Jack of All Spades

     Since organizing Jack of All Spades I’ve had to divide my spare time between writing articles and running the day to day operations of Jack of All Spades. I have recruiting, advertising, researching and other duties that most regularly occupy my time and it saddens me that I don’t write as many articles as I would like. The good news is that Jack of All Spades is well on its way and within the next year we hope to be fully up and running. By “up and running” I mean that we should be actively involved in our communities and attending regular fundraisers, conventions, public meetings and other important events. Senior officers have been called and we hope to fill other valuable spots within the organization soon. 

     The changes most likely to be new to you are that Andrew Barnes has been promoted to Master-At-Arms and Phillip Barnes to Vice-President. They are still acting presidents of their respective Units but they have the added responsibility of overseeing the entire organization. Congratulations to both of them on their promotions. 

     I also understand that the entire vision of Jack of All Spades might be a little unclear and so I would love to enlighten everyone on two very important parts of the puzzle: the Hierarchy and the vision of Jack of All Spades. Before I get into the details of how we’re organized I’d like to explain why we’re organized. 

     I grew up in a good neighborhood and was distanced from crime in general growing up. With the exception of the occasional bike being stolen or a house being toilet papered we understood nothing of the criminal world. Having spent some time in various places around the United States and the world, before and during my time in the military, I now understand better the living conditions of people less fortunate to have had what I had growing up. I ache at the news reports that talk of home invasions, rapes, kidnappings and theft. I hate to hear of active shooters, gang violence and racial attacks. The violence levels that we as American citizens seem to tolerate are astounding. I would never condone any of the items I just mentioned or any of their related criminal acts, so why would I not stand up and do something about it? 

     Jack of All Spades is designed to strengthen a community by being the cohesive glue that unites the law-abiding citizens against these dangers. The idea is to create a “super neighborhood watch” system. We’re not one or two people patrolling the neighborhood once a month or maybe even once a week. We are a community of people committed to always watching, always being ready for anything that might threaten us, our families or our communities. We see the commitment to protecting ourselves to be the most important thing we can do to deal with the terrible events that life might throw at us. 

     In many articles on the website I focus on “man-made” disasters such as active-shooters and kidnappings but in reality Jack of All Spades is really about being ready for all disasters whether man-made or natural. We want all people to be aware of what they can do to prepare for these events without breaking the bank, causing undue stress or affecting your life in any way other than positively. The basis of our vision is to act and not to be acted upon. When life gives us lemons, we’ve got the juicer ready! We don’t feel that most of us will deal with this life-threatening situations on a regular basis and there’s really no need to prepare but we believe that there’s no reason not to prepare. 

     With that vision we offer an organization that anyone can join. There is no commitment required beyond the dedication to protect your family and to prepare for danger. Below is an image of the Jack of All Spades organization. It is comprised of normal Everyday Jacks and Everyday Jills like you who have dedicated extra time to teaching, assisting and supporting other Jacks and Jills in their causes. 

     Jack of All Spades is organized on the national level covering all 50 states. Each state will eventually have their own sub group called a “Unit” with each Unit making up the entire organization. As of now the Jack of All Spades holds only one solid Unit in Oregon with three temporary Units in California, Florida and the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Each of those units is structured the same as above with only a few changes in insignia and name. Red stars at the top of each insignia indicate a Jack of All Spades Senior Officer who presides over the national level while the regular insignia indicates a Unit Officer. Unit Officers are prefixed with “Unit” to differentiate from the Senior Officers. Unlike the Master-At-Arms at the national level, the security officer of a Unit it called a Sergeant-At-Arms and falls under the direction of the Master-At-Arms. The following is a quick rundown of what responsibilities each role has and how they relate to each other. 

     President of Jack of All Spades is responsible for maintaining the overall vision of the organization as a “knights of the people” security group. Overseeing the national level support of the organization he works closely with the Special Programs officer in planning events, fundraisers, charity programs and other organization gatherings. His most important responsibility is to assist the Senior and Unit Officers in maintaining the true vision. 

     Vice-President of Jack of All Spades is like the chief operations officer and is responsible for overseeing the operations of the group and supporting the members. Working with the Quartermaster he manages the advertising and marketing for Jack of All Spades. 

     Master-At-Arms is responsible for protection of the organization and their name, to ensure proper use of it and the insignia. He meets regularly with the Sergeant-At-Arms and initiates new members of the organization by overseeing their trial period. Recruitment, morale and general well-being of the members falls to the Master-At-Arms and is assisted by the Vice-President in his duties. 

     Secretary maintains the records and history of the organization. He attends all meetings and assists the President during events and gatherings. 

