U.S. Air Force Survival Handbook (US Army Survival) Paperback – April 17, 2008

Let's face it many portions of "civilized" society can unravel rather quickly, man-made social unrest to natural disasters. Everyone should give at least a passing thought and basic effort in preparing for an event that may or may not occur. This text is considered one of the premier sources of information. I'm old school I still like to read books, if the power goes out, your tablet, smart phone, electronic book won't do you a bit of good other than a door stop. Sure I have pdf files on my pc and SD cards but what happens if an EMT event kills your electronics? I like to have a physical source of refrence to take with me on weekend trips into the woods to brush up on techniques. In my younger days as an SP in the USAF we trained with Army Rangers who despite acknowledging this was THE text to have were still being issued the Army Manual. Which is a decent starting point. The price on Amazon is about the best going, many book stores do not carry this text, the ones that do try to get full retail price.One suppliment you may need is a suture/surgical knot manual, I have found many for free online in .pdf version. Hopefully you will never be in a situation where someones life depends on your preparation and skills but I for one would have a hard time just sitting idle while someone dies, especially if I could have possibly helped them.

This receives 4 stars, just for the amount of information contained. It has pretty much all the information contained in the more popular SAS Survival Handbook, plus much more, but of course the information varies. Pretty much all you need to know about surviving in the wild is in here. Ranging from signaling for help and making yourself seen, to the exact opposite with principles for evading hostiles, as well. Includes the psychological aspects of various survival situations, the list goes on & on. Check out the table of contents on the "Look inside" feature Amazon has. There is no one book fits all however. Although there is more information in this book, the reading is a bit easier with the SAS. This book, like most U.S. military publications, is cut and dry information. I find myself getting put to sleep reading it sometimes. There's a lot of information included, that is not necessary to survival. Instead of what you just need to know, there are a lot of fillers of background & history, all written with the same cut and dry style.

I was a soldier in the U.S. ARMY from 1992-2001. As a soldier in the ARMY, I was/am fond of all things Army. The competetive nature of serving in the military told me the Army has the best FMs(Field Manuals) because why wouldn't they? After all it's the Army! The fact of the matter is all branches of the US Armed Forces, publish many great manuals on survival, However the U.S. AIRFORCE AFR64-4 Survival Handbook, is hands down the most complete. This book is filled with information on survival all people should know. The book contains many great, and practical passages. The one thing this book contains, which is a must read for people who spend a lot of time in the outdoors, is the mindsets you go through, of not knowing what could happen if a situation arises. The psychology of survival is just as important as the know how.For the little money you spend for this handbook, you'll realize it's a steal. You may never have to worry about crash landing in a foreign country, or navigating through a jungle. Heaven forbid anyone should. It's the "what if" question that lingers for many people, that should compell you to take a look, and read for yourself. No knowledge, is useless knowledge.

You learn some skills covered in this survival guide in military service no matter your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). A former soldier in the combat arms, I learned a portion of this material. However, the U.S. Air Force Survival Handbook is more comprehensive and covers the basic mechanics of survival best because it was prepared for pilots that might be downed in hostile territory.On the most fundamental level, survival is about keeping the body from going into shock and using the mind to do what is necessary to survive the "actualities" (fatigue, hunger, exposure to weather as well as to insects and parasites, and so on). It is about using every means at one's disposal to recover from the situation.This book is applicable to disaster planning because it is our primary literary source for dealing with immediate and extreme stress. Preparation is not only providing for water, food, physical protection, medicine, barter items, tools and materials. If disaster comes suddenly, there will be terrific mental stress compounded by actualities. The challenge of keeping mind and body going would keep us quite busy. This, among other things, is addressed in the Handbook.

Having had a few FM's over the years( the Ranger Handbook, FM 21-76(1970) & FM 21-26), I now have the MOTHERof all manuals! I am too aware that survival is more than just "Macgyvering" it (you know, the tarps, bungees, Swiss Army knife,duct tape~ which I do carry), it boils down to a will to survive(psychological)coupled with good ol' fashioned wits/ adaptability! this manual covers ALL aspects of survival, should you find yourself in such circumstances..I would marry this with the big survival book( survival-book.com).Too bulky for a pack, but an essential to read, memorize. Tip: practice a few skills 1st, then add more as you become confident.. PLEASE READ THE SECTION ON SURVIVAL PSYCHOLOGY- it will prepare you to become adaptable, confident & boost morale! Now get out & enjoy the outdoors!! Hope this helps.