Survival Training from the CIA

 

A lot has changed since the CIA was founded in 1947. Sweeping advancements in technology, a new and evolving threat landscape, and the nuances of an increasingly globalized world mean that the CIA of today looks remarkably different from the CIA of yesteryear. CIA’s headquarters in Langley, Virginia, was built in 1952, predating the Internet, the personal computer, and yes, even the microwave oven. And while the CIA has evolved tremendously over the years, there are certain elements of our mission that are, for lack of a better word, timeless.

In 1951, CIA instructors developed “Introduction to Survival,” a course meant to prepare Agency officers with the skills needed not only to survive—but thrive—in wilderness conditions. Documents declassified in August of 2000 include a nearly 300-page course manual (https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP78-03362A000900050001-4.pdf) that guided students through the core principles of wilderness survival, including parachute jumping, ground navigation, hunting and stalking techniques, fire building, personal hygiene, first aid and much, much more.

“It cannot be too strongly impressed on all personnel,” the manual says, “that what they are learning in this course is for their own personal benefit and to provide them with as much knowledge as possible so that if they are ever forced down in uninhabited regions, they will be able to exist until help arrives.” The course acts as a self-described “personal insurance policy” that officers should avail themselves of; if only to be prepared should the worst happen.

You may not have the time to peruse this 300-page document, so we’ve done the leg work for you. After combing through every page of the 1951 “Introduction to Survival” manual, here are our key takeaways, should you ever be stuck in the wild, “three hundred miles from the nearest habitation with nothing except what is on your back.” Be aware that these key takeaways generally revolve around the ‘soft’ skills of wilderness survival. Those interested in the ‘hard’ skills should explore the original document in its entirety, where there are very useful tips on building shelters, hunting, fishing, land navigation and all manners of wilderness survival skills.

Be Patient

“A novice will view the landscape from the top of a hill with what he considers is care and interest and then say, ‘let’s go.’ The experienced man will clean his binoculars, settle down comfortable and start surveying the surrounding countryside carefully.”

Patience truly is a virtue, one that will pay dividends – as it turns out – in wilderness survival situations. This seems to be a reoccurring theme throughout the survival manual, where instructors tout methodical movement and intentional action as key to a successful outcome. From choosing the most favorable route to civilization, to stalking game and fishing, to constructing a dependable raft, diligent and meticulous planning will define the true survivalist.

Be Observant

“Careful and intelligent observation will train you to interpret correctly the things you see, whether they are distant landmarks or a broken twig at your feet.”

The development of acute observational skills is essential to the toolkit of every survivalist, according to the manual. Land navigation, wild game hunting, and campsite selection can all be improved with intelligent observation. Observational skills can be especially important, in the case of the CIA officers for which this training was intended, if traveling in hostile territory. “Where populations are unfriendly,” the manual notes, “it will be necessary to travel at night.”

Don’t be a Jerk

“Some men who are forced to live under crowded conditions, such as that to be experienced in snow houses become irritable and ‘get on each other’s nerves.’ The feeling of animosity among two or more men can destroy the efficiency of a whole part to a greater degree than illness of physical injury.”

It may seem an obvious one, but when forced into a trying situation and treacherous conditions, maintaining your reputation as an agreeable travel companion may not rank very high on the priority list. Not sure exactly how to stay on good terms with your compadres? Luckily, the survival manual has given us a concise, but foolproof list of ‘do nots’:

Uncleanliness while handling food
Dirty or ill-smelling clothing
Occupying more than a rightful amount of space in the shelter
Slackness on the job so that others are forced to do more than their share
Eating more than the right share of an allowed food ration
Constant complaining
So, in short, don’t be a jerk. It could save your life.

Practice Your Skills

“Trail-walking practices develop progressively and instinctively with time, and a clear mind will register observations and form deductions almost subconsciously.”

This course, as we mentioned earlier, was described to students as a ‘personal insurance policy’ against death in a wilderness survival situation. Just like a car insurance policy, if you don’t “pay” your policy— or in this case, practice the skills you need—you can’t expect coverage in the event of an accident. In nearly every section of the course, the instructors implore students to practice the skills learned. By practicing land navigation, shelter building and fire building, we can commit the skill to muscle-memory so that when they are called-upon in a real-life situation we are prepared to survive.

