Prepping Styles; Military vs. Civilian

There are several different ways of categorizing preparedness styles and methods, but for this post I thought I'd break down the differences between a military-based vs a civilian-based style of prepping. So what do I mean by military-based and civilian-based prepping? In short it's emphasis on several factors I go into below. Also, please keep in mind that military-based does not necessarily mean it will be followed strictly by ex or current members of our great military. There are plenty of preppers out there with little-to-no actual military experience or service but who are like-minded in military methods or enthusiasts in the military ways. There's nothing at all wrong with this, it's just a particular approach to address preparedness.

The Civilian-based Approach

Disasters; What Are You Preparing For?

Typical civilian folks tend to prepare for weather events or limited man-made disasters such as chemical spills or nuclear reactor melt downs. Weather events are somewhat consistent or seasonal, however chemical or nuclear reactor-based events are more regional concerns. This type of approach targets short-term disruptions, anywhere from 24 hours to a few weeks.

Logistical Considerations

Families and location of sheltering tend to be high on the list of priorities for civilian-oriented preppers. Preparing food, water, and medical stores for sheltering in place is the common strategy, and friends, family members, and neighbors are taken into consideration when planning is initiated. 

Security Operations and Communications

There's an openness of communication and sharing of preparedness plans within communities that could be affected by disasters in the typical civilian mentality. The sense of community awareness allows for ensuring other members of the local population are prepared for disasters as well.

The Military-based Approach

Disasters; What Are You Preparing For?

Current and ex-military members as well as preppers with more of a military mind tend to prepare against war-type activities and attacks against our country. EMPs or straight up military invasion, or acts of terrorism, either domestic or foreign, are among the events such military-minded preppers get ready for. The timeframes of disruption for these events tend to last into the years or decades so sustainability or pushing for a 'new normal' after the event is projected.

Logistic Considerations

Military oriented preppers trend more towards the lone-wolf psychology or toward militia-type organizations with other like-minded preppers. There's a sense of BYOA (bring your own ammo) among this approach with members only accepted if they add some tangible value to the group.

Gear, tools, and the idea of bugging out are given more emphasis under the idea of staying mobile and evasive from enemy forces. If a safe location is setup, it's done so with tactical, military advantage in mind.

Security Operations and Communications

Defense and strong communication are emphasized, more so than food and even sometimes water. Weaponry and load-outs are discussed and held most important for the more military minded, and secrecy and obscurification are key elements regarding one's preps or bugout locations.

Which One is Right For You?

Odds are....both. Blending both is not just common but necessary in my strong opinion. I've never been one to limit my options because it's critical to remain flexible and adaptable in any given disaster situation. When your life and the lives of those you care about are on the line there's no room for dogma. Bugging in is typically the most appropriate approach (civilian mentality) however when your home or shelter become unsafe you must be prepared to bug out to a safer location. In short, prepare for generalized disasters and watch the news (fairly and with strong filters) for any local events that could affect you.

Rarely are people truly alone any more. We have families and friends that are likely local, and, at times, we develop good relationships with our neighbors. We neither want these people to perish during a disaster, nor do we want them knocking on our door empty handed looking for handouts. Encouraging those we care about to prepare for disruptions before they strike while not tipping our hand at the same time is a fair balance.

Another blending example? Security operations. It's a personal choice of course, but I'm a proponent of firearms and having them at the ready should the need arise. Even a civilian-minded prepper should have a military-ish plan of protection should disaster strike and you need to defend your home and hearth...and family and pets.

Final Thoughts

Being prepared for a regionally realistic disruptive event is the goal, and the approach taken should factor in a variety of considerations. As such being too 'civilian' or being to 'militarialistic' can lead to severe gaps in your preparedness plan. Good preparedness includes appropriate levels of food, water, and medical supplies, realistic consideration regarding local friends, family, and neighbors, and an appropriate level of martial training to protect and defend against the less-savory people who are interested in your preps. There's no need to go all G.I. Joe cosplay for protection (though there's something to be said about the intimidation factor), and there's no need to starve or get dysentery by not considering bug-in options. Balance and adaptability are key in surviving any disaster.

Peace.