RANGER HANDBOOK

CHAPTER ELEVEN
EVASION/SURVIVAL
11-1. EVASION. When you become isolated or separated in a hostile area, either as
an individual or as a group, your evasion and survival skills will determine whether or
not you return to friendly lines.
a. When unable to continue the mission or unable to rejoin your unit, leave the
immediate area and move to your last rally point.
b. Observe activity in the area and form a plan.
c. Traveling alone offers the least possibility of detection, but traveling in groups of
two to three is more desirable.
d. Plan a primary and alternate route. Consider distance, cover, food and water. The
easiest and shortest route may not be the best.
e. Food and water are daily requirements. You can do without food for several days;
water, however, is essential.
f. Move at night. Use the daylight to observe, plan, and rest in a hide position.
g. Linkup only during daylight hours. Place friendly lines under observation.
h. Attempt to identify the unit you approach, note their movements and routine.
i. After carefully considering your approach route, make voice contact with the unit
as soon as possible.
11-2. SURVIVAL.
a. With training, equipment, and the WILL TO SURVIVE, you will find you can
overcome any obstacle you may face. You will survive. You must understand the
emotional states associated with survival, "knowing thyself" is extremely important
in a survival situation. It bears directly on how well you cope with serious stresses,
anxiety, pain, injury, illness; cold, heat, thirst, hunger, fatigue, sleep deprivation,
boredom, loneliness and isolation.
b. You can overcome and reduce the shock of being isolated behind enemy lines if
you keep the key word S-U-R-V-I-V-A-L foremost in your mind. Its letters can help
guide you in your actions.
(1) S - Size up the situation; size up your surroundings; size up your physical
condition; size up your equipment.
(2) U - Undue haste makes waste; don’t be too eager to move. Plan your moves.
11-1