That's just SOP

Graham Heights 

Beginnings 

Amazon.com

Chapter 6
That's Just SOP

Journal Entry - October 28 2016
Alan Scott 

                We were packing away some food and I had a heated discussion with a couple of the guys about how to keep us safe.  It was civil but the differences were beginning to show.  Everyone knows that we need to have a plan of action and whatever that plan is, it was imperative that we develop and administer it as one.  I wanted to pen the basis of the plan as it needed to be done by reason, research and yet be a plan that would work in any of the scenarios that we had listed earlier.  We still had unknown issues, such as one or more of the group could be out of the area when this “disaster” hits or  It could be one of more of the scenarios at the same time.  Honestly there could be a hundred variable, but having a basic plan would allow for flexibility.

As the conversation continued I could hear the uncertainty.  This galvanized my resolve to create a plan that we could agree on and then we had to train others to follow the plan.  It would be difficult, but it would be necessary in order to change the way people would react into the way we need them to react. The military is a fine example of changing a person’s normal reaction into the right reaction.  They will train and train until every part of you does what should be done.  Case in point, a military man will run to the gun fire to take action against it instead of waiting for it to catch up to them as they’re run away. 

I presented the plan on Oct 22.  I explained that a security plan was written down, now all we need is to have everyone look it over and then we could discuss each point and any changes that needed to be made. This way everyone could abide by it.  There are two objectives to this plan, keep it simple and keep our group safe. 

                Security Levels.

·         Level 5: All systems are normal.

·         Level 4: Emergency services are still in place just overwhelmed and in effective. Our priority is to hide and act as if nothing is available to take.  The perimeter is the property line with no trespassing signs.  Evaluate anyone that approaches as follows:

a.       Large group with weapons, energize electric fence and arm all defensive positions. If they continue, weapons free.

b.      Small group with weapons, they are hostile and should not be allowed to access the inner parts of the property (750 feet). 

c.       Any person caught sneaking onto property after hours should be considered hostile, as their action show they have nothing but evil intent.

d.      Those without weapons need to be discouraged from coming any closer. Pictures will be taken then reported to authorities as a trespasser. 

·         Level 3: No Emergency services are present to include the National Guard for a period of two days.  Our property is the limit of our activity.  All subjects are potential targets however they will have to come onto the property with weapons and look as if they have the intent to do harm.  Have appropriate signage (No Trespassing) this indicates that they are not to be on this property and that it will be defended.  If they have no weapons they should be discouraged to leave by trickery, but if they continue to press inward they should be illuminated before they discover the community.

·         Level 2: We have not heard from our Federal government for one week: Perimeter is now extended to neighboring properties (1/4 of a Mile). All subjects are potential targets.  If they have ignored the signs but are a small party and have not discovered the actual community.  Keep them under surveillance and try to not reveal our presence.  If possible test them, with a distraction, if they shoot anything that moves, they are hostile and any discovery of our activities should lead to their destruction.

·         Level 1:  We are our own government.  All subjects are potential targets.  If they have ignored the signs and security measure to keep them from the outer perimeter (one Mile) , they are targets.  Before engagement try to determine size of force, potential threat to community, armaments and skill level.  As time and material permit we extend our perimeter out to ten miles.

a.       The extension of the perimeter will require additional personnel.  New members can be added by two methods. 

                                                                           i.      Invitation: after observation that they present the qualities that we want in the group. 

                                                                         ii.      Show they have assets that would benefit the group and increase the overall standard of living.

b.      All additions will undergo lengthy vetting process.

                                                                           i.      Serve in a minor capacity.

                                                                         ii.      Serve as a leader in the minor capacity.

                                                                        iii.      Showing others their skills and not withholding information.

Based on the above security levels, what we do and how we do it, needs to be trained into all those capable of handling weapons. 

Rules of engagement. 

          The primary goal is to keep the community safe and not allow someone to cause harm to the community.  This is to be done in the context of the Security levels.

Lethal force is only authorized if imminent harm will happen to any member of the community while:

                Level A: (Security lvl: 1, 2 & 3) Self-Defense: If there is a threat to a member of the community anywhere and anytime.  

·         If large force moves into area (five or more armed members of a team acting together to take resources by force.)

·         If one or more person presents themselves in a threatening manner.  Brandishing a weapon, point a weapon at a member or firing at or near a member.

                Level B: (1, 2, 3, & 4) Within the perimeter (1000 yards from property line.)

·         If there is a threat to a member of the community anywhere and anytime as specified above.

·         If large force moves into area (five or more armed members of a team acting together to take resources by force.)

Level C: (All) Within the residence.  Any and all threats could result in lethal action.

Perimeter types

·         2500 feet: Blockades, Signage and explosive for groups larger than 10. (Level 1 & 2)

·         1000 feet: Electric fence with lethal capacity. On when attack is eminent. (Level 1 & 2)

·         750 feet: Spikes & electric fence, traps and open ground. (Level 1, 2, 3 & 4) Signage at Property line for levels 3 and up.

