The Survival Retreat by Ragnar Benson (subtitled 'A Total Plan for Retreat Defense') is a slim volume and an interesting, if somewhat dated read that might best be aimed at someone who has never thought about serious security before. This book has several strengths and several weaknesses in my opinion. I'll outline what I consider to be the book's weaknesses first, then talk about what I did like...Firstly, I found the book to be general in scope, so general that the content tends to contradict the subtitle. This is anything but a 'total plan', rather it is a set of general principles that one might use to assist one in thinking about how to set up a specific security plan for a survival retreat or for one's home in the event of a TEOTWAWKI event. For the well read survival enthusiast, there is nothing particularly new in here that common sense and previous reading hasn't already provided. Still, I enjoyed this book and consider it a good addition to the bookshelf.
As one of the books most forgivable signs of being dated, Rangar's worry about the Soviet Union is obviously not currently relevant in the same way as it was when the book was written, and can be tuned out accordingly as one reads the book. I personally tend to try and tune out the politics of these types of books, as they aren't usually relevant to the practical information and can either narrow or falsely over-expand the evaluation of potential threats unecessarily.
The most seriously dated aspect of the book was the context of Benson's continued advice that the serious retreat stock explosives in quantity, which he seems to consider to be easy to do. Unfortunately, nowadays it is much harder to just buy dynamite or even fertilizer components that might yield effective explosive materials. I don't disagree that explosives would be very useful to someone wanting to ensure effective security for their area of operations, it's just that I don't believe that they can be included in a realistic security plan that is feasible to create for most readers of this book. It would be better to focus on what one can do without relying on materials that most of us will never be able to legally or safely obtain. Even inquiring about some of these components now could bring some very unwanted attention upon the aspiring survivor. I think that this emphasis can be somewhat forgiven, as times have changed a bit since 1983.
Finally, a weakness of this book is its reliance on purpose-built retreat structures. While Benson does encourage the reader to make do with what they've got, his overriding focus seems to be directed to those who can afford to build a strongpoint type of retreat. While a purpose-built structure is superior for obvious reasons, I'd like to have seen more things that a homeowner could do to mitigate vulnerabilities in their existing buildings. The vast majority of readers will have to try and implement a security plan that centers on their existing house, for better or for worse. Also, there is not a lot of specific advise on how to work with your existing 'lay of the land' rather than specifically selecting a secure site, another luxury most survivors don't have.
What I really liked about this book was Benson's use of personal anecdotes that outlined some of the prinicples he discussed. I find that a real world example (or at least a plausible fictional example) can often bring to light many of the difficult aspects of this type of subject. There is no easy and perfect way to ensure that no one will attack your retreat or accidentally give you the plague as they pass by, and Benson knows this. There are inherent moral contradictions in isolating yourself by force, and TEOTWAWKI won't be a target match against inhuman zombies, it will be your neighbors, their children, sick and helpless innocents and people just like you on the business end of your security plan. In some ways, these are the most important aspects to think about when planning security, as they will likely be the sources of the most serious problems and difficult decisions you'll have.
One of the books greatest strengths is that Ragnar several times emphasizes that the best way to get out of trouble is to stay out of trouble. He mentions that firearms and combat capabilities are last resorts, especially in the case of the survival retreat. The 'casualties' you take are your family and close friends, and, thus,the survival retreat can afford to take NO casualties and still retain its function: to keep you and your family alive. He makes it clear that escaping danger is more important than standing and fighting, as long as you've made good plans for that escape. Which brings us to one of Benson's most famous quotes: "Don't become a refugee". Excellent advice and reinforced throughout the book.
Another good feature was the extensive checklist at the back of the book. It seems like it would be a good tool for the inexperienced to evaluate certain aspects of their 'preparedness' for certain types of disasters.
All in all, I liked this book and enjoyed reading it. While it hasn't made much difference in how I have planned security around here, it still is a valuable additon to the survivor's bookshelf and is recommended.
