All-Team Training 2000

All-team training 2000 was hosted by East Valley's team, "SAR 3" at Lake Casitas in late September. Training topics focused on wilderness survival, topographical (topo) map reading and practical applications. Various military personnel were brought in to lead the training sessions and oversee the VC SAR teams practicing the skills presented.

A brief introductory course in wilderness survival was given from James Cragg of Special Operations Technologies. Tips and techniques of how to stay alive when lost in the wilderness were described and demonstrated by Cragg. Afterwards, teams engaged in hands-on practice of survival skill such as gathering fresh water and creating snares to catch small animals as a food source. Cragg supervised the activities, offering feedback and assistance as needed. Cragg gave members an extensive list of recommendations for putting together personal survival kits. He brought with him an impressive display of survival gear. This resourceful individual shared with us his affinity for acquiring such equipment from other agencies and organizations whenever possible. Luckily, there were no local Boy scout troops in the near vicinity, and a close eye was kept on the helicopters.

Below is just part of the outline that was covered during this session:

SURVIVAL Psychology

Two gravest dangers are the desire for comfort and a passive outlook. Assume the worst and work to overcome it.

S  Size up the situation. Security, senses, surroundings, physical condition, inventory, and planning.

U  Undue haste makes waste. Don't be eager to move, you could waste your resources without a plan.

R  Remember where you are. Location of loss site, friendly and enemy forces, possible shelter, and rescue assets.

V  Vanquish fear and panic. Remember your training and know that someone is looking for you.

I   Improvise tools and equipment. Stone knife, whopping sticks, cord.

V  Value living. Your will to survive will give you the mental and physical strength to endure.

A  Act like the natives. This includes animals. Adapt, observe, and respect how, when and where they       get their food and water.

L   Learn basic skills and live by your wits.

The six essentials in order of importance: first aid, location/navigation, shelter/protection, water, fire, food.

SAR 3 Team members practice rigging an elaborate snare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A watersill can be easily made to collect dew. It can be a lifesaving tool in the absence of readily accessible fresh water.

 

 

 

 

 

Topographical map reading and compass use was the subject at one of the training stations.

 

 

 

 

 

The webmasters from the Fillmore and dive teams work together to set the declination on the compass and find their current position at Casitas on the topo map. After everyone got their bearings, people were assigned into teams and sent on a brisk hike to find designated areas on the map.