Change provides a window to evaluate opportunities and requirements, what is needed to be sustained and improved. A recent change in location to the Southwest United States has given me plenty to think about. I no longer have DC traffic as a major factor in my planning, but I now have extended distances to consider, both from a mobility aspect as well as a shooting aspect. I don’t have to consider the oceanfront, inland waterways and bridges as limiting factors, but desert environments at 6000 feet surrounded by 10,000 foot peaks provides its own challenges.

Food, water, shelter, communications, power, security, sanitation, and transportation all need to be considered and evaluated. I need to work through the circumstances I’m given, adjust my mentality to what is currently relevant, base it on what I know works, and close the gaps on my shortcomings. I need to test myself, my actions, and my gear.

It’s up to me to get it figured out.

Josh Burmeister is a former Navy Chief, finishing his military time as a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) Instructor. His post military corporate career has consisted of executive positions in several companies within the Tactical and Outdoor gear and training industries. He has served this country as a security team member and team leader throughout multiple deployments for the USG in support of national objectives. He is recognized for his vast experience in surveillance and protective operations. He currently consults for multiple government service corporations, providing strategy, operations, security, and training support.