Mounted search and rescue

["irvin lichtenstein" <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

Training with different resources is always beneficial. From 1979-95 it was
practice around here to train several times a year with live subject mock
searches using a broad spectrum of resources, both local and mutual aid. The
state SAR council also scheduled an annual event.

Basic problem was integrating the resources effectively.  Each organization
had its own way of doing things and as long as it didn't interfere with the
overall objective that was fine.  For instance, VA ASRC teams didn't
function as units with cohesion but as a gaggle of people put together for
one task at a time and then dissolved into the pool again. Most of the dog
teams functioned on an individual handler basis and we made up tasks with
non dog people in support as they usually needed support.

The objective was to make sure we could operate together as most searches
require different resources at different times and places. It also smoothed
out mutual aid arrangements and introduced concepts like PLOPS to other
organizations.


Irv Lichtenstein