Surviving in the Wild: The Finnish Military’s Approach to 12 Months in the Wilderness

Imagine being lost in a wild forest for 12 months, relying solely on your survival skills and the tools issued by the Finnish military. This scenario might sound daunting, but with the right knowledge and techniques, it can be managed. The Finnish military, known for its thorough and effective training, provides a full survival course that emphasizes five crucial aspects: water, food, shelter, warmth, and reading the nature and weather. Here's how you can survive for a year in the wilderness.

Water: The Essence of Survival

Water is the first and most critical need in a survival scenario. Without it, survival is impossible. You can live without food for a month, but without water, you will die in less than three days (168 hours). The first step is to find a reliable source of clean, running water. Streams, creeks, and brooks are ideal. Follow these sources upstream until you find a spring or a sustainable stream. Always store water in your canteen and, if possible, use your helmet to carry more. Keeping your canteen filled is crucial for survival.

Shelter: A Haven in the Wilderness

A proper shelter is essential for protection and warmth. The first temporary shelter you build should isolate you from the ground. Use spruce or pine twigs to elevate your sleeping bag above the ground. If your kit includes a sleeping bag, employ it but keep it out during the day to dry. In warm climates, rig the bivouac tarp as a hammock to keep you off the ground. If you need a more permanent shelter, find a soft area like a sand ridge and dig a foxhole. Reinforce the walls to prevent collapse. Use your entrenchment tool, a knife, or axe to fell trees and build rudimentary beams and girders. Bind the timber together with twigs and cover the roof with sand, leaves, and rocks to ensure it is watertight.

Food: Nourishment from the Wild

Food comes next. The easiest sources are wild berries, roots, and mushrooms. Fishing is also straightforward when there is a body of water. Angling can yield results, but consider building a weir in a creek to enhance your chances. Small game is easier to catch and preserve, such as forest gamefowl, hares, rabbits, frogs, snakes, mice, or rats. While these animals might not be traditional fare, they provide calories and proteins necessary for survival.

Use traps, snares, and pitfalls when possible to conserve ammunition. Firearms should only be used when absolutely necessary to avoid wasting ammunition. If skilled, build a bow and arrow for hunting small game, which can also serve as a crossbow trap. The hides of animals can be tanned and turned into furs or leather, providing warmth and protection. Keep these materials for clothing, bedding, and footwear.

Warmth: Keeping Dry and Warm

Warmth is essential for survival, and keeping dry is equally important. Build a fire using dry wood and branches, preferably fallen from trees, or use gunpowder to start a fire. Mashed potato powder with denatured spirit can be used to make a fire starter resembling napalm. Keep your clothes and gear dry by using fire to keep warm and dry areas. If in winter, build an igloo over your shelter to insulate yourself. Gather firewood and food for winter, remaining stationary to conserve energy. Snow is an excellent insulator, and you can melt drinking water from it.

Reading the Nature and Weather: Avoiding Disasters

To prevent becoming lost or succumbing to the elements, learn to read the nature and weather. Understand the meaning of different clouds and know when it will rain. Learn the locations of edible mushrooms and cardinal directions to avoid losing your way. Store food and firewood for winter, as you may lose 20-40 kg of weight during your ordeal, becoming physically weak upon rescue.

Surviving in the wilderness for a year is a daunting challenge, but with the right skills and preparation, it is possible. By following the Finnish military’s survival techniques, you can ensure your best chances of making it through such a harsh and demanding environment. Remember, the key is to stay calm, gather resources, and adapt to your surroundings.