SHTF Groups

[keylay31]

For SHTF situations, do you plan on just "going it alone" and sticking to family only, or do you have a group of like minded individuals that you plan on meeting up with to share resources, security, etc? I'm interested because I've always assumed it was more the first, but a guy I was talking to seemed to have some sort of group of 20 people or so. Not sure how formal it was, or how you would even find such group. What say you guys?

[tmckay2]

For SHTF situations, do you plan on just "going it alone" and sticking to family only, or do you have a group of like minded individuals that you plan on meeting up with to share resources, security, etc? I'm interested because I've always assumed it was more the first, but a guy I was talking to seemed to have some sort of group of 20 people or so. Not sure how formal it was, or how you would even find such group. What say you guys?

groups would be nice, but one thing to remember if it realy does go bad, is its hard to truly trust anyone. fact is survival takes over and even close friends will back stab you if they feel it is absolutely necessary to do so. id need a pretty long lasting relationship, theyd have to be close by, and have to be completely supplied. think about it. say you keep a saw for cutting wood. you tell the guy in your group for months to get a saw because he may need it. he refuses. then it all goes bad and youve got the saw and you both need it, how long does it take before things get ugly between you two?

[cstone]

This is similar to what I am thinking about in this thread: http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55465&referrerid=3409

[Omicron]

This is indeed an interesting idea, but tmckay makes a good point - how far can you really trust people you don't know in a true SHTF scenario? I'm not quite that cynical - I think people you know well will not screw you unless they have no other choice, but a well organized group who's planned and trained together will likely stick together in a crisis and not turn inward unless things are REALLY REALLY bad.

The problem is in finding people you can talk about SHTF honestly with, then choose a leader and leadership structure, then come up with a training plan, then finding the time to train. Much easier said than done.

I've thought for a long time there's a market for neighborhoods that are built with self-reliance / preppers in mind, then only sold to people of the right mindset and who agree to participate. They'd have to be screened, and agree via some kind of a contract to a certain amount of training and duties and prep for their families and the community. Then if SHTF you'd have defensible homes arranged in a defensible manner populated with people who are trained and equipped to protect themselves and survive for the long haul. Such a community is apt to be able to hold on indefinitely.

[Sawin]

...

I've thought for a long time there's a market for neighborhoods that are built with self-reliance / preppers in mind, then only sold to people of the right mindset and who agree to participate. They'd have to be screened, and agree via some kind of a contract to a certain amount of training and duties and prep for their families and the community. Then if SHTF you'd have defensible homes arranged in a defensible manner populated with people who are trained and equipped to protect themselves and survive for the long haul. Such a community is apt to be able to hold on indefinitely.

This would undoubtedly lead to the "compound" assertion from the neighboring public. They'd look at that neighborhood as a cult or something. That's not exactly an appealing selling point. I think having a close group of friends and family in the 5-6 couples (10-12 adults and their kids) range is about as good as it can be... any more than that and you'll definitely have an outcast couple or two who will feel undermined or less valuable, and divisions will follow. The fallout may not be to life or death levels, but it would be emotional, especially for the women...ever seen a mid-season episode of survivor?

In a SHTF scenario, I plan to team up with friends from church and family, as well as a couple close neighbors. We'll help each other get supplies, barter amongst ourselves, and share intel and observations, but that's probably about it. The event that triggers the shtf would have to be huge in order for it to go further than that. I have zero intent to move in with anyone else, or have them move in with me... bugging in is still the plan. They should too. If forced out, it's off to western Nebraska to the in laws section.

[Chad4000]

I hae always thought a little group... I think that would probably make the most sense.. but I am prepared to hit the road with just the fam too...

[HoneyBadger]

Seriously though, apart from being viewed as a cult, I have been thinking of a way to organize such a neighborhood for a few years now. The conclusion that I've come to is that you would either need hundreds of people on board to include every house in the neighborhood (which would be nearly impossible to control if things got bad unless you really were a cult), or you would have to be out in the sticks somewhere. It seems that there may be some people with this idea along highway 94 on the way to Kansas, but they are pretty far out there... A bit further out there than I could convince my wife to live.

I could however see this working especially well with a little mountain community of say, 5-10 houses and everyone would be very self-sufficient: Wind or solar power, wells, septic, well-fortified houses. They could be off the grid as much or as little as they want. Personally I would love to have a backup source of power and a well. If only I had the money to buy some property in the mountains right now...

[Hitman 6]

The problem is in finding people you can talk about SHTF honestly with, then choose a leader and leadership structure, then come up with a training plan, then finding the time to train. Much easier said than done.


Boom. +1

[sellersm]

It must be a cohesive group with clearly communicated, commonly shared, deep values. Think back to the old communities of the West in our country's early days!

[HoneyBadger]

It must be a cohesive group with clearly communicated, commonly shared, deep values. Think back to the old communities of the West in our country's early days!

Also, I think everyone in the group should have equal investment to the cause, whether it is monetary investment, time investment, supplies, whatever. In addition to what Sellersm said, everyone in the group needs to embody the same level of mental and physical commitment, or it might not hold up.

Now, who wants to buy some acreage, split it into parcels, and build some homes for likeminded individuals? I bet if somebody did this right, they could screen the buyers and "build" a group that could work, right?

[Wiggity]

When I saw the title, i immediately thought of groups of S after a chunk had HTF

[HoneyBadger]

When I saw the title, i immediately thought of groups of S after a chunk had HTF


[Eek3] [Eek3] [Eek3] [Puke]

[xring]

This would undoubtedly lead to the "compound" assertion from the neighboring public. They'd look at that neighborhood as a cult or something. That's not exactly an appealing selling point. I think having a close group of friends and family in the 5-6 couples (10-12 adults and their kids) range is about as good as it can be... any more than that and you'll definitely have an outcast couple or two who will feel undermined or less valuable, and divisions will follow. The fallout may not be to life or death levels, but it would be emotional, especially for the women...ever seen a mid-season episode of survivor?

In a SHTF scenario, I plan to team up with friends from church and family, as well as a couple close neighbors. We'll help each other get supplies, barter amongst ourselves, and share intel and observations, but that's probably about it. The event that triggers the shtf would have to be huge in order for it to go further than that. I have zero intent to move in with anyone else, or have them move in with me... bugging in is still the plan. They should too. If forced out, it's off to western Nebraska to the in laws section.


I know a woman who is trying to start greenhouses in housing communities. She says hell they have a community rec room and pool why not greenhouse. Her vision is for everone to put in a little time and she can provide instruction how to grow. No cult. no time invested no vegetables. not everyone uses the rec room. People want self reliance. People want healthy food. Not everone wants to be a full time gardener although its certainly theraputic, but if the community is sharing the weight and getting bulk discounts... Wouldnt it be worth a half hour of your time a day for fresh vegetables? Wouldnt that institution augment property values?

[Omicron]

Seriously though, apart from being viewed as a cult, I have been thinking of a way to organize such a neighborhood for a few years now. The conclusion that I've come to is that you would either need hundreds of people on board to include every house in the neighborhood (which would be nearly impossible to control if things got bad unless you really were a cult), or you would have to be out in the sticks somewhere. It seems that there may be some people with this idea along highway 94 on the way to Kansas, but they are pretty far out there... A bit further out there than I could convince my wife to live.

I could however see this working especially well with a little mountain community of say, 5-10 houses and everyone would be very self-sufficient: Wind or solar power, wells, septic, well-fortified houses. They could be off the grid as much or as little as they want. Personally I would love to have a backup source of power and a well. If only I had the money to buy some property in the mountains right now...Exactly the kind of thing I envision. [Beer]

[Omicron]

I know a woman who is trying to start greenhouses in housing communities. She says hell they have a community rec room and pool why not greenhouse. Her vision is for everone to put in a little time and she can provide instruction how to grow. No cult. no time invested no vegetables. not everyone uses the rec room. People want self reliance. People want healthy food. Not everone wants to be a full time gardener although its certainly theraputic, but if the community is sharing the weight and getting bulk discounts... Wouldnt it be worth a half hour of your time a day for fresh vegetables? Wouldnt that institution augment property values?Sounds like a great idea to me.

[Goodburbon]

I'm in a "group", and while I won't get into specifics I can say that it just developed naturally through conversation with close friends.

Here are some issues we've encountered.
1. Family members "cool, we're coming to your house when SHTF. We won't contribute anything because we don't believe S will ever HTF, but if it does we'll be knocking on your door.
2. 2 members seem to be financing the entire operation. It's quickly become a "from each according to his ability" operation.
3. Settling on standards. When we formed, the springfield XD was the chosen pistol, but as time wore on everyone somehow acquired HK USPs. Now 3 people are in a situation where they have the "group standard" but the majority of the group has moved on to bigger and better things (as the group expanded and took in family members). Ammunition? 55gr, 62gr....etc.
4. Distractions/finite resources. Most acutely seen with energy choices. Should we go with Solar? 20k+ longer term viability.. Propane generator run intermittently?$3k (we have the generator, this would be an extra 1000 gallon tank and fill) Mid-term (up to 1 year) Coal heating? Wood? Propane? etc. These debates have cost a lot of time and energy.

