What happens if you are left behind in combat?

What happens if you are left behind in combat?


This happens from time to time. The battlefield is a chaotic mess where people can get lost.

When we returned from the battlefield or a combat operation in Bosnia, we always counted our troops to make sure that no one was left behind.

If somebody was missing, we would simply wait. For sure, there were no search parties looking for them, we had already lost enough soldiers.

A German Army infantry soldier during a survival exercise. Most combat troops train for situations where a single soldier got lost behind enemy lines. (Photo: Main Post)

If you are the lost man, you have to try to get back to your own troops. Most often, this is quite easy and if you’re not a total fool, you’ll reach them in no time.

If you were overrun by the enemy, things get a bit more complicated. You should find a good hiding place and wait for the night.

More important than quickly reaching your own lines is not to get caught by the enemy. Take your time, don’t waste too much energy, and try to stay hydrated.

When you’re near the frontlines, you should once again wait for nightfall. You have to slip through the enemy's defensive positions, cross the no-man’s land (careful, there will be mines!), and then approach your own positions.

All of this is freaking dangerous, but especially the last part: to make sure that you don't get shot by a friendly soldier you should wait for dawn, then get out from cover and put your hands up as high as you can. Shouting something in your country’s language helps.


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