Survival Kit

Marine Individual Survival Kit

Nomenclature: Survival Kit, Individual.

National Stock Number (NSN) : 1680-01-325-7861

The SK consists of two sealed pouches that are issued as a single Kit and can be separated after issue. The NSNs of the components which make up the SK are as follows:


Side A: Shelter and Food Gathering Side:

(a) Fishing Kit, Emergency ..... 4220-00-244-0764

(b) Saw, Finger Ring ..... 5110-00-570-6896

(c) Survival Blanket ..... 7210-00-935-6666

(d) Plastic Bag, Zip-Lock ..... 8105-00-837-7755

(e) Candle, Votive ..... 9925-00-202-4417

(f) Snare Wire ..... 9925-00-596-3498

Side B: Escape and Evasion (E and E) Side:

(g) Fire Starter, Magnesium ..... 1680-01-160-5618

(h) Knife, Pocket ..... 5110-00-162-2205

(i) Signalling Mirror ..... 6350-00-105-1252

(j) Compass, Smoke Chaser ..... 6605-00-553-8795

(k) Plastic Bag, Zip-Lock ..... 8105-00-837-7755

(l) Whistle, Extreme Cold ..... 8465-01-278-6982

(m) Water Bag, Drinking ..... 8465-01-634-4499

(n) Matches, Waterproof ..... 9920-01-191-3434




Operational Characteristics

The SK is designed for use by individuals serving as members of the Ground Combat Element (GCE). This SK prevents Marines from having to purchase or requisition their own survival items. This SK enables a Marine to perform the basic survival tasks of making shelter, gathering food and water, and signaling. The SK is a general purpose kit, but it was developed for use in desert; mountain; arctic; and temperate water survival during small boat operations. The intent of the SK is to have Marines carry it when there is a possibility that they will be placed in a rescue or survival situation. Formal school or unit training should allow an individual to learn the specific application of the SK and its individual components.

The SK is sealed so that it can be quickly and visually inspected to determine if it is complete. The seal should only be opened when a Marine is confronted with a survival situation. The SK is packaged in a sand colored, abrasion resistant, waterproof outer bag that is heat sealed around the perimeter and center to form two separate sides. Both sides have inner bags that are transparent, waterproof, vaporproof, and greaseproof. The inner bags are vacuum heat sealed. the two-sided design allows a Marine to carry the SK as a single item in a rucksack, butt pack or folded and placed in a trouser cargo pocket. A Marine can also tear the SK?s outer bag in half along the center heat seal and still maintain its storage integrity features. Each half can be carried in the lower pockets of the utility jacket or the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) jacket pockets.


The components of each side of the SK have been packaged to better accommodate a survival situation. Side A contains those components needed for shelter and food gathering. Side B contains those items a Marine may need to immediately start their escape/evasion and rescue. The overall purpose of the SK is to enhance a Marine's chances of survival and rescue for 24 hours and beyond.



* Information courtesy of USMC

Be Prepared