[HoneyBadger]

I'm in a "group", and while I won't get into specifics I can say that it just developed naturally through conversation with close friends.

Here are some issues we've encountered.
1. Family members "cool, we're coming to your house when SHTF. We won't contribute anything because we don't believe S will ever HTF, but if it does we'll be knocking on your door.
2. 2 members seem to be financing the entire operation. It's quickly become a "from each according to his ability" operation.
3. Settling on standards. When we formed, the springfield XD was the chosen pistol, but as time wore on everyone somehow acquired HK USPs. Now 3 people are in a situation where they have the "group standard" but the majority of the group has moved on to bigger and better things (as the group expanded and took in family members). Ammunition? 55gr, 62gr....etc.
4. Distractions/finite resources. Most acutely seen with energy choices. Should we go with Solar? 20k+ longer term viability.. Propane generator run intermittently?$3k (we have the generator, this would be an extra 1000 gallon tank and fill) Mid-term (up to 1 year) Coal heating? Wood? Propane? etc. These debates have cost a lot of time and energy.

Thanks for the great insight! If you have time, I'd love to hear as much as you're willing to share about any other challenges your group has faced. What about political differences? religious differences? lifestyle differences?

[Omicron]

I'm in a "group", and while I won't get into specifics I can say that it just developed naturally through conversation with close friends.

Here are some issues we've encountered.
1. Family members "cool, we're coming to your house when SHTF. We won't contribute anything because we don't believe S will ever HTF, but if it does we'll be knocking on your door.
2. 2 members seem to be financing the entire operation. It's quickly become a "from each according to his ability" operation.
3. Settling on standards. When we formed, the springfield XD was the chosen pistol, but as time wore on everyone somehow acquired HK USPs. Now 3 people are in a situation where they have the "group standard" but the majority of the group has moved on to bigger and better things (as the group expanded and took in family members). Ammunition? 55gr, 62gr....etc.
4. Distractions/finite resources. Most acutely seen with energy choices. Should we go with Solar? 20k+ longer term viability.. Propane generator run intermittently?$3k (we have the generator, this would be an extra 1000 gallon tank and fill) Mid-term (up to 1 year) Coal heating? Wood? Propane? etc. These debates have cost a lot of time and energy.
Good insights indeed. Wondering how you've "encountered" these? Do you mean you've discussed them so you're ready for them? Not playing with semantics, just don't see how you could have encountered these situations unless in a real STHF situation.

[Goodburbon]

Good insights indeed. Wondering how you've "encountered" these? Do you mean you've discussed them so you're ready for them? Not playing with semantics, just don't see how you could have encountered these situations unless in a real STHF situation.


Ok you got me. They are problems we've had while making decisions as a group.[Flower][Flower]

[Goodburbon]

Religious differences. Most of the group is Christian, and my wife and I tolerate and respect that. They know we aren't.

Politically, either they are just humoring me or we hold to pretty much the same principles.

Disasters anticipated. There are some differences, I'm a "just prep, stop worrying about everything that might happen", while the other major party head is a "Look what's going on in Europe, what about the solar storms, what about....." This is easy to overcome. Just accept it, discuss it with him and let him come to the conclusion that we're prepared/ can easily prepare/ or that there is no preparation that will work for any such event.


The family issue was a big one. My wife's brother is a "I'm coming to your house" character. So my reaction is to provide basic preps for him. .22, .22ammo, rice, beans, flour. and let him supplement the rest with what he can kill or grow. One of the other hot headed members decided that he'd rather just send him away under threat of death rather than take on a freeloader, ironically that same member doesn't yet have 6 months of food for his family yet and has decided to take up bench rest shooting as a hobby. He may not be a member much longer.

Speaking of killing, everyone seemed to be operating under the zombie principle. That we would just keep a 600m perimeter and shoot anyone that comes closer...I had to point out that you could not identify a friend/foe/indifferent at that range and that just shooting people that cross the 600m mark is not only bad policy, it's murder. We've adapted a more comprehensive defense plan.

[roberth]

The problem is in finding people you can talk about SHTF honestly with, then choose a leader and leadership structure, then come up with a training plan, then finding the time to train. Much easier said than done.



It must be a cohesive group with clearly communicated, commonly shared, deep values. Think back to the old communities of the West in our country's early days!


I'm in a "group", and while I won't get into specifics I can say that it just developed naturally through conversation with close friends.

Here are some issues we've encountered.
1. Family members "cool, we're coming to your house when SHTF. We won't contribute anything because we don't believe S will ever HTF, but if it does we'll be knocking on your door.
2. 2 members seem to be financing the entire operation. It's quickly become a "from each according to his ability" operation.
3. Settling on standards. When we formed, the springfield XD was the chosen pistol, but as time wore on everyone somehow acquired HK USPs. Now 3 people are in a situation where they have the "group standard" but the majority of the group has moved on to bigger and better things (as the group expanded and took in family members). Ammunition? 55gr, 62gr....etc.
4. Distractions/finite resources. Most acutely seen with energy choices. Should we go with Solar? 20k+ longer term viability.. Propane generator run intermittently?$3k (we have the generator, this would be an extra 1000 gallon tank and fill) Mid-term (up to 1 year) Coal heating? Wood? Propane? etc. These debates have cost a lot of time and energy.

Excellent points all.

Trust and trusting members to do the agreed upon thing
Equality and by this I mean every member must make a significant contribution, no slackers, freeloaders, or cheapskates.
The ability to say NO to people, even family who just expect you to help them. This might mean emphasizing your NO with force.
Skillset crosstraining - some people will be naturally better at some things but everyone can learn a little of everything.

I'm sure I missed a few things.

Thank you for the insight Goodburbon.

[Wulf202]

my group pretty much dissolved because of the above issues. good points.

[Danimal]

This is something that I have put a lot of thought into and there is an end result. Basically there are two situations that you have to consider:

1) The economy / government has eroded and lost control. Crime is soaring but there is still commerce in one form or another. Essentially a wild west type of environment.

2) Complete social breakdown. No law, no morals, worst case scenario.

The first is honestly the most likely due to the current hoards of completely dependent people. In this scenario there is a chance for groups to form, but they are only going to be successful if they fall into one of two categories:

1) They are all like minded prepared members that respect and trust one another absolutely.

2) They have no other option for survival so they band together for strength in numbers.

The first is like an old west town, the second is a common street gang. Chances are these will be the two groups in competition for resources. There are combinations and other options, but this as far as I can tell is a fairly comprehensive breakdown. With that said, the only way that a group will survive is if their environment falls into the first category of both conditions. Other than that it will be impossible to keep people together for any length of time.

The only real reason to have a group is self defense. Trade / bartering can be conducted with anyone, provided you have the means of defending yourself and your property. The real threat is being overrun by a larger gang type group. Sure it would be nice to have someone that you trust to trade with, but on a long enough timeline you will have to venture out of your compound and trade with others, and for hunter gathering type activities.

But for me it all boils down to one absolute, and that is that you can only trust family. My family has had this mentality for some time now and everyone is diversifying into very specific skill sets. I am electrical / mechanical engineering, one brother is a physician, my dad is former special forces and great at killing stuff and my sister is a cultural anthropologist... (there is always one in every family that just doesn't get it.) We all hunt and shoot and we all prep as best as we can.

I still have a group of friends that I plan on banding together with in order to make an initial stand if need be, and to travel to my families planned meeting place (we all grew up together and our families live close). But I do not plan on having them be a formal part of my group. We will all protect our own families and work together as needed, but to attempt to form anything beyond a loose community is frivolous because everyone has their own priorities that will always come before your priorities. This is not to say that I would not help my friends and their families if they were in need, but to pre-establish a community will be a lot of wasted time when it falls apart.

After a certain point it becomes clear that planning can only go so far because the possible choices that you will encounter are too numerous and lead down too many diverging paths. The one thing that I would throw out there as the most important aspect of this whole topic is to have a planned meeting place for everyone in your family that you care about. Then they are individually responsible for ensuring that they have the means to get there. If you put enough preparation into this location everything else will fall into place as best as it can depending on the choices you make.

If we are lucky enough for only a short term loss of government / economic collapse then communities will form and there will be opportunity to redevelop society as we know it hopefully purging liberal ideals for a few generations. If that continues to fall into complete social breakdown you end up with a 5 seconds after situation where you can expect 80 - 90% of the people around you to die and that is something no group can handle and remain organized. No amount of preparation can change the path of a community subjected to that level of disaster. It will be all by the seat of your pants decisions that people will make because they have no other choice. The strong will live, the weak will die.

