Extremis Tactical Group LLC and was fundamentally involved in the development of the High Threat CQB method taught by Trevor Thrasher and High Threat Systems LLC and has personally instructed hundreds of Law Enforcement and military US/Foreign Allies personnel, agencies and units in this method of Close Quarters Battle. Devin is well versed in Western WW 2 Era W.E. Fairbairn and E.A. Sykes Combative methodologies and tactics, advanced marksmanship and extensive scenario based Force on Force training. Devin has worked both domestically and abroad, specifically South America, North Africa and the Middle East on training and protection assignments and is considered a US State Department (Subject Matter Expert-SME) conducting pre deployment training for personnel deploying to Haiti, Bosnia, Afghanistan and other High Risk areas. Devin currently serves on as a Full-time police officer with the City of Omaha where he is assigned to the Training Academy. Duties include The Omaha Police Dept. Lead Firearms Coordinator

Josh previously highlighted the Mantis-X firearms training tool in an article he wrote immediately following Spotter Up’s trip to SHOT show 2017 in Vegas that year. "You can see my initial impression and experience with the system, and a nice explanation from Austin, the Mantis rep I talked to. I chose my product spotlight articles based on the booths I visited which left an impression on me, and that I found myself thinking about after the show ended, and the Mantis-X was definitely a highlight." Book: We Fight Monsters https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Shirts: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... The Saint Factory Shirts: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Playing Cards: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Wall Art: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Green Ops: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Flags and Patches: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Drinkware: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Headwear: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Stickers: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll...

Hagioscope Sometimes the dark is church; bring your pain, cry it out and then get back to the rest of your life. Life gets tough sometimes. We spend so much time grinding, fighting, trying to make our place in the world that sometimes we lose a sense of who we are. Weeping can often bring a man back to who he was before the tumult. Being part of a group because of our work, or being single because of divorce can separate a man from himself. Sometimes it’s in movement that a man loses the sense of who he is. Sometimes it’s in the stillness that a man finds himself. Weeping in darkness brings him to a place where he can restart. The poet Gaius Valerius Catullus wrote a tender poem to the brother he lost, the poem being the best gift that he could bestow. “Ave atque vale”, he wrote; Hail and Farewell. In your pain bestow a gift on others; restore the balance; trade your injury for their healing and in turn restore yourself. Say goodbye and move ahead. How? Cry. Ask why you cry, and then use the answers to map out your next move. Use your pain wisely. Use your pain. I never knew what my mission in life was until I lost something precious to me. Learn your mission, get back into the fight. You are a son of man and a child of God. Be fearless. Don’t see your church from a distance; get up close. If you are a practicing person, try and connect with a service in your area. Read Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan

Blacksmith It is impressive enough to have a will like iron but what is sublime is to have a spirit like fire, for fire shapes everything inside a man. Swords have been made of different materials over the centuries. Swords have been made out of copper, bronze, and steel. Blooms of steel were an early example of what was used to forge the Roman gladius. A good sword has to be hard enough to hold an edge, strong enough and flexible enough that it can absorb massive shocks at just about any point along its length and not crack or break. Finally, it should be balanced along its length so that it can be wielded effectively. A sword may be single or double-edged. For example, a Japanese katana has a single edge but a Scottish claymore is sharpened on both sides. Swords start out as really just metal and through a process become very beautiful. Every element must be of the best, but it is very important to have a good forge and great control over the fire. Sharpen your blade. Today, make quiet time and have mindfulness. Read and grow your knowledge. Take breaks. Get to know yourself. Love yourself and care for yourself. Exercise. Read Diary of the Instructor in Swordsmanship by George S Patton Jr.

Read Ben Johnson's entire review at Spotterup.com and check out the accompanying images. Purchase: https://amzn.to/3N4pDPB Purchase here: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_https://bit.ly/3bAyyDW Book: We Fight Monsters https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/books/products/copy-of-book-we-fight-monsters-signed-copy-with-stickers-2nd-edition Shirts: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/spotter-up The Saint Factory Shirts: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/the-saint-factory Playing Cards: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/playing-cards Wall Art: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/apparel Green Ops: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/green-ops Flags and Patches: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/patches Drinkware: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/drinkware Headwear: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/headware Stickers: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/stickers

Support the show: https://bit.ly/37Gj7Hs John Valentine is joined by Matt Larsen and Varg Freeborn to discuss dehumanization as a natural coping mechanism for killing related to group dynamics in both social and evolutionary combat psychology. A tactical trainer and strength coach with a unique background, Varg Freeborn is also the author of "Violence of Mind" discussing how to prepare for extreme violence. Matt Larsen is a career Ranger, Director of Combatives at West Point, and Evolutionary Combat Psychologist. Follow Matt Larsen and Varg Freeborn online @combatives and @vargfreeborn

