Ready 4 It AllIt seems like every day I see a post somewhere discussing “lone wolf” survival plans. If you’re unaware of this term it simply means that you’re planning ride out a disaster scenario completely alone, without any sort of support or community to help you. Many proponents of this plan seem to think that their “survival skills” (typically comprised mainly of primitive or bushcrafting skills) will be more than sufficient to effect survival not only in a short term disaster, but for extended or long-term disaster scenarios as well.
Being a lone wolf in a disaster is a horrible idea for many reasons. Today we’re going to discuss 5 key points for why this plan makes disaster survival much more difficult and why in some scenarios it can even get you killed.
You only have 2 hands and 2 eyes
A lot of lone wolf survivalists seem to forget that modern conveniences have taken a lot of the work out of day to day life. If we ever find ourselves in a true SHTF, long-term grid down scenario, day to day living is going to require a lot more work. Think about the last time you went camping without electricity. Even cooking a meal takes quite a bit of effort and work. Maintaining a fire, procuring food (if you’re not eating out of your preps) preparing that food, getting water to use in cooking and drinking, cleaning up…all that just to get a bite to eat for breakfast. Yes you can do these things by yourself, but how much time out of the day is it really going to take?
From a security standpoint being a lone wolf also makes no sense. You have to sleep sometime. If we’re in a true, long-term post disaster scenario, security is going to be a huge concern. I would much rather be taking security shifts with at least 1 or 2 other people to not only make sure I get some sleep, but that someone is watching my back while I do.
Despite what most lone wolves say, they’re going to want to recover and rebuild just as much as anyone else.
It doesn’t matter if you’re the next coming of Rambo, Les Stroud and Dave Canterbury combined, surviving on your own sucks. Yes it’s completely doable and yes millions of people survived just fine without modern conveniences and carved out their place in the wilderness, but remember….there is a reason why people created towns and cities. Humans require interaction with other humans to thrive. You’re highly unlikely to survive by yourself in the wilderness during a SHTF disaster anyway and being holed up in your house, alone, likely scared and without any modern conveniences is going to be a nightmare. At some point the lone wolf, “I don’t need anyone” attitude is going to fade and you’re going to want this disaster to end just as much as everyone else so you can get back to some semblance of normalcy.
Disasters have a way of building very strong loyalties among survivors. They also have a habit of making survivors extremely territorial and untrusting of new people. If you decide to tackle a long-term disaster as a lone wolf, you may want to keep in mind that when the rebuilding process starts, people are going to remember who was there helping during the disaster and who wasn’t. Even if you decide that you now want to be a part of a group, you may not be welcomed into one.
There’s always someone tougher than you are
So many of these lone wolf survivors talk about how tough they are, how much military training they have and how they can not only defend what they have, but are likely to go out taking from others by force. Not only do I think this is appalling just from an ethical standpoint and gives preppers in general a bad name, but I also think it’s absolutely ridiculous. I don’t care who you are, there is someone out there tougher than you are. There’s someone who’s a better shot, has more experience, and has less of a moral compass. In essence, you’re not the baddest fish in the pond and you never will be.
Think about this logically. In a true SHTF scenario, the world is going to be likely turned upside down. You’ll likely be without communication to loved ones, and the common comforts of our modern world will be gone. Why in the world would you immediately add an insane amount of security risks on top of all that by trying to take from others when it’s so much easier and efficient to just work together with other people?
What happens when you get injured?
In all of the posts I’ve seen from people advocating the lone wolf survival plan, I’ve never once seen any of them address what would happen in the case of injury. You can have all the ammo, MRE’s and tactical training in the world but a broken hand or foot is going to take you down a few pegs real quick. Before you so flippantly throw your nose up at community survival, you may want to remember that you very well may need those people to save your life if you get injured. It’s probably a good idea to be on good terms with them in the first place so you can not only help avoid injuries to begin with, but that if you do get injured, you have those people to help you while you recover.
