Fortitude Ranch

[Evanxx]

What’s up everyone! I’m just getting into the “prepper” mindset and have a few questions.
whats your opinion on the fortitude ranch and other communities like this?
If you were in charge of the fortitude ranch what would you add to their ranch that they aren’t doing or what would you take away? In your opinion what’s the ideal population you need to sustain the community and why you believe that number is correct.
The pros and cons of a community like this.
If you were able to stick a small cabin at this ranch where you could store most of your supplies what would a place like this be worth to you?
All opinions and thought welcome!

 

[lonewolf]

never heard of fortitude ranch.

 

[Evanxx]

http://fortituderanch.com/

 

[lonewolf]

means nothing to me, i'm not in the USA.
are you another journalist?

 

[Evanxx]

No, I’m just interested in the concept of a community. It seems way more effective to be apart of a well operated community rather than doing it with a few buddies. As I said I’m newer to this community and thought I would ask people that have been doing this for years their opinions on the concept.
Just trying to learn brother.

 

[lonewolf]

any sort of group in my country is going to be family groups and family only.
I've tried starting prepper groups and they all fall apart long before any event happens.
post event is not the time to start trusting strangers, there is an old prepper saying: "if you don't know them, haven't worked with them or spent time with them, then DONT TRUST THEM", that's a saying I live by, and it goes ten fold in any survival situation.

 

[Evanxx]

I can agree with you on not trusting a person after a event.
It sounds like if you were able to find a trust worthy group that could sustain up until “the day” you would do it.
Why do you believe the group you put together fell apart? Difference of opinion, lack of dedication from individuals or???
To me yes it’s a RISK trusting people and living in a community but on the other hand I see a risk in small numbers.
How do you weigh that risk?? It’s almost damned if you do damned if you don’t.

 

[Hadrian]

"Hey guys, not an FBI agent here! We should meet up and stockpile weapons. Does anyone wanna... ya know... *nudge -nudge* *wink-wink* plan a... you know? *wink-wink*. Who else here is a huge fan of the klu kluts klam? I can't be the only one. Phew, after a hard day of white supremacist, I sure do like to go the 4chan, and drink HitlerDidNothingWrong (Mountain Dew) amirite? Hey, does anyone wanna come to this honey-pot?"

 

[Evanxx]

WTHeck does that even mean

 

[TexasFreedom]

He means that you come here with something far too 'public'. #1 rule in prepping to keep quiet. If you broadcast that you have stores of food & such, guess where thieves NOW are going to target, and guess where post-SHTF everyone will flock to? Sorry.

Having prepper neighbors is great. But shut up about it is his point.

 

[user 7704]

I'll take care of my own. I foresee many problems trying to combine too many people.

 

[Evanxx]

The fortitude ranch has been on Fox News as well as many other media outlets. I’m not revealing a big secret brother.They actually advertise.(which to me is stupid) I completely understand you don’t want to “flash what you have “ it makes you a target. I totally understand that. I’m just talking about 2 different concepts and the benefits and drawbacks to each one. Talking about the concepts doesn’t make you vulnerable .

 

[user 7704]

Definitely wouldn't want to be associated with an advertised BOL. Defeats the purpose IMHO

 

[tmttactical]

The fortitude ranch has been on Fox News as well as many other media outlets. I’m not revealing a big secret brother.They actually advertise.(which to me is stupid) I completely understand you don’t want to “flash what you have “ it makes you a target. I totally understand that. I’m just talking about 2 different concepts and the benefits and drawbacks to each one. Talking about the concepts doesn’t make you vulnerable .

Okay, here is my opinion on the Prepper Group thing.
1) If you don't live there, chances of getting there in a true SHTF event, is slim to none. === Negative
2) If you don't own it, then it can go away -- owner files BK, sells the assets back to himself and then just walks away with your investments.=== Negative
3) SHTF and you finally make it there and they won't let you in, because they have decided to keep it all for themselves. === negative
4) For this plan to work, it requires too many participants, which violates any OPSEC.===Negative
5) Just because somebody wants to prep and can afford to buy in, does not make them 'Good People". ===Negative

Now I could go on but I think you can see my point. Anybody setting up a 'Fortitude Ranch" type venture is an unknown and you simply do not trust your life and the lives of your family on unknowns. Trust only those you know and love, everybody else is an unknown and a risk, you do not want to take.

 

[Mountain trapper]

No thanks. I've never been a follower and I don't like groups of strangers. In my situation it's just me, the wife and dog to look out for. And my wife travels for work for 6+ months a year. We have let family know that they are welcome to come here if there's ever an emergency. There are times when I'd like to have some help around here though. It's taken years to get our homestead where it's almost self sufficient.

