Is Prepping a logical thing to do or are Preppers paranoid conspiracy theorists?

SSG Ronald Williams — Mon, 04 May 2015 14:53:12 -0400

What is your opinion of Prepping? Have extreme preppers and the media given it a bad image or is reasonable preparedness a good thing? Also yes, I realize I spelled Society incorrectly in the survey, typing too quickly. :-)

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 3:15 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:15:31 -0400

Being prepared is always important. I don't spend 100% of my pay on building a nuclear shelter to survive the day after, but I do like to be prepared to best of my ability. I also don't completely trust society to remain intact. There are lots of things that can go wrong -- just look at the aftermath that ensued following hurricanes Katrina and Rita...rioting, looting, and murder were abound.

Bottom line is my family is number one and always will be, and I will do whatever is necessary to keep them safe...and I'm not going to worry when the store that carries beans, bullets, and bandages is no longer open, because I'll have my own.

Response by Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP made May 4 at 2015 3:18 PM

Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:18:04 -0400

I'll admit I've thought about this a good deal. I'm a "long-term" guy (tho I did enjoy the "prey on the preppers" option) simply because I can envision how a breakdown in society could happen.

Pick your threat (I don't think any are particularly likely), but I think our society has come to put excessive reliance on electronic finance and just in time supply/logistics - when coupled with the loss of basic survival skills (farming, hunting, etc), any interruption / disruption has the potential to cause a breakdown if any of those significant events occurs simply because people's very survival will be at stake.

I think Katrina is a great illustration - assume we had something similar to those conditions nationwide and I don't have any trouble believing society would implode.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 4 at 2015 3:30 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:30:13 -0400

Nothing wrong with having a GTH plan and supply cache. However, it can become a problem if you obsess about it....

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 4 at 2015 3:42 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:42:48 -0400

Preparedness is rarely a problem.

Response by SFC Charles S. made May 4 at 2015 4:09 PM

SFC Charles S. — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:09:32 -0400

SSG Ronald Williams I look at Prepping as a precautionary measure. Why not be prepared, JUST in case. Contingency plans are not a bad thing. I remember back to my beginning days in the ARMY. Hearing my Drill Saying, If you fail to Plan, then Plan to Fail. It has stuck with me. Also, my boy scout days... Always be prepared. Now Within reason, I don't have a year's worth of supplies or a back yard Fallout Shelter, but I have items of necessity. I put what I can away and I purchase good deals when they are around. I'm not a crazy Prepper but a logical planner.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 4 at 2015 4:13 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:13:36 -0400

Preparation is fine, so long as you're not wasting money on stuff that just isn't going to happen... Prioritization is key...

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 4 at 2015 4:21 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:21:12 -0400

As a Chaplain, I get very confused when extreme Right Christians watch the news and tell me Jesus is coming back 'real soon' and that the Rapture is going to surely happen in our lifetime, yet they go about becoming a prepper. They apparently think they will be 'left behind' when the rapture hits. Either you're saved or not. Make up your mind. And leave me to make my own decisions , Gos bless you.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 4 at 2015 4:25 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:25:56 -0400

Prep all you want.

I got your back.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made May 4 at 2015 4:28 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:28:57 -0400

well, I think the people to ask are the people from Katrina, sandy, Baltimore, Ferguson, out here in the Colorado Rockies with the fires. I wouldn't consider it prepping, I'd consider it being prepared for the worse.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 4 at 2015 4:32 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:32:09 -0400

Hiya friends. Remember me? It's your old Papa Jim. Jesus will be here before the end of the year. Soooooo.....call my Prepping-n-Praying Hot-as-hell-line to order your 100 days of dried beans in our blessed 5 gallon buckets tightly sealed with the seven seals of the sanctified ministers here at our ministry center. If you order today we'll toss in a prayer shammy and some gold cross earrings to give to your blessed wife on your last anniversary before the big liftoff. Tell 'em Jim sent ya!

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 4 at 2015 4:39 PM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:39:18 -0400

You should definitely at least prep for at least a short term event. I live on the Gulf Coast and the only thing I would really be missing if a hurricane knocked things out for 3-4 weeks would be air conditioning...but I'm kicking around the idea of a bigger generator.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 4:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:44:29 -0400

I would have to say that there is (crazy as it sounds) an insane logic to their prepping

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made May 4 at 2015 4:46 PM

SSG Melvin Nulph — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:46:00 -0400

The media can mess up anything. A real pepper wouldn't let any of them in their area. Most peppers are normal people that know a lot about history, not enough about the strange laws and learnt that when things go bad for them there are few people they can count on. I see nothing wrong with it but I do not put a lot of stock into it. Unless it's for a storm or something. That's just me. I have to much medical issues to live past a month in bad situations without the properating medications.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 4 at 2015 4:48 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:48:32 -0400

As Howard Ruff once said to a non-preppier ..
If I'm wrong, I have a year of food
If I'm right, you are dead.

