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ANACONDA, MT – In the rugged landscapes of Montana and Washington state, two former military members have captured national attention due to their recent violent acts and subsequent manhunts. One suspect, Michael Paul Brown, 45, is facing accusations of shooting four individuals at Owl Bar in Anaconda. The second, Travis Decker, 33, is wanted for allegedly murdering his three young daughters on May 30. While law enforcement agencies collaborate in a relentless pursuit of these fugitives, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer sheds light on the survival strategies likely employed by individuals fleeing justice.
The collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies includes deploying helicopters and specialized ground teams to navigate the treacherous mountain terrain. The unique skills attributed to military training often complicate the dynamics between law enforcement and fugitives attempting to evade capture.
To gain deeper insight into the tactics and psychology behind survival in the wilderness, Fox News Digital reached out to Mykel Hawke, a retired Army Special Forces officer and survival expert recognized for his television work. His analysis reveals critical aspects of how these individuals might operate in the wild.
Hawke emphasizes that every person leaving a trace in the wilderness will ultimately leave a footprint detectable by skilled trackers.
Understanding Training Limitations
Despite both suspects’ military backgrounds, Hawke clarifies significant gaps in their training. He notes that while they may possess combat experience, neither Decker nor Brown completed advanced survival training like the military’s SERE program, which focuses on survival, evasion, resistance, and escape techniques.
“Neither of these guys have that SERE school or our special operations school,” Hawke remarked, indicating the limitations of their survival skills.
Decker, who attempted to become an Army Ranger, completed jump school and served in a Ranger battalion in Afghanistan. However, he did not earn the prestigious Ranger tab, which speaks to a potential mismatch in his capabilities as perceived by military officials.
“That suggests a pivotal moment in his training where a commander decided he wasn’t suited for that elite level,” Hawke explained.
Following his deployment, Decker transitioned to the National Guard where he focused on roles outside of traditional infantry, limiting his exposure to tactical survival scenarios.
Likewise, Brown served as an armored crewman during his military tenure, which focused less on ground operations compared to infantry roles. Hawke remarked, “Armor personnel don’t spend much time in survival situations—they aren’t digging foxholes or building shelters like infantry soldiers.”
Brown served from January 2001 to May 2005, with deployments to Iraq and completion of service in the Montana National Guard.
Public Safety Concerns
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen addressed the alarming nature of the incidents. “This is an unstable individual who walked in and murdered four people in cold blood for no reason whatsoever,” Knudsen said. This statement underscores the urgency of the ongoing manhunt and the need for public vigilance.
Hawke highlighted the complex needs of a fugitive in the wilderness—food, water, and shelter. He noted the challenges of sourcing food without pre-packed supplies, leading to reliance on hunting or gathering. This often requires a static position, as any successful foraging would necessitate traps and snares and thus create further risks of detection.
Access to clean water presents another dire concern. “To survive, they need water, which involves treating any source they find,” Hawke explained. Boiling water, a common purification method, creates smoke that could signal their location. Without fire, fugitives must use chemical treatments or risk consuming contaminated water.
Elemental Survival Skills
Surviving in challenging conditions requires essential shelter as well. Hawke noted, “Nights can get cold in the mountains.” This necessitates proper gear or the ability to construct or locate adequate shelter using natural resources.
Additionally, navigating through remote wilderness becomes increasingly difficult without modern technological aids. Hawke speculated that the fugitives probably avoid GPS devices because of the risk of being tracked, relying instead on traditional navigation tools like maps and compasses.
“I doubt they’re relying on GPS because that would ping them,” he commented, highlighting the tactical considerations a fugitive must make.
The Dilemma of Movement
Ultimately, survival hinges on strategic decisions—whether to remain concealed or to keep moving. “You’re either hiding or you’re running,” said Hawke. “Hiding inevitably leaves a footprint, while running increases the likelihood of mistakes and capture.”
His comments suggest that no matter how adept one is in survival, maintaining anonymity in the wild while fleeing law enforcement is a significant challenge.
Hawke believes it is almost impossible for individuals to evade detection for extended periods without leaving a trace of their presence.
In the current climate, the stakes are high. A reward of $10,000 is available for information leading to Brown’s capture, while officials offer up to $20,000 for Decker’s arrest. Authorities have classified Decker as armed and dangerous, increasing the urgency for public awareness and vigilance.
The Road Ahead
As the manhunt for these fugitives continues, the interplay of survival skills, psychological resilience, and the resources available within the wilderness will play critical roles. In their pursuit of evasion, former military personnel may rely on skills that fall short of the rigorous survival training elite soldiers endure.
As the situation unfolds, law enforcement remains committed to apprehending these dangerous individuals, ensuring a sense of security for the community amid concerns surrounding their actions.
