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wade · 01-10-2009, 07:12 PM

In most of the SHTF survival pieces I've read people seem to focus on surviving as singular or single family units. I can see why, we've begun to live as singular or single family units, it's hard to trust others. That being said, humans are pack animals, we've existed in tribes and clans for longer than we have otherwise. I think a larger group of people pooling their resources and protection will have a far better chance of survival than an individual or single family. Now the question is, how do you find or assemble such a group you can trust BEFORE it is necessary? I think other dedicated individuals really are the most valuable tool for survival.

NDS · 01-10-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

...humans are pack animals...

especially the women!

Warning: I found the pic with a websearch--the site is rather, well...

wade · 01-10-2009, 09:10 PM

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the site is rather, well...

Dunno, work filter blocked it.

BigMike134 · 01-10-2009, 09:14 PM

I disagree in part... the most vaulable tool in any survival situation is your mind.The ability to Keep a cool head whan every one else around you is loosing theirs is paramount IMO.

That being said, how would I gather a group of people that I can trust with my life in a SHTF situ? Simple, take the people you know, talk to them about disasters, and get a feel for them in that manner. Make them aware that you are not talking about a "zombie invasion", although the mediphor is a good one to get the ball rolling as it were. The ones that make it out as a big joke are obiviously not the ones with whom you would want to Bug Out, or In with.

I have the pleasure of bring in such a group. We have gone so far as to set up check points, and comm with each other, should the worst happen. These are people that I trust with my life. We take these types of situations seriously, especially tornadoes, blizzards, flooding (although I think we're going to be okay this year, at least I hope we will). Well I guess that's about all I have for now.

But as always YMMV

tatonka · 01-10-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

In most of the SHTF survival pieces I've read people seem to focus on surviving as singular or single family units. I can see why, we've begun to live as singular or single family units, it's hard to trust others. That being said, humans are pack animals, we've existed in tribes and clans for longer than we have otherwise. I think a larger group of people pooling their resources and protection will have a far better chance of survival than an individual or single family. Now the question is, how do you find or assemble such a group you can trust BEFORE it is necessary? I think other dedicated individuals really are the most valuable tool for survival.

Working in groups when the SHTF will be necessary for many folks. If nothing else, it'll give the folks in the group a sense of security. I guess we can only imagine how bad it'll be for society in general. Those fending for themselves will be stressed, especially emotionally.

There's a site that I frequent that has "get togethers" by many of their members in their own respected States. I would imagine those "get togethers" are possibly a dress rehearsal for the real thing just in case. Not sure if I can list the forum's address here. I can PM it if needed.

SHOOTER Z · 01-11-2009, 11:03 AM

I thought we had a link to that site but I was mistaken. Tatonka check with the bosses and if they have no objection [I really don't think they will] go ahead and make a link to it. [I seem to know which forum you are talking about]

tatonka · 01-12-2009, 02:36 PM

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I thought we had a link to that site but I was mistaken. Tatonka check with the bosses and if they have no objection [I really don't think they will] go ahead and make a link to it. [I seem to know which forum you are talking about]

I PM'd a mod. They decided it's OK to post a link, as long as no political or religious topics result from the post.

Here's the site. You need to be a member to view current topics being discussed. You can view their archives w/o being a member (at least that's how it was). http://www.frugalsquirrels.com

01-13-2009, 03:09 AM

Quote:

I thought we had a link to that site but I was mistaken. Tatonka check with the bosses and if they have no objection [I really don't think they will] go ahead and make a link to it. [I seem to know which forum you are talking about]

I PM'd a mod. They decided it's OK to post a link, as long as no political or religious topics result from the post.

Here's the site. You need to be a member to view current topics being discussed. You can view their archives w/o being a member (at least that's how it was). http://www.frugalsquirrels.com

Looks like you have to sign up to view the forums now.

SHOOTER Z · 01-16-2009, 12:24 PM

And your most valuable tool IS your own mind!! Keep it and you just might make it lose it and you WILL DIE!!!

One Eyed king · 01-18-2009, 06:54 PM

talking about belonging to a group... I joined a small local group who have been doing the prep thing together for about 30 years. I joined about 10 years ago. Most of them have become quite good friends but really I wouldn't want to trust my life or my safety with them in a time of crisis. The reasons are:

-They are generally 15 to 20 years older than me and while I am no spring chicken, they physically can't keep up. We have regular camping trips together and generally we don't do anything more strenuous than an infrequent half hour walk. I am also cognisant of the health issues of this age group. Who needs to deal with elderly ladies suffering fractured hips or elderly men's prostate issues while trying to bug-out?

-For what ever reasons, we as a group just can't work as a team. We have had several shouting matches while on camping trips (we actually have use of a small property with a shack on site) where there has been disagreements about how to carry out repairs on the shack. I consider myself pretty easy going but certain 'key'members of the group can really bug me when it comes to getting on with a job.

-There are about 10 members of the group who all have adult children who mostly are not survivalists. ie NO PREPS. These kids have spouses and their own kids, and in laws and uncles and brothers and sisters. I worked out once that if the balloon went up there could be up to (or beyond, who knows) 100 assorted family members arriving at our 'refuge'. Most of them I would not know on sight, none of them I would trust as being skilled with a firearm or in any other survival skill. And I absolutely know that the food stocks held by the 10 core members would not cover the 90 odd others.

There are other issues but I think you get the picture. I am very fond of these people as we do have some fun together, but in an emergency I will be looking after my own family. If I hook up with the others no one will agree where to go, what to do, or how to do it. I am fortunate enough to have two good friends that are aware of my prep mind set and neither of them have family in our city so they are free-agents as it were. I have taken them both shooting and I'm comfortable with their skill levels. In a crisis I would be extending them an offer to hook up and use the tools/skills/stores I have accumulated.

Sorry for the long winded post but in a nutshell my message is beware what you wish for, you may not get the sort of group you imagined. Not all people can get along, personality clashes in a crisis could be disastrous.

OEK