Military strategies aren’t just for soldiers—they’re crucial for preppers, too. These battle-proven tactics can help you stay safe and secure when disaster strikes.
Military techniques offer valuable lessons in resource management, security, and adaptability. Learning these strategies can improve your chances of survival in a crisis.
We chose these strategies for their effectiveness in high-pressure situations. Each tactic is easy to understand and implement, making them essential for anyone serious about prepping.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Camouflage and Concealment
Blending into your surroundings can be important for staying unnoticed, but for most preppers, it’s less about military-grade camouflage and more about simple strategies like wearing neutral colors, avoiding attention, and using natural cover. Practicing these techniques during outdoor activities can help you stay discreet in various environments without needing full military-level camouflage skills.
4. 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.
5. Tactical Communications
Clear, concise communication is crucial in emergencies. While military units use specific protocols, preppers can focus on practical communication tools like walkie-talkies, satellite phones, or apps that work offline. Developing a simple family communication plan, with predetermined meeting points and clear instructions, is key for staying connected during a crisis.
6. Small Unit Tactics
Working effectively in small groups is essential, but you don’t need to master advanced military tactics. For preppers, it’s more about teamwork, coordination, and simple defense strategies. Organizing a neighborhood watch or practicing basic drills with your family can ensure everyone knows their role in an emergency without requiring complex small unit tactics.
7. Supply Chain Management
Managing your supplies efficiently is critical for long-term survival. For most preppers, this means organizing food, water, and essentials with simple systems like stock rotation and restocking schedules. While military supply chain management is highly detailed, a practical approach to “resource management” will help you keep your survival essentials well-maintained and ready.
8. Reconnaissance and Intelligence Gathering
While military recon techniques can be advanced, for preppers, gathering local information is more practical. This could include mapping nearby water sources, staying updated on local news, or learning about the geography of your area. Creating a basic map of your neighborhood and knowing key resources is an effective way to prepare without requiring full military-level intelligence gathering.
9. Defensive Fortification
Securing your home is important, but most preppers don’t need to build military-grade fortifications. Simple security upgrades—such as reinforcing doors, securing windows, adding lighting, and using surveillance cameras—can greatly improve your home’s defense. Start by assessing your current security and making practical, cost-effective improvements.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
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