[Pollster1]

Does anyone have thoughts on urban, suburban, or rural fortifications? Would traditional fences, brick/stone walls, dirt/sandbag berms, be helpful in protecting a home or a neighborhood, would those draw more challenges than they would discourage, or does their value depend on the size and capabilities of the neighborhood and on the proximity of areas with feral gangs?

[JRandomFreeper]

I don't intend to fort up. I intend to go hunting.

/johnny

[driftdiver]

Consider getting a book called “A Failure of Civility” written by Mike Garand and Jack Lawson. Two guys with urban spec ops training. I saw it here on FR. A technical guide to turning urban areas into defensive zones among many other things.

[PowderMonkey]

Fuggetabouddit. The European landscape is dotted with the bones of broken fortifications, going back centuries. Devote energy to building alliances, sharing skill sets, food, and meds. Think “Mobile, Agile, and Hostile.” Infections and waterborne illnesses will be huge. Sepsis/”soldier’s belly” will be your Nr. 1 threat.

[meatloaf]

Unobtrusive. Blend in. Plant a dead rotting animal nearby. Replace as the odor goes away. You want to be invisible.

[Polynikes]

“does their value depend on the size and capabilities of the neighborhood and on the proximity of areas with feral gangs?”

I think that is more your answer. Strength in numbers/unity and determination but then your reqs for food and water go up. The other choices while good are static and offer a focus point for the opposition. Flexibility and being able to think outside the box would be better. Read some writing by H. John Poole and his views on 4GW warfare.

On the individual level a “grey man” defense would be better. All war is based on deception.

[bgill]

The biggest problem with a wooden or brick fence would be that you can’t see who or what is on the other side. Same with a berm. But ymmv.

[Ellendra]

In rural areas especially, it's possible to make barriers that look natural, and thus won't proclaim that there are people with things to protect. For example, it's easy to encourage thorny, viney plants like greenbrier to take over an area. My land is already covered in a mix of wild roses, black caps, nettles, and wild parsnip. It wouldn't take much to weave those into a natural-looking barrier.

[Darren McCarty]

The only fort I would have is either a boundary fence or something to keep animals in/out. As far as keeping people out, If SHTF, I’ll be going to the family acreage 100 miles from a city. I dont expect a mad rush of people going there when there more attractive targets for thieves and robbers.

[Unknowing]

“Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man.” Gen. George S. Patton.

When the thin veneer of civility breaks badly into thick, hard chaos, then — as the video illustrates — we see blood in the streets. The heart of the matter lies in the question: “whose blood?” The answer is: human blood, in the streets, with liberty and justice for none. That is the horrid reality of war. “I love it. God help me I do love it so. I love it more than my life.” (George C, Scott, as Patton)

That’s the spirit of a warrior, and that’s the preparation for survival.

[lapsus calami]

 

 

Such fortifications done and done badly - which is a mistake that is too easy to do - would boomerang on you by actually providing cover for an attacking force. I agree with others here that being mobile and not bogged down in static fortifications is coherent strategy, yet there are circumstances where you would need to fortify. The trick is to make it flat out inconvenient and difficult as possible for hostiles to make an effective approach on your position. You have to create the circumstances to do so on your terms - not the enemy's. You may want to find and consult a copy of the "Combined Arms Obstacle Integration" manual for ideas of what I am talking about.

 

 

[familyop]

"Would traditional fences, brick/stone walls, dirt/sandbag berms, be helpful in protecting a home or a neighborhood,..."

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Blackberry, raspberry and rose bushes. They make a nice non-threatening looking fortification and you get some nice food and flowers.

[familyop]

"Does anyone have thoughts on...rural fortifications?"