Response by SPC Carl K. made May 4 at 2015 4:54 PM

SPC Carl K. — Mon, 04 May 2015 16:54:26 -0400

I think it is pretty jacked up that 4% responded that they will prey on preppers if they need supplies.

Response by LTC Jeffrey Stephens made May 4 at 2015 5:00 PM

LTC Jeffrey Stephens — Mon, 04 May 2015 17:00:22 -0400

Derecho storm (straight line wind storm) power out 3 weeks, snow storm this winter power out a 3 days, & another snow storm power out 8 days then goes off another 24 hrs...point is to be prepared for your family you never know when the power is off, heat or A/C is off & your back in the 1800s. I know why they had hobbies, when the power is out the kids & adults don't know what to do with their time. Haha

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 4 at 2015 5:01 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 04 May 2015 17:01:22 -0400

My poor wife lost everything she owned in the tsunami of 2011. Her stories and NHK (Japan tv) did not show rioting, looting, and murder. They are so used to natural disasters that they come together. That is NOT how I see things in this country. In a scenario where it is the end of society and becomes conditions that it is kill or be killed, I am not sure I would like to hang around. If the zombies come, I want to get bit in the first hour. If the crazies come to wage war on Christianity, I hope God gives me the strength to do the right thing (forgives me for melting the barrels on every weapon I can get my hands on). I want to be like David and quote scripture as I swing my sword, but I believe those warrior days are behind me. If it isn't clear for me what to do, I think it is safer to just meet my fate. I'm just tired of always wanting to fight.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 5:04 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 17:04:39 -0400

Like the vast majority of respondents, I feel it is both reasonable and prudent to be prepared to be self-reliant for a short-term period of time, ranging somewhere between 2-4 weeks in duration. Not only do we live in perilous, uncertain times when it comes to issues like terrorism and economic uncertainty; natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and even a volcanic eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera could quickly overwhelm our existing system and cause a temporary disruption in our daily lives. When that happens, you can be self-reliant, or at the mercy of others. I choose self-reliance. It's just the way I'm wired; especially since being in Iraq, and watching firsthand others who had no other choice than to be at the mercy of strangers. No way in Hell!

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 4 at 2015 5:24 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 04 May 2015 17:24:57 -0400

I live in earthquake country, only fool doesn't have something at home ready to go.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made May 4 at 2015 6:01 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:01:30 -0400

Prepping is probably important....for 2-4 weeks. Those that prep for greater durations are really planning for the collapse of the world as we know it. 2-4 weeks is reasonable for natural disasters.

Response by SGT Kevin Gardner made May 4 at 2015 6:02 PM

SGT Kevin Gardner — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:02:46 -0400

Is having a military realy necessary for any government to maintain? Yes being prepared for a natural disaster, or any other possibilitie is a smart thing. Look we do our best to teach people to save money as a just in case, we tell people who live in places like Washington state that they should keep food, water and blankets in their cars. So why would you not put food up as a just in case or by extra ammo just in case the price rockets? Because these things have happened.

I grew up on a ranch and for us to go to town was expensive, so stocking up to make sure we could wait six months to make the trip again helped to save us money. Even now I stock pile anything and everything I can. I call it the squirrel mindset.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 6:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:07:47 -0400

Preparation is they key for everything we encounter in life. If planning doesn't take place, you are more likely to fail in all that you do.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 4 at 2015 6:16 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:16:20 -0400

You should prep. You should not depend on the federal or local governments to come to your rescue. I think the Mayor of Baltimore proved that last week when police failed to protect private property. Everyone should have some cash saved up and a few weeks worth of food. Most people can not do this over night or in a few paychecks but doing it over time is not a bad deal nor is it unreasonable.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 6:22 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:22:36 -0400

I'm not a prepper at all, but I voted for the two-week option. I see the benefit of prepping, but I'm just not motivated to do it at this point in my life (which makes me want to vote "no need to worry"). Still, I applaud the folks who are prepared.

Response by SGT Michael Touchet made May 4 at 2015 6:35 PM

SGT Michael Touchet — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:35:59 -0400

I personally think it is irresponsible to not be prepared in case of emergencies, especially in cases where one is the head of a household. It is not the governments responsibility to take care of you in the case of an emergency.

