Gunner Quinn
Okay, it’s here: The Stuff has Hit The Fan (SHTF). You are either ready or you are not. Time is limited.
Even if you are the most ready of anyone, you probably still can’t do it all, in isolation from others. In getting to where we are at this moment, many of us think we have done a very good, even great, job of prepping. Prepared people read and watch the news critically, identify what they think the most likely problem is that will occur, and prepare for it (plus many related issues). They use information sources like SurvivalBlog to get the lists of items that are needed. They “hoard” those items in their stashes. They read books that suggest how to prepare, how to build skills, and how to live a more homesteading lifestyle without the comforts of today’s modern conveniences. They train and practice.
I know that I won’t live forever, and very possibly might not make it all the way through to peace on the other side of the first round of SHTF. When skeptics ask me what I am preparing for (since, in their minds, nothing bad will happen and it’s all fine…or the government will take care of them…or, we are all going to die immediately anyway), I say that I want to live long enough to see how things shake out. I refuse to give up in the first round.
My family and I probably can make it a while with what I have done to prepare…if somebody else doesn’t come in and take it from us…or if we don’t have an injury, or if we don’t run out of one of the key items, or if nothing breaks that I can’t fix, or if…….
PHYSICAL AND ACTION/ABILITY/SKILL PREPS
One way I look at things: there are PHYSICAL preps and there are ACTION (ability/skill) preps.
The physical preps to me are the most straightforward items to put in place. Buy, store and manage/rotate. Use the checklists to ensure that you have what you need. Among other tangible things, I have the food storage. I have the water purification systems (and I live on a lake)…and defensive weapons, and fuel, shelter, and tools.
So the physical preps are there, maybe, but there are still skill/ability preps for actions that are needed. What good is food if you don’t know how to cook it, or guns if you can’t maintain and shoot them or tools if you can’t run and maintain them.
Action PREPS
My definition of action preps are the actions, skills, processes and procedures that I and my family and friends can use to live a decent life, in relative safety, while using the stocked prep supplies. These actions range from how to use our prep supplies as well as perform necessary tasks to support daily life, such as prepping firewood, gathering food, defense, etc.
USE OF A TEAM TO COMPLETE THE NEeded ACTIONS
A person probably can’t do everything, so you must increase your skills to fill in the blanks. Or, it is time to find someone who can do the things you can’t. You need to build a team. And as time is running out, you need to move fast with the people you know. I think it is a bit late to advertise, interview and “hire” the ideal team. To build out your team and cohorts you need to start now. Their skills should complement what you can do. You need to know what is important and whether you can do it to support the team or if you need help from the team.
MY ABILITY TO BE USEFUL TO THE TEAM
In terms of skills, I am good at some things, but I am not good at other things. Late in my working life I changed careers and worked in the Radiology department at a major medical clinic and learned first aid, CPR, caring for incapacitated individuals, anatomy, and other techniques that will help in case of illness or injury. I previously worked in engineering and safety so I can do a lot of facility work including technical building design projects, moving of large items safely and efficiently, and water and sanitation projects. We had a small antique business for years so I can barter and spot bargains.
Additionally, I think I can:
- Fish. (I live on a lake and can fish and clean fish. I can use my canoe, kayaks, and rowboat.)
- Use a weapon.
- Navigate without GPS and read a compass.
- Purify water.
- Use hand tools.
- I have management and leadership experience, so I probably can persuade people to do things.
But, I certainly can’t do it all. For example, I never learned to hunt as a youth. I try to hunt now, with poor results. My gardening results right now are marginal. I have never owned a chicken. My mechanical/machine repair skills are minimally adequate at best. I can change oil in a machine if I have to. Repairs and tear down of an engine? No way.
I find so much information in SurvivalBlog that is useful either to hone my existing skills or to gain some ideas on how to do other things that I am not knowledgeable of. I can also determine what tools I do not have in my toolbox.
If this looks like an application for employment, it kind of is… for a mutually beneficial prepper group.
PHYSICALWHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE TABLE?
To begin your thought processes to see what you can do to be successful, check your personal toolbox to see what you can do alone, and evaluate what you have to offer in trade to others. Perform a frank review…a statement of your Strengths and Weaknesses (to use a cliché.)
