SURVIVAL MANUAL SUMMER 2002 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, CA. 93517-5001 SUMMER SURVIVAL COURSE HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAP. CONTENTS 1. REQUIREMENTS FOR SURVIVAL 2. SURVIVAL KIT 3. WATER PROCUREMENT 4. EXPEDIENT SHELTERS & FIRES 5. CORE VALUES & MOUNTAIN LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES 6. SIGNALING & RECOVERY 7. SURVIVAL NAVIGATION 8. SURVIVAL TRAPS & SNARES 9. SURVIVAL USES OF GAME 10. EXPEDIENT TOOLS, WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT 11. FORAGING FOR PLANTS & INSECTS FOR SURVIVAL USES 12. SURVIVAL FISHING 13. TRACKING 14. SURVIVAL MEDICINE 15. MOUNTAIN WEATHER 16. INTRO TO EVASION APPENDIXES A EVASION PLAN OF ACTION (EPA) B PME VIDEO “THE EDGE” C SURVIVAL QUICK REFERENCE CHECK LIST D ANIMAL HABITS E TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS F GRADING STANDARDS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California 93517-5001 MSVX.02.01 02/06/05 STUDENT HANDOUT REQUIREMENTS FOR SURVIVAL TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE In a survival situation, and given a survival kit, apply the requirements for survival, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.01) ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES (1) Without the aid of references and given the acronym “SURVIVAL”, describe in writing the acronym “SURVIVAL”, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.01a) (2) Without the aid of references, list in writing the survival stressors, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.01b) (3) Without the aid of references, list in writing the priorities of work in a survival situation, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.01c) (4) Without the aid of references, conduct the priorities of work in a survival situation, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.01d) OUTLINE 1. REQUIREMENTS FOR SURVIVAL a. This positive mental "mind-set" is important in many ways. We usually call it the "will to survive" although you might call it "attitude" as well. This basically means that, if you do not have the right attitude, you may not survive. b. A guideline that can assist you is the acronym " SURVIVAL". (MSVX.02.01a) (1) S ize up. (a) Size up the situation. 1. Conceal yourself from the enemy. 01-1 MSVX.02.01 2. Maintain your wits and use your senses to determine what is happening in your immediate area of influence before making a survival plan. (b) Size up your surroundings. 1. Determine the rhythm or pattern of the area. 2. Note animal and bird noises and their movement. 3. Note enemy traffic and civilian movement. (c) Size up your physical condition. 1. Check your wounds and give yourself first aid. 2. Take care to prevent further bodily harm. 3. Evaluate your condition and the condition of your unit prior to developing a plan. (d) Size up your equipment. 1. Consider how available equipment may affect survival senses; tailor accordingly. (2) U ndue haste makes waste. (a) Plan your moves so that you can move out quickly without endangering yourself if the enemy is near. (3) R emember where you are. (a) If you have a map, spot your location and relate it to the surrounding terrain. (b) Pay close attention to where you are and where you are going. Constantly orient yourself. (c) Try to determine, at a minimum, how your location relates to the following: 1. The location of enemy units and controlled areas. 2. The location of friendly units and controlled areas. 01-2 MSVX.02.01 3. The location of local water sources. 4. Areas that will provide good cover and concealment. (4) V anquish fear and panic. (a) The feeling of fear and panic will be present. The survivor must control these feelings. (5) I mprovise and Improve. (a) Use tools designed for one purpose for other applications. (b) Use objects around you for different needs. (i.e. use a rock for a hammer) (6) V alue living. (a) Place a high value on living. (b) Refuse to give into the problem and obstacles that face you. (c) Draw strength from individuals that rise to the occasion. (7) A ct like the natives. (a) Observe the people in the area to determine their daily eating, sleeping, and drinking routines. (b) Observe animal life in the area to help you find sources of food and water. NOTES: Remember that animal reactions can reveal your presence to the enemy. Animals cannot serve as an absolute guide to what you can eat and drink. (8) L ive by your wits, but for now, learn basic skills. (a) Practice basic survival skills during all training programs and exercises. 