With the recent furor over the economy and other issues dealing with government control in all aspects of every day life, a lot of people have taken to getting themselves prepared for hard times in one way or another---or a lot of ways.  Many of these people are just now getting into this way of thinking, so they've come to the party a little late, and it might take a bit of time and effort to catch up with others. But, a little forethought and organization might help them beat the clock if they have the ability to step back and get a "big picture" look at things.

As I was writing another article, the idea for this one popped into my head.   I've read about the concept on a low level basis while discussed with other topics.  But, I think it's worthy of consideration at the beginning of your preparedness process.  That topic has to do with standardization of equipment and supplies.  While reading articles about different aspects of field operations and about how nations coordinate with each other, it came to mind that the same concept should apply just as aptly within families or communities.

Here's a basic example.  One reason military alliances such as NATO standardize on items is so the countries can support each other, and change out equipment easily and without additional training.  For instance, if thirty countries use the same rifle, like the M-16, then they can all use the same ammunition, magazines, slings, and spare parts.  Personnel don't have to worry about different equipment parts getting mixed together because the equipment is all the same.  Also, training is minimized since the equipment is the same in one location as it is another.  Additionally, standardization allows for cost savings by purchasing in bulk and getting reduced prices.  What works for them can also work for you!

If you haven't started your preparedness process yet, take a step back first.  Ask yourself who else might be interested in the same exercise?  Do you have family members that are in the same position?  Do you have friends that are inerested in elevating their state of readiness?  Maybe you're on the committee or board for your local neighborhood.  Once you've identified the folks that you think might be amenable to the idea, approach them about it and get a feel for where they're at in the process, or if it's even on their radar at all.  These days, it pays to be discreet in your approach to topics such as this since a lot of the sheep get a little skittish when people talked about being ready or prepared.  You don't want to get caught in a stampede of stupidity.

But, with a little effort and just a bit of time, you might be able to gather a tight group of folks that are of the same mind as you.  When you do, the group can sit down together to talk about plans, discuss options, and come to a concensus on what steps to take.  The advantage with a group, also, is that there will be people who thought of things that you hadn't even considered.  Plus, you'll find that each person has their own area of interest or expertise.  If people are in charge of something they are interested in and enjoy, it will always make the preparedness process go a lot easier for the group as a whole.  So, take the time to get to know each other and find the strengths of each person in the group.

Once you've gotten to know each other and decided on some priorities, start thinking about where standardization can take place in each aspect of your plan.  You'll be surprised how often it will come into play, how easy it is to implement, and the efficiencies and economies that will realized as a result.  Here are some different things to think about and build on when considering how to standardize within the group, family, or the community.

Food

Food?  How in the world do you standardize on food?  It's not so apparent at first blush, but if you think about it a bit, several ways will become obvious.  One way has to do with gardening.  If the group decides that one priority is to become more self-sufficient by growing food, then a couple of ways to standardize pop up immediately.  First, all mechanical equipment could be of the same brand and model.  For instance, all rototillers could be the RotoFast 5000.  That way, parts would be interchangeable from one to the other--especially if some units break down completely.  Those units could be stripped for parts to support the rest.  Another advantage is that if neighbor Tom knows how to fix his rototiller, then he knows how to fix everyone's.  There's no need for seven or eight different people to know how to fix their own unique product.

How else to standardize on food?  Well, the group could decide on foods and recipes so they could buy in bulk to save money.  Also, if part of one person's food stores become contaminated somehow, others in the group will have common ingredients to help re-supply that individual with what they need to use for cooking with the rest of their stores.  Yes, standardizing on recipes is a bit much, but it shows you to what extent standardization can really be utilized for maximum benefit.

The same logic could be used for other processes related to food preparation whether it's canning or dehydrating.  Group members could have common cookers, dehydrating units, vacuum sealers, and so forth.  Again, if everyone has the same equipment, then there's no learning curve involved when the canning season begins or when it's time to make jerky.

Heating and Illumination

Not an obvious topic, but still important, especially where long-term scenarios come into play.  This isn't really that complicated a topic since most people can start a fire or use a flashlight, but the standarization does come into play again with commonality of parts and cost savings.  Here are some things to consider:

• Everyone uses kersone lamps or lanterns.  (For fuel)
• More specifically, everyone uses the same Dietz (for example) lantern. (For parts)
• Everyone has the same type and brand of generator.
• All flashinglights must be X-brand and model (to swap parts like batteries, bulbs)
• All flashlights must use one type of battery for interchangeability.
• Everyone uses a wood burning stove instead of a kerosene or coal-burning stove.
• Everyone uses the same brand and model of solar charging array for charging batteries.

Firearms

By now, this exercise in thought should be getting a bit easier.  Firearms is an area where standardization is more obvious and very necessary.  Firearms are used for gathering food and for personal protection.  Any overlap between people and their weapons is a definite advantage.  Some areas where standardization of firearms is an advantage are:

1. Interchangeable magazines.
2. Swappable Parts
3. Cost Savings
4. Common calibers result in common ammuntion.
5. Common firearms results in no learning curve.

First Aid

Health and First Aid items can be standardized in the same fashion to help reduce costs and remove the need for unnecessary training. For example, if times get really rough, it may be necessary to deal with traumatic wounds without the aid of paramedics or doctors. Rather than everyone having their own method to close a wound (i.e. superglue, closure strips, sutures), everyone in the group can learn to use and acquire the same kind of skin staplers.  With as many types of items that can be stored and used for heath, hygeine, and first aid, there are just as many ways to use standardization to some degree or another.  It's up to the group to decide to what level it's worth implementing this practice, and that will probably be decided upon based upon the amount of gain or benefit that is realized.

Summary

We've just touched on a few areas where standardization within a group can pay huge benefits in time, money, and work efficiencies.  However, there are many more ways to implement standardization within your overall readiness plan.  It can be done with computer software, educational materials, and databases.  It can be implemented through the use of common materials and equipment for making and repairing clothes.  It can be exploited in the types and models of vehicles the group owns and uses including trucks, tractors, and ATV's.  The limits will be found at the edge of the group's imagination.

Hopefully, we've got some wheels turning and the thought box running with this topic.  It's sometimes more fun to just jump in and acquiring things.  But, taking a bit of time to think and plan your process may pay off handsomely for you in the end.  If you find it to be a worthwhile exercise, find some people of like mind, sit down together, and let the brainstorming begin!