Response by PO2 Brad Colonna made May 4 at 2015 7:32 PM

PO2 Brad Colonna — Mon, 04 May 2015 19:32:17 -0400

Remember, preppers are only crazy if nothing happens! I think the key is to establish a community and diversify your preparations. Form alliances with like-minded folks both close and not so close by so if the SHTF, one has multiple options to keep his/her family alive.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:17 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:17:16 -0400

I think instances such as the looting during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina have demonstrated how quickly society breaks down. I think having a basic plan for extreme circumstances is a logical action. I have enough ammunition, supplies, and survival knowledge that my family won't starve if something terrible happens. I would rather not rely on the government for aid in any circumstances.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:32 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:32:28 -0400

I was always taught to "Be Prepared". The BSA motto has been and always will be, I think, something that me and my family will live by. There are too many reasons to enumerate that justify preparing "every needful thing". Even if it's having extra food and cash on hand to cope with the unexpected loss of a job. There is no sense on relying on somebody else when you have the capacity and capability to provide for yourself and your own by putting away 20$ here and there and 5 cans of food here and there. Why not be prepared? It only would bring peace of mind knowing that you can handle much of what threatens survival.

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 4 at 2015 9:09 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Mon, 04 May 2015 21:09:06 -0400

Honestly, a couple of toys and some basic necessities make sense but some of the crap I see is straight up nuts. If the zombie apocalypse ever happens all you need is 1 round for yourself.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 6:28 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 06:28:12 -0400

As with most surveys on RP, none of the choices really accurately fit.

There's nothing inherently wrong with prepping for emergencies, especially ones with reasonable (even if still small) chances of happening.

The common connotation of "prepper", though, isn't simply that, but of someone obsessed with doing so, spending tons of time, energy and money planning for often ridiculous circumstances.

If you're building a fallout bunker because you're afraid the U.S. is going to declare martial law and swarm over your land, you need a psych eval, not encouragement.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made May 5 at 2015 8:01 AM

SSG Gerhard S. — Tue, 05 May 2015 08:01:27 -0400

Whether one makes preparation a obsession or not becomes a mute issue once TSHTF.... At which time survival WILL become everyone's obsession. The degree of success at that time will be dependent on ones level of preparation. Being a LRS Veteran I've had numerous episodes of survival training, and one thing is clear. Surviving becomes a full time job if starting from scratch.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made May 5 at 2015 8:28 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Tue, 05 May 2015 08:28:30 -0400

I prep for natural disasters - living through typhoons, hurricanes, massive snow storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions you need to be prepared. To the extent is up to you. I usually have about 2 weeks supply of food, water, fuel, first aid etc.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 5 at 2015 2:18 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Tue, 05 May 2015 14:18:26 -0400

Some call it "prepping," others call it "laying up supplies for a rainy day." Our ancestors did it back before we had grocery stores and pizza delivery. People around the world still do it because it is necessary for where they live.

We may have plenty in our nation, but IMHO, our plenty has made us complacent and lazy.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 2:19 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 14:19:11 -0400

Prepping is only as good as the prepper. Depends on the threats in their area, their overall plan, and their abilities. The media/TV gives a bad image...especially with those TV shows on prepping....

For instance (no offense if that is your stash)....I have no idea what is going on in the thread picture.....and I'm not sure if he/she thought out what they really need....though I don't know the whole picture/their plan....but a Klingon battle knife?...really?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 4:12 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:12:05 -0400

Why is "prepping" a word? Preparing for natural disasters common in your area is smart. Preparing for "Red Dawn" is a silly waste of your resources, but if that's your hobby... rock on with it.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 5 at 2015 4:15 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:15:05 -0400

There's prepping and there's PREPPING. I'd say the latter is insane. You should at least be mentally ready to be resourceful, and have some resources, but I wouldn't spend my $$ on a bomb shelter.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 4:21 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:21:24 -0400

I learned a long time ago, be prepared. Nothing wrong with preparing for natural disasters that are bound to happen. Families don't survive on only hope.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 5:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:41:57 -0400

I think that, in reaoty, most of the long term preppers are more along the lines of hobbyists than lifestyle people. I have a bit of kit and a plan for global meltdown knowing full well that it will likely never be used except for a local natural disaster . . . its just fun. That and having grown up in an area rife with tornadoes and floods, I am accustomed to the idea of having to have a plan and gear for an emergency.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made May 5 at 2015 7:33 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Tue, 05 May 2015 19:33:07 -0400

Yes

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 12:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:20:07 -0400

