Groups? Or Flyin' Solo

[BCmJUnKie]

What does everyone plan on doing as far as holding up in a SHTF/Disaster scenario.

Those of us with families, you plan on sticking it out and protecting them? What about friends and other family?

What about taking up different positions around your home with Comms. and alternating 6-8 hour watches?

There can be safety in numbers. What about consolidating ammo and food and holding a position.

Single guys too...You plan on getting some friends? Hand them a weapon?

Or do you think other people would slow you down if you had to bug out.

Having a big group can diminish options. If they are untrained.

[Kfgk14]

I'm lucky enough to have a family that stays well prepared (grandma's still around, her family grew beans to find their way through the great depression). Wood heat, generators, solar. They all live waaaaaayyy out in the boonies, know their way around all manner of tools (my uncle's a welder, and another uncle is a master carpenter, plumber, and home electrician) and they're armed. HEAVILY armed. Even grandma, bless her heart, can shoot straight. My whole mom's side lives out there. They have plans to connect on the family farm via bicycle transit or motor cycles, and several are active .Mil with carbine courses under their belts (and a concealed handgun under their belts, all of 'em). Of course I'm one state over, but I could make my way to them if I had to. It' take weeks, months maybe, but I could get there, I've traveled that route before on a motor cycle and I could do it on foot if necessary. Of course, where I am, I'm relying on my neighbors (several carpenters, doctors, veterinarians, and a few Vietnam vets in the area, along with a couple very well-stocked local handymen). I'm the most heavily-armed member of the neighborhood, but I know there are WASR-10's in every house on the street (and ammo for them, too!), and an avid IDPA competitor lives just up the road a mile or so. So my plan is to find safety in numbers. I'm also tied down with family here, so I'm not as mobile. If I was still a bachelor, or I didn't have children, I'd be considering a more solo lifestyle, preferably on a dirt bike or other small, ultra fuel-efficient vehicle.

[BCmJUnKie]

That kind of setting would be ideal.

LOTS of property out in nowhere.

I would set up flood lights if I had something like that.

[Pork Chop]

I live in town and have a family so depending on scenario, hunkering down at home may not be feasible.

None of my extended family is even remotely prepared for anything, so in a true shtf situation I couldn't provide for them all if we wanted to preserve our supplies for my immediate concern which is my wife & kids.

If we had to bug out I plan on keeping it small & simple, unless we could partner with another small group in a beneficial way.

[Moltke]

Living in urban northern VA if there was a superdisaster and the population was left in place without rule of law or adequate resources to survive, I imagine that it would turn to a small 3rd world country very fast. I'd plan on locking down my neighborhood and arming people while establishing a power base for myself.

-- Oh, and is this a scenario where the government is going to eventually come and provide relief, or should I begin plans for expansion? --

[Kfgk14]

That kind of setting would be ideal.

LOTS of property out in nowhere.

I would set up flood lights if I had something like that.

Per light discipline, they have floods and spots, but not on infrared sensors or anything like that. They bought an old light board (think stage/concert board) and they control any strategic/defensive lighting from it. They're looking into night vision too, for greater light discipline.

[blackjack_03]

I live in a small town with no large city withing an hour and a half. I figure I would just hunker down and see what played out. Its only me and my wife so if I would have to move I could do it pretty quick.

[Gotrovr]

staying flexible to meet situational demands would be primary focus IMO

[Eric D.]

I live behind a shopping center in a moderately sized suburb. There is a large hill between my street and the shopping center and only two roads that lead to my street. I am friends with several of the neighboring families and I trust them. They all have unique skill sets as well but only one family is armed.

I would block the roads and fortify my house. I have one friend who would be happy to provide overwatch from the hill. I want to outfit each house with at least one type of radio if not every individual. Depending on the situation, security shifts may or may not be necessary. I have grandparents in the area and my mom and sister who would probably shack up with me as well. Except for the lack of armament, I know I have enough people to hold down a spot. Moving anywhere far away would be hard. If I had to bug out I would want my brother and four other close friends with me. A small group of guys I know can move hard and fast.

[PA PATRIOT]

Depending on everyone outside your immediate family is nothing more then a security liability. Many think they can trust persons outside the immediate family but I have to say that these same people you trust now could and would turn on you in a second should the need a rise in a us versus them situation.

I see this all the time as a LEO how best friends or family members will turn on each other over minor issues let a lone a SHTF event.

[Belmont31R]

I would only personally leave the house if staying posed grave immediate danger.


1. We have nowhere to go since no family within even a days drive with property outside the city.

2. Amount of supplies we can take is limited.

3. Running out of gas, and I don't want to face a pissed off landowner if we tried squatting on someones land.

4. Theres several like minded people on my street, and there is safety in numbers.

[Brimstone]

Staying put with family and a few neighbors unless conditions dictate otherwise. I live in a small neighborhood on the side of a mountain. Limited access in or out, but options for fall back defensive positions. The location itself is very defensible and makes for a harder target than the easy pickings in the valley below.

