Post by iamtheowl on Aug 13, 2006 18:45:54 GMT -5
www.sheffieldmayday.ukf.net/articles/blackbloc.htm#security
The following document is presented with the intention of furthering the basic effectiveness of our movement by advocating various tactical practices that we hope will be adopted by the Black Bloc as a whole. The inspiration for this work comes from our complete love for the creative ability/potential of humankind and our uncompromising dedication to social revolution.
Portions of this work tend to take on a militaristic tone. This tone should not be misconstrued as a back door justification for arbitrary hierarchical models of organizing. Rather, the reality of our militant struggle necessitates the language used in order to most accurately depict our objective circumstances and the methods we must imply in order to come closer to victory. Here it should be pointed out that under no circumstances do we advocate any organizational model that in essence is not compatible with those utilized democratically by Anarchists and revolutionary workers as practiced during the Paris Commune (1871) and the Spanish Civil War (1936-9).
In order to put this work together,we reflected on our own collective experiences as well as looked to history to learn what works within an Anarchistic framework and what does not. It is our intention here to present an accurate, yet brief, analysis of the present state of the movement generally, as well as the steps we (the Black Bloc) must take in order to further the cause. Also, the below proposals are directly intended for Black Bloc incorporation only.
Fore, any across the board Anarchist adaptation of the more militant proposals (such as found in the section Preparations For Increased State Repression) would lead to the weakening of the all important above ground community organizing efforts. We view these efforts as primary to the general cause in that it is through them that the wider populace is brought over consciously to the Anarchist Left. Our struggle must be conducted at all levels.
Lastly, we encourage you to read this work and discuss it within your collective and/or with other folk within the Black Bloc Anarchist community. It is our hope that such collectives and interested people connected with the Black Bloc will sign their names (not necessarily their given names) to this and implement the tactical proposals suggested below. In the likely case that the below document is partially unacceptable to our community of struggle, it is our hope that such points of contention be discussed, debated and amended as necessary in order to reach Black Bloc consensus.
We here ask that the various Anarchist newspapers and periodicals open up their letter sections for this purpose.
Anti-Racist Action -Lady The Green Mountain Anarchist Collective -David -X -Natasha Our Movement Grows During the course of the past year (since the battle of Seattle) we have been witnessing/participating in a maturity of the larger social protest movement as well as the smaller (yet growing) revolutionary Anarchist movement. This is a result of eight basic reasons:
1. The experiential emptiness of intensified neo-Capitalist commodification of pseudo-reality and its necessary results of mass alienation, anxiety and Boredom.
2. The continuing failure of the present system to alleviate material depravation (poverty) amongst certain sectors of working class and poor.
3. Overt attempts by leading neo-Capitalist powers to homogenize world economy/culture through elitist centralized organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization has triggered a populist backlash and motivated the usually dormant trade unions.
4. The reconciliation of previously splintered counter-culture (urban "punk", rural "hippy", etc.) has allowed for a wider base from which shifts in popular social consciousness are disseminating.
5. Increased communications abilities through out the populous has resulted in organizational/mobilization advances amongst the social protest and revolutionary Anarchist movements.
6. Experience gained by organizations through out the last decade has vastly increased the practical ability of the movement as a whole.
7. The generational maturity of the children of the 60s and 70s has now come to full fruition. This is a fact that should not be overlooked as we intend to build on and further destroy where our mothers and fathers left off. And finally,
8. Police repression as experienced through out the United States and Canada during the course of this last year has had the result of radicalizing 10,000s of previously Liberal demonstrators from one coast to the other and back.
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Anarchism and The Broader Movement
While the broader movement has affected some important practical and consciousness building victories, it is still too malleable and indecisive to put an uncritical trust in its visual organizations (as encapsulated in the Direct Action Network). As revolutionary Anarchists we must continue to support and encourage its participatory and directly democratic currents while steering it away from its unconscious tendencies towards spectacular abstraction and Liberal capitulation. We must continue to do this through the dissemination of revolutionary Anarchist theory as well as by DIRECT example, both of the kind on the streets, in community organizing efforts and in regards to our lifestyles.
This must continue to be a priority both at demonstrations as well as within the particularities of our local communities. In this capacity we must be vigilant not to limit our dialectical interactions with the movement itself. In a word, we must continue to reach out to the yet included masses. For it is only through their direct participation that the present system of oppression will be forever disintegrated and thrown into the wastebasket of history.
back to top of page
The Development Of The Movement
For all of the above reasons, this past year has been marked as a progressive stepping-stone towards the continuing resurgence of the revolutionary Anarchist movement. This in spite of certain painful set backs such as the demise of the Love and Rage organization and the Fire Cracker Info Shop in Massachusetts.
