Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) Operations

652 Pages·2017·44.5 MB·English

AF Handbook 10-644
Survival Evasion Resistance Escape
(SERE) Operations
27 March 2017
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
BY ORDER OF THE AIR FORCE HANDBOOK 10-644
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE 27 March 2017
Operations
SURVIVAL EVASION RESISTANCE ESCAPE
(SERE) OPERATIONS
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY
______________________________________________________________________________
ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available on e-Publishing website at
www.e-publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.
RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.
______________________________________________________________________________
OPR: HAF/A3XX (CMSgt Filby) Certified by: HAF/A3 (Lt Gen MARK C. NOWLAND)
Supersedes: AFH10-644, 21 March 2017 Pages: 644
______________________________________________________________________________
This handbook describes the various environmental conditions affecting human survival, and
describes isolated personnel (IP) activities necessary to survive during successful evasion or
isolating events leading to successful recovery. It is the fundamental reference document
providing guidance for any USAF service member who has the potential to become isolated;
deviations require sound judgment and careful consideration. This publication provides
considerations to be used in planning and execution for effective mission accomplishment of
formal USAF Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training, environmentally
specific SERE training, and combat survival continuation training programs. The tactics,
techniques, and procedures in this publication are recognized best practices presenting a solid
foundation to assist USAF service members to maintain life and return with honor from isolating
events. This handbook also applies to US Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units and
members. Refer recommended changes and questions about this publication to the office of
primary responsibility (OPR) using the AF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication;
route the AF Form 847 from the field through major command (MAJCOM) publications/forms
managers. Ensure that all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are
maintained IAW Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 33-363, Management of Records, and disposed of
IAW the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) in the Air Force Records Information
Management System (AFRIMS). The use of the name or mark of any specific manufacturer,
commercial product, commodity, or service in this publication does not imply endorsement by the
Air Force. See Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 for glossary and acronyms.
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Table of Contents
1.Mission ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. IP Mission .............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2. Goals ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3. Survival .................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.4. Decisions ................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.5. Elements ................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.Conditions Affecting Survival .................................................................................................................. 4
2.1. Environmental Conditions ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. The IP's Condition.................................................................................................................................. 7
2.3. Duration-The Time Condition ............................................................................................................. 10
2.4. Sociopolitical Condition ...................................................................................................................... 11
2.5. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Conditions............................ 11
3.The IP’s Needs ........................................................................................................................................ 12
3.1. Maintaining Life .................................................................................................................................. 12
3.1.1. Personal Protection ........................................................................................................................... 12
3.1.2. Sustenance......................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1.3. Health (Physical and Psychological) ................................................................................................. 15
3.1.4. Travel ................................................................................................................................................ 16
3.2. Maintaining Honor ............................................................................................................................... 17
3.3. Returning.............................................................................................................................................. 17
4.The Psychological Aspects of SERE ...................................................................................................... 18
4.1. Captivity ............................................................................................................................................... 18
4.2. The Will to Survive .............................................................................................................................. 19
4.3. Overcoming Stress ............................................................................................................................... 21
4.4. Crisis Period ......................................................................................................................................... 21
4.5. The Coping Period ............................................................................................................................... 22
4.6. Situation Awareness ............................................................................................................................. 22
4.7. Attitude ................................................................................................................................................ 23
4.8. Contributing Factors ............................................................................................................................ 24
4.9. Survival Stresses .................................................................................................................................. 25
4.10. Hunger................................................................................................................................................ 28
4.11. Frustration .......................................................................................................................................... 29
4.12. Fatigue................................................................................................................................................ 30
4.13. Maintaining Group Morale and Efficiency ........................................................................................ 31
4.14. Sleep Deprivation ............................................................................................................................... 31
4.15. Isolation.............................................................................................................................................. 32
4.16. Insecurity............................................................................................................................................ 32
4.17. Depression.......................................................................................................................................... 33
4.18. Emotional Reactions .......................................................................................................................... 33
4.19. Anxiety ............................................................................................................................................... 36
4.20. Panic ................................................................................................................................................... 36
4.21. Hate .................................................................................................................................................... 36
4.22. Resentment ......................................................................................................................................... 36
4.23. Anger.................................................................................................................................................. 37
