HEADQUARTERS, 336TH TRAINING GROUP (AETC) STUDENT HANDOUT

Fairchild AFB WA 99011-8648 S-V87-A-SH-01

1 January 2011
S-V87-A Arctic Survival Training
ARCTIC SURVIVAL

OPR: 336 TRSS/DOTC (Mr. Lathrop) Certified by: 336 TRSS/Dot (Mr. Young)
Supersedes: S-V87-A SH-01 Pages: 20
1 September 2003 Distribution: F

NOTICE: This publication is available digitally in the 336 TRG Intranet.

NOTICE: This publication is available digitally on the S-V86-A Master Courseware DVD.

OBJECTIVES:
1. Environmental conditions.
2. Personal protection.
3. Sustenance.
4. Medical.
5. Signaling and recovery.
REFERENCES:
1. Alfs, Mathew; Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Minnesota and Wisconsin; Old Theology
Book House; New Brighton, MN; 2001, (SL).
2. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Emergency Care and Transportation of the
Sick and Injured, Latest edition, (SL).
3. Auerbach, Paul S., Wilderness Medicine, MO: Mosby Inc., Latest edition, (SL).
4. Brozen, Reed, MD, Ultraviolet Keratitis, Medscape, 27 Aug 10
<http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/799025-overview>, (EV).
5. Campbell, Robert J., Psychiatric Dictionary, NY: Oxford Press, Latest edition, (SL).
6. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Travelers Health, Risks from Food and Drink,
Health Information for International Travel, 2006, (EV).
7. Department of Defense. DoDD 1300.7, Training and Education Measures to Support the
Code of Conduct (CoC), 08 Dec 00, Certified 21 Nov 03, (EV).
8. Department of the Air Force. AFP 64-15, Survival and Emergency Uses of the Parachute,
1 Jun 83, (SL).
9. Department of the Air Force. AFR 64-4 V1, Survival Training, 15 Jul 85, (EV).
10. Department of the Air Force. AFTTP(I) 3-2.26, Multiservice Procedures for Survival,
Evasion and Recovery (FOUO), 1 Mar 07, (SL).
11. Department of the Army. FM 3-05.70, Survival, May 2002, (EV).
12. Executive Order. Code of Conduct for Members of the Armed Forces of the United States,
Executive Order 10361, last amended EO 12633, 28 Mar 88, (EV).
13. Joint Publication. JP 3.50, Personnel Recovery, 05 Jan 07, (EV).
14. Mayo Clinic Staff, Carbon-Monoxide: Definition, Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research, 27 Aug 10 < http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carbon-
monoxide/DS00684>, (EV).
2 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

15. Mayo Clinic Staff, Dehydration: Definition, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research, 27 Aug 10 < http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00651>, (EV).
16. Mayo Clinic Staff, Frostbite: Definition, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research, 27 Aug 10 < http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/frostbite/DS01164>, (EV).
17. Mayo Clinic Staff, Hypothermia: Definition, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education
and Research, 27 Aug 10 < http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothermia/DS00333>,
(EV).
(EV) Electronic Version (SL) Survival Library (DOT) DOT Safe
PRESENTATION:
1. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
a. The isolated personnels (IP's) mission is to return to friendly control without giving aid
or comfort to the enemy and to return early in good mental and physical condition.
b. The three fundamental goals of the IP are:
(1) Maintain Life (Good physical and mental condition):
(a) Sustenance :
1 Maintain water intake despite temperature, taste, or effort to procure and
prepare.
2 Seek and exploit all food sources early.
(b) Health:
1 Physical condition:
a Your condition, prior to an isolating event, will set the tone for
the balance of the isolation.
b Observe self and others for early onset of cold related injuries.
c Prevent cold related injuries by protecting yourself with clothing
and shelter. Reduce amount of time exposed to the harsh cold
environment by seeking shelter and using heat sources safely.
d Treat all injuries to prevent further complication.
e Personal protection:
1) Maintain clothing.
2) Seek or build shelter from the environment.
2 Psychological condition:
a Ensure all your affairs are in order.
b Rely on your training.
c Reflect on your community, family, and faith.
d Establish tasks, stay busy, and rest.
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 3

