IX Survivor Training Before Departure For Overseas

Note: First time here: Go to the Menu down the right side and click on I.Introduction for the first Chapter. The others follow.

Prior to his departure to Japan 8013 will go to the Army Survivor's Training in Florida. He will be deployed shortly after graduation from the Intelligence School. It is seven days. Two days of training and five days in the field. This is in the large swamp area that Florida is famous for. Of course, he has had an introduction to this in basic and Paratrooper training. The two days are highly concentrated on recognizing edible plants, animals, and insects. He will haw to prepare the objects to be eaten, usually raw. Several monitors will be checking on them periodically. The main purpose of this difficult training is to prepare the soldier for unusual circumstances. Such as being behind enemy lines, isolated in enemy territory, unable to locate his unit for some time or in a aircraft accident. Anytime he might have to live off of the land. Not all Army personnel have this extensive field training.

SpecialOps8013 will be assigned to Company F ABN, First Calvary Division. He will be going to the headquarters at Camp Drake some 20 miles from Tokyo, Japan. It is uncertain and unlikely that he will remain there. Where he might go: Somewhere in Asia or the Middle East. This is a new organization and not the typical Infantry manning. instead of platoons there are 12 man teams divided into 2 six man teams. It is a very mobile unit. Geared up to be ready for departure on a moments notice.The entire company or one or more teams may be deployed. This is one of the newest Special Operations units. Movement orders will usually come from the Pentagon.

The Pentagon is the Defense Department's headquarters. The Secretary of Defense, the Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Marine Corp all located here. The Marines are under the Navy. The Coast Guard is under the Transportation Department in peacetime and the Navy in Wartime. There is one Commander in Chief that manages the military. In a corporation they would be the CEO and Division managers. They are responsible for command regulations, readiness, equipment and supplies. They do not directly control and command units in the field except for what is known as Special Operations. With Special Operations they tend to have a more hands on function and communicate directly with the senior commanders. It is rare that the Secretary of Defense gets involved in direct field operations. The commanders in the field are in charge of their respective units. Pentagon officials may inspect the field operations occasionally.

Special Operations is a term we will be referring to frequently as we move along. Basically it refers to any operation that is not normal or expected. It maybe or maybe not particularly new or unusual. Usually it requires some unusual preparations and/or manpower. The duration may be long or short. In general it usually is something out pf the ordinary. For example, if a Army was deployed to assist the Air Force or do something the Air Force usually does this would be unusual and special. Special is not used lightly in the military.