Take Care of Your Gear

“In survival you are on your own as far as your clothing is concerned. There is no re-supply and what you have must last you until the emergency is over. Learn now how to wear properly and care for your clothing.”

The proper cleaning, protection and general maintenance of clothing and gear are among the top concerns of the adept wilderness survivalist. It is a theme routinely discussed throughout this manual, whether the instructor is discussing clothing care and maintenance, proper cleaning and protection of weapons, methods to clean and sanitize cooking and eating utensils or proper packing to ensure your gear remains dry. When traveling in the wilderness with limited resources at your disposal, it is important to care for all of your gear so that it can properly care for you.

Stay Clean

“Most of us have a tendency, when relieved of civilized environment and the social requirements of civilization, to relax and show complete disregard in our daily cleanliness habits.”

It’s easy, in an emergency situation, to preoccupy our thoughts with an escape plan. So easy, in fact, that we might lose sight of those things which are essential to survival, paramount among them being cleanliness. Personal hygiene, campsite and clothing cleanliness are all important to sustained survival in the wilderness. Any number of infections and diseases can spread through unwashed clothing, skin or cooking utensils. So, if possible, prioritize a regular personal hygiene routine.

Stay Calm

“More important than any specific thing I can tell you to do, or not to do in a certain situation, is to emphasize the necessity of your remaining calm and using your common sense. If each of you do this, you will properly evaluate each condition with the environment and situation present and know better what to do at the time than I could possibly hope to inform you.”

This key takeaway needs no explanation: The calm person is least likely to make a hasty decision. They are the least likely to bite off more than they can chew. Their approach is more likely to be thoughtful, rational and methodical, and is the most likely to yield a positive result. It is sometimes difficult to maintain composure when the odds are stacked against you, but doing so is sure to pay off in the long term.

Preparedness has always—and continues to be—a core element of the intelligence officer’s toolkit. Our analysts prepare briefings for policymakers that anticipate the many possible outcomes from a given scenario. Operations officers, when meeting with sources, take great care in developing primary, secondary and even tertiary plans to adequately defend the secrecy of their meetings. As intelligence officers, we are trained to think of every possible eventuality, and to prepare a thoughtful and considered response. That fact was as true in 1951 as it is today.



Source: https://www.cia.gov/stories/story/wilderness-survival-training-from-the-cia-archives/

AmRRON AIB and NBEMS

 

Founded in 2011, the American Redoubt Radio Operators Network (AmRRON) https://amrron.com/ began as a radio communications network to share information and coordinate in response to disasters in the Pacific Northwest.  By 2013 members joined from over half of the other states in the US.  The American Preparedness Radio Network (TAPRN) on the east coast merged with AmRRON in 2013. By 2014, AmRRON/TAPRN consisted of members from every state, and now consists of members in CANADA, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Japan and elsewhere.

AmRRON's on-the-air activities and focus on grid-down communication provides an opportunity for operators to practice and enhance their radio skills. You don't have to be an AmRRON member to monitor their bulletins and participate in their radio nets.

AIB Monday 

The AmRRON Intelligence Brief (AIB, or ‘Intel Brief’) is a weekly (every Monday) distribution of real-world intelligence compiled from open intelligence (OSINT) sources. https://amrron.com/2025/06/23/white-paper-reposting-amrron-intelligence-brief/

Every Monday...

FLMSG @ 2000z 14.110 MHz MFSK-32 (900 on wf)

FLAMP @ 2010z 14.110 MHz  MFSK-32 (900 on wf) xmit of .k2s file

FLMSG @2020z 7.110 MHz MFSK-32 (900 on wf)

FLAMP @2030z 7.110 MHz  MFSK-32 (900 on wf) xmit of .k2s file

This is good practice for using FLDigi https://sourceforge.net/projects/fldigi/ either as part of your regular radio communications set-up, or as demonstrated in this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeNA754J7CY, with just a SW receiver and the software downloaded to your phone or tablet. 

