Thursday, September 17, 2009

Survival Groups

Survival groups form as preppers realize that chances of survival increase if you have a network to help in the event of a crisis or sociatal breakdown.  James Rawles book "Patriots" portrays a good example of how a group could function.  Each member brings different talents to the group and division of labor and effective defense are benifits of such a survial group.

I have heard stories of failed attempts at creating survival groups.  Reasons include lack of commitment from each member.  Varrying expectations of group members, and fiscal differences can easily create riffs that could break up the group.

Imagine the rich doctor that wants to join a group that is willing to commit financial resources, yet does not have the time to commit to survial practice and help with the building of the physical retreat.  He may expect that his financial contribution compensates for his lack of time-  this situation may work out just fine- or it could create friction with other members of the group that are putting in the sweat and hard labor.

Consider the part time prepper that figures that a cabin in the woods is more like a timeshare vacation.  When he goes there, he doesn't help with the garden or building or chopping wood.  He's on vacation- if others members of the group percieve that he is not pulling his own- disputes can break up the group.  Or another who tells everyone and his dog about the "secret" retreat- violating the privacy expectations of others.

On the other hand, chances of survival and the group staying together increase if everyone of the group understands and agrees (in writting) to the expectations.  I think that a constitition of sorts could be drawn up and every member who joins must abide by the rules- or face expulsion.

In Patriots, there was one overall leader with other members in charge of various jobs (medical, logistics, cooking...).  If a disagreement ever arose, the leader had final say- like it or not.  A crisis is not the time to vote and debate- right or wrong a swift decsion can save lives and give purpose. 

If you belong to a group, lets hear what's worked for you and what hasn't.

1 comment:

Keith said...

Our 18th century living History group works very well. We are all skilled and trained in many skills, some of us better at some skills than others. Being a living history group some of the members have specific interests/skills which they persue.
By forming a Ranger group or period militia within the group we are able to meet on a regular basis and train in specific skills. This also allows us to choose officers based on merrit and skills. If one wants a higher rank, then you have to pass certain skills tests, you cannot purchase a rank.
Regards, Le Loup.