Tap or click a cover to learn more
Use the buttons below to be taken straight to a specific series.
“The best preparation guide available, bar none. A must-have for anyone concerned about man-made and natural disasters. Mayer points out that preparation is key and he walks the reader through it, each section building on the one before. From page one, I felt more prepared. Get it!” Assembly Magazine.
This book is a companion to the Preparation and Survival Guide. It’s a workbook that let’s you know exactly what you need to prepare for and survive.
It requires work, but it’s well worth it.
This book will give you focus and help you prioritize your preparation.
Do it like the professionals. In the Green Berets, an Area Study was the first thing we did before going to any Area of Operations. Everyone’s situation is different. We’re different individuals. We have varying households and situations. We live in unique places with varying climates, terrain, and possible natural and man-made disasters. Thus, before we begin to ‘prepare’, we must know what we’re preparing for and what we’re working with.
By doing a good Area Study, you save time and money because you’ve focused on your priorities. You need to know your assets and your threats. You also have to get the right supplies, training, and gear for your specific situation.
Filling out the workbook with your family can be a fun experience, by seeing your home and the world around you with a different and uique perspective.
This step-by-step workbook shows you how to evaluate yourself, the people around you, your work, your school and your Area of Operations. it is the precursor to any serious preparation and a companion to The Green Beret Preparation and Survival Guide.
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
MEDICAL
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
WATER
Water Purification Tablets: https://amzn.to/2TJ1AYF
Water purifying tablets: https://amzn.to/2LAqndh
Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3Cra9Om
Survive Mate water bottle with filter: https://amzn.to/3NgtJno
Bottle Bright Bottle Cleaning and Disinfecting tablets: https://amzn.to/3W9R6mx
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
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/3EDZFk2
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
FOOD
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
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
SHELTER AND CLOTHING
Mylar survival blanket: https://amzn.to/42zPq6K
Sleeping pad, Therm-a-Rest Prolite: https://amzn.to/2VbWKUf
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 matches (GnG, home): https://amzn.to/2V5tEWe
Stormproof lighters: https://amzn.to/2Cv8yt7
Windproof matches: https://amzn.to/2SkR2x9
Waterproof Lighter USB Plasma with flashlight: https://amzn.to/3iN2luB
COMMUNICATION
Spot X Satellite Messenger. https://amzn.to/3cvDDl8
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
Survival whistle: https://amzn.to/3ph41p4
Signal Mirror: https://amzn.to/2BGKOAy
VS-17 signal panel: https://amzn.to/2Sqqzyz
TOOLS/MISC
550/parachute cord: https://amzn.to/2CxSneD
Battery powered headlamp: https://amzn.to/2RdecZk
Ecoflow Camping Lamp, rehchargeable: https://amzn.to/3UGZtWG
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
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
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
Rand McNally Road Atlas. https://amzn.to/4h7wxPs
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:
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
SOLAR
Ecoflow River 2 Pro: https://amzn.to/4a808pK
Yeti 500: https://amzn.to/3HEQaQG
Licorne Solar Charger 36,800 mAh. https://amzn.to/3wN6uJe
Rechargeable deep cycle battery: https://amzn.to/3PAogak
Special Operations Forces are the most elite and flexible units in the world. Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Rangers, Nightstalkers, Special Operations Wing: these are the warriors trained to perform beyond the ordinary and to make the impossible, possible. The author, a former Green Beret, takes you inside their shadowy world, laying out their history and lineage. More importantly, he delves into the mindset and training that makes them special. He gives strategic and tactical templates you can apply to yourself and your team. He uses narrative examples, both factual and fictional to illustrate his points.
The bestselling Little Black Book series on a variety of topics that enlighten and entertain. All in Kindle Unlimited
Green Berets are “Masters of Chaos.” What makes us elite is our planning. We prepare not only for the mission but for all the things that could go wrong. We worst-case scenarios in order to prevent them from happening, and being prepared if, despite our best efforts, they do occur. It is a unique mindset that is the hallmark of the Quiet Professionals.
A classic story of survival that is great to read with your kids to introduce them to survival situations and information.
Redundant to most information in my book, I have it because of the images of plants and it always pays to have a second opinion, especially from our British cousins in the SAS.
No one survival manual can cover everything as there are too many variables and possible scenarios.
A classic that applies to more than just survival situations.
His company provides security for many notable persons and he shows how to read your environment to avoid trouble.
Remember, that the Donner Party never even attempted to fish in the nearby lake, even though it had trout in it and a teenage boy had survived the previous winter in the same area, mainly by fishing.