What Men Should Know

The way so many young men are turning out these days, especially fatherless urbanites, is downright discouraging. Are they capable of handling even the most basic of social, emergency, and maintenance situations? Some are, but too many are not. How do you rate? I just put together this list, not necessarily complete, and in no particular order, of stuff I think boys should be proficient at before they call themselves men.

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Understand the U.S. Constitution and legal system.

Use a chainsaw to take down a large tree and turn it into firewood.

Swing an axe effectively.

Properly zero, shoot, and maintain common semi-automatic rifles.

Drive a manual transmission. (Not just any stickshift- an old 5-ton or bigger work truck with differential splitter and non-synchronized gears.)

Back a trailer down a ramp without having to pull forward.

Cook a balanced and complete meal from scratch, Set a formal dinner table, Eat there with decent manners.

Carve a turkey.

Keep an old car running well (Change oil, tires, fuses, engine parts, brakes, pack wheel bearings, tune ignition, diagnose problems, swap engine if needed.)

Respect all women, especially mothers.

Write a coherent essay on any pre-assigned topic.

Use topographic map and compass to precisely locate your starting point, ending point, and current position. (Amazing how many military personnel can't do this)

Shoot a running deer at 100 yards.

Properly care for all the meat on a large-game animal from field to freezer.

Balance a checkbook, pay your bills online, do your own taxes.

Play a musical instrument well enough for others to enjoy listening.

Land a small aircraft. (might be asking a bit much)

Repair leaky faucets and clogged drains. (not asking much at all)

Frame a strait and level wall to code.

Install light fixtures and switches.

Mix and pour concrete, and build forms, for basic flatwork and footings.

Maximize the potential of the Skillsaw.

Shingle a roof.

Install door frames and windows.

Bottle peaches.

Operate a tractor with front-end loader or backhoe.

Cut and weld with an acetylene torch. (any idiot can wire-feed)

Change barrels and set headspace/timing on a Browning .50 cal machinegun while hot. (may or may not apply to your situation)

Get shot at without freaking out. (If applicable)

Hike 20 miles carrying a 40 pound pack over mountainous terrain in less than a day. (Pass given to gentlemen over 55 or the disabled. Old "football injuries" don't count.)

Truly enjoy sleeping under the stars.

Dress for an interview.

Play chess. Win gracefully.

Read the entire Bible or an equivalent religious work of choice.

Respect God. If you don't believe, respect those who do.

Keep your word.

Marry someone for their character, not looks or wealth or popularity. Be able to tell the difference.

Stay in love.

Learn anything, through reading and/or hands on experience.

Start a fire when it's soaking wet outside without using gasoline, newspaper, etc.

Effectively use all power tools, hand tools, and BBQ grills.

Prepare a tender juicy roast; grill steaks to perfection.

Land a large fish on light tackle.
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While I could do almost all these things at age 18, I must confess I didn't get good at the rest until after I married at 25. I've only landed a plane once and don't claim to be good at that yet. Although I value my higher education, not a single item here was learned formally at college. Dad was and is a jack of all trades who insisted we learn all we could, and Mother is a true lady. At age 3 my son is turning into a good little helper-I hope I can give him what my parents have given me. Let me know what else is needed on the list!