  Our government has repeatedly told us that we all should prepare for a likely terrorist attack. But should such an event happen what should we do? How will we survive? The government has the answer. Its all there in the trusty US Army Survival Manual. In the event of a catastrophic attack on the infrastructure of our society we should expect to be able to survive with out any modern convenience and be able to procure water and food from nature. Have you thought about this? "With training, equipment, and the will to survive, you will find you can overcome any obstacle you may face. You will survive. " Much is said about the will to survive and how to achieve it and rightly so. In such an event we must remain cool, resist panic, and stay safe.&nbsp;You may be isolated, cold, in pain, injured or in shock, thirsty and hungry. All these scenarios are possible and probable according to our government. Do not fear, the manual will take you through each scenario frankly and provide the minimal equipment required to survive in any environment.
Even if you should find yourself completely bare and without tools and provisions the manual offers sound advice. All Americans must understand the potential situations terrorists might impose on us. Become familiar with topics like: Survival Planning: "Survival Planning is nothing more than realizing that something could happen that would put you in a survival situation and, with that realization, taking steps to increase your chances of survival. In other words, survival planning is being prepared. " Survival Medicine: "In a survival situation it is you who must know what to do to stay healthy. In other words, you must know how to avoid illnesses and how to prevent and treat injuries. " Field Expedient Weapons and Tools: "The main reason why you need a weapon is so you can hunt on the move.
A field expedient weapon is not intended to protect you from enemy soldiers, but it can extend your area of defense beyond your fingertips. It can also give you a feeling of security. " Water Procurement: "Water is one of your most urgent needs in a survival situation. You can't live long without it, especially in hot areas where you lose much through sweating. Even in cold areas, you need a minimum of 2 quarts of water a day to maintain efficiency. " Wild Plants for Food: "After water, food is your most urgent need. So in a survival situation you should always be on the lookout for wild foods and live off the land whenever possible. Save your rations, if any, for emergencies. " Wildlife for Food: "Meat is more nourishing than plant food.
In fact, it may even be more readily available in some places. But to get meat, you need to know the habits of, and how to capture, the various wildlife. " Shelters: "A shelter can protect you from the sun, insects, wind, rain, snow, hot or cold temperatures, and enemy observation. It can give you a feeling of well being; it can help you maintain your will to survive. " Firebuilding: "A fire can fulfill several needs: It can keep you warm; it can keep you dry; you can use it to cook food, to purify water, and to signal.
" Water Crossings: "When you are in a survival situation in any area except the desert, you are likely to encounter a water obstacle. " Field Expedient Direction Finding: "There are several methods by which you can determine direction by using the sun and the stars. You can come up with a more nearly true direction if you have knowledge of the terrain of the territory or country.
" Signaling: "One of your first concerns when you find yourself in a survival situation is to communicate with your friends/allies. " Desert, Tropical, Arctic and Sea Survival: "Survival in a desert, or in any area, depends upon your knowledge of the terrain and the basic climatic elements, your ability to cope with them, and your will to live. " Knots: "In a survival situation, you need to know how to tie different knots and what knot to use to meet a particular need. For instance, making snares, field expedient weapons, and shelters requires the use of knots. " All these topics make for fine bedside reading. The knowledge contained moves beyond the realm of survival and into practical living. If we truly want to ignore the terrorists we must be able to live without and modern convenience and not just survive, but thrive. JD Brenny 
