Skip to main content
Checking access…

Movement and Evasion in Dangerous Territory

Quick Summary​

When separated from help in dangerous territory, your survival depends on careful planning, disciplined movement, and proper concealment techniques. This guide covers advanced evasion planning and execution for high-risk scenarios.

Why This Matters​

Modern conflicts and natural disasters can quickly turn familiar areas into dangerous territory where normal rescue operations become impossible. Whether you're:

  • Caught in civil unrest or regional conflict
  • Separated from your group in remote wilderness during extreme weather
  • Dealing with complete infrastructure breakdown in disaster zones
  • Working in high-risk international locations

These techniques can mean the difference between capture/harm and successful return to safety. The principles apply whether you're evading hostile forces, dangerous wildlife, or environmental hazards.

Pre-Emergency Planning​

Evasion Plan of Action (EPA)​

Every person traveling to remote or potentially dangerous areas should prepare an EPA - your complete plan for returning to safety if cut off from normal help.

The EPA includes five sections:

  1. Situation Analysis - Area intelligence, hazards, resources
  2. Mission - Your objective (reach safety point X)
  3. Execution - Routes, timing, procedures
  4. Service Support - Equipment, supplies, contacts
  5. Command/Signal - Communication methods, emergency contacts

Information Gathering​

Open Sources (Always verify):

  • Regional news and travel advisories
  • Area guidebooks and maps
  • Weather and terrain information
  • Local contacts familiar with the area
  • Online forums from recent travelers

Professional Sources:

  • Embassy security briefings
  • Professional security assessments
  • Updated satellite imagery
  • Official travel warnings

Team Standard Operating Procedures​

If traveling with others, establish clear procedures before you need them:

  • Movement team size: 2-4 people maximum
  • Communication methods: Both technical (radio) and non-technical (signals)
  • Essential equipment list
  • Actions at danger areas
  • Signaling techniques
  • Rally points and backup plans
  • Security procedures during movement and rest

When to Move vs. Wait​

The decision to move or stay put depends on several critical factors:

Move when:

  • Your current position is compromised or becoming more dangerous
  • You have a clear, planned route to safety
  • Waiting longer reduces your chances (weather, supplies, etc.)
  • You've lost communication and have reason to believe help isn't coming

Wait when:

  • Rescue operations are confirmed and en route
  • Your current position is secure and well-supplied
  • Movement would expose you to greater danger
  • Weather or terrain conditions make movement extremely hazardous

Movement Execution​

Initial Rally Point​

When the decision is made to move, all team members should rally at a predetermined Initial Evasion Point (IEP).

At the IEP:

  • Provide first aid for any injuries
  • Inventory equipment (abandon non-essential items)
  • Apply camouflage if needed
  • Confirm everyone knows the planned hide locations
  • Review primary and alternate routes
  • Split into smaller teams (2-3 people ideal)
  • Maintain constant security

Movement Principles​

Night movement is generally safer due to darkness providing concealment. Exceptions include:

  • Hazardous terrain (cliffs, swamps, unstable ground)
  • Dense vegetation where noise discipline is critical
  • Areas with dangerous wildlife more active at night

Always avoid:

  • Roads and established trails
  • Inhabited areas and structures
  • Waterways and bridges (often monitored)
  • Natural corridors where people commonly travel
  • Open areas visible from multiple directions

Movement is slow and deliberate:

  • Use frequent listening halts
  • Observe terrain ahead before moving through it
  • Trust your senses - sight and hearing are primary security
  • Plan for much slower progress than normal hiking

Hide Site Selection: The BLISS Method​

When selecting places to rest and hide, remember BLISS:

  • Blends in with surroundings
  • Low in silhouette
  • Irregular in shape
  • Small in size
  • Secluded location

Avoid existing structures - they're often checked. Your best option is usually the thickest natural vegetation available.

