Want to know how to prepare yourself mentally? Look to God and then (I know it will take more time, but worth it) become a Vol. Firefighter. Really, that is how I got here. You will learn how to deal with real world crisis and work as a team. Wilderness Search and Rescue (SAR) and Wildland/brush firefighting will teach you wilderness skills and it is the same contex when it comes to camping or surviving in the woods or other areas..And very importantly... you will make contacts and have access to needed resources (medical supplies). I know I berate my employeer, but walmart does have some good cheap gear.