My Principles of Defence for Preppers
Over time, I have come to realise that most, if not all forms of defence revolve around a set of principles... These are the ones I learnt during my time in the Military.
Many of the examples below relate to the defence of a physical property or location, although the principles I adopt can be translated and adopted into other aspects of life, even such as the electronic defence of a website. Remember, these are principles, they all form a cohesive bond when adopted together – Each contributing and blending into the other. I have, in the past, and will continue in the future to adopt these principles with every location and aspect of security and defence.
Defence in Depth
sometimes referred to as deep defence or seen as successive layers of defendable resources. A deep defence enables you to to slow down the momentum of the attacker, spread out his attacking force and to enable mutual support from friendly forces, this combined will weaken the attack tempo and bog the enemy down. Defence in depth is not just limited to personnel. The use of obstacles, including vegetation can play a major role in this function.
Mutual Support / Help from others
Fighting on a single front can be overwhelming, but with contributory support from alternate positions you WILL at least double your concentration of attack angles onto the attacking force... This can be achieved by various means.
- The shape of your defensive position.
- The use of indirect fire weapons.
- Flanking and overlooking locations or positions that provide interlocking arcs of fire
- A good surveillance plan – including the use of cameras, drones, lookouts/ or patrols.
- A fast and efficient communications system in order to distribute orders, information or assets.
All-Round Defence
It stands to reason that a good defensive plan will incorporate a 360 degree 'bubble' perspective within its plan. The front, back, and sides must all be included, NOT just the most obvious attack routes. Attack may come from any direction and in the most devious of methods. In the case of a low-tech defence approach, the use of personnel covering these areas is preferred. Enhancing this approach to defence, one should also consider the air above and the surface below their location too.
Offensive Spirit
It is no good having a good plan with 'everything in place' if the 'Will to Defend', or fight isn't there. When attacked, It will may well turn into a 'defend or die' scenario. Just as the 'Will to survive' is a KEY aspect for any survival situation, an 'Offensive Spirit' will be the key to defence. An Offensive Spirit can be bolstered and enhanced with aspects such as good training, team bonding, a sense of belonging, trust and the discipline to stay vigilant.
A Reserve Force
A small, mobile team, held back in a central location that can deploy quickly to any location that is either faltering and needs more support or to react to an incident that may prove problematic. May even be used to contain a threat, take prisoners and to ease the burden on the extant defence.
Deception
A comprehensive defensive plan will incorporate some form of deception. This can come in many forms. A common approach would be to lure potential attackers into an apparent weak point or vulnerable position. In reality this 'weak-point' will be a pre-arranged killing area with a well thought out strike plan. Amongst Preppers a key practise would be to make your location less appealing and unassuming than any of the others in your area. This could lead to attackers or looters moving on to other locations or not being as prepared as they should.
Concealment
It stands to reason that, as an attacker, If you have trouble finding or seeing your enemy your ability to effectively strike will be diminished. Concealment also extends to hiding your methods and types of defence... (You wouldn't want the enemy to know the quantity and type of weaponry you have!) – This aspect of my principles counters any reconnaissance by any would be attacker.
Summary
We all have the right to defend ourselves. When the threats escalate and come closer to home will you be ready? Have you evaluated your situation and CAN you defend against an attack? Establishing a framework for all scenarios can be achieved and should be critical knowledge. My 7 defence principles listed, all work together. Miss out any of them and your chances of defence rapidly diminishes... It is now up to you = Evaluate and Act!
Defence in Depth | Mutual Support | All-Round Defence | Offensive Spirit
Reserves | Deception | Concealment