2. STRESS . Stress has many positive benefits. Stress provides us with challenges: it gives us chances to learn about our values and strengths. Too much stress leads to distress. While many of these signs may not be self-identified, it remains critical that all survivors remain attentive to each other's signs of distress. Listed are a few common signs of distress found when faced with too much stress: 01-3 MSVX.02.01 a. Difficulty in making decisions. (Do not confuse this sign for a symptom of hypothermia). b. Angry outbursts. c. Forgetfulness. d. Low energy level. e. Constant worrying. f. Propensity for mistakes. g. Thoughts about death or suicide. h. Trouble getting along with others. i. Withdrawing from others. j. Hiding from responsibilities. k. Carelessness. 3. SURVIVAL STRESSORS . (MSVX.02.01b). Any event can lead to stress. Often, stressful events occur simultaneously. These events are not stress, but they produce it and are called "stressors". In response to a stressor, the body prepares to either "fight or flight". Stressors add up. Anticipating stressors and developing strategies to cope with them are the two ingredients in the effective management of stress. It is essential that the survivor be aware of the types of stressors they will encounter. a. Injury, Illness, or Death . Injury, illness, and death are real possibilities a survivor may face. Perhaps nothing is more stressful than being alone in an unfamiliar environment where you could die from hostile action, an accident, or from eating something lethal. b. Uncertainty and Lack of Control . Some people have trouble operating in settings where everything is not clear-cut. This uncertainty and lack of control also add to the stress of being ill, injured or killed. c. Environment . A survivor will have to contend with the stressors of weather, terrain and the types of creatures inhabiting an area. Environmental and climactic changes, coupled with insects and animals, are just a few of the challenges awaiting the Marine working to survive. d. Hunger and Thirst . Without food and water a person will weaken and eventually die. Getting and preserving food and water take on increasing importance as the length of 01-4 MSVX.02.01 time in a survival situation increases. With the likelihood of diarrhea, replenishing electrolytes becomes critical. For a Marine used to having his provisions issued, foraging can be a significant source of stress. e. Fatigue . It is essential that survivors employ all available means to preserve mental and physical strength. While food, water and other energy builders may be in short supply, maximizing sleep to avoid deprivation is a very controllable factor. Further, sleep deprivation directly correlates with increased fear. f. Isolation . Being in contact with others provides a greater sense of security and a feeling someone is available to help if problems occur. 4. NATURAL REACTIONS . Man has been able to survive many changes in his environment throughout the centuries. His ability to adapt physically and mentally to a changing world keeps him alive. The average person will have some psychological reactions in a survival situation. These are some of the major internal reactions you might experience within a survival situation: a. Fear . Fear is our emotional response to dangerous situations that we believe have the potential to cause death, injury or illness. Fear can have a positive effect if it forces us to be cautious in situations where recklessness could result in injury. b. Anxiety . Anxiety is an uneasy, apprehensive feeling we get when faced with dangerous situations. A survivor reduces his anxiety by performing those tasks that will ensure his coming through the ordeal alive. c. Anger and Frustration . Frustration arises when a person is continually thwarted in his attempts to reach a goal. One result of frustration is anger. Getting lost, damaging or forgetting equipment, weather, inhospitable terrain, enemy patrols and physical limitations are just a few sources of frustration and anger. Frustration and anger encourage impulsive reactions, irrational behavior, poorly thought-out decisions, and in some instances, an "I quit" attitude. d. Depression . Depression is closely linked with frustration and anger when faced with the privations of survival. A destructive cycle between anger and frustration continues until the person becomes worn down-physically, emotionally and mentally. At this point, he starts to give up, and his focus shifts from "What can I do" to "There is nothing I can do." e. Loneliness and Boredom . Man is a social animal and enjoys the company of others. Loneliness and boredom can be another source of depression. Marines must find ways to keep their minds productively occupied. f. Guilt . The circumstances leading to your survival situation are sometimes dramatic and tragic. It may be the result of an accident or military action where there was a loss of life. Perhaps you were the only, or one of a few, survivors. While naturally 01-5 MSVX.02.01 relieved to be alive, you simultaneously may be mourning the deaths of others who were less fortunate. Do not let feelings of guilt prevent you from living. 