This isn’t a war game
I think there’s a bad habit in the preparedness community as a whole with people who love to fantasize and debate about topics like this but fail to put any real thought into it. It’s a game to them, something to debate about on Facebook I think it’s important to keep in mind that while a real, long-term SHTF disaster is unlikely to happen any time soon, if you’re going to make a plan for something like this, be realistic. There is strength in numbers and your “survival skills” are only going to keep you alive for so long.
http://ready4itall.org/5-reasons-why-being-a-lone-wolf-is-a-horrible-survival-plan/
#1 NWO Hatr – good article, timely too – a while ago I took the time to completely read the interviews with Selco – on the SHTF website: wherein he espouses exactly (and with personal experiance reasons) why, those that try to make it alone, don’t. Even those with small families, or small groups (less than 5 or 6) will have very serious trouble, without allies of some sort.
True, in a short-term, disaster situation, being all alone is a rough way to go. But teaming up with the wrong person can be even worse.
In our situation, we are in our “survival location” for the long haul, not waiting for the S to HTF, but as a lifestyle choice. We are looking for people who would like to join us as well, to live the off-grid, self-sufficient, natural life.
Sheila
http://fightingfirewithwater.com
what are your views on weapons?
Be smart man, people with brains wont even touch that one. If they are looking to survive you know the answer…also Wolves are pack animals, which is why the lone wolf term is a contradiction in itself. People who claim to be such are lone nutters, and thats all. We are being attacked collectivley, so only a fool would respond alone.
Im not going anywhere. I like my situation in Louisiana. Im not much on the high deserts. Hell, I wish I could start a group like that here. I am working towards going off grid. Just got to pay off the bills first and find enough decent folk to get going.
Did you write ‘Surviving Survival-ism’? What a great read. Not being one to ever consider living in New Mexico Iv decided to try and do here in Oregon what you have done there. Not an easy thing to do. Love the life style just havent been able to find people that aren’t crazy yet will live without a cell phone and tv. I guess working everyday day to be self-reliant is too much to ask.
Yep, thats us. A big “You’re absolutely right” about finding the right people. Way too many insincere wack-o’s who seem like decent people at first. You don’t have to be nuts to live this way…just committed to personal freedom and self-responsibility (Ooo — sorry for saying a “dirty word”).
Sheila
http://fightingfirewithwater.com
Sheila Lucky you.
I planned and tried to get off grid in N Idaho. Ran out of money and got hurt on the job squashed that Idea. I have not given up on the dream as one day one of my family may follow through.
here is something to keep in mind…….I live in a rural state, fact the complete place is what I call rural…..Thats Montana…what I have to say applies though to nearly all cities also………and that is local, communities matter….Get to know that police officer..even though you may not like him and for good reason…but should things get nasty, his life is also on the line and he most likely will back his home town crowd ….same for the sheriff and other public figures….
A hostile force from the feds…is not going to be as welcome as those people like to think of them selves as being………fact, I believe they are hated….
Oh……tis not easy to see that locally because money flows from there to here….when the feds come with arms drawn and killing people…that all changes…….Locals will be for locals………
So don’t be so fearful of where ever you might live…
Aware Yes, but not too fearful…….
This Federal Shit is Going to Be Defeated….
I don’t know when. I do believe it to be so, though…..
Again, some time ago one of the survivors of the war in Serbia, whose town was cut off from all power and help for over a year, gives advice of how to survive.
Firstly, he comments that anyone alone, regardless of how much they prepared, how well they were armed, fell to gangs and marauders. He relates that only those who had several or more people capable of defense, handling weapons and the sort were able to survive, the more in the family, with a minimum of at least several men or very capable women or more survived.
The first places that were looted and attacked were those homes and residences that were the most well off prior to the war, “the rich and wealthy” are first to be accosted or killed.
Those who had weapons and supplies but were alone or just a few, they wore down or attacked with superior numbers.
Those who had weapons and supplies and had numerous defenders, several min or more, the greater was their chance of survival.
The items that brought the most value in bartering or even survival were of course firstly guns and ammo, especially ammo. Second were items like “bic lighters” which were like gold coins, then a variety of other necessary items, toilet paper, matches, and of course food of any sorts.
