MILITARY SURVIVAL MANUAL:VOL 3

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Mountain Warfare Training Center
Bridgeport, California 93517-5001
MSVX.01.02
2/6/05
STUDENT HANDOUT
CORE VALUES AND MOUNTAIN LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES
LESSON PURPOSE: The purpose of this period of instruction is to emphasize the vital role of
leadership in the conduct of successful operations and to promote among leaders at all levels an
understanding of the problems common to units operating in a summer mountainous
environment. This lesson relates to all of the training that you will receive here at MCMWTC.
OUTLINE
“One of the most important tenets of cold weather operations is that strong and consistent
leadership is essential to survival and to minimize injuries.”
-FMFM 7-21 “Tactical Fundamentals for Cold Weather Warfighting”
1. POSITIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE RIGHT ATTITUDE. Leadership must be by
example. At first, harsh and unfamiliar conditions tend to be frightening. Marines will find
themselves up against many challenges they have never met before and the environment will
constantly remind them that they can become a casualty if they make mistakes. Aggressive
leadership, which consistently meets and overcomes the challenges of the environment, is
essential to mission accomplishment. There will be two enemies to contend with: the enemy
soldier and the environment itself. The first step towards defeating these enemies is getting
your Marines in the right mental attitude. The leader must maintain a positive attitude
towards the mission, his Marines, and the equipment they have to carry out the job. You can
be defeated psychologically, if you are not aware of the symptoms of a poorly motivated unit.
a. C ore Values applied in a survival situation. Core value are very applicable to
leadership in a survival situation. In the absence of constant adherence to our core
values, subordinate Marines may suffer the consequences of injury and in extreme
cases, DEATH.
b. H onor. Honor is integrity, responsibility, and accountability. Without honor in this
type of environment, decisions are made with inaccurate and/or misleading
information. Dishonorable actions or intentions ultimately lead to unethical
behavior...trust between Marines will erode, dependability will become unimportant,
and the resulting consequences to energy conservation will greatly affect a unit’s
cohesion and ability to accomplish its mission.
c. C ourage. Courage is doing the right thing for the right reason. Courage in this type of
environment for small unit leaders to take charge of their unit. The added stress and
pressure induced in mountainous terrain makes the tough decisions even tougher to
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make: courageous leaders take that extra step. Trust and confidence in leadership
is built upon thorough training to ensure their men are capable of overcoming the fear
and uncertainty of enemy and the harsh environment. A few examples of courage are:
(1) Ensuring Marines have the proper clothing on for the task they are performing.
(2) Ensuring Marines are maintaining security, regardless of weather conditions.
(3) Preventing lethargy and laziness from affecting decision making skills.
(4) Rising to the challenges of a harsh environment, and beating the cold weather
with solid leadership.
d. C ommitment. Commitment is devotion to the Corps and your fellow Marines.
Without commitment, unit cohesion will break down. Marines must know that their
safety and well-being rests upon others. Likewise, Marines must provide the same
safety and well-being for themselves and others. Only through this type of
commitment will a unit successfully accomplish it mission.
2. LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES PECULIAR TO MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS
Although most leadership challenges in a temperate environment are the same in cold weather,
some problems will arise which must be quickly corrected.
a. C ocoon-like Existence. Many men, when bundled up in successive layers of clothing
and with their head covered by a hood, tend to withdraw within themselves and to
assume a “cocoon-like existence”. When so clothed, the individual's hearing and
field of vision are greatly restricted and he tends to become oblivious to his
surroundings. His mental faculties become sluggish and although he looks, he does
not see. Leaders must recognize and overcome these symptoms. Additionally, the
leader needs to watch for the growth of lethargy within himself and must be alert to
prevent it. He must always appear alert to his men and prevent them from sinking into
a state of cocoon-like existence.
(1) If your Marines withdraw into a shell or become moody and depressed, get
them involved in conversations with each other.
(2) Don’t accept an excuse for not carrying out an order. Cold weather training
all too often becomes a camping trip. Leadership must challenge their
Marines to train as they would fight.