The objective historical situation, as well as our newfound practical abilities, has resulted in us moving two steps forward for every step back. However, before we become full of conceit, let it be said that we have many, many dangerous steps to traverse before we reach the end of this epic.
back to top of page
Our Local Communities
It is in our specific communities that we (Black Bloc and Anarchists generally) are able to push the revolutionary Anarchist movement forward through diligent and relevant community organizing through out the ranks of the disfranchised. Here we must continue to do this by forming workers co-operatives, community centres, newspapers, the creation of Anarchist art as well as by direct political action when ever possible.
At the large demonstrations we are able to push our movement forward by the organizing and subsequent action of our Black Bloc.
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At Demonstrations
It is by virtue of the uncompromising militancy of this (our) Bloc that Liberal demonstrations are transformed into insurrectionary happenings. By physically defending ourselves against State (police) attacks, we add a serious dimension to an otherwise timid movement. By effectively defending non-violent protesters against the assaults of the police (such as at the A16 action in DC) we demonstrate the extra-symbolic power of the people while increasing the relative effectiveness of the overall action.
By attacking and destroying Capitalist private property (such as in the battle of Seattle) we go beyond rhetoric and actually inflict real material damage upon the urban out-posts of the oppressive and totally uninteresting commodified empire of the new Capitalists. By our method we transform indecisiveness and restraint into REAL action.
Those upper middle class Pacifists who clamor that we are wrong by virtue of our demonstrated principles should be reminded that the only legitimate goal of mass demonstrations is to effect relevant social and revolutionary change for the benefit of the working class, poor, and declassed peoples. It is not, nor never should ever be, to be arrested and brutally beaten for the sake of some vain association with Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr.
Furthermore, let us all reflect upon the fact that India today is presently in shambles due to continued Capitalist exploitation, and the American Blacks are still treated as second-class citizens by the State apparatus and plutocracy alike. These are travesties that only a genuine and victorious international revolutionary Anarchist movement, utilizing both violent and non-violent methods, will be able to fully rectify. It is in this very real context that we fight.
We will not, nor should we, compromise our hatred or love any more then we will compromise our goal of complete social revolution, Anarchy, and the dream of all of humanity unshackled from the chains which are both seen and unseen. We make no apologies.
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The Necessity Of Increasing Our Tactical Abilities
The forces of the State (specifically the FBI and police) have been studying us for some time. Hence it is absolutely necessary that we further develop our tactical understanding and practical street abilities if we are to maintain, and in fact increase our militant capabilities.
In this regards there are some basic steps that we must take in order to meet this challenge:
1. Increased organization of street fighting force
2. Regular physical training in between actions
3. Facilitation of pre-emptive strikes
4. Preparation for eventuality of intensified State oppression and the shifting of the movement of social protest into that of direct social revolution
5. Increased internal social and political education between actions and development of theory.
At the present time, the mobilization of our forces is done in such haphazard manner that our ability to combat well-trained and disciplined State forces is limited. In fact it is only by virtue of our revolutionary dedication and iron constitutions that we have been able to combat these forces with the level of relative success that we thus far have.
They (the forces of the State) fight out of hatred of diversity and free expression and for a paycheck. We fight out of hatred of oppression and love, and simply because it is the just thing to do. However, as the agents of the State modify their present tactics, based on their direct experiences and vast intelligence reports from Seattle to Quebec City, they can be expected to achieve a further level of effective superiority over us in the near future. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that we begin to reorganize ourselves in such a way as to again bring certain advantages to our side.
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Increased Tactical Ability Of Street Fighting Force: The Formation Of An Elected Tactical Facilitation Core
Our experiences over the course of the last year has taught us a lot regarding the actual and potential effectiveness of Black Blocs during large demonstrations.
A16 demonstrated the incorporation of large blocs used in tight conjunction with non-violent contingents. It showed us how the combined tactics of physical self defense (from the Bloc) and non-violent lockdowns can, at this historical juncture, result in effective occupations of large sections of the city shape.
J20 showed how a tightly knit Bloc, lined with defensive banners around its perimeters, can help foster confidence and act as a more substantial deterrent to targeted police arrests.
A20 showed how even a relatively small Bloc (as on Saturday, the 21st) can become a substantial fighting force when the physical and mental commitment is there.
