I can't recommend this school enough! I signed up for the Survival Standard after researching many other survival schools in a flurry of anxiety after I read a survival book and realized I knew nothing about it. I wanted a school where I could try things with my own hands under the guidance and instruction of professionals. I found exactly what I was hoping and looking for in Sigma 3. I enjoyed the Standard Survival so much that, as soon as it was done, I signed up for the SERE course. The two things that I found most impressive were the knowledge and skill level of the instructors and their ability to create a strong sense of comradery in such a short amount of time. Expert Instructors: Josh has decades of experience living off the grid and is a walking-talking plant encyclopedia. He is generous with his knowledge and is more than happy to talk with anyone who wants to listen. I always enjoyed our conversations. William has an impressive military record, has been to numerous survival schools, reads books related to the craft extensively, and has years of experience putting all of his knowledge to use. It is all very evident in his instruction and ability to narrow vast amounts of information into the most useful, practical, proven techniques, skills, and strategies to try. Everything I learned felt so practical. Jay came for the Sere course, and his unique background in private investigating and personal security added another layer of knowledge to learn from. They were all knowledgeable, friendly, open, and very patient. Building a Tribe: From day one, William, the primary instructor, encouraged us to get to know each other and get comfortable with each other, and he led the group by example on this. He sat and talked with students during breaks, shared and listened to stories, invited us to join him for lunches and dinners, and was available 24/7 if anyone ever needed anything. Survival school is not always pretty, and on numerous occasions, William calmed down stressed out and frustrated students, encouraged hopeless ones, got serious or lightened things up with humor depending on the situation. On one occasion a woman was having a panic attack of sorts and was insistent on leaving the course days early. William patiently helped calm her down and talked her into going out to dinner with a few of us. Over dinner he talked with her about her favorite TV shows and work and home life. What struck me the most was how genuine he seemed to be. He wasn't just trying to keep her there because "it was his job." He was trying because he actually cared. For real. It was the same with Jay. They actually cared about all of us as people. She decided she wanted to go shoot some pool, so he and Jay and a few others took her there, helped her have a fun and safe night out. The next morning she decided to stay for the whole course. That's when I decided I was in the right place. Where else can you find instructors who are experts in their fields and also genuinely care about the mental health and lives of students outside of "class hours"? This school gave me courage and confidence in myself that I never had before, and, perhaps more importantly, it gave me a tribe. read more

I attended Sigma 3's survival instructor's course and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The level of care, attention to detail, expertise, and over all structure of the course was beyond all expectation. Every instructor was always a pleasure to deal with and did an awesome job of monitoring morale and boosting it with encouragement and witty humor anytime it was needed. They never lacked an answer to a question and produced an interactive example to everything, even if it was something not on the curriculum. Attending this course means that you are at a point in your life where you want to strive to be better, that you not only want to learn, hone, and develop new skills but that you want to take those skills and test yourself. These guys at Sigma 3 help you do just that. Being a survivalist, let alone a survival instructor, is not just about having the skills and knowhow to survive, it's about having the mindset. Throughout the course that mindset is woven into every lesson. By the end of it, you look at the world with the unique perception of someone who knows that they can weather the storms and survive. To me, that's priceless. I've seen another review on here that states that this was like a bootcamp. As a veteran, I can without a doubt say, that is untrue. Compared to a military environment, this is not even on the same planet. That being said, don't think that you can come out here, not put the work in and have this school certify you to teach other people. That's not how the world works in general and that goes for this school as well. At the same time these instructors want you to succeed and they give you all the tools to do so, in the end it's up to you to get it done. I also want to note how this course is described as a way to find yourself again or reboot your mind. I saw this happen for almost everyone that I met. Since my military days I've struggled with ptsd, which I own up to now. This course has helped me on so many levels when dealing with my own struggles, that I'm not sure Sigma 3 will ever know how truly thankful I am. Everyone that I went through this with or met along the way, I consider family. You form bonds with other people that you've also seen weather the storms and those bonds are strong enough to last a lifetime. If you want learn how to survive, sharpen skills you may already have, and develop the mindset of a survivor, I highly recommend this school to you. They are world renowned for a reason. read more

