July 2018 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for July, 2018

Mission Spec Obtains Rights To Produce Sherpa Mag Pouch For Yeti Wurks

Monday, July 9th, 2018

Mission Spec, LLC has recently obtained the rights to the Sherpa Scorpion Evo III Mag Pouch from Fight and Flight Tactical and will be producing it exclusively for Yeti Wurks.

The Sherpa is a four mag carry solution made specifically for the thicker magazines used by the CZ Scorpion Evo III. The pouch comes standard with both bungee and flap-over-mag Velcro retention options. It can be attached to a plate carrier via the included MALICE clips or worn as a standalone piece of gear in a bandoleer style (strap included and removable).

The Sherpa is 100% manufactured in the United States with US sourced components and is Berry Compliant. Black and Coyote are available at the time of this writing. As production ramps up, other colors/patterns will include MultiCam, Ranger Green, and Kryptek Typhon.

Some reports/reviews indicated that the original Sherpa mag pouch was too tight when inserting the magazine. Mission Spec has slightly edited the design to include more tolerance in the pouch area.

Product: www.yetiwurks.com/products/sherpa-4-x-30-rnd-scorpion-evo-iii-mag-pouch

Produced by: www.MissionSpec.com

Tags: Fight and Flight Tactical, Mission Spec, Yeti Wurks
Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | 12 Comments »

10 Things To See At ADS Warrior East 2018

Monday, July 9th, 2018

Warrior Expo East is this week in Virginia Beach at the Va Beach Convention Center, July 9 and 10. If you’re going to be there, here’s a few booths you might want to check out.

INI POWER SYSTEMS – BOOTH #215

INI Power Systems provides right-sized, man portable, Multifuel, Inverter Generators and Hybrid Power solutions, for deployment to austere, unimproved environments anywhere in the world. Turning the U.S. DOD, single fuel forward policy into a tactical advantage.

Features Include:

• Autostart capable with optional ALLY
• Can use multiple fuel types (JP-8/F-24, F34 “NATO”, gasoline, propane, methanol, isopropanol)
• Quiet, small noise signature
• Plug-in compatible with Trinity Systems or stand-alone
• Immediate functionality on startup – No waiting
• Auto turn down when load is low
• 2,000 hour rated lifetime, low maintenance
• 2,000 hour/2 year limited warranty (repair or replace)
• Tunable for high elevation

Check Out! – IntelliGEN 1000 Flex Fuel Generator V3.5 and IntelliGEN 5000 Flex Fuel Generator V3.5 with 2000 Hr Sustainment Kit

BREN-TRONICS – BOOTH #504

When Leo Brenna founded Bren-Tronics in 1973, he set out to produce batteries that would deliver reliable power in both military and industrial applications where failure was not an option. From those early secondary batteries to today’s lithium-ion systems, they’ve succeeded in engineering solutions that deliver the staying power of primary cell batteries with the extreme reusability demanded by today’s military.

Features Include:
• Lower cost compared with batteries that must be replaced frequently
• Ruggedized systems to meet mission requirements
• Combines proven off-the-shelf technologies with innovative solutions
• Certification, first article, and UN Transportation Safety testing

Check Out! – Foldable Lightweight Expeditionary (FLEX) Charger and AC/DC Adapter for Multi-Chem and Charge Controller

L3 – BOOTH #1101

L3 Warrior Sensor Systems provides the most extensive line of products enabling warfighters to Maneuver, See, Locate, Target and Accurately Fire, Day, Night and in Adverse Weather. L3 Warrior Sensor Systems is a global leader in the development and production of advanced night vision and electro-optical technology and systems for the U.S. military, federal agencies, public safety and sporting communities, and international markets.

Features Include:

World leader in development and production of the following advanced night vision and electro-optical military systems and components:

Aiming and illumination systems
Holographic Sights
Tactical illuminators
Thermal imaging systems
Image intensification systems
Thermal imaging and fused systems
Precision targeting systems
Night vision goggles
Night vision tubes
Eye – safe laser rangefinders
Laser target designators
Multi – function laser systems

Check Out! – Cratos and PVS-31 (BNVD)

BEYOND CLOTHING – BOOTH #1015

Beyond was created out of the need for survival clothing systems engineered specifically with the mission in mind. We build clothing systems, training for those systems, and future-use concepts that drive the way we think about human exposure to all environments. Fusing technology, field experience and training into our products allows for a capability that adapts to all environments for one purpose – “The Save.”