 

[Hadrian]

Places like this ranch are just honey-pots for fed fly's to collect info, and create profiles on innocent people, while trying to find that one weak link to agree to a pre-scripted act of terror, that the "heroic" FBI stops, seconds before it happens (or doesn't stop like the Boston bombings... whoops). Then the whole thing gets shut down, and people who weren't involved, and didn't even know, get screwed. When the shtf, I'm going to the most uncomfortable, destitute, and human devoid place on Earth, to stick it out. I wanna make sure I am in a place that has water, but only just enough for me to survive difficultly.

 

[Evanxx]

Definitely wouldn't want to be associated with an advertised BOL. Defeats the purpose IMHO

Totally agree. So to be clear your not open to a community at all or just one that’s publicly known?

 

[user 7704]

Not interested at all

 

[Evanxx]

Okay, here is my opinion on the Prepper Group thing.
1) If you don't live there, chances of getting there in a true SHTF event, is slim to none. === Negative
2) If you don't own it, then it can go away -- owner files BK, sells the assets back to himself and then just walks away with your investments.=== Negative
3) SHTF and you finally make it there and they won't let you in, because they have decided to keep it all for themselves. === negative
4) For this plan to work, it requires too many participants, which violates any OPSEC.===Negative
5) Just because somebody wants to prep and can afford to buy in, does not make them 'Good People". ===Negative

Now I could go on but I think you can see my point. Anybody setting up a 'Fortitude Ranch" type venture is an unknown and you simply do not trust your life and the lives of your family on unknowns. Trust only those you know and love, everybody else is an unknown and a risk, you do not want to take.

You make great points and if I could play devils advocate just for the sake of greater understanding because I value other people’s perspectives .
Let’s talk about 1. IF you were within a certain proximity from the destination I would argue it is very possible. I’m definitely not talking about a 22 hour drive. I’m talking about a 6-8 or less.
2) if you bought a subdivided parcel similar to a gated community you would own it but could they take it away from you as easily as if you didn’t? Sure.
3) IMO it risky being a small group and it’s risky in a large group. A small group can easily be overcome and a large group has the potential to fall apart .
4) I completely understand your 5th point. And If you were to “network” and find skilled individuals that were essential to the functionality of the community would you still be against the concept? It basically breaks down to every member is need to make the community function.

 

[Evanxx]

No thanks. I've never been a follower and I don't like groups of strangers. In my situation it's just me, the wife and dog to look out for. And my wife travels for work for 6+ months a year. We have let family know that they are welcome to come here if there's ever an emergency. There are times when I'd like to have some help around here though. It's taken years to get our homestead where it's almost self sufficient.

You wouldn’t necessarily be a follower but I get your point. You want to be in control of your own destiny 100%. What are the drawbacks you see being in a small group?

 

[Evanxx]

Places like this ranch are just honey-pots for fed fly's to collect info, and create profiles on innocent people, while trying to find that one weak link to agree to a pre-scripted act of terror, that the "heroic" FBI stops, seconds before it happens (or doesn't stop like the Boston bombings... whoops). Then the whole thing gets shut down, and people who weren't involved, and didn't even know, get screwed. When the shtf, I'm going to the most uncomfortable, destitute, and human devoid place on Earth, to stick it out. I wanna make sure I am in a place that has water, but only just enough for me to survive difficultly.

Brother it’s hard for me to buy into conspiracy theory like that. But I might be wrong... I see on another posting your going to West Texas . If you need any advice on the best place to go in that region hit me up. I lived out there for 2 years as well as conducted business all over in Oil and Gas space . Btw that region is by far one of the best places to go period.

 

[tmttactical]

You make great points and if I could play devils advocate just for the sake of greater understanding because I value other people’s perspectives .
Let’s talk about 1. IF you were within a certain proximity from the destination I would argue it is very possible. I’m definitely not talking about a 22 hour drive. I’m talking about a 6-8 or less.
2) if you bought a subdivided parcel similar to a gated community you would own it but could they take it away from you as easily as if you didn’t? Sure.
3) IMO it risky being a small group and it’s risky in a large group. A small group can easily be overcome and a large group has the potential to fall apart .
4) I completely understand your 5th point. And If you were to “network” and find skilled individuals that were essential to the functionality of the community would you still be against the concept? It basically breaks down to every member is need to make the community function.

Love playing Devils Advocate.