After retiring from the military, I decided to try a course that I thought would be fun and perhaps a new career path. I chose to attend SIGMA III Survival school 45 day instructor course. As a military guy, I thought that this would be an easy course for me to pick up a certification as an instructor. I came in with the mind set of a sponge. Secretly I felt a little arrogant and was sure this would be easy. I was wrong. This courses taught me so much more than what I thought I knew. I had dabbled in survival stuff and thought to myself, I got this. No need to keep practicing. Bad advice and very wrong mindset. As a military dude I thought I could provide for my family and others if ever in a survival situation. Again, I was wrong. What I learned from this school was more than I bargained for. Just the change in my mindset was worth the expense. You are going to fail in a survival situation. It's ok to accept this I learned. The key is to not stop trying. You may have to spend a night or 2 very cold. Fire will happen. Once you can accept that, you have changed your thought process. The instruction from this course is outstanding. The emphasis on survival mindset is so important. You will learn how to prioritize, assess risk for survival and mostly how to thrive from almost nothing. The level of confidence when you leave this school made me feel so much more comfortable knowing that I can provide for my family and others in worst case scenarios. The instructors follow a well written course curriculum. They know there stuff. They use a crawl, walk and then run approach. When you learn to make fire from friction for the first time is like no other feeling. Another great fact about this school is that, SIGMA ALUMNI are in almost every state now. Feel free to reach out and network with them. They for the most part are willing to meet anywhere with you. To include someplace remote for more fun. . I hope you choose this school as I have. It's a great family. read more

I came from France to do the Sigma-3 45 days survival instructor program and this has been one of the best investments I have done in my life. Even if I thought that was a bit pricy at the beginning, the knowledge, skills and experience you learn there is unreal. I have done a few survival training before but none of them have pushed and tested me like this program. This is challenging and tough, but that makes it even more rewarding in the end. I like the fact that high standards are maintained all along through the 45 days. Instructors are here to teach you how to do things properly, but nobody is going to do it for you. For example, when you learn how to make fire, no dry wood kit is already pre-prepared for you to make things easier. You are rather just dropped in the wild with your knife and you need to find the right material to build your own kit from scratches. And if you fail or quit, that's on you, no exceptions made. At the end, being able to start a fire only with your shoe laces and knife in a very humid environment is something very satisfying. It is one thing to learn new skills and go home thinking you're a survival expert, it is another one to actually test your skills on "the field". This program gives you the opportunity to actually test the skills you have learned in realistic but safe conditions. Spending nights in -10°C/14°F without your sleeping bag really teaches you quick how important it is to build a good fire/shelter. Other from hard skills, you also learn soft ones like social engineering, or simply how to maintain a good mindset. At the end, you understand how beneficial it is for your life to master what they call the "martial art of freedom" aka survival skills and mindset. Overall if you have the time and the money, I would definitely recommend this program, it is worth it. read more

If you, like myself, are always in pursuit of becoming a better outdoorsman and teacher, I would seriously consider Sigma 3. Since I was young, I have been trapping, hunting, and camping. I teach survival skills to kids as well as brain tanning at primitive skills gatherings. I attended other survival schools but have never been challenged like I was at Sigma 3. If you really want to learn the skill of friction fire and not fair-weather, low humidity, everybody gets a blue-ribbon kind, but instead the you forgot your ferro rod, its pouring rain, and you need a fire now kind, then this is the place for you. It was great to learn several variations of the skills I had previously acquired, as well as all-together new ones. Even though it's only been a few months since I've attended, I've already been able use some of the skill variations learned at Sigma for my kids' survival classes. One example would be Sigma's version of the Figure Four trap, which took some of the kids only 20 min to build, unlike the previous version I had been teaching. Other aspects of the school I really liked were the PT before using our bow drills each morning, simulating the exhaustion/endurance aspect of survival, and being able to build and stay in many types of shelters in all kinds of weather. Things to take note of; before you arrive, read the gear list on Sigma's website, as well as every detail about the classes, so you'll know what to expect. The instructors are ex-military, and you will meet people from about every walk of life, so be prepared to hear things that aren't exactly PG....and remember to bring your A game. read more