However, our experiences have also illustrated certain shortcomings that we thus far are yet to overcome. Specifically our lack of a democratic tactical command structure has hindered our abilities to act with more punctuating speed and tactical ferociousness. In certain circumstances this failure has resulted in us becoming bogged down in indecisiveness (specifically regarding movement), and hence has put us in danger as well as lead to arrests (i.e. on the Monday of the A16 action). Therefore, we contend that we need to develop a democratic tactical command structure that heightens our mobility while simultaneously not compromising our Anarchist principles.
In regards to this, we propose that the present use of elected affinity group spokes people be expanded to that of acute tactical facilitator (a-tacs). The role of this person should be to help facilitate the organized movement of their immediate section as recommended by the general tactical facilitation core (*to be discussed below). In addition, each affinity group should also elect an alternate in case the first is incapacitated due to injury or arrest.
Following the general meeting of the Black Bloc, at which the broad plans for the days action should have already been discussed, debated and then decided upon based on consensus, all such elected a-tacs should meet in private (such privacy here is recommended as a security precaution). At this meeting a general tactical facilitation core (g-tacs) should be elected, again by consensus. These g-tacs should act as the facilitators of Bloc movement in such a way as it complies with the general plan of action as defined at the prior open meeting.
The identity of the g-tacs will be made discreetly known to all trusted affinity group members through their elected spokes/a-tacs as befitting following the conclusion of the closed spokes meeting. Any affinity group which has had their a-tac elected to the tactical facilitation core should elect a new a-tac. In cases in which the Bloc is expected to be large and to march on mass, affinity groups should be made responsible for specific positions within the Bloc; specifically the front, right side, left side and rear (this should be done at the general open meeting).
This would essentially create four main clusters within the Bloc. (Note: the use of clusters is further discussed in the affinity group section.) In turn the elected g-tacs should number 12 persons. These persons should emanate out of the clusters, which they will be responsible for (this will be further discussed below).
These twelve should be further divided into four groups of three. In turn these three should be positioned as such:
1. 1. A person at the specific cluster, which they will be directly responsible for (front, rear, left or right).
2. 2. A person near the middle of the Bloc where they will be together with the representatives of the other clusters.
3. 3. A person to act as a runner between their cluster g-tac and the g-tac group in the middle.
In general, all time sensitive decisions specifically regarding movement should be recommended by the consensus of the central g-tac core based on information emanating from the specific perimeter tacs, and reliable reconnaissance information.
In addition, these g-tacs should also entail certain role specific support persons in order that they are able to function efficiently and safely. Hence, all g-tacs stationed at the perimeters should be equipped with two persons from their affinity group or otherwise. One of which should be responsible for maintaining radio communication with reconnaissance teams and/or other important constituents. The other should be present in order to watch the tac´s back.
We must be aware of the fact that these folk will quickly be identified by the forces of the State, and therefore will likely be singled out for arrest. Likewise, the central g-tac core should also be equipped with a few persons on radio, and a few persons concerning themselves with security.
Also, the specific roles of the various g-tacs, be it runner, perimeter person or core group, should be rotated as the days action ensues. Again, such a rotation is to limit any developing trend aimed at a psychological tendency towards authoritarianism amongst the central g-tac core. And again, it should be reminded that the function of these folk would primarily have to do with Bloc movement (i.e. which road to take, which way to go at an intersection). They will not be playing the role of generals or abstract leaders in anyway.
Here it is important to stress several things. First, we do not advocate the creating of a permanent officer clique. These elected positions should only last as long as the action at hand. If the action lasts more then a single day, then it would be good to elect new tacs for the different days. Also, their positions should be revocable by the general whole at any time.
Lastly, the influence which they shall wield will not be beyond the role of facilitators of a general plan adopted to the general meeting of the Black Bloc. Any steps they may attempt to take beyond these perimeters would be grounds for dismissal. And of course, we are not advocating the formalization of any authoritarian army structure.
It must be made clear that all participants in the Bloc innately reserve the right to disobey tac suggestions as well as to desert. In such the adoption of such a structure would be consistent with Anarchist principles of organization. The Anarchist militias recognized the need for such structure during the Spanish Civil War and so should we.
Individual Affinity Groups Affinity groups (AG) should organize themselves in ways in which they see fit to reach their goals in the specific action at hand. Determining the focus of your AG in relevance to the action at hand allows for the creation of a specialized AG. Within these AG's, it is suggested that there be one person who carries a skeletal assortment of first aid equipment (saline solution, vinegar, lemon peels, water in a squirt bottle, rescue remedy).
Every person involved in the black bloc should take a basic first aid course, or have general knowledge of protest related first aid practices. Like physical training, being trained in first aid would heighten our endurance and relief of situations to come. It should be decided if the AG must use a radio/cell during the action.