Lastly and worth mentioning more than once, the primary item to have both for defense of yourself and your family are firearms and lots and lots of ammo – most people do not realize how much ammo you might need. Sometimes you just have to shoot to warn or scare away, or maybe even shoot to kill but you need lots of ammo. Minimum you should have, in my opinion and as a former Vietnam Veteran, USMC, the following, or at least a few of these.
– AR-15, 30 magazines or more and min of 2500 rounds after sighting in and familiarizing yourself with the weapon.
– AK-47, 30 magazines or more and a min of 2500 rounds, ditto above.
– 12guage Shotgun with assorted ammo, OOBuck/500rds, other shot assorted for game and also self defense 1000rds mim.
– Ruger 10/22 with 50rd mags/10 and 30rd mags/15+ and 15-20 Thou. rds.
– Good 9mm (or .40 or .45 or even a .380) each with at least 12 mags and 1500rds or more.
– Good long range hunting rifle in a major calibre (.270 – 300 mag) with at least 500 rds or more.
The more magazines and ammunition the better as these can also be used for barter if you have extra and these will be top shelf prices in bartering.
I’m saying this is just a guide for “each” individual, everyone should have at least two weapons, a pistol and a good semi-auto AR or AK.
For those who are not too familiar with AR-s which have close tolerances, can be finiky and sometimes prone to failures, especially for those not well trained, I recommend an AK-47, quite sufficient and absolutely dependable requiring very little maintenance, if hardly any, and it will shoot and shoot and shoot – don’t forget to get a good red dot.
absolute correct…….Jarheadusmc My self also, am Nam Vet in country 1969……us army…..draftee….
The more weapons and ammo the better……..and most people will not recognize how much that is……….
I mean lots……….
Cause, most likely, one can not resupply………for the duration
That could be a very long time……..regarding ammo supply or if a weapon crashes……….
there are no spare parts…….and so forth…….
Thats also where others in a group enter…………just a simple thing…but stay in a group…….
Think People….when that happens…………always Think
Calmly…communicate………stay one for the other….
Work at it………
Thats what its going to take to survive….
And these idiots the way they are going in DC….could very well end up in our own land………as having to fight for survival
As stated (first comment) that guy you speak of Jarhead, was named Selco, and the 80 pages that he co-wrote are very very informative and detailed on this exact subject –
I neglected (in my 1st comment) to include Sheila’s poignant advice: the wrong person is by far worse than no person
and as to myself (also Veitnam ’68-’69) couldn’t agree more with your advice on arms – also wish I was in rbeason’s neighborhood instead of Sandy Eggo County, Left Coast, USA
I think that it all depends on how much you want to be lone wolfing it. It would take a big sacrifice but doable. A loner attitude would be good to have too. I know a few Lone Wolfs up in Alaska and they love it, they have been homesteading it now for over 12 yrs, they live in the middle of absolute nowhere – their nearest neighbor is something like 25 – 30 mi away. Yep they are 3 good down to earth people that got sick of it down here in the lower 48 and said screw it.
there you go……..perfect….no problem with that…
its though a different thing than getting out of the way of a now, attacking force of feds……..the people you speak of have done that regardless of any physical threat from the feds…would seem to me…
Personally, I was born in 1945..here, in Mont and lived the first 10+years on a remote farm/ranch where there was no electricity, no running water, no telephone, a radio with batteries and a coal/wood stove for heat and cooking…and i loved it…we rode horseback most days to a 1 room school and back again of course…and no problems….but that style of life is not what most could be asked to imagine…or do on the turn of a hat….
if there was leadership to aid, then yes, but without and all are green horns…lots of trouble ahead…….
so i don’t recommend people in the cities just believe that going it alone in some out of the way place is all that better than remaining within a group…..
People easily forget that resources are required…..Those resources soon run out…….
There is not a pretty answer to any of this if the feds get bullish on killing us….swiftest thing to do is kill them first….
i don’t for-see that as a tomorrow’s soon event….
personally, as of todays judgement, i doubt they can pull it off…and they know that.