(3) If Marines still display a “Cocoon-like” existence, have them engage in
physical activity.
b. I ndividual and Group Hibernation. This problem is similar in manifestation of
withdrawal from the environment. It is generally recognized by a tendency of
individuals to seek the comfort of sleeping bags, and by the group remaining in tents
or other shelter at the neglect of their duties. In extreme cases, guard and security
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measures may be jeopardized. Many times, it is the leadership that violates this, thus
destroying the unit’s trust and confidence.
(1) The leader must ensure that all personnel remain alert and active. Ridged
insistence upon proper execution of all military duties and the prompt and
proper performance of the many group “chores” is essential.
(2) Be alert for individuals who will place their own physical comfort ahead of
their assigned duties. Remind them that their mission as Marines is to fight,
and to do so successfully requires that weapons and equipment be maintained
in working order.
c. P ersonal Contact and Communications. It is essential that each individual and group
be kept informed of what is happening. Due to the deadening of the senses typically
encountered in cold weather, a man left alone may quickly become oblivious to his
surroundings, lose his sense of direction, his concern for his unit, and in extreme
cases, for himself. He may become like a sheep and merely follows along, not
knowing or caring whether his unit is advancing or withdrawing. Each commander
must take strong measures to ensure that small unit leaders keep their subordinates
informed. This is particularly true of the company commanders keeping their platoon
commanders informed, of platoon commanders informing their squad leaders, and the
squad leaders informing their men. General information is of value, but the greatest
importance must be placed on matters of immediate concern and interest to the
individual. The chain of command must be rigidly followed and leaders must see that
no man is left uninformed as to his immediate surrounding and situation.
(1) If your Marines find it hard to remember things they have been taught, show
patience and review orders, drills and SOP’s. Keep their minds busy.
(2) Tempers normally flare up during this type of training, so expect and be
prepared to deal with it when it comes. Maintain your sense of humor, lead by
example, and don’t let unanticipated problems get the best of you.
d. T ime/Distance Factors. Mountain operations doctrine recommends that tactical
commanders be given every opportunity to exploit local situations and take the
initiative when the opportunity is presented. Because of the increased amount of time
involved in a movement and the additional time required to accomplish even simple
tasks, deviation from tactical plans is difficult. Tactical plans are developed after a
thorough reconnaissance and detailed estimate of the situation. Sufficient flexibility is
allowed each subordinate leader to use his initiative and ingenuity in accomplishing
his mission. Time lags are compensated for by timely issuance of warning orders, by
anticipating charges in the tactical situation, and the early issuance of frag orders.
Recognition of time/distance factors is the key to successful tactical operations in cold
weather mountainous regions.
(1) T ime-Distance Formula (TDF). This formula is designed to be a guideline
and should not be considered as the exact amount of time required for your
movement. Furthermore, this formula is for use in ideal conditions. The TDF
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is made for troop on foot in the summertime or troop on skis in the
wintertime. If on foot in deep snow, multiply the total time by 2.
(a) 3 km/ph + 1 hour for every 300 meters ascent; and/or +1 hour for
every 800 meters descent.
e. C onservation of Energy. Two environments must be overcome in mountainous
regions; one created by the enemy and the second created by the climate and terrain.
The climatic environment must not be permitted to sap the energy of the unit to a
point where it can no longer cope with the enemy. The leader must be in superior
physical condition. He cannot expend the additional energy required by his concern
for his men and still have the necessary energy to lead and direct his unit in combat.
He must remember that there are seldom any tired units, just TIRED
COMMANDERS!
(1) IF the unit can effectively fight upon reaching the objective, then it has
properly conserved energy.
“It has been repeatedly demonstrated that at temperatures lower than -10F, all other
problems lose significance in the personal battle for SURVIVAL”
2. S urvival ASPECTS OF LEADERSHIP. When dealing with leadership challenges in a
survival situation, the foremost weapon a leader must employ is his vigilance: a leader’s
attention should be focused on ensuring all Marines of the unit are contributing to the overall
success of the situation.
a. C ohesion. As a leader, you must ensure that all members of the team are working
towards the survivability of the unit. You can not allow individuals or small groups
to formulate their own goals or plan of action.
b. S elf-Worth. A Marine without self-worth is a Marine who does not value living.
