This post is no way meant to rip on large people. I myself would have been considered a bigger fellow before I joined the army and cut down (damn MREs don't help though). Please read the whole post before you jump to that conclusion.
However, I've noticed after watching videos, reading posts, and even attending a few different 2nd amendment rallies. There is a large sector of the armed community that is...with lack of a better phrase......not entirely conditioned to help respond to an emergency or disaster.
So my question is: Do you think that part of being prepared (for an emergency, a shoot out, natural disaster, terrorist attack...etc) should also include maintaining at least a basic level of physical fitness? I'm not talking about being super man, just somewhat in shape.
My opinion: I find it somewhat hypocritical for someone (and I've sat politely and listened to this at an NRA event) for a person that is 5,9 and weighs about 300 pounds to discuss the importance of being prepared and having a survivalist mentality. Being prepared for an emergency goes way beyond just "carrying a gun" around. You may be needed to assist in evacuating someone wounded, you may need to take cover during a shoot out (which requires at least some agility), give CPR (alot of work if you have to do it until paramedics get there) etc. There are countless scenarios where not being massively obese or out of shape might come in handy.
Now I'm not saying we all need to be Jack Bauer or agent Gibbs....but I recommend at least trying to maintain a state of fitness and weight for both the sake of being prepared and your own health. I would suggest trying to achieve at least a passing score of the APFT. Which after a month or so of exercising 20 minutes a day is not too difficult, but it varies on your body type. This post obviously isn't directed at old timers or those with a specific illness.
As it applies to OC, I also think that people tend to be much less suspicious of someone who is physically fit and clean cut carrying a weapon than someone who is not. Maybe they just assume your a cop, I don't know. We can debate the morality of this, but it is none the less the reality of the situation. Bottom line, it makes OCing a little more hassle free until this country fixes itself. But that's a separate issue as it really shouldn't matter. This post is more about being prepared.
I would like to hear your input and discussion
However, I've noticed after watching videos, reading posts, and even attending a few different 2nd amendment rallies. There is a large sector of the armed community that is...with lack of a better phrase......not entirely conditioned to help respond to an emergency or disaster.
So my question is: Do you think that part of being prepared (for an emergency, a shoot out, natural disaster, terrorist attack...etc) should also include maintaining at least a basic level of physical fitness? I'm not talking about being super man, just somewhat in shape.
My opinion: I find it somewhat hypocritical for someone (and I've sat politely and listened to this at an NRA event) for a person that is 5,9 and weighs about 300 pounds to discuss the importance of being prepared and having a survivalist mentality. Being prepared for an emergency goes way beyond just "carrying a gun" around. You may be needed to assist in evacuating someone wounded, you may need to take cover during a shoot out (which requires at least some agility), give CPR (alot of work if you have to do it until paramedics get there) etc. There are countless scenarios where not being massively obese or out of shape might come in handy.
Now I'm not saying we all need to be Jack Bauer or agent Gibbs....but I recommend at least trying to maintain a state of fitness and weight for both the sake of being prepared and your own health. I would suggest trying to achieve at least a passing score of the APFT. Which after a month or so of exercising 20 minutes a day is not too difficult, but it varies on your body type. This post obviously isn't directed at old timers or those with a specific illness.
As it applies to OC, I also think that people tend to be much less suspicious of someone who is physically fit and clean cut carrying a weapon than someone who is not. Maybe they just assume your a cop, I don't know. We can debate the morality of this, but it is none the less the reality of the situation. Bottom line, it makes OCing a little more hassle free until this country fixes itself. But that's a separate issue as it really shouldn't matter. This post is more about being prepared.
I would like to hear your input and discussion