I guess I should have said, rbeason, that of my freinds in Alaska, one was special forces and his brother was also a Marine. They also grew up hard in a Amish country comunity so they knew how to work a honest hard days work as I am sure you also know about a honest hard days work rbeason. I do not think that most people are ready for the lone wolf life style. I do know more than a few lone wolfers though. I got my group of 5 or so and we all are prety close to being loners ourselves but we are always here for ours bro.s. 🙂
kindness and forgiveness are of its own kind and have the last word, is my opinion and somehow that I believe will be its own reward when this fed assault (NWO) finally ends…..
weather it be Obummer, or the next guy to sit and claim…….His Excellency…..on the stage….
Its going to end……..
Without a specific leader to end this assault then that means you and i have to do it……..
And then, so be it…
One thing for sure, nothing last forever. It will end one day and start all over again.
I noticed EVERYTHING in the Universe operates in cycles.
If the NWO doesn’t kill us off the destruction of the environment (fukushima) has a good start on it. I pray it doesn’t come to that cause I hate being negative.
Being negative and being realistic are two different things.
If the reality is negative, then that’s the reality.
Very good statement #1, “being negative and being realistic are two iferent things”. Good one #1 one 🙂
I tell people that all the time, digger, because they try to tell me I’m always negative. I’m simply being realistic, but they don’t see it that way.
That’s one of the major drawbacks for them, being stuck in the matrix. They seem to really get defensive when I tell them to “deal with it”.
But then again, I’ve always been one to call a spade a spade.
Deal with it. 🙂
Naw #1 @ 3:54 pm, you are not very negative at all I think. How can you be negative when you are telling the truth, I think that that is being positive isn`t it. 🙂 I hope anyway 🙂
It’s like this, Lone Wolf, whose is going to guard your position and your ass while you are asleep? If you are in any area of activity, one man alone is a fool’s errand and even up in the mountains, how would you like a bear sneaking up on you while you were asleep?
If you were fortified up in the mountains, your movement would be limited to the distance you could travel and get to another or back to your main shelter.
At any rate, a bad idea in my opinion. Get as many people as you can, as many supplies, as many guns and ammo as you are able, and then secure yourself as far up in the mountains as you can get. Then come down out of the mountains at will to strike like a wolf pack.
Just a layman’s opinion. 🙂
Aw yes Henry, and don`t forget about alternative weaponry. I love throw together type weapons. 🙂
Really good info. I look in the trenches everyday and everyday I get an education. Thanks Henry, and thanks to all who contribute. Unfortunately I fall into that loan wolf category because it is hard for me to trust anyone. Been burned too many times. It hurts my heart to see our wonderful country going in this direction, but FUC* EM Molon labe REMEMBER REACH “to the last man”
I wish there were someway I could bring an assurance to you that there are people around of whom you could trust……for if there were some way, i would do that for you….
I have had my share of being bashed in this word, thats for sure….
However, no matter what has hit me, i come back to the, at least personally, realization that people are by and large, more good than evil….and I live by that…..Then in that regard, one is better off being with others if SHIF, than off by themselves………
that is not to say……..always be on guard for one’s own survival……..is incorrect……cause its not….
thing is this caution can mix with others also caution to form a stronger bond for survival…also goes for daily living….one never quite knows what a neighbor may be glad to do for a person without asking………worse thing is the word no……..all other answers are a plus
Cheers……..to you…….The Other Mark
rbeason
I know in my heart when the SHTF most my neighbors will just lie down and roll over. They think I am just another wacko. I feel that when the SHTF I may fine others around me who will stand and fight but they are not sharing that because they don’t want to draw attention to themselves. I believe there are more good people the evil, if there wasn’t we would not have a great country.
Have you seen The Tiny Dot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B49bAwtCAY I think this is a fairly accurate description.
I had not seen this, nor most likely others like it…I did just now view it as per your suggestion……
My view is this…It’s a simplistic lead on to same-o-same-o with little relevance to truth unless one believes the theory of the video…in that case, there is a stuck ending.
NO and I say No..
We have Power…
Individuals within our land have power.
If one diesn’t believe it than just watch what happens if push comes to shove and shooting starts………
Fact is We…yes…We have lots of power..
That power has not been put out in front in terms of bullets yet..never the less its there……..
