Original Item: Only One Set Available. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) is a training program, best known by its military acronym, that prepares U.S. military personnel, U.S. Department of Defense civilians, and private military contractors to survive and "return with honor" in survival scenarios. The curriculum includes survival skills, evading capture, application of the military code of conduct, and techniques for escape from captivity. Formally established by the U.S. Air Force at the end of World War II and the start of the Cold War, it was extended to the Navy and United States Marine Corps and consolidated within the Air Force during the Korean War with greater focus on "resistance training".

During the Vietnam War (1959–1975), there was a clear need for "jungle" survival training and greater public focus on American POWs. As a result, the U.S. military expanded SERE programs and training sites. In the late 1980s, the U.S. Army became more involved with SERE as special forces and "spec ops" grew. Today, SERE is taught to a variety of personnel based upon risk of capture and exploitation value with a high emphasis on aircrew, special operations, and foreign diplomatic and intelligence personnel.

This kit would have been part of a proper loadout for pilots and air crews during the Vietnam War era. All items in this two-part kit would have been vital for the survival while on the run from the enemy. They contain useful items such as medical aid, signal mirror, waterproof matches, compass, fishing supplies and water purification methods. The kits are complete and appear to have never been open, retaining all slide clamps on each side still firmly in place.

A lovely set of survival equipment that comes more than ready for further research and display.