1) Strength

• We aim to acquire as much physical strength as we reasonably can without using unhealthy or extreme approaches.

• Each week, we will undergo strength training at least once with each of the "Big Three" exercises: leg pushing (e.g., "squats"), arm pushing (e.g., "bench"), and lifting (e.g., "deadlift"), striving to ensure that we afterwards get enough protein for muscle growth.

• At least three times a week, we will do push ups, pull ups, sit ups, or other rigorous calisthenics.

2) General Fitness

• We will strive to remain in a generally athletic bodily condition. If we are overweight, we will diligently work to lose fat.

• We undertake at least 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (e.g. running, biking, walking, swimming) at least three times a week. Preferably more. (If walking is our exercise of choice, the baseline minimum time spent on it should be at least doubled or tripled.)

• As we are capable, we will also develop explosive speed through regular sprint training.

• We will avoid unhealthy eating habits, taking particular care (in accordance with the Spiritual Preparation aspect of our mission) to avoid any gluttony: over indulging, overly frequent eating, drunkenness, etc.

• We will not spurn Manual Labor, but will happily undertake even demanding menial tasks if and when our circumstances call for it.

3) Knowledge & Skills

• If we are not already versed in these skills, we will seek to acquire at least basic knowledge and ability in CPR and First Aid

• We will acquire basic defense skills; especially favoring those tactics which enable us to neutralize a threat without causing physical injury (i.e., grappling holds).

4) Equipment

• When reasonable to do so, we will keep readily available: a basic first aid kit, a multitool (e.g. a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife), something that can be used as a defensive weapon and is legal to carry in our locality (e.g. personal alarm, pepper spray, tactical flashlight; even a rolled up magazine). Individual Vigilants may, if they deem it appropriate and if doing so is legal in their locality, carry firearms for use in defending the innocent. As a group, however, The Vigilants has no particular role in the issues related to firearms or their use.

The "Fireman's Carry," an important skill for each Vigilant to acquire

Some basic first aid skills all Vigilants should be versed in (Note that, in the U.S., one of course calls "911," not "999")

The Vigilants do not endorse an unqualified "run, hide, fight" regimen for an active shooter situation. We only endorse the "run, hide" portion if the circumstances are such that other innocent bystanders are not immediately in harm's way from the shooter (i.e., in the same room). The ideal of The Vigilants, rather, is to—in any active shooter situation wherein other innocent victims are in harm's way—immediately rush at the shooter.

Here are some tips for disarming the shooter:

A "full nelson" hold (below) is one of the easiest and safest ways for a non-expert to subdue and restrain an aggressor until further help can arrive.

When in a situation that might turn violent: first, call 911 if appropriate. Second, if possible, try to quietly position yourself behind (but not too close to) the person who might pose a threat, so that you can quickly surprise him or her with a hold if the need arises:

When near swimmers, watch for signs of drowning. Real-life drowning is not usually the noisy, splashy event depicted in fiction; it is usually quiet. Be ready to intervene whenever near bodies of water.

More coming. Check back soon.