Prepping should be a way of life but integrate it with common sense. I look at many things as dual or even tri purposes. For example a pool or hot tub is a reservoir for drinking water. I use it for relaxation but in a natural disaster, emergency or societal break down it is a vital source of water. Keeping extra chlorine to purify water is also dual purpose for example. I keep six months of deployable food but use it for camping as it gets older so it does not go to waste. If you camp, hike and hunt it's easy. Use the stuff you buy. FYI the biggest mistake folks make with this is hording stuff they can't bug out with. If you can't carry it on your back, it's a waste of time. Homes with stockpiles are a target (and all the prep shows really don't get this). If you want to live, go to the woods with 100 pounds on each of your family's backs of essential items (and lot's of ammo 22 preferred).

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made May 6 at 2015 12:32 PM

PO1 Dustin Adams — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:32:40 -0400

It would seem to be common sense (though time has shown again and again that it isn't as common as you would hope)
The government at every level has recommended at least a 3 day supply to sustain you and your family (and pets).
No matter where you live you should have some type of prep, ideally suited for whatever natural disasters (or man made ones) are mostly likely.
In my case I have focused on being prepped for wildfires and earthquakes as primary threats. I have also prepped for blackouts, nuclear accident/incident (nuclear power plant not to far away) and social unrest/rioting.
I would recommend having a plan for sheltering in place and bugging out, and brief your family on the plan.
I would also recommend building a team with a variety of skill sets (medical, mechanical, armorer, electrical, etc.)

Response by LCpl Jonathan Rockey made May 7 at 2015 4:04 AM

LCpl Jonathan Rockey — Thu, 07 May 2015 04:04:01 -0400

A few generations ago it was called living and survival. There weren't marketplaces and grocery stores conviently placed. Even in cities people would have small gardens. So why is it so crazy to do it now?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 4:12 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 04:12:15 -0400

"Preppers" are preparing for the wrong thing. Hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc. Natural disasters are logical to prep for. These "doomsday preppers," are preparing for asinine shit like zombies and the purge. They're only gathering enough to sustain themselves for a few weeks or months. Stop wasting money on ammo and get non-perishable foods and other items to help yourself and your family. Guns and ammo will not put food on the table. A bow, matches and lighter fluid will, though. I did it in Hurricane Ivan. It took nearly 3 weeks before FEMA and the National Guard made it to me. By then I looked like Skeletor. I barely had enough to cook the deer. I basically ate the bastard raw, but I survived.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 6:02 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 06:02:35 -0400

I think there's a big difference between the "preppers" on TV and actually being prepared for a disaster of some sort. Spending all your excess resources on stockpiling 3 years worth of canned food and building a damn castle is not preparing oneself for any sort of disaster or apocalypse. Food runs out, and castles aren't portable.

I think someone who is serious about surviving a major disaster will stockpile a few weeks of food and water, and maybe a generator and some diesel. They would then spend their time and money learning how to survive off the land, such as learning how to hunt, grow food, procure water, make fire, and build shelters. I think these would reflect the efforts of a serious "prepper", because these are what will most likely enable one to sustain themselves indefinitely.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 8:33 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 08:33:38 -0400

I used to think that the preppers on the TV show were a bit out there, but in light of Ferguson and Baltimore, I'm coming around to their viewpoint. And looking to relocate away from major population centers. Homesteading looks like fun...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 8:51 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 08:51:10 -0400

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being prepared. I myself do prepare for contingencies such as natural disasters. FEMA and CDC recommend you have provisions for at least 96 hours in the event of an emergency. To me that is common sense. And we have seen that with recent disasters that sometimes it can take a days for the relief efforts to begin mobilizing effectively. And that is for the densely populated areas, imagine how long it can take for those in outlying areas.

Personally if someone wants to take and spend all their spare cash on doomsday bunkers, MREs, faraday (spelling?) cages, and all the other gadgets out there more power to them, as long as they arent breaking the law or bothering me or my way a life.

The CDC did publish a preparedness guide under the pretences of a "zombie" apocalypse which was informative and designed to resonate with modern pop culture.

Response by SFC Jeff L. made May 7 at 2015 10:08 AM

SFC Jeff L. — Thu, 07 May 2015 10:08:24 -0400

This is a question that the people of the Wiemar Republic or 1930s America have particular insight on. I voted that it's important, and that you should prep for long-term self reliance.

Paper money isn't backed by tangible wealth (gold). That means its value is only what people believe it to be. Our entire economic system is computer based which means that most of our wealth is intangible. You may "have" money in a savings account, but it's not a physical thing taking space in a vault. Because of this our society is subject to computer hacking, electronic failure (natural or otherwise), and bad economic policy. Not having tangible goods of intrinsic value is just short-sighted.

