Hey everyone received an email from SH, pointing out a survival forum dedicated to the state of Georgia. Here it is, enjoy!!
http://www.gasurvivalforum.com/
If you have any links or web sites dedicated to survivalism in the south east please send the up to us at
flasurvival@hotmail.com
D69A
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Meeting other's that DO walk the walk
Hello viewers-
Just a heads up to stay tuned for some Florida area meets/get togethers that are in the works for the upcoming few months.
Hope to meet some of you soon.
( The above pictures and many more you will see here are all from Central Florida survival hikes,camp outs and greets! Dont miss out!!!
D69A
Monday, November 9, 2009
Hey where have you all been? No part 2 to your dehydrating film? or new blog post? What gives...?
Ted from Nc.
****
****
Hello Ted, were still here and kicking!
Sorry for the delay on postings/replies and loading films.
Recently I had to leave town for 10 days for work and personal issues.
We should have regular postings and films up shortly.
Thanks for the email Ted!
D69A
Ted from Nc.
****
****
Hello Ted, were still here and kicking!
Sorry for the delay on postings/replies and loading films.
Recently I had to leave town for 10 days for work and personal issues.
We should have regular postings and films up shortly.
Thanks for the email Ted!
D69A
Retreat arrangements
*** From RH ,thank you RH for this entry ***
Retreat arrangements
OK, so you don't have 40 acres on a mountain in Idaho, or 20 acres in the swamps of southern Georgia, you live in the suburbs and your convinced that you must stay there. What to do?First and foremost I'd be amiss if I didn't call "bravo sierra" on the fact that you "have" to stay in the suburbs. In case you didn't get the memo, "bravo sierra" stands for BS.
I'm convinced that ANYONE serious enough can make it out of the suburbs/city and move to the country, usually within 6 months IF motivated enough. Some want it bad enough, most don't however. So let's consider some Retreat Arrangements other than living full time at your retreat. First off, let's consider the absentee owner route. This is where you own a retreat property in a safe area as well as maintaining a "normal" residence in suburbia. The high costs involved with keeping up essentially two households usually becomes overwhelming for the average survivalist. Even a modest cabin with 2 acres can set one back $10-20,000. in some areas of the country now a days. We won't even consider the costs of property taxes, mowing, general upkeep, etc. Another disadvantage is the fact that it's highly likely that a lone unoccupied residence will be broken into, sometimes repeatedly. We have some neighbors in our area that purchased a house here but remained in another state. The house was repeatedly broken into. So much so the wife would come up unexpectedly, hide her vehicle and sit in the house with a rifle and the lights off! She was determined to catch whoever was breaking in. For them the theft of items was a nuisance. If you are depending on having key items in place and you arrive at your retreat to find them gone, it may cause you slightly more discomfort. Especially if you only become aware of the loss when the items are truly needed.
With absentee ownership there is also the real possiblity that you will arrive to find your retreat already occupied. Serious thought, planning and preparation should be given to how you would have to re-take it. Some would argue that you could hire a "caretaker" to live on the property and watch over it while you are away. I would argue that there is a 90% chance that your "caretaker" will not take too kindly to being booted out when the time comes for you to occupy the retreat. The mere implications of bringing the proverbial "wrong person" with him to your property could wreck your security for years to come. Probably the biggest factor against this sort of retreat arrangement would be the experience factor. Living at your retreat full time teaches you an immense amount of information that you will not get with monthly or even every weekend trips.
When we left Florida in November of 1999 I honestly felt pretty confident in my ability to raise food. I had raised rabbits and chickens in my backyard in suburbia, had a small garden, etc. I had read, studied and consumed hundreds of books on growing food, raising animals, ponds and orchards. In retrospect, I didn't have a clue!!!I realize now that I was waaaaay behind the learning curve for most subjects dealing with true long term survival. Sure I had plenty of food storage, which could have given me a lot of time to learn, however I likely would not have had specific items I needed, time to develop soil, or even just the correct varieties of fruit trees that would produce in my area. I really do pity the folks that think homesteading will be a "piece of cake." I would highly suggest that if you do not have credible, real life, year to year experience growing 50% or more of what you currently eat yourself, that you absolutely forget the notion of a 1 year supply and work towards a 2 year and preferably a 3 year supply. Having this much food storage will be a "cushion" to allow you time to develop the skills to raise your own food.
