Day 1

You’re at home, you just got back from school. Your test in Calc 3 didn’t go so well, so you crack open a cold one and turn on the T.V. to watch th news.  The reporter on T.V. is interviewing a witness to a 10 car pile up on the highway you use to get to school. So you’re on your first beer and are like “Oh shit! that could’ve been me”, but you are relieved that it wasn’t, and are now enjoying the fact that you have something entertaining to watch. On your second beer the story is still on the news, and now a rescue crew has started to pull people out of the wrecks. Cars are all on fire and firefighters are using the jaws of life and other tools to help the victims. The reporter isn’t talking anymore and moves to the side of camera so the viewers can watch the event unfold.

Out of nowhere a couple of people run out from the wrecks as though they freed themselves. Paramedics and firemen rush to aid the victims. They lay them down and start to treat any urgent symptoms before placing them in the ambulance. When they started to give aid to the victim, she started thrashing all over the place and seemed to be having a seizure. You notice that they calm the victim down, but you couldn’t help looking at what the news reporter was doing. She wasn’t saying anything, she was just pointing. The camera panned over to where her finger is pointing. There are about 20 people standing around and staring at the crash scene. They appear to be innocent bystanders. The reporter then screamed in fear, a man snuck up behind the cameraman and herself, and he grabbed her by the shoulder and threw her to the ground. The camera falls sideways, but was still on. You could hear the camera man struggling, trying to help the reporter from the grips of the man. You then see firefighters and paramedics running in full sprint across the screen. Nobody watching this at home knows what is going on. You can only hear people running around, people screaming, and the camera man yelling. You notice that there seems to be civilians running around also, not just firemen and paramedics. In the middle of the screen a firefighter falls on his face.

“CRACK!!!SMASH!!!!THUD!!!” You turn your head and notice a man just broke through your living room window. He is now looking at you with eyes that say I want to kill you. “Get the FUCK out of here!” you yell. There is no response. He moves closer to you. Without hesitation, you pick up your 6 pack by the handle and swing it at his head. He falls, then gets back up and runs at you. Your bottles are broken. You pick up the lamp next to you and chuck it at his face. The man falls forward. You move a few feet behind him. He resumes to get up. You keep yelling at the man, but he gives no response, and no sense of stopping. You run to the kitchen grab a butter knife. You run back to the man and as he is getting to his feet, and you stab him in the chest. You pull the knife out; the man falls back and you on top of him. He attempts to pull you close to his face, and he tries to bite you, you punch him and push yourself up. As he stands he swings an arm at you, he missed. He charges at you again. As he comes forward, you put one hand behind the other and jab the knife through the top of the man’s skull. He falls limp, no movement at all. Before you consider what you have just done (you killed a man), you look to the T.V. and see the firefighter being mauled from a group of homeless looking people with torn clothes and scraps and cuts all over. Then the T.V. cuts out to the emergency broadcast channel. So now you’re like “What the fuck do I do?” You fear the worst and consider your next plan. What is it?

Your Situation:

• You and your friends go hunting every thanksgiving, you rent your weapons from a gun store so you have no weapons in the house
• You live with 2 room mates but you are home alone (one is still at school and the other is at work just up the street)
• You drank your 2 beers quick and have a slight buzz (you chugged those bitches) so you may want to sober up first
• You have a house phone, and cell phone
• Your apartment has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1 storage basement that belongs to the landlord, and a kitchen
• Your apartment is two stories tall with a roof access hatch
• You are freaking out because you killed a man (he may have been a zombie/infected but you don’t know what is going on anyways so you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference).

Introduction

CSM’s Corner is the new section to our online blog. It will go over scenarios in which we use the knowledge gained from the other blog posts. So we’re putting our theories to the test! This is strictly a research and test section where weights and measures will be applied to scenarios made up by you or me.

“In extreme circumstances, the assailants can be stopped by removing the head or destroying the brain. I will repeat that: by removing the head or destroying the brain.” -Jeremy Thompson, News Reporter Shaun of the Dead.

CSM’s B.O.B/Survival-bag

First off you need to understand that there is a bug out bag (BOB), and a survival-bag. It may not be called a “survival-bag”, but that is what I think of it as. So what is the “survival-bag”? It is a lightweight bag, some sort of carry bag (like a backpack). This bag will carry the things you need at every moment whether you’re bugging out or fighting a massive horde.!  Since BanditJack has listed his B.O.B I’ll list mine also, then I’ll talk about my survival-bag.

