It is a complicated thing being an American abroad. Normally it won’t pose much of a threat, but on the off chance that something happens it is better to be prepared for it than not. Think of it as not having a condom with a willing super model…always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. With that said I always plan escape to any city I am going to be in long before I ever enter the city, I never step into a situation I don’t know how to get out of.
Rome has some great advantages for concealed egress, subway systems there are constantly being expanded and worked on and the tunnel system is massive.
http://www.orangesmi...p-metro-big.gif
If you have to get out of a catastrophe or a bad situation, say if IS decides that Rome is the central affront to Muslim religion then the city streets are not going to be a place you want to find yourself. Though there would be hundreds of people in the subways it will still be easier to navigate (mainly because you really don’t have to navigate, they all lead somewhere) and most people will be running out of them while you are running in. Also most people don’t want to walk on subway tracks. However like all subways there are service tunnels, supply offices, tool offices etc. Remember with the proper training… nothing is locked.
Second I would plan your exact routes, walk them often and get an idea of your time frames to get to them, and then add a 30% time factor for crowds, riots, disaster etc. Make two or three routes, scout them out and know them by heart.
Develop your skills, lock picking, hand to hand, knife fighting etc. Pack your EDC bag and carry it around as though it’s just a bag you carry all the time. Get as much wearable EDC as you can so it is easier for you to be inconspicuous. Don’t look like a target, a multicam pack, bearded well-built guy in 5.11 clothes is going to be the first guy I take out if I have to. Being a guy that no one notices or remembers is the way to go.
Stuff I always carry
· Paracord Bracelet with compass, fishing line, hooks, ferro rod, cuff key, can opener
· Lighter
· Good clothing
· EDC belt with Saw, cuff key, piano wire with loops
· Shoelaces replaced with 550 cord
· Leatherman tool and bits
· Karambit
· Surefire Light
· Metal Frame Oakleys (or other sunglasses)
· Metal Match
· Under my sole inserts I have two 10†x 2†16ga Metal pieces
In your pack you can carry even more. There are several strategies that can be used and different ideals that can be employed in this particular situation. Personally, as rough as this may sound, I have no particular love for my fellow man. Sure duty to the innocent and country and all that, but indigenous personnel has never been something I am concerned with, especially in a bad situation. Self-preservation is my main goal to ensure I get myself and my loved ones out of harm’s way. Now that doesn’t mean id tromp through Rome stomping puppies and ignoring some mother and child who need help, but it does mean I wouldn’t let them slow me down from my objectives. One man, though affective is not going to change the tide of a bad situation in a foreign land.
Get out, Get home, And Regroup. Simple objectives.
I know there is more to say however I am tired and had a long long day.
Oh wait, I remembered something. I have never been, never will be and don't agree with "Shelter in place" Survival day one stuff... movement is life.
Oh and MacGyverisms..... learn all you can about science, improvised munitions and explosives, common chemicals and their uses. For Example: Sugar....
http://science.howst...ar-explode1.htm
Edited by SteveSOS, 10 January 2015 - 11:38 PM.