One Second After evaluation

[Bull]

I just finished this book. Not sure how impressed I am, but it was pretty good. Maybe this site ruined me already, because I've gotten so much from it, and "had my eyes opened" more here than by the book. I'll definitely be giving it to some folks in order to try to wake them up to prepping. But I was just wondering how many of you folks think that was an accurate portrayal of a survival situation. In certain respects I felt like it would be more of a burden to have such a giant group of people, most of whom had not prepped at all. But then, to think about that gang that came along, and it would obviously be better to have a bigger fighting force. Maybe not, but more than likely it would be better. The doctors would be a great help. It probably isn't realistic to think that most preppers are going to have a small group composed of just the right blend of skills. I don't know any doctors, or nurses for that matter, who will be in my group, at present. So we won't be able to do much more than advanced first aid. I can see the advantages of the large group, but I was just wondering what others thought, regarding the pros and cons of a community sized group verses a smaller group of close friends and family. And along with that, how likely do you think it is that a group that size would form, and things would go that way. Obviously this all depends on a lot of variables, such as your particular community, and the type of SHTF scenario you face. I think those would be the largest determining factors. Just thought this might make for a beneficial discussion, and me and some other folks might get something out of comparing ideas about this. Maybe this should be narrowed, as there are a lot of aspects to it, so anyone who replies, feel free to aim it in any direction.

[protus]

When the book came out, tons of people got a wake up call, because it dealt with a ton of medical issues that many people over look. Yeah they may have the cool gear, guns, food, but are stuck on meds that with out them, would slowly die off.........you would think that in that case, many would try and better their lifestyle now, to be less dependant on those meds....

[610Alpha]

The whole "community" question has been discussed in other threads. You read what some people did even in that large group....stealing and hording etc...expect some of that to happen and worse if a town was to "band together". Anyone in your town you don't really care for or that doesn't like you? You see how hard it is for us to get anything done in congress expect it to be just as bad if not worse in a PAW. Best thing is to create a network of like minded friends and family, not a "group" per se....just people that you are willing to help and are willing to help you.

Share books like this one with people then help those that come back asking questions. Find the "After Armageddon" by History channel on youtube and share that with people.

[Bull]

I have always felt it best to have a relatively small group of very close people. The idea of a giant gang of people showing up eventually is the main thing that made me question this whole community idea in the book. I think it would be a drawback in every other respect. The only other thing that would be beneficial is if there was a good doctor, as I don't know any. I suppose the local sheriff or mayor, or whoever, may naturally be the figure head, or sort of fall into a leadership role. Some form of law and order would be good to maintain I suppose, but then, if I'm at my own place, that isn't much of a concern, unless it is a large gang. Out in a real secluded area, I think most folks will be the same. The neighbors probably won't be the problem. It will be outsiders. I suppose if you are in a somewhat populated area, with no BOL, this community approach might be best. Does anyone see gangs growing to that formidable of a size a size in a bad, long term SHTF scenario? I'm sure there will be smaller groups to worry about, but it just seems like group dynamics would make it difficult for a giant group of criminals to form up. I guess you have large gangs already, like the Hells Angels or whatever, and the other various gangs. I don't know. What do folks think? How do you plan to deal with that threat?

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I Does anyone see gangs growing to that formidable of a size a size in a bad, long term SHTF scenario? I'm sure there will be smaller groups to worry about, but it just seems like group dynamics would make it difficult for a giant group of criminals to form up. I guess you have large gangs already, like the Hells Angels or whatever, and the other various gangs. I don't know. What do folks think? How do you plan to deal with that threat?

In every disaster the FIRST bad thing to show up is the criminals, not "the golden hoarde", not the Government takin a preppers stuff, no zombies, just plain ole bad guys. Firefighters the other day told a couple, fire is 400yds away, leave now. They did and as soon as they did the backdoor was kicked in and all appliances were loaded and stolen. Anyone who knows anything knows 400yds aint nothing in time for a wildfire. Thats how quick the criminal will show their ugly heads! Fake "volunteers" stealing stuff from tornado victims, that the press had showed were in the hospitol, were caught on day 2 afterwards.
It is a known fact that several OMGs have already discussed these things and have their plans laid out. The question is do you?

https://www.survivalandpreparednessforum.com/showthread.php?1443-Range-Carding&highlight=range+card

https://www.survivalandpreparednessforum.com/showthread.php?1746-Passive-Defense-Measures&highlight=barricade

As good as I am, I cant win against 40-70 so plan B may be needed which may be just leaving. The goal is to survive IMO.

[Grinnan Barrett]

Fortschen has been writing for years now and did mainly a lot of fiction in both historical and science fiction markets. Before we tear him apart remember this book was written from the perspective of the Common man. The non prepared guy in small town USA. This is about what really happens if the flag goes up and no one in your community has a clue as to what to do. Fortschen is a man on a mission if you look at his record of speaking out about getting ready. His focus is on the unprepared not on us. GB

[WiseOwl]

I thought this was a great read. I have read it twice (I like to read every book I have at least 3 times). The one thing I take from it is the whole medical issue thing which would apply to my family with my mom being diabetic. But she knows in a SHTF scenario she wouldn't last long and is content with that as long as I protect and lead the rest of the family.

The one main thing I question out of all these novels is the military aspect. Would the military really come in convoys and help the cities? Would Uncle Sam let them? Would I be fighting side by side against domestic enemies only 2 months from a collapse? And about the gang issue, would 100's of gangbangers really join forces to loot and plunder the countryside? I know after watching and hearing first hand from post Katrina I know people are nuts, but would society in this country really go down that fast? Thats the main thing I question from these novels but it doesn't keep me from reading them...they are some of the greatest stories I have ever read.

I think the "real life" shtf scenario is unknown to all of us but these stories give us so many angles to work from. I agree with Matt, I am going to morph into a damn cockroach and SURVIVE!!!! Hopefully my wife, 2 young boys, brothers family and whoever else bonds with us can make it with me. I will either make it or die trying......

[Bull]

Thanks for the input folks. Matt - thanks for the pics and links. That is pretty good stuff. I haven't gotten any ranges yet, but then, the house isn't even built yet, or determined to be put anywhere specific. I guess I should make ranges up from the shop for now, cause if it goes down, that is where I'll be at. No windows in the shop though, there are some definite defensive positions around it, and in various spots on the property. I suppose one could build a safe room large enough to house most of the food and supplies, and harden it enough, to make it so a group would eventually give up. Especially if you could have things pre-staged and operated from inside the building. PariScope up and set off the appropriate device.