When the SHTF, it is not just the the bad, criminal or feral members of society that come out looking for resources to plunder. The seemingly quiet, law abiding citizen will quite easily adopt criminalistic actions in order to get what they need. When resources run short, people will do ANYTHING to ensure their own safety. Looting, burglary and open violence may ensue. Your residence could be attacked if you are suspected to be in possession of resources. Anything of post SHTF value, including your buddies and family, are targets. For this reason, it would be imperative that once you are secure in your location, you adopt surveillance measures.
One of the simplest methods would be to set up a 24/7 security guard/patrol. This ensures you have active eyes in and around your location in order to mitigate and defend against any incoming threat.
It is your choice as to whether you adopt an OVERT or COVERT system. The situation will no doubt dictate that.
The use of Guards / Sentries
The use of a guard may be your last option to secure your location, but it will be a relief to all that there is someone watching over them whilst they go about their routine. The simplest of tasks will be achieved with more confidence, and sleep / rest will be easier.
All active guards must be dedicated to the task during their stint on guard. They must also be ALERT, for they are your last line of defence – THEY FAIL – YOU FAIL.
To ensure an effective guard rota system, your people must be privvy to essential information. Below are some KEY pointers that can be used as a checklist. Your guards must know the following key information as a minimum:
- Locations of neighbouring buildings, backup and covering guards/sentries.
- How long you are actually on 'watch' for and method of relief.
- Latest update of the current threat.
- Arcs of observation / fire, location defences.
- What to do in the event of suspicious movement, activity or attack.
- Method of raising the alarm & alerting fellow group/family members.
- Method of challenging intruders/attackers.
- When and how to engage intruders/attackers.
- The movement of your group in or out of your location.
- The current PASSWORD.
- A list of who is on watch!
Simple Solutions
A common problem for guards, is the passage of information. An ill informed sentry will not be very effective and may hinder any action he/she has to take. Continuation of an effective rota system is NOT easy! As the group gets restless and tired, people cut corners, fall asleep and the whole system breaks down. This leaves your location and group wide open and at the mercy of undesirables. You may even have to resort to employing younger members (teenagers) to contribute.
From the animal kingdom, to the Military. Guards and sentries are used for a reason - They are effective and easy!
Probably the most easy and effective surveillance system is to have human eyes /ears in and around your location. You cannot beat an active guard / sentry for a quick response to any incoming threat. To achieve this however, requires a dedicated and disciplined group of individuals. With access to the correct information, they will be a valuable resource and contribute greatly to your local intelligence picture and defence. They will even contribute to a sense of purpose and keep members active, reducing time to ponder over events. You may even opt for a dedicated team within your group, who's sole task is to guard. Who you choose is up to you
Excellent advice. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I used to hate getting pulled for firewatch, especially those early morning hours 3am also known as "the good shit." Great post.
LOL yeah, no one likes getting those hours...
I am sure the mind would be a lot more focussed when the threat to the average person gets real.
howdy again sir preppervetuk! This is very interesting information, especially to the amateur who hasn't thought of such things so well done and thank you!
Thanks Man.