Military strategies have been honed over centuries of conflict, making them invaluable for survival situations. These tactics can help preppers stay safe, secure resources, and overcome challenges in emergency scenarios. Let’s explore 15 key military strategies that every prepper should know and practice.
Situational Awareness
Situational awareness is the practice of constantly observing your surroundings. It involves noticing potential threats, escape routes, and useful resources. Military personnel train to maintain this awareness at all times. For preppers, this skill can help avoid danger and spot opportunities. Practice by regularly scanning your environment and mentally noting important details.
The OODA Loop
The OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is a decision-making process developed by military strategist John Boyd. It helps in quickly assessing situations and taking action. Preppers can use this method to make fast, effective choices in emergencies. To practice, run through scenarios in your mind, applying each step of the OODA Loop to improve your decision-making speed.
Camouflage and Concealment
Blending into your surroundings can be crucial for survival. Military camouflage techniques go beyond just wearing green. They involve breaking up your outline, using natural materials, and understanding how light and shadow work. Preppers can practice these skills during outdoor activities, learning to move undetected through various environments.
Operational Security (OPSEC)
OPSEC is about protecting critical information. For preppers, this means being careful about who knows your plans, supplies, and capabilities. Military personnel use OPSEC to prevent enemies from gaining an advantage. Practice by being mindful of what you share on social media and in conversations about your prepping activities.
Tactical Communications
Clear, concise communication is vital in high-stress situations. Military units use specific protocols to ensure messages are understood. Preppers can adopt these practices by developing a family communication plan. This might include predetermined meeting points, hand signals, or code words for different scenarios.
Small Unit Tactics
Small unit tactics focus on how small groups can work together effectively. These strategies cover movement, defense, and offensive actions. For preppers, understanding these tactics can help in organizing neighborhood watch groups or managing a family unit during a crisis. Practice by running drills with your family or prepper group.
Supply Chain Management
Military logistics involve moving and maintaining supplies efficiently. Preppers can learn from this by creating robust storage systems and rotation plans for their supplies. Understanding how to manage resources over time is crucial for long-term survival. Start by organizing your current supplies and creating a restocking schedule.
Reconnaissance and Intelligence Gathering
Gathering accurate information is crucial for making good decisions. Military recon techniques can help preppers assess threats and resources in their area. This might involve mapping out local water sources, understanding community dynamics, or identifying potential hazards. Practice by creating detailed maps of your neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Defensive Fortification
Military engineers are experts at creating defensive positions. Preppers can apply these principles to secure their homes or bug-out locations. This includes understanding sight lines, creating obstacles, and reinforcing weak points. Start by assessing your home’s current defensive capabilities and identifying areas for improvement.
Evasion and Escape
Sometimes, the best strategy is to avoid conflict altogether. Military personnel train in evasion techniques to avoid capture. Preppers can benefit from knowing how to move undetected, cover their tracks, and find safe routes. Practice these skills during hikes or camping trips, learning to move quietly and leave minimal signs of your presence.
Field Craft
Fieldcraft covers a wide range of outdoor survival skills. It includes fire-making, shelter-building, and improvising tools. Military survival training emphasizes these skills for operating in hostile environments. Preppers should regularly practice these techniques to stay sharp and prepared for outdoor survival scenarios.
Psychological Resilience
Mental toughness is a key part of military training. It involves managing stress, maintaining morale, and staying focused under pressure. Preppers can build psychological resilience through regular stress management practices, such as meditation or exposure to controlled challenging situations.
Adaptability and Improvisation
The military teaches personnel to adapt to changing situations and make do with available resources. This skill is invaluable for preppers who might face unexpected challenges. Practice by regularly solving problems with limited tools or resources, forcing yourself to think creatively.
Physical Fitness and Health Maintenance
Military personnel maintain high levels of physical fitness to perform under stress. For preppers, good health and fitness can be the difference between survival and failure in a crisis. Develop a regular exercise routine and focus on functional fitness that mimics real-world tasks.
Leadership and Team Building
Effective leadership is crucial in military operations and can be equally important in survival situations. Understanding how to motivate, organize, and direct a group can help preppers manage their families or communities during crises. Practice leadership skills by taking on responsibilities in community organizations or leading family projects.
Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
Choosing the “best” hunting rifle is a pretty personal thing. We all have different opinions and preferences on what we like to hunt with. But still, over the last 50 years, there have been some remarkable weapons. Over the past half-century, the evolution of hunting rifles has seen so many innovations, catering to a wide range of needs from the casual deer hunter to the adventurous big-game enthusiast. What’s your favorite hunting rifle? Which weapons deserve a spot on this list?
- Read More: Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
With almost 16 million hunters in the United States, and with such a huge range of game to hunt, the right rifle and the best cartridge is critical. We have some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, with animals ranging from tiny squirrels to gigantic moose. The cornerstone of a successful hunt lies in the hunter’s skill and knowledge but also in the choice of ammunition. The right cartridge can make all the difference, offering the power needed for a clean, humane kill without compromising the quality of the game.
- Read More: 14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons
This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation? None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
