Combat Search and Rescue - Military Stepchild
Abstract
The thesis of this paper is the analysis of the value of combat sea rch and rescue (CSAR) as a warfighting asset illustrated in the history of its development. The mission of CSAR in Vietnam was ultimately a successful one due primarily to the experience derived from on-the-job training, and the recognition by field commanders of its importance. However, initial efforts to perform the mission resulted in numerous failures because of the lack of hindsight and foresight of senior war planners. In the ensuing years following the Vietnam Conflict, the follow-on training, practice, and development of combat search and rescue has dwindled to the point of being inconsequential. The corporate knowledge gained in Vietnam is over twenty years old. It would seem prudent therefore, to have drawn from that experience during those years to produce and maintain a modern, ready CSAR force in the Air Force and Navy rather than to have ignored it. Will the aircrews in any future conflict have to learn how to rescue, and be rescued, on the job again?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA202204
Entities
People
- John R. Bone
Organizations
- Air War College