Sigma III Survival school is the creme de la creme. As someone who'd discovered an interest in survival skills via weekend solo getaways in the mountains near Los Angeles, I'd been exposed to the basics via excellent local instructors. However, I wanted to do something crazy and live in the wild for awhile-realizing that my knowledge base would only get me killed. A Google search lead me to Sigma III Survival school, where I enrolled in their 45-day instructor program. On day one, we were told to build the shelter we'd live in. Shortly thereafter, our sleeping bags were taken away. We learned primitive fire making, shelter building, primitive weaponry, a self-defense overview, plant identification, animal processing and tanning, the basics of social engineering and survival in hostage situations and GRIT. No, not that you can teach someone grit, but the situations Sigma III puts you in test your mettle, real challenges that expose weaknesses in your skill sets. In short, trial by fire is the Sigma III way, and the fact that many people who sign up DON'T graduate is a testament to their high standards. On top of that, Sigma III is a hell of a lot of fun! I met some of the coolest people I've ever known, who I am friends with to this day, and left with great stories that will stick with me for a lifetime. I did live 30 days solo in the wilderness shortly after, using everything I learned there. It's way harder than it looks on TV, my friends, but thanks to Sigma III, I made it through just fine. read more

I travelled a long way (from Australia) for a truely remarkable experience with Sigma 3 Survival school. I took on the 7 day SERE course as my initial course and was met by Rob on day 1 at the airport. He was full of enthusiasm and I could tell he couldn't wait to get us to the location and into his world. I learnt invaluable survival skills for both urban and remote, and tested myself in ways as a civilian we don't often get too. For that reason alone I believe more people should do these courses. There will be a time in your life you wished you had practised these type of unique skills. I was also able to transfer the skills into my work as a paramedic - simple skills that when shit hits the fan, you've got an idea of what to do, or better yet, identify the threat before it happens. The comradeship was second to none, still in touch with all the fellas I went thru this experience with. All this and more! Rob and the instructors are super generous with their time and knowledge. They truely want you to succeed and put time into you to make sure you get the most out of the time. But....it's not handed to you, and that's the way it should be. I wish I lived closer and damn COVID would piss off so I could get back and do more of their courses. Anyway it's great to be part of the Sigma 3 Family and I couldn't recommend them higher enough...6 stars read more

I have taken a multitude of survival courses over my lifetime. All of them have been good, and I'm grateful to the instructors of every one. Late 2020, I participated in the 45 day survival instructor course with Sigma3 Survival School. It was a demanding course, with hands-on physical work and solid instruction. Let me put it this way. If you were to find yourself suddenly stranded in a wilderness area, or even an urban area in a hostile environment and you had to survive with little to no gear, then this course will teach you that. I recommend this course if you want to push your limits in a wilderness setting. The instructor staff really know their stuff. They live the lifestyle. They are top notch. You will build primitive shelters and live in them. You will learn to trap, create tools from nature, purify water, start fires with bow and drill and other methods, forage for wild foods, make medicine from plants. You will construct a bow and atlatyl, flintknap arrowheads, process meat, make pottery and fire it. The course has a week of urban escape and evasion training as well. None of it is easy, but you will walk out of the course with skills few possess in this modern age. It could be the beginning of a new business if you are inclined to teach. It's goes beyond most other survival courses out there. I give it 5 stars. read more

