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Rich Hungerford

This course imparts an "unconventional approach" to wilderness survival that is able to be extrapolated to may other emergencies and to process of living life generally.

Rather than only focusing on the practical tricks and tips of bushcraft and survival; this course will take you deep into the territory of survival psychology. The author imparts unique emotional, psychological and somatic techniques developed following two decade of Special Forces service.

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This course imparts an "unconventional approach" to wilderness survival that is able to be extrapolated to may other emergencies and to process of living life generally.

Rather than only focusing on the practical tricks and tips of bushcraft and survival; this course will take you deep into the territory of survival psychology. The author imparts unique emotional, psychological and somatic techniques developed following two decade of Special Forces service.

Techniques that ensure you make the crucial 'Decision' to survive first. So many survival instructors brush over this essential aspect of survival training.

Following a professional career in Australian Special Forces, Rich Hungerford has observed that the  missing piece of the survival puzzle is the mindset of the survivor.

Without the appropriate mindset the skilled woodsman, hunter, hiker, or survivalist is unable to bring lifetimes of knowledge into play in real-world survival situations. They become overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, injury, and more. The author has devoted decades of research effort into refining the survival system he now shares globally. The basis of that system is that a decision must be made and maintained by the survivor if they are to prevail.

Once that core decision is locked in then the necessary life support knowledge is brought into play. Comprehensive explanations and demonstrations of the essential life support requirements  (Shelter, water, food, fire, signalling and recovery) are then covered in this video course.

This video course is a complete and integrated survival system. It is built to ensure you survive anything, anywhere whenever there is potential for a human being to survive.

Who Dares Wins.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to SAS Wilderness Survival

This lecture is offered to make it crystal clear to you what the real difference is between staying alive (survival) and other related interest areas such as primitive living skills, bushcraft, ethnobotany, anthropology and primitive technology.

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We all expect survival situations to be a bit of an adventure. Be realistic and understand that when we use the term 'survival' on this course we are referring to situations and events that could end you! Determine what you can and cannot do. Be clear on your options. How long are you likely to be in this situation. What or who do you have to help you? Use intelligence always and brawn very sparingly.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on the psychological aspects of survival, which are often overlooked in traditional bushcraft and survival courses, offering a more holistic approach to handling emergencies
Explores techniques developed from Special Forces training, potentially offering unique insights into maintaining composure and making critical decisions under pressure
Covers essential life support requirements such as shelter, water, food, and fire, providing a comprehensive foundation for survival in various environments
Includes techniques like 'Battle Breathing' and 'V.B.P' (Vision, Breath, Posture), which may be useful for managing stress and improving focus in high-pressure situations
Discusses the 'Onion Skin Approach' to survival, which may provide a structured way to prioritize and address different layers of survival needs in a systematic manner
Connects to SAS Wilderness Survival Volume 2, suggesting a deeper dive into the subject matter for those who wish to expand their knowledge and skills

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Reviews summary

Sas survival mindset and skills

According to learners, this course provides a unique and invaluable focus on the psychological and mindset aspects of survival, drawing heavily from the instructor's Special Forces background. Students found the emphasis on decision-making and mental fortitude to be a significant differentiator, often overlooked in other survival training. While the course covers essential practical skills like shelter, water, and fire, some learners felt these sections were less detailed or high-level compared to the depth of the psychological training. However, the instructor's expertise and engaging delivery were widely praised, making it a solid foundation for survival preparedness, particularly Volume 1's focus on the critical decision to survive.
Covers essentials, some desire more detail.
"Solid survival fundamentals covered..."
"Some of the practical sections could be a little more detailed..."
"Good general survival intro, but I was hoping for more advanced practical skills."
"Wanted more detailed instruction on fire-starting and water purification methods. It felt like it stayed pretty high-level on the practical side."
Excellent starting point for survival training.
"...Volume 1 is a great foundation."
"Covers the basics well..."
"making it a solid foundation for survival preparedness..."
Taught by highly experienced Special Forces veteran.
"...drawing heavily from the instructor's Special Forces background..."
"Rich's delivery is engaging and authoritative."
"The instructor is clearly an expert."
"Rich is a fantastic instructor, sharing real-world experience."
Focuses heavily on mental preparedness and mindset.
"Fantastic course! The focus on the mindset aspect is what truly sets this apart. Rich shares invaluable psychological techniques..."
"Solid survival fundamentals covered, but the real gem is the emphasis on decision-making and psychology."
"Absolutely brilliant. The Warrior Survival System makes so much sense... a holistic approach to survival. Changed how I think about preparedness."
"As someone who has taken several survival courses, the mental preparation in this one is unparalleled. It’s the missing piece."
"It shifts the focus from just knowing how to survive to having the will and ability to implement that knowledge when it counts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1 with these activities:
Review 'Bushcraft 101'
Reinforce practical skills to complement the course's psychological focus.
View Bushcraft 101 on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Bushcraft 101'.
  • Read the sections on shelter, water, and fire.
  • Practice basic knots and shelter construction.
Review Basic First Aid
Refresh your knowledge of basic first aid to prepare for potential injuries in a survival situation.
Show steps
  • Review online first aid resources.
  • Practice bandaging and splinting techniques.
  • Review CPR and choking procedures.
Practice S.T.O.P.A. and D.A.B.D.A. Techniques
Solidify understanding of the S.T.O.P.A. and D.A.B.D.A. techniques through peer practice.
Show steps
  • Find a study partner or group.
  • Explain the S.T.O.P.A. and D.A.B.D.A. techniques to each other.
  • Role-play survival scenarios and apply the techniques.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Survival Mindset Guide
Synthesize course concepts into a practical guide to reinforce learning and share knowledge.
Show steps
  • Outline key principles of survival mindset.
  • Write a guide with actionable steps and examples.
  • Share the guide with others for feedback.
Build a Survival Kit
Apply knowledge of essential life support principles by assembling a practical survival kit.
Show steps
  • Research essential items for a survival kit.
  • Gather or purchase necessary supplies.
  • Organize the kit for easy access and use.
Review 'Deep Survival'
Deepen understanding of survival psychology with real-world examples.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Deep Survival'.
  • Read the book, focusing on decision-making and mindset.
  • Reflect on how the concepts apply to the course material.
Volunteer with a Search and Rescue Team
Gain practical experience and apply survival skills in real-world scenarios.
Show steps
  • Research local search and rescue organizations.
  • Apply to volunteer and complete required training.
  • Participate in search and rescue missions.

