Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

I don't see any MSAR need for a team badge or matching, branded tack. That
sounds more like parade unit gear. :-)

Many MSAR units have a response uniform requirement that is simply a high
visibility vest with lots of pockets. Buy your own (same color, maybe same
design) vest and put the team patch on it. Wear it over your own layered
attire, regardless of how many layers you're wearing. Issue a unit photo ID
card and all wear it displayed in an arm ID holder. Use your own good
condition tack. Encourage investment in high visibility color saddlebags,
attire, etc. 

If they also do some parades, they make it very obvious they are primarily
an MSAR unit. They all wear a same color shirt - might be white - under the
SAR vest. Or  the team / member invests in some matching basic vests with
the SAR unit name for non-response events. 

This kind of approach keeps the budget down and also helps keep the
organization focused on SAR / MSAR issues, training and gear. While I
understand the value of the parade / public appearance for MSAR units, those
with a focus on "need to match / look fancy" parade / public gear tend to
end up with divided priorities and also inadvertently limit membership to
riders with a larger personal budget. 

- - - - - -
Jorene Downs
SAR & CERT
Mounted SAR
www.ceoates.com/msar 


-----Original Message-----
From: On Behalf Of Una Smith

[...]
Who pays for equipment can be very problematic, starting out.  But I think
sheriff's posse groups have bigger problems, because they have uniforms.
Someone joins, gets a badge and branded tack, then quits.  Even if the group
owns the gear, getting it back can be hard.  Some units use a deposit
scheme, but that requires a level of financial sophistication that can be
hard on the officers.
[...]