What to Have When Participating in Direct Action

This is a list of items that can be useful and tips based on other’s experiences. Some items just will not apply if you need to be able to move faster or more quietly due to bulk or weight, or maybe you just know that they will not be used in the particular task you have in mind.

Clothing:

     Earth toned clothing, not all black as it attracts suspicion, but a mixture of blacks, darker grays and greens, and shades of brown. Some camo possibly, but again, not all camo.

     Masks are great if you really need to hide your identity, but remember that they also make you look far more suspicious if your trying to say pass as a casual person walking down the street. Small fabric gloves, so there are no fingerprints, you can almost always wear unless its exceptionally hot and daylight.

     If it Is daylight and there is any risk of chemical attacks such as pepper spray or tear gas from police, waterproof jackets, and even gas masks or goggles and bandannas soaked in lime juice.

     A change of brightly colored clothing looking nothing like your other clothes will come in handy if you are seen or even for when it’s over and you are trying to get to your home or hideout. Remember also to have somewhere for your main clothing to go, either a bag to carry it with you or somewhere to stash it and come back for it later.

Shoes: 

     Boots. More specifically, boots you can run, climb, jump, whatever in, and preferably steel-toe. A good set of boots will allow you to do a wide range of tasks, from running to kicking out a window without getting hurt. Why do you think militarily and police wear them worldwide?

Provisions: 

     Food and/or water. Really only necessary for all day activities, such as a picket or black bloc.

Defensive Gear: 

     Disguises, bright flash lights, police scanners, body armor and/or padding, chemical attack equipment (see “Clothing”), whatever relevant medical supplies you know how to apply. 

Offensive Gear: (pick what is available and applies to your specific task)

     Spray paint, sharpies, paint, wheat pasting gear, weaponry, fliers, banners, wire cutters, bolt cutters,  slingshots w/projectiles.

Transportation: 

     In the event that a quick getaway is needed, an escape plan should always be known by all members of the group. Whether that means where to run and meet up, or a vehicle or bicycles somewhere accessible but where no one will notice, depends on the situation. 

     If you do have a vehicle being used, your change(es) of clothing (see “Clothing”) could be left in the vehicle to be put on while driving away. Whatever you do, make sure not to lead authorities back to a hideout or a participants or friends home.

If anyone has questions of why an item is included or it’s uses, please feel free to ask in a question or comment.