Former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley’s new book promises to disclose the secrets you need to survive any disaster, but he spares nary a word explaining to readers how to survive a zombie apocalypse. In an interview with The Daily Caller, Courtley exclusively remedied that glaring omission.
“I would use my magic carpet and laser gun,” he pithily explained in an email.
Courtley’s new book is entitled “Seal Survival Guide: A Navy SEAL’s Secrets to Surviving Any Disaster.” And in it, the former host of Spike TV’s “Surviving Disaster” really does attempt to explain how to survive almost any disaster you could possibly conjure up, zombie apocalypse notwithstanding. For instance, what if you come face-to-face with a mountain lion?
“When face-to-face with a lion, make yourself as large as possible, throw rocks, and back away slowly,” he told TheDC. “If attacked, stay on your feet and fight back. Some lions have been known to stop the attack when their prey fights back.”
As part of his training as a SEAL, Courtley says he was waterboarded. Asked where he stands on the debate over whether the controversial interrogation method is effective, Courtley said while “it’s not fun … it’s very effective.”
He also said he believes that the United States should use the interrogation method — which critics decry as torture — “to get any information you can to prevent future terrorist attacks.”
Coming back to the book, TheDC asked Courtley whether reading his tome was the functional equivalent of going through Navy SEAL training.
“Only if you are reading it while getting blasted by frigid waves in the Pacific,” he quipped.
Check out TheDC’s full interview with Courtley below, about his book, whether he thinks of Jesse Ventura is a good representative of the SEAL community and whether he thinks the Navy SEAL who wrote the book about the Osama bin Laden raid was out of line:
Why did you decide to write the book?
This book gives me the opportunity to take all of my training and experiences and share them in a way that can save lives.
What is the Rule of Three?
The rule of three allows someone to make a decision in a high-stress environment by limiting their options to only three, then going with the one that makes the most sense given the situation.
Do you consider reading this book the equivalent of going through Navy SEAL training?
Only if you are reading it while getting blasted by frigid waves in the Pacific.
Let’s go through some of the scenarios in the book. How would you deal with an attack by an mountain lion?
Do what you can to avoid lions by traveling in groups and making noise. When face-to-face with a lion, make yourself as large as possible, throw rocks and back away slowly. If attacked, stay on your feet and fight back. Some lions have been known to stop the attack when their prey fights back.
How would a Navy SEAL handle the aftermath of an auto accident?
Once the scene is secure (all vehicles stopped) go to work to help anyone who may be injured. Triage time — the most hurt get attention first.
Explain the “Haul Ass” strategy of fighting you discuss in the book.
If you find yourself in a situation that requires you fight, use what we call “violence of action.” Go at it with 150 percent effort, and disengage as soon as possible. Punch and run.
Here’s one scenario not mentioned in the book: How would one survive a zombie apocalypse?
I would use my magic carpet and laser gun.
What do you think of the SEAL Team Six member involved in the Bin Laden raid that wrote a book detailing the operation?
I congratulate him for being part of an amazingly successful operation. And since the “cat was out of the bag” a couple hours after the op was over, I’m glad someone who was ACTUALLY there told the story.
There is a debate in Washington over whether waterboarding should be considered torture. What’s your take? Were you ever waterboarded in training?
When going through SERE (POW Training), I had the pleasure of being waterboarded. No, it’s not fun. Yes, it’s very effective. YES, use this to get any information you can to prevent future terrorist attacks.
What do SEAL Team members think of Washington? Are they disgusted by it? Are there any particular politicians that are generally admired by the SEAL community? Does the SEAL community tend to be more Republican or Democrat, or apolitical?
When you make the decision to serve your country/join the SEAL Teams, your only concern is the guy next to you and mission success. Politics go out the window when the bullets start to fly.
What do you think of Jesse Ventura as a high-profile representative of the SEAL community?
I know Jesse. I disagree with how he presents himself and represents the TEAMs, but I will never speak negatively about a teammate.