The Joint Rescue Task Force: Dedicated CSAR Capability for the Theater CINCs
Abstract
Recovery of distressed US military personnel and civilians has emerged as a major concern to our warfighting CINCs. Historically, we have tended to field ad hoc combat search and rescue (CSAR) organizations - units without clear cut lines of authority resulting in command and control (C2) structures with coordination authority only and operations of a unilateral service nature. Desert Storm was more of the same, the CSAR agency was without operational control of the aircraft flying the mission. Additionally, the CSAR units of the Air Force were not capable of performing their mission. This situation resulted in special operations forces serving in an overland CSAR role. Since Desert Storm, the leadership of the Air Force and Navy have made a conscious effort to recover the CSAR capability of the past. The Air Force and Navy CSAR units of the 1960s to mid l980s have reemerged with the equipment, personnel, and training necessary to get the job done. However, a problem exists in employing this force. When requested, the theater CINGs will receive the same ad hoc organization of the past - the units will be capable but the doctrine will be of past times. This paper proposes a solution that will ensure an effective CSAR capability for the theater CINCs. The development of a Joint Rescue Task Force (not unlike the Joint Special Operations Task Force) will provide the CINCs with a stand alone CSAR force capable of operations independent of parent services, while streamlining and simplifying C2, and ensuring unity of command within the CSAR community.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA307779
Entities
People
- Timothy R. Minish
Organizations
- Naval War College