Minutemen Initiative

In this episode, Jacob and Stephen sit down with Ed to discuss the basics of layering and how proper layering can protect you from harsh enviroments.

Educational Details on Layering:

Base Layer - Broken down into 2 categories Synthetic and Natural (and blend) Insulation Layer - The insulation layer can be broken down into many different layers and multiple insulation layers can be worn at the same time Shell Layer - For Rain/Snow/Wind

BASE LAYER:

The base layer is a very important layer in this process. The reason for a base layer is to remove moisture from your skin and transport away from your body for evaporation. Due to this process the fabric needs to be in contact with the skin. The more contact the better (think skintight). This process is best demonstrated by the feeling you get when you step out of the shower. The water is evaporating off your skin and taking your body heat with it. However, if we use this base layer to transport the moisture (sweat) off the skin it will then evaporate off the fabric. There are two categories of base layers Synthetic and Natural. Just like anything in life, there are pros and cons of each. (There are blends of synthetic and natural that try to give you the best of both worlds)

Light (125-200 grams)

Mid (200-300 grams)

Heavy (300+ grams)

Examples:

The Army has used the ECWCS (Extended/Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System) for several years and multiple generations have been made. The newest generation features 7 different layer options. The Base layer has two options level 1 Silk weight and level 2 Heavy weight. These are often found in surplus and usually inexpensive.

Varusteleka makes a light and heavy weight layers Any of the quality hunting brands (Sitka Gear, Kuiu, UnderArmor, etc.) Other outdoor brands (Outdoor Research, Arcteryx, etc.)

INSULATION LAYER:

The Insulation Layer works by trapping pockets of air next to your body. Air is a poor conductor of heat and therefore ideal, specially because air is very lightweight. The air contained in this area will block heat from escaping.

Examples:

Polar Fleece

Polar fleece is probably what comes to mind when hear "fleece". It is used as an umbrella. It is made in varying weights and is commonly used in colder climates. It dries quickly and does not get saturated with water. It is common to see Windproof Fleece, and some also have DWR finish for water repellency.

Micro Fleece

Micro Fleece is as the name implies. It is more light weight and is therefore more breathable than polar fleece. Though that does mean it gives up some insulating value.

Stretch Fleece

Stretch Fleece is common in active wear like gym clothes. It isn't, generally, something we would buy a whole jacket or pants in. However, companies often sew some panels of this onto other clothes for articulation.

Down Vs Synthetic

Down and Synthetic down are popular insulation materials. Both are warm, light, and often pack down very small. There are some significant tradeoffs between the two.

Down

Real goose down holds the most warmth per weight

More packable Doesn't perform well when wet Not as Breathable

Synthetics Maintains loft when wet Regulates temperature better Cheaper than down

SHELL LAYER:

The Shell Layer provides us with a barrier for harsh weather. These fabrics are often wind and waterproof. Goretex is the most common fabric used for a shell. Goretex is a laminate waterproof yet microporous membrane. It is very thin, and the idea is, it will let water vapor out while not allowing water to get in. Not all Goretex is made the same. These fabrics are usually categorized by the number of layers used.

Examples

2L

Uses a two-layer sandwich of face fabric with the GORE membrane laminated to it on the inside plus a non-laminated lining layer — often mesh, nylon or microfiber that serves to protect the GORE membrane and create a comfortable feel inside the jacket. GORE-TEX 2L can be paired with insulation and is generally warmer, heavier, and less expensive than 3L or 2.5L versions.

2.5L

Uses a two-layer sandwich of a face fabric with the GORE membrane laminated to it plus a spray-on or printed backer on the inside. This "half layer" on the inside appears almost unnoticeable but adds durability to the membrane. 2.5L GORE-TEX is the lightest of the three

traditional GORE waterproof, breathable constructions.

3L

Uses a full three-layer sandwich of a face fabric+membrane+knit backer — all laminated together. GORE-TEX 3L construction is the classic unlined, uninsulated, high performance shell design. Despite its three-layer name, it feels like a single layer. It's the most durable of the three

constructions and is lighter than 2L.

There are a couple others that pop up Gore Pro and Gore Infinium. Gore Pro is more durable than the 3L. Gore Pro is broken into categories itself; Rugged, Stretch, and Breathable. Summed up Gore Pro is set to have more stretch and be more breathable than normal Goretex. Gore Infinium is a windstopper fabric that is only water resistant but is highly breathable.

