U.S. Army Survival Manual (FM 21-76)
The armed forces' field guide to staying alive in any environment.
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As a work of the U.S. federal government, this manual is in the public domain. Download the PDF, or read it online at the source library.
About the book
Field Manual 21-76 is the United States Army's classic guide to survival, written to help a soldier — or anyone — stay alive when stranded far from help. It covers the fundamentals in a clear, systematic way: the psychology of survival, building shelter, finding and purifying water, making fire, sourcing and preparing food, navigation without instruments, signalling for rescue, and emergency first aid. Separate sections address the specific challenges of extreme environments, from arctic cold and desert heat to tropical jungle and open sea.
Because it was written as a practical field reference rather than a narrative, the manual is organized for quick access, with diagrams and step-by-step instructions throughout.
About the author
The manual was produced by the U.S. Department of the Army, drawing on the accumulated experience of military survival instructors and field units. Like all works created by U.S. federal agencies as part of their official duties, it carries no copyright and belongs to the public.
Why it still matters
FM 21-76 remains one of the most trusted and widely circulated survival references in the world, valued by hikers, campers, emergency-preparedness enthusiasts and outdoors educators alike. Its clear, tested guidance on the essentials of shelter, water, fire and rescue is as useful on a weekend in the backcountry as it is in a genuine emergency — and it is completely free to download and keep.