Prepare: Getting Started Part Eight Protection and Security

Having a retreat, no matter where it is, requires some external security and detection of outsiders who may mean harm.

Ideally, your retreat is remote enough and disguised from prying eyes. Regardless, if someone finds you, they may have enough of a surprise to overwhelm the best defenses.

A good defense depends upon forward intelligence about possible threats from all directions. A good place to start is with nearby roads and paths which lead into your area. Someone who takes from those who produce is generally lazy. If there is a road leading to something they want, they most likely will take it.

Cover the roads will living eyes, not remote cameras or sensors. Both can break. Have remote watch stations manned by trained observers armed with both weapons and communications. The more advance notice, the better chances the defenders at the central retreat have.

Remote watch stations should always be able to alert a designated person back at the retreat. Radio contact should use signals and codes by default.

The retreat itself should have a high ground, hidden observation emplacement. Observers should take a hidden or round about path to the emplacement in the event others are watching from a distance.

A retreat's defenses should depend upon a) slowing down attackers and b) not giving the attackers defensive positions to attack from. The surrounding area should be clear or dead fall, stacked firewood, old vehicles, and other objects the attackers can use as cover.

The retreat should have a series of fences and barbwire to slow down the advance of an enemy force.

The defenders should have multiple fighting positions - trenches, spider holes, and sandbagged foxholes with egress points back to the main fighting position. Overlapping fields of fire and more than one long range shooter must be in position when the attackers make their move.

All adults and older teens must carry weapons at all times. A long gun being preferred. There should never be a central armory with all weapons under lock and key and under the authority of one or two people. If you can't trust the people on your retreat with a gun, then they should not be in your retreat.

In most cases, raiders will attack a soft target rather than expend all of their capital on a losing proposition. Remember, the defenders have the advantage as they are in their base of operations and supplies while the raider is away and travelling.

 Remember, most attacks follow the classic pattern. One force attacks with long range weapons while the remainder moves in from at least two different directions while the defender is pinned down. Have long range shooters in place to detect and take out snipers early.

Having a good defense is the best offense against an attack on your retreat. Plan, practice and train.