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GRAY MAN Review by Josh Haney/No Fate Survival
The concept of the Gray Man, once shrouded in mystery by the spooks and spies that relied upon it for tactical advantage, as well as daily survival, has become a mainstay of Hollywood. From the Bourne series to World War Z, we see individuals whom appear to vanish in plain sight, not by utilizing some new kind of technology, but by simply exploiting the human brain's inherent ability to see what it wants to see, a technique that magicians and illusionists have made millions from.
In his new book, Gray Man: Camouflage for Crowds, Cities, and Civil Crisis, Matthew Dermody continues his treatise on the subtle art of invisibility which started with the books Appear to Vanish and Hidden Success. While those titles dealt with ghillie suits and cover/concealment techniques in the field, respectively, Gray Man takes the same concepts and applies them to everyday dress in an urban environment, creating an operative that is there, but not there.
Beginning by explaining the ten S words, each one representing a concept that the Gray Man must master in order to effectively blend in, Dermody not only explains why each is important in theory, but also backs it up with practical applications that he has used in his travels around the world. Symbols, stereotypes, status quo, and society, each one is given a thorough discussion concerning its meaning, as well as use. However, this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as the author includes images, quotes, and reference material aplenty to illustrate the importance of each part of his theory.
While the information presented within the pages of Gray Man might seem like something out of an action movie or espionage novel, we are rapidly approaching a time where these techniques will be more crucial than ever before. The evening news is showing us more and more events taking place in cities around the globe where citizens are caught up in riots, flash mobs, and other situations where the ability to disappear, even if only into the throng, may be your only hope. When combined with Dermody's other two titles, Gray Man: Camouflage For Crowds, Cities, and Civil Crisis creates a thorough course in the illusion of disappearance.
In his new book, Gray Man: Camouflage for Crowds, Cities, and Civil Crisis, Matthew Dermody continues his treatise on the subtle art of invisibility which started with the books Appear to Vanish and Hidden Success. While those titles dealt with ghillie suits and cover/concealment techniques in the field, respectively, Gray Man takes the same concepts and applies them to everyday dress in an urban environment, creating an operative that is there, but not there.
Beginning by explaining the ten S words, each one representing a concept that the Gray Man must master in order to effectively blend in, Dermody not only explains why each is important in theory, but also backs it up with practical applications that he has used in his travels around the world. Symbols, stereotypes, status quo, and society, each one is given a thorough discussion concerning its meaning, as well as use. However, this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as the author includes images, quotes, and reference material aplenty to illustrate the importance of each part of his theory.
While the information presented within the pages of Gray Man might seem like something out of an action movie or espionage novel, we are rapidly approaching a time where these techniques will be more crucial than ever before. The evening news is showing us more and more events taking place in cities around the globe where citizens are caught up in riots, flash mobs, and other situations where the ability to disappear, even if only into the throng, may be your only hope. When combined with Dermody's other two titles, Gray Man: Camouflage For Crowds, Cities, and Civil Crisis creates a thorough course in the illusion of disappearance.
FEATURED REVIEWS INSIDE GRAY MAN:
"I have been a student of the Gray Man concept for some time now. Matthew has hit this topic with both depth and breadth and it will sit in my reference library. He says things that will make some of us uncomfortable (quit wearing that tactical hat), but they are true and he backs it up with research. Great information for those traveling in high risk environments."
- Kevin Reeve, Urban SERE instructor and Founder of onPoint Tactical
"GRAY MAN extensively addresses the finer points of urban concealment and camouflage. The concepts brought forth will help the survivalist, the foreign traveler, the bustling urbanite, and SPECOP personnel who need, at varying degrees, the ability to remain low-key and unobstructed. For those wishing for practical and proactive guide for remaining safer in urban environments, look no further. I highly recommend this book."
- David Everhart, Certified Senior Scout Tracker and GTSB Lead Examiner, Eastern United States
“As a SOF operator specialized in operating in the clandestine realm of the Gray Zone, I can tell you GRAY MAN, has hit the mark beyond expectations. I have studied and employed many of these principles and methods and can tell you that Matthew Dermody has presented the subject in a very sound, structured, and readable format that will set the standard for learning and understanding how to melt away into your surroundings. This book is a MUST read for the professional warrior and prepared civilian.”
- Troy Lettieri, US Army and SOF veteran
"I have been a fan of Mr. Dermody's books for quite some time now. He has a wonderful ability to take complex subject matter and make it usable to those who have interest in his topics. GRAY MAN takes off right where Appear to Vanish left us. It helps the reader understand the intricacies of not being noticed while in an urban environment. This is a must read for those that want to be safer in their communities. Whether you are an average citizen, law-enforcement, or military personnel, GRAY MAN will not disappoint."