     Treasurer monitors the funds acquired Jack of All Spades and works closely with the Special Programs officer and the President during fundraisers and charity events. 

     Quartermaster is responsible for all merchandise, equipment, tools, etc. that the organization purchases. He maintains the supply locker and works closely with the Vice-President in advertising and marketing strategies. 

     Armorer runs the Jack of All Spades armory by cleaning, operating and maintaining all weapons and ammunition owned by the organization. 

     Special Programs manages the events, fundraisers, charity programs and other organization gatherings. This position is ultimately responsible for all gatherings of Everyday Jacks. 

     Ride Captain works with the Special Programs officer with all member gatherings but specializes in organizing motorcycle rides and meetings. Since many members enjoy motorcycling he organizes regular motorcycle rides and lunches for all members that ride. 

     Adopting the vision of Jack of All Spades will better secure a community against so many dangers that exist around them.  They will be better able to pull together during times of trouble or when Mother Nature rears her ugly face. Jack of All Spades will encourage those of the community to stop tolerating the actions of those that might be occurring in their neighborhood and by small and simple steps we can push out those of our community who refuse to abide by the rules.

So stand up today and forever more as a Jack of All Spades!

Everday Carry

     Growing up I ended up with certain items that I required myself to bring with me no matter where I was going or what I was doing. In a suit and tie or in blue jeans you could empty my pockets and always find certain items. With almost every item there was a reason and although most might have thought the reasons strange the items were utilized more than I would have expected.  Most of the items were tools for everyday use and some were “just because” or “just in case” but I can say that each item was used on more than one occasion and borrowed by more than just one person or many an occasion. I became known as the guy that my friends relied on when they forgot to bring a knife or a screwdriver or whatever it might be. The question that spurred this entire article is, “What does an Everyday Jack carry every day?”

     Over the years the items changed but the principles of having these items with me remained and eventually turned into personal law. I now have a list of items I refuse to leave the house without. When I was about 12 years old my list consisted of: Wallet, keys, lockpicks, folding knife, chapstick, lighter, sunglasses and a few quarters. The wallet and keys were more essential than optional but the other items came in handy often. The knife was used so often I ended up usually switching it out with a better one every year or so. Sometimes I even carried a folding knife and a sheath knife at the same time. I wasn’t a smoker and didn’t have any immediate need for a lighter but I felt cool having one and I used it to light a number of firecrackers and cherry bombs over the years. Realistically the lockpicks were over the top and only used once. The reason for carrying them was merely to practice my skills (which never really improved). Lastly, the quarters were for making phone calls before the cell phone craze.

     Now that I’m an adult I usually carry my gun (Taurus Slim PT709 9mm), an extra mag, wallet, keys, kubaton with handcuff key, lighter, folding knife, cell phone, small LED flashlight and cash. Each item is useful in a pinch and is specific to different situations. My wallet and keys are just as essential as when I was 12 but I would add my cellphone into the essential category now. The lighter, folding knife, flashlight and cash are really for emergency use while the gun, extra mag and kubaton are for defense purposes. The handcuff key is really more of a momento from when I worked with the US Navy Police.

     I don’t suggest that everyone follow my recommendations as what to carry everyday but there are a few things to look at when deciding what is right for you. Jack of All Spades recommends you think of these three questions when what to carry: What are you going to need? What might you need? How am I going to carry it? While thinking through these questions remember the purpose of the items; essential items, protection items, survival/emergency items.

     It also might be a good idea to take a look at some of the great websites out there surrounding the subject so you have a better idea of where to start. Here’s a quick list of them that might be useful: 

http://everyday-carry.com/

http://everydaycarryblog.com/

http://www.edcforums.com/

http://everydaycarry.net/ 

     Remember the first question, “What am I going to need?” when you’re planning. When I think of a typical day I know I’m going to use all of my items daily with the exception of my gun, kubaton, lighter and handcuff key. I have, without fail utilized every other item daily. You decide what is essential. If you can leave your house without your keys, wallet or cellphone then that is up to you to decide and no one else.

 

Duct tape keychain; always have it with you

    The unexpected emergencies are why we pose the second question “What might you need?”  Jack of All Spades recommends that everyone that can carry a gun, can obtain a Concealed Carry Weapons permit and most importantly feels comfortable to utilize and employ it should carry. Everyday Jacks are there to protect their neighbors and if you’re not equipped to do it then you’re failing as a Jack of All Spades. For those who would rather “dress down” rather than carry a gun, try carrying a kubaton or expanding baton.

     My last note on carrying a gun is that there are many people that have guns but lack either the confidence or judgment to use it. There are many classes offered by qualified instructors to assist people in finding the confidence to employ their guns. If you’d like to gain more confidence with a sidearm then seek out those willing to teach you. I know plenty of people who’d even take you out and teach you for free as long as you cover the price of ammo.