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2NtEQN8 Full review at Spotterup.com Battlbox: Mission 36 Active Shooter/Mass Casualty Response Kit. Imagine being out with your family when the worst imaginable situation unfolds. A mad person runs into the establishment that you are patronizing and begins trying to indiscriminately stab people. You draw your weapon and engage the threat. You successfully neutralize them and ascertain that no other threats remain. Now what? Being the conscientious EDC (Everyday Carry) minded person that you are, you run out to your car and grab your IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit). What does it look like? What should it contain? Thankfully, Battlbox has given you the launching point to answer those questions and enabled you to provide life saving tactical combat casualty care to help save lives in the precious moments post incident. Book: We Fight Monsters https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Shirts: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... The Saint Factory Shirts: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Playing Cards: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Wall Art: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Green Ops: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Flags and Patches: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Drinkware: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Headwear: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll... Stickers: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/coll...

Training with Mickey Schuch of Carry Trainer is always a good time, but it’s more than just a fun time on the range. Mickey has a deliberate focus on making every day citizens more capable of avoiding or defending against violent confrontations for themselves and their loved ones. Blending humor with brutally honest reality Mickey’s class manages to be a fun yet extraordinarily educational class on what it takes to be a responsible and capably armed citizen. This class is not purely for the dedicated firearm enthusiast but contains valuable information and skill building for someone simply looking to be a more capable individual.

COLLAR: The inside back portion of the shoe that provides stability around the ankle. Some people like a stiffer collar while others may like it to be less rigid. Some collars can irritate the ankle. COLLAR LINING: The part of the collar that provides comfort around the ankle. DUAL-DENSITY MIDSOLE: A mechanism, most often a firmer wedge of foam on the medial (inner) side of the shoe, used to correct excessive pronation. DOUBLE STITCH: Two lines of stitching to provide the shoe the best construction. DROP: This is the center of the heel and center of the forefoot; the midsole and outsole are included. EVA: Ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. EVA is a flexible, lightweight and soft foam. EYELET: The eyelets are the holes the shoelaces pass through. The eyelets of a running shoe should be large enough and smooth enough so you can easily and quickly adjust your laces. EYESTAY: The material that provide structure to the eyelets. Generally made of a sturdy fabric so that a lace will not tear through the eyelet. FLEX GROOVES: Channels that help the shoe flex along with the natural movement of the foot. GEL CUSHIONING: Cushioning materials are often added to the heel and forefoot of running shoes to help attenuate the landing shock and loading forces experienced by the body while running. HEEL CUP: This is heel portion of the insole of your shoe. A good heel cup can prevent your foot from sliding. HEEL COLLAR: The heel collar (sometimes called heel cuff) forms the top of the shoe, supporting the heel and Achilles tendon. The collar prevents the foot from slipping inside the shoe and makes it more stable to run in. HEEL STABILIZER: The heel stabilizer/counter is the internal plastic structure of the shoe which wraps around the heel of your foot. It holds the heel in position during the movements of running. An internal support feature in the rear of the shoe that conforms to the shape of your heel. HEEL NOTCH: A relief cut that allows the runner to flex and bends without the shoe rubbing on the Achilles tendon. Also called Achilles tendon protector or Achilles tendon notch. LAST: The last is a layer of material which is stitched to the upper. LACE KEEPER: A small flap that holds the tongue in place. MEDIAL POST: Located on the inside part of the shoe, this is placed to help you reduce over-pronation. MIDSOLE: The midsole is a layer of spongy material between the outsole and the upper. These cushioning materials combine bounce and durability. MUDGUARD: The Mudguard is the shoe pattern part along the forward part of the shoe alone the edge of the outsole. Good protection for limiting wear from abrasive items such as rocks, branches and street. Trail shoes tend to have good guards. MUSTACHE: Added material to give the structure. OUTSOLE: The outsole makes up the base of the running shoe. The outsole is the durable part of the shoe that makes contact with the ground, providing traction. OVERLAYS: Reinforcing strips at key stress points that help give the shoe structure. PULLTAB: Fabric that helps you pull your shoe quickly over your foot. QUARTER PANEL: The Quarter Panel is the main shoe pattern part on the side of the shoe pattern. The Nike Swoosh, New Balance N and the Vans V-Bar are all located on the quarter panel. The material that makes up the sides of the shoe. SADDLE OVERLAYS: Material that dresses the quarter panel up but also adds more structure to the shoe. SHANK: Purpose is to stiffens the shoe under the arch, which makes the middle portion of the shoe firmer (minimalist shoes doesn’t have it). SPACE TRUSSTIC: The Space Trusstic is a plastic bridge with a space behind it found under the arch section of the shoe. The Trusstic gives the shoe strength and stability, without sacrificing flexibility. SOCKLINER: The sockliner (also called insole) is the first layer of soft foam which your foot rests on inside the running shoe. A removable insert that sits just below the foot and helps the shoe better fit the foot. TONGUE: Soft elongated flap that fits over the top of the foot to protect the tendons and blood vessels from pressure caused by the laces. TOE-BOX: The front part of the shoe; the space around the toes. Look for a toe box with a wide enough area for your fore-foot. Nike's tend to be narrow, while Brooks generally are taller and wider than other brands. Both brands offer wider sizes in 2EE and 4EE. TOE TIP/CAP: Thin rubber strip from the outsole with a stitch to hold it on to the upper. TOE BURST PANEL: Reinforces the vamp to prevent the big toe nail from tearing the vamp. THROAT: The opening of a shoe. Ensure you get a shoe with a wide enough throat for your foot. UPPER: The upper is the top part of the shoe, designed to firmly hold your foot in place inside the shoe. Breathable mesh is the best. VAMP: The running shoe vamp should be soft, flexible and breathable.