Leadership is a critical; factor in building self-worth. Tasks must be found for each
Marine in which best suits their situation while attempting to receive positive results.
(i.e., A man with a broken leg can monitor the fire, A man with a broken arm can still
procure water for the unit). This will make each and every Marine feel useful and not
a burden to the other members, regardless of their individual situation.
c. N atural Reactions to Stress. Leadership must quickly identify natural reactions to
signs of stress his Marines may be displaying (i.e., Fear, Anxiety, Guilt, Depression).
Failure to recognize these signs early will result in injuries, illness, or death which
will reduce the unit’s combat effectiveness. Corrective action must be taken
immediately4
d. W ill to Survive. The will to survive is a “mind-set” that must be instilled and
reinforced within all Marines. Without the “will to survive”, Marines will not
succeed. The following tools can aid to develop this “mind-set”.
WSVX.01.02
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(1) The Code of Conduct.
(2) Pledge of Allegiance.
(3) Faith in America.
(4) Patriotic Songs
(5) Spiritual Faith.
4. CONCLUSION. Paramount to survival is preparation and training that will foster trust and
confidence in a unit’s capability to beat the elements and the enemy. Poorly trained units will
not possess the “Will to Survive” as they lack the fundamental skills to overcome the survival
situation. Individual confidence is built through challenging and realistic training that teaches
a
Marine how to survive and how to effectively employ cold weather equipment.
“Spirit of confidence comes form training and tradition... each individual Marine,
because of the fighting tradition of the Corps and the toughness of training, is confident of
his own ability and that of his buddies... This confidence in themselves and one anther very
often spells the difference between victory and SURVIVAL and defeat and annihilation.”
FMFM 1-0 “Leading Marines”
REFERENCE:
1. ALMAR 439196, Core Values
2. MCDP 1-0, Leading Marines
3. FMFM 7-21, Tactical Fundamentals for Cold Weather Warfighting
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WSVX.01.02
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Mountain Warfare Training Center
Bridgeport, California 93517-5001
WSVX02.06
2/6/05
STUDENT HANDOUT
SURVIVAL SIGNALING AND RECOVERY
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE. In a cold weather mountainous environment,
conduct survival recovery, in accordance with the references. (WSVX.02.06)
E NABLING LEARNING O BJECTIVES
(1) Without the aid of references, describe in writing the audio international distress Signal,
in accordance with the references. (WSVX.02.06a)
(2) Without the aid of references, describe in writing the visual international distress signal,
in accordance with the references. (WSVX.02.06b)
(3) Without the aid of references, construct an improvised visual signaling device, in
accordance with the references. (WSVX.02.06c)
(4) Without the aid of reference, utilize a hoist recovery device, in accordance with the
references. (WSVX.02.06d)
OUTLINE
1. S IGNALING DEVICES. The equipment listed below are items that may be on your body
or items inside an aircraft. Generally, these items are used as signaling devices during
movement. They must be accessible for use at any moments notice.
a. P yrotechnics. Pyrotechnics include star clusters and smoke grenades. When using smoke
grenades in snow pack, a platform must be built. Without a platform, the smoke grenade
will sink into the snow pack and the snow will absorb all smoke.
b. M -186 Pen Flare. The M-186 Pen Flare is a signaling device carried in the vest of all
crew chiefs and pilots. Remember to cock the gun prior to screwing in the flare.
c. S trobe Light. A strobe light is generally carried in the flight vests of all crew chiefs and
pilots. It can be used at night for signaling. Care must be taken because a pilot under
goggles can't distinguish a flashing strobe from hostile fire.
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d. F lashlight. By using flashlights, a Morse code message can be sent. An SOS distress call
consists of sending three dots, three dashes, and three dots. Keep repeating this signal.
e. W histle. The whistle is used in conjunction with the audio international distress signal. It
is used to communicate with forces on the ground.
f. A N/PRC-90 & AN/PRC-112. The AN/ PRC 90 survival radio is a part of the aviator's
survival vest. The AN/PRC-112 will eventually replace the AN/PRC-90. Both radio's
can transmit either tone (beacon) or voice. Frequency for both are 282.8 for voice, and
243.0 for beacon. Both of these frequencies are on the UHF Band.
g. D ay/Night Flare. The day/night flare is a good peacetime survival signal. The flare is
for night signaling while the smoke is for day. The older version flare is identified by a
red cap with three nubbins while the new generation has three rings around the body for
identification during darkness. The flare burns for approximately 20 second while the
smoke burns for approximately 60 seconds.
