Survival Skills: Five Military Survival Skills

In an ever-evolving world, the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances cannot be overstated. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a civil disturbance, or any other emergency situation, having the right skills can make the difference between life and death. This article delves deep into the realm of military survival skills, which have been honed and perfected over decades by armed forces worldwide. These skills are not just for soldiers; they can be invaluable for preppers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to be better prepared for emergencies. By the end of this article, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of five essential military survival skills and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios. These skills are backed by rigorous training, research, and real-world application, making them some of the most reliable survival techniques available.

Survival Skills: Five Military Survival Skills

Table of Contents

1. Situational Awareness
2. Camouflage and Concealment
3. Water Procurement and Purification
4. Navigation Without Modern Tools
5. Building Shelter in Adverse Conditions
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Final Thoughts
8. Sources

Situational Awareness

Situational awareness, often abbreviated as SA, is a multifaceted skill that goes beyond mere observation. It’s a cognitive ability that allows individuals to perceive their environment, understand its significance, and predict possible future scenarios based on the current situation. In the context of military operations and survival situations, SA is a critical component that can determine the success or failure of a mission or survival endeavor.

Components of Situational Awareness

1. Perception of Elements in the Environment: This is the first and most basic level of SA. It involves recognizing essential elements, events, and details in one’s immediate surroundings. This could be noticing a change in the wind direction, spotting a potential threat in a crowd, or hearing a distant sound that might indicate danger.
2. Comprehension of the Current Situation: Once the elements are perceived, the next step is to understand their significance. This involves integrating the information gathered and determining its relevance to one’s goals. For instance, understanding that the distant sound heard is a river could mean a potential source of water in a survival situation.
3. Projection of Future Status: This is the most advanced level of SA. It involves using the information perceived and comprehended to predict future outcomes. If one understands that a storm is approaching, they can then predict that seeking shelter should be a priority.

Importance in Military and Survival Contexts

In military operations, SA is vital for decision-making. A soldier with a high level of situational awareness can make informed decisions that could save lives, complete missions, or avoid threats. For instance, a pilot needs to be aware of the weather conditions, the status of their aircraft, the position of enemy and friendly forces, and much more to make split-second decisions during a flight.

For preppers and survivalists, SA is equally crucial. In a post-disaster scenario, being aware of one’s surroundings, understanding the significance of changes in the environment, and predicting potential threats can make the difference between life and death.

Enhancing Situational Awareness

1. Regular Training: Just like any other skill, SA can be improved with regular training. This can involve simulation exercises, role-playing scenarios, or even simple observation exercises in daily life.
2. Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. The more one knows about their environment, the better they can understand and predict it. This includes understanding weather patterns, knowing local flora and fauna, and being aware of current events.
3. Limit Distractions: In today’s digital age, distractions are everywhere. To enhance SA, it’s essential to limit these distractions, especially in critical situations. This means putting away smartphones, turning off unnecessary electronics, and being mentally present in the current moment.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation can help improve focus and awareness. By being present and fully engaged in the current moment, one can better perceive, understand, and predict their environment.

Situational awareness is a dynamic skill that involves a continuous loop of perception, comprehension, and projection. Whether in the heat of a military operation or a survival scenario, SA is a critical tool that can provide a significant advantage. By understanding its components and actively working to enhance it, individuals can better navigate and respond to their environment.

Camouflage and Concealment

In both military and survival contexts, the ability to remain undetected can be a game-changer. Camouflage and concealment are two intertwined techniques that focus on reducing visibility and ensuring one’s safety. While they are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences and applications.

Understanding the Difference

• Camouflage: This refers to the use of materials and techniques to disguise an object or person, making them blend in with their surroundings. The goal is to break up the recognizable outlines and patterns, making it difficult for the observer to distinguish the camouflaged object from its environment.
• Concealment: While camouflage focuses on blending in, concealment is about hiding. It involves using natural or man-made structures to shield oneself or an object from observation. A concealed position might not necessarily be camouflaged, but it’s positioned in such a way that it’s not easily visible to observers.

Techniques and Applications

1. Natural Camouflage: This involves using materials from the environment, such as leaves, branches, grass, or mud, to break up patterns and outlines. For instance, a sniper might cover their helmet with foliage from their surroundings to blend in seamlessly.
2. Camouflage Patterns and Clothing: Military units worldwide use uniforms with specific patterns designed for various environments, from desert to jungle to urban settings. These patterns help break up the silhouette of the wearer, making them harder to spot.
3. Camouflage Makeup: Especially in close reconnaissance missions, soldiers might use camouflage face paint to reduce facial shine and break up recognizable facial features.
4. Shadow and Light: Understanding how light and shadow work is crucial for both camouflage and concealment. Staying in the shadows, avoiding skyline outlines, and understanding how the sun or artificial light sources might reveal one’s position are all essential aspects.
5. Natural and Man-made Concealment: This can range from hiding behind rocks, trees, or bushes to using structures like buildings, walls, or trenches. The key is to ensure that the chosen concealment offers protection and doesn’t inadvertently draw attention.
6. Movement and Noise Discipline: Being still and silent is often the best camouflage and concealment. Rapid or careless movement can draw attention, as can making unnecessary noise. It’s essential to move slowly, deliberately, and quietly when trying to remain undetected.