Features Include:

• Made in the USA – Berry Compliant
• Active and static subsystems
• Breathable
• Dries very fast
• Designed to work with end user gear
• Adapts to dynamic environmental conditions and mission sets

Check Out! – AXIOS Layering System

BEAVERFIT – BOOTH #1221

BeaverFit USA was founded by former US Navy Riverines and British bridge builders. Out of their passion for endurance, fitness and tactical readiness, they have created the most innovative, durable and effective training products available in the world today.

Features Include:

• Performance Equipment – Performance Lockers, Gym Boxes, Rigs, Racks, accessories and attachments are custom designed for the Military, First Responders, CrossFit boxes, Universities & Schools, Athletic Clubs, Physical Therapy clinics and more.

• Operational Equipment – This world-class equipment is custom designed for every location, enabling focused preparation for modern-day tactical operations and exercises. Consisting of Operational Lockers, Operational Rigs and Operational Villages, our SOE line creates modular and portable training centers for the mission essential tasks of forced entry/breaching, tactical fitness, urban warfare and more.

Check Out! – Performance Locker 10’ Light and Tactical Gym Box – Dual Rack – Heavy

PHOKUS RESEARCH GROUP – BOOTH #900

Like hundreds of soldiers before him, Rob Hanna discovered during his career with Naval Special Warfare that training is the father of invention. During an “Over the Beach” evolution off the California coast, Rob devised a better kind of knife to cut away the parachute connected to the Zodiac – inflatable boat while holding on in the choppy ocean current. His idea sparked an invention, but more importantly, a life-long passion for making life- saving tools better.

Features Include:

• Trauma Kits you can rely on!
o Machine sealed RF welded vinyl, tamper proof, and ruggedized
o Contents are easily inspected
o Contents are protected from all environmental conditions
o Contents are easily accessed all at once
o Zippered training kits allow the unit repeated use without expending a sealed kit o 25% lighter when worn under the armor plate due to removal of extra pouch
o 50% thinner than current kit configurations—same contents!

Check Out! – Phokus Wound Cube, IFAS War Fighter System v1, and Medium Bleeding Control Kit

HARRIS CORP – BOOTH #206

Engineered for rapid deployment, Harris Broadband Communications solutions provide unmatched high- speed, high-capacity voice and data for mobile or dismount operations. These standalone systems are ideal for military, public safety, security force and commercial applications. They are ruggedized for extreme environments, ensuring reliable 4G LTE cellular and wireless broadband connectivity.

Features Include:

• Exceptional audio quality
• Top performance in harsh environments
• Long battery life
• Receive streaming video feeds and access data bases while on the move
• Push-to-Talk applications extends connectivity
• Talk with and track locations of team members through smartphones, tablets, and PCs

Check Out! – SFS Configuration Multiband Portable Radio

CARDIAC SCIENCE – BOOTH #801

Cardiac Science designs, manufactures, and markets Powerheart® automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and related services that facilitate successful deployments.

Features Include:

• Fully Automatic
• Dual-Language
• Pads IntellisenseTM Defibrillation Pads – disposable, non-polarized
• Battery Intellisense® Lithium Battery – 4 year, full operational replacement
• Automatic Self-Tests
• Event Documentation – 90 minutes of rescue data

Check Out! – Powerheart AED G5 Automatic

LBT Inc – BOOTH #501

Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, London Bridge Trading Company, Ltd. (“LBT” for short”) is not, in fact, a trading company. That’s just our name. Our founder and Chairman, Dr. Doug McDougal, started LBT in 1985 after leaving a career as a professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, to pursue his dream of turning an interest in the military into a business that supports the very hard work done by the men and women of the armed forces. Dr. McDougal’s “hobby” of attending trade shows and “trading” in militaria, antique arms and other military paraphernalia – hence our name! – has, today, turned into a company with manufacturing facilities in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and El Paso, Texas, that employs more than 250 people from 18 countries with an average tenure of nearly 10 years.