The only way I would advise the "absentee" ownership move would be if you have a short time frame- less than a year- until you can and will actually move to your retreat. At the very least your going to have to start thinking outside the box, using a lot of psy-ops techniques and do a good amount of midnight gardening in you choose absentee ownership. One other possible retreat arrangement would be the group retreat. I've spent a lot of time and bandwidth in previous blogs going over how and why this type of thing usually does not work. Suffice to say in my encounters with literally thousands of survivalists over the last 20 years, I've seen a total of 1 of these types of arrangements that worked. The reason it worked? The group was already a "group" before it purchased the land. Common bonds were formed decades before, it was essentially one big family. Meeting JoeBob and Cleetus on the net and making this work with them is pretty much an impossiblity. Getting financially knit together with people you do not know well is never a good idea.
Other arrangements-
Occassionaly in corresponding with and consulting with like minded folks I met survivalists that have already made the move out of the cities. It's not uncommon for them to realize the need for a group of people to depend on- a retreat group or survival group- to up there own chances of survival. It doesn't take much time to figure out that a lone family will not have the manpower to post a 24/7 security, let alone all the skill sets necessary for long term survival.
Many times I had advocated to these rural survivalists that they network and develop a retreat group for the purpose of having extra folks for help and security at their retreat when the time comes. If done correctly, this sort of arrangment can be beneficial to both parties. The city bound survivalist now has a bug out location or run to spot where he can escape to in time of trouble. The country bound survivalist now has extra help around for security, food production efforts, etc. Of all the "group" retreat arrangements I've seen, this type is the one that usually works best and makes it long term.
There are some serious disadvantages to this. First and foremost the country survivalist must be VERY careful in selection of prospects. You are potentially going to be living around- if not directly with- these people for a long period of time. If you can't stand to be around Jimmy for a weekend, guess what, he's going to be impossible to be around for an extended period of time. Herein lies the problem- most people will "fake it" during the first initial meetings. Children will be warned to be on there best behavior. What happens when you committ to them and then find out there is serious family issues? To me, time is the only factor that's going to allow these things to be seen. You may see some warning signals during the first initial meetings. It would be wise to use caution and take your time if and when these signals arise. Be ready to communicate effectively.
I've advocated for years a list of requirements for a group. This doesn't have to have specific information that isn't pertinent or could cause OPSEC problems. A general guideline of "what's expected" should be the general theme. This will likely have to be revised from time to time. If you just talk about these things someone can always claim "I don't remember talking about that." If you have it in written form AND discuss it, there should be none of that. Well at the very least, you can always refer them to the list of guidelines.
Just what sort of things should you lay out?*What's required for group participation- This should include all time requirements (i.e, we meet one weekend ever other month) as well as all monetary requirements (i.e, each group member is required to pay $50.00 per person per year to help cover the costs of materials for training events). Gear and supply requirements should also be laid out succintly (i.e, by the end of the first year with the group a member should have X amount of food, 2,000 rounds of ammuntion and Requirements A through C on the gear list completed). * Unacceptable behavior amongst the group- here's where I'll probably lose most people. Some will say that this is being dictatorial, that you "can't legislate ethics", etc. Both statements are true to an extent. Let me be blunt and painfully honest- some folks just don't know how to act now a days.
Experience with most people now a days clearly is in line with how the apostle Paul described how people would be in the end times. To surmise; selfish, worldly POS's (my description, not Paul's). To think that anyone is better than this without firsthand long term experience with them is simply naive. There was a reason the Lord Himself taught the "golden rule." Basically if you can't stand to be around anyone that spits, then you aren't going to make it in a group of folks that chew. If you can't stand lieing, then you aren't going to make it around a group of liberals :)Again, the reasoning behind laying out what is and isn't acceptable in this realm is the fact that you may very well be living with, near or amongst these people for an extended period of time if TS ever does HTF. Are blowups gonna happen? Yes of course. Are people going to get irritable and upset with one another? Yes of course. It's how this is handled during and after the fact that needs to be addressed. The last thing you want is someone harboring resentment against you for a long period of time for eating the last twinkie in the box. Be slow to speak, quick to listen and ready to forgive. When you are forgiven, be ready to do the same next time.
Really a group situation is no different than any family organization. Like most families, sometimes things "come to a head." Above all it needs to be brought up, dwelt with and forgiveness given. Sweeping it under the rug, accepting bad behavior or just ignoring it is NEVER the answer and will send a wrong signal to the perpetrator. Hope this helps.
RH
**Thank you RH for that email!!**
*** please send all blog entries to
flasurvival@hotmail.com
So we may be able to post them for you.
