The following is the military’s quick survival reference when soldiers find themselves behind enemy lines. But these same skills are highly relevant for civilian survival in the wilderness.

The team travelling light, bringing only the essentials (swim gear, F/A,ammo, Echo-echo kit, and first aid kit for the down teammate) in order not to compromise the ability to move and react swiftly

S - Size up the situation, surroundings, physical condition, equipment.
U - Use all your senses
R - Remember where you are.
V - Vanquish fear and panic.
I - Improvise and improve.
V - Value living.
A - Act like the natives.
L - Live by your wits.

QUICK REFERENCE CHECKLIST

(Reference: United States Armed Forces Multiservice Procedures for Survival Evasion and Recovery, June 1999, approved for public release and unlimited distribution)

1. Immediate Actions
a. Assess immediate situation. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!
b. Take action to protect yourself from nuclear, biological, or chemical
hazards.
c. Seek a concealed site.
d. Assess medical condition; treat as necessary.
e. Sanitize uniform of potentially compromising information.
f. Sanitize area; hide equipment you are leaving.
g. Apply personal camouflage.
h. Move away from concealed site, zigzag pattern recommended.
i. Use terrain to advantage, communication, and concealment.
j. Find a hole up site.

2. Hole-Up-Site
a. Reassess situation; treat injuries, then inventory equipment.
b. Review plan of action; establish priorities.
c. Determine current location.
d. Improve camouflage.
e. Focus thoughts on task(s) at hand.
f. Execute plan of action. Stay flexible!

3. Concealment
a. Select a place of concealment providing¾
(1) Adequate concealment, ground
and air.
(2) Safe distance from enemy positions and lines of communications(LOC).
(3) Listening and observation points.
(4) Multiple avenues of escape.
(5) Protection from the environment.
(6) Possible communications/signal
ing opportunities.
b. Stay alert, maintain security.
c. Drink water.

4. Movement
a. Travel slowly and deliberately.
b. DO NOT leave evidence of travel; use noise and light discipline.
c. Stay away from LOC.
d. Stop, look, listen, and smell; take appropriate action(s).
e. Move from one concealed area to another.
f. Use evasion movement techniques

5. Communications and Signaling
a. Communicate as directed in applicable
plans/orders, particularly when considering
transmitting in the blind.
b. Be prepared to use communications and signaling devices on short notice.
c. Use of communications and signaling devices may compromise position.

6. Recovery
a. Select site(s) IAW criteria in theater recovery plans.
b. Ensure site is free of hazards; secure personal gear.
c. Select best area for communications and signaling devices.
d. Observe site for proximity to enemy activity and LOC.
e. Follow recovery force instructions.