The Skills of Wilderness Survival - U.S. Army Official Handbook

# The Skills of Wilderness Survival - U.S. Army Official Handbook

## Part I: Introduction to Wilderness Survival
- Understanding Survival Situations
  - The Psychology of Survival
  - Assessing the Environment
  - Prioritizing Needs
- Basic Survival Principles
  - The Rule of Threes
  - Core Survival Skills
  - Adaptability and Resourcefulness

## Part II: Shelter and Protection
- Types of Shelters
  - Natural Shelters
  - Man-Made Shelters
  - Emergency Shelters
- Building a Shelter
  - Selecting a Site
  - Materials and Tools
  - Insulation and Weatherproofing
- Protection from Elements
  - Clothing for Survival
  - Fire as a Protective Measure
  - Avoiding Hypothermia and Hyperthermia

## Part III: Firecraft
- Importance of Fire
  - Heat and Warmth
  - Signaling for Rescue
  - Cooking and Water Purification
- Fire Starting Techniques
  - Friction Methods
  - Spark-Based Ignition
  - Chemical Fire Starters
- Maintaining a Fire
  - Fuel Selection
  - Fire Lays and Structures
  - Safety Precautions

## Part IV: Water Procurement and Purification
- Finding Water Sources
  - Surface Water
  - Groundwater
  - Rainwater Collection
- Water Purification Methods
  - Boiling
  - Filtration
  - Chemical Treatment
- Conserving Water
  - Minimizing Loss
  - Efficient Usage
  - Recognizing Dehydration Signs

## Part V: Food Acquisition
- Foraging for Food
  - Edible Plants
  - Insects and Small Animals
  - Avoiding Poisonous Species
- Hunting and Trapping
  - Primitive Weapons
  - Trap Designs
  - Tracking Techniques
- Fishing
  - Improvised Fishing Tools
  - Bait and Lures
  - Fish Preparation

## Part VI: Navigation and Signaling
- Map Reading and Compass Use
  - Understanding Topography
  - Orienting with a Compass
  - Dead Reckoning
- Natural Navigation
  - Using the Sun and Stars
  - Observing Nature’s Cues
  - Estimating Distance
- Signaling for Rescue
  - Visual Signals
  - Audible Signals
  - Electronic Devices

## Part VII: First Aid and Health
- Wilderness First Aid Basics
  - Treating Wounds
  - Managing Fractures and Sprains
  - CPR and Shock Management
- Common Health Issues
  - Insect Bites and Stings
  - Heat Exhaustion and Stroke
  - Frostbite and Trench Foot
- Hygiene in the Wild
  - Personal Cleanliness
  - Waste Disposal
  - Preventing Illness

## Part VIII: Special Environments
- Forests and Jungles
  - Navigating Dense Vegetation
  - Dealing with Wildlife
  - Surviving Humidity
- Deserts
  - Coping with Extreme Heat
  - Finding Water in Arid Regions
  - Sheltering from the Sun
- Mountains and Cold Climates
  - Handling Altitude Sickness
  - Building Snow Shelters
  - Preventing Frostbite

## Part IX: Mental Resilience and Teamwork
- Psychological Challenges
  - Overcoming Fear and Panic
  - Staying Motivated
  - Maintaining Morale
- Working as a Team
  - Leadership in Survival
  - Division of Tasks
  - Conflict Resolution
- Long-Term Survival Strategies
  - Establishing Routine
  - Planning for the Future
  - Adapting to Change