Mounted search and rescue

["Jeff Ezell" <eztech@pdq.net>]

Fantastic. Please share what you write so we can use it to educate LE
agencies we all try to work with around the country.

Jeff in Houston

-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org]On Behalf Of glazejk
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2003 8:42 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] ICS Field Coordinator


Una,
I am currently attending the F.C. school going on in Santa Fe. We are using
the Source Management Systems Workbook. Here is what the book had to say
about Mounted Resources:
Advantages - Travel at a slightly faster hourly speed than hasty searchers.
                  -  Rider sits higher, has a different perspective, and can
see further.
Limitations - A greater logistical support need: trailers, feed, corral
facilities.
                 - Hoof prints destroy footprints and other subtle clues.
                 - As rider is further from ground, less likely to discover
footprints and other subtle clues.
                 - limited to trails and open country, can't effectively
search thick vegetation or rugged terrain.
Sources - Sheriffs posse.
             - Organized clubs
             - Non-affiliated individuals.
Keep in mind that this class contains the next generation of F.C.'s and this
is all they are being taught about using MSAR as a resource. Education is
the key if we want to continue to be utilized. How about putting together a
realistic list of advantages and limitations written by real MSAR volunteers
to submit in place of the above verbage that would provide enough
information to an F.C., who has limited knowledge of horses, to determine
the best way to utilize this valuable resource.
J. Glaze
N.M. District 8

----- Original Message -----
From: "Una Smith" <una@lanl.gov>
To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2003 9:22 AM
Subject: [MSAR] ICS Field Coordinator


> Jorene wrote:
> >What kind of additional training is added (in your state
> >standards) for Field Coordinator status?
>
> I don't know that there are any formal (written) standards;
> certainly there are very detailed informal standards in use
> here.  This is thanks to New Mexico having a single person
> in charge of all SAR activities and volunteers, statewide.
>
> Since I haven't even started the formal process of training
> for the job of FC, I don't know all the details.  I do know
> it involves a lot of on-the-job apprenticing in IC on actual
> SAR missions, also Section Chief School (2 days intensive
> group work and homework beforehand), and FC School (I don't
> know what this involves).  Despite its small population and
> general poverty and low level of education, New Mexico has
> a relatively large base of highly skilled people for SAR,
> thanks to the presence of two national laboratories, several
> techie universities, more than its share of military bases,
> and some high-tech light industry.  But in District 1, where
> I am, there is a current shortage of FCs, and several people
> have been working on me for over a year now to train for the
> job.
>
> I certainly have not been looking for promotion to FC, and
> I have not committed to going there.  I am already heavily
> committed to other endeavors.  But I have agreed to train as
> a Section Chief;  I guess the training started on this past
> weekend.  And I am working on getting my ham radio license
> (I can pass the no-code Technician practice exams online, no
> problem;  I just need make it to a real exam) and taking a
> Wilderness First Responder course.  That is hard, because
> first I have to organize the WFR course!  New Mexico does
> not recognize all WFR courses;  to qualify, the course must
> be an 80-hour version, etc...  A full WFR runs $500 plus
> expenses (housing, meals on site) per person.  We are lucky
> to have an excellent instructor locally, but he has a tight
> schedule (he teaches WFR across the US) and for him to break
> even there must be at least 8 students.  (Trying to get this
> WFR course together gives me an idea how complex it would be
> to organize a NASAR course;  it is not easy.)  Also, I need
> a hunter education course;  guns and all aspects of hunting
> are common elements in SAR missions here and I need to know
> more about weapons and those who carry them.
>
> One thing is for sure:  if I do become an FC, then I intend
> to become an outstanding one.
>
> Is anyone here a Field Coordinator?  Care to share your take
> on this job?
>
> Una Smith
> Santa Fe County Sheriff's Posse, in New Mexico
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