Features Include:

• Products made in the USA
• Mil-Spec stitching standards, Type E thread
• 1000D Dupont Cordura
• Bartacked stress points and MODULAR webbing
• Reinforced stitching on straps and handles
• Lightweight and accessory compatible

Check Out! – Standard 3-Day Assault Pack, Large Wheeled Load-Out Bag with Padding and Modular Large Plate Carrier

SPACESAVER – BOOTH #701

Sometimes a storage challenge exists in the market without a standard solution. It is here that Spacesaver can step in and develop new products to alleviate these challenges that our customers face. One example: weapons storage for the military. The U.S. Marine Corps was challenged to store weapons of different sizes, shapes and models. Each time they added a model to their armory, new cabinets and weapons racks had to be designed and installed. Spacesaver partnered with the U.S, Marine Corps to develop an alternative solution. Through research, prototyping and test installations, the Spacesaver Universal Weapon Rack (UWR®) was born. Celebrating its 13-year anniversary in 2013, the UWR has become the standard in weapons storage.

Features Include:

• Manufactured and designed in the USA of heavy-duty steel
• Fully configurable and deployable
• Design tools and resources include color charts, CSI specifications, BIM Objects and sustainability information

Check Out! – Preconfigured mobile storage units

Posted in ADS, Advertiser, Warrior Expo | Comments Off on 10 Things To See At ADS Warrior East 2018

Early 1960s CONELRAD Attack Warning Messages For Radio

Monday, July 9th, 2018

As a child of the Cold War, I am always fascinated to learn about civil defense preparation for toe-to-toe nuclear combat with the Russkies. Here are some civil defense announcements from 1961 that would have aired on Minneapolis radio station WCCO in the event of a probable or actual nuclear attack.

Tags: CONELRAD
Posted in History | Comments Off on Early 1960s CONELRAD Attack Warning Messages For Radio

Anteris Alliance & POMP USA announce Patriot Pitch Tank at Alliance Week 2019!

Sunday, July 8th, 2018

Anteris Alliance: a network of patriot manufacturers and service providers bonded by their dedication to support our Veterans and First Responders and their families through the manufacture and market insertion of top quality products and services!

June 20, 2018 – www.anterisalliance.com The Alliance will host their annual Alliance Week series of events starting with Try & Buy at Pro Gun Vegas in Boulder City, NV, on 20 Jan 2019; a showcase event, Patriot Pitch Tank, and after party on 21 Jan at a separate venue; sponsor and attend the Special Operations Charity Network (SOCN) Stand For America event on 23 Jan at Light; and host sponsors and Alliance companies to a hospitality venue through the week in a major Vegas hotel. Alliance Week is the premier gathering of Patriot-owned companies from any and all market channels. The event sponsorship details, exhibitor and attendee registration options can be found on the homepage www.anterisalliance.com. Registration is open now!

This coming Jan, the third for the Alliance, the Patriot Online Market Place (POMP) USA has partnered to sponsor and host the Patriot Pitch Tank on 20-21 Jan, as part of the Alliance Week activities! The Patriot Pitch Tank enables patriot-owned companies to enter to be considered to pitch their product concept in front of some very prominent business owners for a chance at some cash prizes! Twenty exhibiting companies at Try & Buy who have entered for consideration, will be notified of their selection to move to the Monday portion, where they will formally pitch their product concepts in front of a judges panel and live audience.

“We had an absolute blast last Jan, with some of the best companies and brands, young and old, in the industry! This coming Jan, we open the event up to any and all patriot owned companies from all industries! We are experiencing huge continued growth as we expand exhibitor space for 2019, to over 175 spots. Those companies looking for a way to get their products in front of top patriotic media, buyers, and influencers have no better place to exhibit and demo their products than this event!” – stated Casey Betzold, CEO of Anteris Alliance. “Our focus is to bring fun back to big events with a special focus on some great young patriot owned companies bringing brand new product ideas to the forefront of their respective markets!”

The week’s events will feature some awesome special guests in an ever-growing list! This event is focused on providing maximum ability for exhibitors to show their products in the best possible way to bring buyer and media interest, unmatched networking, and really put on a fun and tangible event providing attendees great content and contacts. Many of our companies are Veteran or First Responder owned, and they come from a fabric, much like the rest of the patriots in this country, understanding that working together is better than working alone.

For those looking to exhibit or sponsor, this is the best bang for the buck especially for young companies looking to have a great networking opportunity! Incredible sponsorships available while supplies last! Contact us today to reserve your spot!!!!