(2) Maintain Honor (Without giving aid or comfort to the enemy):

(a) Do not give in to the harsh environment.
(b) Never surrender (to the environment), while you still have the means to
resist.
(3) Return (To friendly control):
(a) Travel is not recommended in the arctic.
(b) Be a positive aspect of your own recovery:
1 Knowledge of how to use recovery devices.
2 Develop and follow Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
(c) Aid recovery with visual and electronic signals:
1 Care for and protect signal devices.
2 Develop and maintain improvised signal.
c. Four conditions which may have an effect on an IP's ability to return are:
(1) Environmental:
(a) Climate (temperature, winds, precipitation).
(b) Terrain (land and water).
(c) Life-forms (plant and animal).
(2) Sociopolitical Attitudes, customs, and religious and political beliefs of native people in
your area of operation.
(3) IP's condition.
(4) Duration.
d. Climate:
(1) Temperatures in arctic-like areas are extreme and impact all survival activities. They may
fluctuate 40-50 degrees within a few hours.
4 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

(2) Winds:
WIND SPEED COOLING POWER OF WIND EXPRESSED AS EQUIVALENT CHILL TEMPERATURE
KNOTS MPH TEMPERATURE (F)
Calm Calm 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 -60
EQUIVALENT CHILL TEMPERATURE
3-6 5 35 30 25 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 -60 -65 -70
7-10 10 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -10 -20 -25 -35 -40 -45 -50 -60 -65 -70 -75 -80 -90 -95
11-15 15 25 10 5 0 -5 -10 -20 -25 -30 -35 -45 -50 -60 -65 -75 -80 -85 -95 -100 -105 -
110
16-19 20 20 10 5 0 -10 -15 -25 -30 -35 -45 -50 -60 -65 -75 -80 -85 -95 -100 -110 -115 -
120
20-23 25 15 10 0 -5 -15 -20 -30 -35 -45 -50 -60 -65 -75 -80 -90 -95 -105 -110 -120 -125 -
135
24-28 30 10 5 0 -10 -20 -25 -30 -40 -50 -55 -65 -70 -80 -85 -95 -100 -110 -115 -125 -130 -
140
29-32 35 10 5 -5 -10 -20 -30 -35 -40 -50 -60 -65 -75 -80 -90 -100 -105 -115 -120 -130 -135 -
145
33-36 40 10 0 -5 -15 -20 -30 -35 -45 -55 -60 -70 -75 -85 -95 -100 -110 -115 -125 -130 -140 -
150
WINDS ABOVE
40 HAVE INCREASING DANGER
LITTLE LITTLE DANGER
GREAT DANGER
(Flesh may freeze within
ADDITIONAL (Flesh may freeze within thirty seconds)
one minute)
EFFECT
DANGER OF FREEZING EXPOSED FLESH FOR PROPERLY
CLOTHED PERSONS
Figure 1 Windchill Chart
(3) Precipitation Normal snow depth in the interior is between 10 20 inches, and may exceed
100 inches along southern coastal areas. The major amount of precipitation will occur
during summer months.
e. Terrain (resources and hazards):
(1) Tundra.
(2) Barren land.
(3) Mountains.
(4) Glaciers Big hazard.
(5) Glacial rivers.
(6) Braided rivers.
(7) Mountain streams.
(8) Meandering rivers.
(9) Coastline Gentle and rugged.
(10) Pack ice Open leads (extremely dangerous).
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 5

