Common Mistakes Made During SERE Training — What Are They?

Common mistakes made during SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training include inadequate planning, poor risk assessment, and failure to stay aware of surroundings. Trainees often neglect to maintain situational awareness and underestimate the capabilities of their captors. These mistakes can lead to increased risk of capture, injury, or death.

Planning and Preparation

A common mistake made during SERE training is inadequate planning and preparation. This can manifest as failing to create a detailed escape plan, neglecting to secure and conceal essential items, and not having a primary and secondary means of communication. To avoid this, trainees should create a comprehensive plan, including escape routes, communication methods, and a primary and secondary shelter. It’s also essential to secure and conceal essential items, such as food, water, and medical supplies.

Risk Assessment and Situational Awareness

Another critical mistake made during SERE training is poor risk assessment and failure to stay aware of surroundings. Trainees often neglect to monitor their environment for potential threats, such as enemy patrols, ambushes, or surveillance. To mitigate this, trainees should conduct regular risk assessments, monitor their surroundings, and maintain a high level of vigilance. This includes being aware of potential hiding spots, escape routes, and communication methods.

Captor Profiling and Negotiation

Another mistake made during SERE training is underestimating the capabilities of captors. Trainees often fail to profile their captors, which can lead to miscalculations during resistance and negotiation. To avoid this, trainees should profile their captors, identifying their rank, experience, and motivations. This can help trainees make informed decisions during resistance and negotiation, potentially leading to better outcomes and increased chances of escape.