Radio/cell use may be needed in certain AG's, but by no means is it necessary to overflow the streets with unneeded communication devices. Communication can in turn be lost by the trampling of channels and untrained use. This will also make it easier for state infiltration. More radios will never be the answer to organization and information, but the strategic placing and use of these devices will forever enable our effectiveness.
Roles of the other persons in the AG, in addition to the aforementioned role of the medic gear and possible use of a radio/cell, depend upon the type of AG (function). The AG should solely decide this themselves. Types of specialized AG's include, but are not limited to, a front line (defensive), offensive, reconnaissance, property related, medic, support, noise, and pre-emptive.
A front line AG would contain shields and/or heavy body armor. This type of AG would potentially oversee the formation of the front line. They would motivate and call for other shields from within the bloc, in aiding the formation of a solid line. This AG would provide a rally point to help provide the bloc position. They would not be a part of a charge line, but instead hold as a point to retreat back to if the charge proves faulty. In addition, this AG is at the correct position to oversee the building of barricades. An offensive AG should be highly mobile and enthusiastic. These AG's should be prepared for confrontation.
The offensive AG can also come prepared to fill specialized tactical needs. Creativity is encouraged. The definition of this group will be left at this. A reconnaissance AG operates outside of the bloc, gathering information. Communication is held closely with the larger bloc, keeping them informed of police movements and numbers. When state weaknesses are detected, this AG should inform the bloc of opportunities for advancement.
The bloc should have their own medic AG. For optimal coverage, medic groups could split to cover all sides of the bloc as a whole. Having our own medics does not mean that they help only black bloc members, but ensures their movement with the bloc.
Property related AG's also exist in our movement. The roles of these people should not be known to anyone who is not in that specific AG. In relation, information on AG's who form for pre pre-emptive strikes against the state should also be held from the bloc. Any information on the plans or existence of these two groups will only weaken their security and aim.
There are also support AG roles.
One idea is an AG dedicated to dealing with panic situations. This group would number no more than a few groups per cluster/side (the use of clusters is explained below). There could also be a supply and networking AG responsible for carrying food, water, and handing out communiqueés to neighborhood people and non-black bloc protestors. The carrying water also has a dual purpose of use for eye washing if necessary.
A noise AG is useful in keeping enthusiasm and drive in tiring situations. The listen of music can create sudden drives of energy and joy within the bloc where none exists, and can send a contradicting message of power to the enemy in battle. Creativity is also encouraged in this area... black bloc bagpipe players could bring immense joy to many, as does radical cheer leading to others.
We should continue to embrace, and forever elaborate, on this humanistic approach to battle through music and cheer. For this is in our favour, and the state will never employ such an emotional tactic.
The AG should strive to be a part of a cluster of 5-10 diverse AG´s. Each cluster should have it´s own flag to serve as a rally point. These flags, distinguishable by different patterns or colours, would be used as markers. The purpose of these markers is to serve as a point of retreat, or simply as a visual aid if a person(s) is severed from an AG.
Each cluster should be able to function as it´s own entity. To facilitate this, AG´s should strive towards communication prior to attendance at the action. Clusters naturally form based on trust relationships, and should continue by these means.
The general meeting of the Black Bloc should be used as an opportunity for networking information; such as the specialized AG´s needed to complete the offense, defense, and support of a cluster, enabling the cluster a fully functioning body. Each cluster should be positioned as to encompass all sides of the concentration of the action, to form the Black Bloc as an entirety. For instance, the bloc is composed of four clusters, each with their own patterned flag, positioned front, back, right, and left.
It is also desirable that the various defensive and offensive persons of each cluster work in organized conjunction with each other during times of need. For example, if the Bloc finds it necessary to retreat from a given position, all persons from within the effective cluster and all non cluster folks carrying defensive equipment such as shields should maintain a position in the rear, facing the enemy, in order to cover the retreat from rubber bullets, bean bags, etc.
Likewise, during offensive maneuvers, all persons equipped with the relevant offensive gear should place themselves in the front, as should a limited number of shield bearers in order to limit the effectiveness of the enemy baton. When necessary, relevant reinforcements from the other clusters should be prepared to move into the fray. However, this should only be done when absolutely necessary in that it is always desirable to maintain a strong defensive perimeter around the Bloc as a whole. This is all common sense of course.
