I accept your point re SERE and perhaps this is the wrong forumt for a military kit discussion. However there is a survival and rescue component in SERE and the military are really involved in that. Doug in his appraisals of gear such as the laser flare refers to its military role. For my part I feel that the military kits which every survival orientated person has cannabilised when available offer quite good components despite criticism and people engaged in the outdoors can learn form them.For example I dont think that signal mirror development as seen in its higher form such as made by Rescue Reflectors would have got far without a military interest. And by military I include the Coast Guard and Government paramilitary type rescue organisations. Still perhaps I should leave the leave the military them alone although I did notice a SERE thread on this site.
regards
Vin7