D69A
******
Retreat arrangements
OK, so you don't have 40 acres on a mountain in Idaho, or 20 acres in the swamps of southern Georgia, you live in the suburbs and your convinced that you must stay there. What to do?First and foremost I'd be amiss if I didn't call "bravo sierra" on the fact that you "have" to stay in the suburbs. In case you didn't get the memo, "bravo sierra" stands for BS.
I'm convinced that ANYONE serious enough can make it out of the suburbs/city and move to the country, usually within 6 months IF motivated enough. Some want it bad enough, most don't however. So let's consider some Retreat Arrangements other than living full time at your retreat. First off, let's consider the absentee owner route. This is where you own a retreat property in a safe area as well as maintaining a "normal" residence in suburbia. The high costs involved with keeping up essentially two households usually becomes overwhelming for the average survivalist. Even a modest cabin with 2 acres can set one back $10-20,000. in some areas of the country now a days. We won't even consider the costs of property taxes, mowing, general upkeep, etc. Another disadvantage is the fact that it's highly likely that a lone unoccupied residence will be broken into, sometimes repeatedly. We have some neighbors in our area that purchased a house here but remained in another state. The house was repeatedly broken into. So much so the wife would come up unexpectedly, hide her vehicle and sit in the house with a rifle and the lights off! She was determined to catch whoever was breaking in. For them the theft of items was a nuisance. If you are depending on having key items in place and you arrive at your retreat to find them gone, it may cause you slightly more discomfort. Especially if you only become aware of the loss when the items are truly needed.
With absentee ownership there is also the real possiblity that you will arrive to find your retreat already occupied. Serious thought, planning and preparation should be given to how you would have to re-take it. Some would argue that you could hire a "caretaker" to live on the property and watch over it while you are away. I would argue that there is a 90% chance that your "caretaker" will not take too kindly to being booted out when the time comes for you to occupy the retreat. The mere implications of bringing the proverbial "wrong person" with him to your property could wreck your security for years to come. Probably the biggest factor against this sort of retreat arrangement would be the experience factor. Living at your retreat full time teaches you an immense amount of information that you will not get with monthly or even every weekend trips.
When we left Florida in November of 1999 I honestly felt pretty confident in my ability to raise food. I had raised rabbits and chickens in my backyard in suburbia, had a small garden, etc. I had read, studied and consumed hundreds of books on growing food, raising animals, ponds and orchards. In retrospect, I didn't have a clue!!!I realize now that I was waaaaay behind the learning curve for most subjects dealing with true long term survival. Sure I had plenty of food storage, which could have given me a lot of time to learn, however I likely would not have had specific items I needed, time to develop soil, or even just the correct varieties of fruit trees that would produce in my area. I really do pity the folks that think homesteading will be a "piece of cake." I would highly suggest that if you do not have credible, real life, year to year experience growing 50% or more of what you currently eat yourself, that you absolutely forget the notion of a 1 year supply and work towards a 2 year and preferably a 3 year supply. Having this much food storage will be a "cushion" to allow you time to develop the skills to raise your own food.
The only way I would advise the "absentee" ownership move would be if you have a short time frame- less than a year- until you can and will actually move to your retreat. At the very least your going to have to start thinking outside the box, using a lot of psy-ops techniques and do a good amount of midnight gardening in you choose absentee ownership. One other possible retreat arrangement would be the group retreat. I've spent a lot of time and bandwidth in previous blogs going over how and why this type of thing usually does not work. Suffice to say in my encounters with literally thousands of survivalists over the last 20 years, I've seen a total of 1 of these types of arrangements that worked. The reason it worked? The group was already a "group" before it purchased the land. Common bonds were formed decades before, it was essentially one big family. Meeting JoeBob and Cleetus on the net and making this work with them is pretty much an impossiblity. Getting financially knit together with people you do not know well is never a good idea.
Other arrangements-
Occassionaly in corresponding with and consulting with like minded folks I met survivalists that have already made the move out of the cities. It's not uncommon for them to realize the need for a group of people to depend on- a retreat group or survival group- to up there own chances of survival. It doesn't take much time to figure out that a lone family will not have the manpower to post a 24/7 security, let alone all the skill sets necessary for long term survival.
Many times I had advocated to these rural survivalists that they network and develop a retreat group for the purpose of having extra folks for help and security at their retreat when the time comes. If done correctly, this sort of arrangment can be beneficial to both parties. The city bound survivalist now has a bug out location or run to spot where he can escape to in time of trouble. The country bound survivalist now has extra help around for security, food production efforts, etc. Of all the "group" retreat arrangements I've seen, this type is the one that usually works best and makes it long term.