The organization, or rather ability to call for the practice of such maneuvers should be placed with the g-tacs as manifest through the cooperation of affinity groups. By doing this, we will achieve a higher level of immediate situational tactical ability then we currently posses. In addition, the demonstration of such abilities can be expected to frighten and demoralize the enemy
The following document is presented with the intention of furthering the basic effectiveness of our movement by advocating various tactical practices that we hope will be adopted by the Black Bloc as a whole. The inspiration for this work comes from our complete love for the creative ability/potential of humankind and our uncompromising dedication to social revolution.
Portions of this work tend to take on a militaristic tone. This tone should not be misconstrued as a back door justification for arbitrary hierarchical models of organizing. Rather, the reality of our militant struggle necessitates the language used in order to most accurately depict our objective circumstances and the methods we must imply in order to come closer to victory. Here it should be pointed out that under no circumstances do we advocate any organizational model that in essence is not compatible with those utilized democratically by Anarchists and revolutionary workers as practiced during the Paris Commune (1871) and the Spanish Civil War (1936-9).
In order to put this work together,we reflected on our own collective experiences as well as looked to history to learn what works within an Anarchistic framework and what does not. It is our intention here to present an accurate, yet brief, analysis of the present state of the movement generally, as well as the steps we (the Black Bloc) must take in order to further the cause. Also, the below proposals are directly intended for Black Bloc incorporation only.
Fore, any across the board Anarchist adaptation of the more militant proposals (such as found in the section Preparations For Increased State Repression) would lead to the weakening of the all important above ground community organizing efforts. We view these efforts as primary to the general cause in that it is through them that the wider populace is brought over consciously to the Anarchist Left. Our struggle must be conducted at all levels.
Lastly, we encourage you to read this work and discuss it within your collective and/or with other folk within the Black Bloc Anarchist community. It is our hope that such collectives and interested people connected with the Black Bloc will sign their names (not necessarily their given names) to this and implement the tactical proposals suggested below. In the likely case that the below document is partially unacceptable to our community of struggle, it is our hope that such points of contention be discussed, debated and amended as necessary in order to reach Black Bloc consensus.
We here ask that the various Anarchist newspapers and periodicals open up their letter sections for this purpose.
Anti-Racist Action -Lady The Green Mountain Anarchist Collective -David -X -Natasha Our Movement Grows During the course of the past year (since the battle of Seattle) we have been witnessing/participating in a maturity of the larger social protest movement as well as the smaller (yet growing) revolutionary Anarchist movement. This is a result of eight basic reasons:
1. The experiential emptiness of intensified neo-Capitalist commodification of pseudo-reality and its necessary results of mass alienation, anxiety and Boredom.
2. The continuing failure of the present system to alleviate material depravation (poverty) amongst certain sectors of working class and poor.
3. Overt attempts by leading neo-Capitalist powers to homogenize world economy/culture through elitist centralized organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization has triggered a populist backlash and motivated the usually dormant trade unions.
4. The reconciliation of previously splintered counter-culture (urban "punk", rural "hippy", etc.) has allowed for a wider base from which shifts in popular social consciousness are disseminating.
5. Increased communications abilities through out the populous has resulted in organizational/mobilization advances amongst the social protest and revolutionary Anarchist movements.
6. Experience gained by organizations through out the last decade has vastly increased the practical ability of the movement as a whole.
7. The generational maturity of the children of the 60s and 70s has now come to full fruition. This is a fact that should not be overlooked as we intend to build on and further destroy where our mothers and fathers left off. And finally,
8. Police repression as experienced through out the United States and Canada during the course of this last year has had the result of radicalizing 10,000s of previously Liberal demonstrators from one coast to the other and back.
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Anarchism and The Broader Movement
While the broader movement has affected some important practical and consciousness building victories, it is still too malleable and indecisive to put an uncritical trust in its visual organizations (as encapsulated in the Direct Action Network). As revolutionary Anarchists we must continue to support and encourage its participatory and directly democratic currents while steering it away from its unconscious tendencies towards spectacular abstraction and Liberal capitulation. We must continue to do this through the dissemination of revolutionary Anarchist theory as well as by DIRECT example, both of the kind on the streets, in community organizing efforts and in regards to our lifestyles.
This must continue to be a priority both at demonstrations as well as within the particularities of our local communities. In this capacity we must be vigilant not to limit our dialectical interactions with the movement itself. In a word, we must continue to reach out to the yet included masses. For it is only through their direct participation that the present system of oppression will be forever disintegrated and thrown into the wastebasket of history.
back to top of page
The Development Of The Movement
For all of the above reasons, this past year has been marked as a progressive stepping-stone towards the continuing resurgence of the revolutionary Anarchist movement. This in spite of certain painful set backs such as the demise of the Love and Rage organization and the Fire Cracker Info Shop in Massachusetts.
