I have often wondered about what happens after the SHTF and the dust has started to clear.
Cars will be essentially useless without fuel and parts and will all grind to a halt. Use them initially in order to quickly possess your chosen
territory. Warehouse as much of everything you find. Do not leave anything behind unless it is guarded.
Create a well-rewarded hierarchy of subordinates and make sure you do not reward yourself too much - most of the longest living dictators of the 20th
century lived frugally until they had established their bases of power (not always through fear)
The following scenario seems likely:
1. Individuals and small groups of survivors will emerge from the ruins looking to join or form communites for protection and comfort.
2. Individual survivalists or small groups of survivalists will emerge looking to replenish their stockpiled goods.
3. Existing groups (large and/or well-armed groups) will roam at will preying on the above vulnerable people. Most large groups will be brutal by
necessity (in order to stay in power, the leader will have to satisfy a lot of appetites:
Personnel Required
Armed Mercenaries will be your most highly sought after commodity and will be used in the following roles:
- Bodyguards
- Soldiers
- Raiders
Medical Practitioners
Farmers
Skilled Craftsmen such as carpenters, builders, blacksmiths
Ensure you establish a system of learning in order to teach, transfer skills and cross skill your subjects.
Establish a large stockpile of scarce tradeable goods such as medicine. Do not trade away weapons. At some point they probably will be used against
you.
You will require a defendable stronghold in an area rich in natural resources (water, good soil, game, minerals). This stronghold must be able to be
in a position to protect outlying communities depending on its protection.
I suggest a study of Survival in the Dark Ages to get an idea of what it will take to be King in the SHTF. Pay particular attention the Art of Making
Gunpowder. This knowledge alone could keep you alive.
A whole book could be written on this subject ...