I am currently re-watching a zombie television series that I haven’t seen in several years. In just the first couple of episodes I noticed a glaringly obvious example of “Hollywood” portrayal. A character armed with a pistol is running from zombies. In short order, the character raises the pistol and executes (bad pun) perfect headshots on numerous undead all while moving and negotiating obstacles. Now, sure there are people that can actually do this. Chances are, it’s not you. I can say this with fair certainty because I have done some moving and shooting drills and it’s not easy. It takes lots of practice. On top of that, shooting is a perishable skill. No matter how good you get, without regular and focused practice, your skills lessen. The people that can perform this kind of shooting with the ease portrayed on television generally fit into one of two categories: 1.) military/law enforcement, or, 2.) competitive shooters. There are some shooters that are in a third group and those are the everyday citizens that ACTUALLY do the firearms training necessary to acquire these skills and continue to regularly practice to maintain proficiency. I am a firearms and concealed carry instructor. I come across numerous people of all walks of life that have made some pretty bold claims as to their exceptional abilities with a handgun. When going through the shear basics of handling a firearm and static practice (standing still and shooting at a stationary target) at the range, it has amazed me how many of those “John Wick wannabes” fall far short of their claimed abilities. Truth be told, often times I’m made to realize that people often claim to have skills that they most certainly do not possess.
Now that I have vented my issues with television and those that claim those skills, I’ll move on to the main point. Skills of any sort are perishable. If you don’t continue to practice the skills you acquire (which should be many and varied) you will lose them. Whether they be language skills or bush-craft skills, they perish over time without periodic brushing up. Some skills last longer than others. Some skills can be quickly learned. All skills will deteriorate to some extent without periodic maintenance. As preppers, it is important for us to practice these skills during the good times because when the bad times hit, it’s too late. Developing many skills can be done relatively cheap. Many bushcraft skills, for example, require little to no money. They can be practiced with much of what is found in nature. Learning to think outside the box is another skill. Thinking outside the box can open up a world of opportunities to get by with less gear. The less gear you need to buy, the more money you can put toward food, personal protection, etc.
Learn as many skills as you can. Practice them as often as you can.