1) Lets take the 6 to 8 hour drive. How long is that in walking time dragging a BOB? 7 hour (middle ground) drive at just 50 MPH is 350 miles. Walking time at 5 miles per day (careful pace over uneven ground) so we are talking what , 70 days. Not a good prospect.=== Negative

2) Nobody (prepper) would put their lives at risk by relying on a gated community. The guards would be home trying to guard their families. Second, during a SHTF, most likely any and all legal issues will be enforced or resolved force of arms. Gated Community is what you would Bug Out from, why would you buy into one?

3) It is risky to be in any sized group of NON-Family people. You don't know their mental state. Do they take drugs, legal or other wise? Do they have mental issues? Do they need anti-depressives to stay normal? With family, you know if aunt Sally takes meds. Do they panic in a crisis? Will they fold up under stress? Too many unknowns.

4) OPSEC is not for sale, for any reason. You can't openly search for wanted skills, without destroying any chance for success. Again the problem is you will not know these people BEFORE they are contacted. Once contacted, they are not going to forget about you and your operation.

5) Mostly covered by Items 3 & 4. Here is another reason not to have unknowns in your group. Example #1. You have joined a group with enough supplies to last a 20 member group 5 years. How long would those same supplies last 2 members? A little food poisoning there is suddenly a lot of extra supplies for just 2 people. Example#2: I join the group but have a family that needs the supplies and can't wait until it is my turn to cook dinner for the compound folks. Just one more reason for family only. Safer dinners.

Since any single one of my objections is enough reason to not join, I will have to pass on ANY group not family.

 

[Evanxx]

1) why would anyone walk? I get that something might happen that disables your vehicle . My view is if you make a camp near a city more long term risk is involved. On the other hand if you take a chance and drive 6 hrs you bring on much higher risk short term but you should have much less long term risk. I think we all can agree on that.
2)Let me clarify the gated community. Your on a working farm/ranch and on that ranch you would have the gated community and the people within that community operate the ranch.
3) I’m definitely not saying take any individual of the street that has a pulse . Your looking at the numbers as quantity I’m suggesting quality of numbers.Gather a community of people would involve networking with other individuals that you know and grow to know.This would absolutely have to be run similar to a business. There is a qualifying hiring process, everyone knows what and who we are as well as everyone has a roll . Honestly you don’t know how your wife , your aunt, friend, or you will respond in a situation until you are in it. Every person in your family could become a liability but are you going to leave them behind? People are assets. You just have to find the right people through networking and relationship building.
4) Again strength in numbers and power. I don’t care a few people know where I am.
If your in a small group you will be found sooner or later and easily overcome.
5) Brother I don’t care about a food supply for 5 years. I care about sustainability for 60years.
It would be a working ranch and farm. All the tractors and vehicles will be converted to natural gas. The ranch would have a natural gas well on the property . We would literally have an unlimited amount of fuel. I have a guy that programs and runs cnc machines to make parts for the vehicles when they break. I also have a buddy that invented a thermal distalation unit that runs of well gas. It can purify 4000 gallons per day.( water from an oil well is brine) this is where we could get water for crops , livestock etc. it’s an unlimited source of water with no pump required because the formation has natural pressure.
These gas wells also produce what’s known as condensate. It’s basically one step below diesel . It’s what a lot of jet fuel is refined from. Just one more fuel source.
All of this would allow you to make your own guns, ammo etc.
Deer would be the preferred livestock it’s more efficient than cattle farming per acre.
This ranch would not be a survival ranch. This is a long term plan.
This ranch would take numbers to operate but would be a massive success if implanted and run properly.

Does this make sense to anyone? Or am I completely fu king crazy hahah!

 

[Proud Prepper]

So Evan, your part of this Ranch that your selling?

 

[Evanxx]

At this point it’s just an idea my buddies and I put together for our families. But we realized
1) it’s going to take numbers to sustain and actually work.
2) we have to find people that have more experience than us to improve the idea.

I’m trying to get feedback since you guys have way more experience than I do at this.
So to answer your question no I’m not selling anything I’m putting my thoughts out there and trying to get y’all to dissect them to find weak points.

Make sense?

 

[KateMTx]

They probably have some special koolaid there as well. I don't trust groups like this - it kind of defeats the whole purpose of prepping, which is supposed to mean you are prepared and ready for if/when SHTF. If I'm relying on a group to do this for me, I'm not truly a prepper. And they could just decide they don't want me anymore, and after SHTF, it's not like I can go to the courts and sue them for breach of contract.