 

Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System (NBEMS) 

The Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System (NBEMS) is an Open Source software suite that allows amateur radio operators to reliably send and receive data using nearly any computer (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and any analog radio without requiring a dedicated digital infrastructure or specialized modem hardware. NBEMS works on both VHF/UHF FM and on HF.

The System uses Fldigi, the Fast Light Digital modem application, a free, open-source program which allows an ordinary computer's sound card to be used as a simple two-way data modem.

MT63 can be used over FM radio, specifically in the form of MT63-2K Long interleave, which is considered the standard for VHF FM operations due to its speed and robust error correction. This mode is effective for local communications on 2m and 70cm bands, both in simplex and repeater configurations, and is recommended for detailed situation reports and database transmissions. It is particularly useful under poor RF conditions and is forgiving of sound card tuning and calibration when used on FM. The mode is supported by software like fldigi and has been adopted by organizations such as the ARRL for emergency communications. However, using MT63 over FM does not provide any advantage over voice communication in terms of weak signal performance, as FM receivers detect signals based on amplitude rather than phase or frequency shifts. 

Other modes used over FM include 8PSK1000F and 8PSK500F, which are reported to work well on VHF/UHF FM, especially when audio deviation is kept within limits (e.g., 1.8 kHz at 1500 Hz). These modes are faster than MT63-2KL and are used in emergency communications for efficient message transfer. DomX88 is another mode noted for its speed and reliability with acoustic coupling, performing well on both simplex and repeater links (DomX88" refers to the DominoEX mode with a speed setting of 88).

Five Golden Rules of Survival

In 'The Encyclopedia of Outdoor Survival: Based on the Training and Techniques of the SAS', Barry Davies, BEM (1999) listed the "Five Golden Rules of Survival"

1. Life itself is survival, all that changes is the environment or the conditions under which you live. When crossing a wilderness area or entering a dangerous environment do so properly equipped.

2. A quick rescue is the best rescue. Use every modern aid to make others aware of your plight and location. No matter what the danger, good communications will prevent a survival situation evolving.

3. We only need the basics. Given that you are uninjured and functioning properly, you need only air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat and shelter from the environment. However scarce, nature supplies all of these elements but you cannot expect nature to change in order to accommodate your requirements. You must learn to adapt to use whatever she provides.

4. Plan your survival. When disaster strikes think about your situation and make a plan of your basic needs. Through the practical applications of survival you will maintain hope and give hope to others. Maintain your health, care for the injured, build a fire if you are cold, eat if hungry and sleep when tired. Do not needlessly expend energy or put yourself in danger without good reason.

5. Recognize that danger is everywhere. The cold can kill. The heat can kill. The sea can kill. Wild beasts can kill. Despondency can kill. Lack of nourishment can kill. Watch, listen, think, and determine the problem -- learn to survive. 

  

National Trail Systems

The Trans Canada Trail is Canada's national trail, forming the longest multi-use trail system in the world. It spans diverse landscapes, including urban, rural, and wilderness areas, and supports a wide range of activities such as hiking, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. The trail connects communities across the country and promotes outdoor adventure, conservation, and national unity. https://tctrail.ca/

 

The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) is a 1,200-mile long-distance trail that stretches from Glacier National Park in Montana to Cape Alava on the Pacific Ocean in Olympic National Park. It traverses diverse terrain across five primary geographic areas: the Rocky Mountains, Okanogan Highlands, North Cascades, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Peninsula. https://www.pnt.org/

 

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), officially designated as the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, is a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail closely aligned with the highest portion of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, which lie 100 to 150 miles (160 to 240 km) east of the U.S. Pacific coast. The trail's southern terminus is next to the Mexico–United States border, just south of Campo, California, and its northern terminus is on the Canada–US border, upon which it continues unofficially to the Windy Joe Trail within Manning Park in British Columbia; it passes through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. https://www.pcta.org/

 

See you on the trail...  

The Seven Deadly Enemies of Survival

1. Fear -- Fear is a normal reaction in any emergency situation. It is extremely important to calmly assess the situation and not allow fear to interfere with your survival.

