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General Discussion / Re: Self Sufficiency - 2024 vs. 1776
« Last post by Jackalope on Today at 03:06:08 PM » I find that the biggest problem within MAG's is the differences of preparations and skill levels between members. One of groups that I belong to seems to function more as an educational outlet for newbies, rather than being a functional assistance group. Training consists of a once a month meeting with a speaker. There's limited social interaction, except during the meeting. The size of that group is unwieldy too (70+), and the members are too scattered. Good leadership is a crucial ingredient, and that group is lacking it, and the current leader doesn't want to step down. We'll be leaving that group soon, as I tell my wife, "Not my monkeys, not my circus." I actually met my wife through this group, but we've realized that our skills and knowledge base are beyond the average group member, and they seem to be stagnant. The members don't seem to mature, and don't realize the seriousness of preparations. For example, those that are into communications, the average member will purchase a Baofeng, get it programmed and put it back into its box. They're not interested in getting their ham license, learning how to operate the radio on nets, or spending money on some means of recharging the radio battery when the grid goes down. They don't want to spend money on an AR, or some other defensive weapon. Members of this group are takers, or leeches, rather than producers, and this particularly applies to the leadership. All in all, that group is an excellent example of a bad MAG!
I've found that an effective group needs to have members located within 30 minutes of each other, which helps logistically and it helps with simplex communications. The members need to have similar skill levels, and have basic preparations already acquired. Otherwise the group is carrying the member and his family.
Another group that I'm involved with takes a different route. There are training meetings, but we also have cookouts, and we get together socially. This group also gets together to shoot and develop team skills. Members live closer together and interact on a daily basis. In my estimation, it's a much more effective and dynamic group, and also more intimate. Members share their knowledge and skills, and it's a dynamic group. Needless to say, when TSHTF, I know which group I'll be actively working with.
I've found that an effective group needs to have members located within 30 minutes of each other, which helps logistically and it helps with simplex communications. The members need to have similar skill levels, and have basic preparations already acquired. Otherwise the group is carrying the member and his family.
Another group that I'm involved with takes a different route. There are training meetings, but we also have cookouts, and we get together socially. This group also gets together to shoot and develop team skills. Members live closer together and interact on a daily basis. In my estimation, it's a much more effective and dynamic group, and also more intimate. Members share their knowledge and skills, and it's a dynamic group. Needless to say, when TSHTF, I know which group I'll be actively working with.