4.24. Impatience .......................................................................................................................................... 37
4.25. Dependence ........................................................................................................................................ 37
4.26. Loneliness .......................................................................................................................................... 38
4.27. Boredom ............................................................................................................................................. 38
4.28. Hopelessness ...................................................................................................................................... 38
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4.29. Summary ............................................................................................................................................ 39
5.SERE Medicine ....................................................................................................................................... 40
5.1. Health Preservation .............................................................................................................................. 40
5.2. Basic Health Care ................................................................................................................................ 42
5.3. Clothing and Bedding .......................................................................................................................... 45
5.4. Illness ................................................................................................................................................... 46
5.5. Injury .................................................................................................................................................... 49
5.6. Environmental Injury ........................................................................................................................... 62
5.7. Marine Animals that Bite ..................................................................................................................... 71
5.8. Marine Animals that Sting ................................................................................................................... 73
5.9. Marine Animals that Puncture ............................................................................................................. 75
5.10. Medical Plants for SERE Scenarios ................................................................................................... 79
5.11. Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................ 86
6.Weather ................................................................................................................................................... 87
6.1. Knowledge of Weather ........................................................................................................................ 87
6.2. Atmosphere .......................................................................................................................................... 87
6.3. Elements Affecting Weather ................................................................................................................ 87
6.4. Storms .................................................................................................................................................. 89
6.5. Weather Forecasting ............................................................................................................................ 92
6.6. Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 97
7.Environment ............................................................................................................................................ 98
7.1. Terrain .................................................................................................................................................. 98
7.2. Life Forms .......................................................................................................................................... 100
7.3. Climate ............................................................................................................................................... 101
7.4. Effects of Climate on Terrain............................................................................................................. 102
7.5. Effects of Terrain on Climate............................................................................................................. 103
7.6. Effects of Climate and Terrain on Life Forms ................................................................................... 104
8.Global Climate Characteristics ............................................................................................................. 106
8.1. Tropical Climates ............................................................................................................................... 107
8.2. Dry Climates ...................................................................................................................................... 115
8.3. Warm Temperate Climates ................................................................................................................ 120
8.4. Snow and Ice Climates ........................................................................................................................129
9.Open Seas.............................................................................................................................................. 135
9.1. Seas are a Large Percentage of the Earth’s Surface ........................................................................... 135
9.2. Seas are Geographically Aligned along Distinct Boundaries ............................................................ 135
9.3. Ocean Climatic Conditions ................................................................................................................ 135
9.4. Procuring Drinking Water on the Open Seas ..................................................................................... 137
9.5. Shelter for Open Seas ......................................................................................................................... 138
9.6. Life Forms .......................................................................................................................................... 138
9.7. Traveling on Open Seas ................................................................................................................... ..139
9.8. Physical Considerations ..................................................................................................................... 144
9.9. Life Preserver Use .............................................................................................................................. 146
9.10. Raft Procedures ................................................................................................................................ 147
9.11. Making Landfall ............................................................................................................................... 155
9.12. Methods of Getting Ashore .............................................................................................................. 157
10.Local People........................................................................................................................................ 159
10.1. Contact with People ......................................................................................................................... 159
10.2. IP Behavior ...................................................................................................................................... 160
10.3. Political Allegiance .......................................................................................................................... 161
10.4. Population in Built-Up Areas ........................................................................................................... 161
10.5. Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 162
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11.Proper Body Temperature ................................................................................................................... 163
11.1. Optimum Core Temperature ............................................................................................................ 163
11.2. Water as a an Effective Way to Transfer Body Heat ....................................................................... 164
11.3. Factors Which Affect Survival Time ............................................................................................... 164
11.4. Factors that can Transfer Body Heat ................................................................................................ 165
