I think having a "Caveman" mindset is almost imperative. Supplies are good, but I think being able to get by off of the land is the best. Hunting, farming, gathering water, etc. Knowing what plants to eat and what can be used for medical uses and others. Certain things that are high in salicylic acid, etc. Edible vegetation and what have you. Basic and advanced medical knowledge. My wife has some medical training. She is a Certified Medical Assistant and is constantly working to expand her wealth of knowledge as far as trauma medical info. I read that bleeding is the #1 thing people need to know about. Be it from a gunshot, stab wound, compound fracture, whatever. The worst thing is bleeding. It can send you in to shock and of course you can bleed out. I like the "Portable Hospital" in Cheaper Than Dirt. Far from cheap, but what quality medical attention is cheap? None worth getting, IMO. I think it's a good start to a quality medical pack. I think this is one of the few things I think is better packed than managed as you go. I think A,B,C,D, and so on are necessary for medical equipment. I like having backup plans to my backup plans!
Navigation is an invaluable skill, IMO. A GPS may be nice, but having at least a couple maps and compasses are MANDATORY for Alabaster and company. Boy, I feel for those who can't read one or navigate without an electronic GPS.
An east meets west campin' trip would be invaluable, I think. The networking, fellowship, and info sharing can't be quantified.