Surveillance Detection

All training programs designed to protect individuals from becoming victims of terrorism recommend that people be alert to surveillance. This is excellent advice, but, unfortunately, in most instances it is insufficient, because people have had no training in detecting surveillance, and terrorist organizations are often relatively sophisticated in their surveillance methods. Detecting surveillance conducted by trained experts is not as easy as most Hollywood films would lead us to believe. Fortunately, however, the type of surveillance conducted by terrorist organizations is not normally as elaborate as that done by intelligence organizations nor does it involve as many people or as much equipment. Nevertheless, for people to have a reasonable chance at detecting most forms of surveillance they would have to be somewhat familiar with the techniques used.

The purpose of surveillance is to determine (1) the suitability of the potential target to attack, based upon the physical and procedural security precautions that the individual has taken, and (2) the most suitable time, location, and method of attack. This surveillance may last for days or weeks depending upon the length of time it takes the surveillants to obtain the information that they require. Naturally, the surveillance of a person who has set routines and who takes few precautions will take less time. The people undertaking the surveillance will often not take part in the attack, nor will the attack take place while surveillance is still in progress.

Before undertaking surveillance most experts gather information about the subject from other sources. Public records of information made available to the terrorist organization from a sympathetic individual within an organization, local police, or other government office may reveal useful facts about an individual such as the names of family members, an address, a description of vehicles and license numbers, photographs, etc. The surveillants will also make a reconnaissance of the neighborhood in which the target lives and works. This permits them to select positions of observation, the types of vehicles to use, the clothing to be worn, and the type of ruse to use that will give them an ordinary or normal appearance and plausible reasons to be in the area.

There are basically three forms of surveillance: foot, vehicle, and stationary (generally categorized as either mobile or static). A brief description of the most common techniques used for each of these forms and methods for detecting each one follows:

One or more individuals may undertake foot surveillance. One-person foot surveillance is rather complicated and fairly easy to detect. The surveillance must remain close to the target, particularly in congested areas, to avoid losing him or her. In less congested areas the surveillant can maintain a greater distance, but the lack of other pedestrians makes the surveillant that much more noticeable. The one complicating factor is the use of a disguise to make the surveillant look different (perhaps a uniform). One possible use of a disguise is a shopping bag or some other container for a change of clothes, particularly if the shopping bag is from a store not found in the area or the container somehow seems out of place. Where a disguise is suspected, pay particular attention to shoes and slacks or skirts. These items are less easily and, therefore, less commonly changed. In elevators, watch for people who seem to wait for you to push a button and then select a floor one flight above or below yours.

Two-person foot surveillance is more effective in that the second surveillant provides greater flexibility. Normally, one surveillant remains close to the target while the other stays at a greater distance. The second surveillant may follow the first on the same side of the street or travel on the opposite side. Periodically the two surveillants change position so that if the target spots one of them, that one will soon be out of sight, leading the target to think that he or she was mistaken. Obviously, spotting this form of surveillance is more complicated, but individuals who are alert to the people in their vicinity will eventually detect the same surveillant over a period of time.

Foot surveillance with three or more people uses the most sophisticated techniques and is the most difficult to spot. Generally, one surveillant remains behind the target close enough to respond to any sudden moves. A second surveillant remains behind the first on the same side of the street with the first surveillant in sight. A third surveillant travels on the opposite side of the street parallel with or just behind the target. In areas where the target has few paths to choose, one surveillant may walk in front of the target, where he or she is least likely to cause suspicion. The positions of the surveillants are frequently changed, most commonly at intersections. The surveillant directly behind the target may move to the opposite side of the street, while another surveillant moves in close behind the target. With the additional surveillants, any surveillant who feels that he or she has been observed may drop out of the formation. The use of this sophisticated technique requires that people be alert not only to those people behind them but also to those across the street and perhaps in front of them. If the same person is seen more than once over a certain distance, surveillance may be suspected even if that person is not continuously seen.

Common methods for detecting surveillance apply to all three forms of foot surveillance. The most effective are:

1. stopping abruptly and looking to the rear,
2. suddenly reversing your course,
3. stopping abruptly after turning a corner,
4. watching reflections in shop windows or other reflective surfaces,
5. entering a building and leaving immediately by another exit,
6. walking slowly and then rapidly at intervals,
7. dropping a piece of paper to see if anyone retrieves it,
8. boarding or exiting a bus or subway just before it starts, and
9. making sudden turns or walking around the block.