[keylay31]

Good conversations guys, this is exactly what I was hoping would develop. After thinking this through, you'd have to have family or buddies you've known for decades who have the same mindset and live close by. I think for most people, this isn't too feasible, and thus it would be an immediate family type of thing. I myself am not really a prepper, but probably should be. Finances often get in the way.

[Skully]

Good conversations guys, this is exactly what I was hoping would develop. After thinking this through, you'd have to have family or buddies you've known for decades who have the same mindset and live close by. ........


Same thoughts myself guys.

I have always been a planner, creating scenarios and thinking about how to or what plans would I do to cover whatever might get encountered. I am not paranoid I have always had a wild imagination and am a methodical planner. I am always thinking and day dreaming about what if this would happen, what would I do? This same thought has applied to my 4 wheeling hobby, I always carry spare parts and/ or tools needed in case of an emergency or just in case something broke. It has actually saved me from spending the night somewhere I did not want to.

Some of my current friends, if I ever mentioned random shit talk about this stuff they always make fun of me saying I am acting like one of those paranoid dooms-dayers. What could happen they say?!

Yeah what could happen, human history is riddled with end of era society and re-birth. Not to mention countless natural disaster we should all expect will eventually happen because we are overdue as scientists would say.

It would be nice to meet individuals of like thinking and come up with plans in case SHTF and be able to hold some form of organized civilized mini society. Currently my thoughts have been I have some basic preparations, run to the hills to remote area not many travel and look for others who had that much forethought as well and team up.

[Omicron]

Some of my current friends, if I ever mentioned random shit talk about this stuff they always make fun of me saying I am acting like one of those paranoid dooms-dayers. What could happen they say?! Do ALL of your friends act like this? And is it when you bring it up in a group setting, or individually? There's a "group think" thing that often happens with people together, where one scoffing can be enough to make them all do it. I'd suggest you bring it up individually, then you're more apt to get a real read on who's with you and who isn't. Those that aren't can be ignored when it comes to prepping, and in fact, I'd never bring it up with them again - as those'll be the guys who'll remember your comments, and want to come mooch off you if SHTF.

For those that you identify that are of a like mind, cultivate them gradually. It may only be one or two at first, but eventually you may develop a network of like-minded individuals, which is more than you have today.

[Great-Kazoo]

I base a lot on comfort level, Trust falls in to this category. There are some i would suggest if needed to swing by IF things became worse, politics aside as the comfort level trumps their poly thoughts.
Mountains are out for running to. Get behind a dually with 5th wheel that busted an axle and your up shit's creek. Never mind how good physical shape you're in it's the others in the group i doubt are going to start humping gear over the peaks vs driving to them. Combine this with a short grow season vs the plains and your food sustainability once game animals become thinned, gets limited.

Power outages, natural disasters are always a possibility and having a good phone tree/ lines of communication is a must have for anyone.
Are there some i would include that are not too gun savvy, absolutely as their skill set trumps gun knowledge.

[Irving]

We're moving and we have already met the neighbors to the left of us and directly across the street from us. One has CCW and the other is looking to get one. Both are into hunting and fishing and prepping. I was given a full tour of the one guys house and he was very open with me. It is like moving next door to Jerrymc and Marlin (one is a retired electrician) or something. One guy has has a few fruit trees and his wife cans every year. Also, I have some type of RV on three sides of me.

I am really excited to move into an area where my immediate neighbors are so gung-ho about issues that I feel strongly about. Too bad it is just a small rental and we'll be moving once we find our own house. No HOA either.

We went over just to check the place out, and ended up staying for something like two hours getting introduced four different neighbors. We haven't even seen the inside of this house yet.

[HoneyBadger]

Some of my current friends, if I ever mentioned random shit talk about this stuff they always make fun of me saying I am acting like one of those paranoid dooms-dayers.

Speaking of getting people in the right mindset.... I made a HUGE step with my wife today! We had 2 evacuees staying at our house during the Waldo Canyon fire, and they literally just brought sleeping bags for 2 night and 3 days. (I hope it was eye-opening for them too!) They are gone now, but this morning my wife and I were talking about all the fires, the tropical storm in the south, the heatwave in the midwest, and the winds/power outage affecting much of the Northeast, including Washington DC where MSM is reporting that millions of people could be without power for 3-4 days. During all of this, I kind of jokingly said "Gosh, that sounds like a good reason to stock up on rice and bottled water!" and she replied with "yeah no kidding. Wanna pick some up next time you're at Costco?" For a moment I was floored and didn't know what to say, because she has always been very financially insecure and afraid to spend extra money on ANYTHING, let alone food that we don't need for the week. This is great! I just need to be careful not to go overboard or I'll lose her support in this one really quickly.



For you married fellers out there, are your wives totally onboard with your prepping or bug out plans? If so, how did you do it?

[Great-Kazoo]

Speaking of getting people in the right mindset.... I made a HUGE step with my wife today! We had 2 evacuees staying at our house during the Waldo Canyon fire, and they literally just brought sleeping bags for 2 night and 3 days. (I hope it was eye-opening for them too!) They are gone now, but this morning my wife and I were talking about all the fires, the tropical storm in the south, the heatwave in the midwest, and the winds/power outage affecting much of the Northeast, including Washington DC where MSM is reporting that millions of people could be without power for 3-4 days. During all of this, I kind of jokingly said "Gosh, that sounds like a good reason to stock up on rice and bottled water!" and she replied with "yeah no kidding. Wanna pick some up next time you're at Costco?" For a moment I was floored and didn't know what to say, because she has always been very financially insecure and afraid to spend extra money on ANYTHING, let alone food that we don't need for the week. This is great! I just need to be careful not to go overboard or I'll lose her support in this one really quickly.



For you married fellers out there, are your wives totally onboard with your prepping or bug out plans? If so, how did you do it?

Never needed to "get her on board" She has always been a gun friendly lady, who i think is still pissed after she found out i had been dipping in to ammo she thought was hers.Ask the board members who have had the opportunity meeting her. Her favorite saying is
"Without ammo all you have is an expensive paddle"

[HoneyBadger]

Never needed to "get her on board" She has always been a gun friendly lady"

My wife is fine with guns and is a decent shot (still working on that!) but she isn't really into prepping or preparedness. The prepping is more what I was asking about, especially because of the time and money involved in properly prepping.

[Omicron]

Speaking of getting people in the right mindset.... I made a HUGE step with my wife today! We had 2 evacuees staying at our house during the Waldo Canyon fire, and they literally just brought sleeping bags for 2 night and 3 days. (I hope it was eye-opening for them too!) They are gone now, but this morning my wife and I were talking about all the fires, the tropical storm in the south, the heatwave in the midwest, and the winds/power outage affecting much of the Northeast, including Washington DC where MSM is reporting that millions of people could be without power for 3-4 days. During all of this, I kind of jokingly said "Gosh, that sounds like a good reason to stock up on rice and bottled water!" and she replied with "yeah no kidding. Wanna pick some up next time you're at Costco?" For a moment I was floored and didn't know what to say, because she has always been very financially insecure and afraid to spend extra money on ANYTHING, let alone food that we don't need for the week. This is great! I just need to be careful not to go overboard or I'll lose her support in this one really quickly.



For you married fellers out there, are your wives totally onboard with your prepping or bug out plans? If so, how did you do it?For my wife the epiphany came during hurricane Katrina, when New Orleans flooded and society went to shit down there almost overnight. Runs on stores, looting run rampant, police confiscating guns from people just trying to hunker down and protect their property, people forced into evacuation shelters where crime ran rampant, etc. She realized then just how thin and easily broken down our infrastructure is, and got 90% behind prepping. We've been accumulating supplies ever since. [Beer]
The one thing we try to lean toward accumulating though is stuff we normally use in every day life, so that we're always rotating our stock. Water was an issue until we figured out a system for rotating through that too.

[Great-Kazoo]

My wife is fine with guns and is a decent shot (still working on that!) but she isn't really into prepping or preparedness. The prepping is more what I was asking about, especially because of the time and money involved in properly prepping.

Owning guns is only the start. A lot of S/O's wives etc are "ok" with guns. However, do they have a ccw, carry when out, have a gun close by them in the house etc?? Not many woman are on board ccw wise. Getting them involved with security measures around the house and property, what is their part if someone tried breaking in, are they fully familiar with the gun on hand, do they have more than one as needed? I know a lot of woman who like guns but think my wife is a little over the top. Me i believe she's almost there: but have no doubt she will step up to the plate as needed.)