There are some serious disadvantages to this. First and foremost the country survivalist must be VERY careful in selection of prospects. You are potentially going to be living around- if not directly with- these people for a long period of time. If you can't stand to be around Jimmy for a weekend, guess what, he's going to be impossible to be around for an extended period of time. Herein lies the problem- most people will "fake it" during the first initial meetings. Children will be warned to be on there best behavior. What happens when you committ to them and then find out there is serious family issues? To me, time is the only factor that's going to allow these things to be seen. You may see some warning signals during the first initial meetings. It would be wise to use caution and take your time if and when these signals arise. Be ready to communicate effectively.
I've advocated for years a list of requirements for a group. This doesn't have to have specific information that isn't pertinent or could cause OPSEC problems. A general guideline of "what's expected" should be the general theme. This will likely have to be revised from time to time. If you just talk about these things someone can always claim "I don't remember talking about that." If you have it in written form AND discuss it, there should be none of that. Well at the very least, you can always refer them to the list of guidelines.
Just what sort of things should you lay out?*What's required for group participation- This should include all time requirements (i.e, we meet one weekend ever other month) as well as all monetary requirements (i.e, each group member is required to pay $50.00 per person per year to help cover the costs of materials for training events). Gear and supply requirements should also be laid out succintly (i.e, by the end of the first year with the group a member should have X amount of food, 2,000 rounds of ammuntion and Requirements A through C on the gear list completed). * Unacceptable behavior amongst the group- here's where I'll probably lose most people. Some will say that this is being dictatorial, that you "can't legislate ethics", etc. Both statements are true to an extent. Let me be blunt and painfully honest- some folks just don't know how to act now a days.
Experience with most people now a days clearly is in line with how the apostle Paul described how people would be in the end times. To surmise; selfish, worldly POS's (my description, not Paul's). To think that anyone is better than this without firsthand long term experience with them is simply naive. There was a reason the Lord Himself taught the "golden rule." Basically if you can't stand to be around anyone that spits, then you aren't going to make it in a group of folks that chew. If you can't stand lieing, then you aren't going to make it around a group of liberals :)Again, the reasoning behind laying out what is and isn't acceptable in this realm is the fact that you may very well be living with, near or amongst these people for an extended period of time if TS ever does HTF. Are blowups gonna happen? Yes of course. Are people going to get irritable and upset with one another? Yes of course. It's how this is handled during and after the fact that needs to be addressed. The last thing you want is someone harboring resentment against you for a long period of time for eating the last twinkie in the box. Be slow to speak, quick to listen and ready to forgive. When you are forgiven, be ready to do the same next time.
Really a group situation is no different than any family organization. Like most families, sometimes things "come to a head." Above all it needs to be brought up, dwelt with and forgiveness given. Sweeping it under the rug, accepting bad behavior or just ignoring it is NEVER the answer and will send a wrong signal to the perpetrator. Hope this helps.
RH
**Thank you RH for that email!!**
*** please send all blog entries to
flasurvival@hotmail.com
So we may be able to post them for you.
D69A
******
Thursday, October 29, 2009
BOL where?
"Enjoy the site, thanks. I was wondering what part of the sunshine state did you feel would be the best place to established a bug out location at or to bug out to." Jack
Hello Jack, Thanks for the question. Florida has a lot going for it now as far as a place to live. However it has a lot going AGAINST it when you consider a TSHTF type situation. High population density, dozens upon dozens of nuclear targets, very little agricultural base, a largely urban and system dependent population, all of these are just a few of the things going against Florida as a retreat location. That being said, the only areas I personally would consider would near- didn't say IN- the Ocala National Forest in the center of the state and the north central section of the state far enough away from Tallahassee and far enough away from Jacksonville, PREFERABLY above Interstate 10. If I-10 was shut down, closed, blocked, etc. no one could leave the state by vehicle or foot. Something to consider in Florida. That's the short, sweet, simple answer :)
Thanks for posting. RH-
As always send your questions and entries to
flasurvival@hotmail.com
and we'll asnwer/post them for you!