f. Life-forms:
(1) Vegetation A wide variety of edible plants and berries is available throughout the arctic
(i.e., blueberries, rose hips, and alder).
(2) Animal life Can be used as a resource for an IP, but may pose hazards:
(a) Large game should be avoided.
(b) Insects can try the patience of any IP. Cover the entire body, including the head.
2. PERSONAL PROTECTION.
a. Maintaining body heat is the IP's most important need. It can only be met through proper
techniques of personal protection:
Heat loss:
(a) Radiation Cover head and neck.
(b) Conduction Avoid direct contact with cold objects.
(c) Convection Windchill factor and movement of air through clothes.
(d) Evaporation Do not allow yourself to sweat.
(e) Respiration Cover nose and mouth.
b. Personal protection is classified into four basic areas:
(1) Clothing Proper wear and care of clothing cannot be over emphasized:
(a) Insulation (creates dead air space):
1 Down Good when dry.
2 Wool Retains most of its insulating qualities when wet.
3 Hollofil, Quallofil, Polarguard, polypropylene, Thermax.
(b) Layer system (total body covering):
1 Inner Wicking layer.
2 Middle Insulation layers.
3 Protective - Protects insulating layers from elements.
(c) Care and use (COLDER Principle):
1 C Keep clothing Clean.
2 O Avoid Overheating.
3 L Wear clothing Loose and in Layers.
4 D Keep clothing Dry.
5 E Examine clothing for defects or wear.
6 R Keep clothing Repaired.
6 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

(d) Clothing insulates from the heat, as well as cold; watch clothing around
the fire.
(2) Shelters The type is dictated by length of day, temperature extremes, and hazards
(See attachment Shelter Construction Tips):
(a) Immediate Action Gets you out of the elements and provides a place to rest:
1 Tree line.
2 Rock outcrop.
3 Aircraft Short-term use only.
(b) Improvised Shelters Extended duration:
1 Thermal Principle Incorporates radiant heat from the earth and
insulation from the snow.
2 Insulation Principle 8 inches of snow all around, use cold sump
and sleeping platform for maximum use of body heat and external
heat sources.
3 Shelter Site Avoid hazards.
4 Framework Construction Sizes, shape, strength.
5 Barren Land/Sea Ice Use of snow for framework.
6 Ventilate if you have an external heat source.
(3) Arctic Firecraft Fire is not a necessity:
(a) Uses Light, warmth, signaling, cooking, water purification, drying equipment, and
clothing.
(b) Extreme Cold Cannot feel radiant heat:
1 Large amounts of fuel required.
2 Three Stages Tinder, kindling, and fuel.
3 Other Fuels Coal, animal fat, aircraft fuel.
(4) Equipment Assists with personal protection:
(a) Survival kit, life raft, exposure suit.
(b) Aircraft parts.
(c) Personal equipment, clothing.
3. SUSTENANCE.
a. The arctic environment requires an increase in water intake. You need to put fluids back
into your system as soon as possible. YOU NEED 5-6 QUARTS OF WATER PER
DAY:
(1) Water sources:
(a) Emergency drinking water.
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 7

(b) Ponds
(c) Streams, rivers.
(d) Springs.
(e) Precipitation (Rain or snow).
(f) Seawater.
(2) All open water sources must be purified:
(a) Boiling.
(b) Chemical.
(c) Purification pumps.
(3) Solid water sources:
(a) Snow.
(b) Ice Fresh and sea.
(4) Melting solid sources (Do not eat snow or ice):
(a) Body heat.
(b) Container over a fire.
(c) Water machine.
(5) Storage of water:
(a) Summer Avoid re-contamination.
(b) Winter Avoid freezing.
b. Food is essential as it provides the necessary calories to produce body heat and keep your
energy level up:
(1) Rations:
(a) Use as a transition from commercial foods to an all-natural diet.
(b) Attempt to have two meals a day, one of which is hot.
(2) Natural sources:
(a) Plants Look for poisonous characteristics and then perform the
edibility test.
(b) Prepare plant for consumption:
1 Leach.
2 Eat raw.
3 Cook.
8 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

(3) Animal sources:

(a) Large game Avoid unless a firearm is available. Take meat from the
hindquarter in meal-size portions and freeze separately before storing.
(b) Small game Procure with a double twist simple loop snare; prepare the
animal by glove skinning and gutting. Utilize the entire animal.
(c) Birds Procure with a throwing stick or rocks. They may be plucked or
skinned, utilizing the entire bird.
(d) Sea ice animals Avoid the head and mouth of the arctic fox and the
livers of bears, seals, and fox.
(e) Fish, crustaceans Use a hook and line or gill nets; difficulty may arise
with thick ice. Scale, gut, and clean as soon as possible.
(4) Cooking methods:
(a) Boiling.
(b) Baking.
(c) Roasting.
(d) Frying.
(5) Preservation methods:
(a) Smoking.
(b) Sun/wind drying.
(c) Freezing.
(6) Storage methods:
(a) Pole cache.
(b) Platform.
(c) Underground.
4. MEDICAL.
a. Dehydration:
(1) Signs and symptoms:
(a) Headache.
(b) Yellow urine.
(c) Irritability.
(d) General ill feeling.
(e) Minimum and infrequent urination
(2) Treatment Sip warm fluids, at least one cup per hour.
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 9

b. Hypothermia:
(1) Signs and symptoms:
(a) Shivering.
(b) Slowing of reactions.
(c) Poor coordination.
(d) Mental confusion.
(e) Unconsciousness.
(2) Treatment:
(a) Stop exposure.
(b) Eliminate heat loss.
(c) Rewarm victim.
(d) Monitor victim.
c. Stage 1 Frost nip:
(1) Signs and symptoms:
(a) Prolonged exposure, superficial cooling of tissues without cellular destruction.
(b) Skin becomes yellow or white (blanches).
(c) Slight burning sensation.
(d) Victim usually unaware.
(2) Treatment (immediate):
(a) Light exercise.
(b) Elevate affected area to reduce swelling.
(c) Remove constrictive jewelry and clothing.
(d) Reverse by gradual warming.
d. Stage 2 Superficial frostbite:
(1) Signs and symptoms:
(a) Continued exposure.
(b) Disappearance of pain.
(c) Reddening and swelling of skin.
(2) Treatment:
(a) Treatment may result in blistering and peeling of the skin.
(b) Passive rewarming:
1 Warm fluids (nonalcoholic/decaffeinated).
2 Restrict movement.
10 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

3 Body heat.
4 Handle gently.
5 Do not rub or massage.
6 Increase insulation to the affected area.
e. Stage 3 Deep frostbite:
(1) May be impossible to differentiate between levels.
(2) Movement may be nearly impossible in later stages.
(3) Signs and symptoms:
(a) Waxy and hard skin.
(b) Skin dies.
(c) Edema.
(d) Nerve damage.
(e) Skin will turn purple, then black.
Note: If feeling is lost, check damaged area for cuts and breaks in the skin.
Infected, open skin can lead to gangrene and amputation maybe needed.
(4) Treatment:
(a) Treatment will result in blistering and peeling of the skin.
(b) Leave frozen (until competent medical help is available).
(c) Protect from further freezing.
(5) Prevention:
(a) Seek shelter in extreme temperatures.
(b) Use COLDER Principle.
(c) Use buddy system for early detection.
f. Snow blindness:
(1) Signs and symptoms:
(a) Irritation.
(b) Gritty sensation.
(c) Excessive watering.
(d) Burning.
(e) Double or blurred vision
(2) Treatment:
(a) Stop exposure.
(b) Cover eyes (24 - 48 hours).
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 11

(c) Rest.
g. Carbon monoxide poisoning:
(1) Signs and symptoms:
(a) Dusky skin.
(b) Cherry red lips.
(c) Bluish-red patches.
(d) Headache.
(e) Throbbing temples.
(f) Labored breathing.
(g) Pounding pulse.
(h) Twitching muscles.
(2) Treatment:
(a) Move to fresh air.
(b) Resuscitation, if necessary.
(c) Observation.
(d) Rest.
h. Immersion foot:
(1) Signs and symptoms:
(a) Early stages:
1 Swelling.
2 Reddening of skin.
3 Itching.
(b) Late stages:
1 Burning sensation.
2 Skin white and wrinkled.
3 Skin possibly sloughing.
4 Walking difficult, clumsy.
(2) Treatment:
(a) Remove wet footgear.
(b) Pat dry, do not rub.
(c) Rewarm.
(d) Improve circulation.
(e) Prevent infection Large, bulky, loose bandage.
12 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

i. Sanitation and hygiene:

(1) Camp sanitation:
(a) Avoid having food and trash in shelter/camp.
(b) Designate latrine area.
(2) Personal hygiene Brush teeth, wash hands and face.
j. Psychological stress:
(1) Defined as any interference, physical or psychological, affecting a person's ability to
function.
(2) Ways to combat stress:
(a) Learn to tolerate discomfort.
(b) Overcome aversions.
(c) Understand source and nature of stress.
(d) Keep mind and body active.
(e) Use will to survive (the desire to live, despite seemingly insurmountable
mental or physical odds).
5. SIGNALING AND RECOVERY.
a. IP's responsibilities:
(1) Select signal and recovery site.
(2) Know how and when to use signals.
(3) Be able to use signals on short notice.
(4) Use signals IAW instructions.
(5) Establish contact.
(6) Follow instructions given by rescue.
(7) Know how to use recovery devices.
b. Transceivers:
(1) Develop a communication plan and execute your communication plan.
(2) Line of sight.
(3) Cone of silence.
(4) Batteries are affected by the temperature:
(a) Keep warm until needed.
(b) Alternate extra batteries.
(5) Avoid grounding out antenna.
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 13

(6) UHF SATCOM (Ultra High Frequency Satellite Communications):

(a) Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) limitations between
70 Degrees North and 70 Degrees South latitude.
(b) Hook 112 is limited to UHF SATCOM assets assigned to the area of
operations.
(7) 406.0 MHz Beacon:
(a) Total global coverage, but user must have reception from 3 Global
Positioning System (GPS) satellites.
(b) Non-secure beacon, which transmits coordinates and unique identifying
code to rescue centers around the world.
(c) Currently installed in the CSEL, Hook 112, and URT-44 Beacon.
Note: There are many commercial beacons available, but may cause delay in
IP identification if not registered to your unit.
c. Manufactured visual signals:
(1) Signal mirror:
(a) Can be used on overcast day or moonlit night.
(b) Easily improvised with any reflective material.
(2) Pyrotechnic devices:
(a) Have prepared and ready to use.
(b) Ignite only when instructed by rescue.
(c) Malfunctions possible during extreme temperatures.
d. Ground-to-air signal (GTAS):
(1) Placement:
(a) Clear, high open areas.
(b) 360-degree visibility.
14 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

(2) Meaning:
Code Symbol Message

V REQUIRE ASSISTANCE
X REQUIRE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
N NO or NEGATIVE
Y YES or AFFIRMATIVE
PROCEEDING IN THIS DIRECTION
Figure 2 Signal Key
(3) Contrast, angularity:
(a) Contrast against background.
(b) Ensure straight lines and sharp angles.
(4) Size:
(a) Ratio 6:1.
(b) Minimum 3 feet x 18 feet.
(5) Maintain and improve signals daily.
e. Fire:
(1) Produces light at night.
(2) Generates smoke by day:
(a) White smoke green vegetation.
(b) Black smoke petroleum products.
f. Recovery procedures:
(1) Aircraft landing:
(a) Clear landing area.
(b) Wear protective clothing.
(c) Do not approach aircraft until directed.
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 15

(2) Hoist recovery:

(a) Windchill.
(b) Groundout device
(c) Signal for pickup.
(d) Follow aircrew instructions.