I don't know that I would bury caches of stuff all over the place (I know people who do), but I sure wouldn't think the government will take care of me either. In a crisis precious metals are only valuable to people who have a surplus *of goods* and are willing to hoard and protect *the gold or silver you pay them* until order is resored. Food, water, guns, and ammo are the commodities of the crisis.

Don't forget that Law Enforcement and the Army came and confiscated firearms from law-abiding citizens in NOLA after Katrina hit. They will not be on your side, and, as you may well infer from our interactions on RP, there are plenty in the military who actually support that violation of our rights.

*edited

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 7 at 2015 3:15 PM

SFC Joseph James — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:15:00 -0400

The voices in my head say "you're crazy" but the government/alien forced implant says "Obey Your Leaders!" So I'm conflicted. Lol

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 25 at 2015 5:21 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Mon, 25 May 2015 17:21:47 -0400

I would say being prepared for any potential natural disasters or in the case of my homestate of North Dakota blizzards that could shut things down, having those supplies, especially rations on hand could save lives. Some of course take it a little over the top but being prepared is never really a bad thing.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 17 at 2015 3:19 PM

LTC John Shaw — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:19:39 -0400

Prepping for a short period, a few weeks, is just good planning.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 3:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:23:25 -0400

People should be prepared for natural disasters and emergencies, although 2 weeks seems a little light to me.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 17 at 2015 3:27 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:27:22 -0400

Fear, and even Paranoia is a survival trait.

I hate to point this out but "Mother Earth" is constantly trying to kill us. She's an evil $^&$&^$*. If it wasn't for a "healthy" dose of Fear, Paranoia, and the ability to Prepare (prep), the Human Race would have died out long ago.

Now, that said... everything in moderation. Not everyone is trying to kill you. At the moment. But I will point out this adage.

Most dogs are about three days worth of regular feeding from being "Wolves."

How many days without Electricity & Running Water are humans away from being our equivalent?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 17 at 2015 4:13 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 16:13:01 -0400

It's always important to have enough supplies (food, water, medicine) to last a couple of weeks. If in the event of total anarchy I can neither confirm nor deny that I have weapons in order to protect myself and my family and to assist in resupplying, lol.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jul 17 at 2015 5:21 PM

PVT Robert Gresham — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 17:21:14 -0400

Living where I do (Alaska) some prepping is just common sense. We haven't had any really BIG winter storms in the last 4 years, but one never knows about 'this Winter'.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 9:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 09:09:36 -0400

A certain level of prepping is smart and prudent. Being prepared for disasters is, I believe, a wise move. On the other hand, people who prep because they think we're headed for a Mad Max style future after the government microchips in peoples' heads will malfunction and the Chinese will invade are, indeed, just paranoid. Mostly we are looking at major, regional disasters (Katrina, Sandy, Mt St. Helens type stuff) and we should be prepared to weather major events. But society will rebuild, it's what societies do for survival.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Jul 18 at 2015 11:18 AM

COL Ted Mc — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 11:18:37 -0400

If I was working for the "Akme Survivalist Supply Company" I would have picked the first option and been pushing for people to subscribe to our "automatic renewal service".

Response by SGT Joe Sabedra made Jul 18 at 2015 5:07 PM

SGT Joe Sabedra — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 17:07:39 -0400

I am partner in a Prepper site. Why does the military practice and have supplies on hand before they go into battle.

Why do we have insurance and a fire extinguisher.
Why do we get trained in first aid or nbc training.
It's called being prepared.

Just in case.

I would rather be prepared then in need.
It is better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

As a graduate of the first group to go through the 7th ID LightFighters course we learned. If you need it, have it.
Have what you need in tools and skills to get through the task. No need to load yourself down with uneeded equipment

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 25 at 2015 10:08 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 10:08:50 -0400

Think of it this way... What do you do if you live in Florida and a hurricane is on the or in the Midwest during tornado season or on the west coast on the event of an earthquake. It pays to be prepared.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 11 at 2018 3:54 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 15:54:50 -0500

As an Emergency Manager, this year I have seen three Major Wild Fires, an earthquake last week, and I had to support Hurricane Response for three Hurricanes. So do I think prepping is a bad thing? No not at all. If people were not so fracking naïve to think the Government will take care of everything, we would not have the chaos that ran supreme in PR. I find it hard to believe people live in Hurricane areas and don't own back up generators, don't have extra food set aside for emergencies. Just plain ignorance.