First Earth Battalion

I first came across Jim Channon and his First Earth Battalion Manual through Jon Ronson’s book, 'The Men Who Stare at Goats'.

Channon, and his story, fascinate me. I’d describe him as a genuine agent of change. Someone who sought to revolutionise the culture of the military from within. He campaigned for and researched non-violent techniques, combining his deep combat experience with New Age spiritualism and, at times, delightfully radical ideas like telepathy and invisibility.

After over a decade of research and experimentation with other like-minded souls, he published Evolutionary Tactics, a field manual that reads as both manifesto and instruction guide. It lays out a vision for what he called the First Earth Battalion: a generation of progressive soldiers dedicated not only to protecting people, but also to safeguarding the planet.

You can buy a copy of it here:

https://neweartharmy.com/Field_Manual.html 

Whether or not you align with his narrative, it’s hard not to be inspired by his determination to create conscious, compassionate change from within a machine built for war. It’s a reminder that transformation doesn’t only happen from the outside, sometimes it’s born inside the system itself.

I relate to that impulse. I think about it often as I work. I try every day to figure out what I can do to help. How I can use art and shared human experience to counter the apathy and disconnection that toxic systems thrive on. 

Remaining open, hopeful and loving feels punk as fuck right now. Maybe a little mad too. 

But I’d rather dream that running through walls is possible than help build taller ones that reinforce the illusion of separateness. Build a longer table, not a higher wall.

Because I’m currently experimenting with work that reflects on contemporary military geopolitics, I’ve dug out my copy of Channon’s manual to reread. I’ll try not to turn invisible.