Training for Independent Survival Outdoors

As part of the ongoing summer training, the reconnaissance Army units are doing planned activities such as training in survival and independent nutrition outdoors.

The training is focused on improving survival skills in the conditions with no regular supply of water and food, limited logistical support, resembling the situations that members of these units may encounter while performing intended tasks.

The task complexity and different conditions in which reconnaissance units are engaged require a high level of skillfulness and adaptability. Therefore, apart from using the standard equipment, members of the units are also trained in how to use natural resources — both to feed themselves and to produce tools and facilities which are useful while performing the tasks.

Reconnaissance Company Commander, Captain 1st Class Saša Stefanović, has said that the training objective is to train unit members to use natural plant and animal potential as a basic source of food, but also for producing various tools and facilities such as fire pits, facilities for storing food, ovens for cooking and drying, and facilities for collecting and purifying water.

— Through independent nutrition in the wild, we train soldiers to use all that can be found in nature in a proper and safe manner, primarily wild flora and fauna. Wild flora and fauna are good allies because, through provision of water and food, they can ensure a long period of observation and intelligence gathering for reconnaissance units. The training objective is for every soldier to learn to catch fish, snakes and frogs, recognize edible and medicinal plants, distinguish between mushrooms and perfect their preparation. As you can see, at the training ground for independent nutrition in the wild, we have thermal food preparation as well as water purification facilities. It is very important that the reconnaissance units hide from enemy view and that they can see and remain unnoticed at the same time. Provision of a sufficient amount of water and food has a significant influence on the execution of the task - explained Captain 1st Class Stefanović.

A professional soldier, a member of the reconnaissance unit undergoing training, points out that the unit members receive summer training every year, which is extremely important for performing intended tasks.

— The training is intensive, interesting and very useful, especially for situations where our knowledge can help us survive in difficult conditions. The most interesting part of the training for me is making a system for fishing and catching fish, and the most intensive part of the summer training is overcoming water obstacles - said the soldier on a reconnaissance duty.

The summer training cycle will continue in July and August with a number of activities aimed at developing survival skills and combat readiness. Apart from independent nutrition outdoors, the training also includes swimming, fighting, handling cold weapons and conducting tactical exercises. An important segment is overcoming water obstacles, using both standard and makeshift assets.

The training of the Serbian Armed Forces’ reconnaissance units is a continuous process that takes place throughout the year, in different terrain and weather conditions. The goal is to achieve a high degree of competence for the successful execution of tasks in the most complex conditions, especially deep within enemy lines, where independence, efficiency and a high degree of adaptability are expected.