Get Survival Training
More Articles Related to PreparednessObtaining the food and survival gear you need to live is one thing, but knowing how to use it to its full advantage is another.
You can only become proficient in bushcraft and survival by actually going out into the wild. One of the best ways to train for survival situations is to live in the field for extended periods of time. Several days at a minimum but preferably ten days to a month at a stretch. This will allow you the opportunity to test and hone your survival skills. You will also learn about the supplies you require when you cannot just drive to the nearest store.
When in the field the simplest of items will impress upon you their real utility. For example, at home you may not think much about knives but in the wilderness you will find that a good survival knife is one of your best assets. Other important items to the survivor are good basic shelter, reliable fire making gear, water purification gear, 550 paracord, proper foot ware and clothing, bedding, and food.
The successful survivor is well trained in the use of map, compass, and navigation. Unlike traveling on the well-maintained roads and paths in civilization, traveling in the field is likely to be difficult and require a high expenditure of energy. Often there are many obstacles to overcome including elevation changes, dense vegetation, water crossings and adverse weather. Only through experience can one learn how to negotiate the local terrain with efficiency and safety.
Learn the habits of the plants and animals you are likely to encounter and use this knowledge in terms of finding food and protecting yourself from harm. For example, cattails are an excellent source of food and shelter building materials but poison ivy may cause you a great deal of discomfort. Rabbits are often an easily obtainable source of protein but wild boars may make a meal out of you! You can only become proficient in fieldcraft through practice and observation.
The successful survivor is prepared for the unexpected. Learn a number of methods to create shelters using only local materials. You never know when you may somehow be separated from your gear and knowing how to make a shelter can save your life. Carry your 15 essentials but learn how to get along without them if need be.
Fire making is of paramount importance to the survivor. The many benefits of fire include boiling water to make it safe to drink, protection from animals, warmth, tool making, cooking of food to make it safe to eat, signaling, and psychological comfort. Many of us take fire craft for granted, but it is a real skill that takes time to adequately master. Someone who has never started a fire will likely fail on their first attempt even if they have matches and proper materials to burn. Know how to successfully make a fire under all conditions using a variety of materials and methods. Learn how to make a fire when you have no matches.
First aid knowledge is another subject that is very important to the survivor. Being active in survival situations leads to the increased chance of mishap. Learn the basics of Red Cross first aid and expand into folk medicine and natural remedies that can be used when hospitals, pharmacies, and doctors are no where to be found.
Training for disaster and emergency survival takes time but the knowledge and experience gained is well worth the effort. Even an expert survivor has more to learn. Keep at it and never give up.
Next up in the 9-Point Survival Plan: Practice Survival Skills.
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