The Crucial Role of Security in Collapse

Creating Just and Resilient Societies Requires Community Defense

In the heart of the permaculture movement and among the passionate homesteaders weaving the fabric of sustainable living, lies a profound commitment to sustainability, self-sufficiency, and resilience.

Yet, amid this laudable focus on the green bounty and the nurturing of life, there lies an often-overlooked facet of preparedness: security. While the seeds of sustainability are sown with hope and care, the necessity for protection and vigilance germinates silently in the shadows.

The truth, as stark as it may be, is that the creation of just and resilient societies extends beyond the fields and forests; it encompasses the safeguarding of these sanctuaries against the myriad uncertainties that loom in times of crisis.

This post invites you to embark on a journey of exploration into the realm of security, a critical element in our work that ensures the fruits of our labor are preserved and protected. Just as a garden requires a fence to shield it from the elements and predators, our communities need a shield against the unforeseen adversities that threaten the very essence of our collective endeavor. In embracing security as a cornerstone of our prepping efforts, we fortify our commitment to creating societies that are not only in harmony with the earth but are also resilient in the face of challenges, and free from unjust state security apparatuses.

Herein, we will provide an overview of the threats we face and the vulnerabilities of our resources, developing a security mindset, building security networks, and examine case studies that illustrate where and how this is already in practice.

The Nature of Threats in Times of Crisis

Crises manifest as natural disasters, economic downturns, or social unrest, each presenting unique threats to security. These events often catalyze a breakdown of civil order, escalating the risk of hostile activities.

The spectrum of threats during such times is broad and multifaceted. Natural disasters, with their brute force, can dismantle infrastructure and supply lines, creating vacuums of power into which chaos can seep. Economic turmoil can erode the very foundation of societal stability, leading to an uptick in desperation-driven crimes. Social unrest, fueled by dissatisfaction and dissent, can spiral into violent confrontations, jeopardizing the security perimeter of any community or individual.

Heightened criminal activity, including looting and raids, becomes a significant concern as noncombatants and hostile entities vie for dwindling resources. These resources, critical to community resilience, become focal points for conflict, drawing friend and foe into potential confrontations. The operational readiness of a community to defend its assets is paramount in preventing appropriation by hostile forces.

Additionally, the operational landscape can be further complicated by the presence of oppressive state actors, who may exploit the chaos of crisis situations to tighten their grip on power and suppress dissent. These entities, wielding the machinery of the state, can introduce martial law, curfews, and restrictive measures that constrain freedom of movement and communication, complicating both the logistics and the morale of any resistance or survival efforts. The strategic calculus must, therefore, account for the dual threat posed by both non-state actors seeking to exploit the vacuum of power and state apparatuses aiming to consolidate control.

Understanding the nature of these threats is the first step in fortifying defenses and developing strategies to mitigate risks. Vigilance, combined with a strategic approach to resource management and community defense, forms the backbone of community security in times of crisis.

The Vulnerability of Resources

In the landscape of homesteading and farming operations, the critical assets—livestock, crops, and essential equipment—represent the linchpin of sustainability and resilience. However, during times of crisis, these assets become acutely vulnerable to a myriad of threats that can compromise the community's overall integrity and sustainability.

Livestock and crops, the primary producers in any agricultural operation, are exposed to the direct impacts of natural disasters, which can decimate yields and disrupt the food supply chain, severely degrading the community's self-sufficiency and survival capabilities. Furthermore, the scarcity of resources can lead to increased hostile reconnaissance, with enemy combatants and opportunistic marauders targeting these valuable assets for expropriation.

Equipment vital to the maintenance of agricultural productivity—such as irrigation systems, power generators, and machinery—also falls into the crosshairs of adversarial forces. Sabotage or theft of these assets can cripple operational capabilities, delaying recovery efforts and weakening the defensive posture of the community or farm.

Building a Security Mindset

To fortify our communities and ensure the integrity of our operations, it is imperative that all citizens, from young to old, no matter what shape they are in or experience they have, cultivate a robust security mindset. This strategic approach requires a vigilant assessment of potential risks and vulnerabilities within the communities, integrating these considerations into the very fabric of community planning processes.

Once potential threats are identified, the next phase involves prioritizing security efforts, a task that necessitates a nuanced understanding of community capabilities and resources. Whether a solitary homestead or a community collective, each must weigh its unique strategic objectives against the likelihood and potential impact of identified threats. This risk-based approach allows for the efficient allocation of scarce resources to fortify defenses where they are needed most, ensuring that operational readiness is not compromised by unforeseen vulnerabilities.

