Customer Reviews

U.S. Army Survival Handbook

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This civilian version of the US Army's Survival Manual is an excellent resource for weekend- and dayhikers, but probably isn't what you're looking for if you want to camp/hike for long periods of time. The book covers the basics of gathering food, finding water, building a shelter, first aid, field medicine, and other survival skills, but lacks many valuable details. Its simple wisdom honestly reminds me of my old Bear Scout guidebooks. Again, this book is a priceless resource for weekend campers, but lacks the details necessary to really teach you survival skills. Serious campers: Take a look at the "real" military version (the FM 21-76) for the info you need!

This book is superficial and unrealistic. None of the topics are covered in sufficient detail to be of any use in a real-world situation. Do yourself a favor and get a better book on the subject.

Plus, this book is available online (legally) for FREE anyway -- just type "army field manual survival .pdf" into Google, and you can download it and read it without wasting your money.

I bought this as a gift for a friend who loves spending time outside but didn't have much training. Very handy and informative.

Not worth the bucks. Old, out of date info, but if you're a kid, say under 15, it might be fun to read.

This book is, by far, the best book I have read for understanding and gaining knowledge for survival. Not only does it cover the basics of life, food, water, and shelter, but helps you understand the physcological stresses that can be even more important. Great Book!

Luke Batten

A very accurate book. It covers a lot of information, and is therefore not very precise, but it teaches you the basics of what you need to know, and I recommend it to anyone interested in survival techniques.

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.