8 Things Elite Military Operators Remember to Survive Anything
Surviving Anything with the Proper Mindset
The ability to survive anything is not magical, nor does it require any special equipment or skills. Instead, your mindset gives you the ability to survive anything. Focusing your brain on the proper survival mindset is as easy as remembering the acronym “S.U.R.V.I.V.A.L.” When most people think of survival skills, they think of hard skills, like starting fires or trapping food. However, it is without question that the most crucial survival skill is focusing and using your mind, which brings to mind one of my favorite films as a child.
Dying of Shame
When I was a kid, one of my favorite movies was “The Edge” starring Anthony Hopkins. The film centers around three men stranded in the Alaskan wilds following a plane crash. However, there is a scene that I have never forgotten, as I am acutely aware of how true it is. In the scene, Anthony Hopkins’s character, Charles Morse, explains to his companions why people die when they find themselves lost in the wilds. Here’s the clip and the dialog:
Charles Morse: “You know, I once read an interesting book which said that, uh, most people lost in the wilds, they, they die of shame.”
Stephen: “What?”
Charles Morse: “Yeah, see, they die of shame. “What did I do wrong? How could I have gotten myself into this?” And so they sit there and they… die. Because they didn’t do the one thing that would save their lives.”
Robert Green: “And what is that, Charles?”
Charles Morse: “Thinking.”
S.U.R.V.I.V.A.L. Acronym
S
Size Up
The Situation
What is happening, How did it start, Who is it affecting, and What can I/we do about it? Etc.
Your Location
What is your specific location? What’s the climate like? How is the terrain? How far are you from other people?
Your Equipment
What gear do you have? What capabilities does it offer you? What are the limitations?
Your Condition
What is your health status? Are you injured? Are you calm? Is there anything you can do now to prevent deterioration later? Check your feet.
U
Undue Haste Makes Waste
Unnecessary work only burns calories and wastes time. Instead, observe the situation, Orient yourself to what needs to happen and how you can accomplish it, Decide on a plan, and Act. If your plan isn’t working, stop and devise a new one before proceeding.
R
Remember Where You Are
Don’t make bad choices because you become complacent. Instead, remember the potential hazards in the area, and don’t drop mitigation procedures just because things are going smoothly at the time.
V
Vanquish Fear and Panic
Freaking out will do little more than burn precious calories. Stop, take a breath, and refocus if you get worked up. Remember that you can survive anything with the correct attitude. If you are in a group, tempers may run high. Group members are likely to start blaming each other for their circumstances. Try to focus the group on how to solve the problem together.
I
Improvise and Improve
Think outside of the box. Can any of your equipment serve additional duty in a pinch? How can you improve your position, health, shelter, efficiency, etc.?
V
Value Living
Fear, hunger, thirst, and isolation can destroy motivation and tempt you to give up. Know that you have the knowledge, skill, and determination to survive and remember everything that makes your life important to you.
A
Act Like the Natives
How do locals dress? What do they eat? How are their homes constructed? What are their habits & routines? How have they adapted to local conditions?
L
Live by Your Wits, but for now, Learn Basic Skills
When your survival is at stake, you have to do what it takes to survive, even if that means breaking some rules, i.e., starting a fire without a permit where one is required may result in receiving a citation from a park ranger. Still, the fine might be worth it if the alternative is hypothermia and death. Learning and mastering basic skills today may save your life tomorrow. Military publications, books, and sites like this are outstanding resources for getting started. Every day learn one new skill, piece of knowledge, or action that makes you more dangerous and less vulnerable to any threat, hazard, or adverse condition you may face. Focus on progress, and perfection will take care of itself.
Thanks for reading!
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Owen Wood
Founder, Guardian Angel Tactical