Career center

Learners who complete SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Survival Skills Instructor
A Survival Skills Instructor teaches individuals and groups how to survive in wilderness or emergency situations. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' imparts a unique approach to survival, emphasizing the importance of mindset and the 'decision' to survive. This course may be beneficial for a Survival Skills Instructor who wants to enhance their curriculum with psychological techniques. The course's comprehensive explanations and demonstrations of essential life support requirements, such as shelter, water, and fire, may be valuable for instruction. The course's material on 'Why People Die in Survival Situations' may allow for the Survival Skills Instructor to be a more effective teacher.
Expedition Leader
An Expedition Leader plans and leads expeditions to remote and challenging environments, ensuring the safety and success of the team. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' imparts a comprehensive understanding of survival psychology and wilderness survival techniques. The course's emphasis on the 'Decision' to survive and the importance of mindset is crucial for an Expedition Leader, who must make critical decisions under pressure. The course covers 'Life Support Principles and Processes,' including shelter construction, water procurement, and signaling for rescue, which are essential for planning and executing successful expeditions. The course's integrated survival system may be helpful for mitigating risks and ensuring the well-being of the team.
Search and Rescue Technician
A Search and Rescue Technician specializes in locating and rescuing individuals in distress, often in challenging environments. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' may give insight into the mindset of survivors and teaches techniques for managing stress, which is crucial for Search and Rescue Technicians. The course's comprehensive explanations of life support requirements, such as shelter, water, and food, may be directly applicable to rescue operations. Understanding the 'Importance of Vision, Breath and Posture' as taught in this course has value when navigating a rescue operation. This course's integrated survival system could be helpful for ensuring the safety and success of rescue missions.
Outdoor Educator
An Outdoor Educator teaches individuals and groups about the natural environment and promotes outdoor recreation. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' imparts a unique perspective on survival, emphasizing the importance of mindset. This course may be beneficial for an Outdoor Educator who wants to incorporate survival skills into their programs. The course's comprehensive explanations and demonstrations of essential life support requirements, such as shelter, water, and fire, may be valuable for instruction. The course also covers how important it is to be aware of your surroundings, which can be helpful when teaching others to do the same.
Wilderness Guide
A Wilderness Guide leads individuals or groups on outdoor adventures, ensuring their safety and providing education about the natural environment. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' provides a strong foundation in essential survival skills, including shelter construction, water procurement, and signaling for rescue. The course's focus on the survival mindset is crucial for a Wilderness Guide, who must remain calm and resourceful in challenging situations. The course covers 'Shelter Essentials,' 'Water Essentials,' and 'Fire Starting' which are vital for ensuring the well-being of those under their care. The detailed explanations and demonstrations in this course may be particularly applicable to the role of Wilderness Guide.
Scout Leader
A Scout Leader guides and mentors young people in outdoor skills, leadership, and character development. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' provides a foundation in essential survival skills, including shelter construction, water procurement, and signaling for rescue. The course's focus on the survival mindset is crucial for a Scout Leader, who must remain calm and resourceful in challenging situations. The course covers 'Shelter Essentials,' 'Water Essentials,' and 'Fire Starting' which can be used for teaching scouts. The detailed explanations and demonstrations in this course may be particularly applicable to ensuring the safety and well-being of scouts during outdoor activities.
Resilience Coach
A Resilience Coach helps individuals develop the mental and emotional strength to overcome challenges and adversity. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' imparts techniques for managing stress and cultivating a survival mindset, which is directly relevant to building resilience. The course's emphasis on the 'Decision' to survive and the importance of mindset is crucial for understanding and promoting resilience. The course covers 'D.A.B.D.A. for Survival Situations' and 'S.T.O.P.A for Survival Situations' which may be useful techniques for managing challenges. This course's integrated survival system may be helpful for developing strategies to overcome adversity.
Park Ranger
A Park Ranger protects natural resources and provides assistance to visitors in national, state, or local parks. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' imparts a unique perspective on survival, emphasizing the 'decision' to survive and the importance of mindset. This is relevant for a Park Ranger, who may encounter diverse situations, from assisting lost hikers to responding to emergencies. The course's coverage of 'Life Support Principles and Processes,' including shelter, water, and fire, may be highly applicable to the duties of a Park Ranger. Furthermore, understanding survival psychology, as covered in the course, may be helpful for interacting with distressed visitors. The course's material on the 'Warrior Survival System' may allow for the Park Ranger to be a more effective first responder in certain situations.
Disaster Relief Worker
