Government survival manuals: a useful first step, but far from sufficient

As the United States appears to be gradually withdrawing from its role as Europe's historic protector, the Old Continent is facing a brutal but ultimately quite logical reality: the need to ensure its own security in the world. Between tensions in Ukraine, the risk of escalation with Russia, and economic fragility, the idea of ​​a major conflict in Europe is no longer a fiction.

Faced with this threat, several European nations are accelerating their rearmament and, above all, the preparation of populations for a possible crisis. Sweden and France have recently made their mark by distributing a "survival manual" to households , an initiative aimed at raising citizens' awareness of resilience measures in the event of disaster or war.

Europe is slowly waking up: between rearmament and civil preparation

The signals are clear: reduction of American military support in Europe (partial withdrawal of troops, priority given to the Pacific), US disengagement from NATO and the United Nations, increase in military spending in Germany, Poland, France and the Baltic countries , return of conscription in certain European countries, awareness campaigns on crisis risks (survival kits, civilian exercises)...

But what are these survival manuals sent to the public worth? In France, for example, the content of the "survival manual" is too light not to be perceived as a "publicity stunt."

Indeed, too superficial to deal with a real crisis, the recommended kit is limited to a basic first aid kit, a few cans of food, and a list of emergency numbers (recommendations that naively assume that public services will remain functional even in the event of a prolonged blackout, riots, or conflict). Worse, the guide completely ignores essential skills such as water purification, home security, or evacuation in hostile areas. By promoting a passive approach ("wait for help") rather than real self-reliance, this document gives the illusion of preparedness while keeping citizens in a dangerous state of dependence on the system. Precisely what could collapse in a critical situation.

If you want real resilience, turn to comprehensive books . It's not as if survival is something new and the subject hasn't been explored by many experienced people...

WildTactic recommends 8 books to help you prepare

If you want to train effectively and not fall into the trap of taking the easy way out, here are 8 comprehensive works that will be useful to you .

For the essential basics:

• “SAS Survival Handbook” (John Wiseman) – The world’s most comprehensive guide
• “Wildlife Survival Manual” (David Manise) – Adapted to European environments

For urban survival:

• “When All Hell Breaks Loose” (Cody Lundin) – Managing Collapse in the City
• “The Ranger’s Practical Guide” (French Army) – Military techniques adapted to civilians

For medical survival:

• “The survival medicine handbook” (Alton & Alton) – Healing without a hospital
• “The 100 Plants of the Survivalist” (Denis Tribauneau) – Feeding and healing yourself with nature

For modern threats:

• “Nuclear War Survival Skills” (Cresson H. Kearny) – Surviving a nuclear attack as best as possible

Government "survival manuals" are a symbolic first step, but often give a false sense of security. In the event of a real collapse, those with in-depth knowledge and practical skills will be ahead of the curve...! Prepare seriously, equip yourself, and anticipate with Wildtactic!