The Implications of Escaping During SERE Training

In Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training, the goal is to prepare soldiers to survive in harsh conditions, evade capture, resist interrogation, and ultimately escape if they are detained. However, what happens if a soldier successfully escapes during training? Does this automatically mean they've passed the course?

Factors Influencing Course Outcome

The outcome of escaping during SERE training is not as straightforward as one might think. Several critical factors come into play, including the context of the escape, adherence to course requirements, safety and protocols, and instructor assessment.

Context of the Escape

If the escape was a calculated move during a training scenario and executed correctly, it might be viewed positively. However, if the escape was deemed unsafe or reckless, it could result in serious consequences.

Course Requirements

SERE training includes strict evaluation criteria. Soldiers must demonstrate proficiency in a variety of skills, such as survival techniques and resistance to interrogation. An escape, while part of the evaluation, is not the sole determinant of whether a soldier passes the course.

Safety and Protocols

E Escaping during training could pose risks to the individual and others. If the escape violates safety protocols or endangers others, it could result in disciplinary action. Ensuring safety is paramount in all military training to prevent accidents and injuries.

Instructor Assessment

The final say in whether a soldier passes the course rests with the instructors. They will evaluate the soldier's overall performance, including their adherence to training principles and protocols. A successful escape must be balanced with the soldier's ability to demonstrate other essential skills and knowledge.

One classic example of a SERE training scenario involved a fictional "capture" by the training cadre. Soldiers were placed in a mock prison compound and subjected to a series of interrogations, mock interrogations, and escape exercises. These exercises were designed to challenge the soldiers and ensure they could apply their training under pressure. However, the actual escape was part of a structured and planned operation, not a spontaneous action.

A Specific Example from the Past:
In an older SERE training method, participants were seated in bleachers in the woods, learning survival techniques. One night, the training cadre informed the soldiers that they had been "captured." They were then taken to a mock prison compound with guard towers, interrogations, and even propaganda sessions. After this process, soldiers were expected to implement escape procedures, which required strategic thinking and physical prowess.

The Journey of a Soldier

One soldier, identified as 'ecsape,' took a different path. After completing his training, he felt the need to inform someone of his safety. He contacted a Training Advisory Command Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (TNOCIC) via a phone call. Within 15 minutes, military police (MPs) arrived to pick him up, handcuff him, blindfold him, and return him to the field to be turned over to the SERE cadre. This somewhat comedic situation highlighted the protocol and necessity of reporting to authorities after a soldier's safety is confirmed.

Key Takeaways:
1. Escaping during SERE training is a part of the curriculum but not a guarantee of passing.
2. Context, safety, and adherence to protocols are crucial.
3. Instructor assessment is definitive in determining the outcome of the course.

Conclusion

While escaping can be seen as a successful application of SERE training objectives, it does not automatically ensure a pass. The overall performance and adherence to training protocols are the primary determinants of success in SERE training. Understanding these factors can help soldiers navigate the rigorous and challenging training process more effectively.