While taking these actions, watch for people who are taken by surprise, react inappropriately, suddenly change direction, or give a signal to someone else. Surveillants will not normally look directly at the target, but they may do so if they are surprised or unaware that you are observing them. It is important to understand however that these techniques for detecting surveillance can also indicate to those following you that you are aware of their presence.

Foot surveillance is often used in conjunction with vehicle surveillance since it is likely that the target will use a combination of foot and vehicle transportation. Vehicles used for surveillance are inconspicuous in appearance and of a subdued color. Frequently, the inside dome light is made inoperative so that it will not illuminate the interior of the car when the door is opened. Vehicles will have two or more people in them so that if the target parks his or her vehicle and walks away, the surveillance can be resumed on foot while the driver remains with the vehicle. While moving, the driver gives full attention to driving while the observer operates the radio, watches the target, and makes notes on the target's activities. Sometimes it will be necessary for surveillants to break traffic regulations to avoid losing you. If you see a vehicle run a red light, make an illegal U-turn, travel over the speed limit, or make dangerous or sudden lane changes in an apparent effort to keep up with you, you should, of course, be suspicious of that vehicle. The distance between a surveillance vehicle and the target will vary depending on the speed at which the vehicles are traveling and the amount of traffic. Surveillants will try to keep one or two vehicles between themselves and the target.

As with foot surveillance, vehicle surveillance may be undertaken using only one vehicle or using two or more vehicles. One-vehicle surveillance suffers from the same drawbacks as one-person foot surveillance. The target has to be kept in view at all times and followed by the same vehicle. Surveillants can try to overcome this advantage somewhat by changing seating arrangements within the vehicle; putting on and taking off hats, coats, and sunglasses; changing license plates; and turning off onto side streets and then turning back to resume the tail. This makes it necessary for a person suspecting surveillance to remember aspects of a following vehicle that cannot easily be changed such as the make, model, and color of the car and any body damage such as rust, dents, etc.

The use of two or more vehicles permits surveillance to switch positions or to drop out of the surveillance when necessary. One vehicle follows the target vehicle and directs other vehicles by radio. The other vehicle may follow behind the lead surveillance vehicle, precede the target vehicle, or travel on parallel roads. At intersections, the vehicle following directly behind the target vehicle will generally travel straight ahead while alerting all other vehicles of the direction in which the target vehicle has turned. Another vehicle in the formation will then take a position behind the target and become the lead vehicle, taking over the responsibility for giving instructions to other surveillants. The former lead vehicle then makes a U-turn or travels around the block to take up a new position ready to resume the lead vehicle position again when necessary.

People who have well established routines permit surveillants to use methods that are much more difficult to detect. If, for example, you leave the office at the same time each day and travel by the most direct route to your home or if you live in a remote area with a few or no alternate routes to your home, surveillants have no need to follow you all the way to your residence. An alternative method of surveillance in such situations is leading surveillance and progressive surveillance. In leading surveillance the surveillant travels in front of the target while the observer watches for turns. When the target turns, this is noted. The next day the surveillant makes a turn where the target did the previous day. Over a period of time the surveillants will discover the entire route to the residence while still driving in a position that creates much less suspicion. There are two forms of progressive surveillance. In the first form, surveillants are placed at intersections along the probable routes of the target. When the target makes a turn, this is noted and the position of the surveillants is adjusted to check the next intersection. Eventually, this method leads the surveillants to the residence. In the second form or progressive surveillance, a vehicle will follow the target for a short distance and then turn off. On successive days the surveillant picks up the target where he or she left off the previous day. Leading and progressive surveillance are extremely difficult to detect, but you should not give anyone the opportunity to use these methods.

The most effective methods for detecting most forms of vehicle surveillance are:

1. making a U-turn where it is safe to do so,
2. making a turn to the right or left (in general, left turns create greater complications for surveillants because of oncoming traffic that may delay a turn),
3. going through a traffic light just as it is turning red,
4. stopping just beyond a curve or hill, and
5. circling a block.

In each case, watch for the reactions of any vehicles that you may suspect. Any vehicles that make unusual maneuvers should be carefully noted. Do not forget to check for motorcycles or motorbikes, since in many parts of the world they seem to be favored by surveillants because they move easily through heavy traffic.