 

[TexasFreedom]

1) why would anyone walk? I get that something might happen that disables your vehicle . My view is if you make a camp near a city more long term risk is involved. On the other hand if you take a chance and drive 6 hrs you bring on much higher risk short term but you should have much less long term risk. I think we all can agree on that.

Your statement right there highlights that you are clueless on this topic. That's not an insult, just a statement on your current knowledge base. You can learn.

I'll explain this one to help you understand. Driving will be a no-go under nearly every scenario. If there's an EMP, cars will be dead blocking every road. And any car that still runs will be a target for everyone with a scope on their rifle. You'd be lucky to drive 5 mph, and even luckier to survive a day. If there is mass rioting, do you expect roads to be clear? Nuclear war? Look back at pictures of people fleeing hurricanes for traffic, do you think roads will be passable? And that covers most weather-related messes. In fact can you name a single example of SHTF where roads will be clear and drivable for a 8-hour trip?

 

[Evanxx]

Your statement right there highlights that you are clueless on this topic. That's not an insult, just a statement on your current knowledge base. You can learn.

I'll explain this one to help you understand. Driving will be a no-go under nearly every scenario. If there's an EMP, cars will be dead blocking every road. And any car that still runs will be a target for everyone with a scope on their rifle. You'd be lucky to drive 5 mph, and even luckier to survive a day. If there is mass rioting, do you expect roads to be clear? Nuclear war? Look back at pictures of people fleeing hurricanes for traffic, do you think roads will be passable? And that covers most weather-related messes. In fact can you name a single example of SHTF where roads will be clear and drivable for a 8-hour trip?

That’s why I’m here to get new perspectives. I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not an expert at all in this space. You are right. I live in Houston and I remember after Katrina hit NO rita hit HOUSTON and the roads were packed for days.
So me being completely new to this what is the first piece of advice you would give me?
What type of plan or system do you recommend?

 

[tmttactical]

Evanxx. You proposed a great many concepts but all of them require specialized skills and large dollar investments. Take the natural gas well. Special equipment, special skills and if there is natural gas under the property then it is going to cost a major fortune to purchase the property. Networking is just a slower way to advertise. You talk to somebody, they think of somebody, then to them and that continues until it is out of control. The key is going to be logistics and security. If it can't be done by half a dozen, then it will be to big to remain a secrete. Out door farming is not defensible. I could take my simple 6.5 Creedmoor and pick off all your worker / team members and never expose myself. Do you have any idea how high a deer can jump? What kind of fencing you would need to keep the deer from simply roaming away?

Now I can't think of any SHTF event that would require a person to evac to this BOL, where a 350 mile journey would be advisable. As I have stated many times, If you are not at your BOL, the chances are you will not make it to your BOL during a major SHTF event. Roads impassable, carjacking, lack of fuel and many other considerations. My suggestion, start on paper (computer) and list what and where and then how much it would cost. The what --- Rural farm, ranch, cabin, exactly what do you hope to build? Next the where? What location, mountain, forest, swamp, flat land, desert - -the state? Then the cost factor. What is the land cost, what is the building costs, what is the equipment costs. Once you have these nailed down, then and only then will you have an idea if your goal is viable. Don't forget the cost to grade a road, if this property is off the beaten track. Also remember the further you are from towns, cities, the more construction costs will be incurred. Do this before you get too far into recruiting folks. Also many of the skill types you may want, may not want to live in the boonies. Lots to think about and check into.

 

[Evanxx]

You buy the property not the mineral rights. When well production depletes to uneconomic levels the operator is forced to plug it. When that happens instead of the operator spending 60-70k they will give you the well for free but you have to bond it for around 30-40k. This isn’t hard my buddies and I have all the “special” skills required. My friend that has a compact thermal distaltion unit used in the oil and gas industry will sell me a unit for 20k .
As far as the deer jumping out of the fence. It’s the same as all of the hunting ranches with high fences ..
yes it takes money but not as much individually as some may think especially if you have small scale community.
We know the area, economics of the project etc. and what it takes to scale and operate the ranch.
We just don’t have 20 years of experience of prepping.
Sure we are hunters , campers, and gun enthusiasts but we haven’t practiced the trade as you guys have.
Are you saying you will not be farming because it’s not able to be defended? How will you sustain over long periods?
Anyone could set anywhere at any time and shoot anyone. Should you not try because someone could possibly shoot the farmer?
So it seems the largest problems we face is getting there after a shtf scenario and finding the proper people with the right skill sets to make a functional ranch.
And bullet proof vests for the farmer haha