Bob-
Hello Jack, Thanks for the question. Florida has a lot going for it now as far as a place to live. However it has a lot going AGAINST it when you consider a TSHTF type situation. High population density, dozens upon dozens of nuclear targets, very little agricultural base, a largely urban and system dependent population, all of these are just a few of the things going against Florida as a retreat location. That being said, the only areas I personally would consider would near- didn't say IN- the Ocala National Forest in the center of the state and the north central section of the state far enough away from Tallahassee and far enough away from Jacksonville, PREFERABLY above Interstate 10. If I-10 was shut down, closed, blocked, etc. no one could leave the state by vehicle or foot. Something to consider in Florida. That's the short, sweet, simple answer :)
Thanks for posting. RH-
As always send your questions and entries to
flasurvival@hotmail.com
and we'll asnwer/post them for you!
Bob-
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Some sites
***
sent by Astro67
as always please send your blog entries to
flasurvival@hotmail.com
for us to post for you- D69A-
***
hey fellas, found some sites that i think will help others.
www.ar15.com- survival/general outdoors forum
www.frugalsquirrels.com
http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php
www.vikingpreparedness.com
http://www.equipped.org/
Hope these help someone out. They seem to be the most active. I see frugs/arf always having networking camp outs,meets and range days. Hope to meet yall one day.
Astro
****
Thank you Astro for the links!!!
of course you forgot
www.flasurvival.com
LOL
Thank you again .
D69A
****
sent by Astro67
as always please send your blog entries to
flasurvival@hotmail.com
for us to post for you- D69A-
***
hey fellas, found some sites that i think will help others.
www.ar15.com- survival/general outdoors forum
www.frugalsquirrels.com
http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php
www.vikingpreparedness.com
http://www.equipped.org/
Hope these help someone out. They seem to be the most active. I see frugs/arf always having networking camp outs,meets and range days. Hope to meet yall one day.
Astro
****
Thank you Astro for the links!!!
of course you forgot
www.flasurvival.com
LOL
Thank you again .
D69A
****
Monday, October 26, 2009
Proceed with caution!
People get excited about meeting others of like mind but the caution is always there that you want to meet the RIGHT people to network with. Their is always a danger in meeting the WRONG PEOPLE also.
We received this email just a few days ago from a friend on a small forum
"Dave and Bob- I saw you both a while back at the FLORIDA FORUM NAME DELETED campout. I concerned about the people we meet their. Some are not far from me and with what I witnessed at the campout, I wish I lived in "Idaho" also. That old thread were the owner of that forum said he was going to take over peoples compounds or farms during a disaster really made me think. Now seeing how he acted in person and after the campout, I'm not sure I should be on that board. I might be paranoid but I think Fred is gathering infomation so he can steal supplies from people during a disaster."
Name withheld.
Well honestly, it's been a concern of more than a few folks. Any time someone posts their INTENTIONS of stealing supplies from others if TSHTF they are someone to watch and guard yourself around. That being said, I was there and saw that person, they don't stand much of a chance of pulling off what he previously wrote-
Posted by "Fred" the owner and admin of http://www.flsurvival.com/index.php?board=1.0
in this thread -
http://www.flsurvival.com/index.php?topic=844.30
"Fellas, I am an amateur at this! That's why I'm here, is to learn and network for resources in those other areas to "Make It" when the SHTF!EMP's, not prepared yet for that, working on it! Communications, Vehicle's etc. still working on it.Sustainable long term food? Nope, not to that degree yet! Gardens going, nope, not that either!Showing up in a desolate "Eden" with a caravan of folks with arms and supplies: This is still being worked out, but yes, going to show up and put my hands up, walk over and talk to those folks held up in arms. Tell them who/what we are and have to offer, try to make a plan of banding together. At that point they can't just turn down an opportunity to join forces as things are getting rough out there. I'll try everything possible to barter my way in. If that don't work, I fall back and the group makes a plan on the circumstance to over take it or move on.
Let's put this into a real scenario; 4-6 days after the SHTF, people won't be that organized, and that's the time to make those travel plans if needed. Less of desperation, organized gangs from lawlessness, etc. etc.People are survivalist, no matter what type of situations you put them in, sit back and reflect around the world and think about some of our history in a real perspective for a second. People have overcome and survived through some real crap!I don't have all the answers for what we will and will not encounter on the road, or what if situations to a multiple amount of things that can go wrong. Not a pro survivalist, psychic or anything else that would give me a sense of security in what is coming."
You can see why the person in the email showed concern. People who state that they are going to come to an established retreat and "negotiate" their entrance in, if that doesn't work they will "take it" you would be foolish not to show some concern around people of that character. I attended the campout the email mentions, I met Fred and although I'm not at al concerned that a guy like that could actually pull that plan off, it further reveals his character.
When you couple that with the manipulation techniques that were clearly being used both at the gathering and on his little site, well it serves as a warning to others. Furthermore, a close examination shows that Fred himself never seems that interested in the threads relating to food storage, long term survival skills, etc.
A real survivalist or "prepper" who IS preparing wants to know about things like that. Someone who's plan is to "take it" from others sees little need in storing food, etc. ahead of time. Certainly just meeting the fellow and watching him for the weekend as well as reading numerous posts of his, shows that he is ALWAYS looking for the easy way out.
In this case, he has already stated his easy way out, it is-
"Showing up in a desolate "Eden" with a caravan of folks with arms and supplies: This is still being worked out, but yes, going to show up and put my hands up, walk over and talk to those folks held up in arms. Tell them who/what we are and have to offer, try to make a plan of banding together. At that point they can't just turn down an opportunity to join forces as things are getting rough out there. I'll try everything possible to barter my way in. If that don't work, I fall back and the group makes a plan on the circumstance to over take it or move on."
and also
"Upon arrival at the new land frontier, the land will be taken, claimed, negotiated into joining or bartered with the occupants. The caravan should be at least twice the size it was when it left South FL by that point, and most will be turned into a security force."
Anyone who IS actually preparing would be smart to steer clear of these types of folks. Certainly on REAL survival forums like Frugal Squirrels, AR15.com and others, people who talk like this are chastised quickly and people avoid them like the plague.
So yes, their is a REAL DANGER in meeting the "wrong people." When you see someone surrounding themselves only with people they can CONTROL, then utilizing clear MANIPULATION techniques on their little site, then STATING OPENLY that they plan to "take it" from others instead of actually PREPARING on their own, well Sherlock Holmes would call that "a clue!"
But don't get disheartened. This small group of people, which was really just Fred and his family represent a VERY SMALL MINORITY in the survival community. Certainly most of the other attendees of the meet were decent folks. The nice thing about meeting others is that it cuts through the hype. They might act or seem 6 foot 4 and 200 lbs. super survivalist on the internet but when you meet them and their family is screaming and cussing at each other all weekend, their kids are out of control and act dangerously and what they SAY doesn't match up with what they DO, well you get the REAL PICTURE then. I personally have no interest in hanging around folks into the drug culture either.
Liberals and new agers like them always cry 'tolerance' but they themselves show little tolerance for folks that don't want to surround themselves with drugs. Don't feel bad about your decision to come to that get together. I knew better myself but went anyways. :( Thankfully about a month ago I made the decision that my family would NOT attend with me. Some campouts, like the ones from Frugal Squirrels forums ARE TRUE family friendly campouts. My decision to not bring my family to the drugfest campout was based on seeing so many drug references on that small forum- Flsurvival/a survivalist community forum.
Honestly I think the bigger danger is not that Fred will come and "take" what he wants from people he knows, the bigger danger is with his manipulation skills. He's the kind of guy that if not "put in check" early on would become such a leech to you that eventually you would have to fight him to get him gone. You always have to wonder about folks that SAY they want to "build a community" but have NOTHING to bring to the "community." Especially when their ACTIONS clearly are NOT about community building but are ALL ABOUT control and manipulating people.
It's not hard to connect the dots- 1. He has shown little actual want to prepare. 2. Yet he has shown a want to "network" with others. 3. He has clearly shown his manipulation techniques. 4. He surrounds himself with people he can control. 5. He has sought information on those that are preparing. 6. He has set that forum up so he has total control over what goes on. I don't have a cookbook for it, but that definitely appears to be the recipe for a LOOTER.
On that same little forum, we were bashed for talking about OPSEC- i.e, not giving out too much info on yourself, where you live, etc. NOW people realize why keeping quiet about yourself, where you live and what you have is important. Be careful out there! Some folks that claim to be survivalists are little more than drug abusers looking to "take it" (supplies) from real preppers and survivalists if something happens.
RH
People get excited about meeting others of like mind but the caution is always there that you want to meet the RIGHT people to network with. Their is always a danger in meeting the WRONG PEOPLE also.
We received this email just a few days ago from a friend on a small forum
"Dave and Bob- I saw you both a while back at the FLORIDA FORUM NAME DELETED campout. I concerned about the people we meet their. Some are not far from me and with what I witnessed at the campout, I wish I lived in "Idaho" also. That old thread were the owner of that forum said he was going to take over peoples compounds or farms during a disaster really made me think. Now seeing how he acted in person and after the campout, I'm not sure I should be on that board. I might be paranoid but I think Fred is gathering infomation so he can steal supplies from people during a disaster."