Importance in Military and Survival Scenarios

In military operations, effective camouflage and concealment can mean the difference between a successful mission and a compromised one. Snipers, reconnaissance teams, and special forces units spend extensive time training in these techniques to ensure they can approach, observe, and engage without being detected.

For survivalists and preppers, these skills are equally valuable. In a post-disaster scenario or when evading potential threats, being able to hide or blend into one’s surroundings can be a lifesaver.

Camouflage and concealment are more than just techniques; they are art forms that require a deep understanding of the environment, keen observation skills, and a lot of practice. Whether it’s a soldier on a reconnaissance mission or a prepper in a survival scenario, mastering these skills can provide a significant advantage, ensuring safety and success in challenging situations.

Water Procurement and Purification

Water is the essence of life. In survival situations, securing a reliable source of clean water becomes paramount. The human body can survive weeks without food, but only a few days without water. In both military and survival contexts, understanding how to procure and purify water is a skill of utmost importance. This section delves into the techniques and considerations for obtaining and ensuring potable water.

Methods of Water Procurement

1. Natural Sources: Streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds are the most obvious sources. However, it’s essential to consider the purity of these sources. Water from a fast-moving stream is generally cleaner than stagnant water, but both should be purified before consumption.
2. Rainwater: Collecting rainwater using containers, tarps, or even large leaves can be an effective way to gather clean water. While rainwater is generally pure, it can become contaminated when it comes into contact with surfaces or containers.
3. Dew Collection: Early in the morning, dew can be collected using a cloth or by shaking it off vegetation into a container. This method can yield a surprising amount of water if done correctly and consistently.
4. Transpiration: By tying a clear plastic bag around a leafy branch, one can collect water through the transpiration process of plants. The water vapor released by the plant will condense on the inner surface of the bag and collect at the bottom.
5. Solar Still: Digging a hole and placing a container in the center, then covering the hole with clear plastic can create a solar still. Placing small rocks on the plastic’s center will direct the condensed water into the container.
6. Groundwater: In some areas, digging a few feet into the ground can yield water. This method is especially effective in dry riverbeds or low-lying areas.

Water Purification Techniques

1. Boiling: Bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) is one of the most effective ways to kill pathogens. However, boiling won’t remove chemical contaminants.
2. Filtration: Portable water filters can remove most bacteria and protozoa. Some advanced filters can also remove viruses. It’s crucial to choose a filter based on the water source’s potential contaminants.
3. Chemical Treatment: Iodine tablets, chlorine drops, or bleach can be used to disinfect water. While effective against many pathogens, they might not kill all viruses and can leave an unpleasant taste.
4. Solar Disinfection (SODIS): Filling clear plastic bottles with water and leaving them in direct sunlight for several hours can kill many pathogens. The UV radiation from the sun interacts with oxygen to produce reactive forms of oxygen, which kill pathogens.
5. Distillation: By boiling water and collecting the vapor, one can obtain purified water. This method is effective against both pathogens and many chemical contaminants.

Considerations and Precautions

• Always prioritize water sources that appear clear and free from floating particles.
• Avoid water sources near human settlements, as they are more likely to be contaminated.
• Be cautious of water that has an unusual color, smell, or taste.
• Always purify water from unknown sources, even if it appears clean.

Water procurement and purification are skills that can save lives in survival scenarios. Whether stranded in a desert, lost in a forest, or navigating post-disaster urban environments, understanding how to secure clean drinking water is paramount. With knowledge, preparation, and practice, one can ensure they remain hydrated and healthy in even the most challenging situations.

Navigation Without Modern Tools

In today’s digital age, we’ve grown accustomed to the convenience of GPS devices, smartphones, and other modern navigation tools. However, there’s an inherent value in understanding and mastering traditional navigation techniques. These age-old methods, honed over centuries, can be life-saving in situations where technology fails or is unavailable. Whether you’re a hiker, a survivalist, or just an outdoor enthusiast, knowing how to navigate without modern tools is an indispensable skill.

Traditional Navigation Techniques

1. Celestial Navigation:
   • The Sun: The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. By observing its position, one can generally determine cardinal directions. A simple method involves placing a stick upright in the ground and marking the tip of its shadow. Wait for about 15 minutes and mark the shadow tip again. The line connecting these two points will give you an east-west direction.
   • The Stars: The North Star (Polaris) in the Northern Hemisphere remains relatively fixed and indicates true north. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross constellation can help determine the south direction.
2. Natural Landmarks:
   • Observing the natural environment can provide clues. For instance, moss tends to grow on the north side of trees in the Northern Hemisphere due to the shade, while river valleys typically run from higher to lower ground, leading to larger water bodies.
3. Animal Behavior: Animals often move in specific patterns based on water sources, food, or migration habits. Observing these patterns can provide hints about directions and nearby resources.
4. Analog Watches: If you have an analog watch, you can use it as a makeshift compass. In the Northern Hemisphere, point the hour hand at the sun. Midway between the hour hand and the number 12 will give you a south direction. The opposite method works for the Southern Hemisphere.
5. Magnetic Compass: While it’s a traditional tool, a magnetic compass is not “modern” in the sense of being electronic or digital. It relies on Earth’s magnetic field to indicate magnetic north. Paired with a topographic map, it can be a powerful navigation tool.

