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Post by tebulldog65 on Nov 8, 2009 22:52:27 GMT -5
i am an aspiring sere specialist who is going to be going through selection in jan. i was looking through the packing list and noticed that you were allowed a personal survival kit providing you get it approved by the cadre and i'm hoping someone here can shed some light on that topic for me. such as when, where and how you get it approved? Is there a size limit or recommendation? What are some prohibited items? Encouraged items? Hints, tips, tricks, and other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
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Post by cw9601 on Nov 11, 2009 21:00:45 GMT -5
Just my 2 cents here but I wouldn't get all wrapped around the axel about the PSK thing. The biggest and best PSK you can have is the one you have between your ears - if you have properly trained and are mentally ready - then you will do just fine. It's been a while since I went through...March of 1995 to be exact, and if I remember right when it was all said and done - we were pretty much limited to band aids, duct tape, gum and a few other things but I can't remember anymore. I know we weren't allowed to take medication to include motrin/ tylenol/ vivarin, alcohol (no-brainer), extra food, etc. Motrin and tylenol type products mask dehydration symptoms. I do remember my class didn't take much - at the end of the day it is just extra weight to carry around. Maybe a more recent graduate can provide you with more specifics. Whatever you are allowed to take will be visually checked by Cadre before you go to the field. Either way - good luck and like I said - if you've prepared yourself for training then you will do just fine - with or without a PSK.
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Post by dinstaar on Nov 12, 2009 20:58:14 GMT -5
They will issue you everything that you need, so don't stress about it too much. A better idea would be to think about and make a list of things you would like in a survival kit. Do this out at field, as field will highlight this type of stuff.
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Post by rustysurf83 on Nov 13, 2009 21:16:25 GMT -5
Having a PSK during ITF can bail you out sometimes. I recally times during training that guys were allowed to use the contents of their PSK for things like fire while the rest of us had to run around and grab natural tinders in the pouring rain. Obviously you're not going to get away with anything like food, but tinders, maybe a lighter, steel wool, fishing kit etc would be worth trying.
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Post by smokeythebear on Nov 15, 2009 17:04:02 GMT -5
Having a PSK during ITF can bail you out sometimes. I recally times during training that guys were allowed to use the contents of their PSK for things like fire while the rest of us had to run around and grab natural tinders in the pouring rain. Obviously you're not going to get away with anything like food, but tinders, maybe a lighter, steel wool, fishing kit etc would be worth trying. They allow lighters during field training?
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Post by rustysurf83 on Nov 18, 2009 19:39:14 GMT -5
For the PSK, the cadre assigned to your element would ultimately have the decision. If you can sell it well enough, they'll usually let you take it provided its not food or other contraband. My PSK regularly contained chew...to be used in case of a stomach issue of course.
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