-Survival Standard 1 program- When signing up for this, I wasn't sure if it was going be be worth the price.... and without a doubt, it proved again and again to be worth every penny. Cant wait to go back for the next class! I have been on many backpacking trips, I feel comfortable in the woods, my friends and family call me a, "mountain man", but there is still an element of nature that I know nothing about. This course did a great job showing how much there is to offer in the world around us, how to survive in the wild with the most basic of tools, and most importantly, the NEED to learn the skills that might just save your life someday. I highly recommend anything that these guys have to offer. They have a great team, facility, content, and an overall passion to help people at any skill level bring out their inner survivalist. Thanks to the instructors out there. You guys sure did a great job delivering a TON of content in just 5 days. Great organization of the days, the pace of learning was just right, and the amount of hands on training was perfect. The amount of knowledge you all bring to the table it stunning, but delivering it in an effective way for people of all skills levels to understand, now that was impressive. Cant wait for the next class. Thanks again, you guys ROCK! read more

This was an amazing experience for our group - including 2 guys with our sons (ages 12, 14). Fully met our hopes & expectations ... and beyond! We just finished up the 5-day Survival Standard course. The instructors are truly experts with an incredible wealth of knowledge. Highlights for our group: incredible foraging information, setting primitive traps using sticks & cord, creating our own fairly elaborate wilderness shelters, super-fascinating knots, water purification using only natural elements, and the bow-drill to create fire using only sticks & cord (although only about 1/2 the class was able to produce the desired ember). A reasonable warning: this program may not be "family friendly" depending on your comfort level. The expletives from the instructors flew freely (F*** & Sh** especially) and there was alcohol consumption both by students & instructors (the instructors drank in moderation, but there was definitely some drunkenness amongst the students, but without incident) ... on the other hand, the instructors and culture of the program fully embraced the youth involved (there was a teenage female during our week as well, and she seemed fully involved & encouraged) read more

I've done 4 courses with Sigma 3: survival standard, advanced survival standard, SERE, and primitive standard. This is probably one of the best most comprehensive and intensive survival training curriculums you can get on the market. Many survival schools offer weekend courses or 3 day curriculums, but few are as immersive and dedicated as these guys are. The instructors, Will , Josh, and Rob, are deeply passionate about their craft and it shows in the effort and time they put into the activities. The classes aren't going to make you an expert survivalist overnight, but it will give you creative problem solving skills and self confidence being in low resource situations - skills I've actively applied working in remote and austere environments as a medic. I walked away with new skills from every single course I took, and I would gladly recommend these to not only people who are interested in bushcraft and survival, but anyone who wants to be more confident outdoors, or just enjoy a week of challenging themselves with new knowledge. read more

I've been following these guys for a while on YouTube and both Rob and Will are great to learn from. Both of these guys are insanely informative and helped me grow my love, skill and confidence in bushcraft. I can't tell you how many different youtubers I've watched and lived vicariously through on their trips. But these guys at Sigma 3 offer you that opportunity. You don't have to sit behind a screen and learn. You can go and take their courses. I had a chance to do a short weekend course for veterans and it was an experience that will always stick with me. Actually being able to be there and feeling the heat from the burning embers that I just created with a bow drill for the first time is something that will always be with me. Seeing their build sites was like seeing the set of your favorite TV show. Just an all around great experience, I can't recommend Sigma 3 survival school enough! This is knowledge everyone should possess, go take their courses! Plus the deer is friendly there. read more

I do lots of international backpacking and was seeking certain skill sets or even a diligent way of thinking in "oh shit" moments. Additionally, I wanted a survival course of sorts for basics in case you're in a situation and because I was never a camper nor Boy Scout. Most searches turned up g-rated nature courses but Sigma 3 seemed legit so I booked it. It was awesome! An entire week of roughing it and constant training culminating in an"final test" that'll put your skills and brain to the challenge. The training is organized and paced well over the time periods; not too much at once and different themes. The instructors are great; all know their stuff and are patient and available to any skill level student. Besides basic on the run survival skills; water procurement, making shelters and fire, etc...the training also dials in the way your brain prioritizes the situation and helps you make better decisions in what may otherwise be an overwhelming spot. Best money I ever spent . read more

