status; then request someone authorized to receive
CRUCIAL PHASE OF EVASION
evasion and escape information.
Establishing contact with friendly lines or crossing
the border to a neutral country is the most crucial point
SURVIVAL
of evasion. All of your patience, planning, and hardships
The experience of hundreds of servicemen isolated
have been in vain if you are not wary when contacting
during World War II, the Korean conflict, and the
friendly frontline forces. Many personnel operating
Vietnam conflict proved that survival is largely a matter
behind enemy lines have been killed by friendly
of mental outlook The will to survive is the deciding
outposts while attempting to pass through friendly lines.
factor. Whether with a group or alone, you experience
Evaders have been shot by friendly patrols because they
emotional problems resulting from fear, despair,
did not identify themselves properly. Many refugees
loneliness, and boredom. Also, your will to live is sure
have been accidentally killed by friendly forces. While
to be taxed by injury and pain, fatigue, hunger, and thirst.
trying to escape to freedom, most of these refugees
When you are not prepared mentally to overcome all
would not have been shot if they had used caution and
obstacles and accept the worst, your chances of coming
followed a few simple rules. The normal tendency is to
out alive are greatly reduced.
throw caution to the wind when you are in sight of
friendly forces. Realize that the situation is very
INDIVIDUAL SURVIVAL
sensitive, and this tendency should be overcome.
Regular patrols or special-mission personnel
The shock of finding yourself isolated behind the
enemy lines, in a desolate area, or in enemy hands can
operating behind enemy lines are given the challenge
be reduced or even avoided if you remember the
and password of the day as a security measure. This
meaning of the letters in the keyword S-U-R-V-I-V-A-L
provides for the identification of the patrol as it
(fig. 6-4).
approaches a friendly position. In addition, frontline
troops are told the time and place where patrols are to
SSize up the situation by considering yourself,
leave and enter the lines. The password of the day will
the country, and the enemy.
not help you unless you are able to rejoin your unit
When you think about yourself, hope for the best,
within 24 hours after separation. You must follow
but be prepared for the worst. Recall your survival
certain established procedures and hope the frontline
training and expect it to work. After all, you have been
troops also follow them. Frontline troops (especially
those employed several miles forward of the battle area)
Size up the situation
usually shoot first and ask questions later. It is obvious
that contact with these troops is, at the least, sensitive
and a calculated risk. However, in the absence of an
Undue haste makes waste
opportunity to contact a friendly patrol, this may be the
only alternative. Generally, frontline troops are told that
Remember where you are
the display of a white flag or another white object should
be honored and that the unknown person be allowed to
advance and be recognized.
Vanquish rear and panic
Once back in friendly hands, it is natural to talk
about your exploits. And you will undoubtedly be asked
Improvise
countless questions by frontline troops. This is the time
for you to remain silent because if you talk at this point,
Value living
you may endanger the lives of those who helped you. In
addition, your answers may compromise the methods
used to evade the enemy that could be used by some
Act like the natives
other unfortunate serviceman in evading safely. You are
authorized to give only information of immediate
tactical importance to frontline units, unless you are a
Learn basic skills
member of regular patrol actions. Advise the first officer
or petty officer you contact that you are returning to duty
Figure 6-4.--Factors for survival.
from missing in action, prisoner of war, or internment
6-4