• Long Rifles
• A type of Cal.22 rifle (there are so many different types of .22’s). This rifle will be for hunting small game and long range zombie cappin’.
• A second rifle that will have a larger sized bullet for taking out big game or locks or the vast other reasons for why you would want a big caliber rifle.
• ——-  The reason for having the two rifles is that the .22 you can carry alot of ammo and you can still penetrate a human’s skull with it (and everyone can shoot one).                      ——-  The other rifle isn’t a necessity, mainly because carrying  the ammo and rifle may be more of a burden then having it with you.
• Reasons for larger Cal rifle (in terms of what you want to kill/penetrate, Giggity)
  
• Bears (courtesy Stephen Colbert)
• Car windshields
• propane tanks/other metal tanks
• pad locks/door locks
• This is a special purpose rifle and is only needed if you find yourself needing it for a special purpose
• Shotgun
• either a auto shotgun (Auto Assault – 12), or a Benelli M1. In either case a 12 gauge is the way to go because ammo is abundant
• Knives
• Multi-tool knife (to cover everyday tasks) This could be a swiss army knife or something. Just don’t bring the one with the USB flash drive.
• Any other knife you carry is personal preference for a situation you might face. Like if you’re in thick woods bring a hacking knife like a machete
• If you’re going to fight raiders (or some group of thugs) bring a lapel knife or another stealthy knife. Anyways it is up to you on how you want to survive in the apocolypse
• Medical
• Rubbing alcohol
• Needle/thread
• aspirin
• sugar (for making I.V. Fluid)
• Food
• If you’re a survivor you shouldn’t  need to bring food along. But if you must bring protein bars
• Other tools
• LED flashlight/spotlight
• neon glow sticks
• flares (they have gunpowder)
• watch
• map
• radio

So that is my B.O.B. I would like to mention that I believe depending on the situation you could have alot more then that if you have an efficient way to carry the weight. A person can only carry 150lbs + for so long. The opposite scenario is also true. You could be in a situation that makes it unable to carry around a heavy supply bag. But that is fine. Your first task is to survive not make a camp. If you have a suvival-bag you’ll be all set.

CSM’s Survival-Bag

Around the office we call this bag FRANK. FRANK and BOB  are best friends not brothers. So they can be separated and not worry about having the other right next to them. FRANK is more athletic and older then BOB. So the purpose of FRANK the survival-bag is provide the user the ability to get through tight situations and get to safety, maybe a place where they can find BOB. The survival-bag will cary a gun, ammo, and some other utitlities. The bag needs to be light and used on the run.

CSM’s Survival-Bag

• Glock 22c with 2 10rnd magazines and a 20 round magazine.
• ammo for two full clips of each
• Knife, my choice would be a short slashing knife with a baseball bat or night club
• bandages
• water
• flashlight
• socks (incase of wet feet and can be a quick turnecate)
• matches/lighter
• if you dont have a multi-tool bring a flat head screwdriver, I’ll have a multi-tool hopefully

There are many things that are up for discussion so I’ll leave it that up to you guys. The point is that this survival-bag is a last resort carry at all times kind of thing. You can creatively think of many things for many reasons to bring them. So what’s in your survival bag?

Why Study the Zombie Apocalypse?

Some of you may be wondering, with the unlikelihood of such events taking place, why one would put time into preparing for a zombie apocalypse. Because shit happens, and you have to be prepared for it. Earthquakes, floods, riots, fires, revolutions, plagues, escaped lunatics, rabid monkeys, and the 10 o’clock news are happenning all the time. If you can be proficiently prepped and ready for the walking undead, you can pretty much handle anything. Besides, you never know when grandma’s comin for your brains!

Shotguns & Ammunition

I really only have experience with one brand of shotgun (Mossberg Maverick), which I think is fantastic. Some of the other brands of shotguns include: Remington, Benelli, Ithaca, Browning, Beretta, Ruger, etc. What brand of shotgun you purchase is a question I don’t feel qualified to answer yet, so you’re on your own with that kiddos.

However, I can provide some information on gauge and choke. Shotgun gauges typically come in .410 shotshell (which would technically be around a 67 ga), 20 ga, 16ga, 12ga, and occasionally 10ga. There used to be more, but the are either exceptionally rare, or have been banned/phased out completely. My personal favorite, and what I recommend for almost all operational purposes is the 12ga. Ammunition is widely available, there’s an assortment of ammo types (slugs, buckshot, bird shot, specialty rounds), and there is good power behind it.

