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Be More “Frontiersman”, Less “Operator”…

by Jay Pallardy (The Modern Minuteman)

“What are you talking about Jay, what does this even mean?” So let’s first put together a rough definition of this concept… The Frontier Spirit embodies key American values such as individualism, self-reliance, and optimism about personal success through hard work. As settlers moved westward, they faced numerous challenges but believed that perseverance would lead to a better life.

The Frontiersman, Minuteman, and the Mountain Man all have very similar attributes, philosophies, values, and outlooks on life. I think a lot can be learned by us today by taking to learn many of the old ways of our ancestors. Many self professed Minutemen today seem to be heavily focused on the “Operator” version instead of the “Frontiersman” variant of a fighting man or warrior. If we look back at our roots, one of the very American things was pushing into the unknown, heading off into the wild frontiers of the American heartland, into the plains, across the mountains, and then on to the west coast. Many of these “Frontiersman” had fought during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and even the American Civil War. Many pushed on after the wars to find better lives for themselves and their families, to explore new opportunities, or to even seek peace and solitude from the ever-crowded east coast. A common unifier was the belief that their perseverance would lead to a better life. Enroute to this life meant learning many different skill sets. Hunting, trapping, growing, building, trading, and much more. True “Jack of all trades” type of men. Much of these skills were learned by trial and error, and if one was lucky, through a mentorship of some sort. Much similar to the approach to the Modern Minuteman today. But somewhere along the way we decided we needed to become “Operators” and everything had to be “tactical”.

Now, saying this is not a knock on real life Operators/Special Forces types. You guys are a rare breed that have a special calling in life, and I commend you on making those life decisions to do it. But more this is directed to my fellow civilians. Is it fun training in kit out in the field, hell yeah it is. But not everything is high speed, in fact most of it is relatively low speed stuff. The insane focus on CQB techniques and flat range theatrics (I mean you guys and your internet chat rooms critiquing other dudes setups and footwork is akin to guys watching NFL games and then watching hours worth of replays armchair quarterbacking Sundays games), matching camo patterns, arguing about the best brand of boots, and even worse commenting (and not even good comments) on other guys videos of themselves out in the field while you’re sitting in the comforts of your own home nursing your hangover from binge watching the aforementioned NFL games is cringy at best and unproductive to the greater community. “Where you going with this Jay?” I guess my point is that I would like to see our focus be much more well rounded and diverse. We need to be more “Frontiersman” in our approach and skill sets and less “Operator” focused. All this time and energy on the tactical side of things should be complemented with equal (if not greater focus) on learning all the other skills. Let’s make fieldcraft, hunting, tracking, growing, building, and more cool again.

Jason Pallardy is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for sharing his experiences with others to inspire and encourage them to go seek outdoor adventures for themselves.

He has spent 3 decades climbing, paddling, skiing, and backpacking across America with notable adventures across the American West and in New England. During these years he worked as a guide and instructor, product tester, outdoor consultant, and in outdoor retail. His experience during those years lead to him being a strong and outspoken advocate for learning outdoor skills, personal preparedness, and experiencing positive personal growth.

Jay is known as the Modern Minuteman on youtube and as The Real Modern Minuteman on IG. You can check out his channel here. He has authored two of the Pro Citizen series of manuals, the CM-8 and the CM-9. Odds are he probably has another one in the works for later this year. Probably.

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Major Subjects Covered: Mission Analysis, ASCOPE & Leadership SOP & Unit Training Development, Map Reading & Tactical Navigation, Communications, Planning & Security Patrolling: Reconnaissance/Combat | Patrol Bases & OPs Intelligence Collection & Reporting Battle Drills and Small Unit Tactics Camouflage, & Field Craft Logistics & Sustainment, TCCC & Field Aid. Sign up here

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