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ISBN: Print 978-1-64611-780-2 | eBook 978-1-64611-781-9
R0
This book is dedicated to my students who have spent time with
me in the woods. The best way to learn is to teach.
CONTENTS
Foreword
Meet Your Guide
Chapter 1: Before You Go
Chapter 2: The Right Stuff
Chapter 3: Learning the Land
Chapter 4: Back to Basics
Chapter 5: Living Off the Land
Chapter 6: Navigation
Chapter 7: Applying First Aid
Resources
Glossary
Acknowledgments
About the Author
FOREWORD
I joined the Marine Corps in 1995 and served for 21 years.
During that time, I was in the Infantry, Force
Reconnaissance, and Marine Special Operations Command
as a Raider. Throughout my time in the Marine Corps—and
through other sniper and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and
Escape (SERE) training—I became an expert at surviving in
many environments and conditions. I have fine-tuned these
skills in countries around the world. I retired in 2016, turning
my focus to academia. However, I continue to keep my skills
fresh by teaching small groups and pushing myself on
extended solo and group wilderness outings.
As I read this book, I was pleasantly reminded that, in spite
of years of training, I still have a lot to learn. Whether you
are a novice or an expert, this book has something valuable
to teach you. Something that may end up saving your life, or
someone else’s. Additionally, this book will boost your
confidence and help make your adventures more pleasant.
Jason Marsteiner is precisely what I hope for in an author
of a survival book. Jason is a father and a husband, hunter,
fisherman, hiker, and camper—identities that many of us
share. His advice is educational and practical, unlike that in
some survival books whose authors have unrealistic
expectations of the reader. Jason has the expertise to
educate those who want to have safe hiking and camping