WE………DAMN IT Have Power…
So What If It Takes Bullets……..Big Deal…and no I don’t necessarily want to be shot dead any more than the other guy………..thing is………I won’t back down…….FUC………K THE C,.,..O…ck SUC kkkers……end of story with me………..
WE HAVE POWER
DO NOT Ever Forget That……….IT’s real power………
RIGHT ON!!
tired of hearing of people running and hiding in some hole where that American spirit of taking the fight to the enemy…
THINK THIS LADY IS PISSED?
Alan Simpson, the Senator from Wyoming calls senior citizens the Greediest Generation as he compared “Social Security ” to a Milk Cow with 310 million teats. Here’s a response in a letter from PATTY MYERS in Montana … I think she is a little ticked off! She also tells it like it is!
“Hey Alan, let’s get a few things straight!!!
1. As a career politician, you have been on the public dole (tit) for FIFTY YEARS.
2. I have been paying Social Security taxes for 48 YEARS (since I was 15 years old. I am now 63).
3. My Social Security payments, and those of millions of other Americans, were safely tucked away in an interest bearing account for decades until you political pukes decided to raid the account and give OUR money to a bunch of zero losers in return for votes, thus bankrupting the system and turning Social Security into a Ponzi scheme that would make Bernie Madoff proud.
4. Recently, just like Lucy & Charlie Brown, you and “your ilk” pulled the proverbial football away from millions of American seniors nearing retirement and moved the goalposts for full retirement from age 65 to age, 67. NOW, you and your “shill commission” are proposing to move the goalposts YET AGAIN.
5. I, and millions of other Americans, have been paying into Medicare from Day One, and now “you morons” propose to change the rules of the game. Why? Because “you idiots” mismanaged other parts of the economy to such an extent that you need to steal our money from Medicare to pay the bills.
6. I, and millions of other Americans, have been paying income taxes our entire lives, and now you propose to increase our taxes yet again. Why? Because you “incompetent bastards” spent our money so profligately that you just kept on spending even after you ran out of money. Now, you come to the American taxpayers and say you need more to pay off YOUR debt.
To add insult to injury, you label us “greedy” for calling “bullshit” to your incompetence.
Well, Captain Bullshit, I have a few questions for YOU:
1. How much money have you earned from the American taxpayers during your pathetic 50-year political career?
2. At what age did you retire from your pathetic political career, and how much are you receiving in annual retirement benefits from the American taxpayers?
3. How much do you pay for YOUR government provided health insurance?
4. What cuts in YOUR retirement and healthcare benefits are you proposing in your disgusting deficit reduction proposal, or as usual, have you exempted yourself and your political cronies?
It is you, Captain Bullshit, and your political co-conspirators called Congress who are the “greedy” ones. It is you and your fellow nutcase thieves who have bankrupted America and stolen the American dream from millions of loyal, patriotic taxpayers.
And for what? Votes and your job and retirement security at our expense, you lunk-headed, leech. That’s right, sir. You and yours have bankrupted America for the sole purpose of advancing your pathetic, political careers. You know it, we know it, and you know that we know it. And you can take that to the bank, you miserable son of a bitch.
P.S. And stop calling Social Security benefits “entitlements”. WHAT AN INSULT!!!!
I have been paying in to the SS system for 45 years “It’s my money”-give it back to me the way the system was designed and stop patting yourself on the back like you are being generous by doling out these monthly checks .
EVERYONE!! If you agree with Patty Myers, says, please PASS IT ON!!!!
outstanding……..outstanding……..
LBJ moved SS into the General US Gov Federal fund to cover up the cost of the Viet Nam War………is how that SS problem with money came about.
none the less………the whole fu22ing works of um including this wyoming whore of the masses, Simpson……..should be shoved off to the German Gas Camps and they know it too………
Good for this lady to write this……….
and as for this Sheila……..I see you have internet and easily do this post……can’t be as off as you want us to think…….
I suggest you really don’t know what Off is……..or you wouldn’t be here talking……..
Dead wrong Rbeason.
Sheila and her family ARE 100% off grid.
Solar electricity, Sattelite internet connection.
Sheila has been posting here longer than I have, for more than a year and a half.
She knows what she’s talking about.
my error………..
in this regard………
of course people can have natural sources of electricity and so forth……
Hasty thought on my part…
Sorry.
