During the problem phase of the training the students are expected to work together. Navigation skills will be put to the test, along with rigorous hiking on unknown soil, up and down mountains. Here they will also use all means necessary for immediate survival, such as making small shelters out of their ponchos.
“I enjoyed it when we were all alone and finally put to the test,” said Marine Corps CPL Sam Shumaker. “I found it rewarding to successfully find locations we had been searching for all day with a compass and map.”
The students will gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and personal confidence necessary for worldwide survival and evasion, although no two students are the same and sometimes individuals find themselves out of their element.
“I grew up in the outdoors where hunting, fishing and camping is what I did,” said Haug. “There are many students who come out here that have spent all their lives on paved streets and the only trees they have ever seen grew on street corners.”
Knowing how to handle unique individuals is up to the instructors who are part naturalist, guide, psychologist and mentor. Haug, along with all the instructors on the mountain, are highly motivated and well trained individuals possessing an immense knowledge of the subjects.
“Before we can actually teach students we have to go through the school ourselves,” said Haug. “Then we spend more than six months learning everything about the course before a written and oral board.”
The students, more often than not, outrank the instructors, although there is no lack of respect when individuals are learning how to possibly save their own lives.
“Most all the students are higher in rank than I am, but they know who the boss is on the mountain and pay close attention to everything I teach them,” said Haug.
During the fall SERE Class of 2005 a soaking rain poured from the skies and the students were tested to their limits.
With a shredded poncho hanging off his shoulders, Kozelka, took a plunge in a deep creek. He boldly responded, “I’m OK.
I can do this.”
According to Haug, “When Kozelka first arrived on the mountain he acted as if he was the only one feeling pain. To witness his transition is inspiring and a strong example of human willpower, despite adversity.”
It’s only human nature to do all that is necessary to stay alive. The training that takes place in the remote mountains of Maine opens the window into how to survive when things go from bad to worse.
“According to his book, Durant survived with honor by using the techniques he learned at SERE,” said Haug. “Being able to learn from his and other peoples’ real world experiences gives us invaluable teaching tools for the future.”
The instructors at SERE have combined years of knowledge and
experience directly from surviving POWs making this course an invaluable tool for all those that could possibly be in danger of capture by enemy forces.
“What I have learned up here, may never get put to use, but I will be ready if it does,” said Shumaker.
“I view the Code of Conduct in a different way now and have a much clearer idea of what the words mean,” Shumaker added. “If I am ever captured, I will return with honor.”
