Once you are familiar with what you want look on line for some killer prices on last years colors or hot items. I picked up some extra harnesses and other gear at ridiculously low prices on out of season gear and last years stuff. Oh and go climb some! I think you will find the civilians climb and rappel a little different than what you where taught. They tend to be a little more safety oriented than the government who has lots of bodies and can stand to bend a few.
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When the wolf attacks he will find that some who run with the flock are not sheep!