The Importance of Knowing Combat Survival

Ultimate Combat Survival Guide

The world right now is a very uncertain place, and recent events have shown that just about any civilization can be invaded and their worlds turned upside down. Civilians have been turned to soldiers fighting for their livelihoods in multiple different parts of the world within the last few years, and if this is something that concerns you, then combat survival training is just what you need. It is not only for those in the military, but can benefit anyone, even civilians, who want to stay safe and prepared in any situation, making it the ultimate survival course.

In this ultimate guide to combat survival training, we will dive deep into combat survival training, its evolution, and how it has adapted to changing warfare scenarios. We will also discuss the key elements of a combat survival curriculum, learning combat survival skills, and gear that you should have at all times. Join us as we take a closer look at combat survival training across different armed forces and civilians, including the U.S. Army and Air Force, and explore the importance of a training center in preparing for combat survival.

Get ready to embark on an adventure like no other with our comprehensive guide to combat survival training!

Insight into Combat Survival Training

Combat survival training equips citizens, civilian or armed forces, with vital skills to thrive in hazardous environments. It emphasizes survival skills, medical care, navigation, and self defense. Survival strategies and teamwork are crucial aspects of this type of skillset acquisition. This training ensures preparedness for any combat situation.

Evolution of Combat Survival Training

Over the years, combat survival training has evolved to meet the challenges of changing warfare scenarios. It now encompasses techniques for desert, cold weather, and water survival. Advances in technology have influenced its development, incorporating lessons learned from past conflicts. Combat survival training continues to adapt and new skills are learned amongst its students.

Role of Military in Shaping Combat Survival Training

The military's involvement in combat survival training programs is crucial. Their firsthand experience and expertise ensure that the training remains relevant and effective. Military SERE instructors, who have undergone the training themselves, share valuable knowledge and skills with trainees, including special forces such as green berets. The military's commitment to combat survival training behind enemy lines and their insignia reflects the importance of preparedness in the field.

Key Elements of a Combat Survival Curriculum

A combat survival curriculum encompasses training in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) skills. It covers navigation, signaling, camouflage, and basic medical training. The curriculum also emphasizes the code of conduct, ethics, and maintaining a positive mindset in survival situations.

Learning Combat Survival Skills

The key components in combat survival training are learning navigation, signaling, and camouflage techniques. There is also training in food procurement, water survival, medical care, teamwork, and resistance training. Staying calm, adapting, and making informed decisions are emphasized.

Understanding Survival Strategies

Combat survival strategies draw from combat experiences and emphasize evasion, resistance, and escape techniques. Situational awareness, adaptability, navigation, signaling, and camouflage skills are essential in these strategies. Mastering military survival strategies is vital for combat survival training.

necessary gear for combat survival

Now, there is a motto to live by here, and it is “it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it”. That being said, there are a few key pieces of gear that you absolutely should always have in your home, so you are equipped to properly survive combat scenarios, whether you are running from an opposing force, or trying to fight them, otherwise you will not survive.

This does not mean go full on doomsday prepper and stockpile ammunition, canned food, and water, though you should always have those items on hand; but there are a few different things that you should have in your home so if the situation arises you are prepared to take it head on.

Let’s break those items down.

Rifle with attachments

Having a well-outfitted rifle is something that you should always have. When it comes down to defending yourself, hunting for food, or whatever the scenario may be, you should have a rifle with a few attachments on it. The recommended rifle attachments are as follows:

LPVO- An LPVO is great type of optic to have on your rifle at all times. It stands for “Low Powered Variable Optic”, which has come to define any riflescope with magnification range starting at 1x or close to it. This is great for getting a closer look at your target.

Suppressor or Flash Hider- Suppressors and flash hiders are great to keep on your rifle at all times, as a suppressor helps to limit the amount of sound produced when you pull the trigger, making it harder to alert other potential threats in the area where you are. Now, suppressors are not easy to get right now, so a flash hider is another good option, as it conceals the muzzle flash when you pull the trigger and can also help make it difficult for any opposing force to know your location.