MICHAEL L. YOUNG, SR., GS-13, DAF

Chief, Directorate of Training
Attachment:
Shelter Construction Tips
16 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

SHELTER CONSTRUCTION TIPS

a. Key Construction Tips:
(1) Select a site safe from hazards of falling rocks, trees, and snow slides, with plenty of trees
and snow nearby for building materials. It should be out of the wind, but in a clearing to
facilitate spotting by air searches.
(2) Make the shelter large enough for you and your equipment. Do not build too large or
heating may be a problem. Follow the guidelines given below.
(3) Shelter sides should be at a 45-degree angle or less to hold snow covering.
(4) Select main support poles stout enough to handle the weight of 8 inches of snow covering.
b. Building Instructions Thermal A-Frame
(1) Clear snow away to ground level.
(2) Make the ridgepole one foot longer
than your height.
(3) Make tripod poles chin high, lash at
chest high.
(4) Anchor bottoms of poles with rocks,
logs, or by seating in depressions.
(5) Tie the joints of poles with parachute
cord. (Figure 1 A-Frame)
(6) Use 10-inch diameter log for door top Figure 1 A-Frame
and tie on at waist level.
(Figure 1 A-Frame)

(7) Place framework poles horizontally

8 inches apart. (Figure 2 A-Frame)
Note: This method may be easier for
hooking boughs (where available) for
added insulation.

Figure 2 A-Frame
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 17

(8) Place framework poles vertically, eight

inches apart. (Figure 3 A-Frame)
Note: Smaller branches can be attached
horizontally to framework poles for
hooking boughs.

Figure 3 A-Frame

(9) Add covering to framework using

parachute, boughs, poncho, emergency
blankets, etc., for additional insulation.

Figure 4 A-Frame
18 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

Save sufficient amount for floor or shelter, if

possible.
Note: If using only boughs to cover the
framework, no sunlight should be visible when
looking out from the inside.
(10) Stack on lower door logs.
(Figure 4 A-Frame) Figure 5 A-Frame

Figure 6 Snow Cave

(11) Cover entire shelter with snow (minimum, eight inches thick).
(Figure 5 A-Frame)
(12) Parachute/snow door plug (or other suitable material) inserted from within will seal the
shelter.

c. Building Instructions Snow Cave

(1) Dig entrance tunnel 18" wide and chest high.
(Figure 6 Snow Cave)
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 19

(2) Remove rectangular portion of snow cave crossways to entrance. Then dig upward in all
directions leaving a sleeping platform. (Figure 7 Snow Cave)

(3) Extend entrance in about two feet and downward about a foot. (Figure 7
Snow Cave)

(4) Cut entrance block and place across entrance. (Figure 8 Snow Cave)

(5) Fill crack between blocks with snow. (Figure 8 Snow Cave)

(6) Shelter improvements (Figure 9 Snow

Cave):
(a) Air vents.
(b) Entrance block.
(c) Cold air sump.
(d) Working platform.
(e) Sleeping platform.
Figure 7 Snow Cave

Figure 8 Snow Cave

20 S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011

d. Building
instructions
Molded Snow
Dome:
(1) Create
large pile
of snow. Figure 9 Snow Cave
(2) Insert sticks 8" into the top of the dome.
(3) Create small entry hole 90 degrees to prevailing winds.
(4) Dig down to soil.
(5) Remove snow until you find bottom of branches (this indicates 8" of insulation).
(6) Seal doorway.
S-V87-A-SH-01 1 January 2011 21

e. Building Instructions Fighter Trench:

(1) Cut snow block. (Figure 10/11 Fighter Trench)
(2) Set blocks using staggered pattern cover and chink cracks.
(Figure 12 Fighter Trench)
(3) Cover entrance with snow blocks. (Figure 13 Fighter Trench)
(4) Variations with an L-Shaped entrance. (Figure 14, Fighter Trench)

Shallow snow conditions.

Figure 10 Fighter Trench

Start and finish with half blocks.

Figure 12 Fighter Trench

Deep snow conditions.

Figure 11 Fighter Trench

Variations with L- entrance.

Set blocks on each end. Figure 14 Fighter Trench
Figure 13 Fighter Trench