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Who is The CP Journal
The CP Journal is an online publication dedicated to helping organizations and individuals get left of bang.
When we talk about getting left of bang, we mean developing two critical capabilities:
Detecting pre-event indicators—the warning signs of threats, risks, and hazards—before incidents occur or escalate.
Taking action when it matters. Readiness isn’t just about awareness—it’s about preventing, responding to, and recovering from disasters and incidents effectively.
What We Write
Since our first blog post in 2011, The CP Journal has continually evolved to help our readers build these essential skills. What you see today reflects that growth.
Free subscribers receive our "Profiles in Preparedness" newsletter in their inbox each weekend and can access over 300 articles about getting left of bang and preparing for an uncertain future.
Paying subscribers to the Left of Bang Academy get even more, including:
The Tactical Analysis Course. Our flagship course that teaches the behavioral analysis and threat recognition process outlined in Left of Bang.
Exclusive Playbooks. Including Project Management in Emergency Management and a growing library of members-only content.
Paying subscribers can also sign up to receive emails from our Watch Office every Wednesday, with a weekly situation report on threats and hazards delivered straight into your inbox.
Who We Are
The CP Journal is owned by Active Analysis Consulting, LLC. co-founders Patrick Van Horne and Jonathan Smith.
Patrick Van Horne
My formal journey into disaster management began as a volunteer with Team Rubicon in 2012, but my commitment to helping people and organizations prepare for crises started not long after September 11, 2001. And I have never looked back.
Today, I help organizations prepare for an uncertain future, working with clients preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters, including:
Emergency management offices
Critical infrastructure owners and operators
Special event venues
Public safety agencies
I began my career as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps and have spent over 20 years supporting public and private sector organizations in disaster preparedness as an entrepreneur, consultant, emergency manager, and volunteer. I also co-authored Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps’ Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life.
I’m always eager to learn from others in the field and welcome conversations about disaster preparedness. If that’s you, feel free to reply to one of my newsletter emails or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Outside of work, you’ll find me with my family, skiing, cooking, and playing hockey.
Jonathan Smith
My daily routine is unique and usually gets a lot of sideways glances. I wake up well before the sun (not always by choice), like to get my workouts in, play golf on the regular, and take on an eclectic mix of projects for small business owners across the country - from steaming milk to balancing the books.
Professionally, I spend the bulk of my time helping people sharpen their ability to understand human behavior, make better decisions, manage change, and improve operational efficiency. As the Co-Founder of The CP Journal, I work with our military, law enforcement, security professionals, and HR teams to enhance their ability to read people—because let’s be honest, the world would be a much better place if we all paid attention to what isn’t being said.
Before diving into behavioral analysis, I spent over ten years in the finance world, leading sales teams at BNY Mellon, selling investment solutions at Fidelity Investments, and helping people save more and spend less as a financial advisor. Along the way, I developed a knack for the client experience, change management, and always trying to be better.
When I’m not helping people become more observant, you’ll probably find me on a group text chain, the golf course, traveling, exercising, or lost in thought about a big idea. I love hearing from people that want to chat about situational awareness, making their businesses better, and how to get entire organizations on the same page. Call me, e-mail, reach out on LinkedIn, or schedule a tee time and I’ll meet you… probably anywhere in the world.
Have Questions?
Check out our FAQ page or email us at training@cp-journal.com
