Survival Planning with an Army Veteran's Perspective

As someone with military experience, particularly in the Army, my approach to survival is shaped by a mindset that differs significantly from those who have never served in the armed forces. Though my journey into survivalism began before my military service, it was during my time in the Army that my perspective on survival evolved. The lessons learned in the field have since become integral to how I view everything from basic preparedness to complex survival strategies.

In the military, there are three types of individuals you’re trained to recognize: friendlies, foes, and non-combatants. However, non-combatants are not always innocent bystanders. They could be covert operatives, working against you while appearing harmless. This was a challenge faced during both Gulf Wars, where those not overtly aligned with an enemy force could still cause significant harm. The same principle applies in survival situations. Out in the wilderness or post-collapse society, you face two types of threats: nature’s unpredictability and the unprepared masses. While not everyone will turn hostile, there’s always the potential for desperation to drive people into dangerous behaviors.

It's important to note that, while the military ethos emphasizes protecting the innocent, survival doesn't offer the luxury of ignoring potential threats. The reality is that in desperate times, those who seem neutral or uninvolved could quickly become adversaries, and thus must be treated with caution.

Location and Defense: The Key to Survival

As a former soldier, my first consideration in any survival situation is defense. The idea of avoiding conflict is appealing, but I don’t believe it’s realistic. Therefore, the key to surviving a collapse scenario is choosing the right location, not just as a retreat, but as a place where I plan to hunker down and protect my family.

Living in a city is, in my view, a major disadvantage. The sheer number of people increases the number of potential threats, and defending such a dense area would be impossible without significant military resources. This is why, following my military training, I believe a small town offers a much more viable option for a defense-oriented strategy. Ideally, I’d even consider establishing my base in a remote area where natural obstacles provide extra layers of security.

If you must stay in the city, choosing a high ground location with a low population density can improve your chances. High ground offers a defensive advantage, while fewer people mean a smaller force of attackers should you come under threat. Ultimately, it’s about minimizing exposure while ensuring you can respond effectively if needed.

Self-Sufficiency: The Medieval Approach to Survival

When it comes to defending a home or retreat, I look to history for inspiration. The castles of the Middle Ages were built to withstand prolonged sieges, and their designs were based on self-sufficiency within the castle’s walls. One of the most notable examples is the Siege of Candia, which lasted for 21 years, proving that an effective defensive perimeter, combined with the necessary resources, can ensure survival over a long period.

As preppers, we often talk about self-sufficiency, but few of us have achieved it to the extent required in a true SHTF scenario. To survive a collapse, we must prepare as if we are preparing for a siege, where everything we need—food, water, medical supplies—must be kept within the perimeter of our home or camp. Venturing outside the safety of our defenses exposes us to unnecessary risks, and that’s something we need to mitigate from the start.

Building the Right Team

Another military lesson I apply to survival is the importance of a strong, skilled team. It’s not about having the largest group; it’s about having the right group. Untrained individuals can be more of a liability than an asset in a survival scenario. Every member of the team should be proficient in basic survival skills and should be trained in the basics of infantry tactics and weapons use.

I’m particularly drawn to the Special Forces model, where each team member is cross-trained in the tasks of their peers. For example, a medic is trained to handle basic communications, and a communicator learns essential survival and weapon skills. The idea is that every member of the team can step into any role, ensuring the group remains functional even if key individuals are unavailable.

There’s no room for dead weight. Each member should be capable of fighting and defending the team. Furthermore, having a backup for each role ensures the team can maintain full functionality, even if a key member is incapacitated.

Training: Turning Drills into Reality

Training is the foundation of military preparedness, and it’s no different for survivalists. In the Army, the majority of time is spent in preparation, practicing for situations that may never come, but which are essential for survival in a combat environment. The goal of training is to make the real thing feel like another drill—only with higher stakes.

Most preppers tend to focus on theoretical knowledge rather than practical application. This is where I believe many survival plans fall short. To truly prepare, you need to simulate real-world conditions as much as possible. My family participates in activities like weekend backpacking trips, using only the gear we would rely on in a bug-out situation. This helps ensure we’re familiar with our equipment, and it allows us to practice real-world scenarios without the pressure of an actual crisis.

Having an Exit Strategy

Even the best-prepared home is vulnerable in certain situations. For instance, I wouldn’t stick around if a nearby nuclear power plant were to go into meltdown. The same principle applies in military operations—having a well-thought-out exit strategy is crucial. Just as I would plan a route and rally point during military maneuvers, I make sure I have a clear plan for evacuation, including multiple fallback points and secondary destinations.

A solid exit plan ensures that if things go south, I can get my family to safety as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Resupply: The Logistics of Survival

In the military, we were always prepared to carry everything we needed on our backs, but we also had access to logistical support for resupply. As preppers, we don’t have that luxury. Instead, we need to establish supply caches—strategically placed stores of food, water, and other essential resources. Too often, I see preppers rely on small caches that won’t last long in a prolonged situation. To truly prepare for a long-term crisis, you need enough supplies to sustain you and your team for months, not just a few days.

The bottom line is that surviving a crisis isn’t just about having the right gear or skills. It’s about planning, training, and building a strong, capable team. And above all, it’s about preparing for the long haul—because in a true survival situation, it’s not just about getting through the day; it’s about getting through the months or even years ahead.