Event questions can be directed to info@anterisalliance.com.

Tags: Anteris Alliance, POMP USA
Posted in Press Release | Comments Off on Anteris Alliance & POMP USA announce Patriot Pitch Tank at Alliance Week 2019!

SCUBAPRO Sunday

Sunday, July 8th, 2018

This is the first installment in a series that will run every Sunday. SCUBAPRO Sundays will focus on Dive Gear, Diving, Combat Swimming, Technical Diving, and Lessons Learned from all types of diving.

The history of SCUBAPRO

Over 50 years ago, SCUBAPRO was created with the idea that diving should be an adventure in fun. SCUBAPRO was founded in 1963 by two very innovative and entrepreneurial adventurers, Gustav Dalla Valle and Dick Bonin. They have since become known as real pioneers in diving. Their vision and commitment to quality gear is a constant reference for everyone working at SCUBAPRO.

The face of diving has changed dramatically since we came on the scene. It has evolved from an activity for the physical elite to a worldwide recreation enjoyed by men and women of all ages. And we at SCUBAPRO are proud of our leadership in this evolution: developing innovative products that have advanced the safety, reliability, and ease of use of today’s diving equipment.

Some product highlights:

• In 1963 SCUBAPRO created the Mark 2. So simple and reliable that it is still used today.

• The revolutionary Visionaire combined a full-face mask with a second stage. The faceplate became the regulator diaphragm.

• The SCUBAPRO Jet Fin was introduced in 1965 and revolutionized the way divers swam. Almost 50 years later, it is still used by military and technical divers.

Original still made today in the USA and Jet fin with spring heel• The Mark 5 was launched in 1966 and was the first high-performance piston first stage. It was also the first to have a swiveling turret, still used on MK25 today.

• 1969 SCUBAPRO released the 109, first adjustable second stage allowing the diver to fine tune the inhalation effort to the requirements of the dive.

• Before 1978, divers used a horse collar BC, then SCUBAPRO engineers combined two of these, creating the Stabilizing Jacket, the first modern buoyancy compensator.

• SCUBAPRO invented the AIR2 in 1979, a smart concept that integrated the BC inflator with a second stage.

• In 1986, SCUBAPRO invented a radical new blade profile, optimized for efficiency: the Seawing fin

• The G250 brought together the most advanced technology and materials in a second stage that, combined with the Mark 10, became the benchmark for all balanced regulators.

• The original Aladin dive computer and its successive models have been sold by the hundreds of thousands since its conception in 1987, simplifying decompression for all types of divers.

• The Frameless was the first mask to use the lens as its structural support, which significantly increased the field of vision for divers. Twenty-one years later, it is still the first choice of military and technical divers.

• Air X was the first dive computer to measure tank pressure with a radio transmitter instead of a hose and to calculate Remaining Bottom Time.

• The Twin Jet fin was the first SCUBAPRO “split fin,” modeled after the flippers of marine mammals. This design delivered power with minimal effort.

• Based on scientific research and thousands of dives, Smart computers’ algorithm was the first to incorporate micro-bubble suppression.

• Galileo revolutionized dive computers in 2007, with hybrid air-oil filling, dot-matrix display and a maximum operating depth of 330 meters or 1080 feet.

• It’s also the first to have used the diver’s heart rate to estimate the workload.

• The Seawing Nova, successor to the 1986 Seawings, introduced a new streamlined blade design with a high-tech flexible joint.

SeaWing Nova GorillasFrom its inception, SCUBAPRO has been a different kind of company. Even before our first product was made, we had a policy of professionalism. From the very beginning, SCUBAPRO developed this ‘professional’ business model selling only to full service dive stores that could provide technical assistance and professional diving advice to ensure that our products were being used safely. We refused to sell to catalogues or sports stores that didn’t have divers on the premises.

The SCUBAPRO strategy worked because dive shops that became SCUBAPRO dealers developed quickly, thanks to their reputation as professional shops and ability to create demand by teaching new divers. What was a daring idea in 1960 is commonplace today. The SCUBAPRO tradition of carefully selecting only professional and full-service partners to carry our products, and advise on their use, has built diver’s trust in our brand. Thanks to our vast network of exceptional dealers you can find our products and reliable servicing anywhere in the world.