     Remember that these items are not always something you need to carry on you at all times. Just because I carry them all the time doesn’t mean that you couldn’t find alternative ways of doing it. Having a special bag in your car with these items is better than leaving them at home and there’s nothing wrong with stowing a first-aid kit, flashlights, knives and other items within reach if you decide not to carry. I understand that the bulk of a gun can be an issue and for some women it might be difficult to find the right holster for your gun because of the sexy dress you’re wearing. Understand that there are lots of alternatives to the traditional holsters (Flashbang bra holster).

     To answer the question posed above of what a Jack of All Spades carries you can be sure that no matter the list, he or she is ready for their day and that if called upon they are ready to defend to the best of their ability. No one’s list is the same however we encourage all Jacks and all Jills to be expect the worst and hope for the best because we are here to stop the worst from happening.

Active Shooter

     So much can be said following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Connecticut and I speak for all of us at Jack of All Spades when I say we’re deeply saddened by the loss of so many innocent and perfect children. We sincerely send our deepest sympathies to the families who lost so much. I had another article I was working on but due to the recent shooting in Clackamas, Oregon and at Sandy Hook I felt it important to address this subject now. In fact it was this very subject that was the final straw that led me to create Jack of All Spades. The first school shooting I remember was in 1998 at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon. That feeling I had when I saw the news reports has compounded with every subsequent active shooter event to the point that I will not stand back and watch this happen and that’s why we created Jack of All Spades. 

     Too often in our age we see devastating events of this magnitude and I hate to think of the emotional and mental consequences that it is having on our youth. This ever present acceptance of violence is out of control and I will be honest when I say that I’m not sure what to do about it. I don’t feel that Jack of All Spades is here to fix the social viruses of our day but what we can do is be ready for these events so that we can survive them in more than just a physical capacity. It is inherent in the Human system to respond to these events as “fight or flight” and that is a perfectly acceptable way to look at these situations. Jack of All Spades are trained to fight and we’re the first to run towards the shooting but for those that are unable to or unwilling to fight we have a few steps to follow. We also understand every situation is different and so some modification might be needed for your situation but there are some important basics to remember. 

     OBSERVATION - There is no excuse for not being observant. This step applies to both fight and flight aspects of these situations. Seeing the deranged individual pull his gun gives you more time to run or fire back. Even catching him acting strangely, dressing strangely or speaking strangely can give you time to report it or get out of there. Being observant is the first step to protecting yourself and your family in any situation. 

     COMPOSURE - Staying calm during these events allows you to think clearly and make life saving decisions. For many like me we can attribute our ability to stay calm to years of training in military or law enforcement. For those who never had the privilege of serving can still find solace in preparing prior to these events. Teaching your children of the threat and helping them understand it before it happens will not only give you peace of mind but will allow you and them to react more securely during these events. 

     COVER - Finding cover to protect you is priority Jack of All Spades are always observing their surroundings and mentally logging where they would hide if needed. Remember that there is a difference behind cover and concealment. Concealment is something that only blocks the shooters view while cover will protect you from a shooter. Although cover is preferred, concealment can be just as good in these situations. If the shooter is unaware of your presence then you’re no longer a target. Choose cover wisely though because you’ll need this to prepare for the next step. 

US Army Soldiers taking cover in Iraq.

     ESCAPE - Timing your escape can be just as important as finding your cover. If you’re able to you should escape before taking cover but only if you can safely make it away from the shooter. If you’re unable to make it out without falling into harm’s way then find cover. From cover you might have a sheltered view of what is going on and if so you can start to make a plan of escape. You can wait till the shooter passes giving you enough space or concealment to make it to an exit. Waiting for him to reload is always a great option because this will increase the time you have to escape. Most importantly is to wait until the timing is right, choose the exit that is nearest you and utilize as much concealment and cover as possible on your way out. 

     If by some chance the shooter is headed your way then you must act. This is the hardest part of any active shooter event because it’ll require you have no other options. Finding a weapon nearby might be difficult but if you can find one and get ready to use it. This is something I hope that no one has to go through, especially for those without training but I see no shame is saying that if it comes down to it you must fight tooth and nail against the shooter. Bite, kick, scream and do whatever it takes to stop the shooter at this point. 

     RECOUPING - There is no shame in coming out of these events in utter shock and devastation. To many times we try to be tough and struggle through it on our own. These events need to be shared and worked through with friends and family. Seek out councilors if needed but understand above all that you did everything you could have done because you were prepared. 