To further reinforce defensive posture, it is advisable to engage in continuous training and exercises designed to simulate potential threat scenarios. These drills not only enhance tactical proficiency but also instill a sense of preparedness and resilience among community members, ensuring that when faced with real-world threats, each can respond with decisiveness and precision.

Practical Steps to Enhance Security

Enhancing community defensive posture requires a multifaceted approach, integrating both high-tech and low-tech solutions to establish a comprehensive security perimeter. Here are actionable directives to bolster defenses and ensure the integrity of operations:

1. Surveillance Operations: Implement state-of-the-art surveillance technologies alongside traditional observation techniques to maintain 24/7 situational awareness. Deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for aerial reconnaissance and utilize motion sensors and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to monitor critical areas. Regular patrols, both overt and covert, further compound surveillance capabilities, ensuring early detection of potential threats.

2. Physical Defenses: Fortify the community or homestead with physical barriers designed to deter and delay adversarial forces. This includes the construction of fences, walls, and obstacles, along with strategic placement of defensive emplacements, perhaps watchtowers and bunkers. Natural landscaping features should also be leveraged to enhance defensive measures and control the flow of potential threats.

3. Community Watch Programs: Mobilize the community into a cohesive watch program, establishing a network of vigilant eyes and ears across the area. This collective effort enhances the detection of suspicious activities and fosters a culture of mutual support and defense. Collaboration with neighboring properties and communities can extend the security perimeter and create a unified front against common threats.

4. Security Training and Preparedness: Conduct regular training exercises to ensure all members of the community are proficient in basic defense tactics and emergency response protocols. This training should cover firearms handling, first aid, communication procedures, and evacuation plans, equipping every individual with the skills necessary to contribute to the collective security effort.

5. Intelligence Sharing and Coordination: Establish a reliable communication network for the rapid dissemination of intelligence and coordination of response efforts. This includes the use of radio communication, encrypted digital channels, and face-to-face briefings to ensure all members are informed and prepared to act in a unified manner.

Community Response Groups

One approach to developing security networks is to start with the creation of community response groups. These groups can be focused on training for mutual aid during natural disasters and other emergencies.

Forming community response groups for preparedness involves establishing networks at regional, neighborhood, and retreat levels, each with its unique focus but united by the goal of mutual aid and protection. Here are some key insights and recommendations for screening and integrating individuals into these groups:

1. Networking Levels:

   • Regional Networking: Utilizes radio communication to connect and share information. It's discreet and should include members with ham radio licenses for effective communication.

   • Neighborhood Networking: Similar to a Neighborhood Watch, it involves locals looking out for each other's property and safety. Establishing basic criteria for membership and shared responsibilities is crucial.

   • Retreat Networking: This is the most intimate level, involving people you would shelter with. This requires more detailed guidelines and shared values for effective cooperation.

2. Screening and Criteria:

   • Self-Sufficiency: Each family or individual should maintain a degree of self-sufficiency to avoid being a burden. For example, having at least one year’s worth of food per family member and owning at least one firearm for protection.

   • Like-Mindedness: Common beliefs and preparedness philosophy are essential. This includes a willingness to learn new skills, engage in manual labor, and invest in preparations.

   • Skill Sets: The inclusion of individuals with skills that complement the group's existing capabilities. This can range from military experience to education or medical training.

   • Rules and Governance: Clear rules and a form of governance are necessary to manage the group's dynamics, especially under stress.

3. Building Trust and Community:

   • Engage in activities that build trust and familiarity among group members, such as joint training sessions or community projects. The Ruck Program is one possible starting point.

   • Regular meetings to discuss plans, share knowledge, and continuously improve the group's preparedness level.

4. Continuous Evaluation:

   • Regularly assess the group's capabilities, supplies, and readiness to ensure that all members are maintaining their commitments and that the group can effectively respond to various scenarios.

Security Education

Numerous factors come into play when establishing security networks, including the formulation of governance rules, the development of doctrines, strategic planning, and the implementation of standard operating procedures. A wealth of knowledge can be extracted from various books and podcasts. Additionally, examining societies such as the Kurds in Rojava or the Zapatistas provides insightful examples of how structural organization and governance have been effectively implemented.

The Level 1 Scout course here on the Collapse Curriculum website is a foundational program for security teams. It emphasizes operations in austere conditions. We will also have guides in the future on how to organize and operate security networks.

I hope this overview was helpful in forming the foundational understanding behind creating a security mindset. What are your thoughts? Have you formed security circles in your community? Have you considered doing so? What are some obstacles?

Thanks much for reading.