Recommended Brands:

ARC'TERYX

Outdoor Research

Varusteleka

Sitka Gear

There are many other great places to look, but this will get you started!

Your cant break down and discuss modern fighting equipment without mentioning body armor. Body armor is a critical part of the "Modern Minuteman Layout" and having equipment to carry the armor is important as well.

In this Episode, Stephen and Jacob get into the weeds and go over body armor and carrier systems.

Recommended Armor

Ceramic Level IV Recommended

Hesco

Recommended Carriers

Velocity Systems (Scarab)

Sprirtus Systems (LV-119)

Ferro Concepts (FCPC V5)

Crye Precision (JPC)

Haley Strategic (Thorax)

Continuing on the topic of gear for the "modern minuteman" in this episode Jacob and Stephen break down Rucksacks, and what to have in them.

Rucksacks are an incredibly valuable gear asset to have, and enable sustained mobility.

*INFO CORRECTION*

The Liters to Cubic Inches conversion was incorrectly explained in this episode. The proper conversion is 61 Cubic Inches to 1 Liter. For example, 65 liters is approximatly 4000 Cubic Inches.

Recommended Rucksacks:

Tactical Tailor

Mystery Ranch

Crossfire Packs

Kifaru

Hill People Gear

Eberlestock

Being able to effectively carry your gear in a manor that enables easy access is important. Understanding and organizing modern load bearing equipment is an essential gear priority of the modern day minuteman.

In this episode, Jacob and Stephen wade through the vast and convoluted topic of load bearing equipment and gear to better outline some basics that should be considered. These basic considerations should help to establish a baseline to build from for those setting up their minuteman loadouts.

The "modern day minuteman" needs a "modern day musket" and today with the current technology that means much more than a rifle. Between rifle varients, optics, lights, lasers, and more there is a lot to unpack and look at when it comes to a modern fighting platform.

In this first part to a multi-part series on modern minuteman equipment essentials, Jacob and Stephen break down the MPR (Multi-Purpose Rifle).

Being able to move effectively as a cohesive unit without compromising the unit position, strategy, and integrity is vital for overal success and survival.

In this episode, Stephen and Jacob break down movement formations and some movement basics. These fundamentals will help with overall manuvering success for aspiring teams as well as established units.

Educational Resources:

METT-TC

Formations

Being physically and mentally willing and able to respond to medical emergencies is an essential aspect of being a modern day "minuteman". Having a "responder mindset" is key to deciding if you should make the sacrifice to come to someones aid, but what are some practical measures you can take to better be prepared?

In this episode, founders of Dynamic Defense Solutions Jacob and Stephen sit down with Joshua Rosenquist who is a Paramedic / Firefighter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to discuss ways you has a prepared individual can be ready to help yourself and others in need.

Educational Rescources:

CPR / AED Video

Pre-Hospital / First Responder Skills (DDS Playlist)

Training:

Trauma Response Training (Discount Code: MINUTEMAN)

Observation posts are vital to situational awarness and are an important aspect of unit/group overall capabilities and effectivness. As a modern day Minuteman understanding the how and why behind the observation post is crtitical to not only overall intelligence but early warning capabilities.

Jacob and Stephen break down and explain the basics of observation posts and detail the various planning specifics necessary for success.

After Actions Reviews are used to recall, process, and de-brief a situation that happened, why it happened, and if it could've been handled better/differently. This process can enable better understanding overall, can help those who experienced the situation, and can help others who may find themselves in similar situations in the furture. On the "Minutemen Initiative" we use the After Actions Review to allow somone to share a life experience that others could learn from.

In this "After Actions Review" episode we get the opportunity to hear Zeke Johnston of Patriot Bladesmithing and Ironworks recall and break down a life-altering experience where he was forced to defend himself and his family from violent and threatening individuals.

There is a lot of value in listening to the experiences of others and the wisdom they gained from it.

In the wake of recent school shootings the division and polarization on what to do with guns has only expanded and become worse.

Jacob and Stephen sit down with Michael Modrell of Soldotna Ammo Supply to discuss the importance of civil discourse and enaging in productive conversations within your community.

Instead of furthering the divide by bullying, name calling, and complaining within your own echo chamber we belive it is important to talk with people who have different views and ideas. The willingness to actually discuss issues and problems with fellow Americans has been lost and we need to all work to get it back.