The term “When the balloon goes up” has been used since the American Civil War when observation balloons were used to gather intelligence, exposing troops and triggering enemy fire. Its use was reinforced in WWII due to the use of barrage balloons being lifted in preparation for air raids. Historically, the ascension of balloons has been a sign of impending incoming fire.
Today the term is used to describe the start of a critical incident that could range from an acute threat of physical injury at an ATM or Home Invasion to a systemic breakdown of society following a Katrina type natural disaster. As a law abiding civilian or LEO, we do not get to pick when the balloon goes up, only how well prepared we are to respond to it.
WTBGU! started in October of 2011 as a blog focused on training and preparations for self-defense, competition and the 1st 72 hours after a critical incident (either dynamic, acute or social), and it remains that today. After a year we decided to expand the mission on the site in include the on-line store with the following values…
Our Mission: Provide the best gear available for training, competition and preparing to survive the 1st 72 hours after a critical incident.
Our Strategy: Provide access to gear that meets our high standards, with fast delivery, at a competitive price.
Our Gear: Selectively stock only the best gear to ensure it doesn’t fail you when you need it most.
The WTBGU! Contributors
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Ron LarimerRon is the Founder and President of When the Balloon Goes Up! Like many shooters he was exposed to firearms at an early age by his father, a retired police officer, but he didn’t take shooting seriously until after having kids. While Ron competes regularly in IDPA and is an ESP/Expert, his focus is on concealed carry, home defense and analyzing equipment to find “Gear that Just Works!”
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Focus: CCW/Gear |
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Lee BautistaLee first shot a pistol in February 2009 and joined IDPA soon after. As of November 2012, he holds an IDPA Expert classification and competes in USPSA Production B Class. He still wonders why more gun owners aren’t getting away from the doldrums of the square range and instead taking the opportunity to shoot on the clock in IDPA and USPSA; but he’ll keep up the good word in hopes that more people join in on the fun, be a better shooter, and practice their skills on an ongoing basis.
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Focus: Competition |