·         500 feet: Pits pongee spikes   (Levels 1, 2 & 3)

·         250 feet: open ground weapons free to fire at any target. (Level 1, 2, 3 & 4)

·         100 feet: Explosives and firearms - (Level 1 & 2), Firearms only (Level 3 & 4)

                These rules of lethal force will be a good start and will need to be polished as we see how those around us, move and respond.  It is to be understood that no plan is perfect however, if we try to keep these two primary goals in mind;

1. To preserve life, when possible.

2.  To keep our community safe this includes:

a. Our people.

b. Supplies.

c. Materials and resources.

d. Knowledge and or technology.

For the purpose of rebuilding a community that respects order.  

Personal note:  I hope that we are not forced to live by these rules for too long or have to administer them too often.  They will change us, but hopefully not before we can change our world back to where it should be.  I know this is but a dream, to live as we do now.  The reality is:  If we implement these rules, there will be no returning to normal, only a new normal.  I only hope that I can live with it…………

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As you know this blog contains two books of the Remnant Series. Graham Heights is book 3 of the series. Below is more.

Book 4: Obsidian Arrows

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R. A. Legg

Learn about the individual heroes of Graham Heights. 

R.A. Legg © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

The Old Dog can survive an EMP

Graham Heights 

Beginnings 

Pinterest

Chapter 5
Old Dog

Journal Entry - October 16 2016
Alan Scott

It was good to talk about some of this with my wife, she seemed so skeptical at first, but once I explained what we were trying to accomplish and that it was just in case things got worse than they already were.  The just in case, was the upside, the downside to this plan would require some money to build-up the materials needed and we had some many things going on with the kids and work and just living.  That’s what’s important, living for the now and preparing for the future.  It’s hard to keep things in focus if you fixate on just one thing.  Yes, living for the moment had its needs and requirements and I had to allocate time for both and with Allison’s help we could actually do it.

 On top of all the things we need, we also needed to be proficient with our weapons, to that end we have been visiting a local gun range.  So this past Wednesday I had an AR-15 in my hands again for the first time since I was in the service, it felt good and my groupings were respectable.  We were shooting at targets both close and medium range.  Some times as many as eight targets.  It was challenging and for better than shooting a single target hundreds of yards away.  Yes, we still practiced our long distance shooting, but the close range practicing provided some interesting scenarios that needed to be answered.  Like how long would it take to hit multiple targets and how speed reduced accuracy.  Most of us were actually quite good at hitting four to six targets in six seconds and with sufficient accuracy to record most hits a kill shoots.  

 Two weeks later: I was working on a priority list for the group as well as some research on radios.  The list or materials just kept getting longer and just how we were to store them seemed gigantic.  One of the scenarios was that we might get hit by an EMP and that all the electronics were going to be gone.  That meant no computers, not memory storage, no cars with all their computers or electronic ignitions.  It just so happens that all of us had old vehicles with points and kill switches, so these would have to be employed in such a situation, but what about the rebuild, what about storing knowledge.  This was going to require more thought and planning.  The group was going to have to take the priority list and divide it into pieces so that it could actually be accomplished.  No panic, moderation and prioritizing will allow for the greatest level of success. But now I have to get to work.

 I will think about this as I make the “man” some more money.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for my job, it’s just difficult at times to work so hard, so that some stranger can reap the benefits.  I understand the idea of investors and how they allow a company to grow, but these very people have little to no loyalty.  The slightest glitch and there out.  No, it’s the employees that stay and fix the problems thus keeping the company afloat.  Why, because it’s not disposable income for us, it’s our only income and in many cases the people we work with, are a part of our extended family of friends.  Enough with the rant, I’m off.

Next Chapter

Please add a comment.

If you like Graham Heights, please share the link with friends www.rogeratlarge.com.

As you know this blog contains two books of the Remnant Series. Graham Heights is book 3 of the series. Below is more.

Book 4: Obsidian Arrows

Book 1 is now available in paperback or kindle The Grey Abyss

You can Leave a comment.  

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Or hit the subscribe button to get updates on new chapters or books.

Thank-you
R. A. Legg

Learn about the individual heroes of Graham Heights. 

R.A. Legg © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Reason over Fear

      Graham Heights 

Beginnings 

Wikipedia

Chapter 4
Reason over Fear

Journal Entry - May 27 2016
Alan Scott

As Mike had indicated, we were to meet with a few guys.  Three of the men I knew and the other two I did not.  We started off with small talk and some introductions.  Then we started talking about all that was happening in our world today.  It was hard to believe that society could pull itself out of this decline.  It just seemed to us that there were too many people pulling in too many directions.  

In my mind saw a picture of a thousand people holding a large American flag, but instead of working together to flutter the flag, they are fighting each other as to which direction it should go and it was beginning to unravel.  No one was willing to work with the person beside him or her.  Everyone was right and yet no one was.  The end result was a fractured flag and a bunch of finger pointing.  No one would yield to another or respect each other for the strengths or differences, so no one could work with their neighbors.    It seemed that America was drawing line around race, religion, politics, and money and despite all the talk of diversity these lines were getting bolder and dividing us deeper with every year.  