- Craig Caudill, Director of Nature Reliance School, and author of Extreme Wilderness Survival and Ultimate Wilderness Gear
"GRAY MAN will find a place in my training cycle for my advanced classes. It carries the essence in the written word of what it is to be an urban scout."
- Cmdr. (Ret.) Ty Cunningham, MMAS, CMST and retired U.S. Marshal
"For anyone wanting to explore the concepts and pathways of social dead space, GRAY MAN provides you a clear and concise route to follow. Matt spells out clearly the concepts required to establish a "low profile" which you can tailor to your exact situational needs to remain "safe" in a variety of situations. A must read! History has taught us that situations, and even civilizations come and go, but what endures are those people who can adapt and pass unnoticed through the veils of circumstance.
- Eddie Starnater, Co-Founder, Director of Programming/Head Instructor of Practical Primitive, and author of Principles of Natural Camouflage: The Science of Invisibility
- Kevin Reeve, Urban SERE instructor and Founder of onPoint Tactical
"GRAY MAN extensively addresses the finer points of urban concealment and camouflage. The concepts brought forth will help the survivalist, the foreign traveler, the bustling urbanite, and SPECOP personnel who need, at varying degrees, the ability to remain low-key and unobstructed. For those wishing for practical and proactive guide for remaining safer in urban environments, look no further. I highly recommend this book."
- David Everhart, Certified Senior Scout Tracker and GTSB Lead Examiner, Eastern United States
“As a SOF operator specialized in operating in the clandestine realm of the Gray Zone, I can tell you GRAY MAN, has hit the mark beyond expectations. I have studied and employed many of these principles and methods and can tell you that Matthew Dermody has presented the subject in a very sound, structured, and readable format that will set the standard for learning and understanding how to melt away into your surroundings. This book is a MUST read for the professional warrior and prepared civilian.”
- Troy Lettieri, US Army and SOF veteran
"I have been a fan of Mr. Dermody's books for quite some time now. He has a wonderful ability to take complex subject matter and make it usable to those who have interest in his topics. GRAY MAN takes off right where Appear to Vanish left us. It helps the reader understand the intricacies of not being noticed while in an urban environment. This is a must read for those that want to be safer in their communities. Whether you are an average citizen, law-enforcement, or military personnel, GRAY MAN will not disappoint."
- Craig Caudill, Director of Nature Reliance School, and author of Extreme Wilderness Survival and Ultimate Wilderness Gear
"GRAY MAN will find a place in my training cycle for my advanced classes. It carries the essence in the written word of what it is to be an urban scout."
- Cmdr. (Ret.) Ty Cunningham, MMAS, CMST and retired U.S. Marshal
"For anyone wanting to explore the concepts and pathways of social dead space, GRAY MAN provides you a clear and concise route to follow. Matt spells out clearly the concepts required to establish a "low profile" which you can tailor to your exact situational needs to remain "safe" in a variety of situations. A must read! History has taught us that situations, and even civilizations come and go, but what endures are those people who can adapt and pass unnoticed through the veils of circumstance.
- Eddie Starnater, Co-Founder, Director of Programming/Head Instructor of Practical Primitive, and author of Principles of Natural Camouflage: The Science of Invisibility
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FOR APPEAR TO VANISH:
"...incredibly pleased with both the writing and the photography throughout...a very technical discussion in a succinct and easy-to-read manner."
- Craig Caudill, Nature Reliance School
and author of Extreme Wilderness Survival
- Craig Caudill, Nature Reliance School
and author of Extreme Wilderness Survival
FEATURED REVIEWS INSIDE APPEAR TO VANISH...
“Another great job by Matt Dermody. This thorough study of human stealth and camouflage lives up to its title, and forces you to “think” camouflage in all its subtleties.”
- Major John L. Plaster, US Army Special Forces (Ret.)
"There are very few books and videos available today on what I would call 'sustainable concealment'. To merely put on a camouflaged pattern uniform and neglect the rest of the requirements is neither "camouflage" nor "concealment". Matt Dermody's book thoroughly covers all the necessary points on how to appear to vanish. As a professional soldier, I heartily recommend this book and believe that it will fill a niche that is currently open and needs to be filled."
- David Scott-Donelan, author of Tactical Tracking Operations: The Essential Guide for Military and Police Trackers, CEO and founder of the Scott-Donelan Tracking School.
