Survival Retreat Consulting: How to Lead your Family to a Secure Homestead in Rural America, Part Four – Retreat Security and Defense

How to Lead your Family to a Secure Homestead in Rural America, Part One – Introduction

How to Lead your Family to a Secure Homestead in Rural America, Part Two – Personal Threat Assessment

How to Lead your Family to a Secure Homestead in Rural America, Part Three – Rural Homesteads and Survival Property Key Search Criteria

Introduction to Retreat Security and Defense

The chance that one would need to use deadly force during good times on a rural property is extremely low compared to an overpopulated sanctuary city. While a major societal changing event is possible, the probability is very low, as is the chance that a retreat would need to be defended against multiple threats. However, most preppers make the defensive aspect of daily life and that of the retreat into fun and exciting tasks for the whole family. There is incredible enjoyment in watching family members learn vital skills in the areas of communications, field medical and firearms use that they can carry throughout their lives.

Operating and defending a property during a collapse requires a large amount of trained personnel. The number, abilities, and mindset of retreat members must be accounted for. It is up to you, the retreat owner to determine the physical condition, abilities, skillsets, and mindset of your retreat members and ultimately, defenders to plan a defense

Retreat Security: Having the ability to remotely monitor multiple areas of your property, including inside structures, from anywhere in the world is essential for Retreat Security. There are numerous systems available to suit various budgets, such as the lower-end ARLO and similar units that work with wifi and Starlink to provide real-time updates regardless of the owner’s location. With the proper alert settings, you can stay informed about any suspicious activity even while away on a trip to town or vacation right from your phone. These systems can also function in the event of compromised internet or satellite uplinks (while you are at your property) and integrate seamlessly with alternative power sources.

Defensibility: There are two basic strategies that can be employed to defend the property; passive defense (deterrents such as location, terrain, obstacles) and active defense (actual tactical operations). The type of defense employed is dependent on the retreat structure(s), location, terrain, and number, abilities, and mindset of the defenders.

There are however some factors to keep in mind.

• Age and physical condition of the retreat defenders.
• Number of dependents, young children, special needs, or elderly.
• Experience in survival skills; medical, mechanical, hunter/trapper, farmer.
• Number of military, police, or EMS veteran’s in-group.
• Firearms, tactics and trauma medical proficiency of group members.
• Mental resiliency of members.
• Number of members with actual combat experience (military, contractor or police).
• Total number of members available at one time for an active defense.

Actual combat operations (full scale retreat defense) is not to be taken lightly.

What to expect once you make it to the retreat and everyone is settled in may be different than you think. Here are a few thoughts and tips on overall defense of the property.

General Considerations

Observation and Listening Posts (OP/LP): These hidden locations may or may not be actual defensive positions, some may be small dugouts with proper camouflage, field expedient set ups in a few minutes/hours or fully self-contained bunkers with sandbags, food/water and sanitation.

• How to set up secure/encrypted tactical communications
• Manned posts will take more retreat members to cover the property 24/7
  • Make friends with neighbors and have a mini-local plan with them?

Note: It is necessary to provide sustenance to all members, regardless of whether they are original retreat members or were recruited after the collapse. Recruitment of new members post-collapse is limited to those with combat experience, medical training, communication, food production or maintenance skills.

• Overbuild your food production systems and store extra long-term stable rations
• Prep for extra manpower (store, pre-build, or retrofit for extra billeting such as)
  • GP tents or yurts
  • Extra rooms in the retreat
  • Personal shelters with weather appropriate sleeping gear
  • Sanitation: Outhouses, privy and/or larger septic system

Group standard equipment

• Buy or require members to have standardized gear
• Camouflage patterns on clothes and soft gear
  • Identifying marker (day and night)
• Weapons that accept;
  • Identical Magazines
  • Identical Calibers
• Night vision and thermal devices

Medical (IFAK) and Caffeine (Critical)

Homestead Defense Training

The primary motivation for contemplating a move to a different area is to ensure the overall safety and well-being of those dear to you, encompassing their spiritual, mental, and physical health. To safeguard your loved ones and property in a range of daily circumstances, not solely in the event of a significant collapse, acquiring the appropriate mindset, equipment, and training is critical. A significant advantage of owning a rural property is that the entire family and their friends can develop and practice these skills in various lighting and weather conditions throughout the year, without the added expense of renting a public range.

SRC ‘Mission Ready Mind’: The capacity to think critically and make decisive decisions in high-pressure situations is a skillset typically instilled in our special operations units and highly-trained law enforcement personnel. We highly recommend our affiliate,

VerTac Firearms and Tactics training courses. Let them know SRC sent you!