[Goodburbon]

My wife is almost there as well. She keeps a gun with her, but it's not always in the most well thought out position. She's on board with prepping. I don't know that there was much question about it or convincing, it just happened. I mean honestly, spending an extra 10-20 a week on groceries didn't hurt anything. I'd just ask her to pick up a case of tuna, or a case of beans, or a 25# bag of sugar, flour, rice, salt, etc when she goes to the store. WE started with bare cupboards and had a month's supply of food in short order, and it's just crept up from there, where we were suddenly needing long term storage, more storage space, water, etc.

[Skully]

Do ALL of your friends act like this? And is it when you bring it up in a group setting, or individually? There's a "group think" thing that often happens with people together, where one scoffing can be enough to make them all do it. I'd suggest you bring it up individually, then you're more apt to get a real read on who's with you and who isn't. Those that aren't can be ignored when it comes to prepping, and in fact, I'd never bring it up with them again - as those'll be the guys who'll remember your comments, and want to come mooch off you if SHTF.

For those that you identify that are of a like mind, cultivate them gradually. It may only be one or two at first, but eventually you may develop a network of like-minded individuals, which is more than you have today.

Well a little prequel, 7 years ago when I was single I had my good friends that were into the same things; guns, four wheeling, camping etc. we talked, but nothing serious at the time. Got married, had kids, those friends moved on as well even to different states, now I have little time and my friends now are usually co-workers. I work in Human Services, so most of them are liberals other than my Behavior Analyst friend who is definitely conservative. He hated Obama and got a lot of flak for being in human services and not supporting him.................
[Coffee]

I talk to my wife who believes in my ideas and is with me being prepared for anything.

I just need to find time to make new friends in like mind, and go from there. If not, prepare my family and then if SHTF look for you guys........ [Beer]

[Skully]

Owning guns is only the start. A lot of S/O's wives etc are "ok" with guns. However, do they have a ccw, carry when out, have a gun close by them in the house etc?? Not many woman are on board ccw wise. Getting them involved with security measures around the house and property, what is their part if someone tried breaking in, are they fully familiar with the gun on hand, do they have more than one as needed? I know a lot of woman who like guns but think my wife is a little over the top. Me i believe she's almost there: but have no doubt she will step up to the plate as needed.)

My wife shoots minimally but not a lot of experience (she is not very big most of my guns her hands don't fit right.) so I bought her a little Ruger LC9 with laser for home defense or CCW (if she decides to pursue that) for Xmas.

She was telling me that she worries about our little boys and wanted to know what I thought about making sure they will survive and not suffer if there was anything that would happen. We talked about all the options and what my plans/thoughts were. She is pretty confident in my plans in case. So it is nice having her agree and be on the same page, so I guess I am lucky in that factor.

[Omicron]

Well that IS a form of a start... I've made some good friends here on this site, who clearly are of a like mind. After getting your spouse on board, even one or two other people is a good base to build from. :)

[Sawin]

Well a little prequel, 7 years ago when I was single I had my good friends that were in to the same things; guns four wheeling, camping etc. we talked but nothing serious. Got married, had kids, those friends moved on to different states, now I have little time my friends are usually co-workers. I work in Human Services, so most of them are liberals other than my Behavior Analyst friend who is definitely conservative.
[Coffee]

I talk to my wife who believes in my ideas and is with me and being prepared for anything.

I just need to find time to make new friends in like mind, and go from there. If not prepare my family and then if SHTF look for you guys........ [Beer]

Sounds like you and I are pretty much in the same situation. I think we've found a good place to meet helpful folks. Shoot me a PM sometime if you'd like to meet up. I live in Broomfield too.

[Skully]

Sounds like you and I are pretty much in the same situation. I think we've found a good place to meet helpful folks. Shoot me a PM sometime if you'd like to meet up. I live in Broomfield too.

Yeah defiantly, even if we have someone similar to hang out drink a beer and talk crap. [Beer]


Well that IS a form of a start... I've made some good friends here on this site, who clearly are of a like mind. After getting your spouse on board, even one or two other people is a good base to build from. :)

Yeah that is how it works, I have found some really cool people on this site and my 4 wheeling sites as well. Just never get to talk or hang out.

[HoneyBadger]

Yeah that is how it works, I have found some really cool people on this site and my 4 wheeling sites as well. Just never get to talk or hang out.

...I wish I had friends.... [BooHoo]

ETA: Just kidding! HoneyBadger don't care!

well.. I kinda do wish I had friends... :(

[Skully]

...I wish I had friends.... [BooHoo]

ETA: Just kidding! HoneyBadger don't care!

well.. I kinda do wish I had friends... :(

You need a hug? I am a little too far away to give you a hug. [Coffee]

[hollohas]

For my wife the epiphany came during hurricane Katrina, when New Orleans flooded and society went to shit down there almost overnight. Runs on stores, looting run rampant, police confiscating guns from people just trying to hunker down and protect their property, people forced into evacuation shelters where crime ran rampant, etc. She realized then just how thin and easily broken down our infrastructure is, and got 90% behind prepping. We've been accumulating supplies ever since. [Beer]
The one thing we try to lean toward accumulating though is stuff we normally use in every day life, so that we're always rotating our stock. Water was an issue until we figured out a system for rotating through that too.

My wife has been slowly coming on board with the idea of stocking up over the last year. However, she has recently been pushed into overdrive because of the fires. Our hometown, Woodland Park, had a tiny bit of trouble getting gas and other things because the main highway was shutdown. Nothing major, but enough to be apparent. We don't live there anymore and it didn't affect us directly but it reminded her that our supply chain is extremely fragile. Now she is making lists too. It's great to have a second set of eyes looking at our prepping priorities. Her organization skills are far superior to mine so her input will be extremely valuable regarding how we can store the things we use everyday.

Example: we drink a lot of milk at my house. A lot. We are currently evaluating different bulk dried milk options for flavor and price. If the price beats what we get milk at the grocery store for, and we like the taste, my home will likely soon only drink milk from powder and then we can justify buying a ton of it.

Our philosophy is "it will cost more tomorrow, so why not buy as much as we can now."

Don't believe this? Google "cost of beef rising (https://www.google.com/webhp?rlz=1C1GPCK_enUS404&sourceid=chrome-instant&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1GPCK_enUS404&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=price%20of%20beef%20rising&oq=&gs_l=&pbx=1&fp=d7a50cc02f3c90da&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=909)" for one example...

Although, the missing piece in our preps is her shooting skills. She is OK with guns and knows the basics but she won't practice.

My "group" consists of my family. We're a bit too spread out to offer support in a major, instant type of SHTF scenario, but we bounce ideas off each other almost daily. If things were to slowly degrade (like a major depression) the family would merge and provide direct and mutual support.

[Wiggity]

My wife has been slowly coming on board with the idea of stocking up over the last year. However, she has recently been pushed into overdrive because of the fires. Our hometown, Woodland Park, had a tiny bit of trouble getting gas and other things because the main highway was shutdown. Nothing major, but enough to be apparent. We don't live there anymore and it didn't affect us directly but it reminded her that our supply chain is extremely fragile. Now she is making lists too. It's great to have a second set of eyes looking at our prepping priorities. Her organization skills are far superior to mine so her input will be extremely valuable regarding how we can store the things we use everyday.

Example: we drink a lot of milk at my house. A lot. We are currently evaluating different bulk dried milk options for flavor and price. If the price beats what we get milk at the grocery store for, and we like the taste, my home will likely soon only drink milk from powder and then we can justify buying a ton of it.

Our philosophy is "it will cost more tomorrow, so why not buy as much as we can now."

Don't believe this? Google "cost of beef rising (https://www.google.com/webhp?rlz=1C1GPCK_enUS404&sourceid=chrome-instant&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1GPCK_enUS404&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=price%20of%20beef%20rising&oq=&gs_l=&pbx=1&fp=d7a50cc02f3c90da&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=909)" for one example...

Although, the missing piece in our preps is her shooting skills. She is OK with guns and knows the basics but she won't practice.

My "group" consists of my family. We're a bit too spread out to offer support in a major, instant type of SHTF scenario, but we bounce ideas off each other almost daily. If things were to slowly degrade (like a major depression) the family would merge and provide direct and mutual support.




As far as not wanting to practice. My GF love if we make it a date, bring picnic food, set up a course, and compete against each other. Try it! unless she just hates shooting.

[Skully]

I have been reading through a lot of the posts in this thread and started to analyze some of the info.

I determined there are different types of SHTF scenarios. Each one might require a little different action.

Each family, couple, or single member of a group need to have the ability to hold their own in case they are separated, but work/strive to get together with their group with several potential meeting spots.

I always thought the best way to survive would be nomadic as a group.

My home is not the perfect setup to be defended easily as many others wouldn't be as well if it came down to it.

Depending on the time of the year the mountains with the 150+ backwoods trails / service roads requiring a major 4 wheel drive might not be able to travel either due to snow. Head south to warmer climate, open areas.

Also thinking in a group dynamic, having certain roles ideally it would be nice to have a doctor or medic, someone who understands how to grow food, etc.