NOTE: Once one end is used up, douse in water to cool and save the other end for future use.
h. S ignal Mirror. A mirror or any shiny object can be used as a signaling device. It can be
used as many times as needed. It can be concentrated in one area, making it secure from
enemy observation. A mirror is the best signaling device for a survivor. However, it is
only as effective as its user. Learn how to use one now before you find yourself in a
survival situation.
(1) Military signal mirrors have instructions on its back showing how to use it. It
should be kept covered to prevent accidental flashing that may be seen by the
enemy.
(2) Any shiny metallic object can be substituted for a signal mirror.
(3) Haze, ground fog, or a mirage may make it hard for a pilot to spot signals from a
flashing object. So, if possible, get to the highest point in your area when
flashing. If you can't determine the aircraft's location, flash your signal in the
direction of the aircraft noise.
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NOTE: Pilots have reported seeing mirror flashes up to 160 kilometers away under ideal
conditions.
AIMING THE SIGNAL MIRROR
2 . M ETHODS OF COMMUNICATION
a. A udio. Signaling by means of sound may be good, but it does have some
disadvantages.
(1) It has limited range unless you use a device that will really project the sound.
(2) It may be hard to pinpoint ones location, due to echoes or wind.
(3) International Distress Signal. (WSVX.02.06a) The survivor will make six
blasts in one minute, returned by three blasts in one minute by the rescuer.
b. V isual. Visual signal are generally better than audio signals. They will pin point your
location and can been seen at a greater distances under good weather conditions.
(1) The visual international distress symbol is recognized by a series of three
evenly spaced improvised signaling devices. (WSVX.02.06b)
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3. I MPROVISED SIGNALING DEVICES. (WSVX.02.06c) Improvised signaling devices
are generally static in nature. They must be placed in a position to be seen by rescuers. They
are made from any resources available, whether natural or man-made.
a. S moke Generator. The smoke generator is an excellent improvised visual signaling
device. It gives the survivor the flexibility to signal in either day or night conditions.
Build them as soon as time and situation permit, and protect them until needed.
(1) Construct your fire in a natural clearing or along the edge of streams (or make
a clearing). Signal fires under dense foliage will not be seen from the air.
(2) Find two logs, 6 - 10 inches in diameter, and approximately five feet long.
Place the two logs parallel to each other with a two foot spacing.
(3) Gather enough sticks, approximately two inches in diameter and two feet long
to lie across the first two logs. This serves as a platform for the fire.
(4) Gather enough completely dry kindling to fill the entire frame.
(5) Place your tinder under the platform.
(6) Gather enough pine bough to lay on top of the pyramid fire. This serves to
protect the fire and the tinder.
(7) To light, remove the pine bough and ignite the tinder. If available, construct a
torch to speed up the lighting process, especially for multiple fires.
WSVX 2.6
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SMOKE GENERATOR
(8) To create a smoke effect during the day light hours, place the pine bough on
the ignited fire.
(9) Placing a smoke grenade or colored flare under the platform will change the
color of the smoke generated. The fire to draw in the colored smoke. The
colored smoke should contrast with your environment and increase your
chances of recovery.
(10)If on loose deep snow pack, a platform of boughs need to be built under the
two main logs prior to construction.
b. Arrangement or alteration of natural materials. Such things as twigs or branches can
be placed into letters or symbols to contrast with the snow. To attract more attention
ground signals should be arranged in big geometric patterns.
