U.S. Army Survival Handbook [Paperback]

Department of the Army (Author)

Book Description

Series: U.S. Army | Publication Date: June 1, 2002

As a soldier, you can be sent to any area of the world at a moment's notice. It may be in a temperate, tropical, arctic, or subarctic region. You might expect to have your personal equipment and your unit or other members of your unit with you wherever you go, but there is no guarantee, however, that this will be so. You could find yourself alone in a remote area-possibly enemy territory-with little or no personal gear. The U.S. Army Survival Handbook provides vital information and describes the basic techniques to enable you to survive and return alive should you find yourself in such a situation.
This book is widely recognized as the finest single source on the subject of survival. It is utilized by Special Operations Forces and pilots, and has also been translated for use in foreign militaries the world over. But this handbook is not just for soldiers. Civilians have discovered this detailed compilation to be a tremendously interesting and important addition to their home libraries, cars, and RVs.
The U.S. Army Survival Handbook describes and clearly illustrates a wide array of topics, including 
- The Will to Survive 
- Survival Planning 
- Survival Medicine 
- Weapons and Tools 
- Water Procurement 
- Wild Plants for Food 
- Wildlife for Food 
- Shelter 
- Firebuilding 
- Water Crossings 
- Direction Finding 
- Signaling 
- Desert Survival 
- Tropical Survival 
- Arctic and Subarctic Survival 
- Sea Survival 
- Poisonous Snakes 
- Knots 
- Climate 
- Weather 
- And much more.
An outstanding resource for any individual interested in self-reliance in any type of environment on the planet, the U.S. Army Survival Handbook is a concise and in depth reference, with a wealth of excellent black and white photographs and detailed illustrations which help to make it an easy and informative read.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585745561
• ISBN-13: 978-1585745562
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #907,115 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars There all the same., March 4, 2006

By 

Sell Books "Army man" (Ft. Bragg) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: U.S. Army Survival Handbook (Paperback)

This book is, unfortunately, suited more for "arm-chair" survivalists than people really seeking a working knowledge of wilderness survival skills. Most of the skills "covered" may help the inexperienced person feel confident until they actually attempt them. Case in point: Cordage or natural string...yes they cover it, but so sparingly as to be ineffective. "The inner bark of trees make the best fibers to use." (page 7-4) That is all it says about using bark. There is nothing about what trees are best, or how to harvest or prepare the bark. The bulk of the "skills" in this manual are lacking in a manner similar to that illustrated above.
As a former soldier and a current survival instructor I can say with the utmost confidence that this book is good for starting fires and not much else. The lack of many details provides a challenge to anyone attempting to complete a skill from start to finish. Try it and you will see! Reviewers giving it high marks clearly have never been in a true survival situation. Thumbs down.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good info, a reference not a novel, January 24, 2006

By 

Paratrooper "History & Military Buff" (Va beach, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S. Army Survival Handbook (Paperback)

This is a great quick reference or something to help you learn if you are with someone with a little experience. Being in the Army I found it very easy to follow and as a quick reference. But, a buddy of mine picked up one to learn some camping/hiking skills and found it hard to follow. There is a bit of lingo used and a lot of what is explained is done so in a quick to the point way. The diagrams can be a bit vague as well. This is not a "camping for dummies" sort of book. It is obvious that it was made for the Army, people with a background in the outdoors already. Anyone can learn something and if you are with someone who can explain some of the complexities you will get a lot out of the book.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For campers, hikers, travelers & more, September 14, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S. Army Survival Handbook (Paperback)

Originally prepared and issued by the United States Department of the Army, the U.S. Army Survival Handbook is a definitive guide to survival in a variety of outdoors locations and circumstances, especially when one has access to few tools or personal gear. A standard issue survival manual for U.S. Special Operations Forces and air force pilots, the U.S. Army Survival Handbook is also a first-rate reference and highly recommended primer for campers, hikers, travelers, and anyone else who ventures into unknown territory. From avoiding and dealing with dangerous snakes, fish, and insects to direction finding to survival techniques for cold weather, open sea and seashores, desert, and more, U.S. Army Survival Handbook is a definitive resource that can (and should) be a part of every family and community reference library collection.