Stationary surveillance is commonly used by terrorist organizations. As mentioned earlier, most attacks take place near the residence or office because that part of the route is least easily varied. Most people are more vulnerable in the morning when departing for work, because morning departure times are more predictable than are evening arrivals.

Surveillants seek a position that permits them to observe the residence or office clearly without being observed or suspected. Surveillants want to identify observation points that afford the best view of the target. Foot and vehicular traffic, buildings and terrain around each government facility vary with each location. Pedestrian traffic, rush hour traffic flow, temporary street closure, etc. will affect observation points. If the surveillants decide that it is best not to be seen, they may obtain an apartment or rent office space in the area that provides for an adequate view, but such apartments or office space may not be available and the renting of an apartment or office space could provide clues for a subsequent investigation. The use of an apartment or office space for surveillance, while possibly the most difficult to detect, is generally not the easiest or safest method. Many surveillance teams use vans with windows in the side or back that permit observation from the interior of the van. Often the van will have the name of a store or utility company to provide some pretext for its being in the area. The driver may park the van and walk away, leaving the surveillance team inside. Some teams use automobiles for stationary surveillance, parking the vehicle far enough from the residence or office to be less noticeable, using other vehicles for cover, facing the vehicle away from the target, and using the rear view mirrors to watch.

Where it is not possible to watch the residence or office unobserved, surveillants must come up with a plausible reason for being in the area. The types of ruses used are limited only by the surveillant's imagination. Some of the more commonly used covers are automotive repairs due to engine trouble or a flat tire, door to door sales, utility repair crews, lovers in a park, walking a dog, construction work, or sitting at a cafe. Women and children are often used to give a greater appearance of innocence.

Some things to check for are parked vehicles with people in them, cars with more mirrors or mirrors that are larger than normal, people seen in the area more frequently than seems normal, people who are dressed inappropriately, and workers who seem to accomplish nothing.

If you become suspicious of a van, note any information printed on the side of the van, including telephone numbers. Check the telephone book to see if such a business exists. Note the license numbers of any suspicious vehicles and provide them to your security office so they can be checked. Make a habit of checking the neighborhood through a window before you go out each day.

Detecting surveillance requires a constant state of alertness and must become an unconscious habit. We do not want to encourage paranoia, but a good sense of what is normal and what is unusual in your surroundings could be more important than any other type of security precaution you take. Above all, do not hesitate to report any unusual events to the police. Many people who have been kidnapped realized afterwards that their suspicions had been well founded. If those suspicions had been reported, their ordeal might have been avoided.

Since surveillance attempts to determine the suitability of a potential target and the most opportune time for an attack, it is crucial to avoid predictability. Although the recommendation to vary routes and times of arrivals and departures has become trite, implementing it in one's daily schedule has proven to be effective in deterring sufficient terrorist planning. Varying times and routes apply to jogging, shopping and all activities where a pattern can develop.

The American, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a one-hour web-based course IS-914: Surveillance Awareness: What You Can Do  that provides additional information about detecting surveillance.  https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=is-914

Other articles about surveillance that you may findof interest are:

Tradecraft: The Counter-Surveillance Route
http://thefifthcolumnnews.com/2015/07/tradecraft-the-counter-surveillance-route/

Surveillance, Surveillance Detection And Counter Surveillance
https://protectioncircle.org/2015/04/17/surveillance-surveillance-detection-and-counter-surveillance/

Are You Being Followed? A Study in Counter-Surveillance
http://blog.suarezinternational.com/2016/08/counter-surveillance-tail-checks.html

PSD Concepts: Introduction and Daily Routes
http://www.itstactical.com/intellicom/physical-security/psd-concepts-introduction-and-daily-routes/

Slædepatruljen Sirius and the Glock 10mm Pistol

Slædepatruljen Sirius (Sirius Sledge Patrol) is an elite Danish naval unit. It conducts long-range reconnaissance patrolling, and enforces Danish sovereignty in the Arctic wilderness of northern and eastern Greenland (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCTw6WNx_-4). Because they are more likely to encounter hungry polar bears than enemy troops, members of the Sirius Sledge Patrol carry Glock 10mm pistols and Sako TRG-42 bolt-action rifles.