"What Matt provides in his book Appear to Vanish is absolutely remarkable and would have been a Godsend had I read this book as a young soldier. His skill as an artist gives a unique and introspective look into what every tactical operator knows intellectually but does not necessarily apply pragmatically. Camouflage and concealment is a fieldcraft art suited to sniper operations, reconnaissance and surveillance, and combat/tactical tracking, due to the nature of the mission objective. As a career, professional manhunter and scout-tracker for the U.S. government, it was my job to use camouflage and concealment as a mission multiplier to follow and ghost the various trails of the criminal element. Camouflage and concealment was not only used on-trail but also during the wait, approach, and apprehension. To accomplish this, I had to remain faithful to every principle of camouflage and concealment, and employ a wide variety of techniques as well as my imagination with attention to every detail. Appear to Vanish nails this on every page. Any tracker, and especially any government scout-tracker is useless if they cannot ghost the trail undetected, wait for the suspect or enemy, and then approach the suspect or enemy unnoticed. My Ignorance or failure to apply the principles of camouflage would have compromised the trail, my team, and ultimately the mission. Appear to Vanish, must be a resource guide for every operator needing to vanish within any environment.
- Cmdr. Ty Cunningham, Retired US Marshal and Tactical Commander, US Marshals Scout-Tracker Units (District of Alaska and Wyoming) and author of Scout-Tracker Guide and Forensic Spoorology.
"Matt Dermody has stepped into the realm of the masters when it comes to the functionality and the use of camouflage. I haven't seen anyone since the combat trackers of Vietnam who understand more about the art and science of camouflage. This book should become a standard manual for military and law enforcement throughout the world and is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of the proper use of camouflage in any environment."
- David Everhart, Certified Senior Scout Tracker and GTSB Lead Examiner, Eastern United States.
- Major John L. Plaster, US Army Special Forces (Ret.)
"There are very few books and videos available today on what I would call 'sustainable concealment'. To merely put on a camouflaged pattern uniform and neglect the rest of the requirements is neither "camouflage" nor "concealment". Matt Dermody's book thoroughly covers all the necessary points on how to appear to vanish. As a professional soldier, I heartily recommend this book and believe that it will fill a niche that is currently open and needs to be filled."
- David Scott-Donelan, author of Tactical Tracking Operations: The Essential Guide for Military and Police Trackers, CEO and founder of the Scott-Donelan Tracking School.
"What Matt provides in his book Appear to Vanish is absolutely remarkable and would have been a Godsend had I read this book as a young soldier. His skill as an artist gives a unique and introspective look into what every tactical operator knows intellectually but does not necessarily apply pragmatically. Camouflage and concealment is a fieldcraft art suited to sniper operations, reconnaissance and surveillance, and combat/tactical tracking, due to the nature of the mission objective. As a career, professional manhunter and scout-tracker for the U.S. government, it was my job to use camouflage and concealment as a mission multiplier to follow and ghost the various trails of the criminal element. Camouflage and concealment was not only used on-trail but also during the wait, approach, and apprehension. To accomplish this, I had to remain faithful to every principle of camouflage and concealment, and employ a wide variety of techniques as well as my imagination with attention to every detail. Appear to Vanish nails this on every page. Any tracker, and especially any government scout-tracker is useless if they cannot ghost the trail undetected, wait for the suspect or enemy, and then approach the suspect or enemy unnoticed. My Ignorance or failure to apply the principles of camouflage would have compromised the trail, my team, and ultimately the mission. Appear to Vanish, must be a resource guide for every operator needing to vanish within any environment.
- Cmdr. Ty Cunningham, Retired US Marshal and Tactical Commander, US Marshals Scout-Tracker Units (District of Alaska and Wyoming) and author of Scout-Tracker Guide and Forensic Spoorology.
"Matt Dermody has stepped into the realm of the masters when it comes to the functionality and the use of camouflage. I haven't seen anyone since the combat trackers of Vietnam who understand more about the art and science of camouflage. This book should become a standard manual for military and law enforcement throughout the world and is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of the proper use of camouflage in any environment."
- David Everhart, Certified Senior Scout Tracker and GTSB Lead Examiner, Eastern United States.
FEATURED reviews INSIDE HIDDEN SUCCESS...
"Hidden Success is the most comprehensive 'How-to' volume I've ever seen on advanced camouflage techniques and ghillie suit construction. From explaining environmental factors to sharing his keen insights on the nuances of camouflage effectiveness, Matthew Dermody's book is a must-have for those desiring to master the art (and science) of concealment. I heartily recommend it."
