Field Craft, Camouflage, and Survival
Field Craft, Camouflage, and Survival tests how a soldier moves and survives in the field: camouflage discipline, use of cover and concealment, individual movement, noise and light discipline, and survival priorities when isolated.
Core rules
- Camouflage matches the environment and breaks up shape, shine, shadow, silhouette, and movement. Use natural and artificial materials as permitted, and avoid unnecessary movement.
- Cover protects from fire; concealment hides you from observation. Use both, and remember that cover may not conceal and concealment may not stop bullets.
- Move by bounds, use low crawls or rushes as the situation demands, and avoid skylining, trails, and open areas. Stop, look, and listen before moving.
- Practice noise and light discipline: secure equipment, avoid reflective surfaces, and shield white light.
- Survival priorities are protection from injury and the elements, shelter, water, fire, signal, and food. Signaling and staying put generally improve rescue chances unless the situation requires movement.
Worked example
You must cross a ridge. Instead of walking over the skyline, you choose a low route through brush, move in short bounds, and pause to listen. Reasoning: the skyline creates a clear silhouette, while the low route uses concealment and reduces the chance of being seen; short bounds limit exposure if you are spotted.
Traps that cost marks
Moving on the skyline; wearing shiny or noisy gear; leaving litter or tracks; drinking untreated water without a confirmed method; and building a fire that gives away your position. Also do not confuse concealment with cover when bullets are flying.