Exploiting the Potential of Informal Networks in the Middle East for Conducting Non-conventional Assisted Recovery

摘要

The recovery of isolated American and coalition personnel has been one of the highest priorities of US military and political leaders throughout the twentieth century. Since the advent of the helicopter, combat search and rescue (CSAR) techniques, founded on primarily conventional principles, have dominated personnel recovery (PR) doctrine. US dominance in conventional warfare, however, encourages the adversary to pursue asymmetric approaches to combat. Since the perception is that the US has demonstrated an aversion to sustaining casualties in combat, its enemies can effectively exploit the urban environment against this weakness. "Cities offer physical cover - three-dimensional urban terrain - and political cover - the more stringent rules of engagement (ROE) associated with the presence of noncombatants." The enemy, in utilizing this environment, is able to conceal its forces behind non-combatants and use urban structures for camouflage, thereby rendering US heavy and precision weapons nearly ineffective. Through these methods, the adversary gains a significant combat advantage.