Why should I let you through the checkpoint?

It's TSHTF scenario. The Internet and electrical grid are down. Paper money is useless. You don't even know for sure what caused it -- maybe WWIII; maybe a CME? All communications went down before you could get any answers. Many people are dead, and many survivors have fled to rural areas in search of clean water, food, and shelter.

You're traveling on foot with only what you can carry on your back, when you come across a gated, fenced community protected by armed civilian guards. The tantalizing sound of running water and the aroma of food cooking waft from within the walls.

The gatekeeper says, "We're a small, self-governed, self-sustained community, and we must be selective about accepting new members. You can stay here if you can contribute to our community in some meaningful way. Tell me one to three useful abilities, skills, or attributes that you can offer us."

What is your answer?

(I thought the answers might be interesting, given the diversity of the individuals here on ATS. Remember, as you answer, that survival skills like DaddyBare's are at a high premium, but many less-obvious skills such as midwiving, chemistry, building, or sewing could also get you through the gate.)

I'm an engineer, with a strong hands on mechanical background. I'm also heavily armed and have experience with explosives.

reply to post by JIMC5499


That's enough for me! You're in. Enjoy the roasted venison.

Because your armed guards will probably let me within five feet of them to talk, especially if I don't act aggressive. If they let me within five feet they're ******.

After that, I could guard the town.

We could call it a physical resume, either way, I'm getting in.

reply to post by GringoViejo


The armed guards know better than that. You have to convince us at a safe distance, which will be even harder now that we know you're an agressive plotter.

reply to post by graceunderpressure


How about these three?

1. Former Airborne Infantry medic with nearly 20 years of experience working in operating rooms.

2. Experience with best practices for field sanitation and safe kitchen practices.

3. I can cook.

Can you use me?

I have five years in the medical field as a PA and cardiac specialist. Will that let me through?? Also I have all KINDS of good medical supplies in my BOB.

I used to work for the mainstream media.

I'll show you how to control and manipulate and brainwash the members of the community so they trust anything you'll say. That will come in handy. No ?

reply to post by graceunderpressure


Why would I want inside your sitting duck compound? I think I'll just avoid your little compound, maybe interrogate the folks that venture outside to try and learn what may have happened, and then I'll move on to my pre-arranged safe zones.

I have no desire to be locked behind the walls of a compound when the enemy troops, or aliens, or viruses start coming around in force.

reply to post by Frater210


Frader, with your medical and sanitation skills, I would let you in even if I had to kick someone else out.

Although the comforts you are enticing me with sound divine, I think I will pass on comunal living for a while longer yet.

Originally posted by graceunderpressure
reply to post by GringoViejo

 

The armed guards know better than that. You have to convince us at a safe distance, which will be even harder now that we know you're an agressive plotter.

I don't know if the guards do know better than that. In that scenario, I'm not going to assume people preforming certain tasks are professionals in that field pre-SHTF.

Like I said, either way I'll get in and then I can be on my merry way after I resupply.

reply to post by nathanscottecho


Yes, indeed. And, I was hoping that someone would bring along a BOB! Got any Twinkies in that thing?

Do you give credence to infrastructure? There would be many disparate people that would need cohesiveness. See this TNG episode for what I mean:

en.wikipedia.org...

Not a cobbler, mechanic, iron worker, warrior, etc but someone that would be needed to enable all to work together?

Yes sir!! And all the deviled ham your heart desires! lol

reply to post by H1ght3chHippie


Sorry Hippie, I think we've all had enough of the brainwashing for now.

I bring:

1. Computer science degree with network specialization.

2. Practical electrical engineering, both design and troubleshooting experience.

I can help set up and maintain an electrical generation and distribution system for the community.

I would be able to help set up both internal and hopefully external communications.

reply to post by graceunderpressure


My answer is to keep it moving because they are selfish, and one can imagine there being a post apoco leader present. So no thanks I would ask to refill my water containments and swap food for something I may have then move on....

reply to post by graceunderpressure


I would say:

"Well, I'm gonna get in one way or another, so we might as well play nice."

Then I would wait to see who puts a bullet in my head first, if no bullet comes, Ill try my luck after sundown.

I'm getting in rest assured.

I'm an American patriot

I'm an American patriot

I'm an American patriot

If that isn't enough for your community, then I will keep walking.