Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

In New Mexico, SAR units tend to be either fairly large and general
(basically, ground SAR) or very small and specialized (only MSAR,
or only K9, or only tracking).  But most units receive track aware
training;  it is a fixture of our annual SAR training conference.
I say most units, not all, because some units skip the conference;
needless to say, those units also don't get called out much.  Some
units get considerably more training regarding tracking;  in my
specialized MSAR unit, we have found our basic tracking skills very
useful on many, many searches.  In our terrain, tracking is often
very easy:  we are in high desert, which means sparse ground cover
and the ground surface is a powdery dust that holds beautiful clear
impressions.  And several of our members are avid hunters or small
cattle ranchers;  these members have reasons beyond SAR to develop
their tracking skills.

So, Al, it sounds like you have one member who is interested but
you have doubts of some sort about the member's follow-through or
something?  To develop a specialized expert, you need interest,
committment, and ability.  If that is not present then I suggest
you focus on training the entire unit in the basics:  track aware
knowledge and basic field skills.  Many books in print about SAR
and wilderness travel cover these topics in sufficient detail for
this purpose.  Once you've done that, you may identify someone in
your unit who would be a great candidate for advanced training.

Hope this helps,

        Una Smith
        New Mexico