Barrel choke has to do with the internal bore near the end of the barrel. Generally, choke is designated as Cylinder Bore, Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full Choke. (Taken from Stan Baker Co. via Chuckhawks) Cylinder Bore is completely level internally, has no rifling, and no choke. This gives the widest possible pattern distribution. This means the shot (e.g. birdshot) will be distributed across a very wide area. A Full Choke barrel is the most constrictive, and gives you the tightest shot pattern. The other chokes vary the pattern accordingly, but I don’t really feel like going through that right now. (If you have questions Google it and/or comment)

BanditJack’s Bug Out Bag

This is what is in my BOB, and should help facilitate the thought process for those of you who may be just starting to construct or even consider a BOB. (Note: My full BOB is designed around the idea that I am forced to evacuate my home or base of operations with uncertainty about what lies ahead and possible hostile intent towards me.)

BanditJack’s Bug Out Bag is as follows*:

• Mossberg Maverick 88 12ga pump-action shotgun (with ammo)
• 1 x 9in. Survival Knife (contains fish hooks, fishing line, needles, snare wire, and matches in the hilt)(Rambo-style)
• 1 x Fairbairn&Sykes Style fighting knife (actually a knock-off, but decent)
• 3 x Folding knives (from 1″ to 3″)
• 4 x multitools
• 2 x lapel knives
• Tactical vest/LBE
• Notebook w/ writing utensils
• A pack of waterproof matches
• Flint & Magnesium bar (fire starter)
• Chemical Flares (Chemlights)
• Bandanas
• 5 pairs of latex gloves
• Gerber Recon 4-filter light
• Maglite Mini
• Maglite Solitaire
• Extra batteries
• 2 x Poncho
• Boonie hat (MARPAT)
• 2 liter water bladder
• 3 x 1-liter wide-mouthed bottles
• A 10 x 25 Monocular
• Hand axe (which I wish to one day replace w/Tactical Tomahawk)
• Crowbar
• Zip ties
• Medium First Aid Kit
• 100ft 2000lb test rope
• 100ft Paracord
• Surefire EP3 Sonic Defenders (noise canceling above 85dBs)
• Long term stored food (MREs/canned goods/dried foods)
• 6 x pairs of socks
• 3 x shirts
• 1 spare pair of light working pants

Since I live relatively close to a nuclear facility, I will very shortly incorporate some potassium iodide tablets (potassium iodide blocks your thyroid from absorbing radiation).

*Note: One should consider their environment(s), personal needs, accessibilty to caches, destination, and the number of people you have to support, among other things, while selecting the optimal gear loadout in his/her B.O.B. List is incomplete, and should be regarded as basic loadout (minus shotgun). All bug out bags are a work in progress, as there are always ways to improve and upgrade your pack.

On the issue of walls…

Taken from a recent discussion:

The issue of wall size comes simply from the fact that the immense hordes of walking undead will heave themselves towards our bases, piling on top of each other, until eventually (and quite unplanned by the zeds), they breach our perimeter. There is a lot of weight and force behind thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands of bodies, which should not be taken lightly. (Haha, pun!) Even if you rain lead on them, the bodies will remain to be clammered over. Higher, concrete walls give you time to burn the bodies down and away from your fortifications. They also provide you with distance from the enemy which has real effects on both physical and mental well-being. A wider, thicker wall also provides you and your defenders a more stable platform from which to fight. I wouldn’t want my men (and women) running back and forth on a 2ft wall they could easily fall from. With 5ft, you could even install guard rails/parapets, which would prevent falling, and provide weapon stabilization. Hell, with thicker walls, you can mount heavy guns. (Giggity!) You can stockpile ammo and fuel on the wall for destruction and disposal of the hordes. There is also the threat of raiders to consider. A thicker, reinforced wall gives you good protection from many forms of weapons fire, and a taller wall will provide you with your very own high ground. So when it comes to walls, sir, bigger is definitely better .

What’s a Bug Out Bag?

Emergency Survival Bag (a.k.a. Bug Out Bag) – Bag (duffel bag, backpack, rucksack) containing the essential supplies (which can vary depending upon situation, geography, physical traits) needed to sustain a person in an emergency (invasion, massive earthquake, tornado/hurricane) without modern conveniences for an extended period of time (at least 72 hours).

