Joining the military as a survival strategy

SMA · Coal Joined: Jul 11, 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Sweden

Just something I was thinking about a while back...wouldn't one of the safest ways to ensure survival and relative well-being post-peak be to join the armed forces of one's country? The military will presumably be one of the last institutions to crumble and it's likely to find ways to keep providing transportation and supplies for it's units well into the gloomiest of post-peak worlds. Of course one would have to consider many factors (one intriguing being what the role of the military would be in a collapsing society and whether or not one would want to be a part of that role) but as far as simple survival goes, wouldn't this be one of the easiest ways?

(All hypothetical for me BTW as my own country has a conscription-based military and I'm not eligible to become a commissioned officer...but I'm still interested in the views of other people)

darwinsdog · Heavy Crude Joined: Jun 27, 2008 Posts: 170

Not worth it.

I'm a veteran so I know: the military sucks.

Ludi

I think a better plan would be to join up with some friends and/or relatives and pool your resources for survival.

I've never been in the military, but I bet it sucks. I honestly don't know how people can stand it. Sad

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SMA · Coal Joined: Jul 11, 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Sweden

Well, the military does have it's drawbacks for sure. But starving to death in your own apartment sucks as well. As does any sort of life one might lead when things start to come crumbling down. I think that needs to be considered too.

eXpat · Intermediate Crude Joined: Jun 08, 2006 Posts: 863

Not a very good idea right now IMHO, there are resource wars to be fought in the near future you know...
Later on when the dust has settled, it may pay to be part of the biggest legal gang around, you get food in a regular basis and have the legal right to plunder.
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vilemerchant · Tar Sands Joined: Jul 07, 2008 Posts: 78

I used to be a reservist in the Australian Army. I've actually thought of rejoining but this time an Artillery unit instead of infantry. Much lower chance of being sent to Afghanistan or anywhere else Dubya sends us in Artillery.

One major drawback in terms of SHTF scenarios however, In the event I was called to active duty to quell public unrest, etc, I wouldn't be there to protect my wife, or my food. It'd be better for a single man who has ran out of time and money to prepare.

Polemic

If you would rather kill people and break things to earn a hot meal, then join the military. If shoving people around is your thing.

Or you could grow a garden and tend to some livestock. Live a peaceful existence. Something a bit more noble.

kpeavey · Expert Joined: Oct 04, 2004 Posts: 1129

Offering yourself up as cannon fodder in an effort to stay alive just does not seem logical to me.
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Become a politician instead and get elected.
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SMA · Coal Joined: Jul 11, 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Sweden

Madpaddy · Expert Joined: Jun 25, 2004 Posts: 1988

Polemic wrote,

Madpaddy · Expert Joined: Jun 25, 2004 Posts: 1988

Oh, and to SMA,

I was going to leave the military 2 or 3 years ago but have decided to take the risk of overseas postings for the job security I have.

I will be going to the Balkans next year for 6 months a things stand.
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Ludi · Last edited by Ludi on Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:56 pm; edited 1 time in total

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