     For us at Jack of All Spades we recoup in the same manner we always do following these shootings; we train harder. That’s what we’ve done, that’s what we’ll always do when trouble knocks at our door. With talk stirring of gun control and more legislation I worry for a possible future where the only people that have guns are the criminals. I fear that the government will submit to the anti-gun protests and pass greater restrictions. I never wanted Jack of All Spades to become political and I never intend to but what is extremely important for all of us to do is to not create panic laws following these events. We don’t need to jump into more guns laws, or school security, or even personality screenings and such. We need to approach this with a clear mind. 

     Jack of All Spades believes that the gun is a tool in the same way that a hammer or a car is a tool. Each item can be used in various ways to assist the user and make simple jobs easier but in the wrong hands these tools can become deadly. We support weapon regulation as long as it doesn’t infringe on the right for legal citizens to own and operate them. Following these events there are always cries to tighten the ability to buy weapons; specifically guns. 

     To think that regulating guns is sufficient to stop such evil is like believing that by removing the gun, you’re also removing the “crazy” from the shooter. A person intent on harming others is going to find a way to harm whether he has a gun or not. What is necessary to understand is that no matter what we do, no matter how much we regulate, legislate or control we cannot prevent these tragic events from happening; these people will always find a way. Jack of All Spades was designed to prevent these events, not through legislation or regulations but through control of the situation as it happens. Imagine a world where people stand up for themselves and they stop these sorts of things from happening. How many lives could we save if even one person stood up and fired back? I don’t expect the world to carry guns and shoot blindly at the attacker but I do expect people to be prepared to fight or fly if necessary. 

     Most importantly is to be prepared at all times. We live by Exercito ab Ara which is Latin for “train hard to protect/shield”. That is what the Jack of All Spades stands for and that’s what we intend to do. Join us in our fight against evil in our day and act so you’re not acted upon!

An Everyday Jack

     The whole process of creating a company or organization can be daunting for one man and even more so when you feel so passionately about the topic. For me, creating Jack of All Spades was more than just having a survivalist club, or group that people could be a part of. It was even more than just having a school house that produced certificates and degrees for people to check off their lists. I wanted desperately to bridge the gap between knowing and doing, to create an environment or community to support the graduates and the neighborhoods they lived in. I didn't want people to forget the skills taught in our courses, rather I wanted them to take the courses to heart.

     The very foundation of Jack of All Spades can be summed up in our motto, “Exercito ab ara” or “Train hard to safe-guard”. There is no requirement as an Everyday Jack to train all hours of the day but there is an obligation to utilize the skills you’ve learned through our courses and others to assist those around you if needed. Taking on the name of The list that we use here at Jack of All Spades and being an Everyday Jack or Jill means that you are committed to constantly sharpening your abilities so that if or when something happens you’re ready.

     I have struggled to find the right words to explain what it means to me to be an Everyday Jack but if I could sum it up it would come down to this, living my life so that I am master of my domain and that no outside source, whether man-made or natural can hold me back from providing shelter and safe-haven to myself and those I care about.

     The courses we will eventually provide through The list that we use here at Jack of All Spades will cover six basic areas: Personal Protection, Home Security, Terrorism Awareness, Human Trafficking Awareness, Emergency preparedness and Basic Field Medic Training. These six topics are very broad and there are many details that could get lost in teaching them. For this reason I want to provide a community of people you can rely on. This community would be filled with a range of people starting with the inexperienced to those that have spent more time in law enforcement and military channels who could serve as advisors. We would strengthen and support those around us.

     My vision of The list that we use here at Jack of All Spades is that the name and symbol become synonymous with help in desperate times. That when an active shooter appears people will see our The list that we use here at Jack of All Spades t-shirt or hat and will immediately know that we can and will help. During a natural disaster we’re often unable to provide shelter, food or money to those who need it, but what we can do is help teach them to be ready for these events. It’s not every day that you run into a hurricane or an active shooter, but being ready for these events is what we as Everyday Jacks prepare for.

     An Everyday Jack decides for himself the level of commitment required of them daily. Some might feel they need to regularly read intelligence reports and run six miles a day. For others it might just be good enough for them to shoot at the range every month and prepare a 72-hour kit for each member of their family. Whatever level of preparation you’re willing to commit to, an Everyday Jack will always be committed to doing what is necessary to protect the freedom we love. The former Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of the Netherlands, Peter van Uhm once said, “That is why I took up the gun — not to shoot, not to kill, not to destroy, but to stop those who would do evil, to protect the vulnerable, to defend democratic values, to stand up for the freedom we have to talk … about how we can make the world a better place”. We at Jack of All Spades agree that for some it is necessary to take up the “gun” to protect the liberties we love.

     Strongly, and to my very last breath I will be vigilant for evil wherever it stands. As Thomas Jefferson once said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance”