I previously published this a few years ago and with new people visiting the site thought it would be a good idea to bring it back around. – Rourke
I’ve had some older folks suggest that they are useless should the SHTF. They talk about their bad knees, inability to run, or other physical limitations. Others will say they are just not “tactical” enough and don’t have an aggressive mindset. It’s disappointing to hear talk like this and the display of such defeatist perspectives.
We all have value. We all can contribute. The fact is we also all have limitations and some of those limitations can be determinantal. While certainly there are cases in which weakness can be changed the reality is we are who we are. For preppers, those weaknesses must be identified and dealt with.
Example: Your group has 12 members. Two are over 70 years old. Three of the others are obese and have physical limitations when it comes to exerting themselves. One member is a Crossfit athlete. The rest are ordinary people in average shape. The decision on sending a patrol out 3-5 miles from the property to watch for traffic on a popular rural road and report back their observations would have to take physical limitations – as well as mental ones – into consideration.
Example: The group arrives at the retreat. The retreat arrival checklist is pulled out and responsibilities are divided. Responsibilities and tasks revolving around food prep, cooking, sanitation, logistics/inventory control, security, water/water filtration, etc. are all critical to the success of the group. The Crossfit athlete has a serious reading/writing problem, and one of the 70-year-olds worked for the Post Office in logistics. Strengths and weakness must be considered.
Example: Over the last three days the perimeter of the property has been tested by someone on a motorcycle. It is apparent they are testing the waters to see how the group is reacting and to gather intelligence. Two of the group members are ex-military and suggest an attack is imminent. A defensive plan specifically geared towards this known threat must be implemented. One of the 70+-year-olds fought in Vietnam. The other member was in the first Gulf War. The tactical experience and knowledge level must be considered for all members as a plan is devised.
It would be great if we could all be John J. Rambo with advanced medical degrees. That is just not realistic. Having the ability to not take offense is also important. There’s no room for egos when it comes to survival.
Assessing skills and making decisions that are in the best interest of the group is critical. Everyone needs to be on the same page and the entire topic should be discussed well before the “bug out” takes place.
Lastly – if you realize you have weaknesses consider making changes to eliminate them. Certainly, some are unavoidable. Having limitations due to being overweight can be improved. If your cardio just plain sucks and you could not walk 6 miles if your life depended on it then get out there and start walking. Even small improvements over time will add up.
Take care all –
Rourke
I’m glad your digging through your archives and republishing interesting articles. I missed out on most you have previously published. This one kind of describes our group. Old folks with the talents and knowledge to do lots of things, but their body can only supervise or solve problems now. Young folks to lazy and unable to work to completion of projects. It’s going to get real !
Thanks Methane. Sometimes I am hesitant as I don’t want to bore those who may have already seen it but hey – some of this stuff is pretty good if I do say so myself.
As I get older and the joints and eyes get a little weaker I have had to change how I plan things and how I would bug out. My wife and I are avid hikers and I work out 4 times a week but I have had to do this kind of consideration and planning given my age (49) and that I’m not a spring chicken anymore. So saying all that, these are great points and good items for consideration when making your bug out plans. Just because someone is older and not in the greatest physical shape doesn’t reduce the value they can add to a group. Good words as always JR.
Thanks Ernie – Your comment sounds familiar with what me and mine are doing. Keep it up!!
Ernie,
49 is not old by todays standards. I’m seven years older than you and I am stronger, smarter, and a better shooter then people half my age. Your age is nothing more than a mile post in life where you have travelled. It’s the sudden exits you have to worry about!!!
Thanks Jimmy. I am 51 and certainly do not feel 51 and more like 25. I am not in as good of shape. as I used to but I know I can get there in short order. There are plenty of GOOD miles left!
I agree totally with Jimmy. I’m in better shape now than I was 10 years ago. I’m in better shape than guys half my age and I can outwork a good many young guys on the job. I work hard to keep myself in shape and educate myself as much as possible. I agree it is those sudden exits that you have to be mindful of. I look at my age as a number. I definitely don’t feel or act my age lol, and the knowledge and experience I have gained and learned makes me wonder how I made it to this point sometimes 😅
Go kick some ass Ernie!!! I’ll join you!
As 1 of those that’s mobility impared, back is shot to hell and arthritis is throughout my body. Just, dig a 4’deep hole in a nice comfy sniper hide with enough sandbags to use as bullet stops. Help me get my old butt there with 5 mre’s a couple gallons of water and a half gallon Gatorade. I’ll catch you when you get back in a week to relieve me. Just police up the bodies about 550yds away before you get to me.