Welcome to my world, which I share with my wife and dogs. I grew up in the Bronx, graduated West Point, served in Special Operations and have written over 80 books across a variety of genres.
I’ve written quite a few books. Need help figuring out where to start or what to read next? Download my free readers guide from your favorite platform. Click on the cover to the right to get links.
My latest works are a trilogy in collaboration with Jennifer Crusie. Check the cover for Lavender’s Blue.
Also, there are continuations of the 3 million copy selling Area 51 series. I have a new series that’s actually a prequel to my bestselling Green Beret series. The Will Kane books are set in New York City in the last 1970s. The series begins with New York Minute, followed by Lawyers, Guns and Money, then Walk on the Wild Side, Hell of a Town and No Quarter. Shelter from the Storm will be out later in 2023.
I’ve got several titles in the preparation and survival field. The Green Beret Area Study Workbook is unique, laying out how you would do what we did in Special Forces prior to going into an Area of Operations: evaluating the locale, as well as ourselves, so that we would be prepared. One size does not fit all when it comes to preparation. Then there is the Green Beret Preparation and Survival Guide. I’ve designed these books for every day people, not hardcore preppers.
Check out my Freebies page where you can get started on a variety of genres. There are also free audio stories.
There are over 225 free Powerpoint presentations on the free Slideshows page– lots of useful stuff on writing, survival tips, history, etc. I’ve been shifting from Slideshare to narrated Youtube videos. My Youtube channel is HERE and please subscribe to it!
I consult and present workshops on personalized Area Studies for individuals, neighborhoods, organizations and businesses. With everyone facing climate-related incidents and growing unrest, this is more important than ever. Click on the window to the right for more information.
GEAR LINKS
The following are web and app links that appear in The Green Beret Preparation and Survival Guide. First are apps, then survival gear. auto gear. Survival Library. Gladiator and Jeep Links are near the end. Solar is at the end.
For Amazon links, they are affiliate and all profits are donated to the nonprofit Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which educates the children of deceased Special Operators. If you find a link that doesn’t work, or goes to a dead page, please let me know at bob@bobmayer.com
APPS and Web Pages (free unless otherwise noted)
Location Apps Topographic Map. Gaia with 20% discount
https://www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=bob-94
CDC App Center For Disease Control (Apple) (Android) Of limited use, but better to have than not have.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cdc/id487847188
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.cdc.general&feature=search_result#?t=W10
Medical Apps Red Cross First Aid (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/first-aid-by-american-red/id529160691
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.fa&hl=en
Medical Apps CPR and Choking (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/resuscitate-cpr-aed-choking/id363393502
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.heart.microlearning&hl=en_US&gl=US
Location Apps Family Locator-GPS Tracker for Android. GPS Tracker for Android.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.life360.android.safetymapd
Location Apps Emergency Alert System for Apple.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/silent-beacon-emergency-alert/id933730960
Location Apps Road ID eCrumbs App for Apple and Android.
Location Apps Google Earth (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-earth/id293622097
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.earth
Disaster Apps Red Cross Hurricane App (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hurricane-by-american-red/id545689128
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.hfa&hl=en
The Wildfire APP: Apple Android
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fires-wildfire-maps-and-info/id1143862825
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.davidgrossapps.wildfire&hl=en_US&gl=US
Wildfire Status web page: https://www.esri.com/en-us/disaster-response/disasters/wildfires
Disaster Apps Earthquake Alert for Android. Quake feed for Apple.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joshclemm.android.quake&hl=en
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quakefeed-earthquake-map-alerts/id403037266
Disaster Apps Weatherbug (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/app/weatherbug-forecasts-radar/id281940292
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aws.android
Disaster Apps Disaster Alert (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/disaster-alert-pacific-disaster/id381289235
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=disasterAlert.PDC
Disaster Apps FEMA (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fema/id474807486
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.fema.mobile.android
Miscellaneous Apps Flashlight (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashlight-o/id381471023
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ihandysoft.ledflashlight.mini
Knots 3D ($4.99) (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/knots-3d/id453571750
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nynix.knots3d
Miscellaneous Apps Wild Edibles ($5.99) (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-edibles-full/id431504588
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andromo.dev58263.app71191&hl=en_US&gl=US
Miscellaneous Apps Scanner Radio (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scanner-radio-deluxe/id498405045
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.scannerradio
FEMA flood map search to determine this by entering your address:
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search
FEMA safe room guidelines web site: https://www.fema.gov/residential-safe-rooms
List of nuclear power plants: http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/map-power-reactors.html
National Geographic 1:24,000 maps: http://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/pdf-quads
USGS maps: http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/
Home facts: http://www.homefacts.com/
Red Cross on line First Aid Courses: http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/first-aid-training/first-aid-online
Gaia App (with 20% discount for the PRO version which I recommend): https://www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=bob-94
EQUIPMENT
Pre-packaged Grab-n-Go Bag
EVERLIT Earthquake Emergency Kits Survival Kit 72 Hrs 2 Person Bag with supplies for 2 people for 72 hours: https://amzn.to/2Z2BFRo
Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag/Kit – a basic bag with supplies for 4 people for 72 hours: https://amzn.to/2HeIaFM
Items for building your own Grab-n-Go bag
First aid kit: M2 BASICS 300 Piece: https://amzn.to/2KDaYKg
Jase Antibiotic Medical Supply ((this is an emergency supply of key antibiotics that can be life-saving) This is a legitimate source and the process of getting them is quite easy. They also have numerous other medications available.
- Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 875 mg tablets (28 tablets)
- Azithromycin 250 mg tablets (6 tablets)
- Ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablets (28 tablets)
- Doxycycline 100 mg capsules (120 capsules)
- Metronidazole 500 mg tablets (30 tablets)
Curaplex Stop the Bleed Kiy with CAT tourniquet: https://amzn.to/42zGvSq
Quikclot bandage, First Aid bandage, rolled splint: https://amzn.to/2VbgcAb
Recon Tourniquet: https://amzn.to/2Lzt1jt
Blood Trauma kit MediTac Basic Bleeding Control Pack Feat. SWAT-T Tourniquet, Emergency Bandage and Compressed Gauze Dressing – Basic: https://amzn.to/3uCkE1A
RHINO RESCUE Vent Chest Seal, Emergency Trauma Dressing, First Aid Kit Sterile, Wound Care IFAK Supplies, 6 Count: https://amzn.to/45aRROO
RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio for Emergency: https://amzn.to/2Hf3JWX
GOODaaa Power Bank Wireless Charger 45800mAh Built in Hand Crank and 4 Cables 15W Fast Charging Power Bank 7 Outputs & 4 Inputs Solar Portable Charger, SOS/Strobe/Strong Flashlights, Compass: https://amzn.to/3ss0XIj
Mountain House Classic Bucket: 24 Freeze Dried Meals: https://amzn.to/3p3mWnP
Emergency rations—2 packs from the following:
Grizzly Gear: https://amzn.to/2Lzqk1l
ERbar: https://amzn.to/2SfllW4
DaTrex 3600: https://amzn.to/2LzqtBV
Poncho: https://amzn.to/2CxAY5G
Water Purification Tablets: https://amzn.to/2TJ1AYF
Water 6 bottles (500ml) or Datrex Emergency Survival Water Pouches (24 packs of 125ml): https://amzn.to/2ZdJY88
4 Gallon Portable Water Container with Spigot, Water Storage Camp Water Jug for Camping Outdoor Hiking 15L https://amzn.to/3Lxqabf
Compressible water containers: https://amzn.to/2Lzj1qC
42Gallon(160Litres) Water Storage Containers, Emergency Water Storage 16PCS×2.6Gallon/10L,Collapsible Water Containers, for Fishing, Camping, Hiking&Survival Kit. https://amzn.to/3skxJuQ
Katadyn Water filter: https://amzn.to/2V7PIjb
Water purifying tablets: https://amzn.to/2LAqndh
Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3Cra9Om
Lifestraw: https://amzn.to/2V8udyM
Survive Mate water bottle with filter: https://amzn.to/3NgtJno
Bottle Bright Bottle Cleaning and Disinfecting tablets: https://amzn.to/3OOCAhi
550/parachute cord: https://amzn.to/2CxSneD
Stormproof lighters: https://amzn.to/2Cv8yt7
Windproof matches: https://amzn.to/2SkR2x9
Waterproof Lighter USB Plasma with flashlight: https://amzn.to/3iN2luB
Heating tabs; very useful as fire starter: https://amzn.to/3qqcMxI
Portable stove and fuel: https://amzn.to/2Lzj59Q
OdoLand 6 pcs Cookware mess kit and stove: https://amzn.to/2GxjXh7
Canteen with stove and cover: https://amzn.to/3IXgghw
Fuel for stove, GasOne Camping Fuel: https://amzn.to/3lykCgP
Mylar survival blanket: https://amzn.to/42zPq6K
Emergency bivy sack: https://amzn.to/2IebWy0
550/parachute cord: https://amzn.to/2CxSneD
Sleeping pad, Therm-a-Rest Prolite: https://amzn.to/2VbWKUf
Battery powered headlamp: https://amzn.to/2RdecZk
Ecoflow Camping Lamp, rehchargeable: https://amzn.to/3UGZtWG
Survival whistle: https://amzn.to/3ph41p4
Signal Mirror: https://amzn.to/2BGKOAy
VS-17 signal panel: https://amzn.to/2Sqqzyz
Folding Saw: https://amzn.to/2LwcHQF
Fishing Kit: https://amzn.to/2BC36TK
Redneck Convent Versatile Snare Wire: https://amzn.to/2Lwd6Tb
SOG Tomahawk Survival axe, also is a weapon: https://amzn.to/2BDuAbv
SOG SOGFari Machete (per Area Study): https://amzn.to/2CxTgE4
Collapsible Snow Shovel (based on Area Study): https://amzn.to/2rWOKc9
Pocket chainsaw: https://amzn.to/2BI7YqC
Compass: https://amzn.to/2GAOycI
Assorted zip ties along with Handcuff zip ties: https://amzn.to/2Rdar61
Rand McNally Road Atlas. https://amzn.to/36IVqA9
National Geographic Maps: http://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/pdf-quads
USGS Maps: http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/
Get a waterproof map case to put your topo maps in, with dummy cord. https://amzn.to/34yYE6N
Katadyn Water Microfilter: https://amzn.to/30UAvGz
Platypus Gravitywork High Capacity Water Filter: https://amzn.to/36N18Bi
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: https://amzn.to/2V4uUJf
Rain jacket: https://amzn.to/42vSD6x
Watch cap: https://amzn.to/2LvL5uX
Boonie Hat: https://amzn.to/2QKgI9X
Poncho: https://amzn.to/2LvsWx8
Blanket and Go Time Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag: https://amzn.to/2IebWy0
Large, Heavy Duty Tarp: https://amzn.to/3nxMZxw
FIRE: starting and protection
Storm proof lighters ( least 1 each home, GnG, car) https://amzn.to/2Cv8yt7
Waterproof Lighter USB Plasma with flashlight: https://amzn.to/3iN2luB
Storm proof matches (GnG, home): https://amzn.to/2V5tEWe
Emergency ladder in all bedrooms above the first floor sufficient to reach the ground from a window.