[Just a Jarhead]

Depending on everyone outside your immediate family is nothing more then a security liability. Many think they can trust persons outside the immediate family but I have to say that these same people you trust now could and would turn on you in a second should the need a rise in a us versus them situation.

I see this all the time as a LEO how best friends or family members will turn on each other over minor issues let a lone a SHTF event.

All of this is very true but there are ways to minimize the threat. And necessity may dictate otherwise
1).Start out making sure you share the same spirtual beliefs. To me this is probably the most critical in trusting each others intentions or how we'll react down the road. Will you turn on me & kill me? Probably not if we share the same belief system & fear the same GOD. Of course anything is possible but this is the best way to minimize that threat.
2).As much as you can without compromising OPSEC, start reaching out to others now to form alliances and get to know each other. Seeing how they react/behave is different settings including wife & kids. If you know you're kids are little animals and you can;t even really stand being around them, and your wife is the Bitch from hell, well then you may have a problem and may be better off going it alone.
3).Make sure you're skill sets are outstanding and your contributions to the group would be sorely missed. I think most of us here have a wide range of outstanding skills that any group just would not want to live without. From mechanics to computers to military experience etc etc
4). Just like in the Corps, our mutual survival depended on each other. A lot of groups that do not presently exist will be created quickly due to this. "Me not exacly liking everything about you but you're but your smart, a damn good shot and cool under pressure" is a good reason to keep you around & tolerate you. I need you for me to survive. This works both ways and most realize this.
5). Be flexible. I'm much better supplied than a few of the people I've recently met. But all my supplies do me no good if the horde's come to take them and it's only me, one man, defending them. I'm more than willing to throw my years supply of food for 2 into the common kiddy with your 2-3 months supply to gain your skill sets and back up, if I feel you're the right person.

[usmcvet]

I'm going to Silver Springs.

[Irish]

We have no family or friends in the immediate area who are prepared for anything other than daily life and some barely manage that. We'll go it alone and as much as I'd hate to I'll be turning everyone away at the door. You were warned and you didn't listen, now pay the piper. I've taken the time, money and resources to protect my family and if people didn't do the same I can't help them after the fact.

[60buckscash]

I just moved cross country so all of my networks are useless. However, before I left I did setup some friends with other friends that would be useful.

My basic situation is that I am about 2 hrs highway drive away from some family and friends. Along that route there is a major city and the end destination is 1/2 hr out of another major city. My physical stores are non existant due to the move but are being rebuilt. Depending on the situation my plan is to either run there fast with as much as we can carry, or to bunker down at work (generator, security system, concrete walls, tools, gas tank). A few other people would be heading here as well.

I guess it would also depend on the situation and how long it would last. To answer the OPs question either way I would be with others either way.

[Wolf Spyder]

The plan in place has been to fortify a single location so the like-minded family members; uncles, cousins, etc. can rally with my brothers and I. We started out with a single location, but have broadened that to include two other possible locations. For the most part, at least right now, it is a "Bring Your Own Gear" type of situation. Hopefully, by winters end, all three locations will be equally prep'ed.

[Moose-Knuckle]

Good thread idea.

By reading this thread:

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=91574

. . . we learn from a man who survived during siege warfare in Bosnia. One of the things that he emphasizes time and again is strength in numbers.

I realize that is not a reality for most, myself included. My wife and I will bug in as long as possible as we live in a big city. We would then egress to family that lives out in a rural area. I have provisions stowed there for us currently.

This video has been posted before in this sub-forum but it is relevant in this discussion as well.


Monsters of Anarchy - Post Collapse Security Considerations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOo9bjLtL3Q

[Just a Jarhead]

Good thread idea.

By reading this thread:

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=91574

. . . we learn from a man who survived during siege warfare in Bosnia. One of the things that he emphasizes time and again is strength in numbers.


This can't be stressed enough. I don't care how well armed or well trained you are, or think you are, trying to go it alone is dangerous. Between Selco's stories of his experiences in Bosnia, Fernando Aguirre Farfals' stories during the collapse of Argentina in 2000
http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Survival-Manual-Surviving-Economic/dp/9870563457
Or the stories from the collapse of Zimbabwe, history repeatedly tells us you better have backup or your as good as dead, your wife and daughter as good as raped and tortured! I am doing everything I can to get at least 5-6 "like-minded" men together. When I succeed at that number, I'll increase the effort to 12. It's an ongoing effort. It taint easy...I know.

Roaming bands of armed gangs numbering 30-200 were common in every instance. Do what you can do NOW to find others. They're out there, nervous & concerned like the rest of us. You have to (should, for your own good & the good of your family) make the concerted effort to find them. These thugs act badass but are really cowards at heart and will move onto a softer target if repelled sufficiently. And just remember, "Rambo" was a fictional character. There maybe 1 or 2 Rambo's alive today. "You ain't Rambo & neither am I".

