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“The sheep generally do not like the Sheepdog. He looks a lot like the wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the Sheepdog must not, cannot and will not ever harm the sheep. Still, the Sheepdog disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the land. They would prefer that he didn’t tell them where to go, or give them traffic tickets, or stand at the ready in our airports in camouflage fatigues holding an M-16. The sheep would much rather have the Sheepdog cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go, “Baa”…Until the wolf shows up. Then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely Sheepdog.” - Lt. Col Dave Grossman I like to think of myself as a sheepdog. Maybe not the most skilled or the most experienced-but a sheepdog nonetheless. I’m slowly but surely paying off my Mossberg MMR AR-15 and at the same time, upgrading my EDC (everyday carry) as well as solidifying my GHB (go-home bag) or Go-Bag. I’m becoming more aware of the world around me. It’s something I’ve always been good at doing, but concentrating on the wrong things up until this point. It’s time to put my paranoia to good use :). Mossberg MMR Tactical AR-15. Not mine. I’m back and recharged for this next 4WC!! My falloff was weird for me. I was so busy and when I had a little time for NF, I didn’t take advantage of it. Shame on me cuz I miss you guys and gals! I’ve been severely hooked on listening to The Remaining books on Audible and I’m currently on book #4. The series has been just plain kickass and edge of your seat goodness that it’s put some heavy inspiration on me. I want to give @WorldSparrow a big shout out for turning me onto these books! I’ve always been somewhat of a prepper, but reading these books has, in a weird way, opened up my eyes to more realer possibilities AND having 3 little boys and my lovely wife concretes it for me. I have to be aware to protect them. I also have to be able to protect myself. This challenge is about getting me back on track and building up a body and a mindset that can defend my family and the flock of sheep out there. I need some accountability right now... probably in the worst of ways lol. My shoulder is OK and I still need a visit to the specialist as I’ve tried to do my own thing and strengthen my shoulder… but it’s not working as well as I would have liked. I haven’t tried swimming yet, but I want to see if that puts too much rotation on my shoulder. Swimming is low impact and can be massaging and therapeutic, so I’m hoping I can get a little of that! I’m eating good though and getting ready to start some hardcore rucking :). Work is still busy as hell and we’re prepping for a move to another building on July 8th. PLUS, my own move to our new apartment the weekend of the 4th. Busy busy :). I’ve fallen off the writing game, but I’ve learned something. Actually, I learned it on my respawn Division themed challenge- Just fucking write. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Just write. This is some advice I’m taking from D.J. Molles, author extraordinaire of The Remaining series. In four years, he produced 6 books. That’s impressive! So, that is what I will do. Just write. No timelines, no rush, no worries :). First things first-let’s give you guys a little insight to my current EDC. I will also take you through a stroll of my Go-Bag (via video) and what I would like to add to that to upgrade it to “Survivor” status. And by “upgrading” my arsenal, I mean EARNING each and every item as rewards for completing various tasks throughout the day/week/challenge. Not my EDC-but I thought it looked cool with the pistol and Texas keychain ;). I will take a picture of my current EDC once I get my Skeletool and Bit extension in this week. Current EDC Winchester Parfive Drop Point Knife Leatherman Skeletool Leatherman 40-Bit set (attachments for Skeletool) Leatherman Bit Driver Extension ThruNite Ti3 EDC Cree XP Flashlight Bic Lighter x2 2007 Honda Pilot keys Leather bound notebook (from Target) Zebra Stainless Steel Ballpoint Retractable Pen Trident Mint Bliss gum Walgreen brand eye drops iPhone 6+ w/ FDE Magpul Case Recycled Firefighter Combat Boot "Seargant" money clip wallet-Desert Tan & Multicam (shoutout to Captain Lee Harden) 21-oz Hydro Flask-Classic Stainless 5.11 Recon hat (usually worn backwards) Current Go-Bag Change of clothes 1x extra socks and underwear 2x extra headbands 3x protein bar (Epic bars-Turkey, Chicken and Bison) 1x extra water bottler LifeStraw 50ft of 1-inch webbed tubing (from my slackline) Gerber Survival Knife Swimming gear-jammers and goggles Gorilla Tape 1x carabiner (basic-need sturdier ones) Go-Bag Wish List First Aid Utility Pouch MOLLE attachment Ever Ready First Aid Israeli Bandage First Aid Kit w/ Quick Clot SAM rolled splint Trauma shears Paint Respirator Gas/Liquid Siphon Mechanix Wear Tactical Glove-Coyote Nite Ize S-biner Extra Socks New Hydration Bladder Right now, I have a few of the weighted bean bags from my weight vest in my bag with all the gear listed and it’s probably sitting around 25-30#. As I add stuff, I’ll more than likely take out the bean bags because the extra gear should help weigh my bag down and I’ll need the pocket they are stored in lol. I haven’t added a hydration system in the back yet, so that will weigh a good amount as well. Goals this 4WC: Go see the shoulder specialist Ruck a total of 25 miles this challenge Sprints Sleep better Move better (via Uncaged Man workout program) Paintball Prep for both moves- Work and Home It’s good to be back everyone! Since I’m not overburdening myself with PvP’s and such, I will get back to being the supportive badass I usually am. Let’s rock this 4WC!!! Wolf