The objective historical situation, as well as our newfound practical abilities, has resulted in us moving two steps forward for every step back. However, before we become full of conceit, let it be said that we have many, many dangerous steps to traverse before we reach the end of this epic.
back to top of page
Our Local Communities
It is in our specific communities that we (Black Bloc and Anarchists generally) are able to push the revolutionary Anarchist movement forward through diligent and relevant community organizing through out the ranks of the disfranchised. Here we must continue to do this by forming workers co-operatives, community centres, newspapers, the creation of Anarchist art as well as by direct political action when ever possible.
At the large demonstrations we are able to push our movement forward by the organizing and subsequent action of our Black Bloc.
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At Demonstrations
It is by virtue of the uncompromising militancy of this (our) Bloc that Liberal demonstrations are transformed into insurrectionary happenings. By physically defending ourselves against State (police) attacks, we add a serious dimension to an otherwise timid movement. By effectively defending non-violent protesters against the assaults of the police (such as at the A16 action in DC) we demonstrate the extra-symbolic power of the people while increasing the relative effectiveness of the overall action.
By attacking and destroying Capitalist private property (such as in the battle of Seattle) we go beyond rhetoric and actually inflict real material damage upon the urban out-posts of the oppressive and totally uninteresting commodified empire of the new Capitalists. By our method we transform indecisiveness and restraint into REAL action.
Those upper middle class Pacifists who clamor that we are wrong by virtue of our demonstrated principles should be reminded that the only legitimate goal of mass demonstrations is to effect relevant social and revolutionary change for the benefit of the working class, poor, and declassed peoples. It is not, nor never should ever be, to be arrested and brutally beaten for the sake of some vain association with Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr.
Furthermore, let us all reflect upon the fact that India today is presently in shambles due to continued Capitalist exploitation, and the American Blacks are still treated as second-class citizens by the State apparatus and plutocracy alike. These are travesties that only a genuine and victorious international revolutionary Anarchist movement, utilizing both violent and non-violent methods, will be able to fully rectify. It is in this very real context that we fight.
We will not, nor should we, compromise our hatred or love any more then we will compromise our goal of complete social revolution, Anarchy, and the dream of all of humanity unshackled from the chains which are both seen and unseen. We make no apologies.
back to top of page
The Necessity Of Increasing Our Tactical Abilities
The forces of the State (specifically the FBI and police) have been studying us for some time. Hence it is absolutely necessary that we further develop our tactical understanding and practical street abilities if we are to maintain, and in fact increase our militant capabilities.
In this regards there are some basic steps that we must take in order to meet this challenge:
1. Increased organization of street fighting force
2. Regular physical training in between actions
3. Facilitation of pre-emptive strikes
4. Preparation for eventuality of intensified State oppression and the shifting of the movement of social protest into that of direct social revolution
5. Increased internal social and political education between actions and development of theory.
At the present time, the mobilization of our forces is done in such haphazard manner that our ability to combat well-trained and disciplined State forces is limited. In fact it is only by virtue of our revolutionary dedication and iron constitutions that we have been able to combat these forces with the level of relative success that we thus far have.
They (the forces of the State) fight out of hatred of diversity and free expression and for a paycheck. We fight out of hatred of oppression and love, and simply because it is the just thing to do. However, as the agents of the State modify their present tactics, based on their direct experiences and vast intelligence reports from Seattle to Quebec City, they can be expected to achieve a further level of effective superiority over us in the near future. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that we begin to reorganize ourselves in such a way as to again bring certain advantages to our side.
back to top of page
Increased Tactical Ability Of Street Fighting Force: The Formation Of An Elected Tactical Facilitation Core
Our experiences over the course of the last year has taught us a lot regarding the actual and potential effectiveness of Black Blocs during large demonstrations.
A16 demonstrated the incorporation of large blocs used in tight conjunction with non-violent contingents. It showed us how the combined tactics of physical self defense (from the Bloc) and non-violent lockdowns can, at this historical juncture, result in effective occupations of large sections of the city shape.
J20 showed how a tightly knit Bloc, lined with defensive banners around its perimeters, can help foster confidence and act as a more substantial deterrent to targeted police arrests.
A20 showed how even a relatively small Bloc (as on Saturday, the 21st) can become a substantial fighting force when the physical and mental commitment is there.
