My Concept of Operations

The following is something that I wrote quite some time ago on another forum, in response to reading MANY threads from new preppers concerning where to start. For people new to prepping, there is an excess of information available on the internet. Often times it is difficult to find a place to start amongst all of that information.

When first starting to accumulate items for their preps, people ask what to buy, what to pack, how much to carry, to bug-in or bug-out, in vehicles or on foot, etc. This is a difficult question to answer as everyone's needs are different due to the variations in the terrain, weather, environment, and population of where they live. The load that I carry in the southwest United States will do no good for someone in the winter of Alaska. In other words, IT IS UP TO YOU to identify what your needs are.

That being said, I’d like to lay out the concept behind my preparations. Hopefully it will assist you in establishing a foundation to build on. The concept from which I operate is very basic, and is something I’ve learned serving in the Marine Corps: Shoot, move, and communicate.

For any unit to be prepared for combat (fighting an adversary or fighting to survive) at the most basic level, it must have the ability to:

1) Shoot
2) Move
3) Communicate

Shoot: This goes well beyond the simple possession of weapons and ammunition! It means having the technical proficiency to operate and maintain your weapon system. It means having the tactical proficiency to properly and effectively employ your weapon system. It also means having the materials and tools necessary to adequately maintain your weapon system.

Move: In order to move, you must be able to navigate, measure distance traveled, and read a map. If you’re moving with vehicles, you will need fuel and mechanical support. If you’re moving on foot, you’ll need fuel for your body (food/water/rest), and adequate clothing and footwear.

Communicate: Communication comes in various forms: radio, telephone, hand/arm signals, smoke, air panels, flares, etc. You must not only have the capability to transmit and receive messages, but also be able to signal friendlies or rescue forces.

Keeping in mind the necessities of your area of operations (AO), hopefully this very basic concept will give you an idea of where to start.