I have been in the military over 16 years and have almost 7 years civilian law enforcement experience . I have had the opportunity to attend A LOT of schools in the government and civilian sectors. Hands down this was THE BEST training I have ever received. Rob, Will, and Josh are some gifted instructors. I was blown away by the teaching skills, knowledge, and passion to train this cadre have. I was there for the 45-day instructor course. This means I have attended almost all the courses that SIGMA3 has to offer. I would recommend ANY course they have. The instructor course isn't "easy", but at the same time it is doable by anyone. They do hold you to a standard as instructor candidates. There is PT involved and opportunities for hard work. But ultimately you can pace your self and push your self as hard as you want to be pushed. I would do this course again! WORTH EVERY PENNY. read more

One word...Wow!! First off, I was definitely a bit intimidated about the S.E.R.E. course, because well, it's S.E.R.E. After months of researching, it was clear that Sigma was the team I wanted to train under. It was a 12 hour drive and was beyond worth it, and the money. I was looking for a program that would prepare me for real world situations and they did not let me down. Great communication, organization, camaraderie, instruction, knowledge and efficiency in teaching. I learned so much in 7 days that I was able to bring that knowledge home and teach others. Next up, 45 days for the Survival Instructor Cert, which I know will be worth the $5K and 16 hour drive. Is this for everyone? I would say that not everyone will "vibe," but everyone will walk away 10x more prepared and aware....more confidence in the world. Don't miss out on this. I for sure am not going to miss out. read more

I attended the first ever survival instructor course featured at this school. I learned valuable skills that I still use to this day. I feel confident I can go into the woods with only a knife, and not only will I survive, I will thrive in comfort. I have also taken the SERE courses. These are taught by Tier 1 personnel. If you want to learn skills that will save your life in any situation that you can be in, you need to attend this school. They have TONS of free content on their youtube channel. Just watching the videos isnt enough. You need to get in dirt time with trained instructors that will show you the little things to hone your techniques and make you a master woodsman. If you want the highest quality instruction, the RIGHT information, and the BEST way to survive comfortably, while thriving, do yourself a favor and attend a class at this school read more

If you are looking for adventure and want to broaden your knowledge and skills tin wilderness survival, look no further! In these changing times, it is becoming increasingly evident that the safety and well being of ourselves and families is ultimately our own responsibility. The Sigma III instructor course changed my life forever. It gave me the knowledge and confidence that I am more than I thought I was, I can adapt and overcome. I can go into the wilderness with nothing and, over time, can live comfort ably. I learned to take what nature provides and create all of the essentials that allow me to thrive. I also learned self defense, how to escape and avoid capture in hostile environments and had lots of fun doing it! I highly recommend the Sigma III instructor course, you won't regret it! Doug Householder Sigma III level 2 instructor read more

Everyone I know thought I was crazy when I told them I was going to take the SERE traing at Sigma III because it is about as close as you can get to the real thing. The instructors were very knowledgeable and presented a lot of information though out the class. The structure was basically the first 5 days were intense training in a wide variety of techniques. Then the last two days were spent in the simulation. This is the part were you get to try out everything you have learned. It seems very real and it is going to be rough... but trust me when I say, it will be worth it in the end. You WILL be better prepared for the worse case scenario events that come at you. Although things will get really crazy at the end... you won't regret a thing when you complete your training. These are real skills for real life and death situations. read more

I was involved in the SERE program. It was an eye opening class. We were taught basic wilderness survival techniques and wilderness evasion / tracking tactics. There were real world examples given to support the importance of what was taught. Lock and handcuff picking, close combat with knives and social engineering were all practiced and tested. The program was thought out and organized in a manner that promotes practice and testing of the acquired skills. Due to the extensive amount of content there is a lot to take in during a short span of time. You must be driven and disciplined to complete the course. The testing phase is grueling and taxing. Will be pushed to the limits mentally and physically "for a reason". Thank you for passing on your knowledge and experience. read more