The Glock 10mm pistol is an excellent choice for anyone working in a remote wilderness area. With 15 rounds of 10mm ammo, the Glock allows for self-defence against predators, and affords the opportunity for hunting some game when not carrying a rifle. According to Glock's web-site: "The G40 Gen4 in the MOS Configuration is chambered in 10mm and combines a full 6-inch barrel for an improved velocity with a magazine capacity of 15 rounds. The G40 Gen4 in MOS configuration is a powerful yet easily carried pistol; perfect for the outdoorsperson, hunter and sport shooter. It is designed to give the handgun hunter the ultimate choice in semi-automatic gaming pistol and has proven to be more than capable of taking down game such as Whitetail Deer, Russian Boar and even Feral Hogs."

The mushers of the Iditarod often carry a firearm for protection, most choosing a handgun for its lighter weight and quick accessibility. Many carried large caliber revolvers, although some carried semi-auto pistols, including the Glock 10mm. Moose are a regular problem for the mushers, as moose seem to have a built-in aggressiveness toward dogs, and can become territorial over parts of the trail. Additionally, polar bears have been seen along the trail on the Bering Sea coastline, and wolves have followed some teams along other parts the trail.  

The Glock-40, 10mm pistol is my personal favorite, and is sure to be by my side whenever I venture into the wilderness. Although a large pistol, it is also my frequent carry pistol when in town - especially when heavy winter clothing makes it easier to conceal. While some may question the need for a pistol; when alone in the wilderness your weapons are your only means of defence. Yes, your rifle should always be nearby, but unless it is in your hands it won't be as quickly available as the pistol holstered at your side.

Spirit Burner / Alcohol Stove

An alcohol stove is an excellent choice for a quick, clean, fire while on the move in the forest. My favorite alcohol stove is the TrangiaSpirit Burner, although both Esbit and Solo make a very similar stove. Regardless of which brand you purchase, the price is the same, around 850 Rubles ($15.00).

All of these stoves will burn any type of alcohol greater than 80% be volume. Isopropyl alcohol 91% -99% is often the easiest to find, although I have found the best fuel, in terms of heat and a clean flame, to be Methyl alcohol, often sold as a gas-line antifreeze such as HEET Gas-Line Antifreeze (in the yellow bottle).  One hundred milliliters (100 ml) of fuel burns for 40-50 minutes and will boil a liter of water in under 10 minutes. HEET burns very cleanly, although Isopropyl alcohol can leave a little bit of soot on the bottom and sides of your cooking pot.

Carrying an alcohol stove and a couple of bottles of HEET can let you have a hot meal or drink while moving to your bug-out camp, or when evading in an area where you need to leave limited signs of your presence. It is also worth noting that an alcohol stove lights easily with a fire steel, giving you a quick fire even in wet and humid weather, when dry tinder may be difficult to find. So, consider adding an alcohol stove and a bottle of fuel to your bug-out bag. It adds a lot of benefit for very little weight.

Vsegda Gotov (Always Prepared)

Whenever I head into the forest I always carry at least a small rucksack or haversack containing some food, drink, and basic supplies to allow me to survive the night should I become lost or stranded. Even when I am not planning a trip to the forest, I always have a few items in my pockets that could aid my survival.

I always have a pocket knife. In this case, the VictorinoxSwiss Army 'Huntsman II'. I chose this knife because, in addition to its knife blades, it contains a saw and scissors.

Half of the day is night, so I carry a lamp (flashlight). I like a headlamp because it keeps both my hands free to work, without the need to hold the light in one hand. The ThruNite TH20 Headlamp runs on a single AA battery, can put out up to 520 lumens, and fits easily into my pocket.

Fire is essential in most every survival situation. I carry a Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel, and a simple Bic disposable lighter. I also wrap about one meter of ‘Gorilla Tape’ around the lighter.    

A pocket compass allows me to determine basic directions, and walk a generally straight line from point to point through the forest.

A couple meters of heavy twine completes the regular contents of my pockets.

As the motto of the RAS/N says "Vsegda Gotov" ("Always Prepared").