Alicen and I have seen and felt these lines as we were working with the social services to adopt two kids of a different race.  They did not see the difference in us, but the world did.  The Social workers did and the parents just saw us as to rich white people trying to steal their kids.  Add all this to a system that seems to work against itself as one entity will say do this and another will say do that.  They don’t agree, don’t want to agree, or don’t know how to agree on a course of action so they spin in place hoping an answer drops into their lap.  We have had many a conversation with state workers who express frustration and anger at the game that is being played at the expense of kids.   To make matter worse is that they never talk about fixing it or who could fix it, they just accept it as broke and go about putting in their time.  

I guess it comes down to, If you can’t beat it, join it.  No.  We say no, but we also know that this machine is far too big to be ignored.  You don’t ignore a seven forty seven that is about to crash into the middle of Seattle.  If you’re on the plane, you have to figure out a way to get off without diving to your death and if you are on the ground, you have to find a place to duck and cover.  That's where we sit.  We are looking for a place to duck and cover and let the storm of division and discontent pass over.  

The first meeting went well.  Most of the men that came were interested in preparing for whatever event that could disrupt or even end the world as we knew it today.  Everyone admitted that we had to prepare for an end time event.  As we talked we broadened the meaning of and end time event as we had so many possibilities in the Pacific Northwest.  It could be a natural disaster, like our volcano's, civil unrest, Government shutdown, financial collapse, even Invasion from a foreign power.  It did not matter what it was, it seemed an end time event was inevitable in the minds of every man sitting in the room.

Even though we could not come to consensus on what could happen, we did feel that if something did happen, it was going to happen fast and it would require some drastic measure in order to survive.  My best friend Mike, who was in his mid-fifties and had surrendered the idea of having hair almost ten years ago, was leading the meeting, but was struggling with some of the concepts that needed to be discussed.  We have been friends for more than 30 years and usually could finish each other’s thought, so I jumped in to help, or more to ensure that this group did not devolve into a fear centered melee.  If we we’re going to do this it would be orderly and we would not act out of fear, but in preparation and readiness.  Damn military training was coming back to me.

As I steered the group away from talk about people they did not want around and back to our preparations and overall goal of being able to survive with little to no actions against anyone.  We were to duck and cover and act as if this location offered nothing of value.  However one young man was fixated on security.  I had no doubt he had an armory full of weapons and like most people who have never killed anyone, was itching to use them. 

This led me to thinking about an Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that described security level and what to do in each.  We needed to train on both using restraint and taking down an enemy that wants what we have.   I felt it was up to me to help define what was acceptable to do and when.  We just could not start killing anyone walking down the street at the first sign of trouble.  

No, this was an issue and we had to start working on it before conditions went south.  It would be horrible if we overreacted to people in the area only for the world to return to normal a few days or weeks later, at which point we would all be held responsible for the deaths of “innocent” people.  So without jeopardizing our own lives we need a plan to keep other away while the system has a chance to rectify itself.  However, if it did not, then we would have the ability to secure our position.  

 It is a fine line between protecting our loved ones and ensuring that they have a future or losing our souls to violence and destruction.  Yes, there are so many things to plan and get ready.  The more planning and readiness we have the more successful we will be.  Louis Pasteur said “Fortune favors the prepared.”  However the sheer size was still nagging at me.  How do you actually pull something like this off?  It had to be a matter of priorities.

  To start, we had to know what we believed in and in times like this we need to focus on that foundation.  My personal base is the Bible, and when I need guidance I seek the wisdom that has been passed down for almost two thousand years.  I found that two things will be the enemy of our success and those would be fear and selfishness.  They would have to be address and dealt with. 

I kept most of this to myself in the first meeting, it was deep and I needed time to massage it into meaningful sentences.  So, I tabled most of this until next meeting.  This was not a religious thing, it was a personal thing.  Each and every person was going to have to make peace with their own minds and with God, in the end.  

The second thing about this plan was that it had to be bigger than the five men and their families.  No, this thing was not about just surviving the unrest and or collapse of our world, but to rebuild.  To be a source of leadership, knowledge and a plan to rebuild a world that gives life.  But the sword cuts the other way as well.  We had to have security from those who had no desire for decency and social order. This was a big idea and it would require cool heads, good planning and God’s blessing. 

In the end the priority list would define what we did, how much we have and what we could do if we became an autonomous power.

Next Chapter

Please add a comment.

If you like Graham Heights, please share the link with friends www.rogeratlarge.com.

As you know this blog contains two books of the Remnant Series. Graham Heights is book 3 of the series. Below is more.

Book 4: Obsidian Arrows

Book 1 is now available in paperback or kindle The Grey Abyss

You can Leave a comment.  

Or follow us on Facebook.  

Or hit the subscribe button to get updates on new chapters or books.

Thank-you
R. A. Legg

Learn about the individual heroes of Graham Heights. 

R.A. Legg © 2016. All Rights Reserved.