[Goodburbon]

my group originated in Louisiana. great growing season, fertile ground, plenty of water, and an indigenous population of so many "have nots" that makes it near impossible to stock enough bullets.

[Skully]

my group originated in Louisiana. great growing season, fertile ground, plenty of water, and an indigenous population of so many "have nots" that makes it near impossible to stock enough bullets.

So you going to make a run to Louisiana or are most close by now?

Everyone mentions food supplies, medical supplies, water source and of course training and weapons. I was thinking those with groups that have been organizing what about a library of books and reference material? SHTF internet might be useless, and having something tangible would survive better. Also thinking about seeds for plants etc.

[Great-Kazoo]

So you going to make a run to Louisiana or are most close by now?

Everyone mentions food supplies, medical supplies, water source and of course training and weapons. I was thinking those with groups that have been organizing what about a library of books and reference material? SHTF internet might be useless, and having something tangible would survive better. Also thinking about seeds for plants etc.

Having people on board who posses these skill's are great. If not technical manuals, prints and diagrams to fix what needs be should already be in stock. Not everyone i know is mechanical, medical minded or who knows what. Cross Training is something that needed to be at the forefront of any group. Owning trauma kits yet knowing how the hell to use them (and when) will be more harmful than helpful.
Around here things are loose yet able to come together as needed, in short time period. I feel the mother nature kind of disaster, be it tornado's, floods FIRE, will show any group where the strength and weakness lie vs, storm troopers goose steeping in to a location near you.
Ice storms late spring dropping power lines, is the neighborhood able to cope, alternate power wise for X time w/out assistance from EMS.

[Omicron]

Everyone mentions food supplies, medical supplies, water source and of course training and weapons. I was thinking those with groups that have been organizing what about a library of books and reference material? SHTF internet might be useless, and having something tangible would survive better. Also thinking about seeds for plants etc.
You are definitely thinking along the right lines here. [Awesom]
I'm assuming Internet would be useless, so I've been accumulating physical books and computer based equivilents (pdf's, etc) for some time now. In a prolonged SHTF scenario (TEOTWAWKI) these knowledge bases/references will be priceless. Also have enough seeds to plant crops for years.

[cofi]

For you married fellers out there, are your wives totally onboard with your prepping or bug out plans? If so, how did you do it?


use your preps.... instead of buying a 1lb sack of flour say "hey we go through a lot of this lets get that 25lb bag" start buying doubles of the canned stuff you cook that way your rotating through your stock. also if shtf your not stuck eating plain garbonzo beans wondering why you bought all this food youve never cooked with before

[cofi]

Everyone mentions food supplies, medical supplies, water source and of course training and weapons. I was thinking those with groups that have been organizing what about a library of books and reference material? SHTF internet might be useless, and having something tangible would survive better. Also thinking about seeds for plants etc.

i have a solar charger for our kindle fire ive downloaded probably 600-700 books on everything from small team tactics to field dentistry ideally i would love to have all of them in print form but as long as i take care of the thing i should be ok

[Sawin]

You are definitely thinking along the right lines here. [Awesom]
I'm assuming Internet would be useless, so I've been accumulating physical books and computer based equivilents (pdf's, etc) for some time now. In a prolonged SHTF scenario (TEOTWAWKI) these knowledge bases/references will be priceless. Also have enough seeds to plant crops for years.

Me too Omicron. I think it was on this forum that I originally downloaded a large compilation of documents (thank you again to whomever I grabbed it from), or maybe it was during my short stint on uscca (I do not recommend anyone bother joining the uscca anymore). I've since added several more docs to it, so anyone who wants it feel free to download everything I've gathered from my skydrive via the link below. It's a series of 3 zip files. There are pdf's on topics ranging from stenography, medical, weather, knots, weapons, alternative power, etc. Definitely a LOT of great material. Sheesh, just the army survival manual that's included has enough to keep you busy for weeks. I am uploading everything now, so if you're fast, you may not see all 3 zips yet.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=5CAC39F3F5A343D5!144&authkey=!n!n6PpM6YF8%24 (https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=5CAC39F3F5A343D5%21144&authkey=%21n%21n6PpM6YF8%24)

[Sawin]

Me too Omicron. I think it was on this forum that I originally downloaded a large compilation of documents (thank you again to whomever I grabbed it from), or maybe it was during my short stint on uscca (I do not recommend anyone bother joining the uscca anymore). I've since added several more docs to it, so anyone who wants it feel free to download everything I've gathered from my skydrive via the link below. It's a series of 3 zip files. There are pdf's on topics ranging from stenography, medical, weather, knots, weapons, alternative power, etc. Definitely a LOT of great material. Sheesh, just the army survival manual that's included has enough to keep you busy for weeks. I am uploading everything now, so if you're fast, you may not see all 3 zips yet.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=5CAC39F3F5A343D5!144&authkey=!n!n6PpM6YF8%24 (https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=5CAC39F3F5A343D5%21144&authkey=%21n%21n6PpM6YF8%24)

All 3 zips are available now.

[Omicron]

All 3 zips are available now.Sweet, grabbed them. Thanks!

[Sawin]

Sweet, grabbed them. Thanks!

Was it worth the bandwidth? [Coffee]Lots of material huh?

[Skully]

I am interested in why some are relying on electronic devices? Not giving any shite but I am an up-most firm believer in "MURPHY's law."

An EM pulse for example could wipe out modern electronics which are in everything now, even automobiles. Typically we all associate it with a nuclear explosion but scientifically it can occur in the cosmos. DO you guys print these documents then seal them in air tight storage?

[hollohas]

DO you guys print these documents

Yes.


then seal them in air tight storage?

Nope. Not a bad idea.

[Sawin]

I am interested in why some are relying on electronic devices? Not giving any shite but I am an up-most firm believer in "MURPHY's law."

An EM pulse for example could wipe out modern electronics which are in everything now, even automobiles. Typically we all associate it with a nuclear explosion but scientifically it can occur in the cosmos. DO you guys print these documents then seal them in air tight storage?

Don't worry Skully, I'm not relying on electronic devices. I have a lot of stuff printed and have books as well. Heirloom seeds too. You can help grow and protect the food. We live close enough :).

EMP aside, if push came to shove and I needed to print more out, I could rather quickly using various alternative power sources to keep my computer and printer working for a while, but I think the real key is to read the stuff ahead of time and try to learn as many functional skills now, as possible.

[Skully]

Yes.



Nope. Not a bad idea.

I was thinking paper degrades so if you want to keep them for reference or to teach in the future keeping them safe in airtight containers would be the safe way.


Don't worry Skully, I'm not relying on electronic devices. I have a lot of stuff printed and have books as well. Heirloom seeds too. You can help grow and protect the food. We live close enough :).

If push came to shove and I needed to print more out, I could rather quickly using various alternative power sources to keep my computer and printer working for a while, but I think the real key is to read the stuff ahead of time and try to learn as many functional skills now, as possible.

Yeah you mentioned Kindle and thought, hmmmmmm until it got fried or something. I like the library idea, yes reading and learning things now is good, but I always reference materials if it has been awhile. I have always been a jack of all trades, learn fast. I like to take things apart, read and study them until I am comfortable with the knowledge.

[Sawin]

....I like the library idea, yes reading and learning things now is good, but I always reference materials if it has been awhile. I have always been a jack of all trades, learn fast. I like to take things apart, read and study them until I am comfortable with the knowledge.

You and I are a lot alike in this regard as well.

[Great-Kazoo]

You and I are a lot alike in this regard as well.

Most towns still have libraries, a short trip to one can get you started. Think of something that you have said " If i had a few extra hours a week i would like to learn" The start reading.

[Omicron]

Was it worth the bandwidth? [Coffee]Lots of material huh?OMG yes. Amazing quantity of really good content - thanks!!!

[Omicron]

I am interested in why some are relying on electronic devices? Not giving any shite but I am an up-most firm believer in "MURPHY's law."

An EM pulse for example could wipe out modern electronics which are in everything now, even automobiles. Typically we all associate it with a nuclear explosion but scientifically it can occur in the cosmos. DO you guys print these documents then seal them in air tight storage?
Like others here, I print them.

[Wulf202]

If you print them use a laser printer not ink jet also make them front and back to save tons of room.

[Skully]

Like others here, I print them.


One thing about me is I over think things a lot. Years in my field analyzing behaviors. Sometimes it can work for me other times I just annoy others. [Coffee]

[Sawin]

OMG yes. Amazing quantity of really good content - thanks!!!

Good I'm glad. I sure was when i first downloaded it all. Feel free to share the link with others who can benefit.

[Jolly Green]

All 3 zips are available now.

Thanks for the info! Ill be set for a while with these [Beer].

[jonny450r]

I consider my close friends my family so I guess I'm a hybrid of sorts lol. Besides it'll help have a couple more people with security and different peoples knowledge to last longer if need be.