5. PRIORITIES OF WORK IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION. (MSVX.02.02c). Each survival situation will have unique aspects that alter the order in which tasks need to be accomplished. A general guideline is to think in blocks of time. a. First 24 hours. The first 24 hours are critical in a survival situation. You must make an initial estimate of the situation. Enemy, weather, terrain, time of day and available resources will determine which tasks need to be accomplished first. They should be the following: (1) Shelter. (2) Fire. (3) Water. (4) Signaling. b. Second 24 hours. After the first 24 hours have passed, you will now know if you can survive. This time period needs to be spent on expanding your knowledge of the area. By completing the following tasks, you will be able to gain valuable knowledge. (1) Tools and weapons . By traveling a short distance from your shelter to locate the necessary resources, you will notice edible food sources and game trails. (2) Traps and snares . Moving further away from your shelter to employ traps and snares, you will be able to locate your shelter area from various vantage points. This will enable you to identify likely avenues of approach into your shelter area. (3) Pathguards . Knowing the likely avenues of approaches, you can effectively place noise and casualty producing pathguards to ensure the security of your shelter area. c. Remainder of your survival situation. This time is spent on continuously improving your survival situation until your rescue. 6. GROUP SURVIVAL. Group survival depends largely on the ability to organize activity. An emergency situation does not bring people together for a common goal initially; rather, the more difficult and confusing the situation, the greater are the group’s problems. a. Groups Morale . High morale must come from internal cohesiveness and not merely through external pressure. The moods and attitudes can become wildly contagious. 01-6 MSVX.02.01 Conscious, well-planned organization and leadership on the basis of delegated or shared responsibility often can prevent panic. High group morale has many advantages. (1) An individual feels strengthened and protected since he realizes that his survival may depend on others whom he trusts. (2) The group can meet failure with greater persistency. (3) The group can formulate goals to help each other face the future. b. Factors that Influence Group Survival . There are numerous factors that will influence whether a group can successfully survive. (1) Organization of Manpower - Organized action is important to keep all members of the group informed; this way the members of the group will know what to do and when to do it, both under ordinary circumstances and in emergencies. (2) Selective Use of Personnel - In well-organized groups, the person often does the job that most closely fits his personal qualifications. (3) Acceptance of Suggestion and Criticisms - The senior man must accept responsibility for the final decision, but must be able to take suggestion and criticisms from others. (4) Consideration of Time - On-the-spot decisions that must be acted upon immediately usually determine survival success. (5) Check Equipment - Failure to check equipment can result in failure to survive. (6) Survival Knowledge and Skills - Confidence in one's ability is increased by acquiring survival knowledge and skills. REFERENCE: 1. FM 21-76, Survival, 1992. 2. MCRP 3-02h, Survival, Escape, and Evasion, 1999. 3. B-GA-217-001/PT-001, Down but not out, Canadian Survival Guide. 4. AFM 64-5, Search and Rescue Survival,1969. 01-7 MSVX.02.01 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California 93517-5001 MSVX.02.02 02/06/05 STUDENT HANDOUT SURVIVAL KIT TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE Without the aid of references, and given an area of operations, construct a personal survival kit, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.02) ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES (1) Without the aid of references, list in writing the components for a survival kit, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.02a) (2) Without the aid of references, list in writing one example of each component for a survival kit, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.02b) OUTLINE 1. COMPONENTS FOR A SURVIVAL KIT a. The environment is the key to the types of items you will need in your survival kit. How much equipment you put in your kit depends on how you will carry the