Team VerTac, in conjunction with SRC, provides private training services that are both confidential and discreet, and can be conducted either at your new rural property or at any location within the Continental United States (CONUS). Our focus is on helping you master the key elements necessary to protect your loved ones and yourself, which are safety, responsibility, and mindset.

While having access to the best gear and owning a beautiful rural property are certainly important factors, they alone won’t guarantee your safety. Ultimately, it’s your mindset that will determine your ability to protect yourself and your loved ones. That’s why we’re here to help you develop and master your warrior mindset, and to provide you with the training necessary to effectively employ the tools of self-defense.

At VerTac, they not only offer world-class training provided by combat veterans and industry professionals, but also provide personalized gear selection and sales services. VerTac can help you discreetly order everything you and your family or team will require for your safety and security needs. However, it’s important to note that all firearm sales and NFA regulated items are solely the responsibility of the client. Vertac takes this responsibility seriously and makes no exceptions in this regard. Rest assured that they’ll guide you through the process and ensure that you’re fully informed and compliant with all applicable regulations.

VerTac Private Curriculum and Training Classes;

• Safety – Responsibility – Mindset
  • Why we choose to protect
  • Understanding ownership of ‘Safety’
  • Understanding the true depth of ‘Responsibility’
  • Why your ‘Mindset’ will be the determining factor in any situation
  • Understanding and mastering ‘situational awareness’
• Understanding your gear and how to setup / use
  • Rifle and Pistol selection and setup
  • Helmet & Plate carrier selection
  • Armor selection
  • Communication
  • Trauma / Medical
  • Clothing (All seasons)
  • Night Vision
  • Advanced survival gear selection

SRC & VerTac welcome new clients to engage us to discuss options for private training.

• Basic Rifle and Pistol
• Advanced Rifle and Pistol
• Long-Range Precision Rifle
• Basic low-light tactics
• Advanced low-light tactics
• Advanced Classes* (Must pass proficiency qualifications)
• Intro to Night Fighting (NVG)*
• Advanced Night Fighting (NVG Vehicle Tactics)*
• Advanced Long-Range Precision Rifle (NVG-Thermal, night)*
• Operator Basic CQB Tactics (day)*
• Operator Advanced CQB Tactics (NVG)*
• Operator Basic Patrolling & Vehicle Tactics (day)*
• Operator Advanced Patrolling & Vehicle Tactics (NVG)*

Group Standard Platform and Gear Recommendations

This guide provides a snapshot of firearms platforms and gear that SRC and VerTac Tactical Training have utilized and refined over several years.

The recommended brands are simply suggestions, and not a definitive solution. If you prefer a certain manufacturer over another, that’s perfectly fine, as this guide is merely intended to educate you on the specific products to acquire rather than which manufacturers to choose. Ultimately, quality is easily recognizable, and it’s important to always remember that you often get what you pay for. As this equipment is specifically for retreat and family defense, we will not cover firearm platforms or gear required for hunting, although they certainly could suffice if needed.

Group Standard Platform Categories

Pistols (Tactical and EDC/CCW)

Rifles (CQB)

Rifles (Recce)

Rifles (Designated Marksman – Overwatch)

Shotguns

Suppressors/Silencers

Magazines

Ammunition

Group Standard Gear Categories

Plate Carriers and Chest Rigs

Helmets

Armor (Plates)

Battle Belts

Holsters

Pistol Platform / Caliber / Accessories

We suggest that you select a caliber for your pistol platform, whether it’s for EDC/CCW or combat loadout, that is at least 9mm and one that you can handle the recoil of competently, enabling you to achieve fast and accurate shots. Remember, only hits count, and statistics show that the who gets the first hit normally wins the fight.

EDC/CCW Pistols

Small or medium frame models

Glock 43 / 48 MOS / 19 MOS or similar size comparable to your chosen caliber

Combat Loadout Pistols

Large frame (for optimum capacity, not concealability)

Glock 19x / 17 MOS / 45 MOS or similar size comparable to your chosen caliber

ALL platforms should run a red-dot sight and must have a high intensity white light with the combat pistol having a light with an infrared option for use with night vision goggles. A threaded barrel for a suppressor is optional.

