Equal or Greater Force: A Delta Force Veteran Teaches You How to Survive Crime, Terrorism, Natural Disasters, and Other Calamities
By Kit Cessna
Book Review by Alain Burrese
Equal or Greater Force is a very good book regarding survival and self-sufficiency. I was not sure just what it would cover when I purchased it, but the subtitle A Delta Force Veteran Teaches You How to Survive Crime, Terrorism, Natural Disasters, and Other Calamities seemed to fit well with my studies and teachings. I was not disappointed in the least. I enjoyed the book and added to my knowledge on survival and self-defense.
Cessna’s number-one rule for survival is that nobody has as much of a vested interest in keeping you alive as you do. Therefore, the party primarily responsible for your continued existence is you. I don’t know how many times I have taught people this same message. I couldn’t agree with Cessna more.
This book deals primarily with the attitude and mind-set necessary to survive a violent attack. When it comes down to it, a person’s attitude and mind-set are much more important than the physical skills practiced. I’m glad Cessna added this book to the books on self-defense and survival, because I do not think anyone can be too prepared when it comes to mind-set and attitude. You must possess the drive to survive, and that is just what Cessna wrote about in this book.
The stories Cessna uses to illustrate his points are right on and his teachings on how to develop a stay-alive mind-set are invaluable. I also enjoy quotes, and Cessna peppers this book with many quotes that will help you remember important points. While the book is not a book of self-defense techniques, Cessna does include a chapter on weapons that are available. I agree with him that the best weapon to have when defending yourself from an attacker is your ability to think. He also briefly discusses weapons such as chemical sprays, bats, firearms and knives as well as martial arts in general.
This is an excellent book on the topic of mind-set for self-defense. Cessna ends by saying that no one can see the future, we can only try and be ready for it when it comes. I sincerely hope you never have to face any of the violent things Cessna wrote about. But if you do, having read this book, Cessna’s advice may just be what enables you to survive.