RAAF BASE DARWIN, NT, Australia – U.S. Marine Cpl. Christopher Kulhanek, with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, was highlighted as the best Marine student during Exercise Northern Force, a fourteen-day environmental survival course hosted by the Australian Defence Force.
The survival exercise consisted of practical application and discussion-based classes on survival techniques. It culminated in a six-day event where the students had to apply all their newfound knowledge to keep themselves hydrated, fed and alive in the bush.
“You’re tired, hungry, constantly exposed to sun with no available fresh water. If you needed anything, you had to push through your desire to lay there, do nothing and just conserve energy. Having a positive mental attitude ultimately can get you through anything,” said Kulhanek.
During the survival instruction course, the students were required to retain information and perform under duress in unforgiving terrain.
“It was an eye-opening learning experience on how your mindset changes when you go out deprived of any creature comforts,” said the Stafford, Texas native.