Zombie Apocalypse Guide

Rules of Engagement and Ethics

This chapter deals with ROE and Ethics in the zombie apocalypse.

In military and police settings there are often Rules of Engagement ROE, which are designed to prevent friendly fire and prevent war crimes, such as firing on noncombatants and surrendering combatants. Even in modern society, there are still ROEs that apply in civilian self-defense situations. Many U.S. states require you to do everything you can to de-escalate and avoid a fight. But this book is not here to advise on such issues, and you should always know your local self-defense laws.

However, with the zombie apocalypse, you may not be held accountable for breaking proper ROE, but that does not mean you should be a jerk and shoot anything that moves.

ROE is still very useful in the apocalypse; it can prevent you from accidentally firing on an ally or hurting someone who means you no harm. Often unless you are purposefully trying to clear an area of threats or guarding an area, it is best to lie low and avoid combat or being spotted by enemies, whether they be alive or undead.

There are essentially two main threats present in the zombie apocalypse, Zombies and hostile humans

Zombies

It is completely justified to kill them on sight, but first, you need to know if they really are a zombie.

Can you confirm 100% without a doubt that it is not an injured human or an ally that is merely covered in mud or blood from killing zombies? All too often, self-formed "zombie elimination squads" result in friendly fire on their own allies and friendly humans, because some idiot shot first and asked questions later.

Humans
This is generally much trickier to address than zombies. Despite similarities, the advice given here is also very much only applicable to a zombie apocalypse as applying it in a self-defense or regulated combat situation can result in trouble with the law. The real-life and not (fictional) use of ROE can only be obtained from fully understanding your local self-defense laws and/or being in an armed service/law enforcement. (remember, ROE that are applicable for cops and soldiers does not always carry over to civilian self-defense). With that out of the way let's look at some basic ROE in a zombie apocalypse

Just because an unknown human is carrying a gun, or a melee weapon does not give you the right to engage them. However, if they aim their gun at you then this shows a clear intent to hurt you or your allies.

If they are not showing a clear intent and ability to hurt you, there are the 6 S

1. Shout warnings to stop
2. Show you have a weapon
3. Shove, restrain, or detain them
4. Shoot warning shots
5. Shoot disabling shots, if they are in a vehicle
6. Shoot to eliminate

However, if you are unable to safely go through with all the steps, ex: a guy is running at you with a bomb or knife, then it may be better to skip to the last steps.

The other thing to keep in mind is you do not want to let a guy within 20ft of you because they can potentially run at you and stab you quicker than your ability to shoot.

As previoudly mentioned, a standard uniform or clothing colors amongst your survival group can significantly reduce friendly fire

If you happen to get in a war with another hostile survivor group, if they wear uniforms it gives your group an easy way to identify if they are a combatant. So you might be thinking, "Then why should my survival group wear a uniform appearance". While having a standard look for your groups significantly reduces the chances of friendly fire and makes it easier to identify allies. And just because you follow ROE does not mean your enemy will. They might be just as willing to fire on you if your group is wearing a motley of different clothing and colors vs if your group is wearing a standardized look

In the event that you are not defending/securing an important position or are not apart of a large organized force. It is almost always advisable to avoid detection and contact with unknown humans. As it is nearly impossible to know their true intentions.

Remember when scavenging stores try to confirm that they are abandoned. If they are not abandoned and need warrants it try to see if the occupants are willing to trade.

Ethics

The majority of religions around the world all value "being good", even if you do not believe in a religion or God, there are still many practical reasons, besides morals, on why is it good for your group to be ethical.

Groups that fight for something greater than themselves (or their own survival) or ideals are generally more determined.

For example, say a group is losing a battle

If the people in the group are only concerned with their own personal survival, then they are significantly more likely to try to flee the battle and leave their comrades in order to save their own skin.

If you take care of others to the best of your ability, people are also less likely to hoard resources which will allow resources to be better distributed and supplies will last longer

People will also have reduced stress and a large boost in morale if they know that the group will look after their needs in the case they are unable to take care of themselves ex: if someone gets sick/flu, or someone gets injured.

Why restating a society/government is important

The very purpose of a government is to provide services to its people. Some examples of these services in modern times are the following

Maintenance and construction of transportation and other civil projects.

Law enforcement, emergency medical, and firefighting services

National defense against other governments/groups that mean others harm

Protection of rights for citizens/subjects

All of these things and more are services that governments provide, that increase the quality of life for humans and even animals. As such it is essential that you and your group do your best to reinstate some form of government. Either through forming your own community, joining another such community, or supporting government remnants.

An inadvisable form of government/community would be ones that are reliant upon killing and stealing from other survivors. As such governments are not sustainable for the long term.

While some could potentially consider taxes or the more aggressive tribute-based empire to be thief-based governments. This is not always necessarily the case as such governments use them to provide services to their subjects/citizens.