Maced + horrible results

I own a couple canisters of OC spray (pepper spray). From time to time, you have to test them. No big deal right? Of course not, and I’ve done it before, subsequently building a slight immunity. So I tested it, tasted it (I was curious. It wasn’t bad, surprisingly), and got some on my hand. Well I forgot about it getting on my hand. And then I had to take a piss…

See where this is going? I spent the next 45 minutes writhing with pain and discomfort, to the tune of “holy shit, my cock is on fire!”

How to Maintain Leadership in an Undead world

The establishment of proper leadership and a chain of command system within a confined community will become a vital priority for any group that wishes to survive. The assembly of such a compendium would require great charisma, knowledge, and prowess. One must first and foremost realize that they are indeed NOT running the show. You are only as strong as the people who follow you. If the people no longer believe that you are qualified for the job, then it is your duty to step down, and pass the responsibility to another person, or be forcibly removed. I must also mention that it is the responsibility of the people within the community to not be unhesitant about forcibly removing a poor leader, or one who does not have the group’s best interests at heart.
It goes without saying, that in the case of total zombification of the nation, the government may very well go out the window. Some military installations and bunkers will remain (which I hope they do, otherwise we have the terrible scenario of nuclear stockpiles going unattended, open to any person out there), as will a sort of shadow government including the President who will most definetly survive in the President’s Emergency Operations Center (giant ass nuclear bunker). I also hope that, but do not count on, the nation’s   nuclear power plants and waste storage facilites being secured. (Nuclear materials, particularly waste, decays at an astonishing rate, and without proper maintainence, will overheat, explode, and irradiate large areas. However, to get back on topic, it may be a possibility that the survivors of Z-Day would have to reform a system of government.
It should also be said that any a leader must take into account all the people and their rights. Yes, in a post apocalyptic hell hole, people have rights. Possibly even more so, because they are no longer hesitant to blow a hole in your ass. It is important to remember what people feel entitled to, and what they are and are not willing to part with. I would also put forth that as many decisions as possible should be democratic one’s, be it electing a leader, or choosing the next place to hole up. This is something that has been proven (particularly in American society) as the most agreeable with the widest range of people. This is not to say however, that you should take a vote on everything; far from it. Doing so will cause rifts to form, slow down efficiency, and quite possibly get people killed. In such a constantly hostile environment, it would be prudent for a leader to also be a military leader (military leader meaning one who leads the group in battle). It would help solidify his/her power, and One must find the happy equalibrium in between, and that is something you will have to find on your own, it can’t be explained.
Largely because of the reasons stated above, and just because it is a good thing to have in daily life in these ever trying times, I suggest that one’s bug out bag, contain a pocket constitution/bill of rights. This may seem dense at first, but if you are put into any kind of leadership position, or subject of one, it is beneficial to try and hold to these ideals. Use them as a starting basis for any kind of government you attempt to reconstruct out of the ashes. Amendments can be made, as the group sees fit, but starting from a familiar ground point, one that holds to what the people have known and come to love (whether they know it or not) has a rallying power that shouldn’t be underestimated.
One more point I’d like to touch on is an establishment of a rudimentary ranking system within the group. If the leader of the group does not facilitate this, it will happen on its own, and not necessarily with the best of results. Again, in this context, treating it as a military situation would help. Assigning every person a rank and general tasking within the group assures that everybody knows their place, and knows that they are an appreciated and valued member of the group. All quarters however, shall be equal, or one shall see the spread of low morale and unwanted dissent among the lower ranks. This holds true in small groups as opposed to larger, actual militaries, because of the close interpersonal ties that will become severed, and the general rebelliousness of being under the thumb of a select few, rather than a larger number of accepted officers.
To go along with this, the issuing of medals and awards for service to the community would be beneficial in keeping spirits, respect, and discipline up. The simple fact that as your community ages the older of the clan shall be replaced by the younger, means that those who originally beared witness to your work may no longer be around to tell the tale. This means that there will be no record of what has been done, and little reason to hold respect for those that come before. The youth, in all their irrational glamour, will not likely stand to bear witness to an old man’s tale, but have no choice to take the facts that are presented by a standardized medal. The proof of accomplishment will help quell generational gaps, and set standards to which the next generation is expected to meet and exceed.
All of this fails, though, without proper discipline throughout the group. A leader must be able to enforce the rules, but do it fairly, so that the other members of the group will still stay behind you. All members should be able to stand their ground in moments of intense stress. The leader should be the shining example of how to do what needs to be done. He/She doesn’t need to be an expert in all fields, but should have a working knowledge of how to do all things that are essential to the groups survival; letting the true adepts manage most of the actual tasking.

That’s all for now,
BanditJack