[jonny450r]

Me too Omicron. I think it was on this forum that I originally downloaded a large compilation of documents (thank you again to whomever I grabbed it from), or maybe it was during my short stint on uscca (I do not recommend anyone bother joining the uscca anymore). I've since added several more docs to it, so anyone who wants it feel free to download everything I've gathered from my skydrive via the link below. It's a series of 3 zip files. There are pdf's on topics ranging from stenography, medical, weather, knots, weapons, alternative power, etc. Definitely a LOT of great material. Sheesh, just the army survival manual that's included has enough to keep you busy for weeks. I am uploading everything now, so if you're fast, you may not see all 3 zips yet.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=5CAC39F3F5A343D5!144&authkey=!n!n6PpM6YF8%24 (https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=5CAC39F3F5A343D5%21144&authkey=%21n%21n6PpM6YF8%24)
holy crap there is some great info. thanks bud[Beer]

[Vanniek71]

I belong to a general "group" if you will called Zombie Squad....no we aren't zombie nuts, its just a saying... if you are prepared for Zombies you are prepared for anything. Anyways good group of guys lots of info, and we do charity work as well.

www.zombiehunters.org (http://www.zombiehunters.org)

We have a CO specific forum too.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Few of us roam through zombie's CO chapter too. There are less than 20 members active there if I am not mistaken.

Anyway, planning and exchanging ideas here are good, but how about a meet and greet one of these weekends. I have met many of you, would love to sit down for a lunch to pick your brainnnnn..brainnnnn.. on prep stuffs. Meanwhile, we can build trust. [Beer]

[wack8]

I'm always interested in End Of The World discussions, meetups, plans, etc. I always thought it'd be a good idea to kind of have a group nearby, so when shtf, you could meet and go to costco or a grocery store when society starts to plummet to do your last bit of stocking up. It could get sketchy going it alone to one of these locations. I always feel like there must be some group of rednecks that has a plan to lock down their local costco and shoot anyone that tries to get in, in the event of some sort of societal break down. I may be over-thinking it a bit, but that's better than not having a plan.

[Great-Kazoo]

I'm always interested in End Of The World discussions, meetups, plans, etc. I always thought it'd be a good idea to kind of have a group nearby, so when shtf, you could meet and go to costco or a grocery store when society starts to plummet to do your last bit of stocking up. It could get sketchy going it alone to one of these locations. I always feel like there must be some group of rednecks that has a plan to lock down their local costco and shoot anyone that tries to get in, in the event of some sort of societal break down. I may be over-thinking it a bit, but that's better than not having a plan.


Where you get my strategic end of world game plan from, someone hack my pc???????

I'd have an interest see how you "city" folk are doing it.

[keylay31]

I'm always interested in End Of The World discussions, meetups, plans, etc. I always thought it'd be a good idea to kind of have a group nearby, so when shtf, you could meet and go to costco or a grocery store when society starts to plummet to do your last bit of stocking up. It could get sketchy going it alone to one of these locations. I always feel like there must be some group of rednecks that has a plan to lock down their local costco and shoot anyone that tries to get in, in the event of some sort of societal break down. I may be over-thinking it a bit, but that's better than not having a plan.

That could get ugly really quickly. Especially if it's more than your group. Best to have some supplies at home and not plan on shooting people you don't have to.

[ChunkyMonkey]

I'm always interested in End Of The World discussions, meetups, plans, etc. I always thought it'd be a good idea to kind of have a group nearby, so when shtf, you could meet and go to costco or a grocery store when society starts to plummet to do your last bit of stocking up. It could get sketchy going it alone to one of these locations. I always feel like there must be some group of rednecks that has a plan to lock down their local costco and shoot anyone that tries to get in, in the event of some sort of societal break down. I may be over-thinking it a bit, but that's better than not having a plan.

Are you being serious?

[Great-Kazoo]

That could get ugly really quickly. Especially if it's more than your group. Best to have some supplies at home and not plan on shooting people you don't have to.


If he needs supplies that bad, he was never prepared.

[wack8]

Are you being serious?

Haha, semi-serious. Mainly curious if there were groups out there that would do that kind of stuff. I'd probably try to do a last minute big grocery run before things got too serious. I'm not gonna go in guns blazing to lock down my local Safeway, or fight my way into one that is locked down. I was really just seeing if anyone thought that stuff like that would happen.


If he needs supplies that bad, he was never prepared.

And the whole point of the post wasn't about the fact that I'm not prepared, I have supplies to bug in for a few months. This thread is about SHTF Groups though, not about having supplies in my house. When SHTF I'm not intending on turning into a crazy, I'd prefer not to fire my weapon at all, unless someone was trying to raid my house. Just throwing out some extreme thoughts / questions because I feel like that's what people hangout in these SHTF topics for, but I could totally be wrong.

[ronaldrwl]

What a great discussion. Building a group of like minded people is great but my neighbors would all be dead weight. What about Colorado AR-15 being the foundation for 'our' group. I'm thinking the group would be for trading of supplies and services. We would have to have meeting places and ham radios for communications. Just having a trading group would make a huge difference in surviving. Ham radios are needed because you can't depend on the internet or phones.


CO AR-15 Trading Group:
1 - Places to meet for trading supplies and services.
2 - Predetermined ham radio frequencies for communications.
3 - Some way of identifying each other.

[HoneyBadger]

What a great discussion. Building a group of like minded people is great but my neighbors would all be dead weight. What about Colorado AR-15 being the foundation for 'our' group. I'm thinking the group would be for trading of supplies and services. We would have to have meeting places and ham radios for communications. Just having a trading group would make a huge difference in surviving. Ham radios are needed because you can't depend on the internet or phones.


CO AR-15 Trading Group:
1 - Places to meet for trading supplies and services.
2 - Predetermined ham radio frequencies for communications.
3 - Some way of identifying each other.

I think this sounds great, but I would like to have some way to keep it private so that anyone with google can't see our planned meeting places and such. I think somebody mentioned making an invite-only subforum on here to talk about it and I like the idea. I just don't want people with bad intentions knowing our secrets. [Tooth]

[ChunkyMonkey]

I know I can trust some of you... not sure about the gay narrated honey badger though. [ROFL1]

[sellersm]

Agree with Honey Badger: privacy would be a prudent measure...

[Omicron]

I think this sounds great, but I would like to have some way to keep it private so that anyone with google can't see our planned meeting places and such. I think somebody mentioned making an invite-only subforum on here to talk about it and I like the idea. I just don't want people with bad intentions knowing our secrets. [Tooth]

This IS something we could set up without too much problem. How would you propose we allow membership? Like the trading post?

[Sawin]

This IS something we could set up without too much problem. How would you propose we allow membership? Like the trading post?
I'd think it can just begin from the top. You mods can allow certain members of the site to get in, based on your own selection and then each of those folks have the opportunity to suggest additional members who they know personally, and think should be a part of the conversation.

[ronaldrwl]

The way the trading post works now is great. We just to need to make sure we can contact and meet each other when the lights go out.

[Great-Kazoo]

Agree with Honey Badger: privacy would be a prudent measure...

We can use Craigs List no one goes there[Fire]

[Great-Kazoo]

This IS something we could set up without too much problem. How would you propose we allow membership? Like the trading post?

Yep X amount of post and or time as board member.

[00tec]

I'd think it can just begin from the top. You mods can allow certain members of the site to get in, based on your own selection and then each of those folks have the opportunity to suggest additional members who they know personally, and think should be a part of the conversation.
I would tend to agree. Either referrals or maybe a 100+ post minimum. Weed out the lookyloos. Something to show genuine activity among us.

[ronaldrwl]

I like the way some groups handle this. You basically have to get voted in by people that are in the group already and know you or do some background checking. The number of posts you have doesn't really mean that much. I think we could start off by using the trading post recommendations of other members to get the ball started

[zteknik]

Number of posts and time is a good way to start.You could get a feel for the guys character.
It also is a good lead to a ftf where you realy can get to know the person better and make a decision whether there gtg or not.

[Goodburbon]

I think voting/invite in is a much better, safer, and more secure method.

[wack8]

Not sure how the forum is setup, if there is a way to have password accessible forums, or if there is a role-based setup. Maybe best to vote on a date for a meetup and have anyone interested go to the meetup to meet and get to know each other, then issue the password there or assign roles to their account.

This is obviously a little more involved, but for a new member like me, I'd have to just start spamming posts to get my comment count up, or just wait it out till I have been a member for X days. I guess that's okay though, maybe sort of a 'right of passage' or something.

I don't personally know anyone on the forums either, so I'm not sure how I'd go about getting an 'invite' to be a part of the group either.