2. Pain -- Pain may often be ignored in a panic situation. Deal with injuries immediately before they become even more serious. Physical discomfort can distract from tasks and make it harder to think clearly.

3. Cold -- Can lead to hypothermia and is a significant physical threat in survival situations. Cold inhibits the ability to think, numbing the body and reducing the will to survive. Never allow yourself to stop moving or to fall asleep unless adequately sheltered.

4. Thirst -- Dehydration is a common enemy and must not be ignored. It can dull your mind, causing you to overlook important survival information. And don’t eat snow, especially the yellow kind. Animals do it but snow will only lower your body temperature. Always melt snow first.

5. Hunger -- Hunger is dangerous but seldom deadly (in the backcountry, something else usually kills you before starvation does). Hunger may reduce your ability to think logically and increase your susceptibility to the effects of cold, pain and fear. Lack of food can cause fatigue and a loss of energy, making it difficult to perform necessary survival tasks.

6. Fatigue -- Fatigue is often unavoidable. Physical and mental tiredness can be caused by lack of sleep, exertion, and stress, leading to poor decision-making. Keep in mind that it can and will lower your mental ability. Remember that in an emergency this is often the body’s way of escaping a difficult situation.

7. Boredom & Loneliness -- These enemies are quite often unanticipated and may diminish the mind’s ability to deal with the situation. Boredom is a psychological enemy that can lead to despair and a lack of motivation when there is no immediate task to perform. The feeling of being isolated can be emotionally taxing and lead to despair, especially if one is alone for a long period.

 

  

Reference:
ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS
PROFICIENCY LEVEL ONE - A-CR-CCP-801/PF-001
SECTION 4 - EO M190.04 – DISCUSS SURVIVAL PSYCHOLOGY

Internet-in-a-Box

 

Internet-in-a-Box (IIAB) https://internet-in-a-box.org/ is an open-source project designed to provide offline access to a vast collection of free and open educational resources, including Wikipedia in 37 languages, a library of 40,000 e-books, open-source software, instructional videos, and world maps down to street level, all accessible via a local Wi-Fi network. The system functions as a self-contained digital library, typically built on low-cost hardware like a Raspberry Pi, which acts as a wireless access point and server. It is intended for use in areas with limited or no internet connectivity, such as remote communities, schools, medical clinics, or disaster zones, where reliable access to information is critical.

The project is maintained by a global community of volunteers and is not dependent on an internet connection for operation, as all content is stored locally on the device. Users can either build their own IIAB using a Raspberry Pi and a microSD card, with the software available for download and installation, or purchase a pre-assembled unit. As of 2024, the Wiki Project Med Foundation began selling pre-configured IIAB devices through the Wikimedia Store, which include a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with a 256 GB SD card and a 3D-printed case, priced at $58 USD plus $5 for shipping. These devices are designed to support up to 32 users within a 100-meter radius and can be powered by solar panels, making them suitable for off-grid deployment.

The software is highly customizable, allowing users to select which content modules to install, such as medical knowledge (MDWiki), Khan Academy Lite, OpenStreetMap, Moodle, and other educational tools. It also supports mesh networking and the ability to exchange local knowledge between communities. While the project has been deployed in more than a dozen countries since 2014, ongoing efforts focus on expanding content, improving accessibility for non-English speakers, and simplifying setup through features like captive portals. The project’s development is transparent and collaborative, with source code hosted on GitHub https://github.com/iiab/iiab and documentation available on its wiki.

Kiwix Hotspot https://kiwix.org/en/kiwix-hotspot/ allows you to instantly access Wikipedia, medical guides, videos, manuals, and more – all without an internet connection. It delivers essential information wherever you go, ideal for remote work, travel, emergency preparedness, or learning in connectivity-challenged environments.

