GROUP SECURITY DRILLS

The Prepper Hand book contains a lot of military information on security in the appendix, but here is a summary of some good training drills to practice within your group.

1. Target Practice with a handgun, bow, an AR and /or their personal battle rifle of choice. 
1. Teach the NRA Gun Safety Rules first (click link to see our post on this).
2. Handgun – practice drawing and firing with both hands at various distances and in different positions.  Do not discharge your weapon prematurely when drawing.
3. Rifle – Practice firing in different positions at various distances up to at least 200 yards.  Practice reloading in various positions, in the dark. Also practice shooting at night (with NV & Flashlight), with a helmet and gas mask on.  Know the range of your shotgun rubber shot (less lethal). Using snap caps, practice misfire and tap and rack drills. Practice single hand shooting both strong side and weak hand in case your injured.
2. Individual Movement – Practice firing and reloading from these positions and modes of travel.
1. Low (stomach) crawl, keeping the lowest profile possible as you move toward cover. Be sure your spare magazines are open end down so you don’t pack them with debris.
2. High crawl (hands & knees), moving quickly to the next cover.
3. Patrol Formations (3-4 Person Scout Teams)
1. V Formation is signaled by the leader making a V with your fingers or arms.  This formation is shaped just like the letter “V” with a person on point and the others on either side.  With an even number on the team, you can have a strong right or strong left V.  This is where there is one more person on the strong side as there is higher risk of an attack in that direction.  Keep at least 5 to 10 yards between team members but not more than that which allows you to see all team members.  This is a good forward moving formation but in dense concealment requires each member to forage their own trail, so it can be slow. 
2. Diamond formation is signaled with the pointer finger and thumb of the two hands forming this shape.  It is similar to the V except the 4^th person is at the back watching for an attack from behind.
3. Line Formation is signaled by the group leader holding his arms straight out from his sides about shoulder level.  This maintains maximum fire power in the forward direction when engaging the enemy is certain.
4. Ranger / Single File is signaled by holding the right arm up similar to the salute to Hitler.  This is a fast way to travel in low risk area’s where enemy contact was unlikely, like inside your retreat fences.  Maintaining a good distance between team members is even more critical here.  Leap frogging can improve the security. 
4. Larger Group Movement
1. Traveling Over watch consists of two Scout Teams with 3-4 members each and an addition Squad leader.  The forward team travels in a V formation and the rear team travels in the Diamond formation, with the Squad leader in between the two formations.  The Squad leader gives instructions to the Scout Team leader to communicates with his Scout Team Members.    In low risk areas, the distance between the two teams should be about 20 yards (20 large steps) but up to 50 yards in higher risk situations. 
2. Bounding Over Watch is the same formation as the Traveling Over Watch except the forward Team is in a Diamond Formation instead of a V. However the travel method is that of a Leap Frog with a 50 yard/step typical separation between the two groups.  With both teams in a Diamond Formation, there is always someone watching the rear.  In addition, there is always half the group in position to provide cover for the group on the move.  This is a slower method of travel, but more secure. 
5. Hand Signals (covered in more detail in the Prepper Handbook)
1. Come, a hand waive forward
2. Stop, a hand held up flat
3. Stop, potential danger, a fist held up
6. Coded Communication – develop and use your own code with MURS/FRS Radio’s and an ear piece.  Be aware that others are listening and can break your code over time.
7. Paint ball games are good practice.  Drills like capture a common flag located between the two opposing teams (1 flag game), capture opponents guarded flag behind their lines (2 flag game), hide and seek, with larger teams hunting smaller teams or individuals. Use trip wires and other tools.  Play at night with Night Vision Equipment and always use proper eye protection.

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents

Urban Survival Plan

Beginner Prepper List

Survival Pack

Passive Layered Security

Night Vision

Red flag warnings its time to Bug Out

Bug Out Warning

Investing for Preppers (Financial Security)

The Best Gun