US Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76

# US Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76

## Part I: Introduction to Survival
- **Survival Psychology**
  - Maintaining a positive mental attitude
  - Overcoming fear and panic
  - Staying motivated in survival situations
- **Survival Planning**
  - Understanding the environment
  - Preparing for different climates and terrains
  - Developing a survival plan
- **Basic Survival Skills**
  - Prioritizing needs (shelter, water, fire, food)
  - Using available resources effectively
  - Improvising tools and equipment

## Part II: Shelter and Protection
- **Shelter Construction**
  - Choosing a suitable location
  - Building shelters in various environments (forest, desert, arctic)
  - Insulating and reinforcing shelters
- **Clothing and Gear**
  - Layering clothing for temperature regulation
  - Selecting appropriate gear for survival
  - Maintaining and repairing equipment
- **Protection from Elements**
  - Protecting against extreme heat and cold
  - Avoiding exposure-related injuries (hypothermia, heatstroke)
  - Creating shade and windbreaks

## Part III: Water Procurement and Purification
- **Finding Water Sources**
  - Locating water in different terrains
  - Identifying natural water indicators (vegetation, animal behavior)
  - Digging for groundwater
- **Water Purification**
  - Boiling and filtering techniques
  - Chemical purification methods
  - Solar still construction
- **Conserving Water**
  - Minimizing water loss through sweat and respiration
  - Rationing water intake
  - Recognizing signs of dehydration

## Part IV: Firecraft
- **Fire Starting Techniques**
  - Using matches, lighters, and fire starters
  - Friction-based methods (bow drill, hand drill)
  - Flint and steel ignition
- **Fire Maintenance**
  - Gathering and preparing tinder, kindling, and fuel
  - Building different types of fires (teepee, lean-to, star)
  - Keeping the fire burning in adverse conditions
- **Uses of Fire**
  - Providing warmth and signaling for rescue
  - Cooking food and purifying water
  - Deterring predators and insects

## Part V: Food Procurement
- **Foraging for Plants**
  - Identifying edible and medicinal plants
  - Avoiding poisonous plants
  - Harvesting wild fruits, nuts, and roots
- **Hunting and Trapping**
  - Setting snares and traps for small game
  - Tracking and stalking animals
  - Using improvised weapons (spears, bows)
- **Fishing**
  - Making fishing lines and hooks
  - Using nets and traps
  - Identifying fish habitats

## Part VI: First Aid and Health
- **First Aid Basics**
  - Treating cuts, burns, and fractures
  - Managing bleeding and shock
  - Administering CPR
- **Disease Prevention**
  - Avoiding insect-borne diseases
  - Preventing infections and parasites
  - Maintaining personal hygiene
- **Common Survival Illnesses**
  - Recognizing and treating hypothermia and frostbite
  - Dealing with heat exhaustion and heatstroke
  - Managing diarrhea and dehydration

## Part VII: Navigation and Signaling
- **Land Navigation**
  - Reading maps and using a compass
  - Navigating without instruments (using stars, sun, and landmarks)
  - Estimating distance and direction
- **Signaling for Rescue**
  - Creating ground-to-air signals
  - Using mirrors, smoke, and fire for signaling
  - Utilizing whistles and other noise-making devices
- **Avoiding Hazards**
  - Recognizing dangerous terrain and obstacles
  - Crossing rivers and streams safely
  - Avoiding wildlife encounters

## Part VIII: Special Environments
- **Desert Survival**
  - Conserving water and avoiding heat
  - Finding shelter and food in arid regions
  - Navigating sand dunes and rocky terrain
- **Tropical Survival**
  - Dealing with humidity and rain
  - Avoiding dangerous animals and insects
  - Foraging in dense jungles
- **Cold Weather Survival**
  - Building snow shelters
  - Preventing frostbite and hypothermia
  - Finding food and water in snowy conditions
- **Sea Survival**
  - Floating and swimming techniques
  - Collecting rainwater and fishing at sea
  - Signaling for rescue from a life raft

## Part IX: Psychological and Social Aspects
- **Group Dynamics**
  - Working effectively in a team
  - Resolving conflicts and maintaining morale
  - Sharing responsibilities and resources
- **Long-Term Survival**
  - Adapting to prolonged isolation
  - Maintaining mental health over time
  - Planning for eventual rescue or escape