"Prepared": A comprehensive guide to thriving in chaos by Mike Glover
By bellecarter // 2025-04-01
 
  • Mike Glover's book "Prepared" argues that readiness for disasters – natural or man-made – is essential, not optional, in today’s uncertain world. He urges proactive responsibility for personal and family safety.
  • Glover highlights intangible skills like resilience, situational awareness and decision-making under pressure. He introduces the PACE method (primary, alternate, contingency, emergency) for structured planning and rehearsals.
  • Practical readiness includes everyday carry (EDC) essentials (e.g., firearm, medical kit), mobility (escape plans, stocked vehicles) and homesteading (self-sufficiency in food, water and security).
  • Glover advises beginners to assess likely threats first and build preparedness gradually. He frames it as an ongoing process of learning and improvement.
  • The book is both a survival guide and a philosophy, emphasizing that individuals must be assets – not liabilities – in crises, blending military-tested strategies with actionable steps for daily life.
Former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier and CIA contractor Mike Glover's book, "Prepared: A Manual for Surviving Worst-Case Scenarios," emerges as a crucial manual for navigating the uncertainties of modern life. Released at a time when the world is increasingly aware of its vulnerabilities, Glover's work is not just a survival guide but a profound exploration of what it means to be truly ready for anything. From natural disasters to violent encounters, Glover argues that preparedness is not a luxury but a necessity, urging readers to take responsibility for their own safety and that of their loved ones. For centuries, survival was an inherent part of human existence, a daily battle against nature and adversaries. However, in the comfort of modern society, where grocery stores and emergency services are just a call away, the instinct to prepare has waned. Glover, with his extensive background in high-stakes environments, emphasizes that hope alone is not a strategy. "Hope is not a course of action," he asserts, advocating for a proactive approach to personal safety and resilience. Glover's philosophy is grounded in the belief that individuals must be assets, not liabilities, in the face of danger. He outlines seven core principles of modern preparedness, divided into mental and physical categories. These principles are not just theoretical concepts but practical tools designed to equip readers for real-world challenges. The mental aspects of preparedness, according to Glover, are the intangible skills that cannot be purchased but must be cultivated. Resilience, the first principle, is about developing a mindset that allows one to withstand the initial shock of a catastrophe and respond effectively. Glover shares a harrowing experience from his time as a Green Beret in Iraq, where his training and mental fortitude were the only things standing between him and death. "Training your brain to handle stress is as important as any physical tool," he says. Planning is another critical component. Glover introduces the PACE method –  primary, alternate, contingency, emergency –  as a framework for ensuring that one always has a backup plan. "It's not just about having a plan; it's about rehearsing it," he emphasizes. This approach is about creating a mental blueprint that can be executed without hesitation when disaster strikes. Situational awareness, the third principle, is about being aware of one's surroundings and recognizing potential threats. Glover uses the analogy of hunting to explain how to systematically scan one's environment. He also discusses the "5s and 25s" protocol, a military technique for identifying threats in the immediate vicinity and beyond. Decision-making, the final mental principle, is about making quick, effective choices under pressure. Glover draws on insights from Tom Flanagan, a former Army Ranger, who emphasizes the importance of making decisions in the right order. "Trusting your instincts and having the confidence to act is crucial," Glover notes. On the physical side, Glover emphasizes the importance of everyday carry (EDC), mobility and homesteading. EDC is about having the right tools on you at all times, not just a firearm but everything from your shoes to your bag. Glover shares his personal EDC setup, which includes items like a Sig Sauer P365-XMacro pistol, a tourniquet and a bleeding control kit. Mobility is about having the means to escape and survive on the move. Glover stresses the importance of a well-equipped vehicle, stocked with survival and first aid supplies, as well as communication tools like satellite phones and signal mirrors. (Related: “Deep Survival” by Laurence Gonzales: A riveting exploration of the human psyche in extreme situations.) Homesteading, the final physical principle, is about creating a self-sustaining environment. Glover discusses the importance of security, food and water storage and alternative power sources. He also emphasizes the need for a well-stocked first aid kit and a plan for preventative care and hygiene. Glover's advice for those new to preparedness is straightforward: Start small. "Begin by assessing your current situation and identifying the most likely threats," he advises. Preparedness, he reminds readers, is a journey, not a destination. It's about constantly learning, adapting and improving. In conclusion, "Prepared" is more than just a survival manual; it's a call to action. It's about taking responsibility for one's own safety and well-being. Glover's book offers valuable insights and practical advice, making it an essential read for anyone looking to live a prepared life. Whether you're a seasoned prepper or just starting out, "Prepared" provides the tools and knowledge needed to face the unexpected with confidence. Learn more about the book "Prepared" by watching the video below. This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com