Defence

[Tibbs735]

(28 July 2012, 00:08)Paul Wrote: Being part of a drifting mass is sometimes a good idea.
Safety in numbers and almost automatic admission to camps and food stations.
Just as long as you look as pathetic as the next guy.
Refugee columns I've seen all walk tired, dirty, and looking at their feet.

If you are armed, look fit, or well equipped, it draws attention.
Especially at food stations or camp entrances.

As for food?
Large camp hygeine really sucks as does communial eating, washing, and drinking water.
You should always split away from the masses to feed, sleep, toilet and wash.
Remember, refugee camps aren't full of peace loving souls and are usually violent.
Add a bit of food shortage and feeding stations aren't for the weak either.

Tibbs735. You said "You want a large tribe of ideally 20-25 fighters."
Street thugs, mercs, or just untrained civiilians?

If you're in charge of street thugs you've got to make it worth their while to follow your orders. The second you don't reward them for their efforts or even try to punish one, you'll have drawn an imaginary target on your back. Their loyalty will be for as long as the reward is good, the alcohol and woman plentiful.

If everything collapses, even trained the military might go their own way.
They will probably retain their group leadership though.
They definitely won't respect non military leadership lording over them.
As for their loyalty to you? Only for them they know and those they respect.
To keep them on you'll have to pay them in Merc reward i.e. best food, drink, and of course women.

Untrained civilians in a large group toting guns?
Without training or knowledgable strong leadership, they'll be close to the bottom of the food chain.
The bigger the group the more chance of social or status divisions and the inevitable ruling class.
If the world fell apart because of "management", you'll soon be tarred with that title and the possible contempt and consequences that entails.

IMHO, the smaller the group the better.
Mixed is best. Both sexes can stand guard and some of the best snipers I've known are women.
A balanced mixed tight group will usually 'gel' especially if there are a few kids.
Most small units readily adopt a loyalty to each other and the group.

When I said 25 fighters, I meant people you have known before, as part of a group formed before SHTF, or as close as you can get. By having 25 adults you can also maintain sentries 24 hours a day without getting exhausted as well as farming effectively. This allows for specialization with the group. As well as everyone being trained on fighting, contact drills, survival skills, first aid etc, you could also have a medically trained person, or a skilled blacksmith etc who can pass on those skills