When the bullets start flying and the bodies hit the floor, you’ve got two choices — freeze like a possum in a spotlight or channel your inner Pig and figure out how to get out in one piece, even if you leave a few parts behind.

See, both Mort and Pig cut their teeth in the military, where survival wasn’t a hobby — it was the only way you got to see tomorrow. And Pig? Well, he’s seen enough tomorrows to know that losing a leg doesn’t make you any less dangerous — it just means you’ve got to get creative with how you kick someone’s teeth in.

So, straight from Pig’s personal playbook, here’s a little survival schooling to keep you breathing when life decides to throw a punch. Don’t say we never gave you anything.

Rule 1: Always Know Who’s in the Room — And Who Wants You Dead

Situational awareness — it’s just a fancy way of saying keep your eyes open and your arse covered. Pig doesn’t limp into a room without knowing:

Who’s here?
Who’s too twitchy?
What’s close enough to grab if words stop working?

Losing a leg only made him sharper. When you’ve got one less limb to rely on, you make up for it with a whole lot of paying attention.

👉 Want to sharpen your instincts? Check out these expert threat detection tips from The Art of Manliness.

Rule 2: Blend In or Stand Out and Get Shot

When Pig’s out in the field — be it a Queensland back alley or a sticky-floored dive bar — blending in is half the battle. The other half? Making sure no one notices you’ve got a leg made of something shinier than skin.

In Mortice: Hammer Down, Page 146, Mort’s disguise game gets a nod when Pig sizes him up:
"You look like a bloke who can’t remember if he’s here to fix the wiring or burn the place down."

That’s the sweet spot — forgettable enough to walk past, but competent enough no one asks too many questions.

Rule 3: Threat Assessment — Friend, Foe, or Feral?

Pig’s seen more shady types than a Brisbane pawn shop. Whether you’ve got two legs, one leg, or none at all, knowing who’s likely to stab you first is essential.

Hands out of sight? Problem.
Too calm in chaos? Professional, or psychopath.
Standing too close to the only exit? Rookie or someone with bad intentions.

Being down a leg doesn’t slow Pig’s read on a room — he just works smarter.

👉 Want to think like a pro? Here’s how threat assessments work according to ITS Tactical.

Rule 4: Mobility Still Matters — Even on One Good Leg

Pig might have lost a leg, but don’t mistake him for slow.

He’s living proof that mobility isn’t about how fast you are — it’s about knowing where you’re going before anyone else does.

Park facing the exit — always.
Never sit with your back to the door.
If you can’t run, make sure you’ve got a good distraction up your sleeve.

In Pig’s book, mobility is about smarts, not speed.

Rule 5: Everything’s a Weapon — Even the Leg

If you think losing a leg means losing a fight, you don’t know Pig. That prosthetic’s seen more action than some full-time soldiers.

Belt? Makeshift garrote.
Umbrella? Club and cane in one.
Prosthetic? Handy for blocking knives — or introducing someone’s ribs to titanium.

A missing limb’s just an excuse to get creative.

Rule 6: Controlled Aggression — Hit First, Apologize Later

Pig’s not a fan of fair fights. Fair fights are for people who don’t understand how badly losing hurts.

First strike wins most fights.
A sharp command can freeze an amateur attacker.
Confidence — even faked — beats hesitation every time.

One leg, two fists, zero hesitation. That’s the formula.

Rule 7: Distraction is King — If They’re Looking Over There, You’re Already Gone

Pig’s got no problem making a scene to buy time.

Drop your drink, slip out the door.
Pick a fight with the loudest guy in the room.
Create a mess — then vanish before anyone notices.

When speed isn’t your strong suit, misdirection is.

Rule 8: Fitness Means Survival — Even With a Prosthetic

You don’t need to run a marathon, but you do need to stay strong enough to throw your own weight around.

Pig doesn’t hit the gym to show off — he does it because muscle beats metal when things get ugly.

Run when you can.
Lift when you can’t.
Always be strong enough to fight dirty.

Final Words From Pig

Losing a leg didn’t make Pig soft — it made him smarter. You can survive a lot if you’ve got the brains to see trouble coming, the guts to hit first, and the smarts to know when to walk away (or limp, if you must).

If you want to see Pig in action — and get a front-row seat to some of his finest moments of creative survival — grab your copy of the Mortice series here.

Pig’s Survival Guide: 8 Military Tactics Every Civilian Should Know