[GT1]

This can't be stressed enough. I don't care how well armed or well trained you are, or think you are, trying to go it alone is dangerous.

I concur. I will say anyone prepping alone or planning to go solo(Or single family unit) is only holding their supplies(And your women) for the first group that finds you. Solo is probably fine if the NG will be along in a few days. Anything more serious, yeah.

Unfortunately, finding a band of well armed friends(That you can trust with your family) that are up for such a thing is difficult.

I plan on a few thousand rounds of ammo, enough consumables to get through a week or 10 days. If it looks like long term, I won't feel like playing that game and will save the last round for myself. (Better to be at ground zero and never know what happened, if it is that kind of scenario.)

[PA PATRIOT]

"Rambo" was a fictional character. There maybe 1 or 2 Rambo's alive today. "You ain't Rambo & neither am I".

I'M not Rambo?

Hell I better check my ID.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/The_searchers_Ford_Trailer_screenshot_%288-crop%29.jpg/220px-The_searchers_Ford_Trailer_screenshot_%288-crop%29.jpg
Your right it said my name is John Wayne.

Thank you Pilgrim.:laugh:

Seriously,

If you add outsiders to the group they should bring equal asset's and skills to the group or those lacking in such become a drain on the resources of the whole.

[mskdgunman]

I'm lucky enough to have a couple friends who live about 30 minutes from me who live on some property and are true "good ol boys" but with the addition of some rather specifc military and medical skills. He's not one for taking folks in unless you can bring something to the table and my GF and I have a standing invite. Hell, he'll probably come grab us if it gets bad. He's been laying in supplies for 10-15 years and pretty self sufficient. He hunt's traps and is in general pretty handy. My contribution is weapons, ammo and other supplies.

He's off the beaten path and what neighbors he has are pretty like minded so, worst case scenario, we bug in there. He's leery of strangers though and not likely to accept members into the fold unless he's got some experience with them. I'd anticipate keeping a low profile and maintaining security.

As a side note, he had even offered to take my enderly parents in (before they passed away) as he knew that for a time during a SHTF scenario, my GF and I (both LEO's) would be more then likely be otherwise engaged, at least to a certain point.

[6933]

Going at it "alone" is perfectly reasonable provided the individuals are capable. I have spent much of my life in the woods; much of it in bad weather and rough terrain. This is where my mindset comes from. IF one has the abilities, then hiking way, way, way into backcountry and living is quite feasible. For the vast majority, it is not. For me, it is. I can take the wife and kid and hit the trail head. Wife and I both regularly strap on packs and head out; with infant.

I have the ability and intent to get so far away(if need be) that roaming groups would be a remote, unlikely probability. Give me an hour or so to load up, then I can drive to location and pack in supplies. Have to leave from home with no car? Okay. Just means a longer hike. I luv me some Malice pack.

[PA PATRIOT]

I always considered a Outfitter heavy canvas tent with all the basics concealed out in the middle of no were which would be about a three to five day hike from are BUG out location just encase we had to abandon the primary site. I even researched and purchased the tent but could never come to just leave so much gear in the middle of the woods.

[Abraxas]

If you add outsiders to the group they should bring equal asset's and skills to the group or those lacking in such become a drain on the resources of the whole. While I agree for the most part, no one is a master of all. Some people are good to bring in because they can help in areas you may be lacking.
So just because they might be lacking in an area you know to be important, they might strengthen your position overall.

[munch520]

What does everyone plan on doing as far as holding up in a SHTF/Disaster scenario.

Those of us with families, you plan on sticking it out and protecting them? What about friends and other family?

What about taking up different positions around your home with Comms. and alternating 6-8 hour watches?

There can be safety in numbers. What about consolidating ammo and food and holding a position.

Single guys too...You plan on getting some friends? Hand them a weapon?

Or do you think other people would slow you down if you had to bug out.

Having a big group can diminish options. If they are untrained.

Good thoughts...our plan, generally, is for my immediate family to stay battened down first and asses the situation. We have stores of food, fuel, ammo, and all the other usual stuff and can stay put for a couple months if necessary.

However, that's not what our plan is. Week to two maximum in our home. When possible, rendezvous with a couple other like-minded individuals and head out to the farm. These guys are a couple walks of life, all tradespeople though (doctor, vet, mechanic, farmer). All prepared in similar ways.

Once at the farm, there's enough store there for 10 people for 52 weeks. Plus generators (circuit boards for them and everything else in Faraday cages), floodlights, ATVs, medicine, seeds, etc.

So my answer is...ours is hybrid :) we stay isolated at first and gather as much intel as possible in regards to the severity of the situation. Based on that assessment, ride it out or head west to the farm.