[Goodburbon]

Not sure how the forum is setup, if there is a way to have password accessible forums, or if there is a role-based setup. Maybe best to vote on a date for a meetup and have anyone interested go to the meetup to meet and get to know each other, then issue the password there or assign roles to their account.

This is obviously a little more involved, but for a new member like me, I'd have to just start spamming posts to get my comment count up, or just wait it out till I have been a member for X days. I guess that's okay though, maybe sort of a 'right of passage' or something.

I don't personally know anyone on the forums either, so I'm not sure how I'd go about getting an 'invite' to be a part of the group either.

meet n greets, shooting competitions, shooting outings, trade activities, build parties. All of which come with time and personal interaction with one or more members in good standing.[Beer]

[zteknik]

I think voting/invite in is a much better, safer, and more secure method.
That definitly is the way to do it after the preliminary meet and greet,or interview so to say.But of course dont let on like it is an interview.

[ChunkyMonkey]

This IS something we could set up without too much problem. How would you propose we allow membership? Like the trading post?

By voting is fair.. on another 'self sufficient' forum, they like meet and greet before they allow newer members into their inner forum.

[sellersm]

By voting is fair.. on another 'self sufficient' forum, they like meet and greet before they allow newer members into their inner forum.

That's where you learn the secret handshake... [Tooth]

[ChunkyMonkey]

That's where you learn the secret handshake... [Tooth]

Secret handshake?! So the whole butt slap thing was a joke?

[Great-Kazoo]

Secret handshake?! So the whole butt slap thing was a joke?

Wait until they want you to wave[LOL][LOL][LOL][LOL]

Omicron is near me, how about some local meet & greets and go from there?

[ChunkyMonkey]

Wait until they want you to wave[LOL][LOL][LOL][LOL]

Omicron is near me, how about some local meet & greets and go from there?

Let's do it. If you guys are willing to come down South.. we can meet at our restaurant.

[Vanniek71]

Few of us roam through zombie's CO chapter too. There are less than 20 members active there if I am not mistaken.

Anyway, planning and exchanging ideas here are good, but how about a meet and greet one of these weekends. I have met many of you, would love to sit down for a lunch to pick your brainnnnn..brainnnnn.. on prep stuffs. Meanwhile, we can build trust. [Beer]
We have around 15-20 depending on the season, thats plenty, having to support a group that large if there was a SHTF scenario would not be a fun task......

[jerrymrc]

Not sure how the forum is setup, if there is a way to have password accessible forums, or if there is a role-based setup. Maybe best to vote on a date for a meetup and have anyone interested go to the meetup to meet and get to know each other, then issue the password there or assign roles to their account.

This is obviously a little more involved, but for a new member like me, I'd have to just start spamming posts to get my comment count up, or just wait it out till I have been a member for X days. I guess that's okay though, maybe sort of a 'right of passage' or something.

I don't personally know anyone on the forums either, so I'm not sure how I'd go about getting an 'invite' to be a part of the group either.

One needs to take there time here. Understand that when the boss let me have this forum he warned me that too much tinfoil would make it go away.

Slow and easy gang. I do understand the need but small bites. [Beer][Flower]

[Omicron]

Small bites indeed.

[ChunkyMonkey]

nom nom

[Great-Kazoo]

Let's do it. If you guys are willing to come down South.. we can meet at our restaurant.


You buying?

[ChunkyMonkey]

You buying?

Yep, on me.

[Great-Kazoo]

Yep, on me.

I'd prefer plates myself. Sorry ken wrong plumbing:(

[ChunkyMonkey]

Are you sure???
http://www.buzzfeed.com/tiad/eating-sushi-off-of-women

[HoneyBadger]

I know I can trust some of you... not sure about the gay narrated honey badger though. [ROFL1]

Hey, C'mon now! I didn't ask for that title! [ROFL1]

[HoneyBadger]

I really like the idea of an "invite-only" and possibly "voted-in" area.

I would like to be able to trust the character of each member. Meet and greets are the best way to get to know people and are much safer than just judging someone by their post count. Any bozo could BS a hundred posts about having common interests, but do you REALLY know who that person is? Could you trust them? Would you want to share your more personal information with them?

Having a private sub-forum would easily limit public access to the perceived tin-foiliness... But in all honesty, it doesn't have to be like that at all. I just want to be able to meet some quality people to discuss disaster prepping and survival. Its not like we're planning a coup or anything!

[HoneyBadger]

Are you sure???
http://www.buzzfeed.com/tiad/eating-sushi-off-of-women

MB888, is that you in the last picture? [ROFL3]

[Great-Kazoo]

I really like the idea of an "invite-only" and possibly "voted-in" area.

I would like to be able to trust the character of each member. Meet and greets are the best way to get to know people and are much safer than just judging someone by their post count. Any bozo could BS a hundred posts about having common interests, but do you REALLY know who that person is? Could you trust them? Would you want to share your more personal information with them?

Having a private sub-forum would easily limit public access to the perceived tin-foiliness... But in all honesty, it doesn't have to be like that at all. I just want to be able to meet some quality people to discuss disaster prepping and survival. Its not like we're planning a coup or anything!

If we went off that, i am leery of anyone who joined within the last 6-8 months. The last 2 i'm especially concerned with, but hey this is me and i have that right to be real #$%^&* picky

[HoneyBadger]

If we went off that, i am leery of anyone who joined within the last 6-8 months. The last 2 i'm especially concerned with, but hey this is me and i have that right to be real #$%^&* picky

As you should be. This should be a fairly close-nit group.

[DFBrews]

I am always up for meeting people on the forum. my food prepping has kind of waned a bit in the new house due to space . but i have focused on learning a few new self sufficiency skills.

[AK47 Ranger]

I too would be interested in meeting all of you " like minded guys ". Sure my posts arent many but Im one of the first group of members from back in the day. AND I'm cool as hell LOL.

[Vanniek71]

If we went off that, i am leery of anyone who joined within the last 6-8 months. The last 2 i'm especially concerned with, but hey this is me and i have that right to be real #$%^&* picky

Sucks for me lol I just found out about these forums, but if you are starting a group like that you have every right to be picky and cautious.

[AK47 Ranger]

Yeah, you could be an evil ATF intruder after my Foods, Ammoz and Banana clips.



Sucks for me lol I just found out about these forums, but if you are starting a group like that you have every right to be picky and cautious.

[Vanniek71]

Yeah, you could be an evil ATF intruder after my Foods, Ammoz and Banana clips.

I wish i was ATF I'd have an endless supply of confiscated guns, and a lot bigger bank account than I do now [ROFL2]

[keylay31]

IMHO, you'd have to be really picky in your member selection for something like that to be actually valuable to people in the way you'd want it to be.

[HoneyBadger]

IMHO, you'd have to be really picky in your member selection for something like that to be actually valuable to people in the way you'd want it to be.

Absolutely.



Yeah, you could be an evil ATF intruder after my Foods, Ammoz and Banana clips.

Did somebody say Bananas?
http://www.everydaynodaysoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Banana-magazine.jpg

[keylay31]

Probably best to stick to family and good friends you know in person. And of course, do our best to make sure it never gets to this point.

[Mick-Boy]

Probably best to stick to family and good friends you know in person. And of course, do our best to make sure it never gets to this point.

I tend towards the "family and friends" group also. Those are the people I know are going to be automatically included if things go sideways. That being said, I'm always interested in meeting like minded people and sharing ideas.

[00tec]

I tend towards the "family and friends" group also. Those are the people I know are going to be automatically included if things go sideways. That being said, I'm always interested in meeting like minded people and sharing ideas.

That's what I'm talking about. I wouldn't be talking about forming a group here, but would rather hear real, level headed, sane ideas about how to prepare for incidents/disasters while preserving OPSEC for everyone involved.

Do what you do, as you do, with who you do, but involve only those who YOU trust to do the same.

For example, mylar 'parties' would be something to be discussed in the hidden from the public forum.

[Buckaroobonsai]

For me it was easy. We were together during the L.A. riots and Northridge Earthquake. Civil unrest. Looting. Half the city on fire. No utilities for days. All businesses closed. Nothing opens your eyes like reality.


For you married fellers out there, are your wives totally onboard with your prepping or bug out plans? If so, how did you do it?

[Great-Kazoo]

Originally Posted by HoneyBadger http://www.ar-15.co/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.ar-15.co/forums/showthread.php?p=527078#post527078)
For you married fellers out there, are your wives totally onboard with your prepping or bug out plans? If so, how did you do it?


On board locked n loaded. That's where she's at.

[jreifsch80]

my wife thinks i'm a little nutty but she knows i always hope for the best and prepare for the worst so she is "onboard" even though she sometimes rolls her eyes at me lol

[Sawin]

my wife thinks i'm a little nutty but she knows i always hope for the best and prepare for the worst so she is "onboard" even though she sometimes rolls her eyes at me lol

^this

[Vanniek71]

Heh yeah I'm wondering if our wives are related lol

[Great-Kazoo]

Heh yeah I'm wondering if our wives are related lol


Not related, just the will and back bone to survive.