However, our experiences have also illustrated certain shortcomings that we thus far are yet to overcome. Specifically our lack of a democratic tactical command structure has hindered our abilities to act with more punctuating speed and tactical ferociousness. In certain circumstances this failure has resulted in us becoming bogged down in indecisiveness (specifically regarding movement), and hence has put us in danger as well as lead to arrests (i.e. on the Monday of the A16 action). Therefore, we contend that we need to develop a democratic tactical command structure that heightens our mobility while simultaneously not compromising our Anarchist principles.
In regards to this, we propose that the present use of elected affinity group spokes people be expanded to that of acute tactical facilitator (a-tacs). The role of this person should be to help facilitate the organized movement of their immediate section as recommended by the general tactical facilitation core (*to be discussed below). In addition, each affinity group should also elect an alternate in case the first is incapacitated due to injury or arrest.
Following the general meeting of the Black Bloc, at which the broad plans for the days action should have already been discussed, debated and then decided upon based on consensus, all such elected a-tacs should meet in private (such privacy here is recommended as a security precaution). At this meeting a general tactical facilitation core (g-tacs) should be elected, again by consensus. These g-tacs should act as the facilitators of Bloc movement in such a way as it complies with the general plan of action as defined at the prior open meeting.
The identity of the g-tacs will be made discreetly known to all trusted affinity group members through their elected spokes/a-tacs as befitting following the conclusion of the closed spokes meeting. Any affinity group which has had their a-tac elected to the tactical facilitation core should elect a new a-tac. In cases in which the Bloc is expected to be large and to march on mass, affinity groups should be made responsible for specific positions within the Bloc; specifically the front, right side, left side and rear (this should be done at the general open meeting).
This would essentially create four main clusters within the Bloc. (Note: the use of clusters is further discussed in the affinity group section.) In turn the elected g-tacs should number 12 persons. These persons should emanate out of the clusters, which they will be responsible for (this will be further discussed below).
These twelve should be further divided into four groups of three. In turn these three should be positioned as such:
1. 1. A person at the specific cluster, which they will be directly responsible for (front, rear, left or right).
2. 2. A person near the middle of the Bloc where they will be together with the representatives of the other clusters.
3. 3. A person to act as a runner between their cluster g-tac and the g-tac group in the middle.
In general, all time sensitive decisions specifically regarding movement should be recommended by the consensus of the central g-tac core based on information emanating from the specific perimeter tacs, and reliable reconnaissance information.
In addition, these g-tacs should also entail certain role specific support persons in order that they are able to function efficiently and safely. Hence, all g-tacs stationed at the perimeters should be equipped with two persons from their affinity group or otherwise. One of which should be responsible for maintaining radio communication with reconnaissance teams and/or other important constituents. The other should be present in order to watch the tac´s back.
We must be aware of the fact that these folk will quickly be identified by the forces of the State, and therefore will likely be singled out for arrest. Likewise, the central g-tac core should also be equipped with a few persons on radio, and a few persons concerning themselves with security.
Also, the specific roles of the various g-tacs, be it runner, perimeter person or core group, should be rotated as the days action ensues. Again, such a rotation is to limit any developing trend aimed at a psychological tendency towards authoritarianism amongst the central g-tac core. And again, it should be reminded that the function of these folk would primarily have to do with Bloc movement (i.e. which road to take, which way to go at an intersection). They will not be playing the role of generals or abstract leaders in anyway.
Here it is important to stress several things. First, we do not advocate the creating of a permanent officer clique. These elected positions should only last as long as the action at hand. If the action lasts more then a single day, then it would be good to elect new tacs for the different days. Also, their positions should be revocable by the general whole at any time.
Lastly, the influence which they shall wield will not be beyond the role of facilitators of a general plan adopted to the general meeting of the Black Bloc. Any steps they may attempt to take beyond these perimeters would be grounds for dismissal. And of course, we are not advocating the formalization of any authoritarian army structure.
It must be made clear that all participants in the Bloc innately reserve the right to disobey tac suggestions as well as to desert. In such the adoption of such a structure would be consistent with Anarchist principles of organization. The Anarchist militias recognized the need for such structure during the Spanish Civil War and so should we.
Individual Affinity Groups Affinity groups (AG) should organize themselves in ways in which they see fit to reach their goals in the specific action at hand. Determining the focus of your AG in relevance to the action at hand allows for the creation of a specialized AG. Within these AG's, it is suggested that there be one person who carries a skeletal assortment of first aid equipment (saline solution, vinegar, lemon peels, water in a squirt bottle, rescue remedy).
Every person involved in the black bloc should take a basic first aid course, or have general knowledge of protest related first aid practices. Like physical training, being trained in first aid would heighten our endurance and relief of situations to come. It should be decided if the AG must use a radio/cell during the action.