Evasion and Survival

Evasion - Successfully evading capture by hostile forces depends upon personal preparation, planning for the contingency, and to some degree, fortunate circumstances or luck. Attention to detail when preparing an emergency action plan, complete familiarity with communications devices and emergency procedures, and knowledge of personal survival kit items, indigenous personnel, and regional knowledge (flora, fauna, topography, climate, etc.) will aid in successful evasion. Isolated persons should carefully consider contact with indigenous people. Many countries have citizens overseas in areas where there is strong potential for mixed attitudes towards foreigners. There may be a high-risk of indigenous persons responding negatively or even violently, and your presence may result in personal danger to them regardless of their sympathies. Areas controlled by insurgents and illegally armed groups or criminals, locations of mob activity, roads, railroads, trails, rivers, border crossings, and heavily populated areas are normally considered high-threat evasion environments. Individuals must take great care to prevent exposure or capture. As a first move, isolated persons should attempt to establish contact with friendly forces, break visual contact with hostile elements, and move to a secure hiding site. If in a damaged vehicle, move away for as long and as far as possible. If forced to abandon the vehicle, the isolated person should move fast and change directions frequently. When possible, the isolated person should evaluate the immediate situation and again establish communication with friendly forces. Only after careful consideration of their situation should they attempt to evade to an area to initiate recovery. Isolated persons should treat all travel as evasion. 

How to Prepare for Evasion:

• Follow all local force protection guidance to avoid hazardous situations. 
• Develop a plan to communicate, flee, and fight, if necessary. Holding out for a short span of time may make the difference in being taken prisoner or not. 
• Develop a plan of action with several backup plans before departing a secure area. 
• Be familiar with your route and map --study it in detail. 
• Ensure vehicles are reliable and have all necessary emergency equipment. 
• Study the local norms and be alert to situations and changes in behaviors of the locals that may signal that something bad is about to happen --clear the area. 
• Have a "grab and go" kit. It should include a communications device (cell phone or radio), water, basic first aid kit, etc. Consider including local clothing to assist in any necessary improvised disguise. A weapon with extra ammunition may be appropriate if local conditions permit lawful possession. 
• Have personal affairs in order, and prepare family members for the potential of isolation.
• Develop the will to survive and resist. Mental preparation is invaluable, and demonstrating a strong will can help overcome seemingly overwhelming obstacles. 

When you become isolated or separated in a hostile area, either as an individual or as a group, your evasion and survival skills will determine whether or not you return to friendly lines. 

• When unable to continue the mission or unable to rejoin your unit, leave the immediate area, and move to your last rally point.
• Observe activity in the area and form a plan.
• Traveling alone offers the least possibility of detection, but traveling in groups of two to three is more desirable.
• Plan a primary and alternate route. Consider distance, cover, food, and water. The easiest and shortest route may not be the best.
• Food and water are daily requirements. You can do without food for several days; water, however, is essential.
• Move at night. Use the daylight to observe, plan, and rest in a hide site.

Hide Site. Should be an isolated, covered and concealed site selected during evasion. In the hide site, you should take inventory of your situation and accomplish tasks such as camouflage, resting, and planning the next movement. It is seldom used or occupied for more than 24 hrs. 

When selecting a site consider the following:

• Distance from natural lines of drift (water, roads and trails, ridges, and key terrain)
• Vegetation-thick?
• Concealed from all directions?
• Away from populated or built up areas
• Escape route
• Location where humans do not normally habitat

Hole Up Area. This is an isolated area selected during movement. Use it when your physical condition requires that you stop for food, water, equipment maintenance, and rest. Generally, avoid occupying such a position for more than 72 hrs. When selecting a hole up area, consider-

• Abundance of food and water
• Isolated
• Low population density
• Security at all times
• Movement in or around hole up area is still kept to a minimum
• Decentralize-separate rest, food procurement, food preparation and so on.

Survival - With training, equipment, and the will to survive, you can overcome any obstacle you may face. You will survive. Understand the emotional states associated with survival. "Knowing thyself" is extremely important in a survival situation. It bears directly on how well you cope with serious stresses, anxiety, pain, injury, illness; cold, heat, thirst, hunger, fatigue, sleep deprivation, boredom, loneliness and isolation. You can overcome and reduce the shock of being isolated behind enemy lines if you keep the key word S-U-R-V-I-V-A-L foremost in your mind. Its letters can help guide you in your actions.

S - Size up the situation, the surroundings, your physical condition, and your equipment.

U - Undue haste makes waste; don’t be too eager to move. Plan your moves.

R - Remember where you are relative to friendly and enemy units and controlled areas; water sources (most important in the desert); and good cover and concealment. This information will help you make intelligent decisions.

V - Vanquish fear and panic.

I - Improvise/Imagine. You can improve your situation. Learn to adapt what is available for different uses. Use your imagination.

V - Value living. Remember your goal to get out alive. Remain stubborn. Refuse to give in to problems and obstacles. This will give you the mental and physical strength to endure.