As we salute our forerunners, today’s team rededicates itself to carrying on the SCUBAPRO tradition. Because we are more than products; SCUBAPRO is people. Our engineering and testing teams are the pride of the company and set the standard for the industry. The last 50 years have seen SCUBAPRO continue a unique position of leadership in the diving industry. Professionals and demanding sport divers select our gear because they know they can depend on it in the harshest environments.

www.scubapro.com

Tags: Scubapro
Posted in Maritime | 3 Comments »

Don Purdy Rules to LIVE By (Don’t Forget Nothin!)

Sunday, July 8th, 2018

This list of rules by Retired Army CSM Don Purdy (Ranger Hall of Fame) has been passed around for years.

1. Shoot from the shoulder. Pistols are back up weapons. Learn to shoot well. Marksmanship is critical.

2. Carry all the ammo and water you can on your person.

3. Don’t lean weapons agains trees and walls.

4. Weapons on safe until its time to kill.

5. Machine gunners should be corporals.

6. Guns must be trained to maneuver on there (sic) own. Crew drills are critical.

7. Reload drills are critical.

8. Firing in the blind and dead gunner drills must be executed.

9. Soldiers must know how to use the weapons properly and everyone elses.

10. Train on foreign weapons when possible.

11. Camouflage! It works.

12. A bayonet is a weapon. Train your soldiers to use it to kill the enemy.

13. Do Combatives. Also rifle P.T.

14. When in the defense or preparing one never get more than arms reach from your weapon.

15. Keep shirts and K-Pots on when digging.

16. Don’t lay ammo in the dirt. Carry sand bags so you can lay magazines and other ammo on the bags when in defense.

17. Soldiers need to know basic demo.

18. Use VS–17 panel for daytime signal that you have no verbal commo.

19. Handling of POWs and medevac must be practiced constantly.

20. Execute withdrawals under pressure. Live fire when possible.

21. Silence is golden. Learn to whisper. Even on radios.

22. When in the heat of battle leaders talk others shut up.

23. Stay off the radio. No unnecessary chatter.

24. Use whistles, star clusters as back up signals.

25. When in a MOUT Defense have a destruction plan in case of a withdrawal under pressure.

26. Wheel barrels (sic) are great in a MOUT environment.

27. Don’t forget! Sanitation Plan.

28. Always think dirty. Think about what you would do if the doo doo hit the fan right now.

29. Move like a cat (rat?) and don’t hesitate.

30. Read the battlefield.

31. Do bang! drills. This teaches soldiers to react to every contact instantly. In less than one second rounds should be going back at the enemy.

32. Hip pocket training is excellent. All leaders need to know how to do this properly and efficiently.

33. NCOs TRAIN Soldiers!

34. Discipline, Discipline, Discipline. Its too late when the fighting begins.

35. Drill & Ceremony is important. Do it right.

36. Uniformity is important.

37. If you think something is wrong it is.

38. Be prepared to take charge.

39. Not everyone can be an Infantry soldier. Get rid of the weak.

40. Nothing out of a ruck sack except what is necessary.

41. Eat one thing at a time and immediately pack it up.

42. Trash goes back in the rucksack (MRE).

43. Be ruthless on those who leave equipment or ammo on the battlefield.

44. Keep the plan simple and violent.

45. Smoke doesn’t stop bullets.

46. Breaching tools are a last resort to breach.

47. Never pass a threat.

48. Don’t daisy chain claymores.

49. Train with live grenades as much as possible.

50. Train soldiers to react to bumping into enemy personnel in close quarters.

51. Talk to your soldiers about the reality of there (sic) mission (Life and Death).

52. NCOs must never back down in front of there (sic) soldiers.

53. Never reduce standards of discipline when in a hostile environment. Be ruthless.

54. Leading from the rear is like pushing spaghetti up hill.

55. NODs on during darkness.

56. Improvise when necessary. Don’t reinvent the wheel.

57. Field hygiene is important.

58. If you want to know what the enemy is doing think about what you are doing.

59. Treat your enemy as if he is the baddest of the bad. Do not underestimate him.

60. Always use boot laces not zippers.

61. Boots stay on. Only remove when necessary one boot at a time.

62. Infantrymen must have the heart of a lion. Leaders (NCOs) must develop that heart. The infantry has no room for the weak or faint of heart.

