Author Topic: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups  (Read 2030 times)

Offline JohnyMac

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MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« on: March 30, 2021, 10:20:52 AM »
MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups


I was chatting with Jackalope last week and we got on the subject of MAG's (Mutual Assistance Groups). He was stoked with the one he belongs too. As he was singing his groups praises, I was thinking of my group that numbers around 20-folks in 2012 now numbers about half. The ages ranged from about 30 to the high 60's now ranges from about 60-years old and older.

Although folks drifted in and out of the group from 2010 to 2017. The election of President Trump most folks lost interest and as the economy improved, members of the group faded away. Some have shown an interest in reconvening however when I put out dates to meet-up, few commits.

Well, it is time to go in a different direction and try to recruit a new MAG for my AO.

Charley Hogwood over at Gun Digest in 2015 defined a MAG as,

Quote
A Mutual Assistance Group is a group of like-minded individuals who pledge to assist each other in times of crisis. The idea is that many hands make light work.

It may or may not be in your best interest to be aligned with one. There are several important things to consider before joining/starting a Mutual Assistance Group.

Do I work well with others under austere conditions?

> What might I have to offer a Mutual Assistance Group by way of specialized skills and equipment?
> Will I participate regularly with others to build the group before the SHTF?
> Is everyone in my family on board with teaming up with others?
> Will I stay with the group or evacuate under differing scenarios?

If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, you may not be ready to join a Mutual Assistance Group.


With that stated, I am starting to put together another MAG for my AO to join the existing members. In essence I am starting from scratch. Let us face it, we do not have much time.

I am starting my recruitment by rereading James Wesley Rawles, Patriots.

We have a lot of new folks here along with some old dogs that need help in this area. I would like to use this thread as an opportunity for folks who have a good size, age diverse, and knowledge breath group to share how their group was developed. I would also like us all who are starting or rebuilding their group, the things that have worked or in some cases have not worked.

Please take the time to participate in this important thread. Not to be over dramatic here, A MAG may save your family's lives.

« Last Edit: March 30, 2021, 10:26:07 AM by JohnyMac »
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Offline Deathstyle

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2021, 03:25:03 PM »
Do you think already having a BOL makes it easier to develop a MAG? So ppl are attracted to joining uo since they'll have a place to go?


If so, what are the plans to accommodate these people?
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Offline JohnyMac

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2021, 04:08:00 PM »
I can only speak for myself. I want to attract residents of the area within maybe an 8 mile radius. Neighbors would be great which three of my MAG are neighbors. About 4-miles away are another two. Then I have several MAG's hours away and if the SHTF they would move in if they could get here; However, I do not expect a catastrophic event to happen over night. I think now we are in a quick ramp-up of 6 to 12 - months to chaos. Of course, anything could happen.

Our cabin was built with the thought that there would be folks living here during a SHTF event. I can house 12-folks with minimal crowding. I also have an unfinished basement that could house maybe another eight. But 18 to 20-folks would put a strain on the cabin and surrounding building's.

I guess having an existing BOL would help attracting folks BUT and this is a big BUT, if they are going to be living under the same roof as you, personalities better mesh well. And now is the time to fine that out NOT when they are living under your roof.

MrsMac and I have purposely invited folks here to stay for short periods of time to see if they would mesh well. With the exception of a couple, few make the mark of compatibility. Harsh but true.

Regardless, for us anyway, having less folks staying at the cabin and having a good sized MAG close by living in their own home is better for all I think. Bottom-line, I would rather have 20 to 30-MAG folks living within 2-miles of the redoubt but I know that would be a tall order.

Great question Deathstyle.
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Offline Jackalope

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #3 on: March 30, 2021, 05:29:17 PM »
    Churches and amateur radio groups are obvious sources.  Gun shops are also potential sources.  Our group actually started due to another reason, which I won't discuss here.  When organizing, the group should determine its ultimate goal, and make that very clear.  Decide what the purpose will be, and also decide what you don't want to do. 

     We've had good fortune in that members have diverse capabilities.  We try to meet at least once a month and train on various subjects.  The instructors vary, dependent upon their knowledge base.  Field activities are important, otherwise the group will just sit around and b.s.  Once you have a good core group, the group will attract other family members and friends. 

     Communications are very important.  We use one of the on-line messaging services, and it's active.  We also stress the need for non-infrastructure communications, i.e. simplex communications.  CB radios, GMRS, and MURS are all used by non-amateur licensed members.  We are slowly, but surely getting more members to become licensed amateur radio operators, which opens up our communications capabilities.  At this point though, I believe that every member has at least one radio capable of communicating with the group.  This past week we had another member pass his Tech license exam, and supposedly another four will take the exam in early May.  We're encouraging members that live further from our core group to obtain their General class amateur radio licenses, so we can communicate on the HF bands.

