Go Chimo, I probably asked you this before (most likely, but memory shot), What unit and year were you in. An ex-sapper my self, 74 -82, Chilliwack and Lahr.

As skills, demolitions and heavy Equipment, got hurt and went air force, AET, at my 20 got out and to college for my Mech. Eng. Design Technologist. Now @ 57 I'm a security guard and consultant. Learned stick/mig welding at college and on my own.

http://internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1082&p=10590&hilit=skills+list#p10590

you may want to check out this post

Just my opinion .In case of SHIFT very needed skills would be the very BASIC skills.Go to primitive countries you do not see any technical or sophisticated structures or inventions just simple happy life.Is not part of our problem today the technology ?After while we will be back to it but for a while is the very basic , logical thinking and trustworthy friends.Again -just my thinking.
Henry

1

I agree and disagree on the primitive thing after a problem. After our debts are paid I will be buying metal and other odds and ends for those with skill in the areas Chimo talks about. I plan on aquiring spooled wire of many gauges as well as metering supplies and what not. I would prefer to trade skill for material since skills are aquired through time and my material is aquired through time (work). Cant learn everything but this to me is a barter worth trading for. Hands on skill like Chimo and not some desk engineer is what I would seek.

In simple life (after shift) you do not trade you simply help (share} each other.Even now with my neighbor we just tell each other what we need or what kind of help we need.We check watch and care for each other.That is the way i was raised and that is the way i live.That why is supper important to have friend you can deepened with your life on.That why when some "preppers" are looking creating community be very very careful and know the other people.
For all my jobs around the house now i try to use only the basic tools just practise without hydro and without gas just simple hand power.
Henry

Little bit of history..

im a jack of all trades, including 3 years military reserves. participated in manitoba floods in 97 and ice storms in 98 (smith falls) and it opened my eyes to being prepared!

Ex-military jack of all trades here as well. I'm hoping to have a family and become self-sufficient off the grid.

If anyone wants to build a local network in Eastern Ontario/Quebec, I'm in.

I think it's awesome, not everyone has such varied skills and experience is willing to help out others.

Patriotkings. If anything significant happens, no one person or group will be able to get by for ever..We all like to think we can and maybe its possible, but what kind of life would that be...This is sort of self serving.. Anyone I can help now, hopefully wont blow my head off if things go wrong, and at best will share some home brew or wine.

Chimo, Ack
now if i can locate or build a cheap cider press the home brew is on!

Got the grapes, but tend to make more vinager then wine with them at this time, but I do make a mean mead and a good spruce tip beer.. Might even have a little project for someone if they can weld? I need a part made to fit my wagon for my horse.. PM me if you are interested in hearing more, I want to be able to do a local pickup (no shipping costs)..

FG