- Major John L. Plaster, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.), covert operations veteran and author, "The Ultimate Sniper"
"Reading Hidden Success has shown Matthew Dermody to be an expert on camouflage and ghillie suit construction. This is one of the most easy to understand guides I've found on a subject matter largely ignored by other concealment guides. This is definitely a must-read for woodsball players and anyone desiring to take their fieldcraft to the next level."
- Matt Stroble, webmaster and facilitator of The Art of Woodsball and Paintball Bible websites
"I can tell you from personal experience that ghillie suits offer the very best in camouflage advancements. As an avid hunter and photographer, I'm constantly in search of new ways to get closer to wildlife to get that perfect shot. My ghillie suits didn't cost very much to make, but they're every bit as essential as my most expensive equipment. I can honestly say that I would rather take second rate camera lenses and equipment out in the field than be without my ghillie suit. If you're looking for a complete guide to ghillie suits, you just found it!"
- Adam Grimm, Wildlife Artist and youngest winner of the Federal Duck Stamp Competition (2000)
"Well-written...very helpful for hunters and civilians in designing and utilizing a ghillie suit."
- Derrick Bartlett, President, Snipercraft, Inc. & American Sniper Association, author of "Staring at the Crosshairs"
"...the most informative book I've ever read regarding ghillie suits!"
- Bobby Whittington, owner and range master of Badlands Tactical Training Facility
"In the age of the 'quick fix', cheap ghillie suits purchased online are flying off the shelves. If you are at all concerned about custom level concealment in the field that goes beyond just wearing the latest camouflage pattern, Matthew Dermody has put together a worthy resource in his book Hidden Success. From wildlife photographers to hunters to airsoft and paintball players, this book will show you, up close and personal, the necessary techniques, tools and materials you'll need to construct a personal ghillie suit that fits your needs precisely. I've added this to my arsenal of resources."
- Doug Kramer, owner of www.tacticalpaintballsniper.com
- Major John L. Plaster, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.), covert operations veteran and author, "The Ultimate Sniper"
"Reading Hidden Success has shown Matthew Dermody to be an expert on camouflage and ghillie suit construction. This is one of the most easy to understand guides I've found on a subject matter largely ignored by other concealment guides. This is definitely a must-read for woodsball players and anyone desiring to take their fieldcraft to the next level."
- Matt Stroble, webmaster and facilitator of The Art of Woodsball and Paintball Bible websites
"I can tell you from personal experience that ghillie suits offer the very best in camouflage advancements. As an avid hunter and photographer, I'm constantly in search of new ways to get closer to wildlife to get that perfect shot. My ghillie suits didn't cost very much to make, but they're every bit as essential as my most expensive equipment. I can honestly say that I would rather take second rate camera lenses and equipment out in the field than be without my ghillie suit. If you're looking for a complete guide to ghillie suits, you just found it!"
- Adam Grimm, Wildlife Artist and youngest winner of the Federal Duck Stamp Competition (2000)
"Well-written...very helpful for hunters and civilians in designing and utilizing a ghillie suit."
- Derrick Bartlett, President, Snipercraft, Inc. & American Sniper Association, author of "Staring at the Crosshairs"
"...the most informative book I've ever read regarding ghillie suits!"
- Bobby Whittington, owner and range master of Badlands Tactical Training Facility
"In the age of the 'quick fix', cheap ghillie suits purchased online are flying off the shelves. If you are at all concerned about custom level concealment in the field that goes beyond just wearing the latest camouflage pattern, Matthew Dermody has put together a worthy resource in his book Hidden Success. From wildlife photographers to hunters to airsoft and paintball players, this book will show you, up close and personal, the necessary techniques, tools and materials you'll need to construct a personal ghillie suit that fits your needs precisely. I've added this to my arsenal of resources."
- Doug Kramer, owner of www.tacticalpaintballsniper.com
EDITOR AND GRAPHIC ART CONTRIBUTIONS:
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I assisted Professional tracker, Fernando Moreira with his book, Visual Mantracking back in 2016. Fernando admitted his need to have his written work edited; as English is not his native language. I graciously stepped in to help with the editing and book cover design. I share some of his success, knowing that I helped make Visual Mantracking the best it could be.
My interest in tracking has increased through affiliations with combat/tactical trackers such as David Scott-Donelan, Ty Cunningham, David Everhart, Mic Bonin, and Troy Lettieri. |