(1) I nternational symbols. The following symbols are internationally known:
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
(2) S hadows. If no other means are available, you may have to construct mounds
that will use the sun to cast shadows. These mounds should be constructed in
one of the International Distress Patterns. Piled snow or snow blocks may be
used to cast shadows. To be effective, these shadow signals must be oriented
to the sun to produce the best shadows. In areas close to the equator, a North
—South line gives a shadow anytime except noon. Areas further north or
south of the equator require the use of East—West line or some point of the
compass in between to give the best result.
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(3) S ize. The letters should be large as possible for a pilot or crew to spot.
(4)
SIZE AND RATIO
(5) C ontrast. When constructing letter symbols, contrast the letter from the
surrounding vegetation and terrain. Ideally, bring material from another
location to build the letter. This could be clothing, air panels, space blanket,
etc.
(a) On snow, pile pine bough or use sea dye from a life vest can be
utilized.
4. A IR TO GROUND COMMUNICATIONS. Air to ground communications can be
accomplished by standard aircraft acknowledgments.
a. Aircraft will indicate that ground signals have been seen and understood by:
(1) R ocking from side to side. This can be done during the day or in bright
moonlight.
(2) M aking green flashes. This is done with a signal lamp during dark nights.
b. Aircraft will indicate that ground signals have been seen but not understood by:
(1) M aking a complete circle to the left during the day or in bright moonlight.
(2) M aking red flashes. This is done with a signal lamp during dark nights.
WSVX 2.6
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5. RECOVERY. Marines trapped behind enemy lines in future conflicts may not experience
quick recovery. Marines may have to move to a place which will minimize risk to the recovery
force. A Marine must take responsibility for the safety of the recovery force.
a. P lacement Considerations. In a hostile situation, signaling devices should not be
placed near the following areas due to the possibility of compromise:
(1) Obstacles and barriers.
(2) Roads and trails.
(3) Inhabited areas.
(4) Waterways and bridges.
(5) Natural lines of drift.
(6) Man-made structures.
(7) All civilian and military personnel.
b. T actical Consideration. The following tactical considerations should be adhered to
prior to employing a signaling device.
(1) Use the signal in a manner, which will not jeopardize the safety of the
recovery force or you.
(2) Locate a position with good escape routes and observation of avenues of
approach. Position should be located relatively close to extract site in order to
minimize time spent on ground by the recovery force.
(3) Maintain continuous security while the signaling device is employed.
(4) If enemy movement is detected in the area prior to recovery, attempt to
recover or conceal the signal.
(5) Employ signaling devices only during the prescribed times as stated in the
mission order.
c. R ecovery Devices. (WSVX.02.06d) In mountainous terrain, a helicopter landing may
be impossible due to ground slope, snow pack, or vegetation. The survivor must be
familiar with recovery devices that may be aboard the aircraft.
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WSVX 2.6
42-8
JUNGLE PENETRATOR
SLING HOIST
d. R ecovery by other than aircraft. Recovery by means other than aircraft may occur.
Unit SOP's should include signaling and link-up with forces at the following
locations:
(1) Border Crossings. The evader who crosses into a neutral country is subject to
detention by that country for the duration of the war.
(2)FLOT.
(a) S tatic. Recovery along a static FLOT is always difficult. Under these
conditions, enemy and friendly forces can be densely arrayed and well
camouflaged with good fields of fire. Attempts to penetrate the FLOT
should be avoided.
(b) A dvancing. Individuals isolated in front of advancing friendly units
should immediately take cover and wait for the friendly units to
overrun their position.
(c) R etreating. Individuals between opposing forces should immediately
take cover and wait for enemy units to pass over their position. After
most enemy units have moved on, evaders should try to link up with
other isolated friendly elements and return to friendly forces.
(3) Link-up with friendly patrols. Unit authentication numbers and/or locally
developed codes may assist the evaders to safely make contact in or around
the FLOT and when approached by friendly forces. Identify yourself to
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friendly unit while behind cover. Once you have been acknowledged follow
any commands as you make your approach.
REFERENCE:
1. FM 21-76, Survival, 1992.
2. Barry Davies BEM, The SAS Escape, Evasion, and Survival Manual, 1996.
3. AF 64-4, Search and Rescue Survival Training, 1985.
4. JP 3-50.3, Joint Doctrine for Evasion and Recovery, 1996.
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