Prepared: A Manual for Surviving Worst-Case Scenarios

Acronyms are powerful mnemonic devices and tools for effective communication. An acronym is formed by taking the initial letters of a phrase or a set of words and creating a new word from them. In Prepared, acronyms serve a utilitarian purpose. Glover uses acronyms to break down overwhelming amounts of survival information into easily memorable words or phrases, allowing the reader to retain information more easily. Initially used for speed and efficiency, acronyms form part of military diction, adopted widely by the survivalist movement as part of their culture. Acronyms rely on insider knowledge, fostering a sense of group community as opposed to the population at large. Acronyms are therefore important to Glover’s presentation of his advice as an expert and ex-military member and in making the reader feel like they’re part of a special group with elite knowledge.

Acronyms condense the complex concepts and lengthy details presented in Prepared into memorable symbols. For instance, the acronym PACE (primary, alternate, contingency, emergency) is used to define escape and mitigation strategies for a crisis situation and allows an individual to easily remember the correct steps required while in the heat of the moment. Acronyms allow for easy, rote memorization that aids people in high-stress scenarios.