Oct 25, 2020
“Marine, get packed. You’re going to the field,” the Gunny says. The Marine shudders. The last time he went to the field his gear got wet and he spent days soaked and cold. When the rain stopped, the wind picked up, and he spent the night shivering so hard that he thought his teeth would fall out. On the final movement back to civilization, his pack dug into his shoulders and caused him to fall behind and the Company Gunnery Sergeant screamed at him to keep up or else... Back in the barracks, his feet remained blistered and he spent the weekend getting over an illness that he developed toward the tail end of the field op. This Devil Dog needs some guidance.
Going to the field can be daunting if one does not understand fieldcraft. Many infantry schools spend a lot of time in the field, but fieldcraft does not receive a lot of formal training. My guest, Staff Sergeant Skaggs, has spent years taking the best tips and techniques and compiling them into a useful “how-to” guide. He has consulted with dozens of Marine leaders on best practices. Furthermore, he has years of experience on deployments, in training, and from his own time as a Combat Instructor.
We discuss topics such as:
- Taking care of one’s boots and proper footcare
- How to properly pack gear and use the issued ruck sack
- How to survive in the cold and the heat
- How to use proper hygiene
- Considerations for units living in the field
- The role of discipline in fieldcraft
SSgt Skaggs’ book has many outstanding principles on fieldcraft. If any Marine, Soldier, Sailor, or Airman, implements a handful of these principles, they will not only survive but thrive in the field.
SSgt Skaggs’ work on fieldcraft should help people gain the confidence they need to know that they can live and train in the field. Marines like to say, “Embrace the suck” and “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” SSgt Skaggs helps us get there.
Check out his BOOK. Send him an e-mail (he can be found in the GAL) and he will provide a digital copy. A print copy will be available soon. The intention is for people to be able to take it into the field with them as a hard copy.
Other great resources include:
- Charlies Rangers (Book link below)
- Marine Rifle Squad (Book link below)
MCIP 3-10A.4i w/Change 1 Marine Rifle Squad May 2020
- Scouting and Patrolling (Book link below)
Map Reading and Land Navigation and Marine Scouting and Patrolling
- Ranger Handbook (Book link below)
Ranger Handbook: TC 3-21.76, April 2017 Edition
- Bushcraft 101 (Book link below)
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
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