S.U.R.V.I.V.A.L
Survival Actions
S - SIZE UP THE SITUATION
If you are in combat, look for places to conceal yourself from the enemy. Safety is paramount. Use your senses—hearing, smell, and sight—to gain awareness of the battlefield. Determine whether the enemy is attacking, retreating, or defending. Understanding the situation is crucial before creating a survival plan.
Be aware of your surroundings. Every environment, whether a forest or desert, has rhythms and patterns. Pay attention to sounds, movements, insect noises, and the movement of both enemies and civilians.
The pressure of battle or the threat of survival can cause psychological trauma, making you unaware of actual injuries. Check for injuries and administer first aid to prevent further harm. Regardless of the climate, stay hydrated and dress appropriately to avoid hypothermia.
Some of your equipment may be damaged or lost in combat. Assess what gear you have and its condition.
Once you have assessed the situation, surroundings, physical condition, and equipment, you can create a survival plan that includes essentials like water, food, and shelter.
U - USE YOUR ALL SENSES, UNDUE HASTE MAKES WASTE
Acting hastily without thinking or planning can lead to mistakes. Such mistakes may result in capture or death. Before making decisions and moving, consider all conditions. Rushing can cause you to forget or lose equipment, and you may lose your sense of direction. Create an action plan and be prepared to move quickly if the enemy approaches. Use all your senses to assess the situation.
Pay attention to sounds and smells, and be sensitive to changes in temperature. Staying alert is crucial.
R - REMEMBER WHERE YOU ARE
Always use a map to determine your location and compare it with the surrounding terrain. This principle should always be followed. If you have comrades, ensure they can also keep track of their positions. Know who in your group has a compass and map, and make sure to take them if that person is incapacitated. Always be aware of where you are and where you are going.
Always keep in mind nearby enemy forces, friendly forces, water sources (especially in deserts), and places providing cover. This information will help you make wise decisions in survival and escape situations.
V - VANQUISH FEAR AND PANIC
The greatest enemies in survival and escape situations are fear and panic. If you cannot control these elements, you will lose your ability to make sound judgments. Fear and panic can drain your energy and lead to negative emotions.
Training in survival and escape can build confidence that helps you overcome fear and panic.
I - IMPROVISE
In the U.S., you can find almost anything you need easily. However, understanding how tools designed for specific purposes can be adapted for other uses is vital. Learn to improvise and be aware of how natural materials can be utilized.
If your survival kit runs out, you must rely on your creativity and basic skills to survive.
V - VALUE LIVING
- We are born to live, but we often seek comfort and convenience, making us vulnerable to discomfort and stress. When faced with discomfort and stress, valuing life becomes essential. Knowledge and experience gained from military training can guide your will to survive.
A - ACT LIKE THE NATIVES
- Observe how locals and animals adapt to their environment. By watching them, you can learn when and how they gather food and water, and how they live day-to-day.
L - LIVE BY YOUR WITS, BUT FOR NOW, LEARN BASIC SKILLS
If you haven't trained in the basic skills necessary for survival and escape, your chances of survival during combat are low. You must begin learning basic skills immediately, as preparation before deployment is crucial.
Regularly practice basic survival skills in your training to reduce fear of the unknown and boost your confidence.
Survival Pattern
Develop a survival pattern to overcome obstacles that hinder your survival, prioritizing essentials such as food, water, shelter, fire, first aid, and signaling.
Be prepared to adjust your survival pattern based on environmental changes.