Name withheld.
Well honestly, it's been a concern of more than a few folks. Any time someone posts their INTENTIONS of stealing supplies from others if TSHTF they are someone to watch and guard yourself around. That being said, I was there and saw that person, they don't stand much of a chance of pulling off what he previously wrote-
Posted by "Fred" the owner and admin of http://www.flsurvival.com/index.php?board=1.0
in this thread -
http://www.flsurvival.com/index.php?topic=844.30
"Fellas, I am an amateur at this! That's why I'm here, is to learn and network for resources in those other areas to "Make It" when the SHTF!EMP's, not prepared yet for that, working on it! Communications, Vehicle's etc. still working on it.Sustainable long term food? Nope, not to that degree yet! Gardens going, nope, not that either!Showing up in a desolate "Eden" with a caravan of folks with arms and supplies: This is still being worked out, but yes, going to show up and put my hands up, walk over and talk to those folks held up in arms. Tell them who/what we are and have to offer, try to make a plan of banding together. At that point they can't just turn down an opportunity to join forces as things are getting rough out there. I'll try everything possible to barter my way in. If that don't work, I fall back and the group makes a plan on the circumstance to over take it or move on.
Let's put this into a real scenario; 4-6 days after the SHTF, people won't be that organized, and that's the time to make those travel plans if needed. Less of desperation, organized gangs from lawlessness, etc. etc.People are survivalist, no matter what type of situations you put them in, sit back and reflect around the world and think about some of our history in a real perspective for a second. People have overcome and survived through some real crap!I don't have all the answers for what we will and will not encounter on the road, or what if situations to a multiple amount of things that can go wrong. Not a pro survivalist, psychic or anything else that would give me a sense of security in what is coming."
You can see why the person in the email showed concern. People who state that they are going to come to an established retreat and "negotiate" their entrance in, if that doesn't work they will "take it" you would be foolish not to show some concern around people of that character. I attended the campout the email mentions, I met Fred and although I'm not at al concerned that a guy like that could actually pull that plan off, it further reveals his character.
When you couple that with the manipulation techniques that were clearly being used both at the gathering and on his little site, well it serves as a warning to others. Furthermore, a close examination shows that Fred himself never seems that interested in the threads relating to food storage, long term survival skills, etc.
A real survivalist or "prepper" who IS preparing wants to know about things like that. Someone who's plan is to "take it" from others sees little need in storing food, etc. ahead of time. Certainly just meeting the fellow and watching him for the weekend as well as reading numerous posts of his, shows that he is ALWAYS looking for the easy way out.
In this case, he has already stated his easy way out, it is-
"Showing up in a desolate "Eden" with a caravan of folks with arms and supplies: This is still being worked out, but yes, going to show up and put my hands up, walk over and talk to those folks held up in arms. Tell them who/what we are and have to offer, try to make a plan of banding together. At that point they can't just turn down an opportunity to join forces as things are getting rough out there. I'll try everything possible to barter my way in. If that don't work, I fall back and the group makes a plan on the circumstance to over take it or move on."
and also
"Upon arrival at the new land frontier, the land will be taken, claimed, negotiated into joining or bartered with the occupants. The caravan should be at least twice the size it was when it left South FL by that point, and most will be turned into a security force."
Anyone who IS actually preparing would be smart to steer clear of these types of folks. Certainly on REAL survival forums like Frugal Squirrels, AR15.com and others, people who talk like this are chastised quickly and people avoid them like the plague.
So yes, their is a REAL DANGER in meeting the "wrong people." When you see someone surrounding themselves only with people they can CONTROL, then utilizing clear MANIPULATION techniques on their little site, then STATING OPENLY that they plan to "take it" from others instead of actually PREPARING on their own, well Sherlock Holmes would call that "a clue!"
But don't get disheartened. This small group of people, which was really just Fred and his family represent a VERY SMALL MINORITY in the survival community. Certainly most of the other attendees of the meet were decent folks. The nice thing about meeting others is that it cuts through the hype. They might act or seem 6 foot 4 and 200 lbs. super survivalist on the internet but when you meet them and their family is screaming and cussing at each other all weekend, their kids are out of control and act dangerously and what they SAY doesn't match up with what they DO, well you get the REAL PICTURE then. I personally have no interest in hanging around folks into the drug culture either.