Survival Kits

 

Personal Survival Kits -- Creating and carrying a personal survival kit will augment any issued survival equipment in order to help an isolated person survive. Individuals must personalize their survival kits for the operating environment. Consider including the following items in a personal survival kit: water, shade tarp, [firearm and] ammunition, radio, personal locator beacon (PLB), satellite phone, commercial tracking device, maps, compass, and emergency signaling devices, local purchase cell phone, sun block, insect repellent, head net, space blanket, burlap, poncho, a mirror, infrared (IR) and visible lights (e.g.: Fire Flies, laser pointer, Micro Lights, Phoenix, chemical lights, etc.), 3’x3’ bright colored cloth, 1 sq. inch of glint tape, knife or multi-tool, fire starter, candle, button compass, water purification tablets, three 1-gallon zip lock bags, large plastic leaf/trash bag (for water storage and protection from the elements), 100 ft. parachute cord, gloves, large needles, dental floss, safety pins, first aid items, and any needed medications. (CJCS Guide 5260)

 

How to Make a Vehicle Survival Kit -- Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska --  Living in Interior Alaska is unlike living anywhere else in the world. With the harsh winters, if your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road or you get stuck there's no running down the road to get help, and at negative 40 degrees it doesn't take long to turn into a popsicle.

It pays to be prepared for the unexpected by carrying your own personal survival kit. What you do carry depends on you and the space you have available in your vehicle.

Remember, it is impossible to include every item that may be needed in a survival situation. The following is a list of items that you may want to include. By including a few items from each of the specific areas you will be on your way to having the essentials if an emergency arises. Periodically check items for serviceability and shelf-life.

A. Fire and Light
1. metal matches (ferrocerium rod / flint and steel)
2. butane lighter
3. matches (waterproof and wind resistant)
4. fire starters (compresses fuel bars)
     a. cotton balls dipped in paraffin wax
     b. steel wool
5. Light and signaling source
     a. candles
     b. cyalume sticks (chemical light)
     c. flashlight (extra batteries!)
     d. road flares
     e. signaling mirror

B. Medical and Tools
1. Ace bandage 3'' wide
2. compresses - 2 for bleeding
3. triangular bandage
4. band-aids (assorted sizes)
5. Aspirin tablets
6. disinfectant (betadine, iodine)
7. multi tool, such as a Gerber or Swiss Army Knife
8. wire cutters or hack saw
9. emergency ration can opener
10. small camp shovel
11. fishing, treble and snagging hooks
12. Aluminum foil

C. Food and Water
1. MREs
2. candy bars or power bars
3. powdered Gatorade / coffee
4. water purification tablets
     a. halazone, iodine
     b. water filter
5. Ziploc bags
     a. water and food containers
6. cook pot or coffee can

D. Shelter and Personnel Items
1. poncho/large garbage bags
2. space blanket
3. rain jacket and pants
4. wool blanket/socks/hat
5. cord or twine (40 feet)
6. inspect repellent
7. safety pins
8. medications/vitamins
9. hygiene items

 

Community First Aid Training Online

We believe that everyone in our communities should receive first aid training. The following free, online courses will help you develop basic first aid knowledge prior to attending a hands-on course, or serve as a way to supplement your current first aid skills. 

Complete one course per day throughout the week, or dedicate one day to completing all of the courses in order to gain the knowledge needed to respond to an injury or illness and maybe save a life.    

911 and You: Preparing Bystanders for Emergencies - In this four-part training, we will cover the basics of calling 911 and the steps that you can take to recognize and respond to stroke and cardiac arrest. Each module will include practical tips and activities for sharing this life-saving information with the older adults in your family and community, particularly those for whom English is not a preferred language. https://phlearnlink.nwcphp.org/index.php? (1.5 hours)

ACS Stop the Bleed Interactive Course - This Stop the Bleed Interactive Course guides individuals through the three methods of bleeding control using video demonstrations, interactive learning, and spontaneous quizzes. This Stop the Bleed Interactive Course is free to all students and can be taken multiple times to learn and refresh knowledge of the Stop the Bleed. https://www.stopthebleed.org/training/online-course (25-minutes) 

First Aid 103-01 - This online course describes common injuries that require first aid treatment and how to provide aid for such injuries. The course identifies major emergencies requiring the services of emergency personnel and provides initial treatment for such injuries. When providing aid, you will learn to adhere to the universal precautions taken to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens and prevent infections. You will also learn to identify the dual causes of slips, trips, and falls as lack of alertness and physical hazards. https://www.disasterready.org/ (1-hour and 9-minutes)