Hide Site Procedures​

Approaching the hide site:

  • Don't move directly to it
  • Use indirect approach (buttonhook pattern)
  • Conduct listening halt before entering
  • Enter individually and carefully
  • Don't disturb or cut vegetation

Activities in hide sites:

  • Security: Visual scanning and listening
  • Rest: Rotate security so everyone can rest
  • Camouflage: Use buddy system to check each other
  • Planning: Plan your next movement
  • Medical: Treat even minor injuries immediately

Five-Point Contingency Plan if anyone leaves:

  1. Who is going?
  2. Where are they going?
  3. How long will they be gone?
  4. What to do if they don't return on time?
  5. Where to go if anyone is compromised?

Never occupy a hide site for more than 24 hours. Movement inside the hide site should be restricted to less than 18 inches above ground level.

Hole-Up Areas​

After 3-4 days of movement and hiding, you'll need a hole-up area - a more substantial location where you can:

  • Rest and recuperate properly
  • Gather and prepare food
  • Resupply water
  • Plan the next phase of movement

Hole-up area selection:

  • Near water source (but not too close)
  • Excellent cover and concealment
  • Multiple escape routes
  • Natural resources available

Activities in hole-up areas:

  • Gather food (nuts, berries, edible plants)
  • Set concealed traps and snares
  • Collect water carefully (avoid leaving tracks)
  • Use hidden fire sites well away from your actual hiding spot
  • Reconnoiter the surrounding area

Never occupy hole-up areas longer than 72 hours.

Returning to Safety​

Border Crossings​

If reaching a friendly or neutral country:

  1. Reconnaissance phase: Observe crossing site for 24+ hours
  2. Intelligence gathering: Note guard routines, obstacles, sensors
  3. Crossing: Usually at night, using planned routes
  4. Far-side security: Establish hide site on safe side
  5. Contact preparation: Identify friendly positions without revealing yourself

Making Contact with Friendlies​

Critical Safety

More evaders have been killed by friendly forces than enemies during linkup. Exercise extreme caution.

Contact procedures:

  • Make contact during daylight when possible
  • Contact person should be unarmed with no equipment
  • Have positive identification readily available
  • Choose person who looks least like potential threat
  • Only one person makes initial contact
  • Wait until contacted party is looking your direction
  • Stand with hands overhead, clearly state "I am an American"
  • Follow all instructions given
  • Don't reveal other team members until identity is verified

Distance guidelines:

  • Too far (over 50 meters): May be avoided or bypassed
  • Too close (under 25 meters): May trigger defensive shooting
  • Optimal: 25-50 meters with clear visibility

Safety Considerations​

Legal Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Evasion techniques may not be legal in all jurisdictions. Always comply with local laws and seek professional security consultation for high-risk travel.

Medical Warning

Stress, dehydration, and injury significantly impair judgment. Maintain health vigilantly - a small injury can become life-threatening when medical care isn't available.

When to Seek Help​

Immediately contact professionals if:

  • You're in active conflict zones (contact embassy/military)
  • Medical emergencies that require immediate care
  • You have confirmed communication with rescue forces
  • Local authorities can provide safe passage

Consider these techniques when:

  • Normal rescue/help channels are unavailable

  • You have training and preparation in evasion techniques

  • Waiting in place increases rather than decreases danger

  • You have viable planned routes to safety

  • Before this: Emergency Communication - Establish contact procedures

  • Foundation: Navigation Without GPS - Essential for route planning

  • After this: Wilderness First Aid - Medical care during evasion

  • Related: Camouflage and Concealment - Hide site improvement

Essential Kit​

Survival Radio - $149.95

  • Emergency frequencies capability
  • Compact and concealable
  • Battery life 48+ hours
  • Good for: Emergency communication, weather updates

Silva Ranger Compass - $39.95 ⭐

  • Military-grade accuracy
  • Declination adjustment
  • Mirror for signaling
  • Good for: Precise navigation, route planning

Concealment​

Camouflage Face Paint Kit - $12.95

  • Non-reflective, waterproof
  • Natural color patterns
  • Includes removal cloths
  • Good for: Personal concealment, reducing detection
Source

Adapted from Field Manual FM-3-05-70

Last updated: January 18, 2026