Lesson 4: Making the Best Snowball

Son(s),

There will be a time when you must defend your homes, your property and even your family. You must do this with full courage, knowing that at any time, those trying to take from you what is most valuable, could hurl a snowball right at your face. You must be ready. And I will equip you as best as possible to make the best snowball. You will not fail us. You will be victorious.

Step 1: Starting with the best snow possible

The best packing snow is not overly wet or too dry. Too wet snow will pack to hard and make for more of an iceball than a snowball and can quickly lead to a war of escalating iceballs being thrown and stuff getting real. Too dry snow will not pack at all and will disintegrate immediately after being thrown. In case of having too dry snow, look for places that are near houses, roads or in direct sunlight. These will generally be warmer places and have more packable snow. In a worst case scenario, use your bare hands to warm the snow slightly as you pack. It may be cold, but, you are men and war is hell. I guess, it's a cold hell, where snowball are plentiful.

Step 2: Packing the snow

Once you have found the perfect snow, collect a handful and start slowly packing the snow building up the pressure. Once it no longer compresses easily, smooth off the edges so you have a nice, round ball, slightly smaller than a grown man's fist. If you have time, build up some extra ammo early on, however if you are under attack, only make one at a time so you can keep on the move. Use gloves not mittens to pack the snow as you need the dexterity to form the ball.

Step 3: Utilizing your brothers in snow

Make sure that if you have any family with you to use them for support. If they are siblings, make sure you got their back. If they are cousins, or aunts or uncles, then by all means use them as you see fit, even if you must sacrifice them to a barrage of snowballs by the enemy in order to get the best snowball throws in. Use your surroundings for protection and remember in close corridor fighting, that a face full of loose snow can be an effective method escape if you find yourself to be in a compromising position. It can distract, provide some cover and even do the same amount of damage depending on angel and distance to the target.

Your mother and I believe in you. You are the best of the best. Be safe out there.

Love,

The General (Dad)