The hardest obstacle to overcome in preparedness is finding individuals who take it seriously.  Many think that because they own an AR, they will prevail when the SHTF.   Personal defense is the hard peel on the outside of an onion, and will not keep you alive for long.  Especially if you are alone.  I will give a brief description of myself, and my goal, followed by what I think needs to be developed.  If you can/want to  contribute, a dialogue can be opened.  If the only fruit borne of this effort is discourse and ideas, we are one step ahead in the game.

I am a 39 year old construcion foreman, married to a 39 year old RN, with two children ages 13 and 10.   I was raised in a depressed rural area, and grew up pumping water, burning wood, pulling weeds, raising animals, shooting, and spending a lot of time outdoors.  I have lived off the grid for a long period of time, and while I don’t WANT to do it again, I am not afraid to.  I have worked my entire adult life (basically) in one form of construction or another, and that is where the base of my skill set lies.  I also hunt as much as time allows, and have never had a problem filling a freezer.  (I’m listing this more as a reference to my outdoor skills than for food prep.  We’ll discuss this later.)  I have butchering and meat curing skills.  My animal husbandry knowledge is limited, but what I would call “average country boy”.    My children are well behaved and are willing and able to work. 

I live on the outskirts of a small city in a home with a couple of acres.  It is moderately defensible with some minor preparation that I’m working on now.  Depending on the situation and time of year when TSHTF, it could be used as a prep. location, possibly (how violent things become) to become permanent.  I am not entirely comfortable as it is quasi-urban, but I have several (middle of nowhere) retreat locations close by that could be accessed quickly.  As I have narrowed them down, I feel the need to observe them closely through one more season (assuming we have the time), before I make a final choice.   If it happens tomorrow, I know where I will go.  I also have some options available to purchase one of several small tracts of land.  These are not move it or lose it offers, therefore I have chosen to wait to see the nature of a collapse if it comes.  Assuming things get really bad, I can accomodate two small family units on my property for a time.  I am prepared to live off of my preparations for a year + at any given time, with sustainability.   If somebody has a retreat location available, and is looking for help or addition to a group I am open to it.

I am looking for (at this point), a minimum of two, and a maximum of four families to serve as a CORE for prepping and sustaining.   The necessity of growth is inevitable for long term survival, but to begin, I want small and TRUSTWORTHY.  If it seems I am assuming a leadership role, it is only for the purpose of  organization.   A variety of skills is needed, but all involved must have one common attribute:  The willingness to work their fingers to the bone.  Anyone interested must have something to bring to the table.  Food and weapons will always be needed, but all tools and supplies will certainly be utilized.   Don’t discount the value of anything you own at this point.

I am not a Christian per se, but I strongly adhere to traditional conservative values and a family mindset.  I could care less what religion you subscribe to, but common morals and values are imperative.  The only rule I reserve the right to call absolute, is that belligerence will not be tolerated.  Respect for one another and their value to the group is a main priority.

At this point, I mostly see our goals as this:  1). Locate each other and open a dialogue.   2). Continue to prepare on our own with input from each other as to most needed/lacking items.  3).  Prepare BugOut/Meetup activities on somewhat short notice.  (I have no intention of becoming bug out refugees, but an impromptu weekend in a designated retreat area is the best way to feel each other out in real life, as well as to gauge preparedness.  

Wannabe Rambo’s need not apply.  It is with a heavy heart that I feel the need to post this.  If you are enthusiastically awaiting TEOTWAWKI, look somewhere else.  A strong ability to defend ourselves is a priority, and a system of order will need to be decided apon,  but this WILL NOT be a military group.  Racists need not apply.  If you are a worried family person who understands the NEED for a group of likeminded families to band together, leave an E-Mail address where I can contact you.  Personal specifics can be discussed in subsequent conversations if you are more comfortable.  Please do not leave specifics about locations or inventories.  I will not respond to any language relating to anything illegal.  Thank you for your time.