63. Your mission is to close with and destroy the enemy with any means possible. You must live in the environment on the ground. The mission has priority. The fight comes first then the recovery of dead and wounded.

64. Always plan resupply and medevac procedures thoroughly.

65. Keep the bi-pods down on MGs and SAWs when moving.

66. Place two tracer rounds in magazines first so you will know when your (sic) about to have to change mags.

67. Teach your squad leaders how to direct guns with tracers.

Never smile for photographs.Always keep things simple. Complicated plans don’t work out well.

Lastly I wish to point out that the role of the NCO is awesome. You own the soldier. Train them for war not for peace. Be hard but fair. Never forget where you came from. Learn from failure and confess when your (sic) wrong.

There is no room for boot licking, gut eating, ticket punching NCOs in the infantry. Police your ranks of self servers. There (sic) scum of the earth.

Don Purdy
P.S. Root Hog or Die
March or Die
Get tough or Die

More rules to Live By

1. When preparing to move don’t let everyone get up at the same time.

2. When searching enemy bodies strip them and put the clothing in a trash bag.

3. Before assaulting across a kill zone throw hand grenades.

4. When moving across the kill zone remove weapons from enemy bodies.

5. Gun crews do not fire claymores.

6. Sqd leaders fire on semi during an ambush so they can pick up the fire if there is a lull. Team leaders also if it is a platoon size ambush.

7. Weapons will cook off when hot. Be careful.

8. Rear Security!

9. Use snipers whenever possible. Good for your moral (sic), bad for the enemies.Fix Bayonets!If possible carry concealed back up radio.Make the enemy die for his country.

Lastly always quit (sic) yourselves like Soldiers.

Don Purdy

Transcribed by Brady Moore from CSM Purdy’s handwritten notes and shared on arsductus.wordpress.com/2017/06/12/purdys-rules-to-live-by/

Posted in Profession of Arms | 7 Comments »

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

Sunday, July 8th, 2018

JPW sends greetings from Ahlen, Germany. He’s attending the German Army Reconnaissance and Intelligence Corps Association (Freundeskreis Heeresaufklärer) annual meeting, in Ahlen at the Aufklaerungsbataillon 7. On display is a Fennek armoured recce car. Horrido!

Posted in KCRF | Comments Off on You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

Corps Strength – The Simple Truth

Saturday, July 7th, 2018

Here at the International Training Center I work with a lot of very experienced professionals, retired enlisted and officers from every military branch make up about 90% of our instructor staff. As we are in the training business, training methods and course content are an ongoing subject of discussion and despite our varied backgrounds and regardless of the subject to be taught, the one thing that I think we all have in common is that we all strive to provide the best, no bullshit training possible. Useful training that provides measurable and sustainable results. I’ve learned a lot from these pro’s since I retired from active duty and I like to think I brought some of my own training expertise (what ever that is) to the table. However, every once in a while they will surprise me with something that seems 180 out from this normal mindset?

I had a conversation recently with one of our swim instructors, a smart and talented person who many years ago was at age 16, the youngest certified dive instructor in the state of Florida. He told me once he stopped logging his dives after #1000. Having observed him poolside training students many 100’s of times, he is one of the best swim and water survival instructors I’ve ever seen in action. A no nonsense and practical guy. So recently, he tells me about this new eating plan he was trying, which surprised me as he isn’t overweight and has always appeared to be in excellent shape. “It’s a vegetarian meal plan, you sign up and they send you all the meals. They’re organic and have no meat, no diary, no sugar.” He said it was pretty strict, expensive and they don’t taste all that great. So far it was ok, but somewhat a pain in the ass. I asked him; “What got you interested in this?” “You know, THEY say that for long term health; vegetarian eating is the way to go.” was his response. “Who are THEY?” I asked. “You know, THEY, the books, articles and experts out there” “Well, let me know how it goes” I said. “I will, but I doubt if I can stay on it for much longer.” He has since dropped it.

This is a very common example of something that I’ve seen a lot of over the years I’ve been involved in physical training; the quest for the perfect diet to help keep you healthy and fit. Vegetarian, Paleo, Atkins, Mediterranean, Slim Fast, The Zone, Vegan, Weight Watchers, etc. etc. The list is long and each has it’s own group of devoted supporters. They all have their share of amazing stories of weight loss and improved health on each of these diets. The problem with most (if not all) of these “plans” is that for a variety of reasons they are very hard to maintain long term, despite their very good short term results. The cost, the bother, prep time, boredom, lake of taste, etc. just make them unsustainable for most people.

