JUNGLE CRAFT

Question 1

Characteristics of Jungle of Nepal

Answer 1

1. Communications. In land water ways are sometimes a good means of communications. The effects of lack of communications are as follows: EM-PCR
   i. Existing communication and communication centers will invariably be well defended and will have to be fought for.
   ii. Movement along existing tracks will subject to frequent ambushes, booby traps and sniping.
   iii. It will not be possible to carry heavy equipment. All loads may have to be carried on man pack basis.
   iv. Concentration of troops and buildup of administration will take longer in time than elsewhere.
   v. Reserves will have to be kept well forward.
2. Visibility. Owing to thick cover, fields of view are restricted sometimes to only five yards. The effects of restricted visibility are as follows: CDT
3. Troops get a feeling of over powering loneliness and fear.
4. The defender is forced to observe in all direction and the slightest noise or sound is magnified but difficult to locate.
5. Create the same problems as for night operation i.e. (DS)2-MLNJ
   i. Difficulty in command and control.
   ii. Difficulty in maintaining direction.
   iii. Shorter intervals in moves.
   iv. Small frontages.
   v. More time required for preparation and recce.
   vi. Limited objectives in the attack.
   vii. Need for silence.
   viii. Jungle inoculation becomes a vital part of training to overcome fear.

Question 2

1. Conditions for living off the land/SURVIVAL.

Answer 2

i. Cut off by the enemy or the weather.
ii. Lost.
iii. Stranded in the jungle as a result of quit or other accident.
iv. Escaping from capture.
v. Required to extend the duration of a patrol without re-supply.

Question 3

SURVIVAL. The actions to be done on above conditions have been listed under the mnemonic(aid memoir) Survival as follows.

Answer 3

i. S - Size up the Situation (Surroundings, Physical Condition, Equipment).
ii. U - Use All Your Senses, Undue Haste Makes Waste.
iii. R - Remember Where You Are.
iv. V - Vanquish Fear and Panic.
v. I - Improvise.
vi. V - Value of Living
vii. A - Act Like the Natives
viii. L - Live by Your wits, But for Now, Learn Basic Skills.

Question 4

3. The Rules and Actions for Survival. The rules for these are: HAAT

Answer 4

i. Husband your strengths
ii. Avoid Excessive Fatigue
iii. Always get sufficient sleep
iv. Try not to worry, remain calm and think positively

Question 5

4. Principles of Survival WiLi Food

Answer 5

i. Food security.
ii. Living off the land.
iii. Will to survive.

Question 6

Survival Priorities. The different jungle presents the soldier in a survival situation with different challenges, the priorities however will remain. EW-PuF-SuF

Answer 6

i. Evade the enemy.
ii. Water.
iii. Physical condition.
iv. Food.
v. Shelter.
vi. Fire.

Question 7

Precaution. Some of the methods for identification of poisonous plants in general are given below:

Answer 7

i. Red means danger in jungle.
ii. Avoid plants with milky sap, unless known to you.
iii. Avoid all unknown mushrooms.
iv. Burning sensation, bitterness or nausea while tasting means danger.
v. All plants eaten by wild pigs, monkeys and rats are generally non-poisonous to human beings too.

Question 8

7. The Edibility Test. All lists of edible plants cannot be included; therefore, the following test should be applied.

Answer 8

i. Test 1. Smell.
ii. Test 2. Skin irritation.
iii. Test 3. Lips, Mouth and Tongue.
iv. Test 4. Swallowing.
v. Test 5. Eating large amount.