Donald Watson | zombieasc

Donald "Doc" Watson

Doc is the ZASC Jack of all trades (Except Knots LOL) As quick with a blade or firearm as he is with a compass, GPS or Radio. He spends every possible waking minute outdoors with his 3 boys. Doc is the antithesis of a computer guy. Much more at home in the woods than behind a keyboard. One of his favorite sayings is, "A tool is a tool is a tool". Doesn't matter if it's a sharp rock, a knife, a hawk, a mechanical device, a compass, a gps, a radio, a bicycle, a car, a smart phone or a computer or any other tool in between. Humans should be able to use any tool to it's maximum effectiveness. Knowledge is KING!

A HUGE fan of Robert Heinlein. This quote from Heinlein on specialization fits him to a T.

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." Robert Heinlein

Name and or Alias or both: Doc or Docwatmo

How did you get your nickname? In high school, the Football Coach called me Doctor Watson (in reference to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson). It kind of stuck. While in the Army, I was nicknamed Watmo at the radio site I worked in Germany and it stuck to the point that the Battalion Commander actually thought my real name was Watmo LOL. As I progressed it just became Docwatmo or simply Doc. Most people think it's related to computers but nope.

Family Situation (Married, Kids, Pets, etc.): Married to the most amazing woman with 3 totally awesome boys, ages 10, 17 and 18 who love the outdoors just as much as I do. When your kids would rather be out in the yard making fire and cutting up sticks than playing video games, you know you've done something right!

Day job (Or regular occupation) outside of ZASC: IT Manager for an Electric Cooperative with 27,000 members. 1 Man IT shop. Handle every aspect of computing in the business world. I am also tasked with Site Security. Handling Video Surveillance, electronic security systems and threat/security/disaster action planning and response.

Past / current occupations and how they contribute to your current position with ZASC: I've always been an outdoorsman; I grew up playing in the woods, trails and the creek near the tiny rural town I grew up in with my brother John. We were inseparable until I left for the Basic Training at 17. The military also prepared me for many things, Just the long list of Soldier Basic Common Tasks give you a big leg up on most of the uninitiated. I took as many military courses as I could and jumped at every training opportunity and was able to take training session such as Combat Lifesavers, Psyops (one of my favorites, Psychology is WAY too much fun), NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) Warfare (Understanding blast radius, yields and decontamination will go a long way in the apocalypse, an abbreviated SERE course (3 day) where I learned a few harsh lessons in the woods and being a prisoner.

One of the best duties I had while in the Army was working with the 1st Special Forces Group on Ft Lewis. During our downtime when we were not in the field 6 to 8 months of the year, I was chosen by SSG Tyler (because I ruined 3 of his teams uniforms with an improvised glow-stick land mine LOL) to build a team of 5 guys (3 regulars and 2 floaters) who played Op-For (Opposing Force). They taught us some small team tactics and gave us lots of toys (flash bangs, blanks, tear gas grenades, etc.) We would get to "Attack" other military groups in the field to test their readiness, then the 1st SFG guys would come in, evaluate and help retrain them on what they did wrong. (Don't ever let you buddy drop a flash-bang on the floor of your HMMWV when you’re doing an attack, it isn't pleasant). That plus way more stuff than I have room for here. But meet us around a campfire and we'll have a good time.

I'm also certified in First Aid and CPR and pursuing the Wilderness First Aid certification. I taught Land Navigation courses to both regular Army soldiers and 2100 ROTC candidates. Qualified Expert on multiple weapon systems M16-A1 and A2 variants, M-60 (I miss my pig), M-203 and hand grenade). Trained for and was seated 1st slot for the Governors 10 pistol match on the 1911 when with the 234th Signal Battalion but didn't get to shoot it as I switched to active Army prior to the competition and shipped to Germany. I've also been a member of the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) at various levels for over 12 years. Cub Scout Den Leader, Committee Secretary, Scoutmaster, District Logistics Chair, and all the various trainings that go along with each. Woodbadge Owl for those who know woodbadge. Currently the Scoutmaster for an awesome group of boys. One of the most rewarding things I've ever gotten to do in my life. NOTHING beats mentoring kids.

Hobbies: Anything outdoors. I love bush-craft, hiking, shooting, archery, fishing and swimming,. Anything that gets me outside. If it weren't for the typical urban obligations, I could walk out my door with a pack of gear and disappear. I like knives and am working on designing my own set of knives and the boys and I are looking at building a forge to start making our own.

How did you become a part of ZASC?: Guy, who I had known off and on for many years was working on a fun project (The ZS-3K Zombie Shooter 3000) conversion for a Ruger 10-22 and when he finished it, he invited myself and Andy and my two boys out to try it out. While spending several hours shooting and hanging out, he introduced the idea of a Zombie themed survival school and asked if we'd be interested. I said Hell Yeah! (I don't think we had a name yet but the concept was there. We bounced some stuff around for a few months and some time later the first session was set up. Z.A.S.C. has grown like wildfire ever since!