GLOCK 48 MOS w/ Red Dot & Light         Glock 45 (9mm) MOS / Red Dot & NVG Light

Rifle Platform / Caliber / Accessories

We suggest that you choose a caliber for your rifle platform(s) that allow for accuracy and reliability and then consider your physical environment, both terrain and weather conditions.  If your terrain is heavily wooded with shorter engagement ranges, you may see value in the 5.56mm/.223 caliber. If your terrain is open prairie and meadows with wooded draws, then a 16” barrel is recommended. Longer performing calibers such as the 300 series (7.62mm/.308) or equivalent will perform better.

Platforms such as; AR15/M4, FN Scar 16/17, Sig Sauer MCX & Spear, AK47/74, Aug/Tavor, HK 91/93, M1A/14, FN-FAL and many others. At ShotShow we saw a plethora of amazing new designs that will all suffice for retreat defense. Only hits count so rock what you got. Operator choice.

We highly recommend the AR style platform for all rifle configurations except for a dedicated ‘Overwatch’ (long-range) platform. An accurate bolt-rifle should be purchased. As AR style rifles use the same lower receiver specs (w/ a few exceptions) and the choice of manufacturer is not necessarily important. Even brands such as PSA can offer reasonable quality and functionality for those on a tight budget. The choice of upper receiver (barrel and bolt & carrier specifically) brand will have a major effect on reliability and accuracy, especially if a suppressor is to be run in conjunction with certain missions.

CQB – Home Defense UPPERS

Manufacturers: Bravo Company (BCM) MK2 uppers are amazing and BCM has proven their quality control is at the top of the industry. However, use any quality upper within budget.

AR Upper configuration(s): Flat-top with a Key-Mod or MLOK railed handguard is a must for optics and optional accessories. The age of the carry-handle M4 is outdated (circa. 2003).

AR Barrel length(s): We see the 11.5” and 12.5” SBR barrels as performing the best with and without suppressors while maneuvering in CQB (home defense) scenarios. While the 10.5” doesn’t present any cycling issues with adjustable gas systems, it’s a less accurate at longer ranges and the fouling from unburnt powder using a suppressor becomes an issue.

Muzzle Devices: Muzzle devices should double as a flash hider even if they are specific to a certain suppressor mounting system. Muzzle breaks are extremely loud and blow debris to the sides possibly compromising a fellow family/team member when in close quarters. Surefire along with countless other suppressor manufacturers offer flash hider models for their proprietary mounting systems.  Operator choice. We endorse Surefire.

Bolt and Bolt Carrier: The core of reliable operation, in combination with an adjustable gas system, is critical to ensuring the dependability of your setup, whether you are using a suppressor or not. SRC uses the Surefire bolt and carrier, which is designed specifically for their exclusive suppressors. However, modern low backpressure suppressor designs are available today, and the selection of a bolt carrier will entirely depend on the suppressor.

Positive Identification (PID) Lights: Before engaging a possible threat, one must be able to positively identify the person or animal in question. Having a white light with sufficient throw (range) is required on any platform. We recommend Surefire and Modlite rechargeable lithium powered rifle and pistol lights capable of changing to Infrared for NVG use. These lights should have a rail mounted pressure switch. In addition, an IR laser/illuminator such as the Steiner DBAL, Meyers MAWL, and L3 Harris ATPIAL will work well.

Optics:  Choosing an optic is another critical aspect of building an accurate platform for the homestead. Always buy a quality optic within your budget. There are literally hundreds of acceptable quality optics, these are the manufacturers and models that SRC / VerTac recommend for daily operations as they are of high quality and very user friendly.

Aimpoint T2 w/ Scalarworks mount

Trijicon MRO Gen 2 w/ Scalarworks mount OR Trijicon 4x ACOG w/A.R.M.S. mount

Vortex 1-6 Razor HD Gen 2 and the Vortex 1-10 Razor HD Gen 3

Elcan; Variations 1 or 4x  —  1 or 6x  (throw lever)

Recce Rifle (Recon – all around utility platform)

The firearm industry is brimming with everyday disputes over the latest equipment, strategies, and other subjects that can be overwhelming even for experienced preppers and shooters. Therefore, for various reasons, the standard 16″ barrel length AR-style platform will be the daily choice for most homesteaders. Optional suppressor and laser mounted. Non-optional items are some type of scope or red-dot and a white light for proper target identification.

Accessories (Stocks / Grips / Slings / Magazines)

Stocks: Select a stock that can seamlessly integrate with your preferred plate carrier and armor. Consider opting for the BCM Gunfighter series or the LWRC CQB stocks, as they feature compact backplates that won’t hinder your armor.

Grips: Select a grip size and angle that works with your shooting stances and style as well as weather considerations (plastic or rubber for better grip). Magpul and BCM work well.

