In the event of zombie apocalypse, the rules of survival of the fittest will generally begin to supersede any laws and rules we have now in peace times. A normal society cannot function if there is a threat that exists that is greater than the threats it can normally and reasonably overcome. A zombie hoard is just such a threat. In small numbers, zombies can be neutralized, but there is a certain unhealthy amount of apathy that humans tend to have when it comes to the idea of the unbelievable, suddenly becoming believable. So by the time people figure it all out, start believing, start demanding governments and military do something about the problem, or take matters into their own hands...we all know, it will be much too late. Everything will become about your survival against an, if you're lucky, slow moving mass hoard of brains centric undead.
Avoid having these people on your survival team
1. "Vegan" zombie hunters: they refuse to kill anyone...or in this case, thing, because the zombies were once human and should be allowed to live in their new state even if we disagree with the way they are managing. NOPE! You're off the team.
2. The weak, feeble, sick, really young, and disabled: in a perfect world, you could bring everyone along, but when your survival is at stake, you just can't have someone who requires a constant supply of what will be hard to nearly impossible to find medication/equipment to even survive in normal conditions, or someone who can't run, or can't fight, or can't move fast enough to get out of the way or to help protect the team if you have one. Your best bet is to put them in as safe as a place as possible or create a commune which they can do their best to defend while you're out looking for supplies and such, but you can't be focused on worrying about them, or how much you need to sacrifice to bribe someone for their medications or how to move them all the time while also trying to watch everyone's back.
3. The emotionally unstable: your team needs to be able to compartmentalize. You can't break down crying because you had to shoot a friend turned zombie. You can't fall apart every time you witness some zombie induced horror that will occur. You have to be able to put it somewhere deep in the back of your mind until there is a time period where you are in a safe enough place to break down. Those who can't adapt to this function, are a major liability because if someone is crying, someone is dying.
4. The sadists: There are people who will take the zombie apocalypse as a time to just be able to unleash all their demons and kill at will wasting ammo, wasting time, becoming obsessed with "the game" as opposed to just trying to survive. They may unduly attract way too much attention becoming way too much of a liability.
5. The other team leader: you may run into a situation where someone wants to also be team leader. They confuse the team telling them to go left when everyone is going right, refuse to follow orders, refuse to do what they are told always citing that things would be better under their rule. You can't have two bosses in a group because its dangerous in a situation where you must move and act as a unit against a zombie hoard. Ditch them at the next rest stop for the safety of all.
Picking your team
There are generally three schools of thought when it comes to creating ones own survival team during a zombie apocalypse and that are that you can go at it lone ranger style, with a small group, or create your own commune of sorts.
Lone ranger
Pros
1. Think and act for yourself; not responsible for the well being or survival of others
2. Easier to find a single dwelling shelter and leave at will in a danger situation
3. Only need supplies for one, can be easily rationed, for one
4. You seem less of a threat to larger groups if you seek assistance/help/supplies
5. Less likely to attract attention with your movements if careful
Cons
1. Having to deal with psychological ramifications of constant being alone and not having anyone to talk to, and dealing with being hunted and hunting and having to kill
2. If you get sick or injured, you could easily die with no one there to care for you or fetch supplies
3. It's easy for a group of bandits or zombies to overcome you if they find you alone and/or unprotected
4. You can only rely on yourself for the most part, if you do not possess certain skills, it may be your downfall
5. No one watching your back, leaves you very vulnerable in open areas
Small Group
Pros
1. You have people to watch your back
2. You can utilize each individuals skill set to your advantage
3. Constant companionship, people to talk to and deal with trauma with
4. Easier to divide up and accomplish more difficult tasks like building shelter, scanning perimeters for danger, securing supplies
5. If captured by zombies, someone else there to put you out of your misery
Cons
1. Must ration and divy up supplies with group
2. A failed group dynamic can lead to in fighting, distractions, mutiny
3. Your group may easily attract bandits or zombies to your area
4. If you need help from others, may be more easily turned away due to group size/fear
5. Responsible for others
Large Groups
Pros
1. (the same as small group)
2. Can more easily set up base camp and work from there with enough people to secure it
Cons
1. Same as small group
For small and large groups, pick people you can get along with, that aren't extremely needy, and have a willingness to work with a team and accept help and training as needed. Even in the worst of situations, you need to inject a little humor and levity into your days because constantly being under threat and stressed can take a toll on everyone. When you do get the chance, leave someone on watch, and relax with the group, talk, share stories, decompress, cry, do what you need to to stay sane.
Everyone needs a kit
Everyone will need a supply bag with as much as can be easily carried if a team member has to run or pick up and run at a moments notice.
Invest in training
Once you've established your group, it is wise to invest in a constant training program. Team members must be able to do the majority of the tasks everyone else can do or at least have some general knowledge of those tasks in case someone goes rogue, or gets killed or injured. Deciding on a solid team leader is crucial for the group dynamic. Some system must be in place whereby everyone knows their specific tasks so that no one is trying to figure it out or stepping on someone elses toes. The leader must also know when a person should be made to step down for poor performance. You may want a full democracy, but do you really have time for a hand vote for every single decision when the hoard is at your front door? Your group also needs to decide what they personally want to happen to them if they are munched by zombies or injured, or otherwise killed, so there is no question in the moment if swift action must be taken. It is important that everyone knows how to fight hand to hand, as well as utilize the weapons on hand or know what can effectively be used against the zombies in a fight either at a distance or at close range.
Most Helpful Opinions