Fatty
01-02-2012, 05:36 PM
Disclaimer: In no way am I trying to debate anyone else's system for prepping. I only offer this up to
hopefully help others look at prepping from a different/constructive angle and possibly come up with better ideas in
what some consider the Constant Progression of Prepping(CPoP). I wrote this with the intent to spark a deeper thought
process and discussion amongst other preppers and prepper media. It certainly doesn't cover EVERYTHING but thats where
your participation is desired- to make it complete. For all to benefit from.
Fatty's Philosophy of Versatility
-the largest collective goal in an emergency is a sustainable, cohesive group where problems have a higher chance of
getting solved. The size of the emergency can dictate the required size of the group, equipment, and skill sets needed to get through it.
-no matter how prepared you are, there will always be something you didn't forsee or acquire in time. This is why you
need a few exra goodies for trading. A father suffering the indignity of not being able to start a fire to keep his
family warm would probably be willing to trade almost anything for a lighter/flare/matches.
-being a versatile prepper will create an opening in any survival group so long as they can sustain themselves while
offering more to the group as a whole.
-in the event that a shtf/ aka "pucker moment" should occur, chances are you won't be the only one feeling the effects.
And since we humans are social creatures, it is always an added bonus to have numbers on your side. (You commonly hear that 2 is 1 and 1 is none.)
But who has the time to find "like minded" people or be convincing enough to "wake up" your buddies who are more
worried about blasting people away with a videogame hobby prior to something negative occurring? The answer is very
few. In fact nothing short of an instant cataclysm would jerk most heads from a television screen. And of course only
then will they give any "life threatening" situation enough consideration to act. Right when it's too late. Action
will always be faster than reaction.
So what am I getting at you ask? I'm getting at the idea of looking at the process and idea of prepping from a
little different angle. To be able to mold yourself to be a desired asset no matter what the situation. Hence the term versatility.
For alot of us, we won't be able to organize within groups until the harsh times or "event" are already upon us.
And we only have those around us for physical, emotional, and spiritual support. And as far as more frequent
situations such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and such that may require you to get outta dodge, this prepping m.o. might
help you be an asset to a make shift group with plenty to offer.
A few things are common for a lot of preppers:
-few actually practice the lifestyle
-most solo preppers don't have the resources for a bugout retreat
-many preppers don't possess an ideal bugout vehicle (loadout+passenger capacity). Its amamzing how much weight your
gear can create in a vehicle with sub par suspension capabilities. Even for just 1 person. And few take into
consideration the value of a trailer. Not only for bugging out but as a form of barter. Afterall,you won't be the only
one that needs to move personal belongings around. Or assisting in transporting much needed supplies given the
possibility. I mean, we all know how fast FEMA takes care of business right?
When it comes to firearms, alot of people have a serious discomfort with them. Or can only spare enough
spending cash for bare necessities (food, water, shelter) in their preps.
- If your uncomfortable or can't afford a firearm, atleast have some rounds of common calibers on hand (.22, .223,
7.62x39, 9mm, .40, .45, 12 ga). Even just 1 box of each could be worth gold and it would all fit in a shoebox. Maybe
you'll come across some people who worried more about how many guns they own rather than ammunition. Atleast now you've
got a bargain to make for a secured location for the time being. Just that alone could be a major morale boost for a
family who just lost their home or had to leave town. And since you have your own preparations to boot, you're not a
leech to those around you.
A versatile prepper needs to be able to be self sustainable as well as be able to fill basic necessary roles in a group
environment: radios/communication, security, medical/first aid, hunting, gardening/gathering. If you're a person that has
to specialize, then choose your path and learn all your mind can take. But remember that knowing a fair amount about
different subjects can sometimes be greater overall than knowing everything about one.
-jobs/skills: If you don't have a career in anything prep worthy and only prep for the basics due to time/attention
restrictions/, then perhaps think about tools and other equipment ANY group would generally need.
Example: visegrips, duct tape, gun oil/wd-40, hammer, axe, etc.
Having knowledge and experience is good, but having some specified equipment to go with that knowledge may be in
even more demand. High demand jobs/skills will most likely be those that require knowledge and specific
equipment/tools.
Equipment and knowledge dependent skills just off the top of my head:
-dentistry
-medical/first aid
-ham radio/communication technology specialist
-mechanic
-plumber
-welder
-carpenter
-electrician
-pharmacist/chemist
Space available? There are plenty of preppers that are lacking storage capacity. Especially if you reside in
an apartment complex. Maybe at best you can only set aside 1 month's worth of food without taking away your roomates
closet space. No problem. A 50 pack of bic lighters from Sam's Club for 30.00 takes up next to no space and would be
worth quite a bit after everything is shut down during a power outage after a blizzard or hurricane. Or hand
sanitizer/baby wipes/carton of cigarettes (if your a smoker, you already know how fast these will go), and toiletries(we all have to wipe our behinds right?). Things you could
barter with will give you an edge that not many others would have the forsight to squirriel away. Imagine getting to share a
meal because someone wasn't able to heat theirs? Things like hand warmers or road flares, Hell, even cheapy LED
flashlights could strike a good bargain when in need.
In conclusion, I feel the added value of being capable to fill most needed roles in a group, being a
self sustainable prepper, with equipment to boot, does indeed increase your survivability as well as your family against
possible violence and theft through numbers. Not to mention raising morale, resilience, and mental/physical/spiritual strength to the
situation/obstacle at hand.