What past training and certifications have you received that aids in your role with ZASC?:

Combat Lifesaver School: Military Trauma First Aid, Covers more of the battlefield type injuries that we may see in an apocalyptic event rather than the typical day to day first aid. (I need refresher training; things have changed over the years).
PsyOps Course: Understanding morale and it's impact on the enemy. Lots of fun psychology
Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification: I keep these up to date for my Job and for working with the BSA
HAM Radio Licensed, I was a communications operator in the military and have worked equipment from Satellite, vhf, uhf and most everything in between. A bit rusty, but still maintain the license.

What are your 3 top skill sets?

1. Land Navigation: I have always loved Land Nav, I enjoy teaching it. When someone suddenly "Gets It" and it's no longer a mysterious technology, but a simple tool to use a compass, THAT is just Awesome.

2. Shooting, I've always been a good marksman. From the first 1911 I shot while in the guard on up through everything I've fired since, I just have a knack for shooting. I've taught many people to shoot (including 500 ROTC Candidates my team put through the basic rifle course, many of which had never fired a weapon before) and I love to watch them nail the target and get excited!

3. Gear and Tools: Leveraging any tool to its maximum benefit, whether it's a blade, multi tool, simple mechanical machine, motor or electronic. I get the most out of everything I use.

What are your 3 worst skills that you are currently working on improving?

1. Friction fire, I can do it, but it still takes me a bit of effort and I need to work on the various types of wood. I need to practice different methods also, like flywheel pump and fire plow.

2. Plant and tree Identification. I know many by sight, but have a tough time with names. Always trying to learn more every day.

3. Knots: My brain does not process knots. LOL I can practice a knot for a week until I can do it blindfolded, upside down, dunked in mud on the back of a pickup going down a bumpy road while drugged. But a week later, the knot memory is gone. Except the 1 handed bowline, for some reason that one has always stuck with me.

What are your 3 favorite web sites for preparedness information?

#1 Hands down the best forum on the net is The Survival Podcast Forum. (I am an admin on the forum now, but this is my truly unbiased opinion, even if I wasn't an admin, it would absolutely still be #1) Tremendous amount of easily searchable information for everything from bush-craft and primitive skills, to homesteading and gardening, food prep and storage, archery, knives, firearms and general discussions on survival and current world events with 15,000+ members, you will find whatever you need and knowledgeable friendly people to answer questions and help you on your journey. This is a Troll Free Zone.

#2 is Food Storage Made Easy They say women are better organizers than men, and these 2 ladies prove it! Everything you could ever want for preparedness. Checklists, recipes, guidance, they have thought of it all. Easy to navigate, easy to use and IT'S ALL THERE! Sure it's pink and girly looking on the outside, but it's one of the best resources on the net.

#3 is Ferfal's Blog, What better place to get survival after the collapse info (As well as understand what led up to it and the signs), than from the man who has actually been through it! You can learn so much from this blog!

Are you part of any SAR/CERT teams in your area? I was on the call list for Jones County CERT, but they have temporarily closed down due to budget and insurance reasons. While we are waiting on them to come back online, I am working on IS-200 and IS-700 FEMA ICS certifications to help improve my ability to help out in disasters. I am currently FEMA ICS-100 Certified as well as a registered BSA SAR Merit Badge Counselor.

What’s your favorite End of the World or Apocalyptic Film and why? The first real Apocalyptic Film I remember seeing was "Damnation Alley" and I fell in love with the Landmaster vehicle. (Bet I have redesigned a hundred of them as a kid). It may be dated and cheesy, but it will always be my favorite.

What’s your favorite non-apocalyptic film and why? Tough call. So many good and influential movies. I would probably have to say either 2nd Hand Lions or The Bucket List. Both very moving and make you think and both include some real old school type men.

What 4 items (1 Firearm, 1 Blade, 2 other objects) would you choose to have on you when the Defecation hits the Oscillator? I'm going to go with items I already own. My Ruger 10/22, still one of the greatest firearms ever built. Not only is it incredibly accurate, it's easy to maintain and I can carry a years' worth of ammo in the space of a single practice range trip with larger bore rifles. LOVE that gun. For a single blade, I would choose the Condor Warlock. Big enough to handle anything, but with features that make it useful for all other tasks. A good pot for cooking, boiling water etc. Last is a tough call between a Heavy Duty Poly Tarp or a Roll of 55 Gallon Contractor bags. The Tarp is awesome for shelter, can be used to carry gear wrapped up like a pack and keep it waterproof or any number of other uses, however heavy duty plastic bags are incredibly useful and versatile as well and don't take up much room.

What is your favorite method of starting fire: Floating Viking Skiff and a flaming Arrow!! (Did I mention I love archery) and you did ask Favorite, not most useful LOL. But on the more mundane side, a good fero rod because it will last for thousands of uses, is tiny and easy to use, waterproof and no moving parts to go bad.

What is your weapon of choice (not necessarily for Zombies): I've always been a sword guy. (Any sword from a Cutlass to a Claymore or even a Great Sword will do) but my favorite will always be the Katana. It's elegant, old school, mano-a-mano. Hearkens back to the Samurai and men with honor. Fearless, face to face fighting with incredible technique, not just slapping at each other with sharp metal and not sniping some guy from a distance. A true test of men's metal. Miamoto Musashi's book of 5 Rings is a Must read along with Sun Tzu's Art of War.