Slings: Choose a single-point, 2-point or hybrid sling according to your tactics training.

Magazines: AR Platform and Pistol use OEM or vetted aftermarket such as Magpul. If you are truly on a budget, just save your pennies for the best quality magazines available. Period. Do not ever buy cheap aftermarket Chinese magazines, you will probably regret it.

Designated Marksman – Overwatch Rifles

Otherwise known as ‘Sniper’ rifles, they do not need to be uniform, as there may be only one or two of these long-range systems within the family or team. The platform choice should be based on the operator’s skill set and comfort level. It’s important to consider the average range for the overwatch position and potential active scenarios. For shorter ranges, an autoloader may be necessary for faster follow-up shots, while a bolt gun is preferable for longer ranges and extreme accuracy.

The optic is a major factor in the overall operational capability of the platform. Thermal and advanced night vision equipment is invaluable, FLIR corporation and Trijicon thermal units are a great options to consider.

Shotguns

For most homestead use a standard quality pump shotgun in 12 gauge will suffice in most circumstances. In regions with large predators a semi-auto shotgun using slugs or 00 buck will be an excellent choice.  The platform must have a light w/ pressure switch such as the Surefire or Modlite setup for target identification. These days, everyone is moving towards red dot optics on all platforms including shotguns and SRC agrees. Accessories such as side saddle ammunition carriers, slings and comps are suggested.

The John Wick Shotgun: This shotgun is manufactured in Northern Idaho and SRC has shot this full-auto shotgun. It’s amazing. For those that have the financial resources and ability to get an NFA Tax Stamp the Genesis Arms Gen-12 (12-gauge) SBR Shotgun is the best on the market for CQB work and breeching. It can also be suppressed to allow for use with NVG’s and night operations.

Suppressors (aka Silencers)

A suppressor is comprised of a series of baffles and chambers designed to trap and decelerate the high-pressure gas that is produced when a firearm is discharged. These baffles, which can be flat or cone-shaped, are evenly spaced to create expansion chambers inside the suppressor body. The baffles can be machined in three ways: as a single piece of metal (monocore), individually machined and then welded together, or individually machined and stacked within a tube. Some suppressors are additively manufactured using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technology. The materials used in a suppressor, particularly the first baffle (known as the “blast” baffle), must be capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressure, as well as high-speed debris that may escape the barrel.

There is no better match in the gun world than a barrel and suppressor. Period. In the United States, citizens can legally obtain a suppressor by applying for a tax stamp through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). To begin the process, individuals must first purchase a suppressor from a licensed dealer such as SilencerShop or a local manufacturer.

Once the suppressor is purchased, the individual must then submit an application to the BATFE, which includes a completed Form 4, fingerprints, and a passport-sized photograph. Additionally, applicants must also pay a $200 tax stamp fee and wait for the application to be approved, which can take several months via the E-Form or up to a year on paper submissions, however, times vary from day to day with the process. Once the application is approved, the individual may then take possession of their suppressor.

SRC highly recommends using SilencerShop online to handle the purchase, paperwork and shipping of the NFA items to a local approved dealer to wait for application approval. Their prices are extremely fair, and selection is the best in the industry as an NFA dealer.

Group Standard Magazines and Ammunition

As previously covered in the guide, only use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) magazines or those brands that have been battle tested such as the iconic MagPul, Lancer, C-Products, Okay and others for AR style and for pistol magazines OEM exclusively. There are a very small number of aftermarket magazines that are extra capacity for handguns such as Glock and Sig that the industry and public have ‘approved’ for lack of a better term. Simply do your own research and test every magazine before actually carrying it on your EDC or load out rig.

As far as ammunition is concerned each specific platform and barrel will do better or worse depending upon the round and design.  Again, buy many types of rounds and find what works best for your chosen set-up. For your battle rifle you should have down on paper your optic settings for standard military surplus ball and green-tip rounds (556/762) in case those are BFP (Battlefield Pickups) and your pistol red-dot settings for NATO FMJ ‘ball’ rounds. Otherwise set your optics to your chosen round specifications and always train!

Group Standard Gear Selection: Plate Carriers and Chest Rigs

SRC recommends Haley Strategic brand of chest rigs and plate carriers.

Group Standard Gear Selection: Ballistic Helmets

SRC recommends Team Wendy ballistic helmets, or research others within your budget.

Group Standard Gear Selection: Armor (Plates)

SRC recommends HESCO armor plates for your carriers. The 200 series offers light AP (Armor Piercing) protection from all pistol rounds and standard 7.62×39 and 5.56 M855. The thickness & weight savings is one aspect to consider, however, if you seek true full AP protection the 600 series would be perfect.

