With a challenging and perilous job that requires you to adapt to new conditions and situations constantly, military life is simultaneously rewarding and miserable. However, the experiences of army life — good and bad — can offer valuable insight into how to survive better the next time you find yourself trapped between those unforgiving cliffs with only your wits, strength, and courage as your guides.

These pointers don’t just come from the personal experience of a cabin full of men who are all current or former servicemen who traded a desk job for crawling through mud under sniper fire; they also come from observing countless men who signed up for service and were tested on every level. 

So let’s look at how these lessons relate to surviving army life so that we might better prepare for any other challenges we may face in our lives outside the barracks…

Keep Your Skills Sharp

Your most significant asset — especially in a hostile environment — is your ability to think clearly. So keep your mental edge sharp by regularly using the skills you’ve acquired throughout your life. This can include techniques used in your job and hobbies or even just activities in which you regularly engage in your spare time.