ZombieResources.com serves as a preparedness and survival reference library. This site prioritizes accuracy, legality, and responsible stewardship of source documents. Not all military or government publications are approved for public redistribution, even when they are publicly viewable elsewhere.
This policy explains how documents are evaluated, why some materials are hosted, and why others are referenced but not redistributed.
1. Core Principles
- ZombieResources.com does not operate as a document mirror or file dump.
- All hosted documents are reviewed for public release authorization.
- Distribution markings on the document itself are treated as authoritative.
- Availability does not imply permission to redistribute.
2. Public-Domain vs Public-Release
Many U.S. government publications are not copyrighted under U.S. law. However, lack of copyright does not automatically grant permission for public redistribution.
The determining factor for hosting is the document’s distribution statement, not its age, popularity, or presence on other websites.
3. Distribution Statements
ZombieResources.com classifies documents based on their official distribution markings:
Approved for Public Release
Documents explicitly marked:
“Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.”
These documents may be hosted, linked, embedded, and downloaded from this site.
Restricted Distribution
Documents marked with language such as:
- “Distribution authorized to U.S. Government agencies only”
- “Distribution authorized to DoD and DoD contractors only”
- References to DA Forms, controlled circulation, or contractor limitations
- Destruction notices
These documents are not hosted or redistributed by ZombieResources.com. They may be referenced for historical or doctrinal context only.
Availability-Only Statements
Some publications state that they are available only through an official command website. This language indicates controlled access, not public redistribution permission.
ZombieResources.com does not mirror or host these documents and will instead link to the official source when appropriate.
4. Superseded and Legacy Documents
Older manuals and regulations are often replaced by newer doctrine. When a legacy document lacks public-release authorization, it is treated as reference-only, even if newer public manuals exist.
ZombieResources.com favors hosting the most current publicly released doctrine while preserving awareness of historical sources.
5. Third-Party Reprints
Some documents are commercial or third-party reprints of government manuals. Even when the original text is public-domain, the reprint itself may include copyrighted formatting, scans, or annotations.
ZombieResources.com does not host third-party reprints unless redistribution rights are explicitly clear.
6. Why Some Documents Are Referenced but Not Downloadable
When a document is listed but not downloadable, it is not an oversight. It reflects deliberate compliance with the document’s distribution markings.
This approach ensures:
- Respect for official distribution controls
- Legal and ethical hosting practices
- Long-term credibility of the site
7. Ongoing Review
Documents are periodically re-evaluated as new editions are released or distribution statuses change. Hosting decisions may be updated accordingly.
ZombieResources.com favors caution, clarity, and accuracy over convenience.
8. Summary
ZombieResources.com hosts only documents that are explicitly approved for public release. All other materials are treated as reference-only and are not redistributed.
This policy exists to ensure that preparedness knowledge is shared responsibly, accurately, and with respect for official publication controls.