@usaf_gosere and @usafspecopsrecruiting had the opportunity to host Professional MMA Fighters Julianna Pena and Sam Sicilia for a day in the life of a SERE Specialist. They spent the day learning combatives, survival techniques, fire building, and shelter building.

Full written review at Spotterup: https://spotterup.com/5-11-murdoc-jacket-in-turbulence/ The Murdoc Jacket is a very nice looking jacket from 5.11 Tactical. The design hearkens back to the Tanker Jacket. You probably saw the movie Fury with the actor Brad Pitt wearing a movie-made version of the WW2 jackets that were issued to crews of armored vehicles. The jackets were originally made out of cotton, and then they issued soldiers a wool version for winter. The Winter Combat Uniform was developed in 1941 from by the U. S. Army Quartermaster. Who knew it would be destined to be one of the most popular articles of clothing from that war? U.S. Army generals, Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley wore them. The Army used, “olive drab #3 cotton twill and lined with brown kersey wool.” Every troop in Europe wanted them because Europe was wet and cold. The jacket was popular with everyone: infantrymen, artillerymen and paratroopers. Who didn’t want a smart-looking jacket that outperformed the M41 Field Jacket in reducing chill and moisture? Robert Di Niro’s appearance in the movie “Taxi Driver” gave it post-war Hollywood film fame. This jacket has been copied numerous times since its original issue to the U. S. Army in 1941. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wefightmons... Visit our STORE: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/ Purchase our book We Make Ghosts: https://amzn.to/3CzUv1Y Purchase our book We Fight Monsters: https://amzn.to/3EAWELM Purchase our book We Wrestle Silently: https://amzn.to/3bqcf3V SHIRT https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/products/copy-of-t-shirt-we-fight-monsters-v2-1?_pos=3&_sid=f146f9ebd&_ss=r The world needs good men. The world needs dangerous men. The world needs capable and spiritual men. The world needs men who have a heart for God, and a desire to change the world for the better. Men must have solutions that are reasonable. Men must also have solutions that they can reason through, and then they must accept the solutions and take action or they will remain stuck for long periods of time; do not refuse to accept a sound answer.

Green Ops joins Spotter to discuss aspects of home defense and the home defense rifle. Green Ops is a veteran owned and operated consulting company that has been offering specialized firearms & security training since 2005. We provide on-site training classes in the Northern Virginia area and mobile training to your location. Follow them online at @greenopsinc Mike served over 15 years in Special Forces, including three years as an Assaulter in a CINC’s In-extremis Force (CIF), focused on Direct Action & Counter Terrorism missions. He also served as an instructor for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) Course where he taught Advanced Marksmanship and Close Quarters Combat (CQC) training courses. Mike is also a member of the pro staff for Sons of Liberty Gun Works. and a Modern Samurai Project endorsed Red Dot Pistol Instructor. Joshua is a professional Intelligence officer with five War zone deployments supporting the US Military Counter-terrorism effort. Josh has been shooting competitively since 2015 and is a Grandmaster USPSA shooter. He also competes in IDPA, Steel Challenge and Multi-gun events, is a Modern Samurai Project endorsed Red Dot Pistol Instructor and has earned the Green Ops Pistol and Carbine patches. Chris is a 20-year veteran of the United States Army. Retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2016. He is Special Forces, Ranger, Pathfinder, Jumpmaster and Military-Freefall qualified. During his service he completed five operational deployments to the CENTCOM and SOUTHCOM areas of operation. Fred is a former law enforcement officer with an agency in the Washington D.C area and is a full-time firearms instructor. Prior to this, Fred served in the U.S Army for eight years, deploying to the Former Yugoslavia several times to support international peacekeeping operations in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Train with Green Ops: https://bit.ly/2RVhIWt Visit Virtus Outdoor Group: https://vogstore.com/ Spotter Host: @johnv_actual Ways of the Gunfighters Tee: https://bit.ly/38IM5WX Green Ops Tee: https://bit.ly/2vdHrSm Nirvana, War, & Rifles Mug: https://bit.ly/2OpDwJi Support the show: https://bit.ly/37Gj7Hs Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/spotterup

