CANORA, SASK- The Canora Air Cadets Squadron participated in a survival training weekend at the Good Spirit Bible Camp on Sept. 18-20, where, according to Captain Darren Paul, Commanding Officer, the cadets were “introduced to basic survival skills, camp preparation and basic camping skills.”
A total of eight cadets and four support staff participated in the weekend exercise.
Captain Paul said sessions included:
1. Survival psychology – managing fear and what to do in a survival situation.
2. Fire building and safety
3. How to read a map and properly use a compass.
4. Shelter building
5. Maintaining equipment and tools
6. Hiking techniques
Cadets had the opportunity to chop their wood for making a fire. They learned that chopping it into smaller pieces and arranging them in a teepee shape is the best way to start a fire.
Reading a map and proper use of a compass is another important part of survival training.
“Cadets are taught basic navigational strategies on how to properly use a compass, take a bearing and navigate without electronic equipment,” said Captain Paul, “also how to read a paper map and determine your location or a destination.”
2nd Lt. Wade Stachura showed the cadets how to make knots, including the clove hitch knot, a fast, adjustable hitch made from two crossing turns around a post, commonly used in climbing, camping, and boating. They also learned the reef knot; a binding knot, one of the most common and easiest to make knots. The knot can be tightened from both ends, and is easy to release even after heavy loading.
Knot skills came in handy during the shelter building session. Cadets focused on constructing a hootchie-style shelter, traditionally used by soldiers in the field. It usually consists of a tarp that is normally suspended at waist height between two or more trees with a cord or specifically a hootchie (strong nylon) cord. Having the ability to make strong knots is an important part of this exercise.
“In a survival situation, it is important to be able to construct an effective shelter,” said Captain Paul. “A shelter protects a person from weather, animals and insects. They can also provide warmth, shade and comfort. The hootchie-style shelter is effective for squadron aircrew survival exercises.”
Cadets also learned about lashing multiple pieces of wood together. 2nd Lt. Stachura showed them how to lash three pieces of wood together in a teepee-type structure using the clove hitch knot. “The main purpose of learning these skills is the ability to construct sturdy shelters, tents, snares and camp crafts.”
When meal time came around, cadets had the opportunity to eat MRE’s (meals ready to eat), which is what professional soldiers eat when they’re out in the field, “as a self contained meal that can be eaten with little or no kitchen support.” The meals are focused mainly on providing the necessary nutrition for soldiers to perform their duties, with not as much emphasis on taste or flavour.
At lunch time, one cadet was overheard commenting, with not a lot of enthusiasm, “it looks like dog food,” but then after a few minutes of quiet while they were eating, another cadet observed, “you know, it really doesn’t taste as bad as it looks.”
While there are a lot of important physical skills to learn during survival training, one of the most important aspects of survival is often between the ears. During the survival psychology sessions it was emphasized that, “One of the most important requirements for someone in a survival situation is the ability to accept the reality of the situation and react appropriately. Knowing how to react in a survival situation gives an individual confidence to survive. The cadets should know what they would experience physically and emotionally if they were lost and in a survival situation. Knowing the procedure when lost and how to deal with fear promotes survival in the situation.”
If they are lost, cadets were told that the S.T.O.P. acronym should be utilized:
STOP: When lost, stopping prevents the person from moving further away from the area a search crew may cover. It is also important to stop, to think effectively, and not make errors due to hasty decisions.
THINK: It is critical to think about what actions should be taken once a person realizes they are lost. Consider the danger and consequences of either staying or moving on. Consider the possible dangers that could occur and analyze the weather, terrain and available resources when deciding on the actions to be taken.
OBSERVE: Conduct a self-analysis to identify symptoms of any physical ailments such as fatigue, increased heart rate, or shivering. Check for psychological ailments such as extreme stress or fear. Observe surroundings for resources, weather potential, terrain, and landmarks that may provide information on the current location.
PLAN: After thinking and observing all aspects of the situation, plan a course of action that best utilizes the available resources.
In order to be successful in a survival situation, cadets learned that it is important to be aware of the enemies of survival, including, “Pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue, boredom, and loneliness. In a survival situation, these feelings are more severe and more dangerous than in normal situations. Having knowledge of these feelings and their effects can assist in overcoming and controlling them.
“Pain is nature's way of identifying problems. However, pain can subside if an individual is pre-occupied. Pain may go unnoticed if an individual's mind is occupied with plans of survival. Once a person gives into pain, it weakens the drive to survive. A special effort should be made to keep an individual's hopes up and keep working.”
The survival weekend was one of many cadets activities scheduled for the upcoming season. Captain Paul said there is still time to join the Canora squadron.
“Anyone interested in joining cadets should go to cadets.ca and follow the instructions. We are 566 Canora. Canora cadets parade every Wednesday evening at Canora Composite School.”
Paul said the cadet program provides opportunities for youth to gain valuable knowledge and skills that build confidence and help pave the way in a transition to adulthood.
“Cadets engage in varied and unique experiences, while developing competencies in leadership, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness.”
All those interested in finding out more about the Canora Air Cadets Squadron are invited to attend the open house on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at Canora Composite School.
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