Mounted search and rescue

["IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

The only thing hasty about a hasty search is the speed with which it is
deployed.  Hasty searches get deployed fast because they need few resources
and the resources they do need, while learned are often the resources
available first-- persons local to the area who are clue aware for large,
obvious clues.  While the search is getting organized it is relatively easy
to dispatch teams down trails to look for clues.  

This does not mean that a hasty team travels at the run. Walking speed is
still ideal for clue spotting, marking, and trail clearing.  If you can mix
skills in a hasty team (tracker, dog, horse, support) you can have a very
effective resource, especially where trail clearing is needed. 

The use of a mounted hasty team in this situation is always feasible if the
resource is available.  Working at about 5 MPH you have both a human sign
cutting and a horse sensing while being able to carry appropriate survival
gear and communications.  

It is also necessary to verify the initial data to avoid trampling clues,
going too fast into all out mode, and make sure you know who you are looking
for.  This is not always done before deploying a hasty team leading to false
starts.  Several papers have been written on the early stage of search
missions, generally describing the PLOPS mode usually encountered. 

Irv Lichtenstein 

-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Una Smith
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2009 10:32 AM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Hasty Mounted Team?