Combat Survival Training Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Combat Survival Training Exam

A Combat Survival Training Exam tests your understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary to survive in hostile environments, evade capture, resist exploitation, and safely return to friendly forces (SERE). This training is critical for personnel operating in high-risk areas where survival may depend on self-reliance, situational awareness, and resourcefulness. Below is a comprehensive study guide to prepare for the exam.

Key Topics to Study

1. Survival Basics (SERE Fundamentals)

Survival Priorities:
- Protection (shelter, clothing, safety from threats).
- Location (signals for rescue).
- Water procurement.
- Food acquisition.
The principles of SERE: survival, evasion, resistance, and escape.

2. Shelter Building

Types of shelters for different environments:
- Lean-tos, debris huts, snow caves, or natural shelters.
Importance of site selection:
- Avoiding enemy patrol routes, areas prone to flooding, and exposed locations.
Insulating against heat or cold for temperature regulation.

3. Water Procurement and Purification

Locating water sources:
- Streams, dew, vegetation, and underground water.
Purification techniques:
- Boiling, filtering, and chemical purification (e.g., iodine or chlorine tablets).
Avoiding dehydration and the signs of waterborne illness.

4. Food Acquisition

Foraging for edible plants, insects, and small animals.
Constructing traps and snares for hunting.
Proper preparation of food to avoid illness.

5. Evasion Techniques

Movement strategies:
- Traveling at night and staying off open terrain.
- Using terrain for concealment.
Camouflage:
- Techniques to blend with the environment.
- Avoiding tracks and minimizing evidence of movement.
Navigation:
- Using natural landmarks, celestial navigation, or improvised compasses.

6. Signals for Rescue

Creating visible or audible signals:
- Smoke, mirrors, fires, or ground symbols.
Using pre-arranged communication codes or devices like beacons.
Proper timing and placement of signals to avoid detection by hostile forces.

7. Resistance and Escape (R/E)

Handling captivity:
- Maintaining mental resilience and adhering to the Code of Conduct.
- Recognizing and resisting interrogation techniques.
Escape planning:
- Timing and tactics to maximize success.

8. Medical Emergencies

Treating common survival injuries:
- Hypothermia, heat stroke, dehydration, and wounds.
Improvised first aid:
- Using natural materials for bandages or splints.
- Recognizing and addressing infections.

9. Survival Psychology

Staying calm and focused under stress.
Avoiding panic and maintaining morale.
Decision-making in life-threatening situations.

10. Hostile Environment Awareness

Understanding local threats:
- Terrain, wildlife, climate, and enemy presence.
Avoiding detection by hostile forces:
- Minimizing noise, light, and scent.

Sample Questions

Multiple Choice:
What is the most critical survival priority in a cold-weather environment?
- A. Finding food.
- B. Building a shelter.
- C. Starting a fire.
- D. Signaling for rescue.
(Correct Answer: C)
Scenario Question:
You are stranded in a dense jungle with minimal gear and no water. Describe three ways to procure and purify drinking water.
True/False:
It is safe to consume raw meat from small animals in a survival situation.
(Correct Answer: False)
Practical Problem:
While evading capture, you encounter a flowing river. Explain how to cross it safely without leaving evidence of your presence.
Fill-in-the-Blank:
The primary purpose of a ______ is to provide protection from the elements and hostile threats in a survival situation.
(Correct Answer: Shelter)

Study Tips

Practice Survival Skills
- Build shelters, create fire without matches, and navigate without modern tools.
Learn Local Flora and Fauna
- Familiarize yourself with the plants, animals, and water sources common to the areas where you may operate.
Understand the Code of Conduct
- Review military guidelines for behavior under captivity and how to resist exploitation.
Simulate Scenarios
- Engage in field exercises or simulated evasion and survival situations.
Mental Preparation
- Work on stress management techniques to maintain focus in high-pressure situations.