In my September, 2024 SurvivalBlog article titled “The Final Countdown” (Part 1 and Part 2), I listed what I felt is needed for a physical item readiness self-assessment.
I use JWR’s List of Lists for things needed for SHTF. (This was first published in 2005 and an updated version is available today, as a spreadsheet. See the blog’s top bar.).
The personalized list I use today is sorted by what I physically have ready and can do, and what actions and skills I think are needed to be a valuable team member.
Now perform a self-evaluation summary. How many of the necessary skills do you have? Do you have everything you need? If you do you are the exception.
Once a person acknowledges they have limitations on what they can actually do, the question becomes, “How can I be more successful?” And “Where can I get help?”
If I had it to do over again, I would have been building the team while I built my stored goods and prep supplies. But now that the time is short, I need to build what I can. I have to start with those individuals I know.
I am a big fan of Theodore Roosevelt. One of my favorite sayings of his, that I use way too much, is his saying: “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.” This really describes the times we are in.
I am hopeful that one or more of the individuals that join “my” team can also provide trusted friends and associates that have skills that none of my “round one” team brings.
INTERVIEW YOURSELF FOR THE TEAM
Review the list of lists and study the items that require activities. What can you do and what do you need to get other places.
Sort your master list first by activities, then in order by activities you can do, down to those you need assistance on.
Consider:
What skills you can use to add to the group success
What physical goods you have to contribute
What mental/knowledge value can you provide
The List of Skills needed for the team I want:
- Bartering
- Carpentry
- First Aid /Minor Surgery
- Home Businesses
- Leadership
- Radio Communications/Electronics
- Gardening
- Fishing Skills
- Hunting/Trapping
- Training/Teaching
- Firearms Maintenance and Repair
- Firefighting
- Medicinal Herbs and Plants Knowledge
- Mechanics
- Security/General Experience
- Security/Fighting
- Tool Making and Maintenance
- Animal Husbandry
PHYSICALBUILD YOUR TEAM NOW
How are you going to start to get this problem solved? The answer is in front of you. It is in your church, your local American Legion, your neighborhood, the range or at even at your local bar.
You don’t have to be called a prepper group, or a militia, or anything.
You need a well-rounded assembly of likeminded individuals, male and female, that can contribute their skills to create a complete and well-rounded entity.
You should know and trust potential team members.
Your team members must be based close by geographically.
Personally, I am going to make myself more marketable to this future team.
Now, if you have a team in mind, then you decide what the team needs as far as skills and resources.
Then think of you and your toolbox, and the team positions and skills. Can you make this team? What do you bring to the table? Will the team want you? How can you make yourself more marketable NOW so that you will fit in?
What if someone comes to you after SHTF and asks to talk to you about joining THEIR team…..a job interview…. Will you get “hired”?
Build your SHTF team skill inventory now, while there is still a little time. Go back to the list. Check out the other people on the team. Can you compliment their skills? Can you lead? Can you follow?
What I am going to do to get hired:
Re-hone my first aid and medical skills. There are local and online classes for much of what I need.
Reinforce my design skills. Dust off my slide rule. (sadly, I have one) Collect the books I need to be able to provide engineering skills. Luckily I was in school long enough ago that my engineering books were hard cover paper paged…..and my design manuals are musty but intact.
MY POTENTIAL TEAM
My church is my primary source of friends and associates. I also belong to a couple of organizations where it is clear some people and have a skill base that would help my team.
I have a deep respect for veterans. Their service, discipline, and experience are invaluable.
I know a retired SWAT team commander who is also an Army veteran. He checks a lot of boxes. I have been to his home and made note the generators and food containers that he allowed me to see.
One of my good friends and his wife are great gardeners and raise chickens. He is the best shot I have ever seen and he is also good at archery.
Another friend is a semi-retired farmer and lives in the hills in a near off-grid situation.
My closest neighbor is an excellent mechanic.
So, now it is time to finally lock in the team – with these people. Several are on board already while others have only been informally spoken to. I may have to sell it to a couple of these people, though I know that I cannot risk bringing in members who are not fully on board. But it must be pursued at this time.
It is past time to act.
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