A Soldier’s Pocket Book
A Soldier’s Pocket Book; Major (Retd) John Hobbis Harris; 2007; ISBN 1-874528-02-0.
This is an interesting little book that would genuinely fit in a soldier's pocket. It is jam packed with information, and somewhere you may not have considered looking for outdoor information. It is aimed at the British Army, both regulars and reserves. It is also commonly read by cadets of all branches. There is much soldiering that is done outside, and so this book covers helpful information on the topic. This book has some concise sections that have valuable information for any keen outdoor person.
Reasons to read:
The way this book lays out information means you don’t just have the content presented, but it also goes through how to potentially remember the content as well e.g. mnemonics and images.
It includes sections on adventure training and the basics of staying fit and well while outside.
The navigation and orienteering sections, particularly when discussing obstacles and describing to others how to progress through the landscape.
Fieldcraft and how to move at night. The topic is set out from a martial standpoint, but the information around seeing and being seen can be used to your advantage in a civilian application. This is one of the few books that even considers that you may want to wander around without a light source.
Things to watch out for:
There is a significant quantity of information that will likely only be relevant if you are serving in the armed forces.
This version is a little out of date relating to technology in use. There is however a new version available.
Would we recommend this book?
If you are joining the army or a cadet then this book may be of direct interest to you. For those who are civilians there is some interesting information in this book that could give you a different perspective on the way in which you act outdoors.