See Jon's entire review at Spotterup.com https://spotterup.com/not-grandfathers-foam-insert/

PURCHASE: https://amzn.to/2LVRFiY The Boker Applegate-Fairbairn Fighting Knife 5.5, model 120545, features a Green Micarta CNC machined handle which is perfectly rounded for a comfortable grip. This new model, designed by Boker in collaboration with William H. "Bill" Harsey, features expanded width and improved geometry of the double edge, bead blast 440C blade. The extended tang works as a glass breaker and the Micarta handles provide a secure grip even in wet conditions.

Army Combatives creator Matt Larsen, Shivworks founder Craig Douglas, and SOCP creator Greg Thompson join John Valentine to discuss modern combatives for military, police, and civilian training along with how it gives direction on permissive violence in a peaceful society. They give their thoughts on retention shooting, the dynamics of what makes a successful modern combatives program, and development of the warrior ethos. Use code "VET15" to support the show: https://bit.ly/37Gj7Hs Follow our regular channel at Spotterup on YouTube, Follow our site at https://spotterup.com/ Follow on Instagram as https://www.instagram.com/spotterup/ Visit my store at https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/ Book: We Fight Monsters https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/books/products/copy-of-book-we-fight-monsters-signed-copy-with-stickers-2nd-edition Shirts: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/spotter-up The Saint Factory Shirts: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/the-saint-factory Playing Cards: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/playing-cards Wall Art: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/apparel Green Ops: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/green-ops Flags and Patches: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/patches Drinkware: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/drinkware Headwear: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/headware Stickers: https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/collections/stickers

Garrick discusses the Phokus Low Visibility Deployment 2 - IFAK Item No.Q0-L86R-AWOF Product Details Phokus trauma kits are worn in the negative space behind ballistic protection. Reduces or eliminates space, weight, and ergonomic issues that have been identified for overburdened warfighters. Using a patented pressure sealed, plate shaped design allows operators to comfortably wear medical gear in the negative space behind their ballistic plates. Phokus trauma kits are protected and instantly accessible, eliminating the need for bulky external medical pouches. The RF welded medical grade vinyl also increases the life span by 300%. Available in four sizes, Phokus Trauma Kits are designed to suit every operational need. Patent No. 8,925,115 The contents follow all Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Guidelines Battle Tested Durability - Heavy-duty Medical grade vinyl keeps gear protected during long deployments. Outperforms the competition by a ratio of 3 to 1. Pressure Sealing & Precision RF Welding creates waterproof protection for valuable medical supplies. Designed for quick deployment, the contents are packed around injury patterns in order of priority for care. TCCC Compliant Content List: Combat Gauze, NPA W/ 550, 14G Cath, Occlusive Dressing X2, Casualty Card, Z-Fold Gauze X2, 2" Safety Pins X2, 3" Elastic Bandage, Nitrile Gloves, Sharpie Size: 6 x 9 x .75 | Wt: 8.7 oz About Phokus: Phokus Research Group, located in San Diego, CA, has committed to improving the capabilities of our Nation's Warfighters and First Responders by bringing them innovative products. Phokus has successfully established itself as patent holding inventors, consultants, and hands-on facilitators capable of taking ideas from discovery, through the manufacturing process, and delivering combat quality products.

Old school Hand to Hand demo for Ranger families and guests. Tom Greer, Delta Force legend who wrote the book “Kill Bill Laden” is the number three man doing the knife, Kali stick drill. The number two man is Bobby Lane a Plank Holder of the 75th Ranger Regiment, Reigmental Reconnaissance Deatachment (RRD), now company.

Originally posted Nov 30, 2019 David J Wood is the Virtus Outdoor Group CEO and a former Intel Marine living in Hong Kong as a permanent resident for over 12 years. David shared footage he recorded during his first-hand account of the Polytechnic University standoff and other events during the Hong Kong protest. Follow him online @davidj_wood Spotter Host: @johnv_actual Nirvana, War, & Rifles Mug: https://bit.ly/2OpDwJi A Conspiracy of Ravens Tee: https://bit.ly/37L85k8 Support the show: https://bit.ly/37Gj7Hs Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/spotterup

Full Review at https://spotterup.com/gerber-strong-arm-fixed-blade-coyote-brown-se/ Purchase: https://amzn.to/40Vnw4n Tony is a 20-year retired Army combat veteran and a GM Class Competitive Shooter who has been actively involved in the shooting sports industry in training, marketing, sales and strategic consulting for the last 10 years. While working with 100’s of different companies and products providing brand ambassador support, training and promotion, Tony was also as a competition color analyst on the TV show, Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel.