Dear James,
Concerning joining the military and prepping: If the person has the aptitude then joining the Navy Seabees [Construction Battalion] would definitely be something to consider. The Seabees are primarily builders but do get training to fight. Being as they are not “combat” troops the deployment should be less than a combat arm. And the training [they provide] as a builder would be very handy if the Schumer Hits The Fan.
Best Regards, – Jim M.