12.Clothing............................................................................................................................................... 168
12.1. Protection ......................................................................................................................................... 168
12.2. Clothing Materials ........................................................................................................................... 168
12.3. Insulation Measurement ................................................................................................................... 170
12.4. Clothing Wear in Snow and Ice Areas ............................................................................................. 174
12.5. Clothing in the Summer Arctic ........................................................................................................ 177
12.6. Clothing at Sea ..................................................................................................................................179
12.7. Anti-exposure Garments .................................................................................................................. 179
12.8. Warm Oceans ................................................................................................................................... 181
12.9. Tropical Climates ............................................................................................................................. 181
12.10. Dry Climates .................................................................................................................................. 181
12.11. Care of the Feet .............................................................................................................................. 182
13.Shelter ................................................................................................................................................. 186
13.1. Shelter Considerations ..................................................................................................................... 186
13.2. Principles of Shelter Locations and Types ....................................................................................... 187
13.3. Types of Shelters .............................................................................................................................. 190
13.4. Shelter for Tropical Areas ................................................................................................................ 202
13.5. Shelters for Hot and Dry Climates ................................................................................................... 203
13.6. Shelters for Snow and Ice Areas ...................................................................................................... 206
13.7. Tree-Line Areas ............................................................................................................................... 208
13.8. General Construction Techniques .................................................................................................... 211
13.9. Arctic or Cold Weather Shelter Living Considerations ................................................................... 212
13.10. Summer Considerations for Arctic and Arctic-Like Areas .............................................................212
13.11. Maintenance and Improvements .....................................................................................................213
14.Firecraft ............................................................................................................................................... 215
14.1. Considerations .................................................................................................................................. 215
14.2. Elements of Fire ............................................................................................................................... 215
14.3. Fire Site Preparation ........................................................................................................................ 218
14.4. Firecraft Tips .................................................................................................................................... 219
14.5. Fire Making with Matches (or Lighter) ........................................................................................... 219
14.6. Heat Sources .................................................................................................................................... 221
14.7. Other Methods of Fire Starting ........................................................................................................ 228
14.8. Burning Aircraft/Vehicle Fuel ......................................................................................................... 228
14.9. Fire Lays .......................................................................................................................................... 229
15.Equipment ........................................................................................................................................... 231
15.1. Issued Equipment ............................................................................................................................. 231
15.2. Parachute .......................................................................................................................................... 241
15.3. Other Improvised Equipment ...........................................................................................................247
15.4. Ropes and Knots .............................................................................................................................. 250
15.5. Personal Survival Kit ....................................................................................................................... 270
16.Water ................................................................................................................................................... 271
16.1. Water Sources .................................................................................................................................. 271
16.2. Locating and Procuring Water ......................................................................................................... 273
16.3. Water in Snow and Ice Areas ........................................................................................................... 274
16.4. Water in Tropical Areas ................................................................................................................... 276
16.5. Water in Dry Areas ...........................................................................................................................280
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16.6. Preparation of Water for Consumption ............................................................................................ 283
17.Food .................................................................................................................................................... 286
17.1. Nutrition ........................................................................................................................................... 286
17.2. Food ..................................................................................................................................................289
17.3. Animal Food .................................................................................................................................... 290
17.4. Plant Food ........................................................................................................................................ 309
17.5. Food in Tropical Climates................................................................................................................ 320
17.6. Food in Dry Climates ....................................................................................................................... 330
17.7. Food in Snow and Ice Climates ........................................................................................................334
17.8. Food on the Open Seas .................................................................................................................... 343
17.9. Preparing Game Food ...................................................................................................................... 346
17.10. Preparing Plant Food ....................................................................................................................... 353
17.11. Cooking .......................................................................................................................................... 356
17.12. Preserving Food ............................................................................................................................. 359
18.Land Navigation. ..................................................................................................................................362
18.1. Maps ..................................................................................................................................................362
18.2. Aeronautical Charts ..........................................................................................................................365
18.3. Marginal Information ....................................................................................................................... 369
18.4. Topographic Map Symbols and Colors ........................................................................................... 374
18.5. Coordinate Systems ......................................................................................................................... 375
18.6. Elevation and Relief ......................................................................................................................... 382
18.7. Representative Fraction (RF) ........................................................................................................... 388
18.8. Graphic (Bar) Scales ........................................................................................................................ 388
18.9. Protractors ........................................................................................................................................ 390
18.10. Map Orientation ............................................................................................................................. 392
18.11. Determining Cardinal Directions Using Field Expedients ............................................................. 394
18.12. Determining Specific Position ....................................................................................................... 398
18.13. Determining Specific Location without a Compass ....................................................................... 398
18.14. Dead Reckoning ............................................................................................................................. 399
18.15. Position Determination .................................................................................................................. 401
18.16. The Compass and Its Uses ............................................................................................................. 411
18.17. Using a Map and Compass, and Expressing Direction .................................................................. 414
19.Land Travel ......................................................................................................................................... 418
19.1. Decision to Stay or Travel ............................................................................................................... 418
19.2. Travel ............................................................................................................................................... 420
19.3. Land Travel Techniques................................................................................................................... 421
19.4. Glaciers and Glacial Travel .............................................................................................................. 427
19.5. Snow and Ice Areas ......................................................................................................................... 432
19.6. Dry Climates .................................................................................................................................... 434
19.7. Tropical Climates ............................................................................................................................. 437
19.8. Forested Areas ................................................................................................................................. 438
19.9. Mountain Walking Techniques ........................................................................................................ 438
19.10. Burden Carrying ............................................................................................................................. 442
19.11. Rough Land Travel and Evacuation Techniques ........................................................................... 446
19.12. Specialized Knots for Climbing and Evacuation ........................................................................... 446
19.13. Seat Harness ................................................................................................................................... 450
19.14. Route Selection .............................................................................................................................. 451
19.15. Dangers to Avoid ........................................................................................................................... 451
19.16. Climbing ........................................................................................................................................ 452
19.17. Overland Snow Travel ................................................................................................................... 459
19.18. Snow and Ice Climbing Procedures and Techniques ..................................................................... 461
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19.19. Evacuation Principles and Techniques........................................................................................... 464
20.River Travel ........................................................................................................................................ 468
20.1. River Travel ..................................................................................................................................... 468
20.2. Using Safe Judgment and Rules for River Travel ............................................................................ 468
20.3. River Hydraulics .............................................................................................................................. 478
20.4. Emergency Situations ...................................................................................................................... 488
20.5. Improvised Rafts .............................................................................................................................. 492
20.6. Fording Streams ............................................................................................................................... 495
21.Signaling and Communication ............................................................................................................ 496
21.1. Communications Equipment ............................................................................................................ 496
21.2. Emergency Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 496
21.3. Visualizing Emergency Development ............................................................................................. 497
21.4. Furnishing Information in Permissive Environments ...................................................................... 497
21.5. Furnishing Information in Non-Permissive Environments .............................................................. 497
22.Recovery ............................................................................................................................................. 511
22.1. IP’s Role........................................................................................................................................... 511
22.2. National Search and Rescue (SAR) Plan ......................................................................................... 511
22.3. IP Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................... 512
22.4. Recovery Site ................................................................................................................................... 513
22.5. Recovery Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 513
22.6. Preparations for Open Seas Recovery .............................................................................................. 520
22.7. Reintegration .................................................................................................................................... 520
23.Evasion ................................................................................................................................................ 522
23.1. Convert Survival .............................................................................................................................. 522
23.2. Definitions........................................................................................................................................ 522
23.3. Five Phases of Evasion .................................................................................................................... 522
23.4. Value of Evasion .............................................................................................................................. 524
23.5. Preparation ....................................................................................................................................... 527
23.6. Evasion Principles ............................................................................................................................ 529
23.7. Camouflage ...................................................................................................................................... 532
23.8. Types of Observation ....................................................................................................................... 532
23.9. Preventing Detection ........................................................................................................................ 534
23.10. Factors of Recognition ................................................................................................................... 534
23.11. Principles and Methods of Camouflage ......................................................................................... 538
23.12. Concealment in Various Geographic Areas ................................................................................... 546
23.13. Concealment Factors for Areas Other Than Temperate ................................................................ 549
23.14. Camouflage and Concealment Techniques for Shelters ................................................................ 551
23.15. Firecraft under Evasion Conditions ............................................................................................... 554
23.16. Sustenance for Evasion .................................................................................................................. 556
23.17. Security .......................................................................................................................................... 562
23.18. Evasion Movement ........................................................................................................................ 564
23.19. Observing Terrain .......................................................................................................................... 565
23.20. Evasion Considerations .................................................................................................................. 566
23.21. Movement Techniques Which Limit the Potential for Detection of an Evader (Single) ............... 567
23.22. Movement Techniques Which Limit the Potential for Detection of Evaders (Group) .................. 571
23.23. Rally Points .................................................................................................................................... 576
23.24. Barriers to Evasion Movement ...................................................................................................... 577
23.25. Evasion Aids .................................................................................................................................. 586
23.26. Non-Permissive Recovery.............................................................................................................. 591
23.27. Ground Rescue ............................................................................................................................... 593
23.28. Water Recovery ............................................................................................................................. 594
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24.Urban .................................................................................................................................................. 595
24.1. Key Components .............................................................................................................................. 595
24.2. Five Phases of Urban Evasion ......................................................................................................... 601
24.2.1. Immediate Action and Initial Movement ...................................................................................... 601
24.2.2. Movement ..................................................................................................................................... 603
24.2.3. Recovery ....................................................................................................................................... 606
24.2.4. BLISS ............................................................................................................................................ 607
24.2.5. Disguise......................................................................................................................................... 609
24.2.6. Urban Navigation .......................................................................................................................... 614
24.2.7. Urban Barriers ............................................................................................................................... 618
24.2.8. Structures ...................................................................................................................................... 620
24.2.9. Subsurface ..................................................................................................................................... 621
24.2.10. Ground Vehicle ........................................................................................................................... 624
24.2.11. Urban Foraging ........................................................................................................................... 631
Attachment -1 –Glossary of References and Supporting Information ...................................................... 634
Attachment -2 – Acronyms ....................................................................................................................... 639
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Air Force Handbook 10-644
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Operations
THE ELEMENTS OF SURVIVING
Chapter 1
MISSION
1. Mission
An isolating event ends one mission-for the individual, but starts another-to successfully return
from the event. Are they prepared? Can they handle the new mission, not knowing what it entails?
Unfortunately, many Isolated Personnel (IP) are not fully aware of this new mission or are not
fully prepared to carry it out. All instructors teaching survival, evasion, resistance, and escape
(SERE) must prepare the IP to face and successfully complete this new mission (Figure 1-1).
Figure 1-1 Elements of Surviving
1
1.1. IP Mission
The moment an individual or team encounters an isolating event, the assigned mission is to: "return
to friendly control without giving aid or comfort to the enemy, to return early and in good physical
and mental condition."
1.1.1. Friendly Doesn’t Always Mean Friendly
On first impressions, "Friendly Control" seems to relate to a combat situation. However, even in
peacetime, the environment may be quite hostile. Imagine a pilot parachuting into the arctic when
it is minus 40°F or an explosive ordnance disposal crew separated by the detonation of a roadside
bomb in the desert where temperatures may soar above 120°F; neither of these situations is
particularly agreeable. The possibilities for encountering hostile conditions affecting human
survival are endless. IP who egress an aircraft or are isolated from team mates on the ground may
confront situations difficult to endure.
1.1.2. Without Giving Aid or Comfort The second segment of the mission, "without giving aid
or comfort to the enemy," is directly related to a combat environment. This part of the mission
may be most effectively fulfilled by following the moral guide - the Code of Conduct. Remember,
however, that the Code of Conduct is useful to an IP at all times and in all situations. Moral
obligations apply to the peacetime situation as well as in wartime.
1.1.3. Return Early and in Good Physical and Mental Condition
The final phase of the mission is "to return early and in good physical and mental condition." A
key factor in successful completion of this part of the mission may be the will to survive. This
will is present, in varying degrees, in all human beings. Although successful survival is based on
many factors, those who maintain this important attribute will increase their chances of success.
1.2. Goals
Categorizing this mission into organizational components, the three goals of an IP are to maintain
life, maintain honor, and return. SERE training courses provide training in the skills, knowledge,
and attitudes necessary for an IP to successfully perform the fundamental survival goals shown in
Figure 1-2.

Figure 1-2 IP Goals
2