Sling- A rifle sling will help stabilize upon shooting, and also makes it easier to transport your weapon, or switch to your sidearm if needed. Consider something like Ollie Innovations Basic Sling.

Sidearm

When it comes to combat survival, a rifle is crucial, but having a solid pistol is just as important, as it provides a solid backup if your rifle runs out of ammo. A good pistol optic is always something to consider throwing on your sidearm as well. Having a flashlight on your pistol, such as the SureFire x300 is something to definitely do, as this helps with visibility in the dark.

Body armor and chest rig

It may not always seem practical, and people may call you a nut job for owning these items, but having body armor on hand, whether that be soft armor or a plate carrier, is always a good idea. You never know when you will need it. Then, having a chest rig to carry extra mags, a radio, and whatever else you can fit is important as well.

boots and socks

Having a good set of durable boots that can handle all terrains is absolutely essential. You do not know what environment you will end up in during a combat survival situation, urban, wooded, etc., and getting caught in flip flops or gym shoes is less than ideal and can be life or death. Not to mention, having socks that do not properly ventilate, or keep your feet warm, can lead to infections or hypothermia. That being said, always keep a quality pair of boots and socks ready to go.

“Go Bag” filled with basic items

A “Go Bag” is a backpack or duffel bag that is packed and ready to go at all times, and filled with enough supplies to get you started should things go sideways. Let’s take a look at what to keep in your Go Bag.

Medical Kit- Often referred to as a first aide kit, a med kit is a small package containing medical supplies that can provide immediately medical assistance to minor or moderate injuries, whether that is a cut, broken bone, or even gun shot wound, amongst other injuries. A med kit will often include items such as gauze to aide in stopping bleeding, a tourniquet which can be useful to lacerations or penetration wounds to limbs, gloves to stay sterile, and trauma dressings. Check out the North American Rescue Mini IFAK for a great first aid kit,

Headlamp- Not everyone can afford a quality pair of night vision goggles, nor are they always practical, so a quality headlamp is great to keep in your Go Bag, as this is a great option to help provide hands free illumination in dark settings.

Extra Clothes- Keeping extra clothes in your Go Bag can be life or death as well, as they can help you adapt to different environments. This does not mean just temperatures either, but crowds as well. If you are trying to evade an opposing force, and you are in dirty, tattered clothing trying to blend in with a crowd, you will be easily found and caught. That being said, always keep extra clothes such as a hoodie and pants, and always keep a hat in your Go Bag.

Ammo/Food/Water- Three of the most important things in a combat survival situation are protection, staying full and energized, and staying hydrated. That being said, keeping extra ammo, food such as MREs, and bottles water in your Go Bag is crucial.

Make sure to train for combat survival

Having all of the gear is one thing, but knowing how to use it is another. You want to familiarize yourself with not only your weapons, but also the gear. Unpack and repack your Go Bag, med kit, and so on. Take your gear on and off, get used to moving around with it on and adjusting it quickly. Moving around with 20 or more pounds of gear is a lot different than you may think, especially with unfamiliar terrains. That being said, get out and go hiking with a Go Bag, body armor, and other gear that you would have on during a combat survival scenario.

Conclusion

In conclusion, combat survival training is a crucial aspect of military and civilian preparedness. It has evolved over time, with the military playing a significant role in shaping its curriculum and strategies. From learning essential survival skills to understanding military tactics, combat survival training equips individuals to thrive in challenging and ever-changing warfare scenarios.

The world is a very unpredictable place, and now is the time to be prepared for any scenario that may be thrown your way. Whether you are a military personnel or someone interested in gaining survival skills, understanding combat survival training is essential. It provides valuable insights into how armed forces prepare for and navigate dangerous situations. Remember, combat survival training is not just about physical skills, but also mental resilience and adaptability. So, if you aspire to learn these skills or have a passion for military strategies, explore the world of combat survival training and discover a whole new level of preparedness and knowledge.

Check out Core Vision Training’s shop, Instagram, and other blogs!