Tips for Effective Navigation

• Stay Calm: If you realize you’re lost, panic can be your worst enemy. Take deep breaths, calm yourself, and assess your situation.
• Landmarks: Always identify landmarks as you travel. These can be unique trees, rock formations, or any distinguishable feature. They’ll help you retrace your steps if needed.
• Consistent Direction: If you’re unsure of your exact location but have a general idea, pick a direction (e.g., downstream or downhill) and stick to it. This can eventually lead you to recognizable landmarks or populated areas.
• Night Navigation: If navigating at night, especially using stars, ensure you have a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. Cloud cover, tall trees, or mountains can obscure celestial bodies.
• Practice: Like any skill, practice makes perfect. Regularly practice these techniques, even if you have modern tools at your disposal. This ensures you’re prepared when you need them most.

Navigating without the aid of modern tools is a blend of art and science. It requires keen observation, understanding of the natural world, and a lot of practice. While technology has undoubtedly made navigation more accessible, there’s a profound satisfaction in finding one’s way using the same techniques our ancestors relied upon. More importantly, in survival situations, these skills can make the difference between staying lost and finding your way home.

Building Shelter in Adverse Conditions

In survival scenarios, shelter is one of the “Big Three” essentials, alongside water and food. A good shelter can protect you from the elements, maintain body temperature, and offer a sense of security. In adverse conditions, the importance of a well-constructed shelter becomes even more pronounced. Whether you’re facing torrential rain, blistering heat, or freezing temperatures, knowing how to build an effective shelter can be life-saving.

Factors to Consider Before Building

1. Location: Choose a spot away from potential hazards like falling rocks, flooding areas, or avalanche paths. Ideally, the location should also be near resources like water and firewood.
2. Size: Your shelter should be just large enough to accommodate you. A smaller space is easier to warm with body heat.
3. Orientation: Consider the direction of prevailing winds and position the shelter’s entrance opposite to them. In cold environments, ensure the entrance is not facing north.
4. Materials: Use what’s available. In forests, this might be leaves and branches, while in snowy areas, it could be the snow itself.

Types of Shelters for Various Conditions

1. Desert Conditions:
   • Solar Shade: A simple structure made of cloth or any available material, elevated on one side to create shade and protect against the sun’s relentless heat.
   • Sand Insulation: Digging a shallow trench to lie in can protect you from the heat, as the ground temperature is often cooler than the surface.
2. Forest Conditions:
   • Lean-To: Using a fallen tree or a horizontally placed branch supported by two trees, lean larger branches against it. Cover with leaves, moss, or any available foliage for insulation.
   • A-Frame Shelter: Place a long branch between two trees and create an A-shaped structure using smaller branches, then cover with foliage.
3. Rainy or Wet Conditions:
   • Elevated Platforms: In areas prone to flooding, build your shelter off the ground using stilts or elevated platforms.
   • Tarp Shelter: If you have a tarp or waterproof material, create a sloping roof to allow rainwater to run off.
4. Snowy or Cold Conditions:
   • Snow Cave: Dig into a snowbank or drift, ensuring the entrance is lower than the sleeping area to trap warm air inside.
   • Quinzhee: Pile snow into a mound, allow it to settle, then hollow it out to create a shelter.
   • Igloo: Constructed using blocks of snow, igloos are time-consuming but offer excellent insulation.
5. Windy Conditions:
   • Windbreaks: Use natural barriers like rocks, hills, or dense vegetation to shield against the wind. If none are available, create a barrier using materials like branches, tarps, or snow.

Tips for Enhancing Shelter Efficiency

• Insulation: Use dry leaves, grass, or even clothing layers to insulate the floor of your shelter. This barrier can significantly reduce heat loss to the ground.
• Waterproofing: Ensure your shelter is waterproof, especially in rainy conditions. This can be achieved using tarps, large leaves, or even mud to seal gaps.
• Ventilation: In snowy conditions, especially when using snow caves or igloos, ensure there’s adequate ventilation to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.
• Visibility: If rescue is a priority, make your shelter visible by using brightly colored materials or creating noticeable markers.

Building a shelter in adverse conditions is both a science and an art. It requires understanding the environment, improvising with available resources, and continuously adapting to changing conditions. A well-constructed shelter not only provides physical protection but also offers psychological comfort, making it a cornerstone of survival in challenging scenarios. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a casual hiker, mastering the skill of shelter-building ensures you’re prepared for whatever nature throws your way.

Final Thoughts

The essence of survival lies in preparation, adaptability, and knowledge. The military survival skills discussed in this article are a testament to the rigorous training and real-world experiences of armed forces worldwide. For preppers and survival enthusiasts, these skills offer a foundation upon which to build and refine their survival strategies. The most crucial takeaway is that survival is not just about individual skills but the ability to integrate them seamlessly, adapting to changing circumstances and making informed decisions under pressure.