Can survival training improve teamwork skills?

Building Teamwork in Survival Training

Survival training courses are designed to push individuals beyond their comfort zones, requiring them to rely on their team members for support and cooperation. In a typical week-long survival course, students are divided into small groups and tasked with completing various challenges, such as building shelters, starting fires, and navigating through wilderness areas. These exercises are designed to test the team’s ability to communicate effectively, work together, and make collective decisions under pressure. Research has shown that teams that work together in a survival training setting can develop a shared sense of purpose and trust, leading to improved teamwork skills that can be applied in real-world situations.

What to Look for in a Survival Training Course

When selecting a survival training course, look for programs that emphasize teamwork and group dynamics. A good course should include a mix of theoretical and practical exercises, as well as opportunities for students to receive feedback and guidance from experienced instructors. Some key considerations include:

• Course length: Look for programs that last at least 5 days, as this allows for a more immersive and challenging experience.
• Student-to-instructor ratio: Aim for a ratio of 5:1 or lower to ensure that each student receives adequate attention and guidance.
• Curriculum: Opt for courses that include a range of survival skills, such as wilderness first aid, shelter building, and food procurement.
• Instructor qualifications: Ensure that instructors have relevant experience and certifications, such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Weekend vs Week-Long Courses

While weekend courses can provide a taste of survival training, they often lack the depth and immersion of a week-long course. Week-long courses, on the other hand, allow students to develop a more comprehensive understanding of survival skills and teamwork. Some popular week-long courses include the US Army’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) program, which is designed for military personnel, and the Wilderness Awareness School’s Survival Skills course, which is geared towards civilians.