A - Act like the natives; watch their daily routines and determine when, where, and how they get their food and water.

L - Live by your wits. Learn basic skills.

Camouflage. While evading, you may need to use field-expedient means to camouflage yourself, your equipment, and your site. Mud, charcoal, berries, vegetation, ash and blood can all be used to camouflage exposed skin and equipment. Natural vegetation can be fixed to clothing and equipment by using vines to secure it or cutting small holes in the rip stop uniform material and feeding vegetation into it. Whenever a site is constructed and camouflaged keep the following memory aid in mind. B L I S S

Blends In

Low Silhouette

Irregular Shape

Small Size

Secluded 

Ruger .22 Charger Takedown Short-Barrel Survival Rifle

The Ruger .22 Charger Take-Down Pistol (.22 LR) is an excellent pistol for plinking and target shooting. Add a AGP Arms 10/22 Folding Stock to your Ruger Charger Take-Down Pistol to make a compact, short-barrel, folding-stock, survival rifle. Fitting easily inside a pack, this survival rifle makes an excellent addition to your fieldcraft gear.

Search and Rescue Numerical Encryption Grid (SARNEG)

The Search and Rescue Numerical Encryption Grid or SARNEG is a means of encrypting map grid coordinates, and other numerical portions of a message, when that message must be sent over non-secure means. Usually this means that an isolated person is communicating his or her location to a rescue team over an unencrypted radio, but the SARNEG can be used to encrypt numbers in other types of communications as well.

To use SARNEG you first agree upon a ten-letter word with no repeating letters. A couple of examples of such words include: AFTERSHOCK and BLACKHORSE. You could also choose to use a combination of two words, such as COMBATHELP.  The word or words are simply a mnemonic to aid in remembering a sequence of ten letters.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A F T E R S H O C K

 
To use SARNEG write the numbers 0-9, and directly below those numbers write your key word. Substitute the letters of the key word for the numbers in the grid coordinates of your location.  For example, if you are located at 56°29'54.8"N  84°59'21.9"E (Decimal 56.498552, 84.989404) in Tomsk, Russia you could send your location as SARNEG: SHRKCSST  CRKCKRAR (although why you would need search and rescue in the City of Tomsk remains a question). Using the military grid reference system, your coordinates would be: 45V UC 76232 63380, and you would send SARNEG: OHTET HEECA.  With the military grid reference system, the grid zone designator and 100,000-meter square identifier (i.e. 45V UC) are not normally transmitted as part of the SARNEG. If for some reason you did include the grid zone designator and 100,000-meter square identifier, you simply include it as part of your plaintext before the SARNEG (i.e. 45V UC, SARNEG: OHTET HEECA).

It is assumed that for search and rescue purposes you will not transmit your exact location while in a hostile area until your rescue / extraction has arrived in your general location. The SARNEG is not a high security encryption that will protect large amounts of message traffic. It is however sufficiently secure for safeguarding the numerical portions of short messages (i.e. grid coordinates), for short periods of time.

SARNEG need not only be used for search and rescue. Maybe you are operating personal radios (i.e. Amateur Band (HAM), RHA68 / PMR446 / GMRS-FRS) with family or friends and want to keep locations, dates, times, telephone numbers, and the like private, from others who might be monitoring the channel. SARNEG will let you do this.

Similar to the challenge and password, the SARNEG keyword is designated prior to each mission.

A Dozen Survival and Wilderness Living Books

In an earlier post, I recommended reading books on survival and wilderness living. Although I have read dozens of such books, there are a few that I really recommend. So, here are my top 12 survival and wilderness living book recommendations. Each of these books are in my personal library, and I have read each one from cover to cover (often more than once).

Basic Safe Travel and Boreal Survival Handbook

http://amzn.to/2pTld04

The Hunting & Gathering Survival Manual: 221 Primitive & Wilderness Survival Skills

http://amzn.to/2ooB3PJ

The Survival Medicine Handbook

http://amzn.to/2oMyjyu

Out on the Land: Bushcraft Skills from the Northern Forest

http://amzn.to/2oR3yXy

Live Off the Land in the City and Country

http://amzn.to/2papv63

Stalking The Wild Asparagus

http://amzn.to/2pUhkLR

The Forager's Harvest

http://amzn.to/2oWgD3i

Bushcraft 101

http://amzn.to/2p1BvEN

Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere - Alive

http://amzn.to/2pUiKpC

When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes

http://amzn.to/2patZtl

How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It

http://amzn.to/2ozwdiY

Bushcraft

http://amzn.to/2pr0Z1B

Knowledge Is The Key to Survival

Fishing, hunting, permanent agriculture, and survival skills are no longer common knowledge in today’s modern world. Of course, most people do not require these skills on a daily basis, but just because these skills are not needed every day does not mean that they will never be needed, nor does it mean that these skills should be forgotten by “modern man”. 

