Mounted search and rescue

[TrooperWC@netscape.net (Warren (Trooper) Craig)]

Night call-outs for MSAR were not uncommon in Georgia.  We did them nearly as 
much as daylight call-outs.  What has to be remembered is that there is a 
great cross-section of geography, climate, terrain, training, and attitude 
within this very diverse group.

For us, we seldom had weather that prohibited us from responding as a mounted 
team.  Our terrain, aside from sections of the north Georgia mountains, was 
fairly easy and accessible.  We always worked in tandem behind ground 
trackers who worked behind dogs, or behind dogs and handlers without ground 
teams.  In other words it was always a joint effort with other SAR units.

Another problem we didn't seem to have with the state team was that most of 
us were law enforcement officers from jurisdictions throughout the state so 
we weren't saddled with jurisdictional disputes and bias by the emergency 
managers on-site.  Those of us within a given geographical area would always 
respond to a call-out, with mounts.  

However, there were conditions, terrain and other factors which would prevent 
me from searching mounted even in daylight.  I valued my horse and my safety 
above all else.  Don't ever let the rescuer ever enter a situation where he 
might possibly become the victim.

Another thing that we didn't have to battle was the notion that the ICS sees 
the word "mounted", and ignores the "search and rescue" part of the name.  
This is a handicap that many of you seem to face.  That's a battle you are 
going to have to take on to win.  Everyone who gets into this is in it for 
one reason, "search and rescue" of someone who needs to be found.  Don't ever 
forget your mission or your dedication.  Make that known to those who need to 
know.  You may have to drill it over and over again, but they need to 
understand your motivation is as great as anyone else's.

-- 
Warren (Trooper) Craig
email: trooperwc@netscape.net
       wcraig@code3associates.org



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