[gnihcraes]

Wife is on board after reading One Second After. But she still hasn't been helping much with anything. Doesn't complain either though as I buy extra items at the store.

[Skully]

Actually my wife is the one that started me thinking more about it. I have always been naturally a preparer, i own and jeep and escape to the back country and always went with the philosophy; "A prepared man gets home, maybe not on time but gets home."

We talk about ideas and plans once in awhile but she then gets all depressed........ Go figure.......

[FastMan]

Now, who wants to buy some acreage, split it into parcels, and build some homes for likeminded individuals? I bet if somebody did this right, they could screen the buyers and "build" a group that could work, right?

Just started reading this thread, and this post was on page one, but want to respond to it before I move on. This is what I've been thinking about recently. There's strength in numbers.

Probably, as I read on, others will have run with this idea.

[Great-Kazoo]

Just started reading this thread, and this post was on page one, but want to respond to it before I move on. This is what I've been thinking about recently. There's strength in numbers.

Probably, as I read on, others will have run with this idea.


Yes there is. My idea of land is much different then yours, negating a group land buy.

[FastMan]

This IS something we could set up without too much problem. How would you propose we allow membership? Like the trading post?

Oh fuck! Not the trading post again. I really getting to hate that place!

[FastMan]

Sucks for me lol I just found out about these forums, but if you are starting a group like that you have every right to be picky and cautious.

Easy answer; start a separate sub forum for "noobs" to band together, into a second group. The lifers here already have their friends, their cliques. It leaves the true hearted noobs looking for camaraderie out in the cold. No need for that. Plenty of noobs here to group up and do their own thing, and not have to make the lifers fret about them.

Things are looking dismal out there, Obama may very well win a second term, and keep deficit spending us towards financial collapse. No time for posting a 1000 times and spending two years here waiting to wedge your way into the lifer's trust. Split off, everyone will be happy.

[FastMan]

Yes there is. My idea of land is much different then yours, negating a group land buy.

Jim, care to expand on that?

[FastMan]

There, done. Yikes, that was a long thread. Interesting though.

I'm currently prepping on the home front, as I have a family member I look out for who can't be dragged off on a bug out mission when the SHTF. Just going to stock up, ready up, and hold em off here, best I can. At some point down the road I'll be looking to relocate on a piece of property more cut out for living self sufficiently in total. Not a bug out location, but rather a year round home. Been thinking it would be nice to buy a big piece of land in a prime location that I could divide up and sell pieces to like minded souls, to form my own back to basics community. Thus why the post on page one caught my attention.

Side note; was glad to later in the thread see a couple of the old timers reach out their hand to the noobs. Thumbs up to ya.

[FastMan]

Gosh, you wimps go to bed early.

[Mick-Boy]

Easy answer; start a separate sub forum for "noobs" to band together, into a second group. The lifers here already have their friends, their cliques. It leaves the true hearted noobs looking for camaraderie out in the cold. No need for that. Plenty of noobs here to group up and do their own thing, and not have to make the lifers fret about them.




You could do that. Or you could take a little time and get to know people.

The funny thing about message boards is that all you really have to go on is a persons written word until you meet someone face to face. It takes a long time to build a feel for a person. Just like it takes a long time to build a real friendship.

Take some time and get to know some like minded folks. You might find out that you don't even want to be involved with some people. There's a lot more to group compatibility than a desire to prep or be self sufficient.

Or just form a group of complete strangers and hope it works out.

[HoneyBadger]

We don't all go to bed early... I won't be going to bed for another 6 hours...

Creating friction with the "old timers" certainly isn't going to help anything.

[FastMan]

You could do that. Or you could take a little time and get to know people.

The funny thing about message boards is that all you really have to go on is a persons written word until you meet someone face to face. It takes a long time to build a feel for a person. Just like it takes a long time to build a real friendship.

Take some time and get to know some like minded folks. You might find out that you don't even want to be involved with some people. There's a lot more to group compatibility than a desire to prep or be self sufficient.

Or just form a group of complete strangers and hope it works out.

I have quite a bit of experience with message boards, and the folks who post on them. Here's what I've found out; you can fuck around trying to figure people out by what they write on line for years and never actually get to know the real them, or you can meet them in person and know in a flash. How people come across on line can be so different from how they are in real life.

That's what makes real life gatherings so valuable. This cyber crap is just superficial make believe. People playing roles, trying to show off to the universe, trying to paint themselves larger than they are or actually feel about themselves. You want to hook up and make real friends? Don't waste your time with endless keyboard interactions under the microscope of the world, organize some real life socials, see who you actually like, and who you don't. Be done with it, and get on with it. The end.

[FastMan]

We don't all go to bed early... I won't be going to bed for another 6 hours...

Creating friction with the "old timers" certainly isn't going to help anything.

I've been told the locals enjoy reveling in gruffness and sarcasm here. Checking to see if it's true.

[Mick-Boy]

I have quite a bit of experience with message boards, and the folks who post on them. Here's what I've found out; you can fuck around trying to figure people out by what they write on line for years and never actually get to know the real them, or you can meet them in person and know in a flash. How people come across on line can be so different from how they are in real life.

That's what makes real life gatherings so valuable. This cyber crap is just superficial make believe. People playing roles, trying to show off to the universe, trying to paint themselves larger than they are or actually feel about themselves. You want to hook up and make real friends? Don't waste your time with endless keyboard interactions under the microscope of the world, organize some real life socials, see who you actually like, and who you don't. Be done with it, and get on with it. The end.


So.... the guy complaining about not being included in a non-existent, hypothetical, "may happen at some future date" sub-forum advocates not wasting time with endless keyboard interactions... Got it.


If you're that hot and bothered for some face to face meet and greets together then organize them. No one is stopping you.

[Great-Kazoo]

Jim, care to expand on that?

What you think you need as will everyone else may not be what i an looking for. The "Lets BO to the mountains" "Plains" out east 2 miles etc is great, however get the members of this board [pick 5] and see if you all agree what the best land scenario would be. I don't mind helping out or being helped out. If i am not the sole owner of the land ideas and goals will vary.

[Great-Kazoo]

Easy answer; start a separate sub forum for "noobs" to band together, into a second group. The lifers here already have their friends, their cliques. It leaves the true hearted noobs looking for camaraderie out in the cold. No need for that. Plenty of noobs here to group up and do their own thing, and not have to make the lifers fret about them.

Things are looking dismal out there, Obama may very well win a second term, and keep deficit spending us towards financial collapse. No time for posting a 1000 times and spending two years here waiting to wedge your way into the lifer's trust. Split off, everyone will be happy.


Is this kanecutter posting under a different name? Sounds like the same shit.
Organize a shoot [meet & greet] if given enough notice people will see what they can do with their schedule.
I'd say shoot this sunday, pawnee, but you are too far to drive for a few hrs of shooting. Likewise to travel down south, given 4 days to prep.

FWIW: EVERY NEWBIE that has this attitude regarding us old guys, either doesn't last long, joins the .mil or punks out when a put up or shut up thread is started.

The last sentence i highlighted is why (in response to another thread) i would not be in a land group by. Some of old timers might show you a thing or too, firearm and prep wise.

Old Age and Treachery, Will Always overcome Youth and Skill

[Great-Kazoo]

WOW I and others respond to FastMan and a serious silence has swept over this post.
Bueller, Bueller, anyone??
Well we know who wouldn't be at another PU/SU shoot:)

[FastMan]

Didn't dodge, Jim, just didn't see the activity. Lots going on at this forum to get waylaid to. No, I'm not kanecutter, must be a good dude though.

I'm personally not driven to immediately buddy up on the bug out thing, I've got a different plan I'm working on right now, but I can envision a time down the road when I created a community somewhere on a piece of land that's ideal for private self sufficiency. If you dictate the parameters, you control the situation. Better than the whole meeting of the minds, decide where to go scenario, in my mind. Just make it available, structure it, and then screen those who step forward wanting to be a part of it. But that's for a time a bit down the road. For now I'm staying put and riding out the wave of insanity and mayhem where I am. I have to.

Anyway, as for my suggestions here, I saw in this thread a band of the cool and mighty crassly discussing how to weed out the uncool, and a group of the noob (read uncool) getting left out in the cold. As I said, I'm not in the market right now for banding up, but I felt bad for the others here that were expressing interest in it. Time and post counts doesn't make one a better person, more skilled, more valuable. Those here with time under their belts and associations made don't necessarily represent the cream of the crop in said attributes. There are better ways to screen, less time consuming, more open door. Bar that system being in place, another option for those left out is what I suggested. Hell, it's a big site, does it have to be one group anyway? Simple answer, no. It could end up being several. Nothing to get all girly sensitive about.