Group Standard Gear Selection: Battle Belts

SRC recommends Haley Strategic battle belts, magazine carriers and accessories. They are intelligently designed, and we believe the best in the industry. However, as long as you have the gear required and are of satisfactory quality for your budget, then you are good to go.

Group Standard Gear Selection: Holsters (EDC)

For EDC (Everyday Carry) there are a plethora of holsters and ways to conceal the pistol. There is Inside and outside the waistband (IWB-OWB). SRC recommends finding the right style and manufacturer based upon your personal criteria and opinions. Tier One Holsters, T-Rex Arms Holsters and Safariland INCOG-X are amazing appendix carry holsters to research for purchase.

Group Standard Gear Selection: Holsters (Battle Belt – Load Out)

Safariland offers some of the best holsters for battle belt carry. The 6300 series level 3 retention holster that was launched at SHOT Show 2023 is the latest in light bearing and red dot setups for OWB tactical carry.

Retreat Logistics Review

With a property boasting abundant water, alternative energy sources, and sustainable food production, it’s important to consider the defense of these valuable assets. While specific defensive plans will vary based on factors such as location and property layout, there are several often-overlooked areas to address. Effective defense strategies encompass more than just firearms and ammunition, they also involve securing food supplies and adequate shelter. Here is a review of the important logistical considerations.

1. Ensure that your observation and listening posts are manned 24/7 to monitor the surroundings and alert the defenders of any potential threats. Low-cost day/night or thermal cameras (either hardwired or wifi, if working and within range) can be used in conjunction with manpower when coverage is not possible.
2. Don’t overlook the importance of tactical communications to coordinate and communicate with your defenders. Invest in reliable encrypted equipment and establish a communication plan.
3. You’ll need more manpower to cover the property 24/7, so be prepared to bring new members on now or hire out the help from qualified ‘refugees’, hopefully locals.
4. Establish good relationships with your neighbors and develop a local plan together to defend your area.
5. Ensure that you have enough food production systems in place to sustain your retreat members and any additional personnel. Overbuilding your food production systems is always a good idea.
6. Plan for extra billeting in case you need to accommodate more people. Consider storing pre-built or retrofitting temporary shelters, such as GP tents, yurts, or personal shelters.
7. Don’t forget about sanitation needs, and ensure that you have adequate facilities, such as a privy or larger septic system. Stock up on washable feminine products and washable diapers as needed.
8. Establish a group standard for equipment and make sure that all members have the necessary gear. This includes having camouflage patterns on clothes and gear for blending in with the surroundings, an identifying marker for day and night, weapons that take the same ammo, and magazines, night vision and thermal devices, and IFAK and continuing care medical supplies.
9. Lastly, don’t forget to stock up on caffeine, such as bulk coffee beans, to keep you and your defenders alert and awake during long shifts. Make sure to store in a cool dry place and rotate the coffee beans to ensure their freshness. Vacuum sealing cigarettes or fresh tobacco for barter is always advisable.

Always have a safe and secure location for the storage of gear and supplies. The shelter or bunker must be water and fireproof and have a high forced entry rating with concrete construction and high-quality safe room doors. Always assume the home will burn down and everything you’ll need to start over will be inside the fortified room.

Our Business Model

We specialize in assisting clients who are planning to relocate to rural areas in America. Our goal is to help them identify the necessary criteria for their relocation, search for and evaluate potential properties for acquisition, and provide guidance in retrofitting the property’s infrastructure. In addition, we provide firearms instruction, design services in secure architecture for both new and retrofitted homes and bunkers, as well as off-grid consultation.

As we build the foundation and throughout the consulting experience the following in-depth topics are explored and appropriate changes made;

• Personal considerations and criteria
• Considerations for family members
• Region / State and County / micro-locale choice
• Logistical considerations
• Property Goal: Primary or Bug-Out
• Acreage criteria (Terrain/Water/Access)
• Home style and specific criteria
• Retrofit home or design and build ballistic structure(s)
• Outbuildings and related infrastructure
• Sustainable living attributes and upgrades
• On/Off grid primary and backup power integration (Hydro, Solar, Generator)
• Permaculture – Food production, land planning & use
• Water rights – application to use management
• Tactical / self-defense considerations
• Combat Medicine / Trauma Training
• Client specific confidential requests

Please contact us for more information about Homestead Consulting Services, firearms/tactics consulting and training, secure architecture for homes and bunkers and off-grid infrastructure design.

Email: [email protected]