A survival kit is a must-have item for anyone who ventures into the outdoors. Even if you’re just venturing to your local park or beach, having a basic first aid kit with you is a good idea. And while everyone may not know what some of these terms mean, we’re sure that once you read through this article, you will!
When it comes to preparing for any situation, whether that be an accident at work or if there’s an emergency at home or elsewhere, it’s important to know as many details as possible. This is why reading through articles like this one on military survival terms is so helpful.
What does “survival” mean?
Survival kits and supplies are great for a variety of situations but are especially useful when you get stranded in the wilderness. Survival kits are not meant to be your everyday carry; rather, they’re meant to be a quick grab for you and your family if you need to get out of town quickly.
Aside from food and water, the items you’ll find in a survival kit are basic first aid supplies, a multi-functional tool, a fire-starting tool, a water filtration system, a sleeping bag, and a shelter. While these may not sound like the most exciting items, they’re the essentials you’ll need to survive.
Know the Basics
There are many basic survival tips that can help you and your family stay safe and alive in almost any situation. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and try to be self-sufficient. Be Prepared – By knowing what you’ll need in an emergency, you’re one step ahead of the game.
Keep a small first-aid kit (complete with bandages, antibiotic ointment, and anything else you might need) in your car, purse, and/or your house.
Stock your pantry with canned goods and other essentials. Get Into Nature When you find yourself in an emergency situation, the last thing you’ll want to do is fight with other people or try to make it through the city. Try to find a remote spot and get as close to nature as possible.
Emergency Situations
When a natural disaster or another type of emergency occurs, it can be helpful to know some basic survival terms. These terms may not come up in everyday conversation, but they could be critical if you find yourself in a situation where others are not as well-informed.
- Blackout – This is when all electrical power is cut off. Some blackout situations can be caused by a natural disaster, while others can be caused by a power surge.
- Flash Flood – Heavy rain can result in flash flooding, also known as a sudden flow of water. These situations can quickly change and are usually unpredictable.
- Power Outage – This is when the electricity for your home is out. You may still have power in your neighborhood, but the rest of the city is affected.
- Shelter – A shelter is a place that provides protection from the elements.
Bases and Outposts
Survival terms related to bases and outposts are helpful during emergency situations. These types of locations are usually remote and are often equipped with emergency personnel, supplies, and communications equipment.
- Air Base – This is a facility that’s used for military aircraft.
- Airfield – The area where aircraft land and take off.
- Border Outpost – These outposts are located along international borders.
- Border Patrol – The people who work at border outposts usually patrol on foot.
- Camp – A camp is a temporary military installation.
- Command Post – This is a remote location where commanders can communicate with other forces.
- Communications Outpost – Communication outposts are used to transmit and receive information.
- Fence Outpost – A fence outpost is a small building with a high, wire-mesh fence surrounding it.
- Military Base – These are bases used by the military.
- Outpost – An outpost is a smaller, temporary military installation.
- Border Patrol – Border Patrol officers are usually on foot. They are responsible for patrolling the U.S. and Mexican borders.
Navigation Terms
When it comes to navigation, knowing some basic survival terms can help you get to safety.
- Bearing – This is a direction or direction to a destination.
- Bearing to destination – This is the compass direction from your location to the destination.
- Azimuth – An azimuth is a direction from north to south.
- Bearing and distance – This is the compass direction and distance from your location to the destination.
- Bearing to your location – This is the direction from your location to your destination.
- Bearing to destination and distance – This is the compass direction and distance from your location to your destination.
- Bearing and distance – This is the compass direction and distance from your location to your destination.
- Bearing to destination and distance – This is the compass direction and distance from your location to your destination.
CS (Crowd Control) Terms
When law enforcement officers or other individuals are trying to control crowds or situations, knowing some basic survival terms can help you stay safe. Many of these terms are related to crowd control, are used by law enforcement, and are often in the news.
- Crowd control – This is when law enforcement officers try to keep people safe while they’re controlling a crowd.
- Lanes – This is a type of route that allows people to move through a crowd but is separated by barriers.
- Shovelling – This is when people push and shove each other through a crowd.
- Spreading – This means people are moving apart from each other in a crowd.
- Squeezing – This means people are moving together in a crowd.
Communications Terms
When it comes to communications, it’s important to know how to properly use terms related to GPS, cell phones, and other forms of communication.
Knowing these terms can help you get help if needed.
- GPS – Short for global positioning system, this is a kind of system that shows your exact location on a map. It can be used in emergencies to help rescuers find you.
- Cell phone – This is a phone that uses a service like cell-only or T-Mobile.
- Hand-held radio – This is a device that uses radio frequencies to receive information.
- Emergency beacon – An emergency beacon is a small device that sends out a signal that can be seen from far away.
- Satellite phone – This is a high-end phone that uses satellite technology.
Conclusion
When it comes to survival, knowing the basic military terms related to navigation, shelter, and food can be the difference between life and death. By knowing these terms, you’re one step ahead of the game in any situation.
If you ever find yourself in a survival situation, the last thing you want to do is risk fighting with others or trying to navigate through a city. Instead, you want to get as far away from civilization as possible and find a place where you can hopefully stay safe until help arrives.