Thousands of hunters, hikers, and campers get lost every year. Children wander away from their parents during a family outing and become lost in the woods. Vehicles break down or become stuck, stranding their occupants on a deserted road miles from the nearest town. ATV and snowmobile riders may find themselves stranded even further into the wilderness when their equipment breaks down miles from any road at all.  

Learning basic survival skills can keep the inconvenience of being lost in the woods from becoming the major problem of being dead in the woods. The best way to learn survival skills is to have someone who has mastered them teach them to you. However, not everyone has a friend who is a master of fieldcraft and survival, and attending a professional survival school can be expensive. However, you can almost certainly learn a few basic survival skills on your own.

Begin by reading some books about survival. There are many good survival manuals for sale at your local book store, or available for loan from your local library. You can also download survival manuals from the Internet. Here are three survival manuals that you can download for free:

• Wilderness Survival for Dummies - http://ow.ly/zyA730b07gj
• Survival, Evasion, and Recovery - http://ow.ly/JzpM30b07hR
• U.S. Army Survival Manual FM 21-76 - http://ow.ly/dC9230b07iZ

Additionally, there are a large number of videos posted on-line that demonstrate survival skills. My current favorite YouTube survival channel is “Survival Lilly” https://www.youtube.com/user/alonewolverine1984 with close seconds being “Survival Mike” https://www.youtube.com/user/survivalmike and “Survival Russia” https://www.youtube.com/user/Moscowprepper.  There are many other good survival channels on YouTube, and you will no doubt find one from which you can learn.

Knowledge is the key to survival. But, it is the ability to apply that knowledge as practical skills that will bring you home from a survival situation. Read books, watch videos, but most importantly get out and practice survival skills until you can do them yourself.  So, get up, get out, and get training.  

Ten Essential Items for the Field

The greatest cause of failure is lack of preparedness. Not having the equipment needed to deal with a situation can turn a minor problem into a major emergency. While this may sound like the world’s most obvious statement, it is a statement that bears repeating. Too often people enter into uncertain or even hostile situations with little or no preparation and little or no equipment to support and sustain themselves.

The following 10 categories of items are the basic essentials for being prepared in the field.

Knife – A good quality knife, designed for hard use is an essential tool. A fixed blade knife with a blade length between five and nine inches allows for most cutting tasks in the field. In addition to this large fixed blade knife, a smaller folding knife or multi-tool allows for work on finer and more varied tasks. Including a small knife sharpener or whetstone can help you keep your blades sharp.

Fire – Having the ability to make a fire is an absolute must in any remote or wilderness area. Always carry at least two ways to light a fire. Recommended are quality lighters, such as those made by Bic and Cricket, and a magnesium fire steel (ferrocerium rod). A waterproof case with storm matches takes up little space, and provides one more way to start a fire. Adding a candle in a can (such as the Coghlan 36-hour Survival Candle) lets you keep a small flame going when a bigger fire is not needed or wanted.

Cord – Cordage has multiple uses, and is an important item to carry with you. Para-cord (550 cord) is commonly recommended, but can be bulky. Tarred bank line, heavy fishing line, and heavy duty waxed sail / canvas thread are all also possibilities. In the cordage category, it is also a good idea to carry some duct tape. I like “Gorrilla Tape”, but any quality duct tape will work. You may not want to carry a large role of tape, but making a small roll from the larger roll, or wrapping a few feet of tape around other gear (wrap a couple feet of duct tape around your Bic / Cricket lighters) will ensure that you have it available when needed. Wire, such as military tripwire can also be useful for constructing traps and making repairs in the field.      

Lamp / Flashlight – When the sun goes down it can be very dark in remote areas. People used to the constant artificial lights of the city are sometimes surprised at just how dark the night can be. Headlamps are our first choice for light in remote areas. A headlamp is simply a small flashlight on a headband, allowing you to keep both hands free while using the light.

