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.

https://ecrumbs.roadid.com

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

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

RHINO RESCUE Individual Bleeding Control Kit, IFAK Trauma Kit, Military First Aid Refill Kit with Tourniquet, Hemostatic Gauze, 6”Israeli Bandage, 2 Compressed Gauze: https://amzn.to/3sgdQFa

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

Licorne Solar Charger 36,800 mAh. https://amzn.to/3wN6uJe

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

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

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:

Edible Wild Plants

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

 

 

The bestselling Little Black Book series on a variety of topics that enlighten and entertain. All in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON

Bob’s Latest Thoughts & Ramblings

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The Pigeon Tunnel is a documentary on John le Carre, whose real name is David Cornwell. As a writer I found it fascinating as his twisted plots with a somewhat cynical edge resonate with me not just because of writing but my own Special Operations background. The...

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Why Are Streets So Disorganized in Southern Manhattan?

Why Are Streets So Disorganized in Southern Manhattan?

The streets of Southern Manhattan, including areas like the Financial District and the Village, are seen as disorganized or chaotic compared to the rest of Manhattan due to the way the city was developed historically. Most of Manhattan is in a grid that easily...

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