Radio/cell use may be needed in certain AG's, but by no means is it necessary to overflow the streets with unneeded communication devices. Communication can in turn be lost by the trampling of channels and untrained use. This will also make it easier for state infiltration. More radios will never be the answer to organization and information, but the strategic placing and use of these devices will forever enable our effectiveness.
Roles of the other persons in the AG, in addition to the aforementioned role of the medic gear and possible use of a radio/cell, depend upon the type of AG (function). The AG should solely decide this themselves. Types of specialized AG's include, but are not limited to, a front line (defensive), offensive, reconnaissance, property related, medic, support, noise, and pre-emptive.
A front line AG would contain shields and/or heavy body armor. This type of AG would potentially oversee the formation of the front line. They would motivate and call for other shields from within the bloc, in aiding the formation of a solid line. This AG would provide a rally point to help provide the bloc position. They would not be a part of a charge line, but instead hold as a point to retreat back to if the charge proves faulty. In addition, this AG is at the correct position to oversee the building of barricades. An offensive AG should be highly mobile and enthusiastic. These AG's should be prepared for confrontation.
The offensive AG can also come prepared to fill specialized tactical needs. Creativity is encouraged. The definition of this group will be left at this. A reconnaissance AG operates outside of the bloc, gathering information. Communication is held closely with the larger bloc, keeping them informed of police movements and numbers. When state weaknesses are detected, this AG should inform the bloc of opportunities for advancement.
The bloc should have their own medic AG. For optimal coverage, medic groups could split to cover all sides of the bloc as a whole. Having our own medics does not mean that they help only black bloc members, but ensures their movement with the bloc.
Property related AG's also exist in our movement. The roles of these people should not be known to anyone who is not in that specific AG. In relation, information on AG's who form for pre pre-emptive strikes against the state should also be held from the bloc. Any information on the plans or existence of these two groups will only weaken their security and aim.
There are also support AG roles.
One idea is an AG dedicated to dealing with panic situations. This group would number no more than a few groups per cluster/side (the use of clusters is explained below). There could also be a supply and networking AG responsible for carrying food, water, and handing out communiqueés to neighborhood people and non-black bloc protestors. The carrying water also has a dual purpose of use for eye washing if necessary.
A noise AG is useful in keeping enthusiasm and drive in tiring situations. The listen of music can create sudden drives of energy and joy within the bloc where none exists, and can send a contradicting message of power to the enemy in battle. Creativity is also encouraged in this area... black bloc bagpipe players could bring immense joy to many, as does radical cheer leading to others.
We should continue to embrace, and forever elaborate, on this humanistic approach to battle through music and cheer. For this is in our favour, and the state will never employ such an emotional tactic.
The AG should strive to be a part of a cluster of 5-10 diverse AG´s. Each cluster should have it´s own flag to serve as a rally point. These flags, distinguishable by different patterns or colours, would be used as markers. The purpose of these markers is to serve as a point of retreat, or simply as a visual aid if a person(s) is severed from an AG.
Each cluster should be able to function as it´s own entity. To facilitate this, AG´s should strive towards communication prior to attendance at the action. Clusters naturally form based on trust relationships, and should continue by these means.
The general meeting of the Black Bloc should be used as an opportunity for networking information; such as the specialized AG´s needed to complete the offense, defense, and support of a cluster, enabling the cluster a fully functioning body. Each cluster should be positioned as to encompass all sides of the concentration of the action, to form the Black Bloc as an entirety. For instance, the bloc is composed of four clusters, each with their own patterned flag, positioned front, back, right, and left.
It is also desirable that the various defensive and offensive persons of each cluster work in organized conjunction with each other during times of need. For example, if the Bloc finds it necessary to retreat from a given position, all persons from within the effective cluster and all non cluster folks carrying defensive equipment such as shields should maintain a position in the rear, facing the enemy, in order to cover the retreat from rubber bullets, bean bags, etc.
Likewise, during offensive maneuvers, all persons equipped with the relevant offensive gear should place themselves in the front, as should a limited number of shield bearers in order to limit the effectiveness of the enemy baton. When necessary, relevant reinforcements from the other clusters should be prepared to move into the fray. However, this should only be done when absolutely necessary in that it is always desirable to maintain a strong defensive perimeter around the Bloc as a whole. This is all common sense of course.
The organization, or rather ability to call for the practice of such maneuvers should be placed with the g-tacs as manifest through the cooperation of affinity groups. By doing this, we will achieve a higher level of immediate situational tactical ability then we currently posses. In addition, the demonstration of such abilities can be expected to frighten and demoralize the enemy