-Fatty
P.S. Once again, I'm NOT advocating anyone is wrong in how they prep!:D
hopefully help others look at prepping from a different/constructive angle and possibly come up with better ideas in
what some consider the Constant Progression of Prepping(CPoP). I wrote this with the intent to spark a deeper thought
process and discussion amongst other preppers and prepper media. It certainly doesn't cover EVERYTHING but thats where
your participation is desired- to make it complete. For all to benefit from.
Fatty's Philosophy of Versatility
-the largest collective goal in an emergency is a sustainable, cohesive group where problems have a higher chance of
getting solved. The size of the emergency can dictate the required size of the group, equipment, and skill sets needed to get through it.
-no matter how prepared you are, there will always be something you didn't forsee or acquire in time. This is why you
need a few exra goodies for trading. A father suffering the indignity of not being able to start a fire to keep his
family warm would probably be willing to trade almost anything for a lighter/flare/matches.
-being a versatile prepper will create an opening in any survival group so long as they can sustain themselves while
offering more to the group as a whole.
-in the event that a shtf/ aka "pucker moment" should occur, chances are you won't be the only one feeling the effects.
And since we humans are social creatures, it is always an added bonus to have numbers on your side. (You commonly hear that 2 is 1 and 1 is none.)
But who has the time to find "like minded" people or be convincing enough to "wake up" your buddies who are more
worried about blasting people away with a videogame hobby prior to something negative occurring? The answer is very
few. In fact nothing short of an instant cataclysm would jerk most heads from a television screen. And of course only
then will they give any "life threatening" situation enough consideration to act. Right when it's too late. Action
will always be faster than reaction.
So what am I getting at you ask? I'm getting at the idea of looking at the process and idea of prepping from a
little different angle. To be able to mold yourself to be a desired asset no matter what the situation. Hence the term versatility.
For alot of us, we won't be able to organize within groups until the harsh times or "event" are already upon us.
And we only have those around us for physical, emotional, and spiritual support. And as far as more frequent
situations such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and such that may require you to get outta dodge, this prepping m.o. might
help you be an asset to a make shift group with plenty to offer.
A few things are common for a lot of preppers:
-few actually practice the lifestyle
-most solo preppers don't have the resources for a bugout retreat
-many preppers don't possess an ideal bugout vehicle (loadout+passenger capacity). Its amamzing how much weight your
gear can create in a vehicle with sub par suspension capabilities. Even for just 1 person. And few take into
consideration the value of a trailer. Not only for bugging out but as a form of barter. Afterall,you won't be the only
one that needs to move personal belongings around. Or assisting in transporting much needed supplies given the
possibility. I mean, we all know how fast FEMA takes care of business right?
When it comes to firearms, alot of people have a serious discomfort with them. Or can only spare enough
spending cash for bare necessities (food, water, shelter) in their preps.
- If your uncomfortable or can't afford a firearm, atleast have some rounds of common calibers on hand (.22, .223,
7.62x39, 9mm, .40, .45, 12 ga). Even just 1 box of each could be worth gold and it would all fit in a shoebox. Maybe
you'll come across some people who worried more about how many guns they own rather than ammunition. Atleast now you've
got a bargain to make for a secured location for the time being. Just that alone could be a major morale boost for a
family who just lost their home or had to leave town. And since you have your own preparations to boot, you're not a
leech to those around you.
A versatile prepper needs to be able to be self sustainable as well as be able to fill basic necessary roles in a group
environment: radios/communication, security, medical/first aid, hunting, gardening/gathering. If you're a person that has
to specialize, then choose your path and learn all your mind can take. But remember that knowing a fair amount about
different subjects can sometimes be greater overall than knowing everything about one.
-jobs/skills: If you don't have a career in anything prep worthy and only prep for the basics due to time/attention
restrictions/, then perhaps think about tools and other equipment ANY group would generally need.
Example: visegrips, duct tape, gun oil/wd-40, hammer, axe, etc.
Having knowledge and experience is good, but having some specified equipment to go with that knowledge may be in
even more demand. High demand jobs/skills will most likely be those that require knowledge and specific
equipment/tools.
Equipment and knowledge dependent skills just off the top of my head:
-dentistry
-medical/first aid
-ham radio/communication technology specialist
-mechanic
-plumber
-welder
-carpenter
-electrician
-pharmacist/chemist
Space available? There are plenty of preppers that are lacking storage capacity. Especially if you reside in
an apartment complex. Maybe at best you can only set aside 1 month's worth of food without taking away your roomates
closet space. No problem. A 50 pack of bic lighters from Sam's Club for 30.00 takes up next to no space and would be
worth quite a bit after everything is shut down during a power outage after a blizzard or hurricane. Or hand
sanitizer/baby wipes/carton of cigarettes (if your a smoker, you already know how fast these will go), and toiletries(we all have to wipe our behinds right?). Things you could
barter with will give you an edge that not many others would have the forsight to squirriel away. Imagine getting to share a
meal because someone wasn't able to heat theirs? Things like hand warmers or road flares, Hell, even cheapy LED
flashlights could strike a good bargain when in need.
In conclusion, I feel the added value of being capable to fill most needed roles in a group, being a
self sustainable prepper, with equipment to boot, does indeed increase your survivability as well as your family against
possible violence and theft through numbers. Not to mention raising morale, resilience, and mental/physical/spiritual strength to the
situation/obstacle at hand.
-Fatty
P.S. Once again, I'm NOT advocating anyone is wrong in how they prep!:D