Consider Joining a Para-military Survival or Boot Camp
Reading about survival skills and what to do in various circumstances is one thing, but experiencing them first hand is another matter entirely. Signing up for a crash-course in survival is not a bad idea if you have the time, but there are few things that you should consider as you shop around. Here are some suggestions that can help you to find the best programs.
Time Matters
There are a lot of intensive crash courses out there that are designed to fit in the space of a weekend. However, it is important to keep in mind that there is only so much that you will be able to absorb in a short amount of time. These programs are ideal for putting yourself through one or two scenarios and learning applicable skills, such as what to do if you are stranded in the wilderness or responding to a mass-casualty situation. These programs are usually offered with the expectation that you will already have some basic skills and knowledge that you can put into practice right away in the field.
Longer programs usually offer more in-depth training that may be beneficial when it comes to learning new habits and developing skills. Examples include boot-camp style exercises and activities that are designed to teach everything from survival psychology to wilderness or urban survival skills. Shooting, hunting, setting up camp, self defense and emergency first aid are some common topics that are introduced in these programs.
Quality Matters
It is important to choose from programs that are offered by experienced professionals who have a knack for teaching. They should also have appropriate and relevant resources on-site that will promote a robust and realistic training experience. Remember that the quality of instruction will have a direct relationship with how you are equipped to handle survival situations. Make sure that you are investing in a good program that will leave you more confident and equipped when it’s over.
Content Matters
You also want to evaluate the content or material that will be presented during the training. This will help you to know what to expect, determine whether or not it is relevant to your situation and give you a chance to do some comparison shopping. The aim is to find a program that presents good subject matter along with the means to gain some hands-on experience that will benefit you over the long run. Unfortunately, a lot of programs contain a lot of hype but lack substantive learning opportunities or instruction from qualified individuals.
Give Yourself Time
Survival skills are obtained with lots of practice over the course of time. Even skills that are taught in basic training or police academies are pretty rudimentary and intended to establish a foundation that can be developed with practice. Many survival courses follow a similar model, and you shouldn’t expect to finish a program and be transformed into a commando overnight. Focus on choosing programs that will help you to develop proficiency in certain areas instead of trying to cram everything in at once.
Take the time to shop around in order to find ones that really compliment your needs and goals, and remember that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution that works for everyone. Intensive training opportunities can give you a significant boost in your capabilities, but it’s up to you to choose the right ones.
