The SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman stands as a definitive guide, born from the rigorous training and real-world expertise of the Special Air Service (SAS). First published in 1986, this manual offers a complete course in survival, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate any emergency situation. From unexpected accidents and critical escape scenarios, including those involving chemical and nuclear threats, to mastering diverse climates ranging from polar to tropical and desert environments, the book provides practical strategies for survival. It extends to essential skills such as identifying edible plants and mastering fire-starting techniques. Renowned for its practicality, the guide is enhanced with clear line art and diagrams, making complex survival techniques accessible to all.
The Special Air Service (SAS), a distinguished special forces unit of the British Army, was established as a regiment in 1941 and later reorganized into a corps in 1950. This elite unit is tasked with a spectrum of highly sensitive and dangerous missions, encompassing counterterrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and covert reconnaissance. Due to the clandestine nature of their operations, detailed information about the SAS remains highly classified, with neither the UK government nor the Ministry of Defence offering public commentary. John Wiseman’s background within this esteemed organization lends unparalleled credibility to his survival guide. His service and expertise are underscored by his worldwide recognition following the televised rescue during the Iranian embassy siege in 1980, although details of his specific role are not publicly available due to the secretive nature of SAS operations.
John Wiseman’s personal journey is as compelling as his survival expertise. Born in London in 1940, Wiseman’s dedication to service began early. At just 18 years old in 1959, he transitioned from the parachute regiment to join the SAS, remarkably becoming the youngest individual to successfully pass the notoriously challenging selection process. His career within the SAS spanned an impressive 26 years, during which he ascended to the rank of Warrant Officer. Further highlighting his expertise, Wiseman led 22 SAS Operations Research, established the anti-hijacking SP Team, and founded the SAS Counter-Terrorism Team, the very unit known for its pivotal role in the Iranian embassy siege. Following his departure from the SAS in 1985, Wiseman authored his seminal work, the SAS Survival Manual, published in 1986. Since then, he has become a respected authority as a survival writer and consultant, sharing his invaluable knowledge through various media, including television appearances.
Table of Contents of the SAS Survival Handbook
- ESSENTIALS
- STRATEGY
- CLIMATE & TERRAIN
- FOOD
- CAMP CRAFT
- READING THE SIGNS
- ON THE MOVE
- HEALTH
- SURVIVAL AT SEA
- RESCUE
This handbook is fundamentally about preparing for and navigating survival in diverse and challenging environments, ranging from the rigors of nature to crisis situations created by human events. Proactive preparation is paramount. A basic yet crucial tool, a pocket knife, should always be considered an essential piece of everyday carry. Beyond equipment, mental and physical preparedness are equally vital. Acquiring fundamental survival knowledge, even if it seems unlikely to be needed in everyday life, is invaluable for potential emergencies. Ultimately, a strong will to survive is the third critical element. This inner drive fuels the resourcefulness and determination necessary to find solutions and persevere in dire circumstances. Even seasoned individuals can succumb to difficult situations if complacency sets in, whereas a powerful will to live can inspire proactive steps to seek knowledge, tools, and support that significantly enhance survival chances.
A useful methodological framework for survival preparation can be remembered by the acronym PLAN. P stands for Protection: immediately assess environmental dangers and construct temporary shelter to mitigate exposure. L is for Location: prioritize signaling your position to maximize the chances of being found quickly and accurately by rescuers. A denotes Acquisition: focus on securing essential resources, particularly water and food, recognizing their potential future value. N represents Navigation: ideally, utilize a navigation system such as GPS. Providing precise latitude and longitude coordinates can dramatically expedite and simplify rescue efforts.
Preparation emerges as a cornerstone strategy for managing extreme situations. While some challenging circumstances might be anticipated, such as planned expeditions into wilderness areas, others, like unexpected disasters, occur without warning. Regardless of the nature of the situation, advance preparation is key. Every detail, no matter how small, can be critical. While perfection may be unattainable, meticulous simulation and iterative planning are essential. This preparation can take many forms: mental rehearsal and scenario planning, thorough research and data collection, learning from the experiences of others through literature and training, and practical drills and exercises. While preparation does not guarantee survival, it significantly increases the probability of a positive outcome.
The human body exhibits remarkable duality in survival scenarios. On one hand, it demands specific environmental conditions, particularly concerning temperature and humidity, to function optimally. This necessitates utilizing available resources to create micro-environments that support survival. On the other hand, the human body possesses extraordinary adaptive capabilities. Even when conditions are less than ideal, the body can endure and overcome significant challenges for extended periods. This inherent resilience, coupled with mental fortitude, distinguishes humans and is a key factor in our ability to survive where other creatures might not.
When considering wilderness camping or survival scenarios, appropriate gear is crucial. Tents, sleeping bags, suitable clothing, and sturdy hiking shoes are fundamental. A standard adult mountaineering backpack of approximately 60 liters often weighs between 12 to 15 kilograms when fully packed. Therefore, selecting lightweight yet durable equipment is paramount. Furthermore, managing moisture from both perspiration and external sources like rain is critical, emphasizing the need for breathable materials. The principle of “sharpening your tools” applies directly to survival preparedness; appropriate gear is as essential as skill. As personal skills and physical conditioning reach advanced levels, the quality and suitability of equipment become increasingly impactful. Conversely, even the best equipment is ineffective if used incorrectly, highlighting the necessity of training and practical knowledge to fully leverage the potential of survival tools.
Effective location tools, such as GPS devices, are indispensable in survival situations. Solely relying on a mobile phone for location is risky due to potential battery depletion or lack of signal in remote areas. Similarly, compass-only navigation can lead to inaccuracies due to rough estimations or inability to orient without sunlight. Precise knowledge of latitude and longitude is crucial for understanding distance to destinations and progress made. Knowing your current location, your starting point, and your intended direction are fundamental for successful navigation and rescue.
Even in pairs, carrying wireless walkie-talkies is a vital safety measure when traveling in the wilderness. Wilderness travel differs significantly from urban environments, with safety taking absolute precedence. If resources are insufficient to acquire essential safety equipment like radios and GPS, reconsidering or postponing wilderness excursions is advisable. The absence of such equipment can introduce unacceptable levels of risk. Conversely, when traveling in urban settings, reducing carried items is feasible as access to resources and assistance is readily available. Ultimately, survival strategies and equipment needs are dictated by the specific environment and the nature of the travel undertaken.