My comments of being a one,
I meant to say and also to Sheila, and no disrespect meant…
that one must instruct those whom may desire to do this that …….here are some character traits that have to be…….AND I say…….have to be.
cause make believe doesn’t work….
One is going to shoot themselves in the foot with anything less…..
You’re right. That is why we wrote Surviving Survivalism — How to Avoid Survivalism Culture Shock. (go to http://survivingsurvivalism.com to link to the book).
Sheila
http://fightingfirewithwater.com
#1 NWO Hater, Thank you for coming to my defense. 😉
Yes, we have satellite internet, run on solar power. But we are 10 miles from an electrical grid (you should feel the sense of peace here) and from any available telephone service (landline nor cell) and 20 miles from paved road. And yes, we do know what we are talking about — and how to keep going when things get tough!
Peace,
Sheila
http://fightingfirewithwater.com
good sakes I know what that is……..
did you read my first 10 years of life I posted?
Doesn’t mean that others are for this style of living…………It’s truely beautiful…….belonging though to only some……cause many are not meant for it and those who aren’t are no less people than anyone else…..
My wife and I bought some property that is not grid connected and there are no plans of it becoming grid connected. We are trying to get it ready to build on and hooked up out of their system. Hopefully the world will hold together long enough to accomplish this. We have done the labor part. Now comes the costly part. In Louisiana you can get away with this by calling it a “camp”. If you claim it as a home, they step in with their permit process.
Good luck to you. If we can be of any help, answer any questions, please email us at info@fightingfirewithwater.com. We’ve been at this for several years, made lots of mistakes, and learned from them.
Peace,
Sheila
http://fightingfirewithwater.com
thanks alot, will keep the email address ready. I am gonna check out the book as well.
bless you all
and my best also to you
I will say this in this long enjoyable conversation of us all……what I experienced in the first 10+ years, is much different than even sheila claims…….cause, in our home there was a radio, battery powered and thats it….no anything….and I think that fact is missed..you could not get on the internet, the phone, no running water, no in-door plumging….no anything…..Does anyone get what I am saying? One may not see another person for weeks except for going to school which was a one room rural school grades 1-8 of which students rode horseback to school…in all weather…and so the day went…Now, I am not claiming more feathers in my cap than anyone else…….I do want you to know that I have been there…McCone County Prairie Elk Montana,School…1949-1955..
Don’t be telling people to go do this kind of stuff because generally its not for todays crowd because there is no one to give an aid to them…and alone to do this, is difficult……be honest…….thats the way it is……for those who desire to do this…….YES it can be done.
You’re most welcome, Sheila.
I’m always willing to step up for a friend/fellow poster. 🙂
Give my best to Dan.
# 1 NWO Hatr
Bro. I and see and feel the reality. Hope is something we can’t live with out. The negativity is not seeing this country turning around with all the shit that is going down. Being positive is, I am here till the end that won’t change
You guys… these posts are outstanding.
Y’all are the best group of folks I’ve yet seen on the ‘net.
Isn’t it something?? I agree Tennessean, this group (read this site and stuff in here for quite a while before I ever commented) is pretty sharp – I’d like to think kindred spirits – sorta gives me hope
I have mad respect for Sheila and her life style. After reading Surviving Survival-ism and learning that they use solar to charge a 12v system in order to use the laptop as well as pump water. But then to have a hand pump as a back up. Also the whole fight with vehicles and generators. Then drying clothes in the winter and then meeting a bunch of people who lie to their spouses about why they are going there to live. NUTS! Sounds fun though. A lot better than 28 flourescent lamps buzzing all day with sirens every 10 min because some hipster wants to take his life or a cat is stuck in a tree.
#1 you are a cool dude too.
you know what?
if these people there have found honesty
amongst themselves
they have a style of living
that is not usually around in our everyday neighborhoods/
And that is a mild statement of excuse for the truth……….
Thats the life style I used to know back in the mid 50’s that in my case was shattered by my fathers death in a farm accident…….of which I was the only witness……..no sob stories here………..just the way it was……..
Robert Beason..Billings Mont..59102