Liberals and new agers like them always cry 'tolerance' but they themselves show little tolerance for folks that don't want to surround themselves with drugs. Don't feel bad about your decision to come to that get together. I knew better myself but went anyways. :( Thankfully about a month ago I made the decision that my family would NOT attend with me. Some campouts, like the ones from Frugal Squirrels forums ARE TRUE family friendly campouts. My decision to not bring my family to the drugfest campout was based on seeing so many drug references on that small forum- Flsurvival/a survivalist community forum.
Honestly I think the bigger danger is not that Fred will come and "take" what he wants from people he knows, the bigger danger is with his manipulation skills. He's the kind of guy that if not "put in check" early on would become such a leech to you that eventually you would have to fight him to get him gone. You always have to wonder about folks that SAY they want to "build a community" but have NOTHING to bring to the "community." Especially when their ACTIONS clearly are NOT about community building but are ALL ABOUT control and manipulating people.
It's not hard to connect the dots- 1. He has shown little actual want to prepare. 2. Yet he has shown a want to "network" with others. 3. He has clearly shown his manipulation techniques. 4. He surrounds himself with people he can control. 5. He has sought information on those that are preparing. 6. He has set that forum up so he has total control over what goes on. I don't have a cookbook for it, but that definitely appears to be the recipe for a LOOTER.
On that same little forum, we were bashed for talking about OPSEC- i.e, not giving out too much info on yourself, where you live, etc. NOW people realize why keeping quiet about yourself, where you live and what you have is important. Be careful out there! Some folks that claim to be survivalists are little more than drug abusers looking to "take it" (supplies) from real preppers and survivalists if something happens.
RH
Thursday, October 22, 2009
One question that was asked was how to go about FINDING a survival group. This one is always a tough question. I've always considered the best route to be forming your own group, starting first and foremost with your own family. Why your family? They are going to be with you, even if some are not currently "preparedness minded." It's YOUR job to bring them around to that. NOT through coercion, bullying or deception. Your next possible recruiting pool would be close friends. These are the folks you've known for the better part of your lifetime, or at least for many years. Why these folks? Simple. These are the folks that most likely KNOW that your a survivalist. These are the folks that WILL come to your house if something happens. Why not take the time to convert them now and have them be USEFUL to the overall survival effort rather than being a BURDEN to you when the time comes?Take your time and move slow. Giving these folks a comprehensive list of preps needed right off the bat will intimidate them. Start small.Another method of finding like minded people is via some of the online message boards and forums. Attending some of the campouts, meet and greets, BBQ's, shooting matches, gunshow gatherings, etc. are all good ways of meeting other like minded folks. From there, it's just a question of sifting through them to see who is truly serious and meets any qualifications you may have. We have covered this extensively in the past and will continue to cover related subjects regularly. RH
Welcome
Welcome to Florida Survival !
Florida Survival was created to allow survivalist and outdoor enthusiast from the state of Florida and the south east to network and exchange information. Here at Florida Survival we welcome our fellow bloggers and viewers to contribute any information that they see valuable to being better prepared. This can range from How To articles, your movies from youtube or announcing a meet/greet camp out in your area.
This blog is a means for all like minded people in Florida to communicate freely with out the constraints of a web forum. The only moderation will be to ensure that your comments, and articles are family safe and survival related.
To help you get started please our other sites across the web-
http://www.flasurvival.com/
http://www.bucketpacking.com/
http://www.survivalreport.net/
http://www.homesteadingandsurvival.com/
and of course our
PAW productions blog here on blogger
and our youtube channel where you will find most of our information in movie format.
http://www.youtube.com/user/delta69alpha
So if you want something posted here be it a meet/greet or blog entry
please email us at
flasurvival@hotmail.com
Bob
Florida Survival was created to allow survivalist and outdoor enthusiast from the state of Florida and the south east to network and exchange information. Here at Florida Survival we welcome our fellow bloggers and viewers to contribute any information that they see valuable to being better prepared. This can range from How To articles, your movies from youtube or announcing a meet/greet camp out in your area.
This blog is a means for all like minded people in Florida to communicate freely with out the constraints of a web forum. The only moderation will be to ensure that your comments, and articles are family safe and survival related.
To help you get started please our other sites across the web-
http://www.flasurvival.com/
http://www.bucketpacking.com/
http://www.survivalreport.net/
http://www.homesteadingandsurvival.com/
and of course our
PAW productions blog here on blogger
and our youtube channel where you will find most of our information in movie format.
http://www.youtube.com/user/delta69alpha
So if you want something posted here be it a meet/greet or blog entry
please email us at
flasurvival@hotmail.com
Bob
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