I Hate CBTs on SERE: Here’s How to Make Them Bearable

If you’ve ever had to sit through a Computer-Based Training (CBT) session on Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE), you know how frustrating and monotonous they can be. As important as SERE training is, the CBT format often turns it into an endurance test of patience rather than a meaningful learning experience.

But understanding why these trainings are necessary and finding ways to cope with them can help make the process more bearable.

Let’s dive into why SERE CBTs are essential, why they can be so annoying, and some practical tips to help you get through them without pulling your hair out.

Why SERE CBTs Are Important?

SERE training is designed to prepare military personnel for the worst-case scenarios they might face if they find themselves in hostile or survival situations.

This training covers vital skills such as how to evade capture, survive in harsh environments, resist enemy interrogation techniques, and escape from captivity. Given the critical nature of these skills, SERE training is an indispensable part of military education.

Why We Hate SERE CBTs?

1. Lengthy and Tedious: SERE CBTs can be incredibly long, requiring hours of sitting in front of a computer screen. The repetitive nature of the material can make it feel like the training is dragging on forever.
2. Lack of Engagement: Many CBTs are not interactive enough to keep your attention. The static presentation of information can make it hard to stay focused and retain the material.
3. Technical Issues: Technical glitches, such as slow loading times or compatibility issues with browsers, can add to the frustration, making the experience even more cumbersome.
4. Overwhelming Content: The sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. SERE training covers a wide range of topics, and absorbing all that information through a computer screen can be challenging.

Tips to Get Through SERE CBTs

1. Set Small Goals: Break the training into smaller sections and set goals for each session. This can help make the training feel more manageable and less daunting. For instance, plan to complete one module at a time and take breaks in between.
2. Create a Comfortable Environment: Find a quiet, comfortable place to do your training. Having a pleasant environment can make a big difference in your ability to focus and stay calm.
3. Take Regular Breaks: Don’t try to power through the entire training in one go. A five-minute break every hour can work wonders for your concentration.
4. Use Study Aids: Utilize notes, flashcards, or any other study aids that can help reinforce key concepts. Writing things down can also help you retain information better.
5. Reward Yourself: Give yourself small rewards after completing each section. Whether it’s a snack, a quick walk, or a short break to do something you enjoy, these rewards can provide motivation to keep going.
6. Review and Reflect: After each session, take a few minutes to review what you’ve learned and reflect on how you might apply it in real-life situations. This can help reinforce the material and make it more relevant to you.
7. Find a Study Buddy: If possible, find a colleague who is also going through the training. Studying together can make the process more interactive and less isolating. You can quiz each other, discuss the material, and share tips.

The Silver Lining

While it’s easy to dislike CBTs on SERE, they do have a crucial role. They ensure that all military personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to survive and evade capture in hostile environments. By making sure everyone receives the same baseline training, these CBTs help maintain a consistent standard of preparedness across the board.

The Benefits of SERE Training

Despite the drawbacks of CBTs, SERE training itself is incredibly valuable. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Enhanced Survival Skills: The training provides essential skills for surviving in extreme conditions, including finding food and water, building shelters, and navigating without a compass.
2. Improved Evasion Techniques: Learning how to evade capture can significantly increase your chances of survival in hostile territories.
3. Resistance Training: Understanding how to resist interrogation and psychological pressures can help protect sensitive information and maintain personal integrity under duress.
4. Escape Strategies: Knowing how to escape from captivity can be the difference between life and death in some situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while SERE CBTs can be a frustrating and monotonous experience, they are a necessary part of military training. The skills and knowledge gained from SERE training are invaluable for ensuring the safety and survival of military personnel in hostile environments. By setting small goals, creating a comfortable study environment, taking regular breaks, using study aids, staying hydrated, rewarding yourself, reviewing and reflecting on the material, and finding a study buddy, you can make the process more bearable.

Remember, these trainings are designed to prepare you for some of the toughest situations you might face. The more you engage with the material and try to understand its practical applications, the more you’ll get out of it. So next time you’re faced with a SERE CBT, take a deep breath, follow these tips, and focus on the bigger picture. It might not make the training fun, but it can certainly make it more manageable and worthwhile.