What is the purpose of the Permissive Land Survival (PLS) training course?

The purpose of the Permissive Land Survival (PLS) training course is to train personnel in wilderness survival in a permissive environment. This training is designed specifically for situations where personnel may find themselves in a survival scenario, but the conditions are not hostile or adversarial. In a permissive environment, the likelihood of encountering threats is lower, allowing individuals to focus on practical survival techniques without the immediate pressure of enemy action.

The course typically covers essential skills such as finding food and water, building shelters, and utilizing available resources to ensure survival until rescue or reestablishment of normal operations. Understanding the nuances of surviving in non-hostile settings, as opposed to high-stress or dangerous situations, is critical for maintaining resilience and mission readiness.

The focus on wilderness survival in a permissive environment distinguishes this training from other military courses that may emphasize offensive or tactical skills, which are not the primary aim of the PLS course.