Petamocto said:
So to be clear, your side of this discussion is that you see no value in training to start a fire from scratch?
To take your point to the next logical level, why not be prepared for everything? Why not be in the forest with a full camper with a stove, generator, and television?
Hands up, anyone who has started a fire using wood on wood. I've seen several expedient ways to start a fire but have never seen an effective demonstration of a 100% nature start. I’m not a big fan of freezing to death so I would suggest that carrying a pack of matches is more efficient than a 9 Volt battery, steel wool, potassium, magnesium etc... Not that other methods won’t work, but for weight to benefit It’s going to be hard to beat the match.
+1 on the camper and gear. At least that is what the rangers travel with. If one is on the land without preparation in cold weather the prognosis is not going to be good. If one is dressed for cold already, then why not carry a ruck with what is going to be needed for at a minimum 24 hrs. Add a light snow shovel and a machete and you have the tools for shelter. No one really should be surprised by winter in this country.
My point here is the aim of survival training should be to increase a soldiers comfort and confidence in his abilities to withstand the climate for short periods of time. This can be achieved with a minimum of kit. Is it realistic to have no equipment? If so, why not try survival with no clothing?
All this must be subordinate to basic winter warfare training. Tent routine, basic snow mobility, comms, field craft , battle procedure, battle procedure and battle procedure must be the priority. Survival training is great for interest and confidence but as an addition to the basics not at their expense.