A Disaster Relief Worker provides assistance to communities affected by natural disasters or other emergencies. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' helps those interested in disaster relief understand the psychological aspects of survival, which allows them to better support and assist victims. The course's coverage of essential life support requirements, such as shelter, water, and food, may be directly applicable to providing aid in disaster zones. The 'D.A.B.D.A. for Survival Situations' technique taught in this course may be useful for assessing and responding to the needs of affected populations. This approach to survival may allow for a Disaster Relief Worker to be more effective.
Emergency Management Director
An Emergency Management Director develops and coordinates disaster and emergency response plans. This course, 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1,' helps build a foundation in survival psychology, which is essential for managing teams and making critical decisions under pressure. The course's emphasis on mindset and the 'Decision' to survive translates into the ability to lead effectively during crises. The techniques taught, such as 'Battle Breathing Technique,' may be useful for maintaining composure and clear thinking in high-stress situations. This course may be beneficial for understanding human behavior during emergencies, helping an Emergency Management Director to better prepare for and respond to disasters. The course covers 'Survival Mind & Body Concepts and Techniques,' aspects that will be useful for managing both oneself and others during a crisis.
Conservation Officer
A Conservation Officer enforces laws and regulations related to the protection of natural resources. This course, 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1,' imparts the kind of detailed skills and mindset that may be useful for operating in remote and challenging environments. The course's focus on survival psychology, including techniques for managing stress and making critical decisions, may be helpful for Conservation Officers in high-pressure situations. The course covers 'Life Support Principles and Processes,' including shelter construction and water procurement, which may be directly applicable to fieldwork. The course's material on 'Red Flag Awareness' may be helpful to the Conservation Officer to be aware of duress in both themselves and the public.
Homeland Security Specialist
A Homeland Security Specialist works to prevent and respond to threats to national security. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' focuses on the importance of mindset and the 'decision' to survive, which translates to the ability to make critical decisions under pressure. The course covers 'Human Survival Stressors,' and 'Understanding Survival Response in the Mind and Body' which may be useful insights. The course's integrated survival system may be helpful for understanding and responding to a variety of threats. Skills learned in this course may allow the Homeland Security Specialist to be more effective.
Corporate Security Consultant
A Corporate Security Consultant assesses and mitigates security risks for businesses and organizations. The 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' course helps build a deep understanding of risk assessment and decision-making under pressure, which is relevant to this role. The course's emphasis on survival psychology and techniques for managing stress may be valuable for a Corporate Security Consultant who must remain calm and analytical in crisis situations. Some teachings from the course, such as 'Objectivity Versus Subjectivity,' can be extrapolated to security considerations. This skill could be helpful for ensuring a business is secure.
Firefighter
A Firefighter responds to fires and other emergencies, protecting lives and property. 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' imparts techniques for managing stress and making critical decisions under pressure, skills that may be essential for Firefighters. The course's coverage of essential life support requirements, such as shelter and water procurement, may be helpful in situations where firefighters are deployed for extended periods. The course's material on 'Battle Breathing Technique' may allow for a Firefighter is stay composed in an emergency. The mindset and skills taught in this course may be useful for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations.
Crisis Counselor
A Crisis Counselor provides immediate support to individuals experiencing a crisis, such as a natural disaster or personal trauma. The 'SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1' course emphasizes the importance of mindset and psychological resilience in survival situations. Understanding the psychological and emotional impact of crisis, as taught in this course, allows for a Crisis Counselor to offer informed support. The course's material on 'Survival Mind & Body Concepts and Techniques' may be valuable for helping individuals cope with stress and trauma. The course discusses 'Pain to Ease Behavior' and 'Understanding Survival Response in the Mind and Body,' topics that may be useful to the Crisis Counselor.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in SAS Wilderness Survival - Volume 1.
Delves into the psychology of survival, exploring the mental processes and decision-making that separate survivors from victims. It provides real-life examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts. 'Deep Survival' complements the course by offering a deeper understanding of the psychological factors at play in survival situations. It is valuable as additional reading to expand on the course's core themes.
Provides a solid foundation in practical bushcraft skills, complementing the course's focus on survival psychology. It covers essential techniques for shelter building, fire starting, and finding food and water. While the course emphasizes mindset, 'Bushcraft 101' offers hands-on knowledge that can be invaluable in a survival situation. It commonly used reference for those interested in wilderness survival.

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