Get the Training You Need...Here's How

As a survivalist, or basically anyone who wants to learn a new skill, there are bunch of ways to go about your task of learning. First, you will want to pick something that you want to learn. Obviously it should be able to add value to your current or future situation. In the survivalist arena, some good things to learn may be: HAM radio, emergency medical responder, martial arts, how to fight, outdoor survival, how to hunt, how to fish, animal tracking, how to shoot/improve your shooting skills, how to can food, etc.
This is how you can go about learning said skill(s):

• Take a class. This is the best way to learn something because you will have the opportunity for hands-on practice as well as have someone to ask questions of.
• Read. Go to the library and check out every possible book on your topic.
• Check out YouTube. Here are some examples of educational videos available online that I posted over on the CNI site: Example #1 Example #2
• Find a club or group to participate in. I've belonged to shooting clubs, HAM radio clubs, backpacking groups, etc. The real benefit is being able to tap people more knowledgeable than yourself and learn from them as well as being "in the loop" when new products/items come out.
• Find a mentor. No matter what you want to learn--shooting to business management--there is always someone who has been there before. If you find one of these people that has learned how to be successful at whatever it is you want to learn, plus they have the heart of a teacher, you will have a mentor who can help you get to where you want to be in regards to your skill development.
• Google. There are probably a million and one websites devoted to what you want to learn. Find them and learn from them.
• Practice. No matter what you want to learn, if you don't practice at it you will never be able to optimize your skill. So practice. Religiously.
• Attend conventions, meet-ups, and other gatherings devoted to your area of interest. This is a great way to learn new things and network with like-minded people.
• Put your skills to work. Once you have a good grasp of your new skill, consider using them in day to day life. I know quite a few HAM radio enthusiasts who also volunteer with ARES and RACES. I know quite a few outdoor enthusiasts who also volunteer with Search and Rescue. I know quite a few doctors, nurses, and paramedics who volunteer with humanitarian aid efforts in disaster areas. Again, this is another way to refine your skills, share what you know, help others, and learn new things.
• Teach others. Once you have a good grasp on your new skill, consider how you can share it with others. Maybe you can teach a class, start a blog, start a website, or participate in forums. This will allow you to help newcomers as well as learn new things yourself.
• Compete. HAM radio contesting. Participating in the Dakar Rally. Running a marathon. Scaling a mountain. Participating in shooting tournaments. Entering your canned vegetables at the county fair. Most skills you learn will also have an element of challenge to them if you want to up the ante and compete with others in your chosen field.

Learning something new is not a one time thing. Most skills that you will find useful will require some or all of the above tactics in order to become proficient. The good part is that once you learn a skill, you very rarely forget it, and you never know when said skill will come in handy (ie: a SHTF scenario or just helping your son's Boy Scout troop earn a new badge).