When I’m working with someone on a weight loss and fitness program, the eating part is (by far), the hardest to get people to buy into. They normally have no problem following advice and guidance on an exercise program, but the eating plan? Never an easy sell and I think a lot of that doubt is due to all the options that are out there. People worry that they aren’t following the best (and easiest) plan out there. So what is the fix? Now as this is both my occupation and something I’ve always had a personal interest in, I’ve done a lot of reading and research over the years on this confusing subject. However, there is a couple of things that are absolute and proven and from that we can build a plan that works and works long term, for life in fact.

The first thing to understand and accept is basic human history (if you don’t believe in evolution stop here, this isn’t a religious debate). As a species we dominate the earth for two main reasons. The first is obvious: our brain power. Our advanced ability to think, to reason, to learn, solve problems, make tools and communicate with each other, allowed us to adapt and eventually dominate every region of the earth. It allowed us to hunt bigger, stronger, faster animals and survive in the harshest of conditions. That’s the big one. The second one is less obvious but no less important in our long climb to the very top of the food chain. It’s our ability to thrive on an extremely varied diet. If you study, and/or personally observe (as I have) the eating habits of people around the world you’ll see every thing and almost any thing being eaten, with the unique result is, that groups of people with extremely different diets, are still are pretty healthy and strong. I’ve also seen this in various militaries around the world. I’ve seen people who rice is the main food of their diet with very little meat. Then there is the opposite, lots of meat and almost no carbs. The Inuit people of the north traditionally ate a diet that was almost exclusively meat and fish. Yet they survived in some of the harshest conditions on Earth and they suffered almost no disease until they were exposed to the outside world. The same could be said of many other remote tribes around the world. The Zulu warriors of South Africa were some of the toughest fighters on earth but ate mostly a diet of vegetables. The stable food of Roman Gladiators was surprisingly: Barley? So much so that gladiators were called “Barley Men”. In our country alone there are differences in eating habits based on location and background. There are many examples if this variance. So what is there to be learned going forward?

The simple answer is that the perfect diet, in the sense of certain foods and strict guidelines does not exist. That has been proven over our history, but there are some very basic things that if followed will work. First, as with most things concerning health and fitness (or anything else) the more simple a plan is, more likely it will work and you’ll stick with it. Food closer to its natural state is generally more nutritious, more filling, reacts better with our bodies and certainly have less of the things that tend to make us eat more than we need like: Fat, sugar and salt. Go with regular food, not the prepackaged cardboard that makes up a big part of many modern diets. Second, I never thought that everyday people, even those who work in physical jobs, should should be on the 5-6 meals a day program, which is a part of many eating plans. To make that work you need to have very small portions that are broken down in a very strict way. These requirements make it something that very few everyday people can manage effectively. Besides, as I often say, we aren’t babies and don’t need to be fed every couple of hours like a baby. Three meals a day is a good place to start, limit snacking. With that I think that you need to give your body a break from eating for several hours between eating. IMO it’s a mistake and just a bad habit to be eating all the time. Third, don’t eat out so much. Make your own food at home, from good basic stuff. I take my lunch almost everyday to work, though I don’t always like to take the time to make it. It’s a far better option than buying fast food. With this people need to drink more water, much less soda, coffee, sweet tea, juice, etc. there is a lot of empty calories in most of it. I would also avoid a lot supplements. I’ve tried many over the years, with few real (lasting) results. I do think everyone should take a good multi vitamin as insurance more than anything else.

These things seem almost too simple to even mention, but as I said before while simple is almost always better, people tend not to believe it? Maybe as it’s boring and people want the flash and promises of quick and easy results that a complicated plan offers? I get that they’re looking for an advantage, an edge to help them with their fitness goals. While simple may not have much flash, I know it works and in the end what works is the biggest edge of all. Try it. In any case I hope everyone is a having a good start to their (very hot) summer. Take care and we’ll talk next month.

Be Safe Always, Be Good when you Can.

Senper Fi
MGunz

Tags: Corps Strength
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