     One thing that our group stresses, is that we are NOT a militia, and we have no interest in getting involved with opposing the government.  We are a group that assists each other, and our intent is to be only defensive if there's a need to use firearms.  Firearms and firearms training are important, but they're not the focus of the group, they are merely tools which are used to protect and to defend.  We don't have mandatory equipment lists, or SOP's, though each family has at least one AR-15 by choice.  We use what we have, and each family is responsible for their own needs.  We also realize that not everyone is going to be a "shooter".  We try to find a slot that fits each person's capabilities.

     In our group, we have two "outposts" where folks would rally if there was a SHTF event.  The two locations were decided upon because they both have livestock, and are well set-up for long term occupation.  The group would divide and bug out to the two spots.  Comms would be maintained between the two locations, and a quick reaction force (QRF) would be available to assist either site.  The thinking is that it's not a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket.  The two owners of the outposts are committed to providing all the resources available to the people at their outposts.  This takes some trust on the part of outpost owners, as they're literally opening up their doors.

     Age diversity is an important factor.  Younger folks are needed to do some of the physical work, and older folks provide life experience insight.  We're blessed in that we currently have three families with school aged children that are active in the group, and I believe we'll have a couple more joining us by the end of the year.  Kids are rapid learners and they're helpful in teaching some of the older folks.  Kids also remind us why we're involved with a MAG.

     The group will need good leaders, who are willing to invest their time.  Our group does most things by consensus, but the outpost owners have total autonomy at their locations.  The leaders plan and coordinate training.  We try to avoid military type organization, however we do use military methods when it's appropriate.   I guess the big thing is for individuals and the group to be flexible.

Offline Jackalope

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #4 on: March 30, 2021, 05:38:01 PM »
Do you think already having a BOL makes it easier to develop a MAG? So ppl are attracted to joining uo since they'll have a place to go?


If so, what are the plans to accommodate these people?

   With our group, we have two different BOLs.  These locations were chosen for their long term livability, i.e., housing, availability of water etc.  I think having a BOL is very important to a group.  The BOL doesn't need to be perfect, but it gives folks a finite destination, so they don't have to be worried about becoming a refugee.  A BOL is a security blanket.

 

Offline Jackalope

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #5 on: March 30, 2021, 05:48:08 PM »

Our cabin was built with the thought that there would be folks living here during a SHTF event. I can house 12-folks with minimal crowding. I also have an unfinished basement that could house maybe another eight. But 18 to 20-folks would put a strain on the cabin and surrounding building's.

I guess having an existing BOL would help attracting folks BUT and this is a big BUT, if they are going to be living under the same roof as you, personalities better mesh well. And now is the time to fine that out NOT when they are living under your roof.

MrsMac and I have purposely invited folks here to stay for short periods of time to see if they would mesh well. With the exception of a couple, few make the mark of compatibility. Harsh but true.

Regardless, for us anyway, having less folks staying at the cabin and having a good sized MAG close by living in their own home is better for all I think. Bottom-line, I would rather have 20 to 30-MAG folks living within 2-miles of the redoubt but I know that would be a tall order.

Great question Deathstyle.

     I recommend reading Clay Martin's book Prairie Fire: Guidebook for Surviving Civil War 2.  Mr. Martin discusses housing others during partisan festivities.  Personally, I don't plan on housing anyone long term, except immediate family in the main house.  We have outbuildings where we can easily house 4-20 people.  Short term visitors are one thing, but a family needs privacy. 

Offline JohnyMac

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #6 on: March 30, 2021, 08:34:14 PM »
Amen Jackaploe, Short term visitors are one thing, but a family needs privacy.

According to MrsMac, I snore loudly. I doubt it, as I never heard myself.  ;)

Great advise Jackalope. I agree with all you wrote. Thank you for taking the time to type it up and share.  :cheers:

Others?
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Offline reconprepper

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2021, 01:06:46 PM »
Here are some pdf files of another sites talk about mag groups.
mid Georgia area here

Offline JohnyMac

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2021, 10:08:30 AM »
Thank you reconprepper for the list of links. You rock!
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Offline reconprepper

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2021, 11:04:35 AM »
glad to. be of assistance
mid Georgia area here

Offline Deathstyle

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2021, 01:15:35 PM »
Yea as a partisan I wouldn't rish shacking up in someone's home. Too much risk of getting cornered and caught up in a raid. I'd prefer to shelter up in the woods closets to a safe house and just use them for resupply.

As a homeowner I'd make preparations to apply same accommodations to paritsans.