First Aid Resuscitation – Choking, CPR, and AED 103-03 - This online course teaches you to identify the signs of choking, cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke. Learn how to assist victims using appropriate first aid techniques including the Heimlich Maneuver, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). https://www.disasterready.org/ (50-minutes)

Prevent Overdose WA is a program led by the Washington State Department of Health to reduce deaths from opioids through education and proven harm reduction approaches. https://preventoverdosewa.org/ and https://stopoverdose.org/ (1-hour - Self-Study)

Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification - The Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification (On-Demand) course formally educates the public on the Epilepsy Foundation’s approved procedures for recognizing seizures and responding to someone having a seizure. https://learn.epilepsy.com/courses/seizure-first-aid-cert-ondemand (1.5 hours)

 

 

Canadian Bush Pilot Survival Kit Requirements

 

Pilots flying over remote areas in Canada are required to carry basic survival items aboard their aircraft.

Canada used to have pretty stringent regulations regarding required survival gear. Then we revised the regulations, leaving the contents virtually undefined and ambiguous, presenting unscrupulous operators with loopholes large enough to fly a 747 through. The current version of the regulation follows, with the former version, a fairly good guide for what may be considered acceptable with modification by some field personnel, following the current regulations. (In other words, follow the old regulation if you plan on surviving in the bush.)

Survival Equipment - Flights over Land

CAR 602.61 (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall operate an aircraft over land unless there is carried on board survival equipment, sufficient for the survival on the ground of each person on board, given the geographical area, the season of the year and anticipated seasonal climatic variations, that provides the means for

(a) starting a fire;

(b) providing shelter;

(c) providing or purifying water; and

(d) visually signalling distress.

(https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-96-433/page-58.html)


Old Canadian Regulations (no longer in force)

Emergency Equipment for Flights in Sparsely Settled Areas (most of the area north of 52 degrees North latitude is designated as "Sparsely Settled")

• Food having a caloric value of at least 10,000 calories per person carried, not subject to deterioration by heat or cold and stored in a sealed waterproof container bearing a tag or label on which the operator of the aircraft or his representative has certified the amount and satisfactory condition of the food in the container following an inspection made not more than 6 months prior to the flight.
• Cooking utensils.
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• A stove and a supply of fuel or a self-contained means of providing heat for cooking when operating north of the tree line.
• A portable compass.
• An axe of at least 2 1/2 pounds or 1 kilogram weight with a handle of not less than 28 inches or 70 centimeters in length. (typically referred to as a "Hudson Bay" axe)
• A flexible saw blade or equivalent cutting tool.
• Snare wire of at least 30 feet or 9 meters and instructions for its use.
• Fishing equipment including still fishing bait and a gill net of not more than a 2 inch or 3 centimeter mesh.
• Mosquito nets or netting and insect repellant sufficient to meet the needs of all persons carried when operating in an area where insects are likely to be hazardous.
• Tents or engine and wing covers of a suitable design, coloured or having panels coloured in international orange or other high visibility colour, sufficient to accommodate all persons when operating north of the tree line.
• Winter sleeping bags sufficient in quantity to accommodate all persons carried when operating in an area where the mean daily temperature is likely to be 7 degrees C (approx. 45 degrees F) or less.
• Two pairs of snow shoes when operating in areas where the ground snow cover is likely to be 12 inches or 30 centimeters of more.
• A signalling mirror.
• At least 3 pyrotechnical distress signals.
• A sharp jack-knife or hunting knife of good quality.
• A suitable survival instruction manual.
• Conspicuity panel.

The following are suggested as useful additional equipment:

• Spare Axe Handle
• Honing stone or file
• Ice chisel
• Snow knife or snow saw
• Snow shovel
• Flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries
• Pack sack

Firearms are carried at the operator's discretion. However, if it is proposed to carry firearms in an aircraft as additional emergency equipment the operator should be aware that hand held pistols, revolvers, etc., known as small arms, and fully automatic weapons are not authorized to be carried or worn in Canada.