Vietnam Lessons Learned No. 72: Search and Rescue Operations in Southeast Asia
Abstract
During the early days of the Vietnam conflict, rescue capabilities in Southeast Asia were at best limited and not fully responsive to the task at hand. This is no longer the case, for today the search and rescue requirements in Southeast Asia are supported by a well organized, disciplined, and experienced capability. The individuals supporting this capability are truly professionals who have located and rescued downed aircrew members from the southern tip of the Ca Mau Peninsula to points deep into the Red River Valley of North Vietnam. To ensure successful recovery, it is essential that each aircrew member be thoroughly familiar with survival and rescue procedures and that tactical aircrews be fully capable of performing rescue combat air patrol (RESCAP) and rescue escort (RESCORT) functions. Rescue and recovery is as strong as its weakest link; therefore, it is essential that all involved be fully trained and capable, especially the downed aircrew member, for he is, in most cases, the key to success or failure. The fact that the aircrew member is not involved in the search and rescue business on a day to day basis makes it all the more important that he learn his lessons well in advance. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 16, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0394463