WINTER SURVIVAL COURSE HANDBOOK, SURVIVAL MANUAL, SURVIVAL GUIDE

WINTER SURVIVAL COURSE HANDBOOK, SURVIVAL MANUAL, SURVIVAL GUIDE

1 REQUIREMENTS FOR SURVIVAL
2 SURVIVAL KIT
3 WATER PROCUREMENT
4 EXPEDIENT SHELTERS AND FIRES
5 CORE VALUES AND MOUNTAIN LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES
6 SURVIVAL SIGNALING AND RECOVERY
7 SURVIVAL NAVIGATION
8 TRAPS AND SNARES
9 USES FOR GAME
10 SURVIVAL FISHING
11 FIELD EXPEDIENT TOOLS, WEAPONS, AND EQUIPMENT
12 EXPEDIENT SNOWSHOES
13 WINTER TRACKING
14 SURVIVAL MEDICINE
15 WEATHER
16 INTRO TO EVASION
17 AVALANCHE AND ICE HAZARDS
APPENDIX
A EVASION PLAN OF ACTION FORMAT
B “THE EDGE” GUIDED DISCUSSION
C SURVIVAL QUICK REFERENCE CHECKLIST
D ANIMAL HABITS
E TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
F GRADING STANDARDS

SURVIVAL STRESSORS. (WSVX.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 either to “fight or flee”. 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 he will
encounter.

a. Injury, Illness, or Death. Injury, illness, and death are real possibilities a survivor has to 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. The only guarantee in a survival situation is that nothing is guaranteed. 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 variety of creatures inhabiting an area. Heat, cold, rain, winds, snow, mountains, 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 takes on increasing importance as the length of time in a survival setting increases. With the increased likelihood of diarrhea, replenishing electrolytes becomes critical. For a Marine used to having his provisions issued, foraging can be a big 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.