What Americans Can Learn As Europe Prepares For War
Civil preparation pamphlets are being distributed in case of war with Russia. They offer an interesting glimpse into post-Cold War prepping.
Wealthy, democratic, first-world countries like Sweden and France are preparing their citizens for war. In pamphlets either already distributed or in the production process, people are urged to stockpile supplies, learn first aid and other skills, and note the locations of nearby shelters and resources. But there’s more. These countries are also issuing warnings about the dangers of disinformation, and urging people to ramp up their digital security measures. Given that our own country is largely responsible for Europe’s newly perilous situation, and that only a “nice ocean,” separates us from the rest of the world’s problems, there’s a lot here that all of us should probably learn too.
Quick article today as I work on larger pieces. One will also center around disasters, preparation, and aid, while another is a deeper look inside the changing relationship between the park service and trans Americans. What does the threat of war have to do with the outdoors? Well, I had the whole “be prepared,” thing hammered into me as a kid, and it doesn’t make sense to forget that mantra once you get home from a camping trip.
Above is Sweden’s new “In Case of Crisis of War” pamphlet, which it recently distributed to all 5 million households in the country. They’ve been issuing these guides since the beginning of the Cold War, but this is the first since that country entered NATO, and since Russia began its large scale invasion of Ukraine.
Similar guidance has been distributed by Denmark, Norway, and Finland. France, which is attempting to take on a larger role in military leadership on the continent, is preparing its own, which it says it plans to distribute, “before summer.”
The brochure begins:
“To all residents of Sweden,
“We live in uncertain times. Armed conflicts are currently being waged in our corner of the world. Terrorism, cyber attacks, and disinformation campaigns are being used to undermine and influence us.
“To resist these threats, we must stand united. If Sweden is attacked, everyone must do their part to defend Sweden’s independence – and our democracy.
“We build resilience every day, together with our loved ones, colleagues, friends, and neighbours.
“In this brochure, you learn how to prepare for, and act, in case of crisis or war.
“You are part of Sweden’s overall emergency preparedness.”
Let’s look at some of the unique guidance provided here.
Sweden warns these aren’t future threats, they’re happening now.
“…There are other ways, besides armed conflict, to influence and undermine our society; for example, cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, terrorism, and sabotage. These types of attacks may occur at any time. Some are happening here and now.”
Prepare for a week or more without government help.
“If a serious incident does occur, aid must be primarily focused on those who need it the most. This means that most of us must be able to manage on our own for at least a week.”
Nuclear, chemical, and biological threats are possible.
“The elevated global threat level increases the risk that nuclear weapons may be used. During attacks in which nuclear, chemical or biological weapons are used, take cover as you would during an air raid. Civil defence shelters provide the best protection. Radiation levels will lower drastically after a couple of days.”
Stockpile, food, water, warm clothing, cash, sanitation and comms.
“Store water in plastic bottles and put them in your freezer. The bottles can be used as ice packs if the electricity cuts out. When the ice has melted, you can drink the water. Don’t fill the bottles all the way to the top – they may crack when frozen.”
“Your home’s indoor temperature will drop quickly if the electricity cuts out during winter. Gather in one room, drape blankets over the windows, and cover the floor with rugs.”
“You must be able to receive news and important information from government authorities. You must also be able to stay in contact with family and friends.”
“You need food that is filling, energy-rich and that can be stored safely at room temperature. Get food that can be prepared quickly, requires very little water, or that can be eaten immediately. Start building up your emergency storage by simply buying one or two additional items when doing your regular shopping.”
“The ability to make payments in various ways increases your emer gency preparedness. You should use cash occasionally.”
“You may urinate in the toilet even if you can’t flush it. Discard toilet paper in a garbage can or bucket with a lid. To dispose of excrement, fit a plastic bag or garbage bag in your toilet bowl or use a portable toilet or a bucket with a lid. Cover the excrement with compost litter or sawdust.”
Expect disinformation.
"Attempts to influence us, primarily through online platforms and social media, occur on a daily basis. The goal of these actions is to sow mistrust and erode our will to defend ourselves."
“Those seeking to influence us may do so in the following ways:
Spreading lies, false narratives, or stories that are partially true, but taken out of context.
Manufacturing fake images, videos or voice recordings.
Attempts to elicit strong emotions related to certain issues or events to heighten a sense of worry or suspicion towards each other.”
“How you can contribute to our collective resilience:
Be mindful of content that elicits a strong reaction.
Only share information you know comes from reliable sources.
Try to verify information from several different sources.
Get verification from official government sources when something serious has happened.”
Digital security should be a part of your prepping.
“You play a part in strengthening Sweden’s resilience by handling information in a safe and secure way, both at home and at work.”
“Tips to get started:
• Create strong passwords that use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
• Don’t click on links in emails, or open attachments from unknown senders.
• Install security updates immediately.
• Perform regular backups of important information to an external hard drive, USB drive or cloud service.”
Expect terror attacks.
“Terror attacks and armed aggression can be directed at people or vital infrastructure, such as transport systems or the electrical grid. If you are affected, act immediately.”
Prepare your pets.
“You are responsible for the care and wellbeing of your pet in the event of crisis or war. Make sure you have supplies at home to last at least a week.”
“In the event of an air raid, you may bring your pet to protective structures like cellars, garages and metro stations. If you must leave your pet at home – and it can manage free access to food – leave additional food and water.”
Manage stress.
"Restrict your news intake. Find a level that works for you and spend more time doing things that make you feel good.”
To me, the most relevant parts of this manual are the sections about disinformation, digital security, terror and preparing to survive at least a week without help.
Until recently, Twitter had become a vital tool for distributing information around natural disasters and other crisis. But as it’s been turned into a tool for right wing disinformation, it can no longer be trusted. So it’s back to battery-powered radios for live updates.
Seeing Sweden treat digital security as a matter of national security is also highly relevant to Americans. We are under daily attacks from both scammers and adversarial nations. Damage and costs associated with these should be considered damage and costs associated with warfare.
The potential for terror attacks as part of asymmetrical warfare are also something Americans need to become more aware of. As our military gears up for a major strike, if not all-out war with Iran, this risk will amplify.
Right now, FEMA advises Americans to have at least 72 hours of food, water, medications, and other supplies on hands. With Trump gutting FEMA, towards a stated goal of eliminating the agency, and with the President spreading disinformation around disasters, it’s time for prepared citizens to expand the timeline in which we expect to receive help. If that help can now be relied on at all.
Wes Siler is your guide to leading a more exciting life outdoors. Upgrading to a paid subscription supports independent journalism and gives you personal access to his expertise and network, which he’ll use to help you plan trips, purchase gear, and solve problems. You can read more about what he’s doing on Substack through this link.
Remember kids: fascism necessitates war. You can read more about why here: https://archive.org/details/ArmyTalkOrientationFactSheet64-Fascism/page/n1/mode/2up
kick ass article, Wes, thx