First Alert 2-Story Escape Ladder: https://amzn.to/2V65M4Z
First Alert 3-Story Escape Ladder: https://amzn.to/2SdhatX
CAR
Pre-packaged Roadside emergency kit (shown below and check the site to see what it holds. This contains some of the items below) https://amzn.to/2CylcaV
Fire extinguisher: https://amzn.to/2V4u8fz
Reflective warning triangles: https://amzn.to/3di51PF
Red Warning Flasher: https://amzn.to/31Y3rfd
Blanket and Emergency bivy sack: https://amzn.to/2IebWy0
Life Hammer: https://amzn.to/2A8HL4r
Collapsible Snow Shovel (based on Area Study): https://amzn.to/2rWOKc9
GoTreads Emergency Traction: https://amzn.to/2ShCnCV
Poncho: https://amzn.to/2LvsWx8
Road side flashing lights: https://amzn.to/2CF8nvt
Battery powered siphon: https://amzn.to/2SegtAI
Multipurpose tool: https://amzn.to/2Lzt3bh
and/or Leatherman Crunch tool: https://amzn.to/2BD3lxR
Emergency Battery Charger/Starter: https://amzn.to/2SGbkDh
Flat tire inflation canister: https://amzn.to/2CvN7s6
Personal Vest:
Blackhawk Omega Crosssdraw Mag Vest: https://amzn.to/2HeET9L
Israeli Battle Dressings: https://amzn.to/2LzJSm6
Survival Knife: https://amzn.to/2LwgGfQ
Compass: https://amzn.to/2GAOycI
Survival and Sustainment Library: Click on title to go to Amazon page.
When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance, Sustainability and Surviving the Long Emergency by Matthew Stein. A great resource of information for long term skills.
SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman. Redundant to some information in this book, I have it because of the images of plants and other matter.
Peterson Field Guides put out a series of books about plants. Two keys are:
Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America
Unfortunately those two books aren’t available in eBook and having a plant guide on your cell phone you can easily bring up is very useful. I have:
Wild Edibles: A Practical Guide to Foraging, with Easy Identification of 60 Edible Plants and 67 Recipes by Sergei Boutenko
Basic Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide by Wade Bourne is very useful. Remember, that the Donner Party never even attempted to fish in the nearby lake, even though it had trout in it.
The Gift of Fear: And Other Survival Signs That Protect Us From Violence by Gavin de Becker is a classic that applies to more than just survival situations.
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George is a classic story of survival that is great to read with your kids to introduce them to survival situations and information.
The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide by Amy Alton. This is the premier book for survival medicine when a doctor or hospital is not available.
GLADIATOR and JEEP
A JCR half rack on top of the cab https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTRK.html
JCR full-bed rack. https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTBR.html
Swingcase truck storage. https://amzn.to/3PIHYj1
5 inch vinyl fencepost: https://amzn.to/3zlPVW0
Smittybilt Seat Cover. https://amzn.to/3PCyCWg
Rotopax. https://amzn.to/3IRZOOt
Tyger shovel. https://amzn.to/3cvD6Qa
Battery Booster. https://amzn.to/3v2dbpG
3 inch memory foam camping mattress: https://amzn.to/3aX9omE
46″ hose carriers. https://amzn.to/3PIsYSq
Spot X Satellite Messenger. https://amzn.to/3cvDDl8
Solar:
Licorne Solar Charger 36,800 mAh. https://amzn.to/3wN6uJe
Yeti 500: https://amzn.to/3HEQaQG
Rechargeable deep cycle battery: https://amzn.to/3PAogak
Bob’s Latest Thoughts & Ramblings
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What You Can Learn From The Current Disaster . . . .
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Survival 14: Your Survival Team. Team Communication. Do’s and Don’t’s
We rely on cell phones and the point has been made that they might be not be reliable. One thing to remember is that a text message has a greater chance of getting through than voice if the cell phone system is overwhelmed after a wide-spread disaster. Land-lines have...