Survival Training

Shelter Building
There are three kinds of shelters:
1. Lean to Shelters:
It is a structure whereby the structure is leaned onto sturdy objects such as trees to anchor itself.

http://practicalsurvivor.smugmug.com/photos/787406049_DAy4Y-M.jpg

2. A-Frame Shelters:
It is a structure similar to the NPCC tent, it is created using A-Frames and covered with overlapping materials such as ponchos or leaves.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00399/tent_1500x1000_399711c.jpg

3. Bashas:
It is a man-made structure that generally does not fall into the first two categories. Plastic sheeting or ponchos are usually used. Twine may be used to attach the poncho corners to trees or other structures nearby.

http://www.highlander1.com/mediacentre/5.Tents/img/MA100%20-%20Basha%20Camo.jpg

*Examples are not exhaustive, there are no boundaries. Below are some general guidelines for a good structure:

  • Practicality
  • Functionality
  • Safety 
  • Stability
  • Simplicity
  • Tidiness of work
  • Element of Fun and Creativity
  • Any further improvements for the work?
Pioneering
Prior Knowledge: 
  • Clove Hitches and/or other hitches (to join a twine/ rope to a pole/spar)
Thumbnail
  • Round Lashing (to join two poles of equal diameter and similar surface together) 
  • Shear Lashing (to join two poles of uneven diameter and surface together)
  • Square Lashing (to join two poles together perpendicularly) 
  • Diagonal Lashing (to join two poles at an angle)
  • Gyn Lashing (to join three or more poles together)
Structure: 
  • Shear Legs (formed using two uneven poles and a shear lashing)
  • Tripod (formed using three poles and a gyn lashing)
  • Trestle (formed using four poles and 4 square/ diagonal lashing)
  • A Frame (formed using three poles and  3 diagonal lashing)
Anchorages (to stabilise a structure):
  • Natural: trees, rocks
  • Man Made: Pegs

Reinforcements: 
  • Braces (to lock angles)
  • Columns (to add as support, a load bearer)