ATP 3-50.21 — Survival
ATP 3-50.21 governs survival, evasion, resistance, and escape skills for isolated personnel in field conditions.
- Publication number: ATP 3-50.21
- Title: SURVIVAL
- Date: 09/18/2018
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View ATP 3-50.21 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers personnel recovery, survival medicine, food and water, fire craft, shelters, clothing, land navigation, equipment, and ropes and knots. It requires preparation in survival proficiencies and the use of varied methods for obtaining water, preparing food, navigation, shelter, and fire.
Applies to: All Soldiers, Department of Army civilians and supporting contractors must understand how Army survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) relates to personnel recovery.
Topics covered
- Personnel recovery
- Survival medicine
- Food and water procurement
- Fire craft
- Field shelters and clothing
- Land navigation
- Survival equipment
- Ropes and knots
Questions and answers
What survival proficiencies does ATP 3-50.21 identify?
The survival proficiencies include protection, sustenance, survival medicine, and navigation. (paragraph 1-3)
What are the fundamentals of survival medicine?
There are four fundamentals common to survival medicine: prevention, recognition, mitigation, and treatment. (paragraph 1-5)
What must isolated personnel be prepared to do with food and water?
Isolated personnel must be prepared to use a variety of both native and domestic food sources, obtain water using various methods, and be able to prepare and preserve food and water throughout the duration of their isolation. (paragraph 1-6)
How long are Army forces typically equipped and prepared to survive isolation?
Army forces are typically equipped and prepared to survive for up to 96 hours of isolation subject to recovery force capabilities, threats, and environmental conditions. (paragraph 1-7)
What navigation methods are used for isolated personnel?
Navigation requirements for isolated personnel are met through planning and preparation efforts that focus on a combination of (Global Positioning System) GPS, map and compass, and field expedient techniques in a specific operational environment for the purpose of surviving, avoiding capture, and facilitating recovery. (paragraph 1-8)