Zombie Apocalypse Survival: Building Your Team
In the increasing likely event that we will someday (soon?) experience a Zombie Apocalypse I think it’s important that we take time out occasionally to prepare, mentally and physically.
But mostly mentally.
Here’s the thing. It’s going to be crazy, hectic, troubled world out there and it’s going to be important to have a “team” that you can trust and count on to help you survive.
RESOURCES: You’re going to need someone who is resourceful to make sure that your team has food, water, weapons, ammunition and shelter. The basics of survival will be the same as they were during war times 150 years ago, before electricity, television, internet, plumbing, etc. You need to have someone with you who can navigate this world right away and help bring the rest of you up to speed with the new order. Whether your resource specialist can farm, hunt, steal, pillage or create from thin air – it doesn’t matter. They just need to make it happen so you can live.
HEALTH CARE: Also, very importantly, you’re going to want someone with some sort of first aid or medical training. Unfortunately, basic CPR isn’t going to cut it here. Hopefully you’ll have someone who can deal with deep cuts (stitches), broken bones (setting and splinting) and, if you’re lucky, natural medicines. It would be a bonus if they also had some massage or pressure point experience to get those small issues taken care of before they become larger issues that can slow you all down.
SMART GUY: You’ll also want a geek. A nerd. Someone who’s really smart. Especially when it comes to maths and sciences. Who knows what you’re going to be able to learn about Zombies as you continue on with your new life. And, you’re going to need them to help you get out of some tough situations. They will also be helpful when it comes to finding safe shelter. This isn’t a world with jocks and nerds anymore… but if it were ain’t nobody getting bullied – unless you wanna die by Zombie bite!
COMBAT: Having someone with weapons or combat experience will also be a HUGE plus for your group. Knowing more than just how to fire a gun is needed to win the battles that will continue to grant you survival. You need someone who understands attacks and retreats and strategy and the general (and advanced) in-and-outs of fighting. It’s the awful truth that at some point you’re going to have to spend some significant time killing/eliminating/handling Zombies. It’s going to suck, but you’re going to need to do it and do it well. Good luck.
BONUS SPOT: You want someone in your team that can make you laugh. I know it sounds stupid at first. And it’s not a traditional survival skill. But having someone that can make you laugh could just save a whole lot of lives. The stress levels during the Zombie Apocalypse will be through the roof. And with very good reason. But while stress can bring on a sense of urgency that is needed to get things done, it can also make you snap. Snapping will not help your cause. In fact, it can and will lead to in-fighting, reckless behaviour and who knows what else. Having someone in the group that can tell stories and remember the funny things in life and help lighten the mood (when appropriate – that’s a very key point) could prove to be an invaluable asset.
Hopefully there will be more of you than just 5. Ideally you’d have more than one person who fits nicely into some of these categories. It would be even better if you were one of them.
But perhaps most importantly, everyone on your team needs to have the will it will take to survive, to never give up, to live through hell. Because it will be hard and dirty and people will die.
creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.
Looks like I’d better hone up on some skills or I’ll get left behind.
I have to get some skill worked out as well… or I’m going to end up getting left behind thanks to my own criteria.
Amazing post. Useful and so fun to read!
You’ve really made me re-think my core survival unit. And I’m going to have to refine my gardening skills. Unless you can survive on basil, cause I can’t grow zucchini or tomatoes to literally save my life!!! Oh man, I feel underprepared all over again.
I need a nerd and I need a medic.
Keep you posted!
I like the gardening skills idea, work on that! Let me know if you have an opening for a blogger on your team!
Nice. I’m mentally preparing by playing Doom 3, and physically preparing by excercising and learning how to fight. Don’t have a team yet, though. I’m going to start one soon. I have to prepare. Prepare or die. And death by zombies won’t be fun, I’m sure. I think I’ll fit into the combat/ funny position. Actually hope this happens! (I know, I’m weird) 😉
I might recommend adding a negotiator to survival teams. A negotiator will be able to help set up a system of resource allocation, they would also be useful to help prevent in-fighting (as you mentioned with the comedian) but also in case the Zombies could live peacefully with certain terms.
That’s a helluva an idea Nate. Let’s put it on the list!
You mentioned something about a “smart guy,” but not all smart guys could cover the area of Communication. It might be a good idea to have someone there that can set up makeshift radios and such, if that is needed, because you never know when there may be another group looking for help, or when your group may need help.
I’d like to find out more? I’d want to find out more details.