Let’s face it, the world we live in is defined by the staggering variety of choices we have. A that is why the simple concept of standardization (the deliberate choice to use common platforms and equipment) might seem like a limitation. However, as large government organizations and individual preppers alike have learned a strategic commitment to commonality offers immeasurable benefits in efficiency, cost, and safety.
By examining the lessons from military programs I have been personally involved with and applying them to our own lives, we can see how thinking about standardization is a powerful way to enhance our readiness, whether for daily routines or for unforeseen events. As a defense contractor, I’ve worked on many programs and have seen governments all over the world waste money with reckless abandon, but I’ve also witnessed some simple, pragmatic tools the military has used as a true force multiplier; one of those is standardization and I want to show you how to apply that to your path through preparedness.
The value of standardization is a lesson that has been learned through decades of operational experience. Before the U.S. Coast Guard moved under the Department of Homeland Security (Pre 9/11), each individual station operated with a high degree of autonomy, leading to a disparate fleet of shore-based response boats. This “hodgepodge” of vessels meant that a crew member moving from one station to another would likely have to be retrained on a completely different boat with unique characteristics and safety equipment. This changed dramatically with the introduction of the RB-S (Response Boat-Small) class, a standardized vessel deployed across the fleet. This initiative, along with the SINS (Standardized Integrated Navigation System) program, revolutionized how the Coast Guard operated. By standardizing both the vessels and their navigation electronics, they drastically reduced crew training time, improved interoperability, and became far more efficient in search and rescue missions. The sheer amount of money and effort saved was immeasurable, and the program continues to evolve with subsequent contracts like SINS 2 and SINS 3, which focus on leveraging technology to standardize the fleet even further.
On a smaller but equally critical scale, we can look to the U.S. Navy for a powerful example of the problems that arise from a lack of commonality. The Navy’s fleet of small boats, which are used by special forces and for port security, are unique in that they run on unleaded gasoline. This small but significant deviation from the rest of the Navy’s fleet, which primarily uses less volatile fuels like diesel, jet fuel, or bunker oil, creates a dangerous and inefficient logistical nightmare. The Navy is forced to carry a separate, highly explosive fuel, and the dangers associated with bunkering unleaded gasoline are a constant concern. For special forces teams, the fumes from these outboards can be so problematic inside a pressurized aircraft that the engines, or even the entire boats, are sometimes abandoned after a mission. This story underscores a critical truth: a single deviation from a common platform can create a logistical and safety nightmare.
Now let’s chat about how to apply all of that to our personal live and our preps. The same strategic mindset that benefits the US military can be applied to personal preparedness. A common platform can save an individual or a group significant time, money, and effort. For example, the AR-15 is the most widely used rifle in America due to its modularity and standardization. If a group is equipped with the same firearm platform, they only need to stock one type of ammunition, magazines, and spare parts. This not only reduces the cost and complexity of their supplies but also allows them to salvage parts from one non-functional rifle to keep others running. While other platforms like the AK-47 and FAL are common globally, their lack of true parts interoperability between different variants illustrates the challenges that arise when standardization is not absolute.
Beyond tactical gear, commonality can simplify our daily lives. Think about renting a car: I drive a Chevy pickup in my day-to-day life and I travel a lot. I often choose a Chevrolet rental vehicle because the “learning curve” is zero. I know where the controls are and how the features work without a second thought. The buttons and infotainment system on a rental Malibu and 90% identical to my Colorado at home. This is a subtle yet powerful form of interoperability that enhances safety and reduces stress. I’m literally already trained on this platform. The same principle applies to our tool collections. By standardizing on a single brand of power tools, for instance, we benefit from a single battery platform. If one battery dies, any other battery from the same line can be used, and a single set of backups can power every tool. This is in stark contrast to having multiple tools from different brands, each with its own unique battery. This logic can be applied to mundane items like electric toothbrushes, deep freezers, and even propane tank adapters, where commonality provides flexibility and resilience.
I would, of course, be remiss if I didn’t talk about some common pitfalls in this strategy. The pursuit of standardization, like any good strategy, can be taken too far. The Coast Guard’s initial plan to buy 700 of the same vessel class was an overreach; they eventually realized that a single boat could not perform every mission. This highlights a crucial counterpoint: over-standardization can lead to a loss of adaptability and improvisation, two skills that are paramount in a true survival situation. It is vital to recognize that a common solution is not always the best solution for everyone. For example, a single firearm choice for a group might not be suitable for a member who cannot handle the recoil or grip the gun correctly. In a group setting, it would be impractical to standardize on a single brand of clothing or personal hygiene products, as individual comfort and needs are critical to morale and well-being. There’s a famous FBI story (that I won’t get into here) about their initial shift to the 10mm round serves as another example of how an over-standardized solution, while seemingly logical, can fail to meet the needs of all users.
Ultimately, the strategic value of standardization lies in its ability to reduce complexity and increase efficiency. By choosing a single platform for key equipment, we can reduce costs, simplify logistics, and enhance our readiness. However, this must be balanced with the flexibility to adapt to the unique needs of every individual and situation. The goal is not to be a slave to standardization, but to be smart about where we apply it, ensuring that our preparedness is both robust and adaptable.
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About The Author: A long-time prepper, A.C. is a host of the Stakeholder Prepping Podcast. This essay is based on the research done for Episode 13 of the podcast.
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