kit. A kit on your body will have to be much smaller than one carried in a vehicle. b. Always layer your survival kit, keeping the most important items on your body. c. In preparing your survival kit, select items that can be used for more than one purpose. d. Your survival kit does not need to be elaborate. You only need functional items that will meet your needs and a case to hold them. The case might be a first aid case, an ammunition pouch, or another suitable case. This case should be- (1) Water repellent or waterproof. (2) Easy to carry or attach to your body. (3) Suitable to accept various sized items. (4) Durable. O2-1 MSVX.02.02 e. When constructing a survival kit, you should have the following components: (MSVX.02.02a) (1) Fire starting items. (2) Water procurement items. (3) Food procurement items. (4) Signaling items. (5) First aid items. (6) Shelter items. 2. ITEMS CONTAINED WITHIN EACH COMPONENT (MSV.02.02b) a. Fire Starting Items . (1) Matches. (2) Magnifying glass. (3) Flint and Steel. (4) Lighter. (5) Potassium Permanganate, with a container of sugar or anti-freeze. (6) Prepackaged Tinder. -Commercially Manufactured -Cotton Balls and Petroleum Jelly b. Water Procurement Items (1) Water Disinfecting Chemicals. -Iodine Tablets -Betadine Solution -Iodine Solution (2) Metal Container. (Serves for boiling water) -Canteen Cup -Survival Kit Container -Any Suitable can that contained no petroleum products. 02-2 MSVX.02.02 (3) Water Carrying Items. -Canteen -Plastic Bag -Plastic/Metal/Glass Container which contained no petroleum products. c. Food Procurement Items (1) Fish. -Various sized hooks -Various sized sinkers/weights -Metal leaders and swivels -Small weighted jigs -Fishing line -Think about the size of fish for that environment when selecting weights and sizes. (2) Game. -Snares *Commercially Manufactured *Aircraft Cable *Tie Wire -Bait *MRE Cheese Spread or Peanut Butter Package -550 Cord for Gill Net and Trap Construction -Engineer/Marking Tape -Sling shot rubber and pouch d. Signaling Items (1) Day. -Mirror -Whistle -Pyrotechnics (Smoke, Pen Flares) -Air Panels (2) Night. -Pyrotechnics (Pen Flares, Star Clusters) -Lights (Flashlight, Strobe, Chemlight) -Whistle e. Shelter Items (1) Cordage. -550 Cord. -Wire. -Communication wire -Tie wire O2-3 MSVX.02.02 (2) Finger Saw. (3) Sewing Kit with Needles for construction/repair of clothing. (4) Tentage. -poncho -tarp -space blanket -plastic trash bags f. First Aid Items (1) Band-Aids. -Steristrips -Adhesive Tape -Non-stick pads, 4x4's, Gauze, Battle Dressings -Muslin Bandage (2) Ointments. -Burn -Anti-septic (3) Miscellaneous. -Salt -Sugar -Eye Wash -Alcohol prep pads -Suture Kit -Scalpel -Vile of Yarrow g. Miscellaneous items . (1) Fingernail clippers. (2) Compass. (3) Notebook with pen or pencil. (4) Wood eye screws and nails. (5) Surgical tubing. 02-4 MSVX.02.02 Note: It is assumed that the Marine is always carrying a high quality fixed bladed knife, a multi-tool knife, and a sharpening stone. REFERENCE: 1. FM 21-76, Survival, 1992. 2. Barry Davies BME, SAS Escape Evasion and Survival Manual, 1996. 3. John Wiesman, SAS Survival Guide, 1986. O2-5 MSVX.02.02 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California 93517-5001 MSVX.02.03 2/6/05 STUDENT HANDOUT WATER PROCUREMENT TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE In a survival situation, and given a survival kit, and water procurement materials, obtain potable water, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.03) ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES (1) Without the aid of references, list in writing the types of incidental water, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.03a) (2) Without the aid of references, list in writing the hazardous fluids to avoid substituting for potable water, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.03b) (3) Without the aid of references, list in writing the methods for disinfecting water, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.03c) (4) Without the aid of references and given a military bottle of water purification tablets, state in writing its self-life, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.03d) (5) Without the aid of references, and given the water temperature and chemical concentration, state in writing the contact time, in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.03e) (6) Without the aid of references, construct a solar still , in accordance with the references. (MSVX.02.03f) OUTLINE 1. WATER INTAKE a. Thirst is not a strong enough sensation to determine how much water you need. b. The best plan is to drink, utilizing the OVER DRINK method. Drink plenty of water anytime it is available and particularly when eating. 03-1 MSVX.02.03