Canteen / Container – A stainless steel canteen or bottle allows you to carry water, cook over a fire, and boil water to help purify it for drinking. Having both a stainless-steel bottle (such as the 40-ounce Klean Kanteen) and a stainless-steel cup (such as the GSI 18-ounce Bottle Cup) lets you both carry water and still cook at the same time. Whether you keep your canteen / water bottle filled with water or hope to collect water in the field depends on the amount of weight you are willing to carry, and the general availability of water in your area. If you are planning to obtain water from natural sources, include a water filter in your kit.  

Tarp / Shelter – A tarp, shelter-half, or military style poncho all help to protect you from the elements. The Russian / Soviet poncho/tent (Plash Palatka) is one example of this type of gear. Having something that you can quickly set up to protect you from the rain and shield you from the wind can be a life-saver in a remote area. In addition to the poncho / tarp you may want to include a wool blanket or a sleeping bag. This will also be the bulkiest item of your essential gear.        

Food – Many survival manuals will tell you that you can survive for weeks without food. This is true, you can survive without food, but after the first couple of days without food, your energy levels become depleted, you begin to think less clearly, and your stress level goes up. In an area where you can obtain water carrying various dry grains, groats, soups, and cereals can provide you with a few days of food without a great increase in the weight of your pack. Some possibilities include: Brown Rice, Buckwheat, Bouillon Cubes, Dry Soup Mix, Instant Oatmeal, and Quinoa. Other ready to eat food, such as military rations or canned goods, can also provide you with a food supply, but at a greater increase in weight that you must carry in your pack.  Having at least a small amount of food readily available is important. At a minimum include a couple emergency ration bars, such as those made by companies like: Mainstay, S.O.S. Food Labs, or Datrex; or carry freeze dried camping food such a that made by Mountain House.

Compass & Maps of the Area – As part of understanding your operational area you should have acquired local maps. Keep these maps along with a good quality compass in your fieldcraft essentials kit.

First Aid and Health – Having basic supplies to treat injuries and illnesses, and to maintain your health is important in remote areas. These supplies include a basic first aid kit, medication to treat illnesses, and hygiene supplies to maintain your health.

Saw – A folding saw, such as those made by Silky and Laplander, is an essential tool in remote wooded areas. The saw allows you to quickly gather wood for building a fire or constructing a shelter. The saw is lighter and smaller than the axe, and generally takes less energy to gather the same amount of wood. 

Welcome to My Blog: Fieldcraft, Survival, and Security

Fieldcraft can be described as the techniques used when living, traveling, or making military or scientific observations in the field, while employing stealth, camouflage, and evasion to remain undetected. Fieldcraft skills include land and water navigation, understanding the difference between concealment from view and cover from small arms' fire, using the terrain and its features to mask ground movement, obstacle crossing, selecting good shooting positions, camp sites, locations for effective observation, and counter-surveillance and SERE techniques.

Survival involves the knowledge and skills used in situations where modern conveniences and infrastructure don't exist or where that infrastructure has been severely damaged. Although survival skills are often thought of in the context of the techniques needed when lost or stranded in wilderness and remote areas; survival skills also apply to urban or populated locations, especially when those urban or populated locations are in hostile and non-permissive areas.

Security consists of those preventive measures taken to mitigate hostile actions directed against us. One of the most serious obstacles to personal security today is an attitude of complacency or fatalism. "It can't happen to me" and "if it's going to happen there is nothing I can do about it" is dangerous thinking. Recent political events throughout the world have changed - but certainly not diminished - the threats that we face. A criminal or terrorist attack against you or your family can happen at any place and at any time, as can a natural disaster, or civil unrest that disrupts the infrastructure that surrounds us. However, you can influence what happens to you and your family by assuming personal responsibility for your own safety and security.

This blog is not focused on any particular country or region of the world. It will most likely contain information and resources from many different places. As such, techniques and items that may be legal in one place may be proscribed in another. If you are concerned about such things, be sure to check your local laws to ensure that you remain in compliance. 

Also, this is a personal blog not associated with any government, agency, or corporation. Links to external products or sites, if included, are because I found that thing useful or interesting. What you read here is my personal opinion and commentary. I plan to write the majority of this blog in the English language, but may also, from time-to-time, include comments and resources in Russian, Norwegian, and German.

So, welcome and thank you for visiting my blog as we discuss fieldcraft, survival, and security.