Want a roof over your head and enjoy a warm fireplace? Go home. However dropping off tarps n dry wool blankets along w a pot of warm freshly cooked food to your hooch a few clicks from homestead? No problem.
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Offline JohnyMac

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2021, 04:00:47 PM »
During the Irish troubles, supporters of the movement kept their back doors unlocked. Especially, after something went boom.

Remember, at my age I am part of the auxiliary and not a trigger puller.

I need to write another article on being part of the auxiliary.
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Offline Felix

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #12 on: April 03, 2021, 10:06:13 PM »
"Confluence" - where two or more streams join, flowing together in the same direction.
Big thanks to JM, Jackalope and excellent contributors.   This site is hugely valuable, channeling and weaving threads (and streams) into a coherent guide where news-you-can-use, focus and confluence become one.
I too am so old that dirt was still new when i was drinking unfloridated water from a garden hose.  "Trigger puller"?  Yup.  Like George Armstrong Custer if'n I find myself at the wrong place, wrong time or become a "person of interest".
As for being an auxiliary... now that's where many can shine.  Who said something about wannabes study tactics, professionals study logistics?  In the coming Troubles, we shall all have to adjust for both.   
Currently prepared to gather firewood sans chainsaw (antique, double-man felling saw and several one-man bucking saws).
Third year of gardening coming up - making progress at producing corn, potatoes, beans, winter squash, barley - and over-wintering some along with seed for that time when ordering from a catalogue is no longer an option.   Can hardly wait to see if my lettuce seeds from last year's plants can produce sprouts and an early crop - (some vital nutrients for coming out of a nutrition-deficient Winter)
Already have a 10kw propane gen, probably signing contract next week for build/install on significant solar electrical - enough "Powerwall" storage to run our refrigerator/freezers and pump water from the well.
Maintaining three horses.  Have hunting dogs.   Cats/mousers.   Need chickens again!!!
Food storage for people/animals always onsite for 3 months at current/un-rationed usage minimum without leaving the property (wife balks at more - it would be an admission/confirmation that something requiring more could, indeed, happen.  Anybody else here having to "work-around" family unwilling to think about the "unthinkable"?
Should anything truly bad happen to our "next-day", "on-time" society, I will be one of only a few places where water is available within a three to four mile radius.  Water is life.  No electricity?  No water.
The veneer of civilization peeling as it has been lately, time is not our friend.  But doing what you can, as soon as you can is the course to follow.  UP serves  trigger pullers and codgers alike.   
Let Rome burn. (as if we could stop it, har-har...)
IF we (some of us) succeed?
There will be remnants and survivors of civilization, providing seeds and foundations for renewal.
Or as they say at Motel 6, "We'll leave (have) the (a) light on for ya".


Offline JohnyMac

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #13 on: April 03, 2021, 11:07:48 PM »
Ahhhh, I think we found UP's poet. Thank you for your kind words Felix.

Sunday MrsMac and I will find us celebrating Jesus's rising from the dead with 20 or so like minded souls. Hopefully, I will be able to convince a few that like you wrote Felix, our time is running out. It is time to regroup and start planning for the blight that is coming. Not to be morose just being factual.

It is good to share a platform with the likes of all that come to Unchainedpreppers to learn, share, and teach.

73 & God Bless you all... 
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Offline Felix

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #14 on: April 04, 2021, 05:36:55 PM »
Oooooooops, sorry...

By now I should know not to post when the Spirit(s) is/are upon me.

(but I will admit, very favorably impressed with a new oak keg... good toasting inside, is rapidly taming the "new make")

Offline JohnyMac

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #15 on: April 04, 2021, 10:01:06 PM »
No worries Felix...You Rock.  :cheers:
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Offline patriotman

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #16 on: April 05, 2021, 08:30:30 AM »
"With the exception of a couple, few make the mark of compatibility."

Definitely not the exception here  :popcorn:

I do agree we need to come up with a better plan and prestaging of resources. I think we need to have a planning sit down one of these days.
Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

Psalm 144:1-2

Offline Jackalope

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #17 on: April 05, 2021, 09:37:59 AM »
"With the exception of a couple, few make the mark of compatibility."

Definitely not the exception here  :popcorn:

I do agree we need to come up with a better plan and prestaging of resources. I think we need to have a planning sit down one of these days.

   Don't just plan; implement those plans and then evaluate.  The importance of having additional living/sleeping spaces cannot be overstated.  Everyone needs space, especially in stressful situations.

Offline JohnyMac

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Re: MAG Or Mutual Assistance Groups
« Reply #18 on: April 05, 2021, 10:07:36 AM »
Yupper Patriotman...Yupper.
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