FM 21-76 US Army Survival Manual

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I just read FM 21-76 for the first time and now I understand why it is considered a classic among survival books. After 40 years, the United States Military still uses it because the lessons inside are timeless. This book will teach you how to build makeshift shelters, procure food and water, cook a meal, identify edible and poisonous plants, avoid dangerous animals, treat wounds and illness, navigate with the sun and stars, make weapons and equipment, and much more.

The FM 21-76 was originally printed by the Department of the Army to train soldiers to survive in any type of climate or terrain, especially when trapped behind enemy lines. Although it is more geared toward wilderness survival, most of the lessons are just as applicable in an urban survival situation. The drawings are in black and white, but they are clear and there are plenty of them. If you’re looking to add some survival books to your library, this should be a top priority. Here’s a look at the table of contents:

Chapter 1 – Introduction
Chapter 2 – Psychology of Survival
Chapter 3 – Survival Planning and Kits
Chapter 4 – Basic Survival Medicine
Chapter 5 – Shelters
Chapter 6 – Water Procurement
Chapter 7 – Firecraft
Chapter 8 – Food Procurement
Chapter 9 – Survival Use of Plants
Chapter 10 – Poisonous Plants
Chapter 11 – Dangerous Animals
Chapter 12 – Field-Expedient Weapons and Tools
Chapter 13 – Desert Survival
Chapter 14 – Tropical Survival
Chapter 15 – Cold Weather Survival
Chapter 16 – Sea Survival
Chapter 17 – Expedient Water Crossings
Chapter 18 – Field-Expedient Direction Finding
Chapter 19 – Signaling Techniques
Chapter 20 – Survival Movement in Hostile Areas
Chapter 21 – Camouflage
Chapter 22 – Contact With People
Chapter 23 – Survival in Man-Made Hazards

As you can see, a lot is covered and there is not a single bit of fluff, so an incredible amount of information is packed into just over 200 pages. It is also the best value for your money. There are some newer editions that cost more, but it’s all the same information so I recommend getting an older one. You can find them for just a few dollars at amazon.com. Or you can just visit the eBooks Page and get the PDF. It’s under the Official Manuals category.

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