Especialidades JA/Habilidades de liderazgo tropical

Consideraciones inmediatas

Protéjase de la lluvia tropical, el sol y los insectos. Los mosquitos portadores de la malaria y otros insectos son peligros inmediatos, así que protéjase contra las picaduras.

En los trópicos, aun el rasguño más pequeño puede infectarse peligrosamente rápidamente. Trate rápidamente cualquier herida, sin importar cuán pequeña sea.

Obtener agua

De los árboles de guineo o plátano

dondequiera que encuentre árboles de guineo o plátano, puede obtener agua. Corte el árbol, dejando un tocón de unos 30 centímetros y saque el centro del tocón para que el hueco tenga forma de cuenco. El agua de las raíces comenzará inmediatamente a llenar el hueco. Los primeros tres rellenos de agua serán amargos, pero los siguientes rellenos serán agradables. El tocón proporcionará agua hasta por cuatro días. Asegúrese de cubrirlo para mantener alejados a los insectos.

From Bamboo

Green bamboo thickets are an excellent source of fresh water. Water from green bamboo is clear and odorless. To get the water, bend a green bamboo stalk, tie it down, and cut off the top. The water will drip freely during the night. Place a container directly below the cut top to collect the water as it drips. Old, cracked bamboo may contain water.

From Streams and Lakes

Often you can get nearly clear water from muddy streams or lakes by digging a hole in sandy soil about 1 meter from the bank. Water will seep into the hole. You must purify any water obtained in this manner.

Travel

With practice, movement through thick undergrowth and jungle can be done efficiently. Always wear long sleeves to avoid cuts and scratches.

To move easily, you must develop "jungle eye," that is, you should not concentrate on the pattern of bushes and trees to your immediate front. You must focus on the jungle further out and find natural breaks in the foliage. Look through the jungle, not at it. Stop and stoop down occasionally to look along the jungle floor. This action may reveal game trails that you can follow.

Stay alert and move slowly and steadily through dense forest or jungle. Stop periodically to listen and take your bearings. Use a machete to cut through dense vegetation, but do not cut unnecessarily or you will quickly wear yourself out. If using a machete, stroke upward when cutting vines to reduce noise because sound carries long distances in the jungle. Use a stick to part the vegetation. Using a stick will also help dislodge biting ants, spiders, or snakes. Do not grasp at brush or vines when climbing slopes; they may have irritating spines or sharp thorns.

Many jungle and forest animals follow game trails. These trails wind and cross, but frequently lead to water or clearings. Use these trails if they lead in your desired direction of travel.