When I went through arctic survival school at Eielson AFB, AK, it was -42* on day two of the sleep out.

The NCOs beat into our heads “three methods of fire starting” and I still follow that philosophy.

Tinder sticks or fire starter goop or Vaseline balls, Swedish fire sticks, bic lighters (stashed close to the body so they stay warm and work well), and matches.

The only wrong way is just taking one way.

Everything either breaks or gets lost when you need it most. One is none, two is one, and all that.


“Live free or die. Death is not the worst of evils.” - General
John Stark.