Jonas Vildmark's Method for Survival Training (JVMS)
I have my own method of training bushcraft techniques and to gather experience of survival under more extreme conditions. I call the method Jonas Vildmark's Method for Survival Training (JVMS). This method is meant to be used as guidance, reflection and inspiration to knowledge and experiences. This method can be described by the formula; [xobject+10xkm+10xh].
The concept is based on the ratio between equipment, distance and time. I will now describe an example.
Description of a "JVMS 6"
If I choose to carry out a 60 hours (2.5 days) long survival training session I restrict my gear to only 6 objects and I plan a 60 km long hike. With this example I replace the variable x with the number 6 and get the equation:[6object+60km+60h] = "6 things and 60 km in 60 hours"
That is to say, if I instead had chosen to be out for 120 hours (5 days) I take a 120 km hike with a total equipment consisting of 12 things. Then the training session would be called a "JVMS 12”
Equipment
The definition of an object is that a shirt counts as one object and a pair of pants counts as another object. A pair of socks counts as one object and a pair of shoes is another. A tent tarp counts as one thing and a tent pole is another object. If I choose to bring a fixed blade knife; for safety reasons then the sheath is not counted as a separate object. But if the sheath is equipped with for instance a wet stone, then the stone counts as a separate thing.
My packing list for a "JVMS 6" during the summer season could look something like this.
1 Overall jumpsuit with a hood
2 Jogging shoes
3 Fixed blade knife
4 Fire steel
5 Map
6 Compass
The definition of an object is that a shirt counts as one object and a pair of pants counts as another object. A pair of socks counts as one object and a pair of shoes is another. A tent tarp counts as one thing and a tent pole is another object. If I choose to bring a fixed blade knife; for safety reasons then the sheath is not counted as a separate object. But if the sheath is equipped with for instance a wet stone, then the stone counts as a separate thing.
My packing list for a "JVMS 6" during the summer season could look something like this.
1 Overall jumpsuit with a hood
2 Jogging shoes
3 Fixed blade knife
4 Fire steel
5 Map
6 Compass
Note that I've opted out underwear and backpack.
For safety reasons, in addition to the above list, I also bring a Safety Kit holding; ID card, a fully charged cell phone, first aid bandage and a C-A-T (Combat Application Tourniquet), in case of an emergency. If you're in need of frequent medication that medicine should also be included in the Safety Kit. I also bring my camera so that I can document my experience for you, my dear reader.
The above is the gear I bring to the exercise. If I find stuff like a beer can or a plastic bag in the woods I can also use them if I want.
Distance and Time
In this "JVMS 6” example I plan a suitable 60 km (at the least) route for hiking which will be covered during the 60 hour (at the least) long training session. A good tool in your route planing is a digital map (for instance Eniro or Google). For documentation and confirmation you could bring a GPS to record your rout. But then the that GPS should be kept inside the Safety Kit and not used for navigation. If used for navigation the GPS should count as one object on the packing list. It's perfectly OK to replace one of the 6 items in the gear list with for instance a bicycle, if I feel I can do without for instance the compass. But I still need to spend the entire 60 hours outdoors, despite the fact that a bike might enable faster transportation. Also note that any loose accessories on the bike, such as a bag or a bicycle pump, are defined as additional items to be accommodated within the framework of the list, as in this case only may consist of 6 things. Of course I could chose a car, with all loose objects removed, as one object. Buy then the hole idea of this method gets lost in my opinion.
In this "JVMS 6” example I plan a suitable 60 km (at the least) route for hiking which will be covered during the 60 hour (at the least) long training session. A good tool in your route planing is a digital map (for instance Eniro or Google). For documentation and confirmation you could bring a GPS to record your rout. But then the that GPS should be kept inside the Safety Kit and not used for navigation. If used for navigation the GPS should count as one object on the packing list. It's perfectly OK to replace one of the 6 items in the gear list with for instance a bicycle, if I feel I can do without for instance the compass. But I still need to spend the entire 60 hours outdoors, despite the fact that a bike might enable faster transportation. Also note that any loose accessories on the bike, such as a bag or a bicycle pump, are defined as additional items to be accommodated within the framework of the list, as in this case only may consist of 6 things. Of course I could chose a car, with all loose objects removed, as one object. Buy then the hole idea of this method gets lost in my opinion.
Less is more
Jonas Vildmark's Method for Survival Training (JVMS) shows; the more things you bring with you into the outdoors, the more comfortable you might be able to get. But more stuff also means that you'll be needing to cover a longer distance and spend more time outside in nature's juste, but sometimes tough environment. The transportation part of the method is perhaps the most challenging, but it can be seen equivalent to a scenario where you have chosen to leave for instance a crash sight to find help.
Security and pleasure
Always bear in mind that this method, or other training methods similar to this one, are activities meant to bring knowledge and experience in a creative and safe way. Your survival skills may one day save your life, therefore it's very important that you execute your training with big personal responsibility. Always listen to your common sense and be honest with yourself , your and others' limitations. If you're the least unsure, do not execute a training session like this without experienced company. Always notify friends or relatives about your plans before heading out. To get acquaintance with Mother Nature this way should be a pleasure, although a tough one. Remember that you need the landowner's consent if you're planning to make damage (break branches and take down trees) to the land you'll be staying on during your training session.
Have fun out there and please let me know if you have any questions regarding Jonas Vildmark's Method for Survival Training (JVMS), or if you would